The city’s planning and administration committee is supporting a zoning bylaw amendment that would allow for the construction by Multani Homes of two six-storey apartment buildings on Grand River Avenue.
Each building would have 93 units, including 43 with one bedroom, 40 with two bedrooms and 10 with three bedrooms. A six-storey, 132-unit apartment building called Grand River View already exists on the site.
The city’s planning staff is recommending approval of the zoning amendment.
The property – at 248-260 Grand River Ave. – is located on the south side of Grand River, between Jamieson Court and St. Paul Avenue. The land at 248 Grand River Ave. was once the site of the Penmans Factory, a textile manufacturer, and has been the considered for a number of development projects over the years.
In 2017, the property owners received permission from the city to develop the six-storey apartment building and 24 block townhouse units at 248 Grand River Ave. The apartment was constructed in 2020. Early this year, an application was received by the city to amend the boundary of the development to include 256, 258 and 260 Grand River Ave.
While several residents of Grand River View Apartments spoke in favor of constructing the two new buildings, Coun. John Sless said other residents in the neighborhood have concerns.
“I’ve had an overwhelming number of calls and emails from people opposed to this,” he said. “The 24 townhomes already approved would make the neighborhood more beautiful and safe. I think asking to more than double the approved number of homes on that property is beyond the pale. Holmedale has been hammered with new development. The folks are overwhelmed who live there.
“It’s too dense a development. I understand we have a housing crisis, but we’re not going to solve it all on Grand River Avenue.”
Several councilors raised concerns about the proposed number of parking spaces – just a little over one per unit. But KC Pongracz, a senior planner with the city, said apartment dwellers often don’t require a parking spot.
One neighborhood resident said the parking lot at Grand River View Apartments is underused because tenants are required to pay for spots and some opt to instead park on the street. count. Greg Martin got support from fellow councilors for approval of the zoning amendment to be conditional on that fee for parking being removed.
“I think parking might still be a problem but it will help alleviate some concerns of neighbours,” said Martin.
There also was discussion about the potential to implement a parking permit system in the neighborhood.
Mayor Kevin Davis, who supported the project, said “if you’re not building more units, you’re not dealing with the cause” of the housing crisis.
“We’re hearing time and again as a province we’re not producing enough units,” said Davis. “That’s why the price (of housing) keeps going up. The demand is there but there isn’t the supply. That’s just basic economics.”
He said the city also has a shortage of rental units, with the vacancy rate around 1.9 per cent.
Sless said the proposed apartments will not be affordable housing but be offered at market rent and likely, eventually, be turned into condos.
He said he’s also heard from people who want the waterfront protected from development.