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PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES
AUGUST 12, 2013 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee met this date, commencing at 6:17 p.m.
Present: Councillor B. Vrbanovic - Chair
Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors Y. Fernandes, S. Davey, J. Gazzola, D. Glenn-Graham,
Z. Janecki, B. Ioannidis, K. Galloway-Sealock,and P. Singh.
Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer
M. May, Deputy CAO, Community Services
A. Pinard, Director, Planning
S. Ross, Assistant City Solicitor
B. Sloan, Manager, Long Range Policy & Planning
D. Ross, Manager, Development Review
T. Malone-Wright, Senior Planner
S. Coutu, Planning Policy Analyst
D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator
CSD-13-084 - RESIDENTIAL INTENSIFICATION - INFILL HOUSING
1.
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-084, dated July
30, 2013 regarding residential intensification policies and regulations to manage the
construction of new housing in established neighbourhoods. In addition, the Committee was in
receipt this date of correspondence from Mr. Marc Kemerer, Blaney McMurtry, dated August
12, 2013 and a presentation prepared by Mr. Rick Merrill, Planning Partnerships.
Councillor B. Ioannidis declared pecuniary interest as he owns property that may be affected
by residential intensification policies; and accordingly, he abstained from all discussion and
voting regarding this matter.
Mr. A. Pinard provided an overview of the staff report, advising that a broad range of
redevelopment projects are classified as residential intensification within the existing planning
policy framework. He reviewed the benefits of intensification noting that the Provincial,
Regional and City policy mandate accommodation of growth through utilization of existing
zoned lands and intensification. He stated the Planning Division is currently undertaking
actions through the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to address residential intensification, and
sought direction from the Committee to continue with future proposed actions as outlined in the
Directions section of Report CSD-13-084.
Mr. Rick Merrill, Planning Partnerships, attended on behalf of InTown Inc. and reviewed his
circulated presentation. He encouraged the City to require the Committee of Adjustment to
mandate preconsultation meetings, submission of urban design briefs, and conceptual
elevations for redevelopment applications as detailed in the circulated correspondence
prepared by Mr. Marc Kemerer.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
it was resolved:
“That Planning Division staff continue to implement the directions for residential
intensification policies and regulations, as outlined in Community Services Department
report CSD-13-084.”
Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock left the meeting at this time.
CSD-13-078 - DISCUSSION SESSION SECOND DRAFT OF THE NEW OFFICIAL PLAN
2.
- TOPICS: URBAN STRUCTURE & INSTITUTIONAL USES
The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-13-078, dated July
18, 2013, regarding an information update on the purpose and goals of the Official Plan, as
well as highlights of the main contents and implementation tools.
PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES
AUGUST 12, 2013 -48- CITY OF KITCHENER
CSD-13-078 - DISCUSSION SESSION SECOND DRAFT OF THE NEW OFFICIAL PLAN
2.
- TOPICS: URBAN STRUCTURE & INSTITUTIONAL USES
Mr. B. Sloan reviewed the report, advising that the second draft of the New Official Plan was
tabled at the May 27, 2013 Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee meeting. He noted
that the purpose of this meeting was to allow for an information exchange and policy direction
on the topics of Urban Structure and Institutional Uses.
Ms. S. Coutu and Ms. T. Malone-Wright gave a presentation detailing the purpose of the
Official Plan, and facilitated discussion in the areas of urban structure and institutional uses.
Ms. Coutu indicated that the urban structure framework within the New Official Plan has been
refined, as detailed in the Summary Document, attached as Appendix ‘A’ to Report CSD-13-
078.
Ms. Malone-Wright led the discussion on the revised policy approach to the institutional uses
within the Official Plan, stating that the policies seek to restrict institutional use on employment
lands while preserving land used for institutional purposes from residential redevelopment.
Councillor P. Singh inquired if City-owned institutional lands, which may be considered for
future intensification purposes, have been considered in the New Official Plan. Ms. Malone-
Wright indicated that the designations of City-owned properties have been examined and are
appropriately zoned for future use; however, she agreed to further examine City-owned
institutional land for possible mixed uses.
At the request of Ms. Malone-Wright, members suggested that the following topics could be
addressed at the August 26, 2013 Council Strategic Session:
Environment;
Employment Areas;
Drive-thru restaurants and related traffic impact;
Special Policy Areas; and,
Agriculture and Aggregates.
Mr. Sloan indicated that members could email additional topics for discussion until
Wednesday, August 23, 2013; and, that comments on the Official Plan document from
members and the public are being accepted until October 2013.
ADJOURNMENT
3.
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
D. Livingstone
Committee Administrator