It’s been more than three years since a massive development was first proposed for the former Lafarge lands in the city’s west end and the plan hasn’t been presented to council for consideration.
Enough is enough, it’s time for a decision. That’s the stance of the prospective developers in a recently-filed appeal submitted to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).
Silvercreek Guelph Developments Ltd. and 2089248 Ontario Inc. are calling on the provincially-appointed adjudicators to endorse a series of zoning bylaw and official plan amendments that would allow the creation of a 379-unit, 10-storey apartment building, along with 172 townhouses and 216 apartment units combined with planned commercial space at 35, 40 and 55 Silvercreek Pkwy. S.
The currently-vacant property is bordered by CN Rail tracks to the north and south, the Hanlon Expressway to the west and Howitt Creek to the east. It’s immediately south of where Silvercreek is closed off.
“Despite extensive engagement between our client and its consultants and city staff, including four full submissions, the applications have not been brought forward to council for a decision,” states the notice of appeal submitted to the city. “In the meantime, the city has adopted a new comprehensive zoning bylaw which does not reflect or accommodate this longstanding development proposal.”
Marketed as Silvercreek Junction, the initial submission to the city was made in early 2020 and was to include 772 housing units. That was revised later that year to 753 and further reduced to 715 early last year.
In the proponent’s fourth submission to the city in December, the plan was returned to its initial number of housing units but with a different mix of housing types.
A mix of surface and underground parking is planned, along with the creation of a 2.5-acre park.
Under the proposal, Silvercreek Parkway South would be reopened between Paisley Road and Waterloo Avenue and an underpass is proposed for the CN Rail tracks just south of Paisley Road.
