We recently reached out to the community to learn about what taller buildings in the Downtown area would mean to you, how tall is too tall, and what standards and considerations need to be part of making the decision on where to build taller residential, office and mixed-use buildings in the Downtown.

Through those conversations and surveys, we learned that we have a very thoughtful community (but we knew that already). We heard that:

• Increasing access to housing is important
• More people living and working in the Downtown is good for our economy,
• and protecting Guelph's heritage and charm is a shared value among much of the community.

We also heard a lot of feedback about specifically how tall buildings should be permitted in specific blocks.

Our team listened and learned from the collective voice of the over 400 people who participated. This feedback was combined with research, best practices and directions from existing plans and legislation to develop a proposed Official Plan amendment (OPA) for Guelph.

The proposed amendment in brief:

• the OPA is informed by modelling, an updated land assessment and community engagement and provides additional flexibility in order for the current Downtown density target of 200 persons and jobs per hectare to be achieved.
• aims to allow taller buildings in locations where it will limit their direct impact on existing neighbourhoods and public spaces. Mid-rise and taller buildings are proposed to be permitted strategically throughout the Downtown so that new, context-sensitive higher-density development will be permitted while ensuring the protection of significant existing cultural heritage resources.
• balances opportunities for short-, medium- and long-term intensification, making efficient use of the planned infrastructure investment in our Downtown.
• recognizes that a Community Planning Permit By-law is proposed for Downtown and will consider the potential for additional height beyond what is currently proposed in this OPA (up to 20 storeys in various locations) through the future Community Planning Permit System process.
• recognizes that Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate is a landmark and a signature building within the city. The proposed OPA states that the Basilica will continue to maintain visual prominence and its protected public view corridors, however, buildings will be permitted to exceed its height.

Share your thoughts on the proposed amendment

Between January 21 and February 16, we are collecting feedback on the draft amendment before it is refined and brought in front of council for adoption later this year. There are several ways to get involved:

Online

The draft Official Plan amendment has been shared online. From January 21 for your feedback. We want to hear from you before Feb 16 before we finalize the plan. Share your comments or ask us questions online.

In person

Come out to the Statutory open house scheduled for February 4 at City Hall (1 Carden Street, Guelph). Drop in any time between 6 and 8 p.m. to learn about the recommendations and speak with the project team.

At Council

February 11 is the Statutory Public Meeting with Council during the Council Planning meeting at 4 p.m. The agenda and full report will be posted on the Council Calendar on January 30. The community is invited to speak or send in comments to council. Learn how on our website and register no later than 10.a.m. on Friday February 7.

No decisions will be made at council at this time. Staff will review all comments from this engagement period before developing recommendations for council decision at a future meeting.

Contact us for more information or to share your thoughts with the project team directly.