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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlng & Econ Dev - 1996-03-04P E D\1996 -03 -04 MARCH 4, 1996 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER The Planning and Economic Development Committee met this date commencing at 3:15 p.m. under Councillor C. Weylie, Chair, with the following members present: Mayor R. Christy and Councillors John Smola, G. Lorentz, K. Redman, B. Vrbanovic, T. Galloway, J. Ziegler, M. Wagner and Jake Smola. Officials present: Ms. L. MacDonald, D. Arnold, V. Gibaut, J. Given, S. Frenette, J. Jantzi and Messrs. T. McKay, T. McCabe, B. Stanley, D. Mansell, J. Shivas, R. Mattice, J. Willmer, J. Witmer, G. Borovilos, C. Adamus and L.W. Neil. OFFER TO PURCHASE - LANCASTER CORPORATE CENTRE, LOT 12 - GREREI INVESTMENT LIMITED At the Committee's February 19th meeting an offer to purchase from Grerei Investment Limited was dealt with in a report dated February 12, 1995 and a proposed resolution was recommended to City Council. City Council on February 26th deferred action on the matter and referred it back to the Committee for consideration. The Committee was in receipt of a revised report dated February 28, 1995 respecting the offer. Ms. V. Gibaut pointed out that the report had been amended as the original report had erroneously stated that the land in question was "Hazard" land when in fact it is zoned B-2. However, due to the restrictions on development that were previously described, staff consider the land to be "open space" and have treated it as such in determining an appropriate price. She advised that staff have received a formal offer to purchase and deposit in that regard. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the City accepts, and the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute, an Offer to Purchase from Grerei Investment Limited with respect to lands composed of Part 1 on Reference Plan 58R-10075, having a frontage of about 126 metres and an area of about 1.34 acres on Riverbend Drive; at the purchase price of $5,000 per acre, for a total purchase price of $6,700." 2. ANNUAL REPORT - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION Attached to the agenda was a copy of the 1995 Annual Report of the Economic Development Division. Ms. V. Gibaut referred to the overview of the Divisions operations and stressed that two primary issues had dominated staff activity during 1995, being business retention and business attraction. She provided comment on these two issues as well as on other Division activities including: - marketing highlights - business assistance -land sales - Canada's Technology Triangle marketing activities - Kitchener Business Self Help Office - 1996 objectives Councillor Jake Smola questioned what the basis was for 1996 objectives that address opportunities outside of North America and Ms. V. Gibaut advised that several years ago a report was prepared which elaborated on high growth markets in Asia. She stressed that staff would take a strategic alliance approach to such objectives which tie into federal provincial initiatives. Councillor C. Weylie advised that it was her intent to investigate Asian opportunities at an upcoming meeting of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Mayor R. Christy briefly commented on the experience of the City of Scarborough in developing new business in overseas markets and suggested that the Waterloo Region should consider marketing its strength in areas such as food production and food processing. Councillor M. Wagner referred to the idea of twinning with a municipality in Germany and questioned who staff were working with in this regard. Ms. Gibaut advised that this only recently became a formalized objective ANNUAL REPORT - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION (CONT'D) MARCH 4, 1996 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 36 - CITY OF KITCHENER and it was her intent to set up a small sub-committee of individuals with German/Canadian background to address the matter. Mr. Chris Adamus of the Kitchener Self Help Office presented the material contained in the Annual Report covering activities/inquiries, consultations, seminars, public speaking, networking and other general activities. Councillor M. Wagner questioned how many of the 327 consultations resulted in the formation of a small business. Mr. Adamus advised that the individuals receiving the consultation were surveyed but there was a Iow response rate and consequently only rough figures were available to evaluate the level of success of this initiative. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That the 1995 Annual Report of the Economic Development Division be received." Councillor C. Weylie referred to her earlier comments concerning development of links with overseas markets and suggested involvement through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. On motion by Mayor R. Christy - it was resolved: "That the Federation of Canadian Municipalities be advised of the City of Kitchener's interest in entering into a partnership agreement with a south east asian municipality following expiry of its partnership agreement with Windhoek, Namibia, and further, That the Federation of Canadian Municipalities be advised of Kitchener's interest in participating in any Federation initiative where the objective is to explore trade opportunities in developing economies." PD 96/22 - WESTMOUNT ROAD / OTTAWA STREET SOUTH - REQUEST FOR DIRECTION RE PROCESSING - MUNICIPAL PLAN AMENDMENT APPLICATION MPA 96/4/W/JG - 1065146 ONTARIO INC. - SOUTH WARD The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 96/22 dated February 27, 1996 dealing with a request from 1065146 Ontario Inc., for processing of an Official Plan Amendment Application for a vacant parcel of land located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Westmount Road and Ottawa Street South. It was explained in the report that a zone change application to change the zoning from High Density Residential (R-9) to Commercial Residential One (CR-1) had been received that would permit a mixture of commercial and residential uses. The proposed uses are intended to implement the Municipal Plan Policies on Nodes, allowing higher intensity uses within designated nodes. However, circulation of the zone change cannot be initiated since this policy section of the Municipal Plan has been deferred and a by-law cannot be passed which does not conform with the Municipal Plan. Currently, a review of Nodal policies is being undertaken which could also affect the timing of the finalization of the zone change application. Accordingly, in order to expedite processing of the zone change application, the owners have submitted an application for Municipal Plan Amendment which would change the underlying designation to Neighbourhood Commercial from High Density Residential. Mr. T. McCabe advised that the recommendation in the report requests direction only as to processing of the application. He stressed that there was no intention to allow for a neighbourhood grocery store as a result of the applications. Councillor T. Galloway questioned the need for the amendment should the deferral be resolved. Ms. J. Given advised that the applicants chose to submit the application knowing it may become redundant. She stated that while a full circulation would be undertaken the application PD 96/22 - WESTMOUNT ROAD / OTTAWA STREET SOUTH - REQUEST FOR DIRECTION RE PROCESSING - MUNICIPAL PLAN AMENDMENT APPLICATION MPA 96/4/W/JG MARCH 4, 1996 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 37 - CITY OF KITCHENER - 1065146 ONTARIO INC. - SOUTH WARD (CONT'D) should not take a long time to complete and the matter would be back before the Committee in approximately four months. Ms. Carol Wiebe appeared as a delegation on behalf of the applicant and advised that she was present only to respond to any issues of concern on the part of the Committee. No other delegations were registered respecting this matter. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That Municipal Plan Amendment Application-MPA 96/4AN/JG (1065146 Ontario Inc.) requesting a change in designation from High Density Residential to Neighbourhood Commercial for the property located at the northwest corner of Westmount Road and Ottawa Street be processed, it being understood that such processing not be construed as granting approval or refusal of the proposed amendment." 1402 HIGHLAND ROAD WEST, HIGHLAND METAL FABRICATING INC. - MR. STEPHEN LEPOINTE - WEST WARD The Committee was in receipt of a copy of correspondence undated from Mr. Stephen Lepointe, 1402 Highland Road West, and a copy of a memorandum dated February 27, 1996 from Mr. J. Witmer to Mr. T. McCabe. Mr. Lepointe requests permission to install a front wall and door on a temporary building for a period of not more than six months so as to allow for relocation of the business to be concluded following purchase of land and construction of a new facility. Mr. T. McCabe advised that Mr. J. Witmer has proposed the wording of a resolution with regard to this request which he distributed to the Committee. He noted that metal fabrication at 1402 Highland Road West was an illegal use as the lands are zoned R-9. He pointed out that there was no potential for staff support of a zone change application because of the residential zoning and that the request was not a typical type of temporary occupancy request received by the Committee. He suggested that the wording in the proposed resolution would address the problem but stressed that Mr. Lepointe must provide evidence of a leasing arrangement for his business by the time that the recommendation is considered for adoption by City Council at its March 25th meeting. Ms. V. Gibaut confirmed that staff have been attempting to put an offer together with Mr. Lepointe for consideration at the City Council meeting to be held March 25, 1996. Mr. T. McCabe stressed that the conditions within the proposed resolution must be met and that staff would advise Council on March 25th of their status. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "Without prejudice, that Council authorize the anchorage of the temporary building and the closing in of the front of the building to the satisfaction of the Chief Building Official, and that the temporary use of the property located at 1402 Highland Road West for the metal fabricating business of Highland Metal Fabricating Inc. be allowed to continue for a maximum of six months subject to the following conditions: that Council receive a written lease agreement or a bona fide offer to purchase signed by the principal(s) Highland Metal Fabricating Inc. for a new permitted location for this business prior to the March 25, 1996 Council meeting, and that Highland Metal Fabricating Inc. agrees to remove the current temporary structure at its sole expense immediately following the six month expiry date, and 1402 HIGHLAND ROAD WEST, HIGHLAND METAL FABRICATING INC. - MR. STEPHEN LEPOINTE - WEST WARD (CONT'D) MARCH 4, 1996 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 38 - CITY OF KITCHENER in the event that Highland Metal Fabricating Inc. fails to anchor and close in the front of the building to the satisfaction of the Chief Building Official by March 30, 1996 this authorization becomes null and void." PD 96/19 - ADDENDUM TO PD 96/3 PD 96/3 - MIDLAND DRIVE EAST OF OTTAWA STREET NORTH - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 951231MIPMB - MIKE VOLL INVESTMENTS LTD. - CHICOPEE WARD At the meeting of the Planning and Economic Development Committee held February 19, 1996, Staff Report PD 96/3 dealing with zone change application 951231MIPMB (Mike Voll Investments Ltd., Midland Drive) was deferred and referred to the meeting this date for further consideration. PD 96/3 was re-circulated along with Staff Report PD 96/19 prepared as an addendum to PD 96/3. It was noted that staff had reviewed the implications of the applicants proposal to develop "land lease community homes" on the subject land and that a determination has been made that special zoning regulations are required if there is more than one land lease community home on a lot, which is the case proposed for the subject lands. Staff Report PD 96/19 dated February 26, 1996 requests that the proposed by-law dated December 20, 1995 in Staff Report PD 96/3 be replaced with the proposed by-law dated February 26, 1996 attached to Staff Report PD 96/19. It was pointed out that notice that the Committee would a public meeting this date to consider this matter had previously been given. Ms. J. Given clarified that 33 units were proposed rather than 32 as stated in PD 96/3 and that they would be owned under a land lease arrangement. She advised that there were sufficient controls with respect to development of the lands and that provincial legislation would govern rental aspects of the development. Finally, she asked that the Committee substitute the revised by-law dated February 26, 1996 in place of the earlier by-law dated December 20, 1995. Mr. Mark Dorfman appeared as a delegation on behalf of the applicant to express support for the recommendations in the staff report and the revised proposed by-law. He clarified that the leasing terms could range from one to twenty years depending on the individual circumstances of each home owner. No other delegations were registered respecting this matter. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That Zone Change Application 951231MIPMB (Mike Voll Investments Ltd., Midland Drive) requesting a change in zoning from Residential Nine Zone (R-9) to Residential Eight Zone (R-8) with Special Regulation Provision 221 according to By-law 85-1, on Part of Block E, Registered Plan 1170, more particularly described as Part 2 on Plan 58R-6379, be approved in the form shown in the attached "Proposed By-law", dated February 26, 1996 (replaces proposed By-law dated December 20, 1995), without conditions, and further, That the change to the By-law be considered minor in nature and not require any further notification prior to its passing. It is the opinion of this Committee that approval of this application is proper planning for the City and is in conformity with the City's Municipal Plan." DOWNTOWN UPDATE Ms. S. Frenette referred the Committee to Page 13 of the Planning and Development Department Annual Report which deals with the activities of the Downtown Development Team. She pointed out that of the recommendations arising from the Final Report of the Mayor's Task Force on the MARCH 4, 1996 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 39 - CITY OF KITCHENER Downtown, 19 have been completed, 16 are in progress, 9 have action yet to be taken and 3 have been cancelled. She explained the reasons for the cancellation of the 3 recommendations which are: - #20 dealing with free meeting and convention facilities in City Hall - #30 dealing with installation of recycling bins in the downtown - #38 dealing with an increased police presence in the downtown Councillor T. Galloway questioned the cancellation of the recycling initiative #30. He thought there were two elements to the initiative being firstly, service to building owners/merchants and secondly, street furniture for recycling. Ms. Frenette advised that the Department of Public Works had not been able to find acceptable street furniture for recycling purposes. Following further discussion, it was agreed that recommendation #30 relating to street furniture for purposes of recycling be referred to the Environmental Committee for further consideration. Ms. Frenette then commented on the success of the recommendations from the Mayor's Task Force on the Downtown. She categorized them and related activity under the following groupings: - various recommendations to support small business - recommendations to bring people downtown - downtown events and activities bringing people downtown - recommendations to increase housing in the downtown - recommendations to improve the physical environment - recommendations to manage downtown revitalization Councillor G. Lorentz questioned if there has been an increase in revenue collected from business taxes as a result of the improvements that have been made to date so as to determine what return was being generated on the City's investment in improvements to the downtown. Mr. T. McKay advised that staff would develop that information back to the year 1995 and provide adjusted data as a result of the property reassessment program. Councillor T. Galloway referred to the issue of abuse of free street parking by employees of downtown merchants and businesses and questioned what the KDBA procedure was to address the problem and what it proposes to do should such procedure not be successful. Mrs. Nancy Brawley advised that the KDBA was working with traffic staff to address the problem. She noted that persons who are abusing the free parking program have been identified and that businesses and building operators were being corresponded with. Further, she stated that the KDBA has developed a second strategy to voice stronger measures in respect to this matter. Mrs. Brawley indicated that it would be about six months before a comprehensive plan was tabled relative to this matter. ANNUAL REPORT - DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT The Committee was in receipt of the 1995 Annual Report of the Department of Planning and Development. Mr. B. Stanley provided the Committee with an overview of major initiatives undertaken during 1995 including implementation of department reorganization, improvement of customer service through back-up, cross-training, two key CIP projects and introduction of computer aided design. Further, he pointed out that in 1995 the Department experienced a slight decrease in activity compared to 1994 and utilized the available time to address a number of issues which he outlined to the Committee. ANNUAL REPORT - DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT (CONT'D) Mr. Stanley advised that the Department began development of a Strategic Plan to the year 2001 through critical appraisal, development of a new mission statement, interviews with senior staff within City Hall as well as the Mayor and Members of Council and a questionnaire to outside agencies and the development community. He referred the Committee to Appendix 1 attached to the Annual Report and the significance of comparative figures between the years 1994 and 1995. MARCH 4, 1996 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES - 40 - CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor M. Wagner questioned when the issue of urban design guidelines would be dealt with and Mr. B. Stanley advised that it was staff's intent to bring the first draft of the report to the Planning and Economic Development Committee in May for initial comment. Mr. T. McCabe referred the Committee to major initiatives of the Department for 1996 as listed on pages 25 and 26 of the Annual Report. He pointed out that the objectives related to improvement within the Downtown remain the highest priority within the Department for 1996. As well, another important priority was completion of the Departments 1997-2001 Strategic Plan. Ms. S. Frenette responded to Councillor K. Redman respecting the matter of defining a mandate for Kitchener Housing Inc. Mayor R. Christy questioned what the cost figures were for the GIS system and Mr. T. McCabe advised that it was in the Department's Capital Budget and he would provide this information to the Mayor. Mr. B. Stanley provided an explanation of the Regional Digital DataBase referred to in the initiatives. Councillor M. Wagner questioned the reference to Bill 20 in the initiatives and Mr. T. McCabe advised that with delegated approvals, Regional staff have lead him to believe that the subject would be favourable to the City of Kitchener. On motion by Councillor K. Redman - it was resolved: "That the 1995 Annual Report of the Department of Planning and Development be received." PD 95/130 - REVISION TO REGULATIONS (PARKING) OF DOWNTOWN ZONES - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 961031TCIJW - CITY OF KITCHENER INITIATED & MEMO - RESOLUTION FROM ADAPTIVE REUSE COMMITTEE - PROPOSED REVISIONS TO DOWNTOWN PARKING REQUIREMENTS The Committee was advised that the Department was in receipt of a City initiated application to revise regulations of the downtown zones of Comprehensive Zoning By-law 85-1 in regard to parking regulations. In this regard the Committee considered Planning and Development Staff Report PD 95/130 dated February 13, 1996 and a proposed by-law dated February 8, 1996 attached to the report. The purpose of the zoning by-law is as follows: - to eliminate parking requirements for retail, restaurants, commercial entertainment, financial establishments (ground floor only), personal services and museums in D-l, and D-3 Zones; D-2 - to allow changes of use in existing buildings with no additional parking required, but existing parking to be retained, in D-4, D-5, D-6 and D-7 Zones; ++ - to require no additional parking for new construction replacing existing floor area; ++ - to exempt small scale development (additions or new buildings under 5,000 square feet) from parking requirements; ++ - to reduce parking requirements for mixed office/residential development; PD 95/130- REVISION TO REGULATIONS (PARKING) OF DOWNTOWN ZONES - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 961031TCIJW - CITY OF KITCHENER INITIATED & MEMO - RESOLUTION FROM ADAPTIVE REUSE COMMITTEE - PROPOSED REVISIONS TO DOWNTOWN PARKING REQUIREMENTS (CONT'D) - to permit stacked or valet parking, subject to an agreement with the City. (Note: ++ these changes not applicable to Hotels) PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 4, 1996 - 41 - CITY OF KITCHENER 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 he had nothing further to add to the report under consideration. He pointed out that the recommendations within the report were an outcome of adoption of the recommendations arising from the Mayor's Task Force on the Downtown. Also, he commented that in 1991 current parking regulations had been put in place; however, the proposals now being made to some extent remove the changes implemented in 1991. He suggested that the changes now being proposed were really creative approaches to address current realities. Mr. J. Willmer referred the Committee to the attachments to Staff Report PD 95/130. He pointed out that Map #1 regarding the effects of the proposed by-law distinguishes between D-l, D-2, D-3 Zones which are the inner core of the downtown and D-4, D-5, D-6, D-7 Zones which are the outer core of the downtown. He then commented on Figure #1 attached to the staff report which provides a summary of changes relative to downtown parking requirements by summarizing six components of the by-law changes between existing regulations and what is proposed. Councillor Jake Smola raised the question of parking incentives within the downtown as compared to none in the suburbs. He expressed concern over the large number of parking spaces required for similar property in the suburbs compared to similar property in the downtown. No delegations were registered respecting this matter. On motion by Councillor M. Wagner - it was resolved: "That Zone Change Application ZC 96/03/TC/JW (City of Kitchener), representing revisions to the regulations of the Downtown Zones of Comprehensive Zoning By-law 85-1, dealing with revised parking regulations, be approved in the form shown in the attached "Proposed By-law", dated February 8, 1996, without conditions. It is the opinion of this Committee that approval of this application is proper planning for the City." 9. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk