Community pushes back on slated Uptown Waterloo towers
Posted Oct 23, 2025 07:27:45 AM.
Last Updated Oct 23, 2025 01:17:50 PM.
After plans were brought for two new high-rise residential towers in Uptown Waterloo — expected to come at the cost of an iconic building in the area — members of the local community are now voicing their concerns about the development.
The towers are slated to be 33 and 37 storeys, and are currently pegged for the current address of the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, located at 171 King St. S, just off the corner of William Street West.
The developers, VanMar Constructors Inc., have already purchased the property, planning to erect those two high-rise buildings, expected to bring over 800 units of housing and commercial space to the area.
While the project would be a boost for housing in the city, the local neighbourhood is beginning to push back against the proposal, saying it doesn’t fit what the community is looking for.
“It’s excessive for this property, which sits between the Mary Allen and Westmount neighbourhoods of tree-lined streets, with residents who walk to work. Neighbourhoods that many cities would be envious to have,” said Bob Publicover, a member of Uptown Growth, who spoke on The Mike Farwell Show. “We don’t want it broken up and damaged by the presence of these buildings.”
He said a building of that scope doesn’t fit what those local neighbourhoods around Uptown Waterloo and what residents want to see in the area, with construction efforts, shading, traffic, and more potentially impacting their regular lives and routines.
“If you live in the area as we do, or if you know this area, this area has seen some growth,” said Jamie Rodrigue, also a member of Uptown Growth. “We are not anti-growth, but it should be consistent and reasonable, given the character and the livability of the area.”
While the location for the two buildings has been set, the exact specifications and design are currently not fully known; still needing to go through the full application and permit process with the City of Waterloo before construction can begin.
Publicover went on to speak of the tight space that the project is currently expected to occupy, pointing to other cities that have recommended against developments such as this.
“Both the City of Toronto and the City of Ottawa have published guidelines for high-rise development. They both propose that high-rise buildings should be a minimum of 25 metres apart, that’s horizontally,” he stated. “We think that’s likely impossible on this property.”
According to the application page through the EngageWR website, the development application is still under review through the city’s Planning, Engineering and Transportation departments, continuing to engage in public feedback sessions to gauge the thoughts of the local community.
“Concerns have been expressed regarding this application by some individuals. Comments in support of the proposed development have also been received,” said the City of Waterloo in a statement to 570 NewsRadio. “City staff are actively reviewing the application, including all comments received from interested persons. The application will be reviewed on its merits.”
Once those voices have been heard, staff will move on to produce a full report and recommendation for the Uptown Waterloo development, before it is sent to city council for approval.
