Council approved an amendment to the city’s official plan and zoning bylaw Tuesday that will allow for the development of two low-rise apartment buildings with approximately 104 market rate and affordable residential units at 30 Lauris Avenue in Galt.
The affordable housing units will be managed through the Region of Waterloo as social services provider.
Located within the established Alison neighbourhood, the site is part of a former school site that has been vacant since the school was demolished in 2009.
The location features both pedestrian and transit options and is approximately a 20-minute walk from a wide range of amenities and services.
The design concept includes outdoor amenity spaces for future residents including balconies, a covered patio, and substantial landscaped areas surrounding the building and parking areas.
Regional staff held two in-person neighbourhood meetings on May 18, and July 12 to share information regarding the proposed development and to accept comments and questions from interested members of the public.
Comments were generally in support of the proposed development for affordable housing, but there were some concerns mentioned with respect to future construction and the impact on surrounding neighbours, the proposed reduced parking on the site, and the current state of the property.
Staff and council believe the development will allow the city to continue to work towards its pledge of building 19,000 units by 2031 while addressing anticipated population growth over the next 25 years.
