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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlng & Econ Dev - 1992-11-02PED\1992-11-02 PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 2, 1992 The Planning and Economic Development Committee met this date commencing at 3:10 p.m. under the Chairmanship of Alderman J. Ziegler, with the following members present: Mayor D. V. Cardillo and Aldermen C. Weylie, B. Stortz, M. Wagner, M. Yantzi, C. Zehr, T. Galloway, and G. Lorentz. Alderman G. Leadston entered the meeting shortly after its commencement. Officials Present: Mr. T. McKay, Mr. B. Stanley, Mr. T. McCabe, Mr. J. Wallace, Mr. D. Snow, Mr. D. Mansell, Mr. J. Witmer, Mr. P. Wetherup, Ms. V. Gibaut, Ms. S. Frenette, Mr. D. Corks, Mr. R. Mattice, Ms. C. Ladd and Mr. L.W. Neil. 1. MINUTES Moved by Alderman C. Weylie Seconded by Alderman M. Wagner That the Minutes of the Planning and Economic Development Committee regular meeting held on October 19, 1992, as mailed to the members, be accepted. Carried 2. PROPOSED NEW TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND RENAMING TO THE BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Committee was in receipt of a memorandum dated October 30, 1992 from Ms. V. Gibaut to which was attached new Terms of Reference and a renaming of the Committee to more adequately address the role and function of the Committee. It was noted that new goals, powers and duties have been created which should eliminate any ambiguity respecting the role members of the Committee play and clearly states their duties. It was recommended that the Committee be renamed to the Business and Industry Advisory Committee and that the composition of members be revised. She pointed out that in the past the Committee has had a representative from the Social Planning Council however the Committee has not had to deal with anything relating to the K-W Social Planning Council and consequently an appointment to the new Committee was not being recommended. Alderman G. Lorentz questioned the reference to a Labour Representative in the proposed Terms of Reference and whether or not that meant the Waterloo Region Labour Council. Mr. T. McKay advised that the intent was to seek a Labour Representative originating from the manufacturing sector. Alderman Lorentz suggested that if a representative from organized labour was being requested that the intent with respect to the appointment be made clear. Moved by Alderman M. Wagner Seconded by Alderman G. Lorentz That the following Terms of Reference for the "Business and Industry Advisory Committee" (formerly the Economic Development Advisory Committee) be approved: NAME: Change the name to "Business and Industry Advisory Committee" COMPOSITION: 1 1 1 6 1 Member of City Council Member of Chamber of Commerce (who resides or operates a Kitchener) Representative from University of Waterloo Representative from Wilfrid Laurier University Representative from Conestoga College Members of business community at large Representative from the Labour Council (from the manufacturing sector) business in PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 306 - NOVEMBER 2, 1992 2. PROPOSED NEW TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND RENAMING TO THE BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CONT'D) Additional members to be added if required and upon recommendation of the Committee. Council member to be appointed annually Other members to be appointed annually Any member may resign from the Committee at any time upon sending written notice to that effect to the Chairman and may or may not be replaced prior to expiration of their respective term. A member ceases to be a member of the Committee when he or she: (a) fails to attend three (3) consecutive meetings of the Committee, unless excused by resolution of the Committee; or (b) is hired in any capacity by the City; or (c) is a member of Council and ceases to be a member of Council for any cause. REPORTING PROCEDURE: The Committee shall report semi-annually on the activities of the Committee to Planning and Economic Development Committee (PED). Minutes of meetings will be circulated to City Council and Management Committee. Recommendations, if any, will be forwarded through the Planning and Economic Development Committee. MEETINGS: At the first meeting of the Committee in January of each year, the members shall nominate a chairperson for appointment by Council. The members shall elect a vice-chairperson, who shall act in the absence of the chairperson. The chairperson shall not be a member of Council. The Committee will meet monthly at a time and place to be determined by the chairperson. GOALS OF THE COMMITTEE: To advise Economic Development staff on policies which are consistent with the intent of an economic development program, and to act as a facilitator to: (a) provide present and future business people with critical data on the community's markets, labour force, industrial and commercial sites and other input as required; and (b) act as a resource, available to assist Economic Development staff in hosting incoming foreign missions. POWERS AND DUTIES: To hear and consider representations by individuals and/or organizations on matters affecting economic development within the City of Kitchener. At the request of Council to convene hearings on issues and/or matters related to economic development referred to the Committee which are deemed to require public input, evaluation and comment. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 307 - NOVEMBER 2, 1992 2. PROPOSED NEW TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND RENAMING TO THE BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CONT'D) To advise in the preparation and maintenance of an overall economic development strategy, including ongoing assessment of current trends and identifying emerging economic conditions. To consult and encourage co-ordination of Council's economic development strategy and marketing efforts with those of the Visitor and Convention Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, Kitchener Downtown Business Association, provincial and federal agencies and similar interest groups. To propose programs for the enhancement of the image of the community and the development of other amenities related to economic development. To undertake other projects which impact on the economic growth of the community, and which are within the Committee's terms of reference on the community's markets, labour force, industrial and commercial. Carried The Chairman advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Monday, November 9, 1992. PD 111/92 265 VICTORIA STREET SOUTH DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC92/7/RM VICTORIA PARK WARD The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 111/92 dated October 19, 1992 respecting a Demolition Control Application initiated by the City which proposes to demolish a single detached dwelling situate at 265 Victoria Street South in order to create an easement to protect an existing sanitary sewer trunk. It was noted in the report that the property is not subject to the Rental Housing Protection Act and that the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee does not have any concerns regarding the demolition. Alderman M. Yantzi expressed concern about the property after the house was removed as the lot could become a nuisance, for example, with pedestrians cutting through this empty lot and adjoining residential properties. Mr. T. McKay indicated that the Parks and Recreation Department could address this concern. No delegations were registered respecting this matter. Moved by Alderman B. Stortz Seconded by Alderman M. Wagner That Demolition Control Application DC 92/7/RM (City of Kitchener) requesting approval for the demolition of a single detached dwelling located at 265 Victoria Street South, legally described as part lot 271 of registered plan 375 be approved. It is the opinion of this Committee that the approval of this application is proper planning for the City. Carried The Chairman advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Monday, November 9, 1992. Alderman G. Leadston entered the meeting at this point. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 308 - NOVEMBER 2, 1992 PD 114/92 FOR INFORMATION ONLY MEDIATION PILOT (ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD) The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 114/92 prepared as information concerning a municipal mediation pilot project. It was noted in the report that a working committee consisting of representatives from three municipalities and staff of the Ontario Municipal Board and Ministry of Municipal Affairs has been created to consider the introduction and development of a mediation process within the planning process in an effort to cut the workload of the Ontario Municipal Board. Such mediation service would attempt to resolve disputes with respect to various Committee of Adjustment Applications, Zone Changes and other planning decisions made by Councils before they are considered by the Ontario Municipal Board. Ms. C. Ladd commented on the proposal and noted that even if the mediation process was unable to resolve all disputes it was likely that the process would at least in unresolved cases boil down issues that would assist in speeding O.M.B Hearings. She indicated that a formal report on Kitchener's participation would be coming to City Council at a later date. Moved by Alderman C. Weylie Seconded by Mayor D.V. Cardillo That PD 114/92, Municipal Mediation Pilot, be received as information. Carried DELEGATION - MR. RUDY PAWELOWSKI RE DEMOLITION REQUEST - 651 VICTORIA STREET SOUTH - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC92/8/RM - WEST WARD Ms. S. Frenette advised that Mr. R. Pawelowski had approached staff several days ago indicating that he wished to demolish the property at 651 Victoria Street South and had previously received demolition approval. However, he had not proceeded with the demolition in view of the Iow level of economic activity and the problem that he was now faced with was that his property was now protected by the Demoliton Control By-law. Ms. Frenette advised that in view of the previous approval and to assist Mr. Pawelowski, staff took a telephone poll of all agencies that would normally comment on such a request and none have objected. She indicated that staff propose that the usual conditions apply such as building replacement and site plan approval. Mr. R. Pawelowski appeared as a delegation and indicated that he was in support of the conditions of application approval. No other delegations were registered respecting this matter. Moved by Alderman G. Lorentz Seconded by Alderman C. Weylie That Demolition Control Application DC 92/8/RM (Rudy Pawelowski) requesting approval for the demolition of a single detached dwelling located at 651 Victoria Street South, legally described as Part Lot 100 of Registered Plan 786, be approved, subject to: A) That the following condition be included on the demolition permit and contained in an agreement to be executed by the owner and registered against title prior to the issuance of the demolition permit: The owner agrees to construct and substantially complete the approved site development not later than two years from the day demolition of the existing building is commenced. Upon failure to complete the approved site development within two years, the clerk of the municipality shall be entitled to enter on the collector's roll to be collected in like manner DELEGATION - MR. RUDY PAWELOWSKI RE DEMOLITION REQUEST - 651 VICTORIA STREET SOUTH PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 30~ - NOVEMBER 2, 1992 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC92/8/RM - WEST WARD (CONT'D) as municipal taxes, the sum of $20,000 for each dwelling unit for which demolition permits have been issued. B) That a site plan be approved in principle, with final site plan and associated conditions under section 41 of the Planning Act to be approved by the Commissioner of Planning and Development prior to the issuance of the Demolition Permit. c) Any redundant driveways are to be closed with new curb and gutter and boulevard landscaping, all to City of Kitchener standards, at the owner's expense and all completed prior to the occupancy of the building. D) The owner is required to make satisfactory financial arrangements with the Department of Public Works for the removal of any redundant service connections. It is the opinion of this Committee that approval of this application is proper planning for the City. Carried The Chairman advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Monday, November 9, 1992. PD 63~92 17 PANDORA AVENUE NORTH ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 92111PNL (KAUFMAN & GILLESPIE) CENTRE WARD The Committee was advised that the Department of Planning and Development was in receipt of an application from Kaufman and Gillespie to change the zoning of lands known municipally as 17 Pandora Avenue North. The proposed zoning change is from Semi-Restricted Residential (R2B) to Semi-Restricted Residential (R2B) with an extension of use according to by-law 4830. In this regard the Committee considered staff report PD 63/92 dated September 24, 1992 and the proposed by-law dated September 23, 1992 attached to the report. It was noted in the report that the purpose of the re-zoning is to legalize a six-room lodging house within the existing residential structure. It was pointed out that notice that the Committee would hold a public meeting this date to consider this matter had previously been given. Mr. T. McCabe commented on the purpose of the application which is to legalize an existing lodging house which has been used as such for at least seven years. He asked that the Committee take note of two corrections to the text on page two of the report. The first correction is on the fourth last line of page two, wherein three lodging units should read as three lodgers and the second correction relates to the second last line on page two wherein reference to lodging houses should read as residential zones. Alderman B. Stortz raised a question respecting the notification process as he indicated that the letter sent out by the City was confusing since it implied a conversion was taking place. Mr. V. Labreche in further explanation of the proposal pointed out that the letter did indicate a conversion but that he had followed up this point with all residents who had responded and clarified that point with them. Mr. Kaufman appeared as a delegation and advised the Committee that the only reason that he had submitted an application was in order to comply with Fire Department Regulations. He expressed concerns about the 2.4 metre dedication being requested for road-widening purposes and the requirement that asphalt be installed in the rear parking area behind the building which in his view was unneccessary. In response to Mayor PD 63~92 17 PANDORA AVENUE NORTH ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 92111PNL (KAUFMAN & GILLESPIE) CENTRE WARD (CONT'D) PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3~0 - NOVEMBER 2, 1992 D.V. Cardillo, Mr. Kaufman indicated that there were substantial legal costs that he would incur in order to comply with the requested dedication for road-widening Alderman J. Ziegler questioned when the road-widening would really be needed. Mr. D. Mansell noted that through Official Plan Amendment 47, the City undertakes to acquire the widenings necessary to achieve the ultimate roadway width of certain streets. Mr. T. McCabe advised that no physical widening was envisaged in the near future and Alderman J. Ziegler questioned if the widening could be taken later. Mr. D. Mansell indicated that the 2.4 metre strip does not necessarily mean that the travelled portion of Pandora Avenue would be widened. Following further discussion Mr. B. Stanley indicated that the widening requirement was part of overall policy within the Official Plan to achieve widenings due to the possibility of higher density in certain areas in the future. He stated that this was sound planning policy from the point of view of future higher density but suggested that this requirement could be deferred at this time in anticipation that a higher density would be requested in this area in the future. He also suggested that as the Official Plan is reviewed, the City could establish more detailed guidelines in this regard. The request for relief from the asphalt parking requirement was also discussed and Alderman B. Stortz noted that in a lot of cases more parking was being requested than rooming house tenants require. No other delegations responded to the Chairman's invitation to address the Committee on this matter. Moved by Alderman M. Yantzi Seconded by Alderman B. Stortz That with respect to Zone Change Application 92/1/PNL (Kaufman and Gillespie), we approve: 1) Deferral of a road widening requirement until a development proposal is received. 2) Deletion of the requirement for asphalt paving of the rear parking spaces. Carried The Committee then considered the recommendations contained in the staff report which were amended to delete reference to conditions 2 and 3 respecting the road-widening requirement and the asphalt requirement. The recommendation, as revised, and renumbered was then considered. Moved by Alderman B. Stortz Seconded by Alderman G. Leadston That Zone Change Application 92/1/PNL (Kaufman and Gillespie) requesting a change in zoning from Semi-Restricted Residential (R2B) to Semi-Restricted Residential (R2B) with an extension of use on Lot 73, Municipal Compiled Plan of Part of Lot 2, G.C.T., be approved, in the form shown in the Proposed By-law attached, dated September 23, 1992, subject to the following conditions being satisfied prior to any readings of the amending zoning by-law by Council. To arrange for notification by letter from the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to the City's Clerk, that all Regional requirements have been satisfied with respect to the proposed zone change. PD 63~92 17 PANDORA AVENUE NORTH ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 92111PNL (KAUFMAN & GILLESPIE) CENTRE WARD (CONT'D) The Owner acknowledges that Condition 1 is required to be satisfied no later than seven (7) months from Council having approved the amending zoning by-law relative to Zone Change Application 92/1/PNL. In the event this requirement is not fulfilled within the seven PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 2, 1992 month period, Council shall consider rescinding its zone change approval. It is the opinion of this Committee that the approval of this application is proper planning for the City and is in conformity with the City's Approved Official Plan. Carried The Chairman advised that these recommendations would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Monday, November 9, 1992. PD 93~92 - KING STREET WEST AND MOUNT HOPE STREET (SOUTHWEST CORNER) - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 92/29/K/RM (THE MUTUAL GROUP) - VICTORIA PARK WARD The Committee was advised that the Department of Planning and Development was in receipt of an application from The Mutual Group to change the zoning of lands situate at the southwest corner of King Street West and Mount Hope Street. The proposed zoning change is from General Residential (R3) and Neighbourhood Commercial (C1) to Restricted Commercial (C3) with a restriction of uses and a special regulation all according to by-law 4830. In this regard the Committee considered staff report PD 93/92 dated October 1, 1992 and the proposed by-law dated August 28, 1992 attached to the report. It was noted in the report that the applicant intended to rezone the subject lands to permit a private parking lot for the Mutual Life employees and that the lands are located within the K-W Hospital Secondary Plan area and have a lot area of approximately 3,310.95 square metres (35,640 square feet). It was also noted that the restriction of uses will not permit many C3 uses as listed in the report and that these uses are not permitted within the High Density Commercial Residential designation of the K-W Hospital Secondary Plan and their deletion is therefore consistent with that Plan. It was pointed out that notice that the Committee would hold a public meeting this date to consider this matter had previously been given. Mr. T. McCabe advised that on August 17, 1992 City Council approved a request from The Mutual Group for temporary occupancy of the subject lands. Mr. McCabe distributed a letter that was received today from Ms. Jane Fancy expressing her concern relative to the zone change process that was taking place in that Mutual Life has already changed the use and developed the parking lot before the official hearing to consider the zone change application had been held. In summary he stated that staff were of the view that the application represented a housekeeping situation with respect to the subject lands. Alderman M. Wagner referred to the staff report which indicated that the use of the site as a parking lot was intended to be an interim one and questioned how long it would be before any development took place and suggested that more visible parking lots adjacent to this section of King Street were not needed nor desirable. Mr. T. Good appeared as a delegation in opposition to the zone change and advised that he lived across the street from Mutual Life parking lots. He stated that there were fifteen sodium lights from the Mutual parking lots that glare into his home and that Mutual has not rectified this problem of improper lighting. Further he stated that in regard to the application, it was not proper legal process to approve an occupancy before the application has been considered and that he was extremely PD 93~92 - KING STREET WEST AND MOUNT HOPE STREET (SOUTHWEST CORNER) - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 92/29/K/RM (THE MUTUAL GROUP) - VICTORIA PARK WARD (CONT'D) upset that a parking lot had been installed before comprehensive discussion could take place. At this point Alderman B. Stortz disclosed a conflict of interest and abstained from all discussion as his wife is an employee of the Mutual Group. Mr. Good indicated that he owned several homes in the area on Mary Street and Mount Hope PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3~,2 - NOVEMBER 2, 1992 Street and that he lived at 101 Mount Hope Street. In response to Alderman M. Yantzi, Mr. T. McCabe explained the uses permitted under the existing zoning and referred to the list of prohibited uses that would apply. Further he stated that the interim parking lot use was set out as part of the K-W Hospital Secondary Plan. Alderman T. Galloway left the meeting at this point. Mr. T. McCabe explained Council's procedure in considering requests for temporary occupancy prior to processing of a zone change which requires that four conditions be met which he itemized. He noted that after the August 7th circulation letter was mailed, Council had been advised on August 17th that two responses had been received when the request for temporary occupancy was dealt with. In response to Alderman M. Wagner, Mr. Jim Mclnnis representing Mutual Life advised that he could not provide a timetable for redevelopment of the property beyond the parking lot use at this time. Alderman Wagner questioned why the parking lot was needed now especially when it was well-known that Mutual Life has a corporate policy to encourage alternative transportation uses. Mr. Mclnnis advised that there were 1,100 parking spaces available to service 2,200 employees who presently utilize car pools, a van pool, bicycles and transit but that there was still a need for additional parking. Alderman G. Leadston referred to the complaint of Mr. Good respecting lighting of parking lots and questioned if Mr. Mclnnis could meet with Mr. Good and Alderman M. Yantzi to address the problem and Mr. Mclnnis indicated that he would. No other delegations responded to the Chairman's invitation to address the Committee on this matter. Moved by Mayor D.V. Cardillo Seconded by Alderman C. Weylie That Zone Change Application 92/29/K/RM (The Mutual Group) requesting a change in zoning from General Residential (R3) and Neighbourhood Commercial (C1) to Restricted Commercial (C3) with a restriction of uses and a special regulation all according to By-law 4830 on Part of Lot 108, Lots 109 to 112 inclusive, Registered Plan 385, be approved in the form shown in the proposed By-law attached, dated August 28,1992, subject to the following conditions being satisfied prior to any readings of the Amending Zoning By-law by Council. To arrange for notification by letter from the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to the City's Clerk, that all Regional requirements have been satisfied with respect to the proposed zone change. The Owner acknowledges that Condition 1 hereof is required to be satisfied no later than seven (7) months from Council having approved by resolution, the amending zoning by-law relative to the Zone Change Application 92/29/K/RM. In the event this requirement is not fulfilled within the seven month period, Council shall consider rescinding its zone change approval. PD 93~92 - KING STREET WEST AND MOUNT HOPE STREET (SOUTHWEST CORNER) - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 92/29/K/RM (THE MUTUAL GROUP) - VICTORIA PARK WARD (CONT'D) It is the opinion of this Committee that the approval of this application is proper planning for the City and is in conformity with the City's Approved Official Plan. Carried Alderman B. Stortz previously disclosed a conflict of interest and abstained from all discussion and voting as his wife is employed by the Mutual Group. The Chairman advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3~3 - meeting to be held on Monday, November 9, 1992. NOVEMBER 2, 1992 8. PD 103/92 HERITAGE DRIVE BETWEEN INDIAN ROAD AND OTTAWA STREET REVISION TO GRAND RIVER NORTH COMMUNITY PLAN (PD249/88) REPORT TRAFFIC REPORT RE PROPOSED CLOSURE OF HERITAGE DRIVE STANLEY PARK WARD The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 103/92 dated September 24, 1992 dealing with a revision to the Grand River North Community Plan. In the staff report it was recommended that City Council not close Heritage Drive and amend the Community Plan by deleting policy 3.2.7 so as to remove the present policy to close Heritage Drive subject to three conditions. Attached to staff report PD 103/92 were Traffic and Parking Division Report DOTR-92-37, Minutes of the Public Information Meeting held September 23, 1992 concerning the proposal to close Heritage Drive between Ottawa Street and Oakhurst Crescent and numerous written responses received from area residents supporting or opposing the proposal to close the street. The Committee was also in receipt of a report dated October 28, 1992 from Mr. D. Snow responding to the request that the Planning and Economic Development Committee had made at its October 19th meeting to provide the Committee with information relative to the length of time a consultant would require to deal with a review of closure and the approximate cost of consultant's services. Mr. D. Corks reviewed the original Community Plan Policy and the revision that was made in 1988 given the fact that any closure would impact on other streets. He indicated that the community was basically split on the issue given the numbers of letters and petitions received that were in favour or against the proposal. Finally, he pointed out that whether or not Heritage Drive was closed the Traffic Division intends to recommend certain traffic control measures to deal with traffic concerns in the general area. Mr. D. Snow pointed out that the concept plan for the Grand River area originally included closure of Heritage Drive once a major arterial road (Lackner Boulevard) was completed. He explained the history of traffic impacts on the area and pointed out that residents were of the understanding that Heritage Drive was to be closed and that that issue was not in question. He noted that in the mid 1980's traffic issues affecting the greater community were raised that affect not just Heritage Drive. He indicated that with the opening of Lackner Boulevard a reduction of traffic has taken place on Heritage Drive but that if Heritage Drive was closed, community-based traffic that was presently utilizing Heritage Drive would be forced on to other interior subdivision streets. In response to Alderman G. Leadston, Mr. D. Snow advised that funds were collected and set aside through the development approval process that cover the costs of the road closure and no taxpayer dollars would be involved. Alderman Leadston pointed out that residents of other streets had concerns regarding traffic issues whether or not the closure was approved and questioned how these concerns were to be addressed. Mr. Snow advised that staff are prepared to recommend a number of traffic PD 103/92 HERITAGE DRIVE BETWEEN INDIAN ROAD AND OTTAWA STREET REVISION TO GRAND RIVER NORTH COMMUNITY PLAN (PD249/88) REPORT TRAFFIC REPORT RE PROPOSED CLOSURE OF HERITAGE DRIVE STANLEY PARK WARD (CONT'D) measures on nearby streets which include all ways stops at the intersection of Montcalm Drive/ Indian Road, a 40km per hour speed limit on a portion of Heritage Drive, Montcalm Drive, Indian Road and McGee Avenue. Alderman Leadston indicated that the closure would have been considered a few years ago except for other circumstances which Mr. Snow referred to: being, the opening of Lackner Boulevard in September 1990 and the unknown impact of the Lyle Hallman Pool and Sports Complex on traffic patterns in the area. Alderman Leadston referred to the critical parking situation on Montcalm Drive as a result of activity at Crestview Public School and questioned what discussions have taken place with the School Board regarding the problem. Mr. D. Snow advised that staff have had many discussions with school board officials but the Board has not been willing to focus on a co-ordinated approach to assist in resolving off-site traffic problems. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3~4 - NOVEMBER 2, 1992 Alderman C. Weylie questioned if Heritage Drive could be closed on a temporary basis and Mr. D. Snow advised that the City would have to follow all required legal procedures with respect to a closing. Alderman G. Leadston suggested a one year temporary closure of Heritage Drive during which time traffic patterns could be evaluated and other recommended traffic control measures could be taken. It was also suggested that during that time there could be an ongoing dialogue with the school boards, analysis of the impact of use of community facilities and meetings held with representatives of residents of the streets affected by the closure. Alderman M. Wagner questioned if the City had ever closed a street and then reversed its decision in this regard and Mr. D. Snow replied that the answer was no. Mr. Darwin Witmer, 436 Heritage Drive, appeared as a delegation in support of the closure of Heritage Drive and to present his submission in this regard that was distributed with the agenda. Mr. Witmer stressed that when residents purchased their homes they relied on the stated intent that Heritage Drive would ultimately be closed in making their purchase decision and that there was a strong moral obligation on the part of the City to proceed with closure. He questioned why the City had not undertaken to amend title of properties on Heritage Drive that would have advised prospective homeowners that the issue of closure might be in doubt. He stated that the City could undertake actions that would discourage traffic from utilizing Montcalm if Heritage Drive was closed. In particular he referred to Lorraine Avenue which is a recognized four-lane collector that presently carries just as much traffic as existing Heritage Drive. Mr. Witmer commented that he did not think anyone could accurately predict the effect of closure of Heritage Drive and illustrated a plan that the residents had drawn up that would address the issue of creation of an emergency lane from a closure in the area of Heritage/Oakhurst that would provide a secondary access for emergency purposes to service the highschool and community facilities. In summary, Mr. Witmer indicated that Heritage Drive residents request that the road be closed and an independent study of the effects undertaken. Alderman C. Zehr questioned what information the residents would expect out of an independent study. Mr. Witmer advised that an independent consultant would consider the closure and define what problems may have resulted and propose solutions in that regard. Ms. Irene Brisson appeared as a delegation on behalf of residents who are opposed to the closing of Heritage Drive. In her submission which was distributed with the agenda she stated that the fire department was not in favour of the closing nor was Crestview School and that the Department of Transportation has not recommended closure in their report. Further she pointed out that not all of the residents of PD 103/92 HERITAGE DRIVE BETWEEN INDIAN ROAD AND OTTAWA STREET REVISION TO GRAND RIVER NORTH COMMUNITY PLAN (PD249/88) REPORT TRAFFIC REPORT RE PROPOSED CLOSURE OF HERITAGE DRIVE STANLEY PARK WARD (CONT'D) Montcalm were notified of the September information meeting. Her submission outlined various traffic related concerns that will occur if the closure was to take place and pointed out that the closure will create more problems than it resolves and benefit only a few people. Alderman G. Leadston questioned if Ms. Brisson would be willing to accept a one year temporary closure and implementation of all of the traffic measures that have been proposed. She indicated that she was opposed to closure. Mrs. Mary Dinner appeared as a delegation and advised that she lived on Montcalm and that neither she nor Ms. Brisson could speak to the issue of a temporary closure on behalf of residents since a temporary closure was never discussed with area residents as a possibility. Mr. Rick Langver, 432 Heritage Drive, appeared as a delegation and indicated that he was in favour of the closure. No other delegations responded to the Chairman's invitation to address the Committee on this matter. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3~,$ - NOVEMBER 2, 1992 Moved by Alderman C. Weylie Seconded by Alderman G. Leadston That Heritage Drive, between Ottawa Street North and the easterly leg of Oakhurst Crescent, be closed temporarily for a one (1) year trial period and that during this period the impact of the closing be documented and analyzed by City staff and an impact report be prepared by the Traffic Division for consideration by City Council in one (1) year. Further, that the Director of Traffic and Parking be authorized to undertake the following traffic safety measures: 1) Installation of an all-way stop control at the following intersections: - Montcalm Drive/Indian Road 2) Establishment of a 40 km per hour speed limit on the following streets: - Heritage Drive from Lorraine Avenue to Oakhurst Crescent (east intersection) - Montcalm Drive from Lorraine Avenue to Ottawa Street - Indian Road from Montcalm Drive to Heritage Drive - McGee Avenue from Indian Road to Ottawa Street And further, that the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly. Members of the Committee entered into a discussion of the recommendation. Alderman M. Yantzi commented that closing the road only diverts traffic problems and that he supported leaving the road open and authorizing remedial measures as suggested by staff. Alderman M. Wagner stated that he was opposed to the closing on the basis that there was no such thing as a temporary closing, costs could be incurred to re-open the road and generally the closing will cause more problems than it solves. It was Alderman Zehr's view that the recommendation provides flexibility to review the issue and Alderman Ziegler agreed that if the closure did cause problems they would have to be dealt with. The motion of Alderman Weylie to close Heritage Drive was then put to a vote and carried. PD 103/92 HERITAGE DRIVE BETWEEN INDIAN ROAD AND OTTAWA STREET REVISION TO GRAND RIVER NORTH COMMUNITY PLAN (PD249/88) REPORT TRAFFIC REPORT RE PROPOSED CLOSURE OF HERITAGE DRIVE STANLEY PARK WARD (CONT'D) The Chairman advised that the recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting to be held on Monday, November 9, 1992. The delegations were also advised that a by-law with respect to the closing must be advertised and considered by City Council at a future public meeting. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. L. W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 2, 1992