The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2022-461, dated November 15, 2022, recommending approval of Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA22/009/O/ES; and, approval of applications for minor variances for lands subject to Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA22/009/O/ES, for the properties municipally addressed as 1257-1265 Ottawa Street South.
E. Schneider, Senior Planner presented an overview, noting the application possesses good planning principles and is consistent with Provincial, Regional and City planning policies. G. Stevenson was also in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee.
S. Patterson, LP Planning, addressed the Committee on behalf of the property owner, responding to questions related to rainwater, parking, and traffic concerns.
R. Kam addressed the Committee in opposition of the application, expressing concerns with increased traffic and lack of privacy for adjacent properties.
C. Bazzarella presented to the Committee, in opposition of the application, noting the negative impact of the proposed development on the surrounding residents, and the removal of trees in the neighborhood.
J. Woods addressed the Committee expressing concerns due to a lack of adequate parking and the development's potential displacement of existing residents. In response to questions from the Committee, J. Woods noted the resident’s impacted by the proposed development have not been contacted by the landlord or developer regarding alternative living arrangements.
B. Chivers was also in attendance in opposition of the application. B. Chivers stated the proposed development would impact the privacy of residents living at the rear of the building. In response to questions from the Committee, B. Chivers noted a higher fence would not adequately address privacy concerns.
P. Singh left meeting at this time, Councillor D. Chapman, assumed the Chair. P. Singh re-entered the meeting at this time and resumed Chair.
The Committee noted concerns with parking congestion and traffic. In response to questions from the Committee, E. Schneider noted the parking ratio proposed at 1.5 spaces per unit is consistent with Zoning By-law 85-1 and By-law 2019-051. Staff stated that the applicant is seeking to provide the number of parking spaces in alignment with the most current Zoning By-law, as the previous By-law is outdated and is not consistent with the goal of the development to split resident public transportation and private vehicle use. Staff also stated that in consultation with regional staff, the proposed development is anticipated to have a low traffic impact.
The Committee noted the privacy concerns resulting from the transition of the area being a residential community with low rise detached homes to a multi-dwelling area, and discussed increasing the height of the fence to 2.84 meters.
Councillor D. Chapman brought forward a motion to refer the following recommendation to the September 19, 2022 Council meeting to allow staff an opportunity to address the concerns raised during the meeting related to the potential displacement of existing residents as a result of the proposed development.