A rental apartment project in Burlington is making progress toward construction after undergoing key design changes to meet city council requirements. The development at 2169-2175 Ghent Avenue was initially planned as two separate three-storey apartment buildings but has now been redesigned as a U-shaped, 12-unit rental building to better accommodate community needs. One of the most notable updates includes the addition of two three-bedroom units, an important consideration as Burlington strives to offer more housing options for families.
Project Updates and Design Enhancements
Originally, the development plan consisted of smaller units spread across two buildings. However, after consultation with city officials, developer Ryan Small modified the design to combine the structures into one larger U-shaped building. This new layout provides a more cohesive living experience while still maintaining a variety of unit sizes, including one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments.
While the revised design improves the availability of larger rental units, it does come with a slight trade-off. The outdoor amenity space has been reduced to approximately 300 square meters, which is 150 square meters less than the minimum required. Despite this reduction, city planning staff agreed to the adjustment, recognizing the importance of larger unit availability. According to a memo from planning staff, the project still ensures sufficient outdoor space for residents, particularly given its proximity to public parks such as Optimist Park (250 meters away) and Central Park (1.2 kilometers away).
Zoning Approvals and Development Charge Incentives
At its February 18 meeting, the Burlington City Council approved zoning bylaw and official plan amendments, giving the project the green light to move forward. The approval marks a significant step toward site plan review and eventual construction.
Inside Halton reports that one of the key financial considerations for the project has been development charges (DCs), which are imposed by the city, region, and school boards. The total residential development charges for the 12-unit building amount to $596,542. However, under Ontario’s Development Charges Act, projects like this may qualify for discounts. The current incentive program provides reductions of:
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25% for three-bedroom rental units
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20% for two-bedroom units
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15% for one-bedroom units
These reductions help encourage developers to include more rental housing in their projects, particularly larger units suitable for families.
Challenges and Future Considerations for Developers
While the project is progressing, Small has expressed concerns over the high cost of development in Ontario compared to other regions. He pointed out that in some municipalities in New York State, development charges can be as low as $1,000 per unit, a stark contrast to the fees imposed in Ontario. Small emphasized the need for discussions with city officials regarding reducing fees for purpose-built rental developments, as these costs are often barriers to bringing more rental housing to market.
He further stated that for purpose-built rental projects, cities should consider reducing:
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Development charges
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Parkland fees
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Ongoing operating expenses such as property taxes
Such incentives could significantly improve the feasibility of building new rental stock, helping to address Burlington’s housing shortage.
Future Projects in the Pipeline
Encouraged by the progress at Ghent Avenue, Small is already working on another purpose-built rental development. His next proposal, located at 105-109 Plains Road East, is expected to feature up to 60 residential units and a ground-floor commercial space. Small aims to submit a rezoning application for this new development within the next 60 days.
If approved, this new project will further contribute to the city’s rental stock, offering more housing options for residents. The inclusion of commercial space also highlights a growing trend in urban development, where mixed-use buildings promote walkability, access to amenities, and vibrant communities.
Sustainability and Construction Innovations
With increasing emphasis on sustainable urban development, the Ghent Avenue project is expected to incorporate energy-efficient building materials, modern insulation techniques, and smart design elements. Developers are looking at features such as low-flow water fixtures, LED lighting, and optimized heating and cooling systems to reduce the building’s environmental footprint while keeping operational costs low for future residents.
Additionally, the project will prioritize public transit accessibility, reducing reliance on personal vehicles and promoting eco-friendly commuting options. As Burlington continues to modernize its housing infrastructure, incorporating green building practices will play a key role in future developments.
Conclusion
The revised rental development at 2169-2175 Ghent Avenue represents an important step toward increasing affordable and family-friendly housing in Burlington. Despite challenges related to development charges and city fees, the project’s progress demonstrates a commitment to meeting community needs while aligning with municipal planning goals. With additional projects on the horizon, Burlington continues to evolve as a city that balances growth, affordability, and sustainability in its housing strategies.
As construction moves closer to reality, all eyes will be on how the city supports further purpose-built rental developments, ensuring that builders and residents alike benefit from well-planned, high-quality housing solutions.
