An official plan amendment may transform a collection of industrial-style garages on Ontario Road to four blocks of 3.5-storey stacked townhouses, following Welland city council’s recent approval of the change. A report from the city’s planning and development services in December recommended the approval that could see the creation of 72 units at 526 Ontario Rd. The units will front Ontario Road, Chaffey and Alberta streets and feature an interior walkway between the townhouses. Up to 72 parking spaces will sit on the southern part of the land.

Owned by 526 Ontario Rd. Holdings LP., the property is on a bus route, within walking distance of a commercial plaza and nearby industrial and residential uses. A medical centre is across the road. At a public information meeting in September, two residents from the area told city staff they were concerned over potential light pollution from the parking lot and traffic issues from entrances on Chaffey and Alberta streets.

The city report said traffic will increase by approximately three per cent on Ontario Road. City staff said overall, neighbours supported redeveloping the property for residential use as it has been vacant and underutilized for years.

“The property is also being used as a scrap yard for vehicles, boats and garbage, causing a rodent issue for the neighbours,” the report said.