Planning Justification Report for Reid's Heritage ... - City of Guelph

PLANNING JUSTIFICATION REPORT FOR REID’S HERITAGE HOMES AT VICTORIAROAD GUELPH, ONTARIOStatement of Planning Policy Conformity and ComplianceApril 26, 20135.0 Statement of Planning Policy Conformity and ComplianceThe proposed development will contribute to meeting density targets in the south end of Guelph.Transit currently exists along Victoria Street and this development would be able to provideeasy connection for its residents to this system. Energy conservation and alternative methodswill be considered during the detailed design of the development.The net density for the subject property has been calculated using the developable area of 1.42hectares. This would yield 13 units per hectare for the subject property. The developable area ofthe site has been determined by the buffers and setbacks required to ensure that there is noimpacts to the surrounding and adjacent environmental features in the area. The surroundingdevelopments of Westminster Woods and Village by the Arboretum, designed and developed byReid’s Heritage Homes, both exceed the required density targets and therefore we wouldconclude that as a whole Reid’s has significantly contributed to meeting the density targets setout by the Province and the City of Guelph.The low density residential development will balance the availability of developable land whileprotecting the environmental features to the west of the property. Increased buffers have beenprovided for in order to respect the environmental features.5.1 COMMUNITY ENERGY INITIATIVE AND SUSTAINABILITYReid’s Heritage Homes remains committed to and a leader in sustainable design and in greendevelopment. This development will continue their commitment to sustainability. In 2012, Reid’sHeritage Homes was named a finalist for the EnerQuality 2012 Awards of Excellence OntarioGreen Builder of the Year award. Reid’s Heritage homes was also honoured in 2012 by thefederal Ministry of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), and arm of the Federal Government,with the inaugural Energy Star Builder of the Year Award. This is the first-ever national levelaward of its kind presented to any homebuilder across Canada. In addition to their nationalawards, Reid’s also had the first Blue Built home in Guelph and continues to support theprogram.The development will include features which support the City’s Community Energy Initiativewhich was approved in 2007, by:Construction to the Energy Star standard that promotes energy efficiency to comply withthe community energy plan.Using low VOC emitting and recycled material where possibleAutomated controls on street lights (i.e. will turn off when natural lighting in sufficient)Street trees will be planted to enhance tree canopy and eventually providing cooling tothe surrounding homes as well as contribute to the overall urban forest canopy.5.12 jam v:\01603\active\160311339\planning\reports\drafts\editsdraft_rpt_planningjustification_uofglands_complete_c05-13_.docx