Resident tensions grow as Waterloo builds up, not out
Critics aren’t opposed to growth, but want city to be more demanding of developers
WATERLOO — Waterloo’s plan to put more people into less space is causing friction as residents mobilize against highrises proposed near their homes.
Critics of six proposed towers have complained about traffic, shadows, lost privacy and damaged streetscapes.
“The buildings are just being shoehorned into every little bit of space,” Coun. Mark Whaley said. “It’s a delicate balancing act. I think we’re just a little out of balance right now.”
Waterloo is under provincial direction to put more people into less space, to help save farmland, builder fewer pipes and roads, and ease environmental impacts.
“I think overall we’ve struck the right balance over the last 20 years,” Coun. Jeff Henry said.
While critics see benefits in using land more intensely, they disagree that city hall is approving the right buildings in the right places.
“We have no problem with building something,” Dominic Bellissimo said. He’s joined with neighbours to oppose a 12-storey tower at Erb Street East and Moore Ave-
nue, near his central home.
“There’s different ways to intensify,” said Bellissimo, who would prefer four storeys. He’s bothered that council has been asked to approve multiple planning exceptions.
Albert Heinle is bothered by two towers of up to 13 storeys proposed at Ira Needles Boulevard and Erb Street West, near his west-end home. Council has been asked to approve up to six planning exceptions.
Heinle, who prefers six storeys, is not persuaded the public grasps how the city’s intensification plan affects neighbourhoods. In his neighbourhood, critics have petitioned for traffic, noise and greenspace considerations to lessen highrise impacts.
Heritage advocate Kae Elgie worries about streetscape, wind and traffic impacts if council approves downtown towers of 11 storeys and 24 storeys at 70 King St. N. If council approves planning exceptions, other developers will also propose outsized buildings, she warns.
“I think it just fuels speculation and encourages a certain kind of development which does not meet all the needs,” she said.
Some neighbours are opposed to a 15-storey tower proposed on Blue Springs Drive near King Street North that also requires planning exceptions.
Council is reviewing the community benefits it sometimes negotiates with developers when allowing extra bedrooms. Benefits have included cash, land, improved design and underground parking. Whaley wants council to demand more benefits from developers.