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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlng & Econ Dev - 1994-02-14PED\1994-02-14 PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 14, 1994 The Planning and Economic Committee met this date commencing at 3:05 p.m. under the Chairmanship of Councillor C. Weylie, with the following members present: Councillors T. Galloway, J. Smola, G. Lorentz and M. Wagner. Mayor D.V. Cardillo and Councillors J. Ziegler, G. Leadston and C. Zehr entered the meeting after its commencement. Officials present: Mr. T. McKay, Mr. S. Klapman, Mr. B. Stanley, Mr. T. McCabe, Ms. V. Gibaut, Ms. R. Schumacher, Ms. J. Jantzi, Mr. R. Mattice, Mr. D. Mansell, Mr. J. Shivas, Mr. J. Witmer and Mr. L.W. Neil. DELEGATION - MR. E. MEYERS RE VARIOUS PROPOSALS Mr. Edmond Meyers appeared as a delegation in respect to his proposals relative to the following matters: (a) (b) (c) for the revitalization of the Kitchener Downtown Area. for residential land cost reduction. for installing uniform street number signs on all residential buildings. commercial, industrial, office and With regard to his proposal for the revitalization of the Downtown Area, Mr. Meyers commented that there were numerous problems which he has studied, analyzed and developed solutions. He then reviewed the problems and possible remedies outlined in his submission. He noted that the problems of the Downtown relate to; unattractive appearance, lack of safety, air/noise pollution, absence of residential units, narrow scope of businesses, slow vehicular movement, lack of corporate presence on the King Street strip, shortage of parking and abundance of loiterers. Mayor D.V. Cardillo and Councillors G. Leadston and J. Ziegler entered the meeting at this point. Mr. Meyers stated that he anticipated the remedies would be effective against current ongoing problems and that at the moment he was negotiating a plan aimed at reviving the economy. The Chairman advised Mr. Meyers that his five minute deputation period had expired and inquired if Committee members had any questions. In response to Councillor M. Wagner, Mr. Meyers replied that he had attended the Downtown Visions Conference. Also, Mr. Meyers advised that he had tried to get access to the Downtown Action Committee but his correspondence had not been replied to. Further, he contacted one of the Committee members and a Downtown Ward Councillor and did not get any response. Councillor M. Wagner suggested that a relevant decision making body should review each item of Mr. Meyers' proposals. Councillor G.L. Leadston suggested Mr. Meyers should make a presentation to the various other bodies having responsibility with respect to the issues he had raised. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that he liked the idea of a range of property address numbers on street light or telephone poles to assist emergency vehicles in quickly locating properties and requested that his support for such proposal be conveyed to the Fire Department. In response to Mayor D.V. Cardillo, Mr. Meyers advised that he had insisted on confidentiality with respect to his proposals based on negative business experiences in the past. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner, it was resolved: "That the following proposals submitted by Mr. Edmond Meyers: (a) for the revitalization of the Kitchener Downtown Area; (b) for residential land cost reduction; (c) for installing uniform street number signs on all commercial, industrial, office and residential buildings; PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - 22 - FEBRUARY 14, 1994 DELEGATION - MR. E. MEYERS RE PROPOSALS. (CONT'D) be referred to the appropriate staff, agencies, committees or other bodies having responsibility with respect to these matters to consider the issues raised within each proposal". REGIONAL OFFICIAL POLICY PLAN RESPONSES. Councillor C. Weylie requested that due to timing constraints that Planning Staff directly convey their responses on the Regional Official Policy Plan to the Region of Waterloo. Mr. B. Stanley commented that staff were reviewing each issue quickly, referring issues to the appropriate staff and achieving rapid response for conveyance to the Region. 3. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION. The Committee was in receipt of the above report. The report contains an overview commentary, information on new businesses and company relocations, corporate visitations by staff and numerous marketing highlights and other activity documentation. Ms. V. Gibaut advised that she had nothing further to add to the report other than to note that except for the issue of taxation and complaints about government in general, staff receive very few negative comments about the City from business organizations. Councillor M. Wagner questioned if there was any movement to combine the City's efforts with those of the City of Waterloo respecting Economic Development. Ms. V. Gibaut advised that staff of the two Cities undertake joint advertisements, meetings, planning relating to special events such as Oktoberfest, participate in Canada's Technology Triangle Organization and in the Economic Twining issue. In reference to the statistic of 176 employer visits, Councillor G. Lorentz questioned what constituted a visit. Ms. V. Gibaut advised that a visit was defined as any time staff deal with officials of a business organization within their facilities. She pointed out that repeat visits indicate that staff and company officials are dealing with an issue of concern. Further, she noted that the focus will now be on companies with export potential. Councillor G. Lorentz requested that Economic Development Staff continue to advise members of Council when visits are occurring as on occasion they may also be able to attend. In response to an enquiry Ms. R. Schumacher advised that the annual Business Directory would be printed approximately the first week of March. In respect to new businesses locating in the City it was noted that staff send a letter of introduction and welcome and do attempt to visit the business soon thereafter. Ms. V. Gibaut reported that in terms of good news Kuntz Electroplating has hired 160 employees in the last six months as a result of obtaining major United States contracts upon which 90% of its business was now based. The business is now operating 6 days per week 24 hours per day and she advised that the company intended to hold a press conference later this week. In regard to the Devtech Diemaco Operations she advised that the Netherlands intends to enter into a $50 million contract over 3 years for the company to supply small arms weapons for the Dutch Defence Forces. Councillor G.L. Leadston questioned if the company had made submissions respecting the Revolver Replacement Program for Ontario Police Forces and Mayor D.V. Cardillo advised that he would take the matter under advisement on behalf of the Police Services Board. On motion by Councillor J. Smola, it was resolved: "That the 1993 Annual Report of the Economic Development Division be received." PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - 23 - FEBRUARY 14, 1994 4. ENHANCING COMMUNITY ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS - A PILOT STUDY For the benefit of those in the audience, Ms. V. Gibaut advised that Canada's Technology Triangle (CTT) had been established in 1987 and was composed of the Cities of Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge and Guelph with the intent of marketing the area throughout the world. Ms. V. Gibaut then provided the Committee with an audio visual presentation of a Pilot Study involving a comparison of the CTT organization with the London area. Comparative data covering a various economic indicators was itemized. Councillor M. Wagner questioned if it could be clearly stated where the CTT stands in comparison to the City of London. Mr. T. McKay commented that the population of the two centres was relatively comparable and that the information provided by Economic Development should be considered in relation to the recent presentations of Mr. Larry Smith. Mr. McKay further commented that the data from the Economic Development Division indicates that the CTT was better placed than the City of London as the future growth centre of South Western Ontario. Mr. McKay also indicated that the information would be used to present to the community so that it would realize its own success. As well, he indicated that the information would be relayed to decision makers at the Provincial and Federal Government levels so that they were made aware of the success of CTT. PD 14/94 - 4296 KING STREET EAST. - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 93/06/RM. - VICEROY HOMES LIMITED. - SOUTH WARD. The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 14/94 dated February 1, 1994 concerning a Demolition Control Application submitted by Viceroy Homes Limited with respect to the property situated at 4296 King Street. The applicant proposes to demolish a single detached dwelling in order to grade the site and is of the view that the house has no monetary value and that the proposal would make the property aesthetically pleasing to enhance the characteristics of the Viceroy Display Home adjacent to the subject property. Mr. R. Mattice advised the Committee that staff had nothing further to add to the report. No delegations were registered respecting this matter. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler, it was resolved: "That Demolition Control Application DC 93/06/RM (Viceroy Homes) requesting approval for the demolition of a single detached dwelling located at 4296 King Street East, legally described as Lot 9, Beasley's Broken Front Concession, City of Kitchener, be approved subject to the following: a) The owner prepares a Grading and Drainage Control Plan showing drainage details for the subject property, abutting properties and public rights-of-way so as to ensure compatible drainage. The Grading and Drainage Control Plan should also detail erosion and siltation control features. The owner agrees to implement all erosion and siltation control measures prior to the commencement of any site grading, to complete the site grading and drainage scheme in accordance with a plan approved by the City's Chief Building Official and to maintain the erosion and siltation control measures until the site has been fully developed as determined by the Director of Development. The owner must obtain approval of the Grading and Drainage Control Plan prior to the issuance of a demolition permit. b) That the demolition results in the removal of all combustible products (i.e. wood) and the property is maintained to Property and Lot Maintenance Standards. 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. PLANNING & ECONOMIC - 24 - FEBRUARY 14, 1994 DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE PD 14/94 - 4296 KING STREET EAST. - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 93/06/RM. - VICEROY HOMES LIMITED. - SOUTH WARD. It is the opinion of this Committee that the approval of this application is proper planning for the City. = MAJOR REPORT TIMING SCHEDULES Mr. B. Stanley distributed an outline of timing with respect to Council approval of the following major issues: - The Municipal Plan. - The West Side Study. - The Doon Transportation Study. - The Corridor Official Plan Amendment. Mr. B. Stanley indicated that staff were trying to bring forth these inter related matters in a co- ordinated approach. He pointed out that all of the reports have been sent out to the public and that all could come back to City Council for final approval on March 28th. Councillor T. Galloway questioned what the result would be if any one item was deferred. Mr. Stanley advised that it would be preferable to deal with the matters together and that the target was to receive City and Regional Council approvals before the Stage 7 process of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law. Otherwise, he indicated that if an issue was held back it could be processed through a request for modification. = PD 69/93 - UPDATE OF KITCHENER WEST SIDE STUDY PART 1 REPORT: EXISTING CONDITIONS AND LAND NEEDS AND STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENTS FOR AREAS LOCATED BEYOND THE EXISTING URBAN SETTLEMENT BOUNDARY. The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 69/93 dated February 5, 1994 providing an update of Kitchener West Side Study Part 1 Report: Existing Conditions and Land Needs and Staff Recommendations Concerning Official Plan Amendments for Areas Located Beyond the Existing Urban Settlement Boundary. The report contains land use recommendations for the areas affected by the West Side Study: Part 1 Report and Official Plan Amendment Applications 90/6 - Cybau Holdings Inc. (formerly 861431 Ontario Limited and H. Dreger) and 91/6 - Cybau Holdings Inc. (formerly Hesch Farm-Freure Developments). Councillor T. Galloway commented on the Doon South-Brigadoon Transportation Network Analysis and Corridor Study. Mr. B. Stanley advised that the Corridor Official Plan Amendment could include lands outside the settlement boundary. Councillor C. Zehr entered the meeting at this point. Councillor T. Galloway questioned if the Transportation Study would be comprised if the Corridor Official Plan Amendment is outside the Settlement Boundary. Mr. B. Stanley noted that use of a corridor on an Official Amendment is something new. On motion by Councillor G.L. Leadston, it was resolved: "That the following recommendations in Staff Report PD 69/93 be tabled for consideration at a future Planning & Economic Development Committee meeting: That the draft Official Plan Amendment (West Side Study) attached to Staff Report PD 69/93 which recommends that the West Side Study Area be designated Agricultural, Major Open Space, Business Park, Major Institutional and Low Density Residential, be circulated for public and aqency comment. PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - 25 - FEBRUARY 14, 1994 7. PD 69~93 - UPDATE OF KITCHENER WEST SIDE STUDY PART 1 REPORT: EXISTING CONDITIONS AND LAND NEEDS AND STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENTS FOR AREAS LOCATED BEYOND THE EXISTING URBAN SETTLEMENT BOUNDARY. (CONT'D) That Official Plan Amendment 90/6 - Cybau Holdings Inc. (see Map 1) and Official Plan Amendment 91/6 - Hesch Farm (see Map 2) that seek to designate lands located in the Dundee Planning Community as Low Density Residential, be refused. PD 94/18 - HURON PARK INTERIM CONTROL BY-LAW. - STUDY TO DETERMINE ADJACENT LAND USES COMPATIBLE WITH THE PROPOSED HURON NATURAL AREA. - SOUTH WARD. The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 94/18 dated February 7, 1994 prepared as a result of the passing of an Interim Control By-law concerning all of the vacant B-1 zoned lands in the Huron Business Park abutting the Huron Environmental Area Cooperative Project. The staff report proposes undertaking a study to determine those adjacent land uses compatible with the proposed Huron Natural Area. Mr. B. Stanley advised that staff feel it is necessary to retain an environmental firm and recommend Geomatics International Inc. since the company has the necessary qualifications and experience. Accordingly, the study could be completed before September when the Interim Control By-law would have been in place for one year. Councillor C. Zehr questioned the consultant selection and Mr. B. Stanley advised that it was important to complete the study within the one year time frame from the date of passing the By-law. Further, he stated that Geomatics did go through the full selection process to undertake the study and that the firm has the data on hand and qualified staff to move quickly to complete the study. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner, it was resolved: "1. That the City of Kitchener undertake a study in the Huron Business Park Area to determine those adjacent land uses not compatible with the proposed Huron Environmental Cooperative Project, and further That the study cost of approximately $16,000. be financed with $8,000. from the Parks Development Account and the remaining 50% funding being requested from the Waterloo County Board of Education with any short fall in financing from the Board coming out of the General Contingency Fund, and further That such study be awarded to Geomatics International Inc. subject to an acceptable contract being negotiated and an upset study cost not to exceed $16,000." PD 94/19 - REVISION TO MILL COURTLAND/WOODSIDE PARK NEIGHBOURHOOD SECONDARY PLAN. - ROCKWAY-ST. MARY'S WARD. The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 94/19 dated February 9, 1994. The report deals with a minor revision to the Mill CourtlandANoodside Park Neighbourhood Secondary Plan involving three properties, being: 161, 165 and 169 Kent Avenue. It was noted in the report that these properties were incorrectly designated as they were partially designated "Open Space" since approximately half of the lands are situated in the floodway and the remaining portions were designated "Low Density Residential". It is only the lands designated residential that are subject to the proposed revision. Mr. T. McCabe commented briefly on the minor change that has been proposed in the report. PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - 26 - FEBRUARY 14, 1994 PD 94/19 - REVISION TO MILL COURTLAND/WOODSIDE PARK NEIGHBOURHOOD SECONDARY PLAN. - ROCKWAY-ST. MARY'S WARD. (CONT'D) No delegations were registered respecting this matter. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner, it was resolved: "That City Council recommend to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo that the following modification be included in their approval of the Mill CourtlandANoodside Park Neighbourhood Secondary Plan: That Schedule 'A' - Plan for Land Use be revised by changing the designation of 3 properties on Kent Avenue from "Low Density Conservation" to "General Industrial" as shown on the Map attached. It is the opinion of this Committee that the approval of this modification to the Secondary Plan is proper planning for the City." 10. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT. The Committee was in receipt of the 1993 Annual Report of the Department of Planning and Development. Mr. S. Klapman, Commissioner of Planning and Development, presented brief comments on the departmental operation in 1993. Mr. R. Mattice appeared on behalf of the Director of the Housing Division to answer any questions concerning the Division's report. He responded on the issue of Housing Waiting Lists and estimated there was approximately 50% duplication of applications between the North Waterloo Housing Authority and Kitchener Housing Inc. Councillor M. Wagner questioned when information kits on the conversion process would be available and Mr. Mattice advised further internal discussion was required as well as review of other municipalities conversion kits. He indicated the Committee would be advised of the time frame for finalization of the kits. Councillor M. Wagner stated that it was his assumption members of the public would be brought in to assist in creating and ensuring that the conversion kits were user friendly. Councillor C.M. Weylie questioned if there was any way of ensuring that Kitchener residents on the Housing Waiting Lists receive priority over individuals from outside of Kitchener. Mr. McKay advised that this could not be done given the 100% Provincial Funding for Non Profit Housing Developments. Mr. B. Stanley advised that as a result of a misunderstanding, the Planning Division had not included its 1994 Goals with its 1993 Activity Summary Report but that the Goals would be forwarded to the Committee. Mr. J. Witmer advised that the Building Division would also provides it 1994 Goals to the Committee. Mr. Witmer indicated a report would be available in approximately six weeks respecting the CIP Program and approval process. Councillor C. Zehr suggested a streamlined process could be actively promoted in concert with City promotion by the Economic Development Division. Mr. T. McCabe commented on the Development Division 1993 Activity Report and 1994 Goals. He advised that Development Directors of area municipalities were addressing the problem of duplication of circulations and Councillor C. Zehr noted that when resolved, this process would also have promotional merit for the City. Finally, Mr. T. McKay commented that a draft plan for major reorganization of the Department was being worked on and that the decision on the implementation date would follow within the next several months. On motion, it was resolved: "That the 1993 Annual Report of the Department of Planning and Development be received." PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - 27 - FEBRUARY 14, 1994 11. PD 94/12 - 264 VICTORIA STREET NORTH. - HERITAGE DESIGNATION. - FORMER BAETZ BROTHERS FURNITURE BUILDING. - CENTRE WARD. Councillor M. Wagner advised that at the latest meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee it had considered a Heritage Designation of the former Baetz Brothers Furniture Building situated at 264 Victoria Street North. He noted that there was both support and opposition to the designation. Councillor Wagner questioned if City Council was the proper forum to discuss this issue and suggested it might be more appropriate to have the matter heard and discussed in detail by the Planning and Economic Development Committee. Mr. B. Stanley concurred that City Council should be made aware of the planning issues through consideration by the Planning and Economic Development Committee. Since there were significant planning issues attached to this matter, Councillors were generally of the view it was an appropriate issue for the Planning and Economic Development Committee to deal with. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner, it was resolved: "That the recommendation of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee to designate 264 Victoria Street North (former Baetz Brothers Furniture Building) under the Ontario Heritage Act be referred to the February 28th meeting of the Planning and Economic Development Committee for consideration of the heritage and planning issues affecting proposed redevelopment." 12. ADJOURNMENT On motion the meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk