More on growth targets

Posted by Laura

A paper on growth released last month by the province has recommended a density target for Guelph's downtown of 150 persons and jobs per hectare. City staff don't agree with the province's calculation and say that the number is skewed because the area surrounding the Speed River is included, which isn't developable.

"By including the Speed River in the land area, the density calculation would increase the need to achieve higher densities within the developable area of the downtown to meet the required 150 persons and jobs per hectare," the report says.

The province's location for growth generally corresponds with the city's vision. But there are some expansion areas:

• west of Norfolk (south of Paisley)
• into the western area of St. Patrick's Ward (east of the Speed River)

"Significant levels of intensification -- primarily new population growth -- is planned to be added in the lower downtown area (area to the south of the CNR tracks) and also through redevelopment of older factory sites/brownfield lands in the St. Patrick's ward area.

Stay tuned. The report goes to council next week.