166-unit building near Mill LRT station approved

8-storey development would replace nine single-detached homes

A proposal to build an eight-storey, 166-unit building near Kitchener’s Mill LRT station has been approved by council.

The project would replace nine single-detached homes at 368, 372, 374 and 382 Ottawa St. S. and 99, 103, 107, 111 and 115 Pattandon Ave.

The neighbouring St. Mary and St. Maurice’s Coptic Orthodox Church at 388 Ottawa St. S. is undertaking the development.

Plans call for a mix of unit types — 110 one-bedroom, 49 two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom units — with parking for 157 vehicles in underground and surface spaces.

It’s not yet known whether the units will be rental apartments or condos.

City staff have said the building provides an opportunity to increase housing supply in a major transit station area and diversify housing stock.

The project was approved by councillors Monday night, following a two-week deferral from a committee meeting where questions about traffic impacts and affordable units were raised.

“The congregation noted that they do provide housing services right now at little to no cost for Ukrainian refugees as well as other people who are experiencing homelessness,” interim director of planning Garett Stevenson noted Monday.

“That’s something they’re doing within their units, and it’s a service that as a faith-based group they want to continue to provide.”

However, Stevenson said the church does not have a formal affordable housing program in place, and affordable units aren’t specifically proposed for the new project.

Traffic concerns, especially increased volumes on Pattandon Avenue, have been raised by area residents.

Vehicle access to the property is proposed from both Ottawa Street and Pattandon Avenue.

“It’s become a throughway from Ottawa Street and down,” said Coun. Debbie Chapman. “There are continuing concerns about what Pattandon will look like after the development.”

Chapman asked whether a traffic study could be done once the project is complete, to see if there are issues. Stevenson said city staff routinely do traffic counts, and work with residents when there are complaints.

Another development proposal immediately adjacent to the Mill LRT station would add up to 1,500 residential units in six highrise buildings to the area.

Plans call for 929 vehicle parking spaces in that complex.

A neighbourhood meeting on this development will likely be held later this year before staff make a recommendation to council.

The neighbouring St. Mary and St. Maurice’s Coptic Orthodox Church at 388 Ottawa St. S. is undertaking the development