Zoning by-law approved for construction of six-storey building to help reduce housing shortage

Goderich Council approved a zoning by-law amendment for the old Candlelight property on Bayfield Road.

This approval moves the plan forward for the construction of a six-storey, 63-unit building with aims to reduce the housing shortage in Goderich.

“It’s my understanding based on the current owners that they are not targeting any specific demographic for the units, but they are exploring the options for these to be rental suites,” explained Caroline Baker, Land Use Planner with the Baker Planning Group.

In the proposed amendment, the applicant suggested a zone that would allow a taller building with a smaller footprint, with more surface parking.

The zoning by-law amendment was presented to Goderich Council at the February 24 public meeting by Victor Kloeze, Senior Planner and Sarah Kurtz, Student Planner.

According to the report by Kloeze and Kurtz, the Provincial Planning Statement, Huron County Official Plan and the Town of Goderich Official Plan all support the intensification and infill development, allowing for a wide range of housing types.

As of February 24, no public concerns had been submitted regarding this development. There are no outstanding concerns with the proposed development, but comments have been received from Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) regarding enrolment of the local schools.

The proposal by Baker Planning Group (Lexx Developments Corporation) is to develop the subject property as a six-storey residential building with 63 dwelling units.

“The intent of the change was to reduce the overall footprint to allow for additional parking,” said Baker.

“Which meant the building went up one storey.”

To accommodate additional on-site parking for their anticipated tenant’s needs, they are proposing a change to the previously approved special zone that would allow a taller building with a smaller footprint, with more surface parking.

There would be an increase in parking from one parking space per unit to 1.14, and an increase of one unit to 63 units total.

According to the report, the Goderich Official Plan recognizes the need for residential intensification, where vacant or underutilized lots sit within previously developed areas.

Housing supply has been identified as a key land-use planning issue, and this would allow for efficient use of the land in an existing developed area.

Additionally, amenities within a five-minute walk from the site include schools, Suncoast Mall, Maitland Recreation Centre (YMCA), churches, restaurants, and other commercial properties.

The requirement for this re-zoning is based on the need to have outdoor space for residents, as well as ensuring there is pervious areas on a property to accommodate passive storm water infiltration.

A range of outdoor and indoor amenity areas have been proposed by the Baker Planning Group including private balconies and a rooftop patio.

No formal date has been supplied by Baker Planning Group for the start of construction.