At its November 18 meeting, Sarnia City Council approved amendments to a zoning by-law to permit the development of a three-storey affordable housing project on Kathleen Avenue, just west of Indian Road. The current bylaw requires 75 parking spaces for the project, which includes 50 one-bedroom units and a 120-square-meter office space. However, only 31 parking spaces are proposed.
City staff reviewed the motion in the context of the Provincial Planning Statement, Lambton County, and City Official Plans and deemed it appropriate. The Provincial Planning Statement supports the achievement of complete communities and requires municipalities to permit and facilitate a range of housing options that address the social, health, economic, and well-being requirements of current and future residents.
Councillor Terry Burell inquired whether a study had been conducted on parking demand in similar units.
Jordan Fohkens, a planning consultant for the project, stated that the County of Lambton already owns and manages several apartment properties with similar parking rates to those being proposed, which he believes are justified. He highlighted that the development is well-served by transit and is close to commercial amenities.
Councillor Anne Marie Gillis raised concerns about the development’s proximity to green spaces but was reassured that several options are nearby.
The resolution for the zoning bylaw amendment passed unanimously.
“We’re very pleased with Council’s decision,” said Melisa Johnson, Manager of Housing Services for the County of Lambton. Construction of the rent-geared-to-income (RGI) affordable housing project on Kathleen Avenue is slated for spring 2025, with occupancy expected by the fall of 2026.
Of the 50 units, 14 are supported by the March of Dimes for people with permanent physical disabilities. The other 36 units will be allocated to those on the County’s centralized waiting list, which currently has 943 individuals on it. “This will not fill needs for everyone,” says Johnson, “but it will allow us to move 36 units off that waitlist and into permanent affordable housing.”