FERGUS – A long proposed five-storey apartment building in downtown Fergus may be one step closer to fruition.
Centre Wellington staff are recommending council approve a rezoning request at 223 St. Andrew St. E. to build taller than usual in Downtown Fergus.
Proposed is a five-storey apartment building with 17 apartments in a variety of sizes with four barrier free units, two ground floor commercial units and 13 parking spaces.
The existing buildings at the site would be demolished.
Current zoning on the property would permit a four storey residential building but the proposal for ground floor commercial requires rezoning for an extra storey. Another St. Andrew Street apartment also proposing to build taller than usual had its zoning approved back in June.
Those buildings saw a large amount of pushback from residents who said at public meetings they don’t fit in with the character of the area. It also saw some supporters who argued the township is in need of more rental apartment buildings.
The property is owned by local developer Dave Gillis who owns and operates other rental buildings in Centre Wellington.
A report stated this building has gone through a redesign since the original proposal. The fifth storey has a 1.8 metre stepback from St. Andrew Street, sandy coloured stone to match surrounding buildings, larger ground floor windows and the building has been brought to the street line.
Staff recommend council approve the rezoning, the report said, because it is staff’s opinion the proposed development is consistent with relevant planning policy, represents growth in the existing urban centre and adds to the variety of housing types.
Council will consider approving this at a Monday afternoon council meeting that includes a delegation from a planning consultant on the project.
Full report can be found here.
