The University, in partnership with Knightstone Capital, continues to work with stakeholders as plans progress for a proposed student residence on Main Street West.

The proposal is for a mixed use  student residence building on a  site owned by the university, on Main Street between Forsyth and Dalewood. The current plan envisions a two-phased project housing approximately 950 students in the first stage and another 450 students in a phase to be constructed later.

After holding a number of community meetings with neighbours, students and city staff, the university and Knightstone have begun to work on the next draft of the design for submission.

At the same time, Ontario has changed the rules and processes governing developments and zoning approvals. This month, the Ontario Municipal Board became the new Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT).

In Hamilton, more than a dozen development projects and proposals were in progress at the time of the change in regulatory process. After consulting with city staff, McMaster, like others, filed a precautionary appeal with the OMB to ensure the residence project could be considered under that process.  Even with the appeal, the university and Knightstone will continue to work through the normal city of Hamilton collaborative zoning process.

“McMaster is committed to continue to work with our neighbours and the city to ensure a successful and respectful design and development,” says Roger Couldrey, McMaster’s vice-president administration. “As we continue to receive feedback from city staff and others, we will be making changes to our draft design and will invite further comment and input as those designs take shape.”