A long-awaited multi-unit development in Guelph’s east end could see shovels in the ground this fall.
HIP Developments has filed a variance request with the city for the property it owns at 144 Watson Rd. N. for a proposed eight-storey, 133-unit apartment building, as well as an underground parking lot for 47 vehicles and an above-ground lot for 110 vehicles.
According to a report attached to the variance request, HIP Developments intends to start construction on the vacant lot this fall.
Ward 1 Coun. Dan Gibson says having this building built could spark the development that has long been in the works for the area.
“The node is ready to go. It’s been shovel ready for probably close to eight years, nine years now. We’re just waiting for the plans to come in,” he tells the Mercury-Tribune.
Earlier this year, city councillors approved a motion calling on staff to look at options for neighbourhood commercial development on York Road, east of Victoria Road, south of the site.
This Plan B was taken in response to slow movement on the development of a Zehrs grocery store at Watson and Starwood, just south of the proposed apartment building and next to the east branch of the Guelph Public Library.
Loblaw Companies Ltd., the parent company for Zehrs, owns a lot of land there but has yet to develop it, pressing city hall for more residential development in the area first.
“They’ve been saying that for 15 years,” says Gibson.
“We very much have tried to accommodate interests and concerns while listening to our residents about not necessarily wanting big box, but wanting some commercial amenities in the east end. We like our quiet streets, but we absolutely don’t like having to drive across the city for amenities.”
HIP Developments took over the property this past December.
HIP Developments did not immediately return the Mercury-Tribune’s request for comment.