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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlng & Econ Dev - 1994-07-04PED\1994-07-04 J U LY 4, 1994 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Planning and Economic Development Committee met this date commencing at 3:40 p.m. under the Chairmanship of Councillor C. Weylie, with the following members present: Mayor D.V. Cardillo and Councillors J. Ziegler, T. Galloway, M. Yantzi, G. Leadson, J. Smola, C. Zehr, G. Lorentz, B. Stortz and M. Wagner. Officials present: Mr. T. McKay, Mr. T. McCabe, Mr. B. Stanley, Mr. J. Shivas, Ms. D. Arnold, Ms. C. Ladd, Mr. T. Boutilier, Mr. K. Tribby, Ms. P. MacPherson, Mr. D. Mansell, Mr. R. Mattice, Mr. P. Wetherup and Mr. L.W. Neil. 1.MR. M. WEINBERG RE GLASGOW HEIGHTS PLAZA\FISCHER-HALLMAN ROAD WIDENING Mr. Michael Weinberg, 90 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite #121, Toronto, appeared as a delegation on behalf of Mikron Properties, which owns and operates the Glasgow Heights Plaza at 851 Fischer- Hallman Road. Mr. Weinberg distributed a copy of a letter dated June 24, 1994 that was addressed to the Commissioner of Engineering for the Region of Waterloo which outlines concerns respecting a proposed median in the vicinity of the plaza's entrance and exit onto Fischer-Hallman Road. He ponted out that he has had an opportunity to talk with Engineering officials and acknowledged while there was an awareness several years ago that future road changes would take place, there was no way at that time of predicting the existing difficult economic circumstances which retailers are experiencing. Mr. Weinberg commented that it was thought that by the time the road situation was addressed some years hence, that tenants would be securely established and be able to withstand any problems that they may face because of the road changes. He noted that presently there were four vacancies in the plaza and that strenuous efforts were being made to retain remaining tenants. Mr. Weinberg pointed out that this was an issue of survival requiring support from Kitchener City Council and noted that the Regional Engineering Department was in need of encouragement from both the City and Regional Council on the road access issue. Mr. Weinberg illustrated a plan of the existing access/exit on Fischer-Hallman Road and commented that it was critical for officials to delay putting more obstacles in front of retailers. The Committee considered the issue and Councillor C. Zehr questioned if Mr. Weinberg was asking for full access at this time on the understanding that in future only right in and right out would be permitted and also asked if a left into the property would be of assistance. Mr. Weinberg indicated that a left in to the property would help. Further, he mentioned that the Beechwood Plaza has provision for left in and left out and carrying lanes on Fischer-Hallman Road. Mr. T. McCabe pointed out that the existing site plan represented a unique plan with a right slip in to the parking area which tends to minimize vehicular stacking problems. Following further discussion and on motion by Councillor C. Zehr It was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener request the Region of Waterloo to allow, at this time, a left in vehicular movement from Fischer-Hallman Road to the Glasgow Heights Plaza, 851 Fischer-Hallman Road, in addition to the right in, right out traffic design." 2.PD 94/52 - WESTFOREST TRAIL & WINDWARD PLACE - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 94/07/W/PMC - MONARCH CONSTRUCTION LIMITED - WEST WARD The Committee was advised that the Department of Planning and Development was in receipt of a Zone Change application from Monarch Construction Limited to change the zoning of lands located on Westforest Trail and Windward Place north of Victoria Street South and South of the C.N. Railway. The proposed Zone Change is from Restricted Residential (R2A) with special regulations to Semi- Restricted Residential (R2C) with special regulations all according to By-law 4830. In this regard, the Committee considered Staff Report PD 94/52 dated June 1, 1994 and the Proposed By-law dated May 27, 1994 attached to the report. It was noted in the report that the proposed Zone Change has been requested in order to reduce the size of the residential 2.PD 94~52 - WESTFOREST TRAIL & WINDWARD PLACE - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 94/07/W/PMC - MONARCH CONSTRUCTION LIMITED - WEST WARD (CONT'D) building lot widths from 13.71 metres to a minimum 11.0 metres. The new lotting will have the effect of PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES tttt VA 'IOOA _ fl'~_ increasing the number of residential lots for single detached dwellings by approximately 13, from the existing 38 lots to 51 lots. 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 this Zone Change represented the second stage of the second registration of Monarch's Quail Ridge development. Ms. P. MacPherson distributed a copy of a revised Proposed By-law dated June 24, 1994. She advised that as a result of neighbourhood meetings, there had been changes to minimum lot widths in the June 24th By-law that provide for a change to 50 lots. Mr. Glenn Scheels, Cumming Cockburn Limited, appeared as a delegation on behalf of Monarch Construction Limited and advised that his client was in full agreement with the Staff Report and the revised Proposed by-law distributed this date. He noted that the intention was to rezone the lands to provide for some slightly smaller lots resulting in an increase to 50 from 38 lots. Mr. Scheels also requested that the Zoning By-law receive three readings at the next Council meeting. No other delegations responded to the Chairman's invitation to address the Committee on this matter. The recommendation in the Staff Report was then considered and it was agreed that it be amended to include the revised Proposed By-law dated June 24, 1994 distributed this date. On motion by Mayor D.V. Cardillo, It was resolved: "That Zone Change Application 94//07AN/PMc (Monarch Construction Limited) requesting a change in zoning from Restricted Residential (R2A) with special regulations to Semi-Restricted Residential (R2C) with special regulations according to By-law 4830 on Lots 25 to 62 inclusive, Registered Plan 1689, be approved in the form shown in the Proposed By-law attached dated May 30, 1994, as revised June 24, 1994, without conditions. 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." The Committee directed that provided the City Solicitor has no objection, that the Zoning By-law be placed on the July 11 Council agenda for three readings that date. PD 42~92 - JOYCE AVENUE - LANE APPLICATION 20.19 (ROAD CLOSURE) - BRIDGEPORT-NORTH WARD The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 42/92 dated June 24, 1994 dealing with Lane Application 20.19 which requests closure of part of Joyce Avenue. It was noted in the report that the owner's of St. Teresa School, located at 270 Edwin Street, have requested that the opened part of Joyce Avenue be closed. The history of the original closure of part of Joyce Avenue in 1947 was outlined in the Staff Report as background to the current request. 3. PD 42~92 - JOYCE AVENUE - LANE APPLICATION 20.19 (ROAD CLOSURE) - BRIDGEPORT-NORTH WARD (CONT'D) Mr. T. McCabe advised that staff have no objection to the road closure and pointed out that the issue to be addressed relates to the market value of a road allowance that is currently part of the school parking lot containing portables. He advised that the land value has been appraised as having a market value of $50,000 and this was the asking price being recommended by staff. Mr. Merv Villemaire appeared as a delegation on behalf of the Separate School Board and expressed appreciation to staff for their assistance in this matter. He noted that it was discovered that a part of Joyce Avenue had never been closed at the time of the 1947 partial closing because the lands which are the subject of the application were at the time owned by the Township of Waterloo. He noted that the unclosed portion of Joyce Avenue has functioned as an entrance to both St. Teresa PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES IIII VA t004 _1'~1 _ ('~ITV hi= I,(ITt'~HI~klI~Q School and to an adjacent parkette. Mr. Villemaire requested that given the fact that closure and conveyance in 1947 took place for a nominal fee, that the same basis was applicable for the current request. He agreed that any costs whatsoever incurred by the City should be assumed by the Separate School Board. Councillor J. Ziegler stated that he favoured conveyance at nominal cost provided all costs incurred by the City with respect to the conveyance were assumed by the Separate School Board. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler, It was resolved: "That the Legal Department and General Services and City Clerk's Department be instructed to proceed with the ordering of a survey, preparation of a By-law and necessary advertising in the local newspapers for the closing of a public roadway abutting Lots 41, 53, 65, 66 and Part Lots 54 and 64, Registered Plan Number 318. The title of the land is to be conveyed entirely to The Waterloo Region Roman Catholic Separate School Board, subject to the following conditions: 1 .That the survey be completed and registered prior to the completion of the lane closure. 2.That the Owner pay all survey, advertising, legal and registration costs associated with the closure of the road. 3.That the Owner pay a 'nominal' value for that part of Joyce Avenue to be closed to the City of Kitchener, which market value has been assessed at $50,000.00." 4. PD 94~49 - VICTORIA STREET SOUTH - SUBDIVISION APPLICATION 30T-93016/CL - GRAND RIVER RAILWAY COMPANY - VICTORIA PARK WARD The Committee was advised that the Department of Planning and Development has received a subdivision application from the Grand River Railway Company with respect to lands comprising 2.098 hectares located on the east side of Victoria Street South and adjacent to Victoria Park. It was noted in the report that the applicant is requesting approval of a Plan of Subdivision consisting of 43 lots for street fronting townhouses, one block for industrial/commercial, one block for storm water management and one block for park. Ms. C. Ladd commented that this Plan of Subdivision had been under study for some time and also commented on floodline issues as noted in the report. She pointed out that the developer and agent have worked with the residential neighbourhood to resolve any concerns. Mr. P. Britton, MacNaughton Hermson Britton Clarkson, appeared as a delegation on behalf of the applicant and indicated support for the recommendation. 4. PD 94~49 - VICTORIA STREET SOUTH - SUBDIVISION APPLICATION 30T-93016/CL - GRAND RIVER RAILWAY COMPANY - VICTORIA PARK WARD (CONT'D) No other delegations were registered respecting this matter. On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi, It was resolved: "That Subdivision Application 30T-93016 (Grand River Railway Company) be recommended to the Regional Municipality for Draft Approval subject to the following conditions: That the Subdivider enter into a City standard form Residential Subdivision Agreement as approved by City Council embracing those lands shown outlined in the attached plan of subdivision and that the following conditions shall be written therein. The Subdivider covenants and agrees: PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES tttt VA 'IOOA 51 .That the final plan for registration purposes shall be prepared in accordance with the attached Plan of Subdivision dated 94 06 03, providing that minor amendments to said plan, acceptable to the General Manager of the Department of Planning and Development and not affecting the numbering of Lots of Blocks, may be permitted without an amendment to this agreement. 52.To submit a Lot Grading and Drainage Control Plan for the approval of the City's Commissioner of Public Works in consultation with the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Grand River Conservation Authority, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo prior to the registration of the Plan of Subdivision. 53.To submit for the approval of the City's Commissioner of Public Works, in consultation with the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Grand River Conservation Authority, the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and the Ministry of Natural Resources a detailed engineering design for storm water management in accordance with the approved concept plan. Said engineering design shall include provision of any required erosion and siltation control features to be installed both during and after grading and construction stages. The Subdivider further agrees to implement all required measures as outlined in the approved final design. 54.To construct a 1.5 metre wide concrete sidewalk along the northerly side of Street One from the walkway/emergency access to Victoria Street South. 55.That the street name within the Plan of Subdivision shall be approved by City Council prior to the registration of the Plan of Subdivision. 56.To convey to the City of Kitchener the following lands for the purposes stated therein, at no cost and free of encumbrance, concurrently with the registration of the plan of subdivision: a)Block 45 for park purposes; b)Block 46 for storm water management purposes; c)Block 47 for storm drainage; d)Block 50 for a 0.3 metre reserve. 57.To dedicate by plan registration the following lands as 'public highway': 4. PD 94~49 - VICTORIA STREET SOUTH - SUBDIVISION APPLICATION 30T-93016/CL - GRAND RIVER RAILWAY COMPANY - VICTORIA PARK WARD (CONT'D) a)Block 48 for a road widening; b)Block 49 for a dual purpose emergency access/public walkway. 58.The Subdivider shall construct a 6.0 metre wide, dual purpose public walkway/emergency access within Block 49 to the satisfaction of the Department of Public Works prior to the issuance of any building permits within the plan of subdivision. This design shall include a chain and knockdown barrier to prevent through traffic to adjacent lands. The Subdivider further agrees to extend the emergency access through adjacent City owned lands to connect with Park Street to the satisfaction of the Departments of Public Works and Parks and Recreation prior to the issuance of any building permits. 59.That the conveyance of Block 45 to the City shall satisfy the 5 percent parkland dedication requirement for this plan of subdivision. 60.The Subdivider agrees to fill, compact and grade in both preliminary and finished form, topsoil and seed/sod Block 45, to the satisfaction of the General Manager of Parks and Recreation, to be completed in conjunction with the timing of grading of the subdivision, not to exceed two years from the registration of the subdivision plan or at an alternate time approved in writing PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES II II V,4 '100,4 by the General Manager of Parks and Recreation. 61.The Subdivider agrees to install a boundary identification system along the rear lot lines which abut Block 45 at such time required by and to the satisfaction of the General Manager of Parks and Recreation. Further, the Subdivider agrees to include a statement advising of the fencing and marking system requirement in all Offers to Purchase and Agreements of Purchase and Sale for the Lots affected by this clause. 62.That Block 44 is only to be used as a lot consolidation with adjoining lands legally described as Lots 31 to 35 inclusive, Part of Lot 36, Registered Plan 107, together with a right-or-way on Lot 46, Registered Plan 107 (William Knell & Company Ltd.) and title is to be consolidated. 63.That this plan of subdivision shall not be registered until such time as Zoning By-law 94-1 is in final force and effect. 64.To obtain from the Grand River Conservation Authority, a Fill, Construction and Alteration to Waterways Permit under Ontario Regulation 154/86. Such permit shall be obtained prior to on-site grading, the installation of services and prior to the City's release of the Subdivision Plan for registration purposes. 65.To install a 1.8 metre high solid wood fence along the rear of Lots 1 to 6 inclusive and Lots 17 to 23 inclusive abutting Block 44. Said fencing shall be installed within the affected lots prior to the transfer of title of such lots to the first time occupants, or in the event of winter conditions, shall be installed by June 1, immediately following such transfer of title. 66.To install a 1.82 metre high chain ling fence along the common boundary of this plan of subdivision and those lands owned by CN Rail. 67.To construct, to the satisfaction of the Department of Public Works and Parks and Recreation, a 2.0 metre high earthen berm, having a slope of not more than 2.5 to 1 along the entire depth of Block 47. Such berm is to be developed at the Subdivider's cost in accordance with detailed plans/drawings which shall include special provisions for the location of the berm over the City's sewer easement, to be approved by the Department 4. PD 94~49 - VICTORIA STREET SOUTH - SUBDIVISION APPLICATION 30T-93016/CL - GRAND RIVER RAILWAY COMPANY - VICTORIA PARK WARD (CONT'D) of Public Works and Parks and Recreation, prior to the issuance of any building permits within the plan of subdivision. Said berm shall be installed within Block 47 at the time of the development of the Storm Water Management area. It is the opinion of this Committee that the approval of this application is proper planning for the City." PD 94/59 - 186 VICTORIA STREET NORTH - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 94/03/RM - NEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH - CENTRE WARD The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 94/59 dated June 27, 1994 dealing with a Demolition Control Application submitted by the New Apostolic Church respecting lands known municipally as 186 Victoria Street North. It was noted in the report that the applicant proposes to demolish a single detached dwelling at 186 Victoria Street North to create additional parking for the adjacent church located at 182 Victoria Street North. Mr. R. Mattice advised that he had nothing further to add to the Staff Report except to point out that the structure to be demolished was really just a building containing a residential unit, and was not a single detached dwelling unit as indicated in the report. Mr. P. Britton, MacNaughton Hermsen Britton Clarkson appeared as a delegation on behalf of the New Apostolic Church to advise of his client's support for the recommendation in the Staff Report. He noted that the purpose of the application was to provide for additional parking spaces for the adjacent church. PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES tttt VA 'IOOA _ fl'~A_ On motion by Councillor C. Zehr, It was resolved: "That Demolition Control Application DC 94/03/RM (New Apostolic Church) requesting approval for the demolition of a single detached dwelling located at 186 Victoria Street North legally described as Lot 25 of Reference Plan 58R-4442 be approved without conditions. It is the opinion of this Committee that the approval of this application is proper planning for the City." PD 94/57 - 52 CHICOPEE TERRACE DRIVE - REQUEST FOR TEMPORARY OCCUPANCY - CHICOPEE WARD The Committee was in receipt of Planning & Development Staff Report PD 94/57 dated June 24, 1994 discussing a request from B. Sikorski for temporary occupancy of a health office (dietitian) at 52 Chicopee Terrace Drive. It was noted in the report that as a result of circulation of Stage 7 of the City's Comprehensive Zoning By-law, the issue of home businesses has been the subject of concern by some members of the public and consequently staff suggest that support for temporary occupancy is premature. Mr. T. McCabe pointed out that the applicant was making the request for temporary occupancy on the strength of what has been proposed under Stage 7. He reiterated that it may not be appropriate to support the temporary occupancy, while acknowledging that the request meets all of the standard criteria required by the City in consideration of such temporary occupancy requests. 6. PD 94/57 - 52 CHICOPEE TERRACE DRIVE - REQUEST FOR TEMPORARY OCCUPANCY - CHICOPEE WARD (CONT'D) Ms. B. Sikorski appeared as a delegation in support of her request and pointed out that her business was actually a counselling service and she was unlikely to see more than two patients daily. Further, she commented that in the K-W area there was no such business offering nutritional care at a professional level. The issue of signage was raised by the Committee given that some neighbourhoods are reacting against home occupational signage and Ms. Sikorski advised that she really could operate without such signage. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler It was resolved: "That enforcement of the City's Zoning By-law be waived with respect to a health office for a dietitian only to be operated as a home business at 52 Chicopee Terrace Drive and temporary occupancy be approved subject to the home business vacating the location in the event the City's Stage 7 Comprehensive Zoning By-law permitting health offices as home businesses is not approved by the City council or by the Ontario Municipal Board as it affects this property. Further, that as part of the Stage 7 By-law, the Department consider special parking regulations relative to this home business in view of the infrequent turnover of clients to this specific type of business, and further, That in the event of failure to vacate, the City's Municipal Enforcement Officer be directed to commence notice of action to remove the illegal use and that any work done to the premises is at the sole risk and responsibility of the owner in the event losses are incurred as a result of the final disposition of Stage 7 of the Comprehensive Zoning By-law." 7.MR. A. MclLEEN - PRESENTATION OF REGIONAL CYCLING POLICY MASTER PLAN STUDY Mr. Allister Mclleen, Region of Waterloo Engineering Department, appeared as a delegation to provide a brief presentation with respect to the Regional Cycling Policy Master Plan dated February 1994 as prepared by Victor Ford and Associates Inc. and IMC Consulting Group Inc. Mr. Mclleen advised that his purpose was to provide the Committee with an update and overview of the study and after formal review ask for a Council resolution to be put into a staff report that would be forwarded to PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES tttt VA 'IOOA _ fl'~_ Regional Engineering and Planning Committees. He pointed out that the Study has been active since 1993 under a Steering Committee composed of the Region, Cities, Townships, the C.A.A. and the Twin City Cycling Committee. Mr. Mclleen stated that the objective was to work toward an integrated cycling system over the next 50 years within the Region. He commented on the methodology utilized to develop the master plan involving the Regional Engineering Committee, open houses and completed questionnaires. He then made remarks on the fundamental policy areas contained in the document that cover: implementation, engineering, encouragement, education and enforcement. He made reference to possible east/west and north/south spines that would provide for the cycling grid and noted that in order to accommodate cyclists it was proposed to piggy-back their spacial needs on top of existing capital road programs as being the most cost effective approach. Several members of the Committee then posed questions to Mr. Mclleen who advised that he had no actual hard numbers respecting the volume of users to compare with program costs, and that their approach would always be to find the most cost effective methods. Councillor M. Wagner pointed out that it was unknown what number of people would commute if streets were safer for cyclists and Councillor G. Leadston commented that it was his view motorists would be very supportive of a margin of safety that separate bicycle lanes would provide. Councillor M. Wagner thanked Mr. Mclleen and Regional staff and the consultants for their work preparing the Regional Cycling Policy Master Plan. D. ARNOLD RE PRESENTATION "THE USE OF MEDIATION SERVICES IN NEIGHBOURHOOD DISPUTES" The Committee was in receipt of a copy of a paper entitled "The Use of Mediation Services in Neighbour Disputes" presented by Ms. D. Arnold to the Law Society of Upper Canada. Ms. Arnold advised that she had nothing further to add to the submission but pointed out that it was her view that appropriate use of community mediation services should be strongly encouraged. Mayor D.V. Cardillo commented on the excellent quality of the report. He expressed concern with respect to form letters utilized by the City in addressing problems as being too impersonal and that contact by telephone with affected parties might be a better approach. Ms. Arnold commented that she was not sure if staff had the resources to contact parties in this way and pointed out that many persons cannot be reached during business hours. Councillor C. Zehr noted that he had attempted to utilize the service but individuals involved had declined to participate and he questioned if other Councillors had similar experience. Councillor G. Leadston advised that he had the same experience as Councillor Zehr. At this point, Mr. T. McCabe distributed the Community Mediation Services 1993 Annual Report to the City and pointed out that the last page contains case statistics. Mr. McCabe advised that three cases had been dealt with to date in 1994 and that any member of Council or Department can refer a problem situation. He also pointed out that while the service encourages parties to meet face to face, there was also the option of a shuttle diplomacy approach to problem solving and this had worked in the past. 9. BREMBEL STREET TOWNHOUSES Councillor G. Leadston thanked Messrs. T. McCabe, T. Boutilier and B. Page for attending a meeting with residents with respect to their concerns involving details of the development agree-ment for their project. He advised that as a result of the meeting the parties had come to an understanding and the problem has been resolved. Mr. T. McCabe explained the circumstances behind the residents' concerns and indicated that he has agreed to amend the Section 40 Development Agreement so as to delete the requirement for asphalt driveways and allow for trees to be shifted from the front yards of the properties to the street boulevard. He also recommended that the $50.00 per lot release fee relative to the agreement be waived. On motion by Councillor G. Leadston, PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES tttt VA 'IOOA _ fl'~R_ It was resolved: "That the City Solicitor be authorized to waive the $50 per lot Development Agreement Release Fee for the Brembel Street Townhouses." 10. PD 94/62 - PROPOSED REGIONAL NOISE POLICIES - KITCHENER RESPONSE The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 94/62 dated June 28, 1994 prepared as Kitchener's response to Proposed Regional Noise Policies. It was pointed out in the report that the Region circulated its implementation plan for noise policies to area municipalities and requested response by July 31, 1994. Mr. B. Stanley advised that staff were requesting that the Committee request the Region to grant an extension to September 30 for Kitchener to submit its response. Mr. T. Boutilier advised that a 90 day extension is being requested so as to allow staff to thoroughly review the proposed policies. He pointed out that it was his expectation there will be some dissension within staff in respect to these policies that must be discussed and resolved. 10. PD 94/62 - PROPOSED REGIONAL NOISE POLICIES - KITCHENER RESPONSE (CONT'D) Mr. Boutilier briefly commented on proposed policies as to their impact on new development and relationship to existing residential areas. He pointed out that questions as to the Regional Noise Policy conforming to the new Regional Official Policies Plan must be addressed along with philosophical aspects of the policies. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler It was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener request the Region of Waterloo to grant an extension to September 30, 1994 for the submission of comments on the Proposed Regional Noise Policies." 11. PD 53/94 - RESPONSE TO REGIONAL OFFICIAL POLICIES PLAN - PLANNING FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 53/94 prepared as Kitchener's response to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo document entitled "Regional Official Policies Plan - Planning for a Sustainable Community", dated March 1994. Mr. B. Stanley expressed the thanks of staff to the Region for allowing for direct input into the plan. He noted that the vast majority of concerns and comments expressed at the local level have been incorporated within the plan. He pointed out that there was a fear and concern on the part of some for the impact that a strong Regional plan might have locally. However, he was of the view a strong Regional plan could accommodate a strong local plan. Mr. Stanley stated that any comments raised within the report were intended to seek clarification of issues and in this regard he touched on some of the issues listed under general comments and specific comments by chapter on page 2 of the Staff Report. Mr. Stanley referred to a point dealing with revision to the boundary of Kitchener adjacent to Bloomingdale Road. Councillor C. Zehr commented that the Business and Industry Advisory Committee had expressed views and it was suggested that Members of Council consider those minutes before the July 11 Council meeting so that any additional comments could be included prior to sending the report to the Region. Ms. S. Thorsen, Commissioner of Planning and Development for the Region, advised that she had attended the meeting in order to gain an appreciation of any concerns being expressed by staff and the Committee. She noted that the Region was in the process of rewriting the plan and acknowledged that many of the changes requested have been incorporated in the plan. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler, It was resolved: "That Planning and Development Staff report PD 53~94 be forwarded to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo as Kitchener's response of the document 'Planning for a Sustainable Community, PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES II II V,4 '100,4 Regional Official Policies Plan', March 1994 (draft ROPP)." 12. INFORMATION LETTER- HIGHWAY #7/8 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Mr. T. McCabe advised that he had just received a letter from the Ministry of Transportation advising of approval of funding for the first stage of the Highway #7 and #8 reconstruction. The work involves widening of the Conestoga Expressway to 6 lanes between Highway #8 and Courtland Avenue and to 8 lanes between Highway #8 and Frederick Street, installation of a concrete median barrier along the centre of the Expressway between Courtland Avenue and Frederick Street and construction of a new overpass at Ottawa Street North, with commencement of this project targeted for the Fall of 1995. It was requested that Mr. McCabe provide copies of the letter to City Council and appropriate staff. 13.ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk