Waterloo taking action to address ‘missing middle’ housing

Waterloo has paved the way for more “missing middle” housing in the Sugarbush neighbourhood.

Council decided at a meeting on Monday to redesignate the area as Medium Rise Residential, allowing the construction of both townhouses and low-rise buildings.

Developments can range from four to six storeys, or up to eight-storeys in the Columbia Street West and Albert Street area, as well as at the north edge of Cardill Crescent.

The city said the goal is to keep taller buildings closer to transportation corridors.

Councillor Mary Lou Roe, who represents Ward 6, supported the city’s plan.

“Change is never easy, especially in neighbourhoods people care deeply about,” she said. “But this plan strikes a balance between respecting that and planning responsibly for the future.”

Council also approved the Sugarbush South Urban Design Guidelines, intended to protect the existing tree canopy and identifying sites for parkettes.