Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-05-02 PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 2, 2016 CITY OF KITCHENER The Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee met this date, commencing at 6:03 p.m. Present: Councillor B. Ioannidis, Chair Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors S. Davey, F. Etherington, K. Galloway-Sealock, J. Gazzola, Z. Janecki, S. Marsh and D. Schnider. Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer M. May, Deputy CAO, Community Services D. Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance & Corporate Services J. Readman, Interim Executive Director, Infrastructure Services C. Fletcher, Interim Executive Director, Infrastructure Services A. Pinard, Director, Planning L. Tansley, Assistant City Solicitor B. Sloan, Manager, Long Range Planning C. Bluhm, Manager, Downtown Community Development T. Malone-Wright, Senior Planner D. Livingstone, Committee Administrator CSD-16-015 - PLANNING AROUND RAPID TRANSIT STATION AREAS (PARTS) 1. - CENTRAL PLAN The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-16-015, dated April 6, 2016 recommending approval of the PARTS Central Plan, with the preparation of an Official Plan Amendment; the creation of a new public urban space; the preparation of a detailed Streetscape Master Plan; and, the prioritization of consideration in a future work plan, of additional streetscape, public realm and transportation network opportunities. In addition, the Committee was in receipt of correspondence dated April 27, 2016 and April 29, 2016 related to the proposed recommendations within the PARTS Central Plan from Mr. G. Scheels, regarding properties owned by Dundee Realex Holdings, Waterloo Innovation Network 618 Inc. (WIN 618), and on behalf of GSP Group; and, from Mr. C. Pigeon, GSP Group related to Momentum Developments and the Zehr Group. Ms. T. Malone-Wright presented the Report. Ms. Jane Pellar and Ms. Erin Atchison appeared on behalf of the Schneider Creek Neighbourhood Group and presented a report entitled dated December 18, 2015. Ms. Pellar indicated the Report was compiled with information from residents in the neighbourhood in an effort to remain a vibrant, resilient healthy community acknowledging that change may occur through the PARTS Central Plan and the Neighbourhood Strategy. She explained the importance of compatible development that preserves the character, scale and density of the neighbourhood. She indicated the Neighbourhood Working Group would like to have input during the zoning process to ensure development occurs in a way that is desirable by the existing neighbourhood but meets the needs of the developer. Ms. Atchison acknowledged the PARTS Central Plan as a guiding policy document and requested assurance that citizens and members of the community remain at the centre of the discussion to ensure the creation of a walkable, desirable, vibrant neighbourhood. Mr. Glenn Scheels, GSP Group, addressed the Committee referring to his submissions dated April 27, 2016 regarding the proposed recommendations within the PARTS Central Plan related to Floor Space Ratio (FSR) and bonusing provisions. He expressed concern that the Central Plan generally provides for a FSR of 3.0 in LRT station areas which is too low to make development projects in the Downtown financially viable, particularly as infrastructure can accommodate a much greater density. Additionally, he indicated that the application process proposed by the PARTS Study to increase FSR through bonusing provisions of the Official Plan are uncertain and should be the exception, not the rule. He requested the density within 400m to 800m of future LRT stations and the Multi-Modal hub be increased. He spoke on behalf of WIN 618 which has interest in property at 618 King Street, in a block surrounded by King, Wellington and Moore Streets, in proximity to the ION Station, the Multi-Modal Hub and the Innovation District. He expressed concern that the designations proposed by the PARTS Central Plan is not consolidated to permit redevelopment and intensification in this significant location. PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 2, 2016 -12- CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-16-015 - PLANNING AROUND RAPID TRANSIT STATION AREAS (PARTS) 1. - CENTRAL PLAN Mr. Scheels further addressed the Committee on behalf of Dundee Realex Holdings, referring to his submission dated April 29, 2016 outlining their land holdings and notable intensification opportunities within the PARTS Central Stations Study Area. He requested the City to consider increasing the maximum density of lands within the Urban Growth Centre, in the vicinity of the LRT stations, to recognize existing development and facilitate high density redevelopment in accordance with the vision of Station Area Plan. Mr. Chris Pigeon, GSP Group, addressed the Committee regarding the intensification and land use designations in the proposed Central Station Area Plan. He spoke on behalf of the Zehr Group and referred to his submission dated April 29, 2016. He advised of intention to provide input through the proposed Secondary Plan amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment processes, expressing concern that bonusing density remains unclear. He requested further information regarding the recommendation within the Station Area Plan which identifies a requirement to provide a major park in an area within lands owned by the Zehr Group and a pedestrian crossing between Walter Street and Charles Street. He indicated that although his clients are not in opposition to considering a pedestrian connection, they are opposed to the designation of a public park on their lands. He requested clarity on the area identified for a planned public park and a proposed extension of Walter Street through 607 King Street West and indicated an intention to work with staff on options for integrating pedestrian connections as part of development at the detailed design stage. Mr. Pigeon further addressed the Committee on behalf of Momentum Developments, referring to his submission dated April 29, 2016. He indicated the Central Plan does not inspire confidence in his clients to further invest and develop in the core of Kitchener. He expressed concern related to propose maximum FSR of 3.0 in the majority of the core, with the balance of additional densities subject to bonusing provisions which creates too much economic risk for the developer. He requested the approach to intensification to the core area through the PARTS Central Plan be revisited to promote higher densities and increased FSRs. Ms. Malone-Wright responded advising a submission was received from 607 King Street (Zehr Group) acknowledging details of potential bonusing density will be brought forward through the proposed Secondary Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law. With regard to pedestrian linkages, and walkability and connectivity of the site, details can be considered during review of the development application for the subject site. She added that the PARTS Central Plan contains a range of visions, strategies and high level recommendations, some of which will involve further community consultation. She further advised staff have examined the properties along King Street, particularly where they abut stable established neighbourhoods, and acknowledged some transition and compatibility concerns. She stated the PARTS Central Plan is a guiding document to the preparation of a new Secondary Plan, including Official Plan and Zoning and indicated it would be through the latter process that concerns wherein the specific properties can be reviewed in more detail. In response to further questions from the Committee regarding FSR and bonusing provisions, Ms. Malone-Wright indicated the Downtown land use designations were reviewed and adopted worked closely with Economic Development staff in setting the maximum FSR for the Downtown, to realize the vision for the Downtown and help achieve community benefits. As such, the review of the land use designations for the Downtown was not in the scope of the PARTS Central Plan. She explained that as per the Region Official Plan, station area plans are not required for lands within an Urban Growth Centre (Downtown), as the policy framework in Downtown is already supportive of rapid transit. She noted the Downtown was included in the PARTS Central Plan because the Station Area Plan is about more than land use; it is about connectivity, place-making and looking at the opportunities to make the PARTS With regard to density, she stated the land use designations for the Downton that were put in place in the new Official Plan are intended to meet a density target established by the Province over a planning horizon ending in 2031. She indicated that the appropriate time to review the land use designations in the Downtown and the merits of more FSR was during the consideration for adoption and approval of the new Official Plan. She noted City staff will be putting forward a unique zoning PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 2, 2016 -13- CITY OF KITCHENER CSD-16-015 - PLANNING AROUND RAPID TRANSIT STATION AREAS (PARTS) 1. - CENTRAL PLAN approach which will provide many community benefits, and the CRoZBy process is a more appropriate avenue to facilitate . She added that the CRoZBY process is prepared to start on May 30, 2016 with the tabling of Urban Growth Centre (Downtown) Zones and will involve stakeholder consultation. On motion by Councillor Z. Janecki, the recommendation within Report CSD-16-015 was brought forward for consideration with specific reference to stakeholders and members of the development community to be involved in the consultation process. Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock brought forward an amendment to the motion to include an additional clause directing Planning Staff to consider the submissions from the PARTS Central Plan regarding Downtown density, FSR, bonusing, in the CRoZBY consultation process on the Urban Growth Centre (Downtown) Zones and Bonus regulations. Carried Councillor Galloway- voted on and was . Carried Unanimously The following amended motion was then voted on by recorded vote and by all members present. Councillors P. Singh and Y. Fernandes were absent this date; and, accordingly did not vote. On motion by Councillor Z. Janecki - it was resolved: That the PARTS Central Plan, attached as Appendix C to Community Serviced Department report CSD-16-015, be approved; and, That staff prepare the appropriate Official Plan Amendment, i.e. new Secondary Plan, the corresponding Zoning By-law amendment and related urban design guidelines, which will include additional public engagement and consultation with stakeholders and members of the development community, to implement the PARTS Central Plan; and, That staff pursue the creation of a new public urban space, in the Innovation District or surrounding area, within the next 10 years; and, That staff pursue the preparation of a detailed Streetscape Master Plan and cost estimate for Breithaupt St (from King/Moore to Weber St) with the updated urban design guidelines for the PARTS Central Plan area, report back to Council for consideration of the project and that the prioritization of any resultant public works be considered within a subsequent Capital Budget Forecast; and, That the other streetscape, public realm and transportation network opportunities identified in the PARTS Central Plan be prioritized for consideration in a future work plans and Budget Forecast processes; and further, That staff consider submissions from the PARTS Central Plan regarding downtown density, FSR and bonusing in the CRoZBY consultation process on the Urban Growth Centre (Downtown) zones and bonus regulations. 2. FCS-16-061 - ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION OUR HORIZON - CLIMATE CHANGE WARNING LABELS ON GAS PUMPS The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-16-061, dated March 24, 2016 recommending the support of legislation to advance the provision of climate change warning labels on gas pumps. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this prepared by Our Horizon. Mr. Rob Shirkey, Our Horizon, presented the materials, advising Our Horizon is a Canadian not-for-profit organization whose mandate is to speak to municipal governments about the PLANNING & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 2, 2016 -14- CITY OF KITCHENER 2. FCS-16-061 - ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION OUR HORIZON - implementation of climate change warning labels on gas pumps. He stated the objective is intended to build recognition of the effects of using fossil fuels on Climate Change. He noted similar to labels used on cigarette packages, the labels focus on shifting everyday behaviours and localizes res be one of the biggest challenges of our time and placing stickers on gas pumps are a low-cost way to challenge our behaviours. He commented that the concept has attracted global attention from citizens requesting permission to replicate the campaign in their communities. On motion by Councillor S. Marsh the recommendation within Report FCS-16-061 was brought forward for consideration. Mr. L. Tansley responded to questions advising the last clause within the recommendation which directs implementation of Climate Change Warning labels on gas pumps was redundant, as Legal Services Staff had completed an investigation and provided legal advice to Council previously. Councillor Marsh then modified her motion to remove the last clause. Carried The following motion was then voted on and was on a recorded vote with Mayor B. Vrbanovic, and Councillors K. Galloway-Sealock, F. Etherington, B. Ioannidis, S. Marsh, D. Schnider voting in favour; and, Councillors J. Gazzola, S. Davey, and Z. Janecki voting in opposition. On motion by Councillor S. Marsh - it was resolved: That the City of Kitchener supports and advances the following recommendation for consideration by the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau and the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario: there is evidence that combustion of petroleum products such as gas and diesel in vehicle engines contributes to greenhouse gas emissions that affect natural systems in ways that are injurious to human health and the environment; and, Whereas point-of-sale warning labels have been required for other consumables, such as tobacco products, which has effectively curbed use of harmful products; and, Therefore be it resolved that all vendors of retail petroleum products in Canada be legislated to provide warning labels on all pump handles (pump talkers) and/or pump panels, and that those companies who do not have this feature on their pump handle be obligated to fit them with the plastic sleeves which will allow 3. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at approximately 8:10 p.m. D. Livingstone Committee Administrator