Residents have a new vision for a troubled student neighbourhood. Now they have to figure out how to make it happen by 2029.
The neighbourhood is called Northdale, north of Wilfrid Laurier University. The new vision, drafted by a civic committee and endorsed Monday, calls for more people, more and better buildings and green space.
“Everybody’s really excited about the picture that has been painted,” said Chris Peace, chair of the council-appointed committee that’s leading the neighbourhood review.
“The committee has worked extremely hard to reach consensus,” member Anne Crowe said. “The status quo is not an option.”
By next June, pending recommendations still to come, city council is to decide on how to make change happen, considering land uses and a plan for community improvement.
“This has to be done with partners,” Mayor Brenda Halloran said. “This is a great beginning.”
Northdale is a partly decaying neighbourhood, dominated by student tenants and sometimes plagued by unruly behaviour. Some residents blame an earlier, failed city plan to preserve suburban family homes.
“I’m hopeful,” Coun. Diane Freeman said about the new vision. But she’s concerned that a successful plan can’t be built on bylaw enforcement. It has to be built around residents wanting to be good citizens. “I’m still worried about it,” Freeman said.
“I’m inspired by the vision,” Coun. Jeff Henry said,
Student landlord Paul Ellingham asked council to promote change within 10 years. “Why are we waiting for 20 more springs?” he said. “Now is the time to act.”
“It is a lofty vision and it will take time,” said Karen Earle, who belongs to a group promoting urban intensification.
Council also heard an appeal to preserve the heritage character of the Veteran’s Green section of the neighbourhood.
The Vision
“By 2029, Northdale is revitalized and reurbanized into a diverse, vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood, integrated with educational, residential, commercial, cultural, heritage and recreation functions, and improved open space, pedestrian, cycling and transit networks.”
•Approved unanimously by Waterloo council Monday
by Jeff Outhit, The Record