Still no clear answer for massive Kitchener development near Hwy. 401

Plans for a contentious high-rise development in Kitchener on King Street, just off Highway 401, have been brought to Kitchener City Council, along with updates from its developers.

However, no official decisions have been made for its future.

It has faced public backlash almost since it began, with a previous Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee seeing plenty of pushback from councillors and residents in the area.

Various concerns have been raised, ranging from the possible shadows the building would create, to the traffic and transit issues it could cause due to its location, and the lack of affordable options.

Now, Kitchener councillors discussed the updates provided by the project’s developer and planning group, looking to see if it’s enough for official approval.

Development Planning Manager with GSP Group, Brandon Flewwelling, brought forward the changes, which include a reduction from 726 units down to 583 units between the two towers.

“This is an overall reduction of 11 storeys of total height from the initial development,” said Flewwelling. “We think these are pretty significant changes and we think they’re very responsive to the comments that we’ve heard from the public and from council as well during the questions.”

Another one of the larger changes that were introduced involved the addition of affordable units. Originally, there were no affordable options, but now, 10 units have been included.

“We have done a similar exercise in Cambridge as well, and the region is the same,” said President of LJM Developments, Liaquat Mian. “What happened is, it’s a 15-year rental and 20 per cent below the market, so they have a formula and this is how these units are handed over to the region. They do whatever they want to do, but the rental that they will pay will be 20 per cent less for 15 years.”

Mian said one of the issues that really shouldn’t be a problem is that of its location. He said it gives plenty of options and access for residents who could be living in the building, adding that it would become a potential landmark for the city.

“You have to have a gateway and this is what is going to serve as an iconic gateway. This is the perfect location in front of the 401 so people can see it, they can get out from there without much of challenges. As far as the location is concerned for a high-rise building, this is the most perfect location from that angle.”

As far as parking is concerned, no changes were made from the original plans, with 493 parking spots still planned to accommodate the 583 units. Mian said the current landscape of employment should make this a feasible number for residents.

“We must recognize at this point in time that half of the population in that building will be working from home and this trend is going to increase. When you are evaluating anything like transportation or facility and stuff, these matters must be understood.”

With the included changes, councillors still spoke about overall concerns regarding the two buildings, electing that more discussion is still needed before a final confirmation can be given on the project’s future.

Kitchener council will discuss the plans, along with the provided updates, at the next meeting currently scheduled for March 3.