The Days Inn on Gordon Street should be allowed as an interim student residence, say city staff.
That’s the recommendation heading to the city’s committee of adjustment next week, during a special meeting on Thursday.
“The proposed university residence is intended to be used for a temporary period of time as an interim use as noted in the applicant’s cover letter, and staff therefore have no objection to supporting the application,” states a report posted to the city’s website. “Staff are recommending that the use be limited to a temporary period of time for three (3) years and have recommended a condition to this effect.”
Plans to tear down the hotel in favour of a private, 10-storey, 520-bedroom student complex at 785 Grodon St. are currently under appeal before the Ontario Land Tribunal.
In the meantime, planning consultants MHBC have applied to the city's committee of adjustment for a minor variance that would clear the way for the U of G to rent the existing building and use it as a student residence for three years.
If approved, the agreement would kick in this August.
"The purpose of the variance is to add a University of Guelph residence as a permitted use, facilitating the use of the existing hotel as a residence operated by the University of Guelph, similar to other residences operated on the University’s main campus," reads the application.
The building currently has 86 rooms.
"No alterations to the exterior of the building are contemplated at this time. The existing hotel rooms will be used as student bedrooms within a ‘suite’ in the same manner as other residences operated by the University. The existing breakfast bar will offer grab and go food options, while the students will be required to participate in the University’s meal plan and will obtain the majority of their meals from the main campus."
The property is owned by a numbered company. It has requested the building be allowed as a student residence for three years, with a option to extend for another three years, though city staff support only the initial three.
The U of G would manage the property, which it says in its application needs "very limited" interior renovations to facilitate the conversion.
