Building height limits throughout much of downtown may be about to grow.
A recently released draft proposal calls for numerous adjustments to the cap which could see buildings up to 20 storeys tall permitted in specific spots, along with generally taller buildings in numerous locations.
The plan “balances opportunities for short-, medium- and long-term intensification, making efficient use of the planned infrastructure investment in our downtown,” explains a staff report, noting it also “aims to allow taller buildings in locations where it will limit their direct impact on existing neighbourhoods and public spaces.”
The draft plan is currently out for public consultation, with an open house set for Tuesday at city hall between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
City council is expected to weigh-in on the proposal during its monthly planning session set for Feb. 11, with a final report to council expected in April.
However, building height limits could be further increased through the approval of a community planning permit system, which is in the early stages of development for the downtown core.
Currently, the height limit through much of downtown is six storeys. There are, however, designated pockets with other limits, including four as high as 18 storeys. Two have already been built that way – 160 Macdonell St. and 150 Wellington St. E. at the corner of Wellington and Macdonell Street.
Also designated for that height are the east and west corners of the intersection of Wyndham Street South and Wellington Street East. The prior is currently home to the Guelph fire department headquarters, while the latter is fenced off in preparation for a previously withdrawn development proposal from Fusion Homes.
The height limit for those four properties is not proposed to change.
Though the draft proposal continues to include many downtown areas of three to six-storey buildings, the number of spots where eight to 18 storey buildings would be permitted has increased.
As well, the draft calls for lands where up to 20 storeys would be permitted, including the municipal parking lot on Farquhar Street, across from the police station (currently capped at 10 storeys).
A 20-storey limit is also proposed for several properties along the west side of Woolwich Street between Douglas and Wellington streets, including the Sleeman Centre and County of Wellington buildings, which are currently limited to six storeys.
In addition, a portion of the proposed former W.C. Wood plant two property redevelopment in The Ward is slated to see its limit upped to 20 storeys, from 10.
Public view corridors of the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate are proposed to be maintained, though buildings will be allowed to exceed its height.
See existing limits and proposed limits on the maps below.
