ABERFOYLE – A new apartment/stacked townhouse development along Victoria Road in Guelph brings more of the city even closer to rural Puslinch.
On Dec. 19, council reviewed the notice of complete application for a proposed zoning bylaw amendment.
The application received by GSP Group on behalf of the owners, 2506780 Ontario Inc. and Gamma Developers Ltd. is to amend the zoning bylaw for 855 and 927 Victoria Road South.
The application was received by the City of Guelph on Oct. 23 and deemed complete on Nov. 15.
The subject lands are comprised of two separate parcels of land known as 855 Victoria Road South and include lands that were annexed from Puslinch Township in 1993 and zoned as agricultural.
The rezoning switches it to a specialized cluster townhouse development allowing high density housing for the development of roughly 400 residential stacked townhouses and apartment units.
Puslinch councillor John Sepulis expressed concern that this large development will result in a considerable increase in traffic on Victoria Road.
He estimated the development will bring about 800 more people to the immediate area.
“When I was out electioneering, I came across an enclave of Puslinch residents living on the east side of Victoria,” Sepulis said.
“They have no way (for pedestrians) to reach a set of lights to safely cross the road.”
Sepulis wondered if Wellington County planning staff could be brought in to undertake a traffic study to see if there is a justification for another set of traffic lights or calming area.
He stressed his main concern was not what approach was taken – full traffic lights or simply a crosswalk – only that a solution allow residents to safely traverse to the other side.
He motioned to ask county staff to review to see if there is justification for Puslinch to ask the city for another set of lights.
CAO Karen Landry recommended staff work with Wellington County planning to look at the issue.
Victoria Road is not considered a boundary road and is a City of Guelph responsibility.
