The Westminster United Church redevelopment is planned to be an excellent example of gentle densification. The 39 units will be located on an under-utilized, surface parking lot. The redevelopment will add 39 new rental homes adjacent to the retained place of worship. The Queenston neighbourhood has been earmarked for future redevelopment, with the Westminster United Church development and the redevelopment of the adjacent hospital.

Considerate design, quality of life and accessibility are at the heart of the project’s vision. A third of the new rental homes will be available at below-market-rate. The design of the low-rise development, which includes a series of two blocks of three-storey walk-up apartment units, embraces responsible building practices and is sympathetic to the landscape of the surrounding neighbourhood and its current community.

Accessibility and safety have been considered across the development, with barrier-free entrances to townhouses and the church, and a focus has been placed on vehicular movement to ensure a pedestrian-friendly space.

As with all Kindred Works projects, sustainability is a core consideration from the outset. The project targets an 80 per cent reduction in embodied carbon against industry standard, and the design uses Passive House principles to enable low energy use throughout the buildings’ life. This approach extends to residents, too – the apartments will make the most of passive ventilation and daylight to create a healthy living environment.

With a considerate, people-focused design, a commitment to responsibility across every action, and a location with a bright future, the Westminster development will be a place that enables everyone – new residents, the existing community, and the wider neighbourhood – to unlock new opportunities.