Six-storey seniors residence OK'd for historic part of the city

A proposal to build a major addition to a downtown retirement home had some members of the planning committee waxing nostalgic Monday about a historic part of Greater Sudbury.

The committee easily approved Red Oak Villa's plans to erect a six-storey, 114-unit building on Ste. Anne Road, near the location of the original St. Joseph's Hospital, which dates back to 1898.

“I think you've done marvels with that building,” said Ward 4 Coun. Evelyn Dutrisac said. “I think this is the centre of our community. My hat goes off to you.”

Ward 12 Coun. Joscelyne Landry-Altmann went as far as to thank Autumnwood Mature Lifestyle Communities, a Sudbury-based firm that owns several related projects in the city.

“This is a historic location,” she said. “You're bringing the seniors who grew up in that area, back to the area … On behalf of the residents, I thank you.”

The plan would add to Autumnwood's existing four-storey, 84-unit building, bringing the total to 198. While there have been no objections from the public about the project, the developer is looking for the city to allow them to proceed with less car and bicycle parking that normally go along with projects of this size.

In the current 84-unit building, the developer says only 18 of the 90 residents have vehicles, allowing them to lease another 18 spots to the public. For the full 198 units, the developer argued that 50 spaces would be enough to accommodate residents.

Staff expressed some concern about the location of some of the parking, since it would encroach on land needed for the Ste. Anne Road expansion.

However, the fact the developer owns three parcels of land in the area, and with public parking available nearby, there are plenty of options to relocate the parking.

“Staff can support the parking relief,” said senior planner Mauro Manzon.

But the number of proposed spaces for bicycle parking was only two, well below the normal standard, even if fewer seniors ride bikes.

The staff report argued that number should be increased, and the developer agreed.

“We have no issue with providing the 10 (bicycle spaces),” said Kris Menzies, partner with MHBC, planning, design and architecture firm.

Should the Ste. Anne Road widening go ahead, Menzies said they would lose 15-17 parking spaces, which could easily be relocated elsewhere.

“We have plenty of land and opportunity to do that,” she said.

The property is on the north side of Ste. Anne Road and Mackenzie Street, opposite Elgin Street. While receiving unanimous support from planning on Monday, the project must still be formally approved by city council before it can proceed.