Barrel Yards, Waterloo
This study area is located adjacent to the University of Waterloo and the Downtown, which is designated as an Urban Growth Centre in the Growth Plan. The Barrel Yards, a former industrial site, is a larger area that extends south east of the study area and is being planned as a mixed-use development that incorporates a hotel, commercial office space, apartments and townhouses and high-rise condominiums. The older parts of the community are low density, and lack connectivity with amenities and community facilites.
Density
649 people*
1,515 jobs
68 ha
10 people/ha
32 jobs + people/ha
*based on 2011 data- does not include 3 new condo buildings

Block level density
561 people
25.3 hectares
22 people/ha
188 people
3 hectares
63 people/ha
Walkability
Several schools, community centres and child care centres within walking distance
Barriers between residential areas and community amenities, reduce walkability.
15 minute walk from Downtown
Transit
Local bus stops surround the neighbourhood.
Possible to reach Central Business District, University or Hospital by bus
Lack of bus shelters or benches at bus stops can make taking transit unpleasant
Difficult for some areas to reach transit

Diversity
Diverse types of housing
Retirement community means area has a high percentage of seniors
New high-rise condos may attract more diverse residence
Land available for new development near high-rise condos; policy framework supports growth

Green & Open Spaces
24 h of municipal park space
This is equivalent to 36.9 ha/1000 people
Lots of green space and park amenities within walking distance supports livability

Amenities
Amenities concentrated in plaza.
- Shopping plaza
- medical services
- Office building located in South-West corner
- Waterloo Recreational Complex
- Hotel
- Restaurants
- Post office
- Banks
- Day care and community centre
Increased density through new condo developments will help to support local amenities and retail
Design
Parking lots dominate the public realm in commercial areas
Old street trees make the residential areas pleasant