Major housing project planned on Vanier Road features 288 units in eight buildings
Sophie Demers
A developer has requested minor variances for a project that will bring eight new four-storey buildings to Vanier Road, each containing 36 units, for a total of 288 units. The project is planned for 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, and 294 Vanier Road. The stretch of land targeted by the project is located between Aylmer Road and Stuart Street. The lot is on the west side of the street and is currently a vacant wooded area.
A minor variance has been requested for the project to reduce the margin between the road and the buildings from 15 meters to 6 meters. This is because a strip of land, 10.52 meters deep along Vanier, will be transferred to the city to expand Vanier Road in the future. The building plans respect the 15-meter by-law, but once the land is transferred and Vanier expanded, the building would need minor variance.
According to the City’s Service de l’Urbanisme et du Développement Durable (SUDD), the project location complies with the Urban Plan guideline, as it is a continuation of the urban landscape of the nearby resident project. The developer will have to ensure that the emergency access channel that crosses the property remains accessible to emergency vehicles. The accessway connects Vanier Road and La Croisée Road. The project also requires that a fire hydrant be moved and additional ones installed.
SUDD recommends that the major variance be accepted. However, it is noted in the project analysis document that the developer could alter the project to respect the by-laws, but this would require them to reduce the number of dwellings. The document also states, “A compliant project would move the building away from Vanier, after its enlargement. As it is a future urban boulevard, it is preferable to bring the buildings to Vanier Road to better frame the road and keep them away from the smaller single-family residences located in the adjacent 'La Croisée' project.”
The project plans for three driveway entrances from Vanier Road, two for underground parking and the other for an emergency access lane.
Over the last few years many large residential projects have been proposed along Vanier Road with varied success. The development of the area has certainly boomed in recent years. This has led to many residents voicing their concern over the traffic along Vanier, which the road is not equipped for. For other major projects, residents have mobilized protests and have successfully halted some in the area.
The minor variance will be voted on during the March 17 municipal council meeting that will take place at the Maison du Citoyen at 7 pm. The meeting is open to the public. Those who wish to address the council must arrive at 6:30 pm to register.