Neighbourhood Heritage District at Risk
In 2008, the Province, Region and City established the Civic Centre Heritage Conservation District within the Olde Berlin Town Neighbourhood with an area comprising less than a quarter of one percent (0.25%) of Kitchener’s land base.
Today, a developer is challenging the legislation that protects the Heritage District.
Where? 22 Weber St W.
A developer is appealing to the Ontario Land Tribunal (formerly Local Planning Appeal Tribunal and Ontario Municipal Board) to re-zone 22 Weber St W. The developer’s proposed amendments include:
| City Position | Developer’s Proposal | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Building Height | 26m1 | Unlimited |
| Maximum Number of Storeys | 81 | Unlimited |
| Minimum Front Yard Setback | 7m2 | 0.8m |
| Maximum Floor Space Ratio3 | 41 | 7.8 |
| Minimum Landscaped Area | 15%1 | 8% |
| Resident Parking Spaces | 1834 | 16 |
| Visitor Parking Spaces | 384 | 8 |
| Building Units | – | 162 |
Notes:
1. Zoning proposed via Secondary Plan, subject to final City Council approval. Includes a maximum height of 12m within 15m of low-rise residential zones.
2. The Heritage District Plan recommends alignment with the adjacent building most similar to the predominant setback on the street, in this case 7m.
3. Floor Space Ratio is calculated by dividing the building floor area by the lot area.
4. Value supplied by the developer.
The developer proposes pricing at 22 Weber St W that is out of reach to 60% of Kitchener’s population. Click here to read more about intensification and affordable housing.
Our Concerns
Friends of Olde Berlin Town recognizes that provincial legislation requires denser cities, particularly near public transit. Kitchener’s Official Plan promises intensification with appropriate transitions from low-rise residences, and conservation of existing neighbourhoods and built heritage.
We maintain that the developer’s proposal contravenes both legislative intent and city policies and would:
- deny sunlight and skyviews to the general public and nearby low-rise neighbours
- exacerbate wind tunnels on Queen, Weber and nearby streets
- encroach on neighbours’ privacy
- diminish neighbours’ enjoyment of their homes and workplaces
- increase pressure on parking on nearby streets
- compromise a stable neighbourhood
- lower the bar on the quality of life for everyone in Kitchener
and harm the Heritage Conservation District:
- detract from neighbourhood character
- overwhelm heritage properties in scale
- undermine the willingness of nearby property owners to maintain the heritage resources in their care
- set a dangerous precedent
Additional information and resources available here.
We are opposing the application at the Ontario Land Tribunal and we need your help.
Please sign the petition, make a tax-deductible donation and/or contact us at obtfriends@gmail.com to help in other ways.
Questions? Please contact obtfriends@gmail.com.