Guelph council sets sight on new development for former industrial site

Guelph councillors discussed the fate of the former W.C. Wood site. CTV’s Krista Simpson reports.

Guelph councillors are showing their support for the latest vision for a former industrial site in The Ward neighbourhood.

Tuesday evening, Wood Development Group presented the Urban Design Master Plan for the 9.7 acre site that was once the W.C. Wood plant.

Once a major employer in Guelph, W.C. Wood shut down in 2009.

Councillors heard about the latest plan that would see approximately 875 housing units put on the site, along with new public spaces and amenities.

Buildings on the site would stand between three and 23 storeys, and there would also be townhouses.

The historic factory building would be restored, a new park would be built, and some of the property would be used to expand the grounds at nearby Sacred Heart Catholic School.

The proposal follows more than two years of community engagement and work with Guelph city staff.

Susan Frasson, president of Wood Development Group, noted there are a number of challenges to navigate at the site.

“It’s a brownfield site. It has a railway that runs right through it. It has a private easement on it. It has a historical heritage building on it. It has an elementary school sitting adjacent to it. And most significantly, it is a high-density residential site that exists in a low-rise residential neighbourhood,” Frasson told council.

Councillors unanimously approved the master plan as it stands, indicating they feel the project is on track at this conceptual juncture.

“All the best in the next steps in front of you to bring it to life,” Mayor Cam Guthrie said following the vote.

There’s no firm timeline for when development on the site could begin, with the project subject to future approvals, market conditions and detailed design work.

Ward Heritage Conservation District

In a separate presentation, Guelph councillors also heard about a proposed plan to create the Ward Heritage Conservation District, in the western section of The Ward.

Staff presented a framework that they say would guide future growth in the area, but not freeze it in time.

Council heard the goal is to allow the area to adapt, while remaining special, quoting one resident who described the shared desire to “keep The Ward weird.”

The changes could require residents living in the area to apply for heritage permits if they want to change or add to the exterior of their home.

It would also outline policies for any new buildings in the area to ensure they aligned with the area’s values.

The plan will be revised and return to council for approval in September.