10-storey condo in Belmont Village approved by Kitchener councillors despite opposition

A controversial condominium project in Belmont Village was approved by Kitchener city council Monday night.

The 10-storey condo tower at 660 Belmont Ave. W. is expected to include a mix of one and two-bedroom units with commercial space on the ground floor.

The project, by developer Zehr Group, required a zoning amendment as the official plan for that part of Belmont Village only permits eight storeys. 

Many who live in the area had voiced their opposition to the project at council, including on Monday night, saying the condo tower doesn't fit in with the aesthetic of the neighbourhood.

During debate, Coun. Debbie Chapman agreed with the neighbourhood delegates, saying while she was excited to see plans for a housing development, the one proposed by Zehr Group didn't work.

"It's clear to me that the massing and height of this proposed building are not compatible with the village," Chapman said.

But Chapman was in the minority and other councillors supported the project.

Coun. Bil Ioannidis said there is "absolutely no supply" of housing in the city.

He said it's "very frustrating" when projects to increase intensification — from duplexes to larger condo projects — are met with criticism by those who live nearby.

"Everyone states they want to protect our farmlands but don't want the suburbs or inner city to be built," he said.

Coun. Paul Singh said his support for the condo tower should be seen as supporting Belmont Village. He said the more people who live in the village, the more people there will be to support businesses in that neighbourhood.

"I'm supporting inclusivity, I'm supporting positive development. And I think at this point there is a decent argument that this is absolutely positive development," he said.

Council also approved the sale of part of a laneway on Belmont Avenue to Zehr Group, which will be incorporated into the development but remain publicly-accessible.