HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSI Minutes - 2022-03-09Planning and Strategic Initiatives
Committee Minutes
March 9, 2022, 6:00 p.m.
Electronic Meeting
Present: Councillor D. Chapman
Mayor B. Vrbanovic
Councillor S. Davey
Councillor D. Schnider
Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock
Councillor J. Gazzola
Councillor B. loannidis
Councillor M. Johnston
Councillor S. Marsh
Councillor C. Michaud
Councillor P. Singh
Staff: D. Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer
M. May, General Manager, Community Services and Deputy
Chief Administrator
V. Raab, General Manager, Corporate Services
J. Readman, General Manager, Development Services
J. Lautenbach, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services
D. McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services
L. MacDonald, City Solicitor
B. Rowland, Director, Corporate Communications and Marketing
R. Bustamante, Director of Planning
N. Goss, Manager of Policy and Research
B. Bateman, Senior Planner
R. Kelly-Ruetz, Planner
A. Fusco, City Clerk
D. Saunderson, Deputy Clerk
S. Goldrup, Committee Administrator
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1. Commencement
The Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee held an electronic meeting this
date, commencing at 6:00 p.m.
2. Consent Items
2.1 None.
3. Public Hearing Matters under the Planning Act (6:00 p.m. as advertised)
3.1 Comprehensive Review of the Zoning By-law (CRoZBy) Stage 2b - Applying
New Residential Zones on Properties - DSD -2022-088
The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD -2022-
088 dated February 11, 2022, recommending approval of City -initiated Zoning
By-law amendment ZBA22/003/COK/RK to By-law 2019-051, and that
applications for minor variances shall be permitted subject to the Zoning By-law
Amendment application. It was noted that the Committee was in receipt of written
submissions by Roger and Sandy MacGlynn, Alex Vandersluis, Ron Giesler and
Paul Britton.
R. Kelly-Ruetz presented to the Committee regarding the evolution of zoning in
the City of Kitchener and provided a summary of the Comprehensive Review of
Zoning By-law (CRoZBy) Stage 2b — Applying Residential Zones. R. Kelly-Ruetz
noted that the proposed By-law modernized the City's Zoning and better
complied with Official Plans, legislation, and planning priorities. R. Kelly-Ruetz
highlighted the consolidation of the previous nine Residential Zones to seven,
supporting the demand for gentle density through providing for multiple units in
low-rise residential neighbourhoods, and the public engagement undertaken by
the City. R. Kelly-Ruetz reviewed key issues, including the 2% or 900 properties
facing more intensive zoning changes. Further, R. Kelly-Ruetz explained the
purpose of the NCH -1 Residential Zone to conserve significant natural features
across the City and more accurately reflect the development potential of those
properties.
N. Goss noted that the Committee could defer specific properties' Zoning where
they found it necessary.
R. Giesler spoke on behalf of the residents of the Woolner Trail Community in
opposition to the re -zoning of 155 Woolner Trail and requested the Committee
consider retaining the property as parkland and greenspace. R. Giesler spoke to
the land's educational, recreational, and potential archeological value. In
response to questions from the Committee, R. Giesler confirmed his knowledge
that the City had to purchase the land to repair the creek and affirmed his belief
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the lot is a key site in Kitchener's parkland system. R. Giesler further discussed
equity in parkland throughout the City and the need for consultation with local
indigenous groups.
J. and G. Burkholder spoke in opposition to the proposed NCH -1 Zoning of their
property and stated concerns regarding the public engagement process,
restriction to the potential use of their property, and impact to resale value. In
response to questions from the Committee, the delegations confirmed they were
not aware of any restrictions on development when they first purchased the land.
L. Kotseff stated their opposition to the re -zoning of 155 Woolner Trail and their
belief that the portion of land was important to the Grand River and surrounding
areas, maximized public access and parkland along the Grand River. Further, the
delegation stated their concern about impacts to recreation, flooding, soil
movement, and runoff.
T. McLaughlin, Thomasfield Homes, spoke regarding the history and
redevelopment of 658 Stirling Ave South and requested that the Zoning be
maintained at Residential 2b.
D. Woolner stated their opposition to the re -zoning of 155 Woolner Trail and their
concerns regarding the impact of future development on the natural and heritage
features of their nearby property. Further, they spoke to the potential residential
opportunities and their concern that re -zoning will impact the restoration efforts.
A. Vandersluis, Schlegel Urban Developments, requested the AGR -1 Zoning be
deferred as it relates to the lands outside of Dundee North known as the SKPA
Activa lands and the adjoining parcel commonly known as Schlegel Bayer lands,
pending the conclusion of the ongoing Regional Official Plan review process.
J. Graf -King stated their opposition to the NCH -1 Zoning and expressed
concerns regarding the public engagement process, restrictions to a property's
use, impact to property values, and the stigma associated with properties holding
a "heritage" related Zoning. Further, the delegation spoke to the need for granny
suites or alternative housing and discussed their opposition to limitations on
constructing accessory dwelling units, sheds, or swimming pools due to the
NCH -1 Zoning.
V. and D. Balzer stated their opposition to the NCH -1 Zoning and shared
concerns regarding the restriction of future development, such as accessory
dwelling units.
Paul Britton, Activa, requested the AGR -1 Zoning be deferred as it relates to the
lands outside of Dundee North known as the SKPA Activa lands and the
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adjoining parcel commonly known as Schlegel Bayer lands, pending the
conclusion of the ongoing Regional Official Plan review process.
D. Andrews stated their opposition to the NCH -1 Zoning and noted concerns
regarding the potential impact to their property's value, the enjoyment of their
property, and the constraint on future development.
C. and J. Dixon stated their opposition to the NCH -1 Zoning and described
concerns regarding the limitations to their property's use.
H. Costa stated their opposition to the NCH -1 Zoning and concerns regarding the
limitations to their property's use and the potential impact on property value.
In response to questions from the Committee, staff confirmed that an addendum
report would be prepared for the March 21, 2022, Council meeting, that
approximately 10% of the total parcel at 155 Woolner Trail was being discussed
to be re -zoned, and that existing parkland amenities would not be affected by the
proposed re -zoning or future development. Staff explained the City had
previously purchased the lot for creek restoration and that a portion of the
property was designated for future resale at the time of its purchase to recoup
costs. Staff further discussed existing parkland and access points along the
Grand River within the City of Kitchener.
Additionally, R. Kelly-Ruetz discussed the NHC-1 Zone boundaries created using
existing Tree Preservation Plans, potential boundary refinements, the use of the
word "heritage" when referring to the conservation of natural features, and the
proposed zoning of 155 Woolner Trail.
Mayor B. Vrbanovic moved staff's recommendation contained in Development
Services Department report DSD -2022-088 regarding the Comprehensive
Review of Zoning By-law (CRoZBy) Stage 2b — Applying Residential Zones.
Councillor S. Marsh moved and later withdrew a motion that this matter be
referred to a future meeting of Council to provide staff the opportunity to consider
renaming the NHC-1 zone and remove references to 'heritage'; and, for staff to
work with residents in the area of Driftwood Drive, Yellowbirch Drive, and Waldau
Woods Park to explore NHC-1 Zone boundary refinements.
Councillor D. Chapman moved that the proposed Zoning of 155 Woolner Trail be
referred to the March 21, 2022, meeting of Council to provide the opportunity for
further consultation with staff.
Councillor Chapman's referral motion was then voted on and was lost.
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Councillor B. loannidis moved that staff's recommendation be amended to
approve Zoning By-law amendment ZBA22/003/COK/RK to By-law 2019-051
(Comprehensive Review of Zoning By-law (CRoZBy) Stage 2b — Applying
Residential Zones), in the form shown in the "Proposed By-law", attached to Staff
Report DSD -2022-088 as Appendix A, save and except for the following:
1. The NHC-1 Zoning for all properties on Trussler Road;
2. The NHC-1 Zoning for all properties on Driftwood Drive;
3. The NHC-1 Zoning for all properties on Yellow Birch Drive;
4. The NHC-1 Zoning for all properties on Stonehenge Place;
5. The NHC-1 Zoning for 106 Robertson Crescent;
6. The NHC-1 Zoning for any other properties within the city who do not want to
have the designation report to city staff prior to ratification at the March 21,
2022, meeting of Council;
7. The AGR -1 zoning be deferred as it relates to the lands outside of Dundee
North known as the SKPA Activa lands and the adjoining parcel commonly
known as Schlegel Bayer lands, pending the conclusion of the ongoing
Regional Official Plan review process.
Councillor loannidis's amendment was then voted on and was carried, on a
recorded vote, with Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors S. Davey, D. Schnider,
J. Gazzola, P. Singh, C. Michaud, K. Gal loway-Sealock, M. Johnston, D.
Chapman, and B. loannidis voting in favour; and, Councillor S. Marsh voting in
opposition.
Mayor B. Vrbanovic moved the motion be further amended to direct staff to
prepare an addendum to Development Services Department report DSD -2022-
088 for the March 21, 2022, Council meeting responding to the submission from
the Region of Waterloo addressing the following questions:
1. Does the Region's request for zoning permissions on specific properties align
with the Official Plan?
2. How do current zoning permissions on these specific properties compare to
proposed and requested zoning permissions?
3. Overall, are the requests for zoning permissions on these specific properties
considered a minor or major change from existing Zoning?
Mayor B. Vrbanovic's amendment was then voted on and was carried.
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On motion by Mayor B. Vrbanovic
it was resolved:
"That City -initiated Zoning By-law amendment ZBA22/003/COK/RK to By-
law 2019-051 (Comprehensive Review of Zoning By-law (CRoZBy) Stage
2b — Applying Residential Zones), be approved in the form shown in the
"Proposed By-law", attached to Development Services Department report
DSD -2022-088 as Appendix A, save and except for the following:
1. The NHC-1 Zoning for all properties on Trussler Road;
2. The NHC-1 Zoning for all properties on Driftwood Drive;
3. The NHC-1 Zoning for all properties on Yellow Birch Drive;
4. The NHC-1 Zoning for all properties on Stonehenge Place;
5. The NHC-1 Zoning for 106 Robertson Crescent;
6. The NHC-1 Zoning for any other properties within the city who do
not want to have the designation report to city staff prior to ratification at
the March 21, 2022, meeting of Council;
7. The AGR -1 Zoning be deferred as it relates to the lands outside of
Dundee North known as the SKPA Activa lands and the adjoining parcel
commonly known as Schlegel Bayer lands, pending the conclusion of the
ongoing Regional Official Plan review process;
That in accordance with Planning Act Section 45 (1.3 & 1.4) applications
for minor variances shall be permitted for lands subject to Zoning By-law
Amendment Application ZBA22/003/COK/RK; and further,
That staff be directed to prepare an addendum to Development Services
Department report DSD -2022-088 for the March 21, 2022, Council
meeting responding to the submission from the Region of Waterloo and
addressing the following questions:
1. Does the Region's request for zoning permissions on specific
properties align with the Official Plan;
2. How do current zoning permissions on these specific properties
compare to proposed and requested zoning permissions; and,
3. Overall, are the requests for zoning permissions on these specific
properties considered a minor or major change from existing zoning."
Carried
4. Discussion Items
4.1 890-900 King Street West Official Plan Amendment OPA21/005/K/BB and
Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA21/008/K/BB - DSD -2022-089
The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD -2022-
089 dated February 2, 2022, deferred from the March 7, 2022, meeting,
recommending adoption of Official Plan Amendment Application
OPA21/005/K/BB; approval of Zoning By-law Amendment Application
ZBA21/008/K/BB; and, that applications for minor variances shall be permitted for
lands subject to the Zoning By-law Amendment.
The Committee recessed at 9:35 pm and reconvened at 9:45 pm, chaired by
Councillor D. Chapman with all members present.
A. Sinclair, MHB Planning, presented to the Committee regarding the proposed
development and highlighted the need for intensification and rental units within
the City. A. Sinclair explained considerations that the building's proposed height
and design was chosen to mitigate shadowing and spoke to access to public
transit, amenities on the ground floor, and car -share services. Jodie Wacko,
Stewart Fraser, and Paul Fereday, representatives of Cantiro Group, further
addressed the Committee regarding the proposed development's access to a
transit and employment node along King Street. J. Wacko described potential
partnerships with the Grand River Hospital Foundation to provide visiting patients
to access hotel suits within the building and a local organization to provide 5% of
units at affordable rent, per CMHC guidelines.
In response to the Committee's questions, the delegations confirmed the building
would remain as a rental and spoke to considerations for the types of units
offered while balancing the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the proposed
building, accessibility, shadowing and building height, shared spaces, and tenant
wellbeing. The delegates stated that they would commit to a 20 -year lease to
provide affordable studio units at the CMHC rates. The delegations further
confirmed they would obtain a survey to ensure accurate measurements of
Dodds Lane and investigate a first -floor stepback in response to concerns
received regarding Dodds Lane from members of the public for consideration at
the March 21, 2022, Council meeting.
In response to questions from the Committee, staff indicated two locations on
King Street where residents might perform protected u -turns to access the
building. Additionally, staff discussed parkland equity, signage improvements for
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Dodds Lane to communicate the shared -use laneway with no exit, and stated the
laneway must be useable at all times for residents and businesses for the
application to be approved through the site plan process.
On motion by Councillor S. Marsh
it was resolved:
"That pursuant to Section 25.4.11 of Chapter 25 (Council Procedure) of
the Municipal Code, the proceedings of the Planning and Strategic
Initiatives Committee this date shall be allowed to continue beyond 11:00
p.m. to conclude matters as listed on the agenda."
Carried
On motion by Councillor S. Davey
it was resolved:
"That Official Plan Amendment Application OPA21/005/K/BB for Cantiro
King General Partner Ltd. requesting Special Policy Area 20 to permit a
mixed-use development with a Floor Space Ratio of 10.1 on the parcel of
land specified and illustrated on Schedule `A', be adopted, in the form
shown in the Official Plan Amendment attached to Development Services
Department report DSD -2022-089 as Appendix "A", and accordingly
forwarded to the Region of Waterloo for approval; and
That Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA21/008/K/BB for Cantiro
King General Partner Ltd. be approved in the form shown in the "Proposed
By-law" and "Map No. 1"; and
That in accordance with Planning Act Regulation 45 (1.3 & 1.4) that
applications for minor variances shall be permitted for lands subject to this
Zoning By-law Amendment ZBA21/008/K/BB; and further,
Pursuant to the Planning Act, section 34(17), Council changes the
proposed by-law, attached as Appendix B to DSD -2022-089, as amended
by Council, and where Council has determined that no further notice is to
be given in respect of the changes to the proposed zoning by-law
amendment."
Carried
5. Information Items
5.1 None.
6. Adjournment
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
Sarah Goldrup
Committee Administrator