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 study will also seek 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

Upcoming Community Engagement

Downtown Renewal Public Open House – December 9, 2024

A public open house is planned for the evening December 9, 2024 in order for the public to learn about and provide comments, ideas, and issues on a number of Downtown Renewal projects including the Downtown Building Heights Study.

Open house

Monday, December 9, 2024
6 – 8 p.m.
City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph

Special Council Meeting – December 10, 2024

A Special Council Meeting is planned to consider your comments, ideas and issues regarding the Downtown Building Heights Study.

Special Council meeting

Tuesday, December 10, 2024
4 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph

More information about this meeting, including how to delegate, can be found on the Special Meeting of Council Notice for this meeting.

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