Downtown Building Heights Study and Built Forms Standards for Tall Buildings

Background

In December 2023, City Council directed staff to undertake a study to approve additional heights in the Downtown area of Guelph. Currently the maximum building heights permitted are set out by the Downtown Secondary Plan. The currently permitted heights were influenced by topography, with taller buildings being permitted at lower elevations.

Purpose of study

This study will identify areas of the Downtown where the permitted building height can be increased to help meet the population density target of 200 people and jobs per hectare (Downtown) by 2051 as set out in the Official Plan.

Current Building Height Permissions in Downtown Guelph

Among other things, the Downtown Heights study was looking to answer the following questions:

• What is tall in the context of Downtown Guelph?
• Should the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate influence the height limits in Downtown Guelph?
• What are the positive or negative impacts of additional building height in different locations throughout Downtown?

Project outcomes

• Updated Official Plan policies and building height permissions
• Updates to the Downtown Built Form Standards
• New Built Form Standards for tall buildings that apply city-wide

Community engagement

In 2024, the Downtown Building Heights Study was presented for community engagement at a Downtown Renewal open house on December 9, 2024, and a special meeting of Council was held on December 10, 2024, regarding the Study.

Earlier this year, we collected feedback on the draft amendment before it was refined to bring in front of Council on April 8 for decision.

Visit haveyoursay.guelph.ca/downtown-heights for more information and to view the Official Plan Amendment (OPA).

Public meeting and decision

On April 8, there is a statutory public meeting and decision on the Downtown Heights recommended Official Plan Amendment (OPA) during a hybrid City Council meeting that can be watched online at guelph.ca/live or attended in-person. You can join in person or virtually (by video or phone) to speak or send in comment by 10 a.m. on Friday, April 4.

When: Tuesday, April 8 at 4 p.m.
Where: Council Chambers, 1 Carden Street, Guelph

The agenda and full report will be posted on the Council calendar on March 27.

Project milestones

• Phase 1: Project Initiation (August – December 2024)
• Phase 2: Background Review, identify issues and opportunities (October 2024 – January 2025)
• Phase 3: Draft Official Plan Amendment and Built Form Standards for Tall Buildings (January – March 2025)
• Phase 4: Finalize Official Plan Amendment and Built Form Standards for Tall Buildings (March-April 2025)

For more information