A massive housing development proposal on Albert Street presents to Waterloo city council

Waterloo city council got a chance to hear a proposal at the former site of the Clemmer Steelworks plant on Albert Street on Monday night.

The development at 446 Albert Street would see 13 towers across five hectares and house 2,833 residential and mixed units, with 97 being marked as affordable. The development would have 1,366 vehicle parking spots and 1,748 bicycle parking spots.

Some residents in the area have expressed their concerns with the development and the impact on Sugar Bush Park with the shadows of the towers. One delegate, Judith Fletcher, lived 100 metres from the development site and said there is “collective anxiety” in the community over the decline of Sugar Bush Park.

“It’s really something that has to be preserved as much as possible,” said Fletcher at Monday’s Waterloo city council meeting. “I would love to see the Clemmer site developed, but in a way that compliments the existing neighborhood with medium density.”

Another delegate, identified as Ms. Parsons, expressed her concerns over the development as well noting the green spaces in the community are already disappearing.

“The Sugar Bush goes back to the time of Abraham Erb,” said Parsons. “That land was given for preservation purposes to the city. So, it’s about the big picture.”

The proposed development would include green spaces, walking paths and multiple transit options. Brandon Simon, an associate with The Planning Partnership, said an urban design analysis was done with the shadow of the towers in mind.

“We’re confident from a shadow perspective that there will not be any detrimental impact to Sugar Bush Park.” said Simon. “We’re also confident that what we have provided here will diversify amenity options in the area.”

Staff will take notes from the informal meeting and return to council with recommendations.

A formal meeting on the proposal will be held at a later date.