The November planning meeting will have one very big project on the agenda, literally and figuratively in the centre of town. Yes, we’re heading back to the Baker District where the private developer for the future residence there will bring an updated plan that might make this big project even bigger. In other news, there are some new heritage designations, a bylaw update, and some parking issues. Let’s get into the preview…
NOTE #1: Delegates will be able to appear at this meeting in-person or via tele-presense but you do have to register with the clerks office before 10 am on Friday November 7. You can also submit written delegations and correspondences for agenda items.
NOTE #2: In addition to meeting in-person, this meeting will also be live-streamed on the City of Guelph’s website here.
NOTE #3: This meeting will take place on the special day of Wednesday due to Remembrance Day on Tuesday.
CLOSED MEETING:
1) Status Update on Downtown Land Disposition: Baker District Redevelopment – Stand by because Baker Street’s on the open meeting agenda, but this is a curious item because it requires discussion under Section 239(2)(c) of the Municipal Act “regarding a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board.”
2) Potential Municipal Boundary Expansion – Is Guelph growing out? Perhaps. We don’t know because this is a matter regarding “advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose and a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board.”
Decision Report for Amendments to Sign By-law – Back in May, staff brought some updates to the Sign Bylaw to council for their consideration. As you may recall, many of these changes are administrative and to bring the Sign Bylaw in line with updates to the Zoning Bylaw in 2023. Also now included are two directions from council, one allowing fascia signs on the third storey of industrial buildings (up to 12 metres high), and the other requiring illuminated signs facing residential areas to be turned off between 11 pm and 8 am.
Notice of Intention to Designate: 88 Ontario Street – Tucked between Ontario and Manitoba Streets in The Ward, this single-storey cottage with a small addition at the rear was once home to prominent Guelph businessman and city councillor David Little. When heritage staff put out the call earlier this year asking property owners of listed heritage properties if they would like to seek out a designation, this owner answered that call. Since the house meets five of the nine prescribed criteria for determining cultural heritage value or interest, according to Ontario Regulation 9/06 it should be an easy approval for council.
Notice of Intention to Designate: 124 Liverpool Street – The owner of this Late Italianate style, two-storey residential dwelling made with yellow-white slip brick also accepted heritage staff’s invitation to seek designation. Since this property meets three of the nine criteria under the amended Ontario Regulation 9/06, all it needs now is council’s approval.
Public Meeting for Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment application and Council Decision on endorsement of revised Urban Design Master Plan for 55 Baker Street and 152 and 160
Wyndham Street North – This is a long way of saying the residential portion of the Baker District Redevelopment, and it’s been now over two years since this project first came to council. Back in 2023, the project featured two proposed 15-storey towers with 353 residential units between them and 529 square metres of commercial space on the ground level. Now? Two mixed-use towers – 17 and 19 storeys – containing approximately 401 residential units, and an undermined amount of ground-floor commercial space, plus underground and podium parking. The project also includes the public square that will sit between the two towers and the new library building. This is the statutory public meeting for this project; no final decisions will be made about the project and council will only vote to receive the report.
Arthur Street On Street Parking – Per the request of Mayor Cam Guthrie, there are three recommendations on the agenda to change some of the parking restrictions in The Ward along Arthur Street, Ontario Street and Cross Street. No report was attached to the agenda.
Guelph Politico 