City of Guelph - Lafarge Site

Urban Design Guidelines & Concept Plan for

Future Commercial and Mixed-Use Brownfield Development
Brook McIlroy Planning + Urban Design
with Michael Spaziani Architect Inc.
Revised November 2007
Table of Contents page

1.0 Introduction 2
1.1 The Urban Design Guidelines Document 2
1.2 Site Area Context 3

2.0 Structuring Elements 6

2.1 Smart Guelph Principles 8
2.2 General Design Principles 8
2.3 Development Concept 9

3.0 Illustrated Urban Design Principles 12

4.0 Urban Design Guidelines 19

5.0 Public Meeting and Feedback 26

 1.0 Introduction

1.1 The Urban Design Guidelines Document

These guidelines have been prepared on behalf
of Silvercreek Developments (Guelph) Limited
as part of their Site Plan application to the City
of Guelph.
This document incorporates the following five
sections:
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Structuring Elements

Alma St. N.
3.0 Illustrated Urban Design Principles
4.0 Urban Design Guidelines Acti
ve
5.0 Public Meeting & Feedback Rail

Silvercreek Parkway S.
Line

Hanlon Parkway
In addition to the Introductory section which
describes the study area context, the second
section describes the Smart Guelph Principles, e Inke
rman
general design principles and the development Lin St.
r R ail
concept. Section 3.0 provides illustrated Spu
examples of the Urban Design Principles which
form the basis of the fourth section of the
document, the Urban Design Guidelines. Section
5 details the public participation process. venue
Waterloo A

The Study Area.

2 City of Guelph - Lafarge Site

1.2 Site Area Context
The Lafarge property is a 54 acre brownfield site Since 1994, when industrial operations ceased,
located approximately 2 km west of Downtown the site has been vacant and has grown over
Guelph. The triangular site is bordered to the with immature woodland, except along the
west by Hanlon Parkway and to the north Howitt Creek Drainage Channel and the rail
(active) and south (spur) by CN Rail lines. The berms where mature trees and vegetation
rail lines have berms up to 20 feet in depth exists. A mature oak tree exists at the centre of
with the steepest sections to the north. The the site on the west side of Silvercreek Parkway
site is accessed from the south by Silvercreek South.
Parkway South, which has a direct connection
from Hanlon Parkway, the City’s only major
interchange.

The Lafarge property. Lafarge Site in the City of Guelph context. The site is
approximately 2 km from Downtown and 3 km from Stone
Road Mall.
3
Approximately 11 acres of the Lafarge site is
occupied by natural features and green space.
Natural features on and adjacent to the site
include:

• Woodlands with mature trees

• Howitt Creek Drainage Channel
• Steep slopes
• Shrub thickets and old fields
• Wetlands
• Nearby parks such as Goldie Park (+/-1
acre) and Howitt Park (+/-10 acres)

Shrub thickets on the Lafarge property. Howitt Creek runs through the Lafarge property.

Sections through active rail line at the north end of the site.

Site section illustrating depressed site topography.

4 City of Guelph - Lafarge Site

In 2004 Lafarge Canada Inc. commissioned
a Phase 1 and Phase 2 environmental site
assessment report. Historically the land has
been used for:
• sand and gravel extraction
• asphalt production
• concrete and block fabrication
• sedimentation ponds
• heavy truck maintenance and repair
• 7 underground and 2 above ground
storage tanks

Groundwater and contamination have been

discovered as a result of the previous industrial
uses and are near completion. Due to the
historic quarrying of gravel the site has been
filled between 1 and 8 metres.

Lafarge site illustrating depth of fill.

5
 2.0 Structuring Elements

2.1 Smart Guelph Principles

In 2003, Council of the City of Guelph adopted 2. Compact and Connected – vital 3. Distinctive and Diverse – rich mix of housing,
“Smart Guelph Principles”. The principles are downtown core and a commitment to unique neighbourhoods, preserve heritage
to guide community-building decisions that will mixed-use and higher density development; architecture, attractive common spaces
shape the future of the City. Where feasible, the a safe community conveniently connected and education and research institutions
Development Concept will respond to these for pedestrians, cyclists, users of public integrated into city life with an abundance
principles. The principles include the following: transit and motorists. of recreational choices and art, ethnic and
The Development Concept attempts to cultural events.
provide retail opportunities for larger format The property is distinctively separated from
1. Inviting and Identifiable – a distinctly users that will not locate within downtown the adjacent residential neighbourhoods,
appealing city, scaled for people, with core areas, as well as neighbourhood scale given its lower elevation and high perimeter
a strong sense of place and a pervasive uses. In this regard, the success of this berms associated with the abutting railway
community spirit which respects and development should not be at the expense tracks. The plan to protect and enhance
welcomes diversity. of the downtown. The project is committed Howitt Creek and provide community park
The design of this mixed-use Development to mixed-use and the proposed public space on the east side of the creek will
Concept has been intentionally modelled park at the eastern portion of the site will provide attractive common space and
on a village concept to ensure that the be designed to provide good connections potential recreational choices.
overall development is scaled for people for walkers and cyclists from the surrounding
and will provide a unique shopping neighbourhoods. The plan has also been
experience within the community. designed to bring public transit into the
site, as well as accommodate appropriate
vehicular parking for the scale of
development.

Howitt Creek. View of the site from north.

6 City of Guelph - Lafarge Site
 4. Prosperous and Progressive – a strong and 6. Well-built and Well-maintained – willing and
diverse economy, a wealth of employment able to invest in high-quality infrastructure
opportunities, robust manufacturing, a and public buildings, ensuring they are
thriving retail sector and good sense to beautifully designed and maintained and
invest meaningful portion of its prosperity engineered to last.
in research and development and the By including urban design guidelines
advancement of education, training, specific to the development of this site, the
wellness, art and culture. City can ensure that the project is built to a
The Development Concept will provide a high design standard.
number of employment opportunities for
this community and will assist in ensuring
a thriving retail sector that has been 7. Collaborative and Cooperative – effective
identified as lacking within this community and collaborative leadership that consults
by the recently approved Commercial with citizens, manages growth based on a
Policy Review. triple bottom line and makes decisions in
keeping with these core principles.
The Development Concept respects a triple
5. Pastoral and Protective – horticulturally rich bottom line by providing both employment
city where gardens abound, a community and shopping opportunities within a
that preserves and enhances its significant central location of the City. It will provide
natural features, rivers, parks and open a range of shopping choices that are not
spaces, making planting and preservation currently available within the City and may
of trees a priority and committed to help to reduce loss of shopping dollars and
preserving nearby agricultural land. waste of fuel as shoppers drive to adjacent
The Development Concept proposes to municipalities. The Development Concept
preserve Howitt Creek as it bisects this also respects the unique environmental
property and enhance the adjacent features of the site and provides additional
corridor function. In addition, a significant public recreational lands for the adjacent
portion of the site will be developed as neighbourhoods.
a community park. It is anticipated that
perimeter trees will be preserved by this
development and specimen trees will also
be addressed. Finally, by maximizing the
use of the central site, the plan reinforces
the goal of intensification, thereby reducing
The protection and preservation of mature trees on the demand for urban expansions onto
the site will be a priority. The existing Oak tree seen in nearby agricultural land.
this photograph will be preserved and integrated as
a feature of the development.
7
2.2 General Design Principles
Urban design guidelines have been established The following urban design principles have
for the Lafarge site in the City of Guelph been established for the Lafarge site:
Secondary Plan area to ensure a high
standard of development, including buildings,
landscaping, parking areas and streetscape • Pedestrian Access: Pedestrian access • Dual Frontages & Multiple Entrances: Where
design. and movement should be direct, safe functionally feasible, development should
and efficient and supported by sidewalks provide multiple entries at multiple frontages
situated along all roads and drive aisles, to improve site design flexibility and options
walkways located within parking areas for building location.
and designated crosswalks. Human • Plan for Infill: Block patterns for ‘Big Box’
scaled infrastructure should be provided development should be designed to
for the comfort of pedestrians and include ultimately accommodate denser, mixed-
seating, lighting, wayfinding signage and use development.
landscaping. These primary pedestrian
connections should be strong green
connections.
• Urban Street Edge: Commercial
development should provide physical
definition to drive aisles, streets and public
spaces through appropriate placement
and design of buildings, parking areas and
landscaping.
• Distinct ‘Sense of Place’: Commercial
development should create an urban
character and incorporate high quality
architectural treatments and site planning
that provides visual interest at the scale of
the pedestrian. High quality development
will reinforce the character and community
focus of the area. A distinctive focal point
should be developed for the area in the
form of both green and urban spaces.

8 City of Guelph - Lafarge Site

2.3 Development Concept
The following are primary structuring 2. Site Planning pedestrian focus and locate buildings
elements of the development concept around this tree to frame the associated
• Respond to the City’s Master Plan through
for Silver Creek Junction Market Place: social spaces.
provision of a trail system that connects the
new development to the park at the east • Provide space for pedestrian activity/
1. Context end of the site. celebration in the Marketplace.
• Respect the current pattern of community • Develop a “greenway” that links the 5.7 • Anticipate future infill development over
use of the site as an access to the creek. ha park site to Hanlan Parkway and to the the short term.
new developments. • Provide a grid-like street network that
• Create a 5.7 ha park, Silver Creek Junction
Park, at the east of the site. • Create view corridors off Hanlan Parkway anticipates urban intensification of the site
into site. in the long term.
• Create the Marketplace as a feature of
the development where smaller retail • Provide a positive regional image and • Conceal service and loading areas in
buildings define the intersection and identity from Hanlon Parkway. consolidated areas such as service lanes.
outdoor amenity spaces. The organization • Recognize the existing Oak Tree area as • Conceal drive-through behind buildings
of buildings around the Markeplace define a place of community significance and not interfering with primary pedestrian
the social spaces and contribute to a access.
pedestrian scale street with existing mature
trees, new street trees, benches, and
places to socialize.
• Create a strong visual and notional identity
for the Market Place on Silver Creek
Parkway.
• Provide a gateway condition to the creek
valley to the east via belvederes, lookouts,
parking etc. The Concept Plan proposes a
curving street with a double row of trees
that will help identify this as a major
pedestrian access-way.
• Respect views to the site from existing
residential properties backing onto the
site.
• Identify a compatible mix of commercial
land uses that do not compete with the
downtown retail uses.
A distinct urban plaza is proposed at the centre of the site along Silvercreek Parkway (image credit: Michael
Spaziani Architect Inc.).
9
3. Massing, Setbacks & Built Form
• Distribute this limited mass in a way that • Define human scaled infrastructure
maximizes pedestrian oriented built form in that creates comfortable pedestrian
a prioritized way, giving phase 1 appropriate environments and includes seating, lighting,
amounts of main street character in specific wayfinding signage and landscaping.
areas such as the Marketplace.
• Design buildings fronting onto Silver Creek
• Recognize Guelph’s use of stone and/or Junction Marketplace to have unique
yellow brick in main street built form. identities and visual character.
• Interpret the materials in fresh new ways
appropriate to current design
approaches.
• Seek a 2 storey massing in all built form
especially in the village centre.
• Place front doors and storefronts toward
Silvercreek Parkway and local east-west
streets where pedestrian activity is
expected.
• Provide weather protected interconnection
of all retail storefronts.
• Buildings are organized to define, frame
and enhance the urban and pedestrian
character of the area.
• Building setbacks minimize distances
between building entrances and the
abutting the internal street network
sidewalks; establish a consistent built form
edge; and allow for the development of a
significant streetscape contributing to the
identity and amenity of the area.

Conceptual building facades (above) should be highly articulated and feature extensive glazing. (image
credit: Michael Spaziani Architect Inc.).

10 City of Guelph - Lafarge Site

4. Open Space & Landscape
• Define primary pedestrian connections
through a double row of trees and other
streetscaping features.
• Connect the new open space within the
Silvercreek Market Place through a linear
greenway that leads to the park at the
north end of the site.
• Utilize high quality landscaping treatments
to define site boundaries, provide buffers
between adjoining areas (i.e. residential),
provide buffers from surface parking areas
and to screen storage and utility areas.
• Use land efficiently to preserve natural
resources and improve public open
space.

Conceptual rendering of the Silver Creek Junction Marketplace (above) illustrating extensive landscaping
along the street (image credit: Michael Spaziani Architect Inc.).

11
5. Parking 6. Site Access 7. Amenity Areas
• Break-up surface parking areas are smaller • Facilitate pedestrian access and • Locate a community use building at the
parking courts by high quality landscaping movement by situating sidewalks along all east end of the site (shown as Building W in
treatment and pedestrian walkways. roads and drive aisles. Walkways should the Concept Plan at right) that overlooks
• Conceal surface parking as much as be located within parking areas and the creek and park site. An overlook should
possible from Silvercreek Parkway and the designated crosswalks. be provided to maximize views.
creek valley. • Interconnect vehicular, pedestrian, bicycle • Locate amenity areas should within
• Provide on-street parking on Silvercreek destinations – south to north, east to west, landscaped, pedestrian spaces, provide
and the central east-west street to promote recognizing the City’s existing trail systems. seating and may include terraces,
street facing retail. • Limit access to and within the site to parkettes or squares, water features,
promotes a balance of vehicles, transit, public art, outdoor dining areas and transit
• Distribute parking pools in ways that shelters. Pedestrian-scaled amenity areas
serve each tenant conveniently, while pedestrians and cyclists.
should be provided for customer and visitor
accommodating safe pedestrian access. • Create a pedestrian and recreational benefit.
• Recognize that surface parking results in connection with an emphasis towards
the Howitt Creek drainage channel and • Locate amenity areas within landscaped,
1 storey building coverage of only about pedestrian spaces, provide seating.
25%. parkland to the east.
• Provide public transit facilities and waiting
areas for convenient access.
• Connect Silver Creek Junction Park to
the larger community-wide parks system
through pedestrian trails.

12 City of Guelph - Lafarge Site

Concept Site Plan for Silvercreek Junction Park & Market as prepared by Michael Spaziani Architect Inc. (November 2007).
13
 3.0 Illustrated Urban Design Principles

The following section illustrates the urban design principles for development of the Lafarge site.

1. LAND USE

The Development Concept incorporates large format retail with smaller, neighbourhood scale retail units.

14 City of Guelph - Lafarge Site

2. PARKING AREAS

Internal landscaping elements should define smaller parking courts and reduce Pedestrian-scaled lighting should be utilized on sidewalks and in parking areas to
the overall impact of surface parking areas. promote safe pedestrian activity.

Permeable paving and bio-filtration trenches typically store, filter and slowly Low-maintenance plantings should be used to screen parking lots from adjacent
release water at a regulated rate into the ground. streets.
15
3. BUILT FORM & SETBACKS

Main entrances to buildings should be emphasized There will be feature buildings with unique
through canopies, awnings or taller, non-habitable architectural elements at key locations including the
building structures. intersection at Silvercreek Parkway and the east west
connection and at the entrance to the park.

Canopies provide articulation of building façades

and shade sidewalk retail areas.

Large-format building façades should be designed to reduce the imapct of large

building forms with façades subdivided through vertical elements to identify
individual businesses.

16 City of Guelph - Lafarge Site

Buildings front onto the new Marketplace urban square along Silvercreek Parkway, where new social spaces
such as patios and cafes will be located. The buildings are organized around an existing mature Oak tree at
the intersection (image credit: Michael Spaziani Architect Inc.).
Building setbacks should be reduced to minimize
the distance between public streets and building
entrances.

17
4. OPEN SPACE & LANDSCAPING

Landscaping treatment can be used to screen blank Landscaping can be used to define entrances and create a distinct
facades. separation between pedestrian and vehicular environments.

High quality landscape should be used define site boundaries and The use of special paving treatment is encouraged at focal points including building
enhance the existing landscape. entrances, plazas and through block connections.

18 City of Guelph - Lafarge Site

5. SITE ACCESS

Traffic calming techniques such as textured paving crosswalks help to slow Sidewalks and walkways should connect bus stops to building
traffic to create a safer pedestrian experience. entrances and should enable safe and efficient access to
both.

A network of internal pedestrian walkways should structure smaller parking Commercial retail areas should be accessible to pedestrians from all adjacent
courts. neighbourhoods through a network of sidewalks.
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6. AMENITY AREAS

Bicycle parking facilities should be provided at highly visible and convenient

locations to encourage alternative modes of transportation, particularly for
employees and consumers with small purchases.

A Marketplace will be created in a central area of the development through

shops and cafes that frame plazas and wide sidewalks and a streetscape that
includes landscaping, pedestrian-scaled lighting and other amenities.
20 City of Guelph - Lafarge Site
 4.0 Urban Design Guidelines

4.1 SITE DESIGN CRITERIA

4.1.1 Street & Movement add to Sidewalks, Infrastructure)

• An open grid of public and private • All sidewalks with other non-commercial
streets and drive aisles should form the uses should include in-ground trees planted
basic organizational structure for the within the boulevard, or pedestrian scale
site connectivity and route choices and lighting and street furnishings such as
facilitate access to existing and proposed planter boxes, seating and other decorative
transit services. elements.
• The street network should form a key • The use of special paving treatment is
component of the public realm and encouraged at focal points including
should be characterized by high quality building entrances, plazas and through
streetscaping and landscape treatments. block connections.
• Sidewalks fronting commercial uses should • Clearly designated pedestrian crossings
be situated at the curb edge and continue should be provided at the intersection of
to the building face. Sidewalks abutting all public and private streets and major
commercial buildings should be at least drive aisles. Pedestrian crossings should be
3.0m wide. marked with line painting or surface material
• Sidewalks fronting parking areas or other variation and should be at least 3.0m wide.
non-commercial uses should be at least 1.5m • Private streets must be designed according
wide and located beyond the curb and a to applicable municipal road standards
2.0m wide grassed landscape boulevard. and function as an extension of the overall
• Sidewalks should be provided on both sides public street network.
of all public and main private streets. • Street scale and pedestrian scaled lighting
• Sidewalks should promote active and masts should incorporate fixtures to
safe pedestrian activity and stimulate accommodate banners, art, planters and
visual interest. All sidewalks with fronting seasonal decorative lighting.
commercial uses should include where
feasible, in-ground trees and/or planter
boxes, pedestrian scale lighting and street
furnishings such as garbage receptacles
and possible outdoor merchandise displays
and selling areas.

21
4.1.2 Building Orientation, Location, 4.1.4 Landscape Buffers (Walls,
and Setbacks (Bulk, Location, Size, 4.1.3 Surface Parking Areas (Off-street Fences, Hedges, Trees, Shrubs or other
Spacing and Character) Vehicular Parking Facilities) Landscaping)

• Buildings should be organized to define, • Internal private roads should provide where • High quality landscaping treatments should
frame and enhance the urban character possible, dedicated on-street and lay-by be used to define site boundaries, provide
of abutting streets, internal drive aisles, parking facilities. Curb extensions with buffers between adjoining developments
sidewalks, parking and amenity spaces. high quality landscaping, pedestrian scale and screen storage and utility areas. Trees
Buildings thus require multiple active lighting and other pedestrian infrastructure, on the railway embankment should be
façades and entrances. should be designed at intersections and maintained to provide an attractive visual
• Building setbacks should be reduced to crosswalk locations. and acoustic site buffer.
minimize distances between building • Internal vehicular routes should be clearly • Landscape elements and pathways should
entrances and abutting public street defined by raised and curbed landscape be used to provide a visible and attractive
sidewalks; to establish a consistent built form islands planted with trees and low level entrance to the Park to the east of Howitt
edge; and to allow for the development of vegetation. Internal drive aisles should Creek drainage channel.
a significant streetscape contributing to the be a minimum 6.0m wide. Parking bay • The property setback of all parking areas
identity and amenity of the area. dimensions should comply with municipal should provide a landscaped area of a
standards. minimum of 3.0m wide.
• Definition of the street edge is a priority.
• Surface parking areas may be lowered by • Trees at the perimeter of parking areas
0.5m from the adjacent street grade to should be planted every 6.0 to 9.0m.
reduce visual prominence.
• To ensure opportunities for surveillance
• Appropriate lighting levels and consistency from adjacent areas, perimeter hedge and
of coverage should be provided in parking shrub screening should not exceed 1.2m in
areas to assist both pedestrian and vehicular height.
circulation. Tall mast light standards should
not be permitted. Light standards adjacent • Selection of plant materials should consider
to residential and other sensitive land uses the following:
should include reflective devices to contain - year-round appearance;
light spillage and to cast light downwards to - seasonal variety;
the area intended to be illuminated. - hardiness & resistance to disease;
• Designated handicapped and mobility - local relevance;
impaired parking spaces should be located - maintenance requirements; and
as close as possible to building entrances - tolerance of plant materials to salt and
and be clearly identified by signs or urban conditions.
markings.

22 City of Guelph - Lafarge Site

 4.1.6 Parking Area Landscaping
4.1.5 Pedestrian Access (Access (Walls, Fences, Hedges, Trees, Shrubs
Driveways, Walkways and Surfacing) and other Landscaping) 4.1.7 Amenity Areas

• Pedestrian walkways should be contiguous • Internal landscaping elements should define • Customer and visitor amenities should
to main drive aisles opposite primary visually and functionally smaller parking be located in close proximity to building
building entrances to enable safe and ‘courts’ and reduce the overall impact of entrances.
direct pedestrian movements. surface parking areas. • Amenities may include terraces, parkettes or
• An internal pedestrian walkway network • A landscaped edge treatment (i.e. trees or squares, water feature, public art, outdoor
should define visually and functionally shrubs) should be provided on the perimeter dining areas and transit shelters.
smaller parking ‘courts’. of parking fields. • Pedestrian-scaled amenity areas should be
• Walkways should include pedestrian-scaled • Landscaped walkways between rows of provided for customer and visitor benefit.
amenities at strategic locations, such as parking bays should where feasible include • Bicycle parking facilities should be provided
benches, trash receptacles and lighting. one tree per 4 parking spaces (one tree to encourage alternative modes of
planted facing every other parking bay, transport, particularly for employees and
• Drive aisle crosswalks should be signed and
one on each side). consumers with small purchases.
constructed of materials that are different
to the drive aisle, such as interlocking brick • Planting beds and landscaped islands • Amenity areas should be located within
paving. should include a 4 inch curb to prevent landscaped, pedestrian spaces and
damage caused by vehicular movements provide seating.
and snow clearing.
• Where possible, internal landscaping
should incorporate existing vegetation and
significant tree planting.

23
4.1.8 Service Areas (Central Storage,
Collection and Loading Areas) 4.1.9 Transit Facilities 4.1.10 Signage (Facilities for Lighting)

• Service areas should not be visible from • Bus stops should be located on site at a • Pylon signs for private development should
public or private streets, major pedestrian central location, such as at the south end be oriented to address the street frontage,
or residential areas and should therefore be of the site at the intersection of Silvercreek street intersections and primary access
screened where publicly visible. Parkway and the east-west road and the driveways. Pylon signs should be compatible
north end of the site in front of commercial with the associated building design in scale,
• Service areas should be an integral part buildings, to provide convenient access material and colour and should be set within
of the building and/or site design and not to public transport services and other a landscaped setting.
separate stand-alone structures. Storage of alternative modes of transport.
goods or garbage should be internal to the • Building identification signs should be
main buildings, wherever feasible. • Bus stops should be located near building incorporated prominently on the front
entrances for convenient access to the façade or rooftop and should be compatible
• Service areas for delivery, loading and buildings by public transit passengers. with the building design in scale, material
garbage pick-up should be co-ordinated and colour.
to reduce vehicular interruptions along the • Bus stops should include a shelter for weather
public street and within parking areas. protection, with sufficient space for 10 to 15 • Externally lit signs are encouraged,
people. particularly those that face the public street
• Screening should use building materials or parallel a pedestrian walkway.
and/or landscape treatments compatible • Transit stops should include basic amenities,
to those used for the main buildings. including seating, trash receptacles and • Building identification signs should be
lighting and route information. applied as large scale building elements
• Where solid screens are provided, their including awnings, banners and rooftop
materials should be similar to those of the signs to contribute to an artful and dynamic
building’s exterior finishes. building presence that will be attractive and
visible to passing pedestrians and motorists.
• Directional signs and maps should be
provided for pedestrian walkways, parking
and service areas. The graphic quality of
directional signs should be clear and distinct
and be coordinated with the image of the
development.

24 City of Guelph - Lafarge Site

 4.2.2 Façade Treatment (Bulk,
4.2 BUILT FORM Location, Size, Spacing, Type of 4.2.3 Wall Facing Materials (Type of
4.2.1 Pedestrian Entrances Construction and Character) Construction and Character)

• Buildings facing streets and public areas • Changes in the colour and type of wall
• Main entrances to buildings should be
should feature fully developed architectural facing material should occur at wall
emphasized through canopies, awnings or
elevations appropriate for prominent and setbacks or projections to articulate the
taller, non-habitable building structures. The
visible locations. The façade of a building transition between the building base,
volume and height of such structures
should be vertically and horizontally middle and top.
emphasize the prominence of entrances
particularly at a corner location. articulated and expressed through the use • Wall detailing should integrate functional
of materials and detail design. building elements, such as vents or rainwater
• In the Marketplace area of the development,
• Blank or single material façades that extend leaders within the wall plane, as visible and
commercial units or buildings should provide
the entire length of the building parallel to integrated elements.
an entrance facing the primary adjacent
street or drive aisle. the public street should not be permitted.
• Building entrances should be identifiable • Blank walls in other locations, which are 4.2.4 Prominent Focus Buildings
and accessible to the disabled. High quality visible to the public, should incorporate
streetscape and landscaping treatment is additional architectural detailing and/or
encouraged at all building entrances. signs, murals, sculptural or graphic design. • Corner buildings at the intersection of
• Window design and location should be • Façades of any significant size should be Silvercreek Parkway and the east-west road
coordinated with the location of pedestrian subdivided through a combination of or at gateway locations should include
walkways to provide interest and improve windows, projections and recessions in the articulated building elements in the form
building wall to create a consistent rhythm of towers, bays, projections, recessions,
security along these routes.
across the façade and establish divisions materials or other details that emphasize the
that express a hierarchy of entrances focal nature and visibility of these buildings,
and identify individual businesses, where • Buildings occupying corners should exhibit
applicable. fully developed architectural elevations
• Maximize the use of glazing on the at-grade on both frontages and have at least one
primary building façades and areas that display window or entrance integrated
have high public activity. Glazing should be within the design of the corner or within
actively used to provide storefront windows 5m of the corner on each façade. Where
or merchandise displays. ‘Spandrel’, feasible, buildings should be a minimum
smoked or faux glazing will be considered height of 1.5 - 2 storeys.
if it is demonstrated that its application will
not negatively impact pedestrian safety or
the overall streetscape
• False, uninhabitable building storeys should
not be permitted, unless demonstrated to
function as a useful building element (i.e.
clerestorey windows for daylight access).

25
 4.2.7 Covered Walkways and
Colonnades (Type of Construction and
4.2.5 Surrounding Areas Character)

• Wherever possible, the character and scale • Colonnades, covered walkways and
of materials used in the building should porticoes are recommended as a means of
be carried through in those chosen for weather protection and adding articulation
pathways, courtyards and areas directly to the building elevation. These building
surrounding the building to contribute to projections should be allowed to project
a cohesive and integrated image of the beyond the minimum front setback line,
development. but should not extend beyond the front
property line.
• Colonnades, covered walkways, porticoes
4.2.6 General Building Materials (Type and other substantial structures should be
of Construction and Character) permanently roofed. Lighting and landscape
elements should be incorporated into the
design of these structures to promote their
• Building materials recommended for
use.
new construction include brick, stone
and timber. External materials including
aluminium, steel and metal panels may
be used provided they are used within an
4.2.8 Roofs, Cornices and Parapets
appropriate context. Too varied a range of (Type of Construction and Character)
building materials is discouraged in favour
of achieving a unified building image.
• Roof materials/colours should complement
• In general, the appearance of building the building materials. On sloped roofs,
materials should be true to their nature and a single roofing colour and material is
should not mimic other materials. recommended for visual continuity.
• Building materials should be chosen for • Rooftop mechanical equipment should
their functional and aesthetic quality. be integrated with the building design
Exterior finishes should exhibit quality of and rooftop units and vents should be
workmanship, sustainability and ease of screened using materials complementary
maintenance. to the building. Where appropriate,
• Where buildings are publicly visible materials parapets should be used to screen rooftop
used for the front façade should be carried mechanical units.
around the building or at a minimum to the
side building façades.

26 City of Guelph - Lafarge Site

4.3 PARKS & PUBLIC OPEN SPACES (To be undertaken by the City of Guelph)

The redevelopment of this site includes the

conveyance of the lands located east of Howitt
Creek to the City of Guelph, for the purpose of
open space and park use.
In 2007, the applicants were provided with
comments from the City and one of the items
identified was requirement for a “feasibility study
for the park and trail routes”. This report has
been prepared by The Landplan Collaborative
Ltd in October 2007.

27
 5.0 Public Meeting and Feedback
On June 21, 2005, a public meeting and
workshop was held by the Rosewater
Management Group’s consultant team
composed of:

• Brook McIlroy Inc: Public Consultation

• Paracom Realty Corporation: Project
Manager
• BA Consulting: Transportation
• Black Shoemaker Robinson and
Donaldson Ltd: Planning
• North South Environmental: Environmental

The meeting was well attended by

approximately 180 individuals including
residents, local councillors, business owners
and other area stakeholders.
The objective of the evening was to present
the consultants initial understanding of the sites
development opportunities for the creation of a
high quality, mixed use neighbourhood centre.
A Development Concept Plan was presented
for input and discussion. Land uses proposed
for the site included retail, senior’s residential,
public parkland and other compatible
uses such as restaurants, cafes, office and
complementary open space uses. The evening
included a presentation by the consultants, a
period for questions, an hour long workshop
The Workshop included an hour long working session
session and summary, followed by a discussion followed by feedback from each group.
of anticipated next steps in the process.

28 City of Guelph - Lafarge Site