ST. CATHARINES URBAN DESIGN STUDY

Urban design is about creating a sense of place, and public friendly environments such as, charming streetscapes, bustling commercial, distinct town centres, safe neighbourhoods, beautiful parks, trails, and public squares. It is the process of applying desired functional and aesthetic parameters to the design of the city and its parts.

Implementing good urban design is an ongoing and creative process that requires a common vision and cooperative efforts amongst many people and professions. Planners, developers, architects, landscape architects, engineers, artists, politicians, community groups, business owners, and residents all have a role and responsibility toward creating and maintaining highly functional and beautiful communities.

The first set of urban design guidelines has been approved by Council October 19, 2009.  These location specific guidelines reflect the established neighbourhood character of defined locations within the City.  For full location descriptions and a map outlining the neighbourhood/location types please see the urban design map and location descriptions.  

These approved guidelines are intended for use by the development industry, City Council and staff, special interest groups and residents.

The four approved Urban Design Guidelines address the following types of new development or re-development:

• small residential lots in traditional residential neighbourhoods (9.0 metres of lot frontage and less than 370 sq. metres of lot area) (e.g. Old Glenridge, Port Dalhousie);

• small residential lots in suburban residential neighbourhoods (9.0 metres to 12.0 metrs of lot frontage and less than 370 sq. metres of lot area) (e.g. north end, Club Roma area, south end);

• residential townhouse developments on private roads (e.g. condominium townhouses) in suburban neighbourhoods; and

• commercial developments on commercial corridors (e.g. Ontario Street, Fourth Ave.). 

Next Steps:

Council  has directed staff to initiate an amendment to the zoning by-laws for zone areas 1 to 9 to address certain provisions which are currently not consistent with the approved urban design guidelines. These provisions relate to yard setbacks, coverage, minimum landscape requirements, parking requirements amongst other matter. Open houses for the proposed zoning amendments will be held early in the New Year. Notice will be provided in accordance with the Planning Act.