The city's planning committee Monday approved a plan to build 96 apartments on Paris Street geared to seniors.
Dalron Ltd. is looking to erect a five-storey building opposite Nepahwin Lake and adjacent to the Southwind Retirement Home.
The development would not only help seniors looking for accommodations in that area, but staff estimates it would result in $140,000 in new taxation revenue, plus hundreds of thousands in development charges and other fees.
While city staff initially recommended the building be limited to 78 units because of a lack of parking, Dalron revised the layout of its proposal, increasing parking to 156 spots, more than the 144 required under city guidelines.
Senior planner Mauro Manzon said the road to the area had to be extended to accommodate the new development, as well as improvements to the traffic signals nearby. Based on feedback from the ward councillor, the applicant didn't hold public meetings because there was no opposition to the plan.
“It reflects current trends in retirement facilities, which are offering a greater mix in retirement housing,” Manzon said, of Dalron's proposal.
The building will be five stories, which is acceptable for the area because directly opposite is the Southwind residence, which is nine stories.
“We would like to respectfully request the committee consider approving it based on the revised design,” said Jaz Perry, who spoke on behalf of Dalron and showed a new sketch of the building with the added parking. “This shows the maximized parking scenario.”
The proposal passed easily, with Ward 12 Coun. Joscelyne Landry-Altmann commenting that “this is something that will be welcomed in the area.”
