HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil - 2016-10-24 SSPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES
OCTOBER 24, 2016 CITY OF KITCHENER
A special meeting of City Council was held at 3:06 p.m. this date, chaired by Mayor B. Vrbanovic with
all members present, except Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock.
Notice of this meeting had been previously given to all members of Council by the City Clerk pursuant
to Chapter 25 (Council Procedure) of the Municipal Code.
1. CSD -16-073 — TALL BUILDING STATEMENT OF EXPECTATIONS
Council considered Community Infrastructure Services Department report GSD -16-073 (A. Pinard),
dated October 16, 2016, regarding the approval of a Tall Buildings Statement of Expectations which
will become part of the City's Urban Design Manual and will function as a qualitative, educational
document designed to introduce stakeholders and the community to design expectations for tall
buildings within the city.
Ms. D. Edwards, Planner, and Mr. A. Clark, Design & Visualization Analyst, presented the report
advising that in Fall 2014, Council directed staff to prepare Tall Buildings Design Guidelines for the
city. Ms. Edwards noted after conducting extensive research, it was concluded the preparation of the
Guidelines was a complex task and could not be completed without extensive study and public
consultation. She noted staff have amended the process to phase in the new development standards
related to tall buildings to ensure there is sufficient community and development industry support,
rigorous testing and contextual analysis to ensure the Guidelines are defendable.
Mr. A. Clark provided an overview of the Buildings Statement of Expectations, noting it will act as a
reference document for landowners and developers proposing tall buildings by clarifying
expectations, identifying key considerations and providing design guidance. He presented the key
consideration principles including: Scale & Compatibility; Public & Private Open Space; Views,
Sunlight & Skyview; Microclimate, Four Season Design & Safety; Sustainability; and Built Form
Considerations. Ms. Edwards further advised staff intend on completing additional public consultation
and piloting the Statement of Expectations over the next year with the intention of bringing the final
Tall Buildings Guidelines to Council prior to the end of 2017.
In response to questions, Ms. Edwards advised staff recognize the importance of the Tall Building
Guidelines and, if the projected one year target is ambitious, the timeline for the completion of the
Guidelines may be extended.
Moved by Councillor Z. Janecki
Seconded by Councillor F. Etherington
"That the Tall Buildings Statement of Expectations, attached as Appendix A to report CSD -16-
073, be approved; and,
That the Tall Buildings Statement of Expectations be incorporated into the City's Urban Design
Manual upon approval; and further,
That staff complete the tall buildings study and create Tall Buildings Design Guidelines prior to
the end of 2017."
Carried.
2. IN -CAMERA MEETING AUTHORIZATION
Moved by Councillor Y. Fernandes
Seconded by Councillor B. loannidis
"That an in -camera meeting of City Council be held immediately following this special meeting to
consider a personal matter and a land acquisition/disposition matter."
Carried.
On motion the meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m..
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MAYOR CLERK