Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-09-08 PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2014 CITY OF KITCHENER The Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee met this date, commencing at 6:00 p.m. Present: Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors S. Davey, F. Etherington, Y. Fernandes, J. Gazzola, D. Glenn-Graham, B. Ioannidis, Z. Janecki, P. Singh and K. Galloway-Sealock. Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer M. May, Deputy CAO, Community Services R. Regier, Executive Director, Economic Development A. Pinard, Director, Planning M. Hildebrand, Director, Community Programs L. Tansley, Assistant City Solicitor D. Ross, Manager, Development Review J. von Westerholt, Senior Planner M. Vaughan, Planning Technician D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator PRESENTATION - HOMELESSNESS TO HOUSING 1. -AND- CSD-14-099 - OUT OF THE COLD PROGRAM FOLLOW UP 2. The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-14-099, dated September 5, 2014 recommending that City of Kitchener staffactively support, and participate in, the stakeholder engagement process being undertaken by the Region of Waterloo regarding the needs of ‘Out of the Cold’ guests. The Committee was in receipt this date of correspondence from Mr. D. McKlusky dated September 8, 2014, and from Mr. C. Nichols entitled “Moving Forward to Meet Immediate Needs”. Mr. M. Hildebrand introduced the Report. Housing Ms. Lynn Randall, Director of Social Planning from the Region of Waterloo presented “ Stability Strategy, System Response to Out of the Cold Changes” dated September 2014 highlighting the strategy and goals for ending homelessness in Waterloo Region. She provided an overview of the supports available; STEP Home, a program to end persistent homelessness; and highlighted the K-W Out of the Cold (OOTC) program as well as strategies and next steps including: continuing the conversations; developing a response for immediate needs of Out of the Cold guests for November 1, 2014; and, reporting back to Regional Council in November. In response to questions, Ms. Randall advised that the Out of the Cold Program is not administered by the Region of Waterloo and is agency operated. She explained that the decision to close OOTC sites is at the discretion of the church or facility and indicated that there is training taking place in September and October to provide support to continuing OOTC sites. She stated that a participant advisory group consisting of coordinators, emergency shelters, agency and community representation is mandated to prepare short and long-term strategies for the program with all community sessions open to the public. At the request of Councillor J. Gazzola, staff agreed to circulate a copy of Ms. Randall’s presentation via email. Mr. Charles Nichols, Coordinator of Homeless Awareness Week, addressed the Committee in support of the initiatives to end homelessness. He stressed the need for improved communication with emphasis on listening to the needs of the homeless to secure safe indoor space with the objective to develop long-term strategies. Mr. Doug McKlusy and Ms. Mallory Kellar, Out of the Cold Program Coordinators, addressed the Committee on behalf of the OOTC program volunteers. Mr. McKlusy referred to the correspondence circulated this date outlining short term goals that are expected to be addressed through the task force process. In addition, he requested that the Self Help Alliance and Poverty Free Kitchener-Waterloo to be involved as stakeholders in the process; that support be provided for the community to understand and participate more effectively in the recommendations attained from the consultation process; and, to ensure that there are at least two points in the consultation process that bring all stakeholder groups together. PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2014 -48- CITY OF KITCHENER PRESENTATION - HOMELESSNESS TO HOUSING 1. -AND- CSD-14-099 - OUT OF THE COLD PROGRAM FOLLOW UP (CONT’D) 2. Ms. Sharon Feeney, Citizen, addressed the Committee in support of the City’s participation in the task force and requested that the immediate needs of the homeless be addressed by finding OOTC sites to replace the three locations that are closing. She recommended ensuring residents are safe in the shelters as a priority as well as finding additional locations for the OOTC and working towards transitioning homeless to housing as priorities of the taskforce. Ms. Cathy Stewart Savage, Out of the Cold Program Coordinator, expressed concern that the short-term solution to the OOTC program closures is to move residents from one type of transitional housing to another type of shelter. She noted that there are 300 homeless people across the Region that do not connect with any shelter and expressed concern that the continuing Out of the Cold Program sites have not been consulted during the process to date. Mr. Bill Switzer, Out of the Cold Program Coordinator, addressed the Committee with additional recommendations for the task force process. He suggested holding the meetings in the evening and allowing the public to attend. He encouraged continuing OOTC sites to be included in the conversations. In addition, he suggested that the agencies collect data on the services that are accessed in order to provide an informed coordinated approach going forward. Ms. Birgit Lingenberg, Citizen, addressed the Committee requesting the City’s assistance to ensure the continuation of the OOTC Program and suggested an investment be made into city- owned properties for use as OOTC sites. Mr. Earle Frank William Ellis, Citizen, expressed support of the OOTC program. He encouraged stakeholder communication with the task force to include members of the homeless population as well as expansion of services to include transportation. Mr. Paul Hulbert, Citizen, addressed the Committee in support of the OOTC program and encouraged the City and Region to invest in a city-owned shelter to accommodate the needs of the homeless. Mr. Kyle Post, Citizen, addressed the Committee regarding the needs of the homeless and encouraged the Region and associated agencies to expand outreach programs to help those who do not connect with a shelter. In addition, he suggested that methods to instill value in the homeless such as a community garden combined with a shelter and counselling be offered. Mr. Robert Campbell, Citizen, addressed the Committee suggesting that the Downtown Community Centre and similar city facilities be made available as OOTC sites in the short-term to address the immediate needs of the guests. Mr. Richard McLean, Citizen, appeared in support of the OOTC program and expressed concern that there are not enough beds in existing shelters. He stated that there should be a round table discussion with all stakeholders and those who live on the streets to address the immediate and long-term needs of the homeless. Regional Councillor Jane Mitchell addressed the Committee in appreciation of the staff and the volunteers for their care and attention to the OOTC program. She acknowledged homelessness as a region-wide concern, noting the attendance of OOTC coordinators from Waterloo and indicated that Cambridge would like to participate in the task force process. She expressed support for the expanded list of stakeholders in the consultation process and indicated that she is confident action items will be determined and addressed in a timely fashion. Members of the Committee generally supported the participation in the stakeholder engagement process being undertaken by the Region of Waterloo regarding the OOTC program. PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2014 -49- CITY OF KITCHENER PRESENTATION - HOMELESSNESS TO HOUSING 1. -AND- CSD-14-099 - OUT OF THE COLD PROGRAM FOLLOW UP (CONT’D) 2. Mayor C. Zehr brought forward the motion contained within Report CSD-14-099 for consideration with added clauses to extend the regional consultation stakeholders to include the Self Help Alliance and Poverty Free K-W; to set up a program for community stakeholders to fully understand the required government steps to implement both short-term and long-term solutions and to participate more effectively; and, to ensure there are at least two points in the consultation process that bring all stakeholder groups together. Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock suggested that the recommendation be modified to include “which is to work towards outcomes and actions” in reference to the process being undertaken by the Region of Waterloo regarding the needs of OOTC guests. Mayor Zehr agreed to modify his motion. Carried Unanimously The following motion was then voted on and was on a recorded vote. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: “That City of Kitchener staff actively support, and participate in, the stakeholder engagement process being undertaken by the Region of Waterloo regarding the needs of ‘Out of the Cold’ guests, which is to work towards outcomes and actions, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-14-099; and further, That the Region be requested to incorporate the following measures as part of their Stakeholder Consultations as outlined in Report CSD-14-099: Self-Help Alliance and Poverty Free K-W; To set up a program for community stakeholders to fully understand the required government steps to implement both short-term and long-term solutions and to participate more effectively; and, Ensure there are at least two points in the consultation process that bring all stakeholder groups together.” The Committee recessed and reconvened at 8:32 p.m. with all members present. 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.” ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION - ZC13/10/Q/GS 3. 399-411 QUEEN STREET SOUTH & 168-172 BENTON STREET, POLOCORP INC. Councillor B. Vrbanovic advised that this matter will not be considered this date as the Applicant has requested that this matter be rescheduled. CSD-14-091 - OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT - OP14/06/V/JVW 4. - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION - ZC14/06/V/JVW - 98, 100, 100½ AND 110 VICTORIA STREET SOUTH, 2373074 ONTARIO INC. The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-14-091, dated August 5, 2014 recommending approval of Official Plan Amendment and Zone Change Application for the lands located at 98, 100, 100½ and 110 Victoria Street South and 55 Bramm Street. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of material entitled Community Benefits: Development Features of 100 Victoria Street South dated July 2014 prepared by GSP Group and Momentum Developments. PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2014 -50- CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-14-091 - OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT - OP14/06/V/JVW 4. - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION - ZC14/06/V/JVW - 98, 100, 100½ AND 110 VICTORIA STREET SOUTH, 2373074 ONTARIO INC. (CONT’D) Councillor P. Singh declared pecuniary interest as his parents own property in the vicinity of the subject lands; and accordingly, he did not take part in any discussion or vote on this matter. Ms. J. von Westerholt presented the Report and advised that the proposed by-law, attached to the Report as Appendix ‘C’, will be revised to correct a typographical error on Page 4-29 by deleting the words “and maximum” in clause 8 (a). Mr. Chris Pigeon, GSP Group, gave a presentation in support of the proposed development. His presentation highlighted the comprehensive analysis and urban design conclusions regarding the development proposal. In addition, Mr. Pigeon provided comments in response to correspondence received from Mr. R. Pennycooke, Lakeshore Group, dated September 5, 2014 on behalf of Mr. Owen Allerton, the owner of adjacent properties along Arthur Place. He concluded with redevelopment options for Arthur Place including a brief contextual reference to tower separation guidelines from the City of Toronto. Mr. Mike Maxwell, Momentum Developments and Mr. Matt Bolen, ABA Architects were in attendance to respond to questions regarding the proposed development. Mr. Bolen reviewed the site plan and advised that shifting of the tower 9m to accommodate a 12.5m separation would require a redesign of the underground floor plan. He reviewed the implication of moving the tower and indicated that there would be resultant challenges with parking circulation and egress. Mr. Richard Pennycooke, Lakeshore Group, addressed the Committee on behalf of Mr. Owen Allerton, owner of 11-13 Arthur Place. He expressed concern with the minimum setbacks of the proposed residential towers and the built-form transition to the Arthur Place properties, noting that 20-30m between high-rise tower elements is a best practice for tower separation and is not utilized in the proposal. He expressed further concern that the proposed design will have negative impacts on the long-term redevelopment potential on the Arthur Place lands, if approved. He requested a deferral of the matter in order that these concerns are addressed prior to approval of the subject applications. Mr. Owen Allerton addressed the Committee in opposition to the subject applications expressing concern that the development as proposed will negatively impact his properties on Arthur Place. Although he is supportive of the redevelopment by Momentum, he expressed concern with the proximity of the tower which will inhibit redevelopment of Arthur Place. He noted that as a property owner, redevelopment has not been his intention and expressed further concern that his houses were described as uses which are no longer intended to exist in the long-term. He requested a deferral of the subject applications in order that GSP Group and Momentum development determine a creative redesign with less impact to Arthur Place. In response to questions, Mr. Allerton indicated that he would be assured if setbacks were determined and options for redevelopment on Arthur Place were provided; however, he advised that a desirable outcome would be for compromise with immediate implementation of the setbacks on both his lands as well as the subject lands on Victoria Street South. Ms. von Westerholt responded to questions advising that staff has not yet determined suitable setbacks for the towers and noted that the comments were received from Mr. Pennycooke on th Friday, September 5,2015. Councillor F. Etherington brought forward a motion to refer consideration of this item to the September 15, 2014 Council meeting. He stated that the item should be referred to allow time for legal services staff to provide information; for planning staff to research best practices of other municipalities regarding tower separation and to report back with possible redevelopment options for Arthur Place; and for Planning Staff to endeavour to encourage both parties to discuss an amenable solution. PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2014 -51- CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-14-091 - OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT - OP14/06/V/JVW 4. - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION - ZC14/06/V/JVW - 98, 100, 100½ AND 110 VICTORIA STREET SOUTH, 2373074 ONTARIO INC. (CONT’D) Carried The following motion was then voted on and was on a recorded vote with Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors F. Etherington, S. Davey, K. Galloway-Sealock, B. Vrbanovic, Y. Fernandes, B. Ioannidis, D. Glenn-Graham, and J. Gazzola voting in favor; and, Councillor Z. Janecki voting in opposition. On motion by Councillor F. Etherington - it was resolved: “That consideration of the recommendation contained in Community Services Department report CSD-14-091 pertaining to 98, 100, 100½ and 110 Victoria Street be referred to the September 15, 2014 Council meeting South, pending the receipt of additional information: ‘That Official Plan Amendment Application OP14/06/V/JVW for 98, 100, 100½ , 110 Victoria Street South and 55 Bramm Street requesting to add Special Policy 55 to permit a high rise residential development with ground floor commercial uses that is subject to the site-specific provisions on the subject lands illustrated as the ‘Subject Area’ on Schedule A be adopted, in the form shown in the Official Plan Amendment attached to Community Services Department report CSD-14- 091 as Appendix ‘A’, and accordingly forwarded to the Region of Waterloo for approval; and, That Council request that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo amend Section 15.D.2 of the New Official Plan (adopted June 2014) to add a new Site Specific Policy 15.D.2.68 as shown on Appendix ‘B’; for the parcel of land specified and illustrated as the ‘Area of Amendment’ on Schedule ‘I’ and to amend Map 4 to add a new Site Specific Special Policy to the lands to permit a mixed use development on the parcel of land specified and illustrated as the ‘Area of Amendment’ on Schedule ‘I’ , as attached to Report CSD 14-091 as Appendix ‘B’; and, That Zone Change Application ZC14/06/V/JVW for 98, 100, 100 ½ , 110 Victoria Street South and 55 Bramm Street for the purpose of changing the zoning from Warehouse District Zone (D-6) to Warehouse District Zone (D-6) with Special Use Provision 439U, Special Regulations 656R, 657R, 658R, 659R, 660R and Holding Provision 72H and 73H be approved in the form shown in the ‘Proposed By-law’ dated August 5th, 2014; and, That the Urban Design Brief for 98, 100, 100½, 110 Victoria Street South and 55 Bramm Street, dated August 2014, and attached to Report CSD-14-091 as Appendix ‘D’, be adopted; and, That staff be directed to prepare an agreement under Section 37 of the Planning Act to be entered into by the City with the applicant to the satisfaction of Director of Planning and the City Solicitor and to be signed by the Mayor and Clerk and registered on title to describe the community benefits being provided in exchange for bonusing; and further, That the Bonusing Chart appended as Appendix ‘E’ be adopted in order that it be used to formulate the Section 37 Agreement’.” CSD-14-081 - OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT - OP14/07/C/MV 5. - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION - ZC14/07/C/MV - 16 CENTENNIAL ROAD, GFL ENVIRONMENTAL INC. The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-14-081, dated August 6, 2014 recommending approval of Official Plan Amendment and Zone Change PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2014 -52- CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-14-081 - OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT - OP14/07/C/MV 5. - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION - ZC14/07/C/MV - 16 CENTENNIAL ROAD, GFL ENVIRONMENTAL INC. (CONT’D) Application for the lands located at 16 Centennial Road to permit an outdoor recycling facility. Mr. M. Vaughan presented the Report. Mr. Glenn Scheels, GSP Group, addressed the Committee in support of staff’s recommendation and presented an overview of the site and background of the GFL operation at 16 Centennial Road. On motion by Councillor S. Davey - it was resolved: “That Official Plan Amendment Application OP14/07/C/MV (GFL Environmental Inc.) requesting to add Special Policy 56 to permit an ‘Outdoor Recycling Facility’ use on the lands municipally known as 16 Centennial Road, shown as the ‘Subject Area’ on Schedule ‘A’, be adopted, in the form shown in the Official Plan Amendment attached to Community Services Department Report CSD-14-081 as Appendix ‘A' and accordingly forwarded to the Region of Waterloo for approval; and, That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be requested to modify Map 5 and Section 15.D.12 of the New Official Plan (adopted June 2014) to add a new Site Specific Policy (to be numbered accordingly), to permit an ‘Outdoor Recycling Facility’ use on the lands municipally known as 16 Centennial Road, as shown as the “Area of Modification” on Schedule ‘I’ in the form shown in the ‘Modification to the New Official Plan (adopted June 2014)‘, all as attached to Report CSD-14-081 as Appendix ‘B’; and further, That Zone Change Application ZC14/07/C/MV (GFL Environmental Inc.) at 16 Centennial Road, be approved for the purpose of changing the zoning from M-2, with site specific provisions to M-2 with Special Use Provisions 41U and 441U and Special Regulation Provision 31R in the form shown in the “Proposed By-law” dated August 6, 2014 attached to Report CSD-14-081 as Appendix ‘C’.” ADJOURNMENT 6. On motion, this meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m. D. Livingstone Committee Administrator