The housing shortage in Smiths Falls may soon be alleviated with the approval of three one-bedroom apartments at 1 Old Slys Road.
Senior Planner Karl Grenke shared with council at their virtual meeting on Monday, June 22 the site plan for a townhouse-style addition to an existing home.
The current building was constructed in 1909 at the corner of Queen Street and Old Slys Road. The owners, Sean Dinsmore and Matthew Cole, submitted a zoning amendment application to town council in April to construct three 700 square feet units.
“That thoroughfare on Queen Street is very busy,” Coun. Jay Brennan said. “I think what they’re thinking is three one-bedrooms and employees of Tweed could walk to work from there.”
The property is close to a UNESCO heritage site (the Rideau Canal) and an active railway line, but both the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and Parks Canada saw no issues with the application, council was told.
“It’s really refreshing that they hit the mark on several of this council’s priorities,” Coun. Wendy Alford said. “One of them is dedicated to accessibility. They’re paying homage to the history of the area and the canal. We’re all in favour of this.”