Kitchener councillors defer decision on proposed Lower Doon development

The City of Kitchener’s Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee voted on Monday to defer a housing development proposal in Lower Doon.

The development at 86 Pinnacle Drive would construct a 16 unit back-to-back townhouse building and a 22 space parking lot.

Multiple community member delegates, including Barbara Thomas, said the development is not compatible with the historical community.

“If you are designing a new neighborhood, sure, you can include backyard parking lots,” said Thomas. “But imposing this into an existing neighborhood on an historical street, is not compatible or complementary and does not maintain the character of Lower Doon.”

Another delegate, Randall Martin, echoed the same message, arguing that the city and the developers have not made the proposal compatible.

“It will be the widest, the tallest, the deepest, the most massive building on the street,” said Martin.

City staff requested to councillors to give approval to the project, noting it would be “an opportunity to provide ‘missing middle’ housing that addresses a need in our community.”

Two other developments in South Doon were approved by the committee. One at 404-430 New Dundee Road would see 160 stacked townhouse units with 186 parking spots. Another at 448 New Dundee Road would see 26 homes, 14 detached and 12 semi-detached, with 17 visitor parking spots.

All three projects together would bring in 202 units to the area.

Kitchener’s full council will meet on Feb. 12 to ratify the committee’s approvals and make a decision Pinnacle Drive.