Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlng & Econ Dev - 1998-02-09P E D\1998 -02 -09 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 1998 CITY OF KITCHENER The Planning and Economic Development Committee met this date commencing at 4:20 p.m. under Councillor C. Weylie, Chair, with the following members present: Councillors J. Ziegler, Jake Smola, T. Galloway, J. Haalboom and John Smola. Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors K. Taylor-Harrison, G. Lorentz and B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting shortly after its commencement. Officials present: Ms. J. Jantzi, J. Given and Messrs. J. Gazzola, T. McCabe, B. Stanley, D. Mansell, J. Shivas, Z. Janecki, J. Witmer, P. Wetherup, T. Boutilier, J. Willmer, T. Clancy and L.W. Neil. PD 97/114 - 541 & 543 MILL STREET - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 961351MIZJ - HURLBUT CORPORATION - ROCKWAY-VICTORIA WARD The Committee was advised that the Department of Planning and Development was in receipt of an application from Hurlbut Corporation to change the zoning of the properties known municipally as 541 & 543 Mill Street. The change proposed would rezone the properties to allow 100% of the existing buildings to be occupied by offices. In this regard the Committee considered Planning and Development Staff Report PD 97/114 dated January 13, 1998 and a proposed by-law dated November 21, 1997 attached to the report. 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 explained the purpose of the application. He noted that while no objection to the rezoning application had been received, concerns were expressed with the existing provision that allows for stamping, blanking and punch pressing of metal along with a request that this use be deleted. However, the owner wishes to maintain flexibility with respect to the uses on the property and requests the special use provision be maintained. Mr. Ivan Hurlburt registered as a delegation in support of the application and to answer any questions of the Committee. No other delegations were registered regarding this matter. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That Zone Change Application ZC 96/35/M/ZJ (Hurlbut Corporation) requesting a change in zoning by adding special regulation provisions 1R and 271R to the existing General Industrial Zone (M-2) with special use provision 28U according to By-law 85-1 on Part of Lots B and 18, Registered Plan 384, Part of Lot 1, Registered Plan of Subdivision of Lot 49, German Company Tract and more specifically described as Parts 1 and 6 of Plan 58R- 3266 and Parts 2, 3 and 4 of Plan 58R-3665 be approved in the form shown in "Proposed By-law" attached, dated November 21, 1997 without conditions. 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." REPORT - CANADIAN CONSULAR TRADE INITIATIVE - HOSTED BY CTT AND MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & TOURISM - FEBRUARY 18 & 19, 1998 The Committee was in receipt of a report dated February 4, 1998 from the Economic Development Division prepared as an information report providing details relative to a Canadian Consular Trade Initiative. It was noted in the report that late in 1997 the Canadian Consulate in Detroit proposed an initiative to provide trade representatives from Consulates, Embassies or High Commissions with the opportunity to visit a selected number of automotive related companies in the Southwestern Ontario corridor and requested the Province of Ontario to assume responsibility for organization and logistics of the tour. PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 1998 - 27 - CITY OF KITCHENER REPORT - CANADIAN CONSULAR TRADE INITIATIVE - HOSTED BY CTT AND MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & TOURISM - FEBRUARY 18 & 19, 1998 (CONT'D) In this regard details of the undertaking, tour participants and proposed itinerary were outlined in the staff report. Ms. J. Jantzi provided explanation and commentary regarding the initiative and the proposed agenda and invited Members of Council to attend the reception being held at 5:00 pm on Wednesday February 18th. Councillor J. Haalboom referring to the issue of promotion, questioned if the City was marketing its cultural attributes. Ms. J. Jantzi advised that the Economic Development Division has a package of information contained in a community profile that details cultural aspects of the City but advised that staff could look into incorporating further details in this regard. By general consent, the Committee accepted the staff report as information. REPORT -WASHBURN DRIVE - HURON BUSINESS PARK, PHASE III - OFFER TO PURCHASE - SITE 139 & 140 - 1271247 ONTARIO LIMITED (HEARTLAND APPLIANCES INC.) - SOUTH WARD The Committee was in receipt of a report dated February 3, 1998 circulated with the agenda respecting an offer to purchase submitted by 1271247 Ontario Limited (Heartland Appliances Inc.) pertaining to Sites 139 & 140 in Phase III of the Huron Business Park on Washburn Drive. Ms. J. Jantzi advised that staff wish to delete this item from the agenda as the offer to purchase has been withdrawn. She pointed out that there was a major problem relating to grade of the site in attempting to combine Sites 139 & 140 as one parcel. Ms. Jantzi indicated that it would appear costs were prohibitive to regrade the site to accommodate a building utilizing both sites and consequently the offer was withdrawn after this determination. In response to Councillor T. Galloway, Ms. Jantzi pointed out that these 2 sites were not the only sites the company was looking at as there were some others on Trillium Drive; however, she did alert the Committee that the company was looking outside of the municipality to meet its needs. Later in the meeting Councillor T. Galloway raised this matter again and suggested that there appeared to be a crisis with regard to industrial land and that the City might consider revisiting the Trillium Road issue. He questioned if the City could facilitate the road project coming on stream earlier by front ending the financing of the project. Mayor C. Zehr advised that he has had discussions on the lack of available industrial land for development and would entertain consideration of any innovative ways to accelerate development of industrial lands. Mr. J. Gazzola commented that staff have given detailed consideration to the issue and he characterized it as a funding problem and indicated that staff would revisit the issue. Mayor C. Zehr suggested that it could be considered as part of the City's visioning exercise. PD 97/120 - 235 NINTH AVENUE -ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 971141NIPB - KARIN TOOLSIE - FAIRVIEW WARD The Committee was advised that the Department of Planning and Development was in receipt of an application to change the zoning of lands known municipally as 235 Ninth Avenue. It was noted in the report that the applicant requests the zoning be changed from Residential (R-4) to Residential (R-5) to legalize the existing triplex dwelling. In this regard, the Committee considered Planning and Development Staff Report PD 97/120 dated December 17, 1997 and a proposed By- law dated October 3, 1997 attached to the report. It was pointed out that notice that the Committee would hold a public meeting this date to consider this matter had previously been given. 4. PD 97/120 - 235 NINTH AVENUE PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 1998 - 28 - CITY OF KITCHENER -ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 971141NIPB - KARIN TOOLSIE - FAIRVIEW WARD (CONT'D) Mr. T. McCabe explained the purpose of the application. No delegations were registered respecting this matter. On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler - it was resolved: "That Zone Change Application ZC 97/14/N/PB (Karin Toolsie), rezoning lands located at 235 Ninth Avenue from Residential Four Zone (R-4) to Residential Five Zone (R-5) be approved in the form shown in the attached "Proposed By-law", dated October 3, 1997, without conditions. 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." PD 98/15 - KITCHENER BIKEWAYS STUDY & PRESENTATION The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 98/15 dealing with the Kitchener Bikeways Study. The report itemizes the objectives for the City's Bikeway Study which were elaborated on by Mr. T. Boutilier who noted that the project began in September 1997. He pointed out that Stanley & Associates of Cambridge were retained to complete the study under the guidance of a Steering Committee and that Ms. Norma Moores of that firm was the Project Manager. Mr. Boutilier outlined the three phases of the study, two of which have been completed with the third phase now underway. He detailed the composition of the Bikeways Study Steering Committee and expressed appreciation to the volunteers who he named for their contribution. Mr. Boutilier noted that the study was now at draft plan stage and has been circulated and that the intent was to meet with each Ward Councillor to review and receive their input respecting the finalization of the report which is expected to be placed before Planning and Economic Development Committee in April 1998. Ms. Norma Moores appeared as a delegation and provided details regarding the public consultation process undertaken and the meetings held in that regard. She explained issues that came to their attention and what improvements were suggested and ideas incorporated. Ms. Moores pointed out that based on the comments received there were three user groups whom she identified as: experienced cyclists, casual adult cyclists and those representing the interests of young cyclists. She commented on the cycling network as envisioned and in particular referred to the issue of trails/road crossings and the necessity to determine whether crossings should be in mid block or at intersections in consideration of specific hazards. In response to Councillor C. Weylie she advised that the road width allowed for cyclists was 1.2 metres from the base of the curb to the white line. Councillor Weylie referred to the Regional Plan for provision of bicycle paths on Glasgow Street which would require 2.4 metres or approximately 8 feet. She suggested that it be eliminated on Glasgow Street and an alternate route found because of the unusual grade and trees that would be affected by road reconstruction including a bicycle path and sidewalk. Some further discussion took place and Mr. T. Boutilier noted that regional bicycle pathways were often designated on City streets and not just on regional roads. He further commented on questions from Councillor J. Haalboom noting that studies indicate that approximately 5% of commuters were cyclists and that a significant number of cyclists would change their mode of commuting if there were proper bikeway/bicycle paths. Councillor T. Galloway stated that he was concerned with the issue of winter cycling and incremental costs that might be incurred by the municipality in promoting winter cycling as a safe activity. In response to Councillor C. Weylie, Mr. Boutilier indicated that capital costs for all on and off road cycling routes recommended in the Regional Cycling Policy Master Plan were to be assumed by the Region while funding for route maintenance was to be negotiated PD 98/15 - KITCHENER BIKEWAYS STUDY & PRESENTATION (CONT'D) with area municipalities and other potential participants. Councillor C. Weylie requested that this PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 1998 - 29 - CITY OF KITCHENER issue be noted within the minutes. On motion by Councillor John Smola - it was resolved: "That Planning and Development Staff Report PD 98/15 (Kitchener Bikeways Study) be received for information." 6. WATERLOO REGIONAL AIRPORT RE: ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY Councillor Jake Smola had requested this matter be listed on the agenda this date. Councillor T. Galloway advised that at the Region of Waterloo Engineering Committee meeting held last week a resolution was adopted to spend $50,000 for an Economic Impact Study relative to the Waterloo Regional Airport. He indicated that he had proposed an amendment which was accepted by the Committee that the study differentiate the impact on the airport under the scenarios of permitting night flights and not permitting night flights. Councillor Jake Smola advised that an Airport Business Plan Project Team is overseeing preparation of the Business Plan and that from that group, a sub-committee is being struck to co-ordinate the Environmental Impact Study and that Mr. Jeff Willmer has been invited to participate on the sub-committee. 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - DOON SOUTH COMMUNITY PLAN Councillor J. Haalboom noted that the deferral of Policy 2.3 of the Doon South Community Plan was itemized on the unfinished business list. She asked that reference be made to the necessity for continued negotiation with Caryndale residents. Mr. T. McCabe pointed out that what Councillor Haalboom was referring to was actually Policy 1.9 which he indicated the Region has agreed to defer along with Policy 2.3. 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. L.W. Neil, AMCT Assistant City Clerk