A supportive housing project planned for the old Grand River Hotel in Preston took another step towards construction last week.
Indwell, the charity behind the build, received relief from parking and residential space requirement bylaws for its property at 1102 King St. E at a Committee of Adjustment meeting at city hall.
The original parking bylaw requires one space per unit but has been reduced to 0.15 spaces per unit. With 45 units planned for the building, it drops the number of spaces needed from 45 to 8, to go along with two commercial parking spots.
Mark Willcock, community engagement and fundraising coordinator for Indwell Waterloo Region, said the reason for the request was due to the fact many of its residents don't have their own vehicles. With fewer spots required, the footprint of the building and occupancy can be increased.
Relief was also granted to allow more residential square footage compared to commercial. Previously, residential space could only take up two-thirds of the total gross area but will now be permitted to occupy four-fifths.
Both decisions clear the latest hurdle as Indwell hopes to get shovels in the ground in 2025 and open its doors in 2026.
As for the specifics of the layout, the original three-storey hotel is remaining intact with a two-storey building being added to the side. Connected to the rear will be a five-storey structure.
A commercial tenant, offices and community programming space for residents of the building will occupy the ground floor.
Who that commercial tenant will be is not yet known, Willcock said, but it'll be a service that will benefit both the people who live there and the surrounding community. A branch of a public library, pharmacies and social enterprises occupy main floors of other Indwell supportive housing projects in the province.
Next up on the to-do list is submitting a site plan application to the city for review.
"We'll give some more definition and colour to the renderings for the building, what it's going to look like on the outside and more specifically on the inside," Willcock said.
"That all needs to be done before we apply for a building permit."
Funding also remains a primary focus for Willcock, as he'll be helping put together an application to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Assistance from the province, municipality and local community is still being sought.
So far, Indwell has raised close to $1.8 million of its $2.5 million fundraising target. The total cost is pegged at $17.2 million.
"We're looking forward to being a part of the community of Preston," Willcock said.
"When myself and others on our team have been out in the community, we've had a great response."
For more information on Indwell and how to support visit indwell.ca.
