Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-18 PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 18, 2013 CITY OF KITCHENER The Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee met this date, commencing at 7:05 p.m. Present: Councillor B. Vrbanovic - Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors K. Galloway-Sealock, S. Davey, J. Gazzola, D. Glenn- Graham, F. Etherington, Y. Fernandes, Z. Janecki, P. Singh and B. Ioannidis. Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer M. May, Deputy CAO, Community Services D. Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance & Corporate Services J. Witmer, Acting Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services A. Pinard, Director, Planning B. Robinson, Director, Engineering Services S. Ross, Assistant City Solicitor B. Sloan, Manager, Long Range Planning D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator Councillor B. Vrbanovic read aloud the following statement: This is a formal public meeting to consider applications under the Planning Act. If a person or public body does not make oral or written submissions to the City of Kitchener before the proposed applications are considered, the person or public body may not be entitled to appeal the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board and may not be added as a party to a hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Municipal Board. CSD-13-019 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION - ZC13/03/R/ATP 1. - 5 RITTENHOUSE ROAD - 5 RITTENHOUSE INC. The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-019, dated February 14, 2013, recommending approval of zone change application ZC13/03/R/ATP to remove Holding Provision 59H. Mr. A. Pinard reviewed the staff report, advising that the Holding Provision was placed on the lands municipally addressed as 5 Rittenhouse Drive at the request of the Region of Waterloo prior to development of the subject lands. He explained that the Traffic and Stationary Noise Study examined traffic noise on Block Line Road and stationary noise from the surrounding area. He stated that the Study has been completed and approved by the Region of Waterloo, thereby meeting the requirements of the Holding Provision, and allowing the restriction to be lifted. In response to questions, Mr. Pinard advised that neighbourhood circulation is not required under the Planning Act for removal of a Holding Provision. He indicated that the zoning for the subject lands is in place and was approved in 2009, at which time comments were received from the public as part of the zone change application process. He stated that the primary use has now been established with site plan approval in principle, and for the development to proceed, the Holding Provision has to be removed. Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock advised that considerable concern was expressed from area residents during the public circulation for the zone change application in 2009. She stated that the residents were concerned about potential noise, shadow effect and height from medium/high density development on the subject lands. She indicated that these concerns should be considered during the development process. She then requested further assurance from staff that mitigation measures be taken to reduce sound and ensure privacy for residents on Brookfield Crescent whose rear yards are impacted by the development of 5 Rittenhouse Road. Councillor P. Singh agreed that the City should remain sensitive to the concerns expressed by the residents. He pointed out that the development is beneficial to the community as the subject lands have remained vacant for years. Mr. Pinard agreed to circulate the site plan application to the Ward Councillor, in order to provide time for input and feedback prior to approval. PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 18, 2013 -16- CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-13-019 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION - ZC13/03/R/ATP 1. - 5 RITTENHOUSE ROAD - 5 RITTENHOUSE INC. On motion by Councillor P. Singh - it was resolved: That Zone Change Application ZC13/03/R/ATP (5 Rittenhouse Road, 5 Rittenhouse Inc.) for the purpose of changing the zoning from Residential Nine Zone (R-9) with Special Regulation Provision 505R and Holding Provision 59H to Residential Nine Zone (R-9) with Special - February 14, 2013, attached to the Community Services Department report CSD-13-019 PRESENTATION - REGION OF WATERLOO AND URBAN STRATEGIES INC. 2. - CENTRAL TRANSIT CORRIDOR COMMUNITY BUILDING STRATEGY Building Strategy (CBS), dated March 15, 2013, prepared by Mr. Rob Horne, Commissioner of Planning, Housing and Community Services for the Region of Waterloo, and Ms. Melanie Hare, Partner, Urban Strategies Inc. Mr. B. Sloan addressed the Committee advising that the Central Transit Corridor Community Building Strategy is a Regional project with the objective to provide a framework for planning around rapid transit stations. He stated that the CBS was developed by the Project Team which consists of representatives from the Cities of Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge. He indicated that the draft CBS is being presented this date for information purposes. Mr. R. Horne addressed the Committee beginning with an expression of appreciation to the City of Kitchener for the stewardship demonstrated in approving the land use applications and the continued partnership as the development of the Multi-Modal Transit Hub progresses. He stated that the Big Shift and the CBS is an examination and response to changes in the characteristics of the community. He emphasized the need for the shift, stating that there has been an increase in regional population growth from 268,000 people in 1973 to the current estimated population of 570,000 people. He stated that growth has taken place outwards, toward environmentally sensitive lands, elaborating that 80% of the regional water supply is ground water sourced. He stated that there are 15,000 hectares of environmentally sensitive land and 225,000 acres of prime agricultural land within the Region of Waterloo that should be preserved. He commented that the characteristics of development design in the past were car- centric, as cars were the emerging form of transportation and cycling linkages and transit were not contemplated. He elaborated that complete communities have become desirable and necessary in response to the 2006 Provincial Growth Plan. He indicated that the Region of Waterloo has aligned well within the requirements set out in the Plan for 40% of the residential development to be within a built up area, as the Regional percentage in 2011 was 55%. He described the shift as being toward transit and strategic road investment in long range planning initiatives. He stated that transit ridership has risen to 21.5 million rides per year, compared with 9 million in 1999, resulting in required improvements to the transit system. He explained that the shift to a complete community must be created on an investment scenario that is sustainable to the residents of the Region. He examined additional reasons for the shift including increased population density and the need to ensure global competitiveness to attract and retain skilled talent to ascertain economic vitality in the Region. He concluded that the Big Shift is not about choosing car or transit; rather, it is about determining the appropriate amount of investment and attracting opportunities that are transit supportive. He stated that the objective is long range planning that accommodates higher density subdivisions and is vigilant about boundaries near agricultural and environmental sensitivities. Ms. Melanie Hare presented the draft CBS, advising that the objective of the document is to provide a flexible framework for the Central Transit Corridor. She stated that the CBS will evolve overtime, and be a continued resource identifying what could occur in the future. She stated that the document can be utilized as a tool when identifying public and private investment opportunities and to determine the actual transit station locations. She indicated that the CBS will provide examples of how growth and change may occur while respecting PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 18, 2013 -17- CITY OF KITCHENER PRESENTATION - REGION OF WATERLOO AND URBAN STRATEGIES INC. 2. - CENTRAL TRANSIT CORRIDOR COMMUNITY BUILDING STRATEGY stable neighbourhoods. She reviewed the sections of content within the document including: Opportunities; Land Use and Mobility Framework; Development Types; Place-Specific Initiatives; Station Area Snapshots; and, Implementation Strategies. She stated that community engagement will be ongoing, and detailed the process thus far, including: a project storefront; design charettes in the Cities of Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge; City staff information sessions; open houses; speaker events with international experts; and, communications which include social media. She indicated that implementation of the Final CBS will be collaborative with the Cities and the Region, with reports to Council as requested. Councillor Y. Fernandes inquired if the demolition of single family homes is anticipated along Cedar Street to accommodate higher density residential development. Ms. Hare responded that the composition of the street will change in anticipation of the Light Rail Transit (LRT); however, it is unlikely houses will be demolished to widen the street. She indicated that the renderings contained within the CBS are in keeping with the type of development that could happen and that a 4-storey development on Cedar Street is in line with the small scale of the street. She commented that the renderings, within the CBS, were designed using engineering drawings to scale; and, are mechanisms to guide development along the Central Transit Corridor. Councillor Z. Janecki expressed concern that the renderings of the Charles Street intersection were too narrow to accommodate the minimum standards, and would require curb-to-curb widening. Ms. Hare responded that the major changes will be the composition and use of the street; that widening would occur by expanding the right-of-way on the east side. She reiterated that the renderings represent opportunity and what could happen, rather than what will happen. Mayor C. Zehr commented that land transactions are frequently occurring to accommodate the LRT stations; however, the majority involve widening roads to expand the right-of-way. He indicated that he appreciates that the CBS will be a guiding document that can evolve and act as a framework for development. INS-13-016 - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS 3. The Committee considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-016, dated March 11, 2013, recommending approval of the Protocol for Involving City of Kitchener Council in Class Environmental Assessments (EAs). Ms. B. Robinson presented the report, advising that the proposed Protocol would formalize and provide structure for City Council involvement in the EA process. She stated that staff was requested to examine how Council may provide the most meaningful impact during the EA process. Accordingly, the Protocol has been drafted based on background research; and, encompasses a similar approach , as that of the Region of Waterloo. She stated that there are benefits to involving Council in the EA process, including increased Council awareness of the project to help communicate preferred solutions to the community more effectively; and, early participation will allow for a more fulsome contribution by members of Council. She added that there are risks involved in having Council participation and indicated that the EA process requires clear and complete documentation of the planning process to allow traceability of decision making with respect to the project. She indicated that the process leading to the outcome of the EA needs to be defensible and traceable. She encouraged Council to maintain awareness of the risk to the completion of EAs when following the process, as prescribed in the EA Manual to avoid costly implications that may arise during the review by the Ministry of the Environment. Ms. Robinson detailed the proposed approach for Council involvement in the EA process stating that it will begin following budget deliberations for the coming year. She explained that a report will be brought forward for Committee consideration containing a list of EAs to be initiated, and noted that those EAs which have high public interest or implications for the City will be flagged. She indicated that Council would then have an opportunity to determine the PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 18, 2013 -18- CITY OF KITCHENER 3. INS-13-016 - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS desired level of involvement in the process. She reviewed the chart included in the report, detailing the EA Schedule or Type; the corresponding level of Proposed Council Involvement; and the Type of Involvement. She elaborated that for those EAs which are Routine in nature, the Ward Councillor would be included on all public correspondence and Public Information Centers. She stated that the type of involvement would be informational in nature, and to provide general guidance and assistance in engaging the public. She continued explaining that Complex EAs would involve one member of Council sitting on the Steering Committee with the decision on the outcome of the EA to be determined by Council. She stated that the type of involvement would be the same as for a Routine EA; however, it would be expanded to include assistance in setting broad direction as required. She explained that the Very Complex EAs affect the whole community; and thus, the proposed Council involvement would be expanded to include one or two members on the Steering Committee, with additional involvement to be determined at the commencement of the project. She noted that additional involvement could include establishing the evaluation criteria, the expectation for regular updates for information, and ultimately the decision on the outcome by Council resolution. She added that the type of involvement would include general guidance and assistance in engaging the public; assisting in setting broad direction; as well as project specific involvement as identified in the Project Charter. She noted that the implementation of the Protocol would commence after the 2014 Budget deliberations. Questions were raised regarding the financial implications of the proposed Protocol for formulated after the budget process has taken place; therefore, should Council involvement remain at the informational level, there would be no financial implications above the approved budgeted amount. Councillor J. Gazzola requested clarification on the impact the protocol would have on input from Council when establishing criteria. Ms. Robinson referred to the Municipal Class EA Document, which specifies that involvement of municipal councils can vary from municipality to municipality, and can range from active participation to receiving a report at the conclusion of the study. The EA document indicates that Project Managers should confirm with Council the desired level of involvement. She stated that should Council wish to be involved in setting criteria, it would be acceptable to do so, in accordance with the guiding document. Mayor C. Zehr spoke in support of the proposed Protocol, commenting that it is important not to risk the integrity of the EA process. He cautioned the members on suggesting advisory involvement, as the role of Council is ultimately to make a decision which has to be defensible and traceable. He inquired if an additional column in the Protocol entitled Criteria could be inserted, which would be no for Routine EAs; perhaps for Complex EAs; and probably for Very Complex EAs. Ms. Robinson responded that a column could be added; however, she stated that in her experience with conducting EAs, councils have not had involvement in establishing criteria. On motion, Mayor Zehr brought the recommendation contained in the staff report forward for consideration with the inclusion of an additional column indicating the level of Council involvement in establishing criteria. Councillor Y. Fernandes spoke in opposition to the addition of a column in the Protocol, stating that the column reduces flexibility. She expressed support for the staff recommendation, noting that she would appreciate re-evaluating the protocol in a year to examine if further involvement by Council should be indicated. Councillor S. Davey requested a separate vote be taken on the addition of the column for Council involvement in establishing criteria. Councillor Z. Janecki commented that he is in support of the Protocol, but indicated that Council should be involved at the onset of a project, as a member of the Steering Committee. He stated he does not support the additional column, but would like to see a member of Council sitting on the Steering Committee to represent the views of the public on all types of EAs. He added that in his experience, it is the practice of the Region of Waterloo to involve a Council member on the Project Team. PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 18, 2013 -19- CITY OF KITCHENER 3. INS-13-016 - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS Councillor D. Glenn-Graham expressed appreciation of the direction taken on the Protocol for determining the level of Council involvement. He stated that he agrees that Council involvement should be at the start of a project; however, he does not support the additional column for criteria. Councillor P. Singh requested clarification on the additional column. Mayor Zehr confirmed that the column is not intended to restrict Council involvement but would put forward structure to the level of involvement. He then indicated that the column was not intended to add confusion or complexity, and withdrew the addition of the column for criteria from his motion. Councillor Z. Janecki brought forward an amendment to Councillor to SProposed Council Involvement for Routine EAs. In response to questions related to the impact of the amendment on the processing of Routine EAs, Ms. Robinson indicated that there are currently no steering committee assignments for Routine EAs. She stated that having such a committee would slow the process and may have financial implications. Councillor Gazzola spoke in support of the amendment, indicating that involvement in routine projects. He further suggested that because the level of involvement would be informational, there should be no additional financial implications. Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock stated that the role of Council is to provide oversight to the EA process and that she would not support the amendment. She commented that staff is highly effective at completing EAs; and, that additional involvement in Routine EAs would increase resources. Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that he would not support the amendment, and indicated that he has confidence in staff to continue receiving input from Ward Councillors on projects that are Routine; without having to formalize the involvement through establishing a steering committee. LOST on a recorded vote, with Councillors Z. Janecki, Y. Fernandes, and J. Gazzola voting in favour; and, Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors B. Vrbanovic, D. Glenn-Graham, B. Ioannidis, K. Galloway-Sealock, P. Singh, F. Etherington, and S. Davey voting in opposition. CARRIED The following motion was then voted on and on a recorded vote with Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors B. Vrbanovic, D. Glenn-Graham, B. Ioannidis, K. Galloway-Sealock, P. Singh, F. Etherington, Y. Fernandes, J. Gazzola, and S. Davey voting in favour; and, Councillor Z. Janecki voting in opposition. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: That the Protocol for Involving City of Kitchener Council in Class Environmental Assessments be approved, as outlined in Infrastructure Services Department report INS-13-016. ADJOURNMENT 4. On motion, this meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. D. Livingstone Committee Administrator