The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2023-163, dated April 17, 2023, recommending adoption of Official Plan Amendment Application OPA/23/002/K/CD; and, Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA23/005/K/CD, for the properties municipally addressed as 1770 King Street East, 815 and 825 Weber Street East.
C. Dumart, Senior Planner provided an overview of the Staff report. T. Malone-Wright, Interim Manager of Development Review and G. Stevenson, Interim Director of Planning were also in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee.
Mayor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting at this time.
N. Van Oyen, MHBC Planning addressed the Committee in support of the staff recommendation. S. Litt, Vive Developments was in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee.
In response to questions from the Committee, S. Litt stated a mixed-use development was not the requirement of the zoning by-law, however the ground floor would be convertible into retail units should there be demand. Further, Staff noted a site-specific provision and waiving further notice with respect to Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA23/005/K/CD, would be required to implement commercial and residential use on the same floor.
The Committee noted their support for the implementation of commercial use on the ground floor due to the location of the proposed development and high student population in the area. C. Dumart stated Staff can continue discussions with the developer regarding the details surrounding mixed-use zoning on the ground floor.
In response to questions from the Committee, S. Litt confirmed conversations with existing commercial lease tenants occur prior to removal and construction.
In response to further questions regarding affordable housing, S. Litt stated the proposed development is intended to be mid-market rental value. S. Litt also stated in response to questions, three-bedroom units were not currently being considered for this development.
A Motion was brought forward by Mayor B. Vrbanovic to approve the subject applications as outlined in Report DSD-2023-163.
Councillor C. Michaud brought forward an amendment to include the approval of a special regulation to allow for commercial units on the ground floor of the proposed development, specifically a special regulation to require a minimum ground floor interior ceiling height of 4.5 metres, to allow dwelling units on the ground floor with non-residential units, to require a minimum non-residential floor area on the ground floor, and for Staff to work with the applicant to determine the minimum non-residential ground floor area, including an additional clause "That pursuant to Section 34(17) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P. 13, as amended, further notice is not required to be given in respect to Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA23/005/K/CD.”
Councillor C. Michaud's amendment was then voted on and was Carried.