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Another 'crane in the sky' coming to Downtown Guelph

Council gives unanimous support to new 12-storey apartment complex on Yarmouth Street
Yarmouth
Proposed development for 45 Yarmouth St.

A developer who got council approval Monday night for a new 12 storey apartment building on Yarmouth Street plans on building as soon as possible.

The planning meeting of Guelph City Council unanimously approved a rezoning application by London-based Ayerswood Development Corp. that clears the way for the building of 79 one-and-two-bedroom rental apartments on what is currently a small parking lot.

"As soon as he has permits he'll have shovels in the ground," said Dave Hannam, a planner representing Ayerswood at council on Monday.

The developer got high praise from several members of council for its willingness to work with city staff to iron out some challenges to the initial concept, which called for 14 storeys.

Not only was the number of storeys dropped, but the developer has added a commercial space to the ground floor of the side facing Baker Street, bicycle storage, and the removal of some communal parking at the front of the building.

"We worked extremely hard with city staff," Hannam said, adding that it was a "collaborative approach" to come up with a solution on an "under-utilized site."

Ward 1 councillor Bob Bell said he would have voted against the initial proposal, but after seeing the changes made he fully supported the project.

"I commend you on working with city staff. What originally was a proposal I couldn't support is now something I'm looking forward to seeing," Bell said.

The developer also made some adjustments so as not to infringe or conflict with the historic Raymond Sewing Machine building that is directly south of the proposal.

Mayor Cam Guthrie also had praise for the way the developer listened to previous concerns from the community and from council.

"I'll be happy to see another crane in the sky," Guthrie said.

There were no other delegates Monday. There were two letters sent to the city expressing concern, one about construction noise, the other about parking.

Hannam said the net loss in parking spots on Yarmouth Street as a result of the project was only two.


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Tony Saxon

About the Author: Tony Saxon

Tony Saxon has had a rich and varied 30 year career as a journalist, an award winning correspondent, columnist, reporter, feature writer and photographer.
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