Waterloo exploring potential MZO for new affordable housing project
The City of Waterloo is moving forward with a plan to try and rezone 25 acres of city-owned land near RIM Park to allow for affordable and attainable housing.
The property at 2025 University Ave. E. in Ward 4 is currently zoned for employment. The city purchase it in 1999 when building Rim Park, but it has remained a vacant open field since. Now the city wants to develop around 730 units on the property and is beginning the process to do so.
"This is an opportunity for Waterloo to really do our part, I think to overachieve in doing our part, to build more homes faster," Mayor Dorothy McCabe told the meeting.
A consultant estimates the property could support 480 stacked townhouses and 250 apartments.
At Monday’s meeting council gave staff the greenlight to begin consulting nearby homes and businesses about the rezoning and to explore the process of filing for a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO).
Staff said the project would represent more than half of Waterloo’s provincial housing target for 2024. The city has a deficit of approximately 3,460 affordable housing units, with an average of only 12 new units added per year between 2010 and 2022. This development would also help the city get closer to its target of 16,000 new residential units by 2031.
"Housing is not just bricks and mortar. It's about opportunities for families, individuals, seniors, youth of all socioeconomic backgrounds," McCabe said.
The Region of Waterloo only reviews employment lands every five to ten years. City staff said an MZO would avoid needing regional approval for rezoning.
Michelle Lee, senior policy planner with the City of Waterloo, said the goal is "not to circumvent the planning process, but rather to expedite the planning of this area and to allow us to consider, before the region’s review, a potential conversion of these lands."
Consultation will happen throughout May.
“There's going to be a lot of questions that individuals have about that,” Ward 4 Coun. Diane Freeman said. “In terms of informing the ministerial zoning order, it would be helpful to have a public meeting to just kind of help people understand."
In an email to CTV News, Waterloo Regional Chair Karen Redman said: “We are all deeply committed to building more affordable and attainable housing, and that requires partnership at all levels of government.”
Removing the employment land zoning will put the city under targets set out by the province, but staff believe there are other under-utilized areas of the city that can make up for that.
“We still think we can achieve our employment targets, which is ultimately the most important thing, achieving our employment targets, even with the conversion of these lands,” Lee said.
Council will decide on whether to submit the MZO near the end of May. If they do, and the MZO is approved, the city would like to see the development started quickly.
"Certainly the goal is to have the development partner chosen by December 2024, and following the design, to have shovels in the ground as early as possible in 2025," McCabe said.
Information is already available online on Engage Waterloo Region, where residents can make comments on the plan.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Feels like mid-30s in parts of Canada, while other areas expecting snow
Anything is possible this week, as far as Canada's weather is concerned, with forecasts ranging from scorching heat in some parts of the country to rain and snow in others.
BREAKING Canada's inflation cools to 3-year low of 2.7%, in boost for rate cut bets
Canada's annual inflation rate slowed to a three-year low of 2.7 per cent in April, matching expectations, and core measures continued to ease, data showed on Tuesday, likely boosting chances of a June interest rate cut.
1 dead, others injured after London-Singapore flight hit severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines says
One person has died aboard a London-Singapore flight that encountered severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines said Tuesday. The plane was diverted to Bangkok, where emergency crews rushed to help injured passengers amid stormy weather.
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
How to check the Air Quality Health Index and assess your health risks
As we enter another wildfire season, Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising people to pay attention to air pollution levels and check the Air Quality Health Index – especially on smoky days.
Cardinal Lacroix cleared after investigation ordered by the Pope
The Vatican has announced that the investigation it commissioned into allegations of sexual touching against Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix did not confirm any act constituting misconduct or abuse on the part of the Vatican.
Trudeau making 'Team Canada' pitch in visit to Philadelphia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Philadelphia today, on his first trip south of the border since his government launched a new 'Team Canada' charm offensive in the United States.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.