A 96-unit townhouse development behind the Beer Store on Woolwich Street has been given the go-ahead. City council unanimously approved the project on Monday.
Reid's Heritage Properties requested the site be rezoned from service commercial to mixed use, with future potential for apartment buildings, retail, office space, personal services and medical offices.
It’s also asking for a variety of reductions in zoning requirements, including the elimination of private amenity space for residents.
No public opposition to the plan came forward during a public meeting held last September.
“Minor changes have been made in response to comments, including adding private amenity areas for all units, moving more parking to the rear of the site, and changes to building setbacks that have resulted in minor changes to the plan and proposed zoning regulations,” explains a staff report.
“These changes are considered to be minor and therefore staff recommend that no further public notice is required.”
During the public meeting, planning consultant Dave Galbraith of IBI Group, who spoke on behalf of Reid’s Heritage Rental Properties, explained the plan includes a “higher standard” outdoor common amenity area that’s slightly larger than what’s currently required.
If approved as-is, the property would be developed in two phases, Galbraith explained – the first being demolition of the existing Beer Store building and construction of a new one closer to the street, followed by four blocks of 24 townhouse units with 117 at-grade parking spaces.
Councillors Mike Salisbury and June Hofland were absent from Monday’s council meeting.
