In March 2022, the Ontario Conservative government announced plans to sell some of the provincial lands on the former Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital site for private development, with the condition that a new long-term care facility be included.
During the summer of 2024, the lands were sold to Schlegel Villages, a private company that operates long-term care (LTC) facilities.
Indwell has announced that it is part of the project. The non-profit social housing provider will take possession of 125 Wentworth Street South when Schlegel opens its new facilities.
On Friday, December 6, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Paul Calandra issued a Minister’s Zoning Order to permit Schlegel to construct two LTCs with a combined 512 beds, and a larger retirement home apartment building(s).
The Order (O. Reg 494/24) amends an August 2020 MZO to override maximum height limits in Hamilton’s zoning bylaw.
Maximum Heights Increased
LTC facilities will be permitted a maximum height of 39 metres (approximately 12 storeys). Hamilton’s zoning bylaw permits up to 18 metres as of right.
Retirement homes will be permitted a maximum height of 72 metres (approximately 25 storeys). Hamilton’s zoning allows up to 18 metres as of right.
The Minister originally proposed maximum height limits of 34 metres and 70 metres.
The MZO states that residential development on the site can be low-density.
City of Hamilton Supports MZO
In a letter dated September 20, the City of Hamilton states it supports the MZO.
“Based on our review, City of Hamilton Planning staff are supportive of the proposed amendment to the existing Minister’s Zoning Order,” wrote Acting Director of Planning and Chief Planner Anita Fabac
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Published: December 8, 2024
Last updated: December 8, 2024
Author: Joey Coleman
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