GUELPH, ONT. — Guelph City Council has endorsed Fusion Homes’ Block Plan for the Guelph Innovation District (GID), meaning the project can enter its next chapter.
“The Block Plan sets the foundation for how this breakthrough 325-acre community will come to life, defining where homes, workplaces, parks, cultural spaces and natural areas will be located,” states a release. “It also outlines how these elements will be seamlessly connected through walkable streets, scenic parks and trails, and accessible transit.” Fusion’s plan includes an urban square, 7.7 hectares of parklands with sports fields, more than 22 hectares of employment land and a new school.
“Council’s decision confirms that our vision for GID aligns with the city’s priorities and supports the long-term vision for Guelph,” said Ryan Scott, senior vice-president of Fusion Developments and Finance in a statement. “We’re proud to advance a plan that reflects Guelph’s character and sets a new standard in community building in Canada. Our goal from the outset has been to bring thousands of jobs and endless new entertainment, shopping and dining experiences to the community, in a way that will keep Guelph at the forefront of Canadian cities.”
Fusion Homes will continue to work with city staff on the next stage of approvals, including an Official Plan Amendment, zoning, and draft plan of subdivision applications.
The GID consists of more than 436 hectares (1,000 acres) bounded by York Road, Victoria Road South, the York-Watson Industrial Park and the city’s southern boundary, south of Stone Road East.
It is meant to be a combined urban village and sustainable employment hub that supports the University of Guelph and downtown Guelph as innovation spaces.
It is broken up into four Block Plan areas, each with a unique identity. Blocks 1 and 2 are located in the northwestern quadrant of the GID and are the areas Fusion Homes intends to develop in.
