The Committee considered Development Services Department report, DSD-2024-498, dated November 21, 2024, recommending adoption of City-initiated Official Plan Amendment Application OPA24/013/COK/EP and City-initiated Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA24/028/COK/EP. It was noted written submissions were received by C. Hill and L. MaCredie.
M. Bennet, N. Barry Lyon Consultants, provided a presentation in support of the staff recommendation.
E. Pompa, Planner (Policy), provided an overview of the report. T. Donegani, Senior Planner, N. Goss, Manager, Policy and Research, and R. Bustamante, Director, Planning and Housing Policy were also in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee.
J. Deneault left the meeting at this time.
H. Jaeger, C. Hill, P. Nickels, M. Walker, J. Wells, R. Murdoch, and K. Vogelpohl were in attendance in support of the inclusionary zoning policy, noting concerns with the potential impacts of deferring implementation until January 2026, particularly related to the housing affordability crisis.
J. Deneault returned to the meeting at this time.
Councillor Owodunni left the meeting at this time.
In response to questions from the Committee, M. Bennet confirmed it is being recommended that Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments that will see the implementation of affordable units through inclusionary zoning, commence on January 1, 2026, rather than January 2025 as originally proposed. M. Bennet noted concerns regarding market conditions were raised during discussions with development industry members, and stated there is an ability to enable affordable housing units in the short-term as part the City’s Housing Accelerator Fund initiatives.
Councillor Owodunni returned to the meeting at this time.
Councillor B. Ioannidis brought forward a motion to approve the staff recommendation as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD-2024-498. The motion was voted on and was LOST on a tie vote.