The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2023-322, dated September 1, 2023, recommending approval of Official Plan Amendment Application OPA/23/012/W/CD, and Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA23/022/W/CD, for the properties municipally addressed as 83-87 Weber Street East.
C. Dumart presented the staff report, noting the proposed development will increase housing supply within a Major Transit Station Area. G. Stevenson and R. Bustamante were also in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee.
P. Chauvin, MHBC Planning and S. Litt, Vive Developments provided a brief presentation, and were in attendance in support of the staff recommendation. S. Litt noted discussion with the existing tenants regarding relocation to alternative accommodation owned by the developer will occur.
S. Litt stated similar to a previous Planning Application that their company proposed, he requested the Committee give consideration to an amendment to the staff recommendation that would allow for an increase in building height to 32 stories, in exchange for community benefits including: 40%energy savings over building code, 26 affordable housing units at 20% below market rent, and 2 adaptable or universal design suites.
In response to questions from the Committee, S. Litt noted the potential to partner with a nonprofit organization to manage the affordable housing units could be considered. S. Litt also noted in response to questions that the additional 7 floors proposed, would result in a total of 434 units.
P. Watt, Crossway to Life, was in attendance in opposition to the proposed development due to concerns with the building setback, lack of space for transportation drop-offs, traffic, and lack of onsite parking and greenspace.
T. Graham was also in attendance in opposition to the proposed development, noting concerns with being displaced.
In response to questions from the Committee, C. Dumart noted the parking rate proposed in the staff report is in line with Council approved rates and stated the City also has capacity at nearby City-owned lots. C. Dumart confirmed in response to the Committee's concerns the setback will be significantly removed from the sidewalk, there will be vehicle access to onsite parking and a loading space, and there is a right-of-way to accommodate a transportation drop-off space.
D. McGoldrick stated in response to questions that this application would be subject to the parkland dedication budget, in lieu of greenspace, and confirmed an acquisition is not currently in place.
The motion to approve the staff recommendation was brought forward by Councillor B. Ioannidis.
Councillor Davey proposed an amendment to include an additional clause, “that staff engage with the applicant for additional density along with the addition of affordable community benefits and report back for the October 16, 2023 Council Meeting.”
A recorded vote was requested on this matter.
Councillor Davey’s amendment was then voted on and Carried, on a recorded vote with Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors C. Michaud, B. Ioannidis, M. Johnston, J. Deneault, S. Davey, A. Clancy, D. Schnider, A. Owodunni, P. Singh voting in favour, and Councillor D. Chapman voting in opposition.
The following motion was then voted on, and was Carried Unanimously, on a recorded vote.