Council considered Official Plan Amendment Application OPA24/006/W/TS, Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA24/011/W/TS, 1036, 1082 and 1094 Wilson Avenue, Colt Canada Corporation, DSD-2024-329. Council was also in receipt of a written submission from Kae Elgie on opposition to the subject application.
Kristen Barisdale, GSP Group. and Sean Congdon, Colt Canada were in attendance in support of the recommendation.
Elizabeth Doran, Andrew Reeves, Sheikh Muhammad, Ahmad Nabil, Ambarish Suresh, Mridhulaa Suresh, Nancy Yasmin, Rachel Thevenard, Ayah Hamaoui, Manel Miaadi, Natasha Nadia Matar, Jacob Pries and Foufou Khalid addressed Council on opposition to the subject applications and the recommendations as outlined in Report DS2024-329. Concerns were expressed related to potential adverse environmental impacts of an increased manufacturing and the site's proximity to the Grand River; concerns for traffic safety; the loss of residential homes during a housing crisis; concerns for compliance with the City's Strategic Plan, commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and truth and reconciliation; and, the expansion of a manufacturing business to increase production of weaponry and their harm against people and those in marginalized groups. Andrew Reeves advised that a petition has been signed by over 600 people in opposition to the subject application.
Garett Stevenson, Director, Development and Housing Approvals, addressed Council and highlighted Planning Act considerations when considering zoning by-law and official plan amendment applications, prescribed by provincial legislation. Natural heritage protections and features raised by the delegates are addressed through the site plan process. Sight lines and visibility challenges with Wilson Avenue were addressed and G. Stevenson noted brush treatments and/or increased street lighting would address the safety concerns. It was noted that the two residential developments are vacant and have been for some time, so there is no displacement and the development on the natural heritage features is limited and resulted in a revised development application.
Members of Council asked questions regarding consultation with Indigenous Peoples, consultation with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), federal regulation and jurisdiction of gun control and weapons manufacturing, distribution and sales, appeal mechanisms if Council should deny the applications, past environmental conduct and contaminants on the site, lighting and safety limitations of Wilson Avenue and received responses from G. Stevenson.