FAQs

If a property is no longer required for its original purpose, the Region of Waterloo considers other uses for the land that will achieve broader community objectives, being mindful of the existing planning framework in place. Creating a range-and-mix of housing choices throughout the regional urban areas for all income groups is an important objective of the Region of Waterloo to ensure all members of the community have access to safe and affordable housing. Each of these properties have been declared legal surplus by Council for disposition to the market.

The Region defines affordable housing on surplus lands in line with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) requirements for Co-investment funding. CMHC requires the use of Median Market Rent (MMR) and requires that at least 30% of units be below 80% of MMR to be eligible for Co-Investment funding. While this is also the Region’s minimum requirement, it targets 40% or greater on surplus land sites. Applications that can achieve deeper levels of affordability may be eligible for additional funding through the Region’s affordable housing grant program.

The Region anticipates submissions will be mixed-income with a component of affordability integrated. Development scale and density will vary depending on the applicants but will be guided by the Regional and area municipal policies and zoning in place. RFP documentation will outline design parameters to be considered during evaluation.

The Region will encourage submissions that demonstrate innovation and creativity with housing solutions that are affordable, design forward, contextual, and environmentally sustainable. 

The Region, through consultation with planning staff at the City of Kitchener, estimates this development project could see between 150 and 180 housing units.

Information sessions are being held for each property. Input gathered from community members will be included in the development RFPs to help inform submissions for development.

Yes, the Region is exploring an incentives package to support the construction of affordable units.

Yes, the Region would be open to ground level parking, depending on what the proponent brings forward.

With a future site plan submission for 1388 Highland Road West, we will have to consider the surrounding context. The site plan submission will need to address how to minimize any encroachment or potential privacy concerns.
In terms of built form for the site, it is a high rise residential site, so the zoning and the size of the site do support a building of scale that is plus nine (9) storeys.

The minor variance application was filed with the City of Kitchener. The minor variance application package was not shared on the EngageWR project page. Community members that were part of the fall information sessions were emailed a copy of the minor variance materials prior to the Region going to the City of Kitchener Committee of Adjustment for review of the minor variance application.

Additionally, the City of Kitchener Committee of Adjustment does send mailouts for all of their applications to those that live within 120 metres of the site. Depending on where the resident lives, they would have received a notice through the Committee of Adjustment.

Appreciate that the loss of bus service is concerning.

The parking ratio is a minimum standard and typically, in a development application, the parking provided is in line with what the market dictates is required.

Yes, there will be light and shadow studies completed as part of the Site Plan Control application.