CENTRE WELLINGTON – A rezoning application for two four-storey apartment buildings in Fergus and Elora is being recommended for approval by Centre Wellington Staff.
The buildings proposed at 350 St. Andrew Street West in Fergus and 183 Geddes Street in Elora, would both have a combination of residential and ground-floor commercial space.
The developers are seeking a bylaw amendment that would allow each of the buildings to be four storeys in height.
Right now, the current bylaw only allows for three-storey construction. Some residents raised concerns about the proposed apartments at a public meeting in April.
According to the two reports going before a Monday Council Meeting, staff conclude that the building proposals are consistent with provincial, county, and township policies aimed at encouraging growth in existing urban centres.
Mariana Iglesias, Manager of Planning Services stated in the 350 St. Andrew Street West in Fergus report that “Adding residential and commercial units to this part of the downtown will increase its vibrancy while helping solve the housing supply issue. The supporting peer reviewed studies have indicated that the parking proposed will be sufficient to address the needs of the residents and the traffic impacts are not sufficient to warrant any road improvements at this time, though cumulative increases in traffic in this area of the downtown should be monitored.”
Meanwhile, in the 183 Geddes Street in Elora, report Iglesias said “Adding residential and commercial units to this part of the downtown will increase its vibrancy while helping solve the need for housing. The increase to four storeys necessitates the inclusion of an elevator which would provide accessible units and serve a much wider range of needs and incomes.”
Staff is recommending council approve both of the zoning amendments.
Council is expected to make the decisions at Monday’s Council meeting scheduled for 1pm.
