HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlng & Econ Dev - 1998-06-22PED\1998-06-22
JUNE 22, 1998
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
CITY OF KITCHENER
The Planning and Economic Development Committee met this date commencing at 3:40 p.m. under
Councillor C. Weylie, Chair with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors M.
Yantzi, J. Ziegler, G. Lorentz, T. Galloway, J. Haalboom and John Smola.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting after its commencement.
Officials present:
Ms. C. Ladd, J. Jantzi, S. Frenette, J. Given, P. Bacon, L. MacDonald and Messrs.
J. Gazzola, J. Shivas, T. McCabe, B. Stanley, R. Mattice, Z. Janecki, D. Mansell, P.
Wetherup, J. Witmer, E. Kovacs and L. W. Neil.
1. PD 98/74
OLD COUNTRY DRIVE
ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC97138101JG
DUNSINNAN DEVELOPMENTS INC.- FAIRVIEW WARD
The Committee was advised that the Department of Planning and Development was in receipt
of an application from Dunsinnan Developments Inc. to change the zoning of a vacant 0.75
hectare (1.86 acre) parcel of land fronting onto Old Country Drive situated between the
neighbourhood plaza on Country Hill Drive and the Balzer Greenway. The proposed zoning
change would allow for the construction of 16 cluster townhouses and 2 semi-detached dwellings
on one lot. In this regard, the Committee considered Planning and Development Staff Report PD
98/74 dated May 20, 1998 and a Proposed By-law dated May 20, 1998 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.
Ms. C. Ladd provided a brief explanation of the application and proposed a revision to the listed
conditions so as to delete condition 2 from the report which required that all outstanding
municipal property taxes be paid. Mr. T. McCabe explained the rationale for the revised
recommendation noting that Council had previously decided that such requirement for payment
of taxes and outstanding local improvements should not be a condition of zone change approval
given that there are other procedures to address such matters.
Mr. Bryan Tamblyn, a neighbourhood resident, appeared as a delegation to monitor any
changes to the staff recommendation and advised that he was in agreement with the
recommendation and the revision proposed this date.
No other delegations were registered respecting this matter.
The recommendation in the staff report was then considered as well as the proposed revision
to delete condition #2 respecting taxes requested this date.
On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler -
it was resolved:
"That Zone Change Application ZC 97/38/O/JG (Dunsinnan Developments Inc.),
requesting to change the zoning from Residential Four Zone (R-4) and Open Space Zone
(P-2) to Residential Six Zone (R-6) with special regulation 282R, be approved in the form
shown in the attached "Proposed By-law", dated May 20, 1998, subject to the following
conditions:
1)
That the Owner arrange for notification, by letter from the Regional Municipality of
Waterloo to the City Clerk, that all Regional requirements have been satisfied with
respect to the proposed zone change;
2)
The Owner acknowledges that the conditions are required to be satisfied no later than
7 months from the day of Council having approved by resolution Zone Change
Application 97/38/O/JG. In the event this requirement is not fulfilled within the 7
month period, Council shall consider rescinding its Zone Change approval.
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."
JUNE 22, 1998
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
- 113 - CITY OF KITCHENER
1. PD 98/74
OLD COUNTRY DRIVE
ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC97138101JG
DUNSINNAN DEVELOPMENTS INC.- FAIRVIEW WARD (CONT'D)
The Chair advised that this recommendation would be considered by City Council at its meeting
to be held on Monday July 6, 1998.
2. PD 98~86
155 AHRENS STREET WEST
EXTENSION TO DEADLINE TO FULFILL APPROVAL CONDITIONS
ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC97/12/A/ZJ
TRUSTEES OF THE POLISH NATIONAL UNION OF CANADA, BRANCH #3
BRIDGEPORT-NORTH WARD
The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 98/86 dated June
10, 1998. The report deals with a request for extension to the deadline to fulfill conditions of
approval in regard to Zone Change Application 971121AIZJ submitted by the Trustees of the
Polish National Union of Canada, Branch #3 with regard to lands known municipally as 155
Ahrens Street West. It was noted in the report that the applicant has requested an extension in
order to complete outstanding conditions by the end of summer. These conditions require
submission of a parking plan and a landscaping plan and to implement the parking layout and
complete the landscaping and site work in accordance with the approved plans. Issues relating
to the existing public laneway currently located mainly on the lands of the Polish National Union
Club and required work to the parking area as well as a fence encroaching into the Louisa Street
right-of-way were discussed in the report.
Ms. C. Ladd advised that she had nothing further to add to the report under consideration.
Councillor John Smola commented that it was his understanding meetings have taken place to
deal with the proposed improvements.
Mr. Douglas Hoch appeared as a delegation to express concern with regard to the application
and pointed out that there has been some confusion given the varying issues being addressed
with regard to the property. In this regard he pointed out that no plans have been filed, no work
improvements have been done on the property, and an encroachment has been approved by
Council and the Committee of Adjustment is scheduled to consider legalization of a fence
encroachment in the near future. Also he indicated that the Public Works Department is
scheduled to shift the public lane from the applicants lands onto City right-of-way and
commented that there has been no indication of the extent of work and costs to the general
taxpayer as a result of this application. Further, he commented the property did not qualify for
I-1 zoning and suggested the owner should be asked to re-submit the Zone Change Application
in consideration of how the many changes to the property have unfolded. He also requested
that Council ask the Committee of Adjustment not to legalize the existing fence.
Mr. Z. Janecki advised that he had met with area residents earlier this date and pointed out that
a number of planning and improvement issues were happening at the same time with respect
to this property. He made reference to the fence erected by the existing tenant in March of this
year and the fact that residents have received notices from the City with respect to Planning and
Economic Development Committee consideration of an extension request and the Committee
of Adjustment consideration of a fence variance application, not to mention the Encroachment
Agreement approved by City Council. He noted that the applications were necessary and that
both the school on the premises and the Polish Club wished to address these outstanding
matters. Also he pointed out that the City must address the public laneway issues given that
it is situated on property owned by the Polish Club. In reference to the outstanding conditions
of the zone change, he advised that when it was first approved, the Club was unable to act due
to winter conditions and accordingly were now requesting an extension so as to comply with
these conditions.
Moved by Councillor John Smola -
"That City Council support an extension to the deadline for fulfilling the conditions of
approval for Zone Change Application 97/12/A/ZJ (155 Ahrens Street West - Trustees
of the Polish National Union of Canada, Branch #3) to September 30, 1998."
JUNE 22, 1998
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
- 114 - CITY OF KITCHENER
2. PD 98~86
155 AHRENS STREET WEST
EXTENSION TO DEADLINE TO FULFILL APPROVAL CONDITIONS
ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC97/12/A/ZJ
TRUSTEES OF THE POLISH NATIONAL UNION OF CANADA, BRANCH #3
BRIDGEPORT-NORTH WARD (CONT'D)
Councillor M. Yantzi expressed concern that officials of neither the school nor the Polish Club
were present to speak to the application and recommended that the matter be deferred and
referred to City Council's meeting of July 6, 1998. Councillor John Smola indicated that the
applicant should be requested to submit a plan to the City by July 6th and agreed to the deferral
request.
On motion by Councillor M. Yantzi -
it was resolved:
"That consideration of the following recommendation be deferred and referred to
the July 6, 1998 City Council meeting:
That City Council support an extension to the deadline for fulfilling the conditions of
approval for Zone Change Application 97/12/A/ZJ (155 Ahrens Street West -Trustees of
the Polish National Union of Canada, Branch #3) to September 30, 1998."
PD 98~84
- 196 QUEEN STREET SOUTH
- DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC98141QIRM
- RAZAQUE LIMITED, and
PD 98~85
- 202 QUEEN STREET SOUTH
- DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DCI98131QIRM
- ARLENE ROSE HOWALD - ROCKWAY-VICTORIA WARD
The Committee was in receipt of 2 Staff Reports dealing with demolition applications for 196
Queen Street South and 202 Queen Street South respectively. The subject properties are in fact
the right and left sides of semi-detached units of the same building.
Staff Report PD 98/84 dated May 27, 1998 deals with Demolition Control Application
DC98/4/Q/RM submitted under the name of Razaque Limited with respect to 196 Queen Street
South. It was noted in the report that the applicant is seeking demolition control approval to
facilitate the sale of the property to the owner of 202 Queen Street South who would purchase
it contingent upon the ability to demolish the property. The owner of 202 Queen Street South
wishes to raze both sides of the building to facilitate the creation of a parking lot for the
apartment building municipally known as 214 Queen Street South. The subject property is not
affected by the Rental Housing Protection Act. The staff report points out that 196 Queen Street
South is included within the Victoria Park Area Heritage Conservation District and is protected
from demolition under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act and based on this designation and
reasons set out in the report, staff recommend refusal of the demolition application for 196
Queen Street South.
Staff Report PD 98/85 dated May 27, 1998 deals with Demolition Control Application
DC98/3/Q/RM submitted by Arlene Rose Howald with respect to 202 Queen Street South. It
was noted in the report that the applicant proposes to demolish his side of a semi-detached
dwelling (202 Queen Street South) to facilitate the construction of a parking lot for the York
Apartments situated at 214 Queen Street South. It was pointed out that 202 Queen Street South
is not affected by the Rental Housing Protection Act or the Ontario Heritage Act. Also it was
stated in both reports that there were many possible uses ranging from residential to commercial
allowed under the CR-3 zone. For reasons set out in the report, staff recommend refusal of the
demolition application for 202 Queen Street South.
Mr. B. Stanley provided a brief explanation of the applications and stressed that it was a unique
situation in that there was one structure on two properties with only one property (196 Queen
Street South) being affected by the Ontario Heritage Act. However both properties are subject
to the requirements of the Planning Act. He pointed out that the owner of 214 Queen Street
South (York Apartments) also owns 202 Queen Street South and had previously requested that
JUNE 22, 1998
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
- 115 - CITY OF KITCHENER
3. PD 98/84
PD 98~85
- 196 QUEEN STREET SOUTH
- DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC98141QIRM
- RAZAQUE LIMITED, and
- 202 QUEEN STREET SOUTH
- DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC/98/3/Q/RM
- ARLENE ROSE HOWALD - ROCKWAY-VICTORIA WARD (CONT'D)
the York Apartments and all abutting lands owned by him be exempt from the Victoria Park Area
Heritage Conservation District Plan.
Mr. L. W. Neil advised the Committee that just prior to the meeting a telephone call had been
received from Mr. Russ Howald advising while he opposed the staff recommendation that the
Demolition Application for 202 Queen Street South be refused, he did not intend to appear as
a delegation to challenge this recommendation and attempt to convince the Committee to
approve of his application.
Mr. Shaukat Khimji, Thornhill, appeared as a delegation with regard to 196 Queen Street South.
He advised that he had just received the staff report last Friday and was not prepared to express
detailed views on the staff comments contained in the report. Further he stated that he had
owned the property for 8 years and was at a loss as to what could be done with the property
except to proceed with demolition given that there would be significant expense required to
rehabilitate the building to acceptable standards for any proposed use. Mr. Khimji advised that
the application was not filed by Razaque Limited as indicated in the staff report and that it would
appear that this name had been inadvertently picked up by staff as the applicant reference. He
advised that he and a partner own the subject property and that Razaque Limited was the name
of his partners company.
In response to Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. Khimji advised that the property was purchased 8
years ago as an investment property.
Councillor J. Haalboom questioned what the cost was to rehabilitate the properties to a livable
standard and Mr. B. Stanley advised that it was estimated that $16,000 work on each property
was necessary to re-establish them as rental units. Councillor J. Haalboom commented that
demolitions destroy the fabric of old streetscapes and remarked on the long history of the
building in question. Further she stated that Heritage Kitchener (LACAC) had recommended the
demolition application be refused.
Councillor M. Yantzi suggested to the delegation that consideration be given to the possibilities
of use of the building rather than possibilities with respect to the land that it occupies.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting at this point.
The recommendation in Staff Report PD 98/84 was dealt with.
On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom -
it was resolved:
"That Demolition Control Application DC 98/4/Q/RM (Razaque Limited) requesting
approval for the demolition of one side of a semi-detached dwelling located at 196 Queen
Street South legally described as Part Lot 2, Plan 393 be refused.
It is the opinion of this Committee that refusal of this application is proper planning for the
City."
The recommendation in Staff Report PD 98/85 was then dealt with.
On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom -
it was resolved:
"That Demolition Control Application DC 98/3/Q/RM (Arlene Rose Howald) requesting
approval for the demolition of a semi-detached dwelling located at 202 Queen Street
JUNE 22, 1998
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
- 116 - CITY OF KITCHENER
3. PD 98/84
PD 98~85
- 196 QUEEN STREET SOUTH
- DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC98141QIRM
- RAZAQUE LIMITED, and
- 202 QUEEN STREET SOUTH
- DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC/98/3/Q/RM
- ARLENE ROSE HOWALD - ROCKWAY-VICTORIA WARD (CONT'D)
South legally described as Part Lot 2, Plan 393 be refused.
It is the opinion of this Committee that refusal of this application is proper planning for the
City."
Councillor C. Weylie, Chair advised that these recommendations would be dealt with by City
Council at its meeting to be held on Monday July 6, 1998.
PD 98~75
- 227 DUKE STREETWEST
- ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC971351DIZJ
- WILLIAM H. KAUFMAN INC.- CENTRE WARD
The Committee was advised that the Department of Planning and Development was in receipt
of an application from William H. Kaufman Inc. to change the zoning of lands known municipally
as 227 Duke Street West. The applicant proposes to re-zone the subject property to allow the
same zoning provisions as the abutting property under the same ownership. In this regard the
Committee considered Planning and Development Staff Report PD 98/75 dated May 20, 1998
and a Proposed By-law dated May 20, 1998 attached to the report. The subject property has
a frontage of 13.7 metres (45.0 feet) and a lot area of 274.36 metres (2,953.3 square feet) and
abuts other land owned by William H. Kaufman Footwear to the south and to the west. It was
noted in the report that the subject property previously contained a duplex which was approved
for demolition on April 14, 1997 and subsequently demolished for its present use as a parking
lot representing an extension of the owners abutting parking lot for its industrial manufacturing
operation at 410 King Street West.
It was pointed out that notice that the Committee would hold a public meeting this date to
consider this matter had previously been given.
Ms. C. Ladd provided a brief explanation of the application and requested that the staff
recommendation in the report be revised so as to delete the condition requiring payment of any
outstanding municipal property taxes and/or local improvement charges so that the
recommendation and proposed By-law would be approved without conditions.
Mr. P. Britton appeared as a delegation on behalf of the applicant and advised of his support
for the recommendation contained in the staff report and the proposed revision requested by
staff this date.
No other delegations were registered respecting this matter.
On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler -
it was resolved:
"That Zone Change Application ZC 97/35/D/ZJ (William H. Kaufman Inc.) requesting a
change in zoning from Warehouse District Zone (D-6) to Warehouse District Zone (D-6)
with special use provision 138U and holding provision 9H according to By-law 85-1 on
lands legally described as Part of Lot 119, Grange's Survey, North of King Street and
South of the CNR, Registered Plan 374, be approved, in the form shown in "Proposed By-
law" attached, dated May 20, 1998 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."
Councillor C. Weylie, Chair advised that this recommendation would be considered by City
Council at its meeting to be held on Monday July 6, 1998.
JUNE 22, 1998
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
- 117 - CITY OF KITCHENER
5. PD 98/70
- MANITOU DRIVE AT HOMER WATSON BOULEVARD
- MUNICIPAL PLAN AMENDMENT APPLICATION MP971121MIPB
- ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC971321MIPB
- BERKSHIRE BUILDING CORPORATION - FAIRVIEWWARD
The Committee was advised that the Department of Planning and Development was in receipt
of applications for a Municipal Plan Amendment and Zone Change from Berkshire Building
Corporation with respect to a vacant 5.16 acre parcel of land located at the northwest corner of
Manitou Drive and Homer Watson Boulevard bounded to the north by the Canadian National
Railway. The odd shape of the lands has resulted in the property often being referred to as the
"porkchop" property. In this regard, the Committee considered Planning and Development Staff
Report PD 98/70 dated May 27, 1998 and a Proposed By-law dated May 7, 1998 attached to
the report. Also attached to the staff report was the Municipal Plan Amendment Report
respecting this property.
It was noted in the staff report that the subject lands are proposed to be re-designated and re-
zoned from General Industrial to Business Park. Specifically the lands are proposed to be re-
zoned to B-3 to permit a variety of commercial and service oriented uses intended to service the
surrounding industrial and business park uses. The existing special use and regulations relating
to office and restaurant uses will be retained, an extension of use will allow the sale of religious
supplies, the size of convenience retail will be increased to allow no single outlet exceeding 300
square metres and hotels will be prohibited.
The following statement was read by Councillor C. Weylie, Committee Chair:
"This is a Public Meeting under 'The Planning Act, 1996' to consider Municipal Plan
Amendment Application MP97/12/M/PB (Berkshire Building Corporation).
Section 17 (45) of the Planning Act allows the Ontario Municipal Board to dismiss all or part of
an appeal without holding a hearing if the appellant did not make oral submissions at a public
meeting or did not make written submissions to the council before the plan was adopted and,
in the opinion of the Board, the appellant does not provide a reasonable explanation for having
failed to make a submission.
In order to ensure the record includes all the names of those individuals who are making verbal
submissions today for this Municipal Plan Amendment, please ensure that you clearly identify
yourself before you begin your submissions and the Clerk will record your name for the record.
If your name does not appear on the record, you may jeopardize any further involvement you
wish to have in these matters.
Any recommendation made by Planning Committee on these matters today will be considered
by City Council on July 6, 1998. If City Council adopts the amendments, they will proceed to
the Regional Municipality of Waterloo who has the final approval authority for Municipal Plan
Amendments. They are also the body to whom appeals are sent.
Further information on these procedures is available from the City's Department of Planning and
Development or the Region's Department of Planning and Culture."
Ms. C. Ladd briefly explained the purpose of the applications.
Ms. P. Bacon circulated a Revised Proposed By-law dated June 22, 1998 that contained an
additional special regulation relating to a 17.0 metre minimum lot width.
Mr. P. Britton appeared as a delegation on behalf of Berkshire Building Corporation and advised
that the applicant was in support of the recommendation and the proposed revised by-law
distributed this date. Mr. Britton asked that the Committee take note of a previous letter from
Canada Alloy Castings Limited in which they had indicated they had no further concerns with
the proposed development.
Councillor J. Haalboom noted that concerns listed by Canada Alloy related to landscaping and
building design.
JUNE 22, 1998
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
- 118 - CITY OF KITCHENER
5. PD 98/70
- MANITOU DRIVE AT HOMER WATSON BOULEVARD
- MUNICIPAL PLAN AMENDMENT APPLICATION MP971121MIPB
- ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC971321MIPB
BERKSHIRE BUILDING CORPORATION - FAIRVIEW WARD (CONT'D)
Mr. P. Britton explained that an administrative change had taken place at Canada Alloy and that
previously negotiated issues had not been clearly communicated in conjunction with the change.
Councillor J. Haalboom expressed concern regarding the architecture of buildings in some
industrial parks and the variance of standards among them. Mr. Britton responded that he could
not comment directly on the current proposal but did note that Berkshire Building Corporation
has received recognition for its previous buildings and it was his expectation that Council would
not be disappointed with what the applicant constructs on the property.
Councillor J. Ziegler expressed concern regarding access in and out of the property and Mr.
Britton advised that Homer Watson Boulevard as re-designed would accommodate full
movement to and from the property with some improvements already being in place. Councillor
T. Galloway questioned if the possibility of another access had been considered and Mr. Britton
indicated he would like to pursue this with staff. Councillor J. Haalboom stated that it was her
hope also that serious consideration would be given to looking at another access to the site.
No other delegations were registered respecting this matter.
The recommendation in the staff report was then considered along with the request this date to
replace the proposed by-law dated May 7, 1998 with a revised by-law dated June 22, 1998.
On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler -
it was resolved:
"A)
That City Council approve Municipal Plan Amendment Application MP 97/12/M/PB
(Berkshire Building Corporation - Homer Watson Boulevard and Manitou Drive),
being an amendment to the Municipal Plan to:
i)
Amend Map 5, Land Use Plan, to redesignate lands from General Industrial to
Business Park as shown on Schedule "A" attached to the report,
ii) That special policy 12.23 be deleted and replaced with the following:
"In addition to the uses permitted in the Business Park designation, the sale
of religious supplies shall also be permitted on lands described as Part 32,
Registered Plan 1489 (Part 1, 58R-5097) at the northwest corner of Homer
Watson Boulevard and Manitou Drive."
It is the opinion of this Committee that approval of this application is proper planning
for the City.
B)
That Zone Change Application ZC 97/32/M/PB (Berkshire Building Corporation)
requesting a zone change from General Industrial (M-2) to Business Park Zone (B-3)
with revised special use provision 118U and revised special regulation provision
106R, on Part Lot 32, Registrar's Compiled Plan 1489, more particularly described as
Part 1, Plan 58R-5097, be approved in the form shown in the revised "Proposed By-
law" attached, dated June 22, 1998 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 a recommended Amendment (Berkshire Building
Corporation - Homer Watson Boulevard and Manitou Drive) to the City's Municipal
Plan."
Councillor C. Weylie, Chair advised that this recommendation would be considered by City
Council at its meeting to be held on Monday July 6, 1998.
JUNE 22, 1998
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
- 119 - CITY OF KITCHENER
6. PD 98/81
SUMMARY OF 1997 APPROVALS GRANTED THROUGH DELEGATION OF
APPROVAL AUTHORITY BY COUNCIL TO THE GENERAL MANAGER OF
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT FOR PLANS OF SUBDIVISION AND
PLANS OF CONDOMINIUM
The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 98/81 dated June
11, 1998. The report was prepared as information to Council relating to 1997 Summary of
Approvals granted through Delegation of Approval Authority by Council to the General Manager
of Planning and Development for Plans of Subdivision and Plans of Condominium.
Ms. C. Ladd advised that this annual report summarizes activity related to delegated approval.
She pointed out that it was stated in the report that all applications for subdivision and
condominium in 1997 continued to be subject to Regional approval since delegation of
subdivision approval did not commence until January 1 of 1998.
Ms. Ladd responded to questions regarding the subdivisions 30T-96003 and 30T-90029. Finally
she pointed out all plans of subdivision now require official public meeting procedures.
On motion by Councillor J. Ziegler -
it was resolved:
"That Planning and Development Staff Report PD 98/81 (1997 Summary of Approvals
granted through Delegation of Approval Authority by Council to the General Manager of
Planning and Development for Plans of Subdivision and Plans of Condominium), be
received for information."
REPORT
- WASHBURN DR. AT TRILLIUM DR. - HURON BUSINESS PARK, PHASE III
- OFFER TO PURCHASE SITES 135, 136, 137, 155, 156
- ANCHOR GROUP (BLM DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS) - SOUTH WARD
The Committee was in receipt of a report dated June 15, 1998 from the Economic Development
Division dealing with an offer by Anchor Group (BLM Distribution Systems) to purchase sites 135,
136, 137, 155 and 156 in Phase III of the Huron Business Park.
At the request of Ms. J. Jantzi, the Committee agreed that this item be withdrawn from the
agenda.
REPORT
- WASHBURN DRIVE - HURON BUSINESS PARK, PHASE III
- OFFER TO PURCHASE - SITE 154
- MITCHELL PLASTICS LIMITED- SOUTH WARD
The Committee was in receipt of a report dated June 15, 1998 from the Economic Development
Division respecting an offer submitted by 1090504 Ontario Limited (Mitchell Plastics) to purchase
site 154 in Phase III of the Huron Business Park.
Ms. J. Jantzi explained that Mitchell Plastics require the lands for expansion but at this time have
not made a commitment to build and were requesting purchase of site 154 in the same name as
site 153.
Comment was made respecting the colours of the existing building of Mitchell Plastics and
Councillor T. Galloway indicated that he would approach Mr. Ariss to discuss the colour issue.
Ms. J. Jantzi pointed out that the building colours did reflect the company's colours.
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic -
it was resolved:
"That the City accept, and the Mayor and Clerk execute an Offer to Purchase dated June
19, 1998 submitted by Mitchell Plastics Limited with respect to Part 1 of Reference Plan
58R-9683 otherwise known as Site 154 in Phase III of the Huron Business Park for a total
purchase price of $180,000. based on approximately 2.4 acres at $75,000 per acre; and
further,
JUNE 22, 1998
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
- 120 - CITY OF KITCHENER
8. REPORT
- WASHBURN DRIVE - HURON BUSINESS PARK, PHASE III
- OFFER TO PURCHASE - SITE 154
- MITCHELL PLASTICS LIMITED - SOUTH WARD (CONT'D)
That the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to execute any other necessary
documentation required by the City Solicitor."
REPORT
- RIVERBEND DRIVE- LANCASTER CORPORATE CENTRE
- OFFER TO PURCHASE LOT 3B
- lAN COOK CONSTRUCTION LIMITED - BRIDGEPORT -NORTH WARD
10.
The Committee was in receipt of a report dated June 15, 1998 from the Economic Development
Division respecting an offer submitted by lan Cook Construction Limited to purchase parts 4, 5 &
6 on Reference Plan 58R-10893 in Phase 1 of the Lancaster Corporate Centre.
Ms. J. Jantzi commented on a severance that took place regarding lot 3 and recommended the
earlier deposit monies on an option agreement be applied to the purchase price of this
transaction.
On motion by Councillor T. Galloway -
it was resolved:
"That the City accept, and the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute, an Offer to
Purchase from lan Cook Construction Limited with respect to lands in Phase 1 of the
Lancaster Corporate Centre composed of Part 4,5, and 6 on Reference Plan 58R-10893
having approximately 40 metre frontage and an area of about 1.15 acres on Riverbend
Drive at $175,000 per acre, for a total price of $184,000; and further,
That the deposit in the amount of $7,071.75 previously received on September 8, 1997
be applied against the deposit price for the landsale transaction; and further,
That the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to execute any other necessary
documentation required by the City Solicitor."
At the request of Mayor C. Zehr, Councillor C. Weylie recessed the meeting at 4:30 p.m. in order
for City Council to continue discussion of its in-camera agenda of this date.
Following conclusion of the in-camera meeting, Councillor C. Weylie reconvened the Planning
and Economic Development Committee meeting at 4:56 p.m. to consider remaining items on the
Committee's agenda this date.
PD 98/87 - REORGANIZATION FRAMEWORK AND KEY STRATEGIC INITIATIVES FOR
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, CITY OF KITCHENER
The Committee was in receipt of Planning and Development Staff Report PD 98/87 dated June
16, 1998. The report deals with proposed reorganization of the Economic Development Division
as well as proposed re-structuring of the City's Planning and Development Department. It was
noted in the report that Council had given direction in this matter through its adoption on April
13, 1998 of revised recommendations contained in Staff Report PD 98/48 which was attached
to PD 98/87 as Appendix "A".
Mr. T. McCabe referred to Council's April direction to staff and advised that staff had co-
ordinated a consultative process with numerous stakeholder groups that were itemized on page
4 of PD 98/87. Mr. McCabe noted that 3 presentations would be made by 3 business sector
delegations and made reference to their involvement in this process. He stated that Kitchener
has a good image where large scale economic issues are involved but noted that there was a
negative image relative to small scale issues. He commented that with the work that has been
done to improve the downtown it was just at the point of results beginning to be achieved and
he encouraged the Committee to approve the recommendations contained in the staff report as
they provide for a permanent structure that focuses on downtown issues.
JUNE 22, 1998
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
- 121 - CITY OF KITCHENER
10.
PD 98/87 - REORGANIZATION FRAMEWORK AND KEY STRATEGIC INITIATIVES FOR
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, CITY OF KITCHENER (CONT'D)
Councillor J. Ziegler referred to the staff complement costing issue itemized on page 10 of the
report and requested an explanation with regard to the new Division's increase from its current
staffing of 7.5 FTE's (full-time equivalents) to 17 FTE's. Mr. McCabe advised that 4 new hirings
were involved and the rest represented shifting of staff from other Divisions. In total he noted
that the staffing proposal amounted to an annual increase of $193,000 which was not budgeted
for in 1998.
Mr. Michael Follett, Michael Follett Consulting Inc. appeared as a delegation to make a
presentation of his June 22, 1998 report attached to Staff Report PD 98/87 as Appendix "D",
which summarizes the results of a combined workshop of the Business and Industry Advisory
Committee(BIAC) and the Adaptive Re-Use Committee held May 13, 1998. He referred to the
recommendations developed following a modified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats
(SWOT) analysis of the current economic development situation in the City and touched on a
number of identified strengths and weaknesses.
Councillor J. Ziegler commented that he understood BIAC did not support increased costs but
that the recommendation in the report requests additional staff. Mr. Follett responded that the
thrust of BIAC was for things to be done differently through changed processes. Councillor J.
Ziegler also noted that BIAC favours removal of bureaucratic red tape but suggested that the
creation of business facilitators to accommodate one-stop shopping adds staff and red tape.
Mr. Follett advised that the intent was to expedite the approval process by focusing on the
approval rather than the regulatory process.
Mr. David Leis, appeared as a delegation on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce of Kitchener
and Waterloo to present comment on the Chamber's June 1, 1998 report, attached to Staff
Report PD 98/87 as Appendix "E", discussing the Economic Development function. Mr. Leis
commented on the following issues: the need for focus on existing business, the need for the
City to be more customer friendly based on co-operative working relationships between
departments, one-stop shopping, industrial land and increased leadership cutting across
departmental lines.
Several Councillors raised various questions which Mr. Leis responded to covering the following
issues: the question of a stronger relationship between the Chamber of Commerce and City
Council, City/Regional duplication of economic effort, concern over any City employee acting
in the role of agent for any applicant, concern that the development community was looking for
easy answers to complex engineering/environmental matters and the need for development of
more objective standards as measures of evaluation for extra costs incurred.
Ms. Nancy Brawley appeared as a delegation on behalf of the Kitchener Downtown Business
Association (KDBA) to make a presentation of the Association's report, attached to Staff Report
PD 98/87 as Appendix "F", commenting on a new model for Economic Development for the City
of Kitchener. She stated that the KDBA was pleased with the priority given by Council to the
Downtown but stressed that the current momentum must continue. As to whatever final
recommendation is approved, she asked that Council retain the Downtown Development Team
approach given the positive feedback that has been received. She stated that the proposed re-
organization would enhance the work of the Downtown Development Team.
Mayor C. Zehr advised that he would make a motion to adopt the recommendation in the staff
report. He expressed thanks to all participants and staff involved in the review process and
commented that shifting of numerous functions into one division was a key aspect of the report
and would provide many positive signals. He asked that it be recognized that increased costs
are necessary to retain and gain economic development and that business retention must be
worked at continuously. Mayor Zehr noted that easing the process for business does not lower
standards but rather provides a faster pace to reach necessary approvals.
Councillor M. Yantzi stated that processes and staff positions must be reviewed. Mr. T, McCabe
emphasized it was necessary to get the right person to fit the positions in the re-organized
Economic Development Division, but that positions may yet have to evolve to some
JUNE 22, 1998
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
- 122 - CITY OF KITCHENER
10.
PD 98/87 - REORGANIZATION FRAMEWORK AND KEY STRATEGIC INITIATIVES FOR
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, CITY OF KITCHENER (CONT'D)
degree. Councillor T. Galloway commented that the position of "Senior Advisor to Economic
Development" was unorthodox. Mr. McCabe commented on the expected roles of the Economic
Development Officer and Business Facilitator positions. Councillor T. Galloway expressed
concerns regarding the two positions and their inter-relationship in the provision of client service.
In referring to the staffing model, Councillor T. Galloway questioned if there would be opportunity
to scale back resources if necessary at a later date. Mr. McCabe suggested that in two or three
years Council could review the practicality of reducing staff.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic expressed concerns regarding the "Senior Advisor" position and
commented it would likely be difficult to attract the type of person needed. He suggested
consideration be given to hiring on a unique contract basis. In response to other concerns
regarding the positions' cross-responsibility, Mr. McCabe confirmed that he would take
responsibility to ensure the staff of the Division were working as a team in every respect.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic also expressed concern that to address one-stop shopping, the
business facilitation model had been adopted and it was his view change would not occur as
rapidly as necessary. Mr. McCabe responded that having staff waiting for clients to come in was
not seen as a cost effective use of resources and accordingly it was recommended certain
approvals be transferred to the Business Facilitators. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned if it
was a priority to ensure Business Facilitators get co-operation from other departments. Mr. J.
Gazzola responded that he expected to see a change in approach across the organization.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic stated that he would like to see a report on the success of the Division
reorganization after its first and second year of operation.
Councillor C. Weylie questioned if the engineering component of the reorganization could be
included before Council formally dealt with it. Mr. J. Gazzola stated that staff could ensure the
fit was in place by autumn 1998. Councillor J. Ziegler commented on his idea of one-stop
shopping and his view of it. Mr. J. Gazzola responded that the Business Facilitators would hear
about red tape issues and work to reduce it. Also in response to Councillor J. Ziegler, Mr.
Gazzola stated that there were a number of ways in which change and staff reduction could
occur. He pointed out that new systems are being installed that provide a later payback in
opportunities for fewer staff and eliminate the necessity to increase staff as the City grows.
Councillor J. Ziegler referred to the estimated $193,000 annual budget increase in staff salaries
as a result of the reorganization. He suggested that an additional Recommendation # 9 be
added to the recommendations in the staff report that requires a review of the reorganized
division be undertaken after one year and that the additional budget increase of the Department
of Business and Planning Services be eliminated within five years. Mayor C. Zehr commented
that other departments were part of the equation in consideration of efficiencies. Mayor C. Zehr
accepted Councillor J. Ziegler's proposal as a friendly amendment to his earlier motion.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr
it was resolved:
"That with regard to Planning and Development Staff Report PD 98/97 (Reorganization
Framework and Key Strategic Initiatives for Economic Development, City of Kitchener),
we approve the following:
1)
That the reorganization of Economic Development, a new Division within a
restructured/redirected Planning & Development Department be approved, in
general accordance with the reorganization framework shown in Figures 1 and 2
attached to Planning and Development Staff Report PD 98/87.
2) That the new name for the Planning and Development Department be the
Department of Business and Planning Services.
3) That implementation of the reorganization be carried out as follows:
a)
That recruitment commences immediately for candidates for the new 'Senior
Advisor to Economic Development', reporting to the General
JUNE 22, 1998
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
- 123 - CITY OF KITCHENER
10.
PD 98/87 - REORGANIZATION FRAMEWORK AND KEY STRATEGIC INITIATIVES FOR
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, CITY OF KITCHENER (CONT'D)
Manager of Business and Planning Services, with hiring expected by
October 1, 1998.
b)
That, effective immediately the positions of 'Director of Downtown and
Market Research' and 'Director of Economic Development and Business
Facilitation', be filled, with these individuals working together under a co-
directorship of the Division, reporting to the General Manager of Business
and Planning Services.
c)
That, effective immediately, the responsibilities of overseeing the
management of the Division of Community Planning, Development and
Design, be reassigned from the 'General Manager' to T. Brock Stanley,
'Assistant General Manager' and that any by-laws/agreements in respect
to delegated authority of such matters as site plans, condominiums,
subdivisions, etc., be changed, where referenced, from 'General Manager'
to 'Assistant General Manager, Department of Business and Planning
Services'.
d)
That all transfers from other Planning Department divisions to the Economic
Development Division, including one of the Business Facilitator positions are
effective September 8, 1998.
e)
That, effective September 8, 1998, the existing Economic Development
Technician position be declared redundant and be immediately replaced
with a new 'Economic Development Officer' position.
f)
That the additional new positions of I:)Business Facilitatorl:) and 'Assistant
Economic Development Officer' become effective November 2, 1998 to
coincide with the expected start-up date for the new 'Business Facilitation
Centre'.
g)
That the new position of 'Information Clerk (Receptionist)' be hired to
coincide with the date of the physical relocation of Economic Development
from the Second Floor.
h)
That, effective immediately, the two existing, full-time, contract/temporary
positions of Downtown Development Consultant (recommended to be
changed to 'Economic Development Officer') and 'Administrative Assistant'
be made permanent positions.
4)
That the key strategic initiatives for the Cityl:)s new economic development
focus be the development and implementation of effective systems for:
Business Retention
Business Facilitation
Downtown Revitalization
Industrial Land Strategy
Market Research/Monitoring
5)
That serious and expeditious consideration be given by the GAO to create a
combined Business Facilitation Centre with a Business Enterprise Centre in
the main floor location occupied by the existing Public Service Counter and
the vacant space behind previously occupied by the Information Services
Division.
6)
That discussions continue between the GAO, GM of Business and Planning
Services and the GM of Public Works in respect to the matter of integrating
appropriate engineering approvals within the Business and Planning
Services Department; working towards effective decisions/solutions to
JUNE 22, 1998
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
- 124 - CITY OF KITCHENER
10.
PD 98/87 - REORGANIZATION FRAMEWORK AND KEY STRATEGIC INITIATIVES FOR
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, CITY OF KITCHENER (CONT'D)
6) Cont'd
coincide with the November 2, 1998 expected start-up date for the new
Business Facilitation Centre.
7)
That Council generally accept all of team Kitchener's August 1997
recommendations as relevant and essential to creating an effective
economic development climate, consistent with the findings and
recommendations of this report, and further;
a)
that, with the exception of items 1.4 and 1.11, all the
recommendations listed under 'Stren,qthenin,q Our Local Economy' be
referred to the new Economic Development Division for review and
development of action plans.
b)
that recommendation 1.4 be referred to the City's new
Communications Officer for review and development of an action
plan.
c)
That recommendation 1.11 be referred to the City's new
Communications Officer and staff and business representatives from
across the region, for purposes of developing a comprehensive
tourism strategy for the region, to be completed by the end of
December 1998.
d)
that Team Kitchener's eleven recommendations listed under
'Establishinq Our Global Position' and the Chamber of Commerce's
comments on Business attraction be referred to the Project Advisory
Committee and Project Working Group appointed by Regional
Council to pursue implementation of an Economic Development
Corporation as a 'natural evolution of the CTT'.
8)
That in order to effectively monitor and improve the City's business service
delivery, Council accept the Chamber of Commerce's offer to form a joint
City of Kitchener / Chamber of Commerce partnership to develop standards
of performance measures and to monitor performance and to continue
feedback from the business community in a constructive, accountability
framework.
9)
That Mr. J. Gazzola review and advise on the functional results of the 1998
re-organization of the Economic Development Division one year after the
new Division has been in place; and further,
That with respect to the annualized operating budget increases (currently
estimated at $193,000) to accommodate new staff salaries and benefits
within the re-organized Economic Development Division, Mr. T. McCabe be
requested to develop, monitor and report annually to City Council on
efficiency reductions in staffing costs of the Department of Business and
Planning Services or staffing reductions in other Departments directly
attributable to the business facilitators, or one stop shopping initiatives, so as
to eliminate these increased expenditures for increased staff costs in the
Department of Business and Planning Services at the rate of 25% per year
over a 4 year period commencing in the new Division's second year of
operation."
JUNE 22, 1998
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
- 125 - CITY OF KITCHENER
11. REPORT:
RECOMMENDATION FROM BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY
COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROPOSAL FOR THE
GROUND FLOOR OF CITY HALL
The Committee was in receipt of a report dated June 17, 1998 from Ms. J. Jantzi, Acting Manager
of Economic Development and Ms. J. King Small Business Advisor dealing with a proposal for
expansion of the existing Small Business and Self-Help Office to a Business Enterprise Centre. It
was noted in the report that the Business and Industry Advisory Committee (BIAC) meeting on
June 10, 1998 had strongly recommended endorsement of the establishment of the proposed
Business Enterprise Centre.
It was pointed out in the report that the existing Small Business Self-Help Office was a joint
project between the City and the Ministry of Economic Development Trade and Tourism and had
been in operation for approximately 10 years as part of a network of 30 other offices across
Ontario. The mandate of the office is to assist start-up entrepreneurs with access to information,
education, counselling and community referrals. Last year the Ministry began expanding the
Small Business Self-Help Offices in key locations and it is suggested that Kitchener become the
next Business Enterprise Centre in Ontario. The key differences between the Self-Help Office
concept and the Business Enterprise Centre relate to the mandate, the resources and the
location. The new mandate as well as special requirements was discussed in the report as well
as the partnership approach and it was stressed that it was crucial that partnerships be finalized
and relocation plans completed as soon as possible in order to secure the new Centre.
Ms. J. Jantzi noted that the Small Business Self-Help Office is presently located in the Economic
Development Division. She provided a brief explanation of the report and pointed out that staff
had visited the City of Brampton's Business Enterprise Centre.
Ms. Jennifer King presented an overview of the Small Business Centre concept. She distributed
a revised report noting that the report distributed with the agenda had contained an omission.
Councillor M. Yantzi stated that he had concern that current general City Hall enquiries would be
received at the Business Enterprise Centre if it was to occupy the space of the existing Public
Service counter. Mr. J. Gazzola advised that a report is scheduled to be placed before Council
concerning the Public Service counter in the near future. He did point out that most enquiries are
being made at the Security Desk and re-directed from there. In cases where security can not
provide required information, referral will be made to the Department of Corporate Services and
City Clerk.
Councillor T. Galloway questioned when a response must be made to the Ministry of Economic
Development, Trade and Tourism on the Business Enterprise Centre issue. Ms. J. King advised
that the Ministry had invited proposals from municipalities who wish to establish Business
Enterprise Centres and Ms. J. Jantzi stated that it was her understanding that the City of Guelph
was considering making a submission. In response to Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Ms. J. Jantzi
advised that the report and recommendation was before the Planning and Economic
Development Committee at this time as a result of BIAC becoming involved in the matter.
Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that the Committee endorse, in principle only, the
establishment of a Business Enterprise Centre and not deal with the location issue of such a
Centre at this time.
Mr. John Bingeman, Chair of BIAC, appeared as a delegation in support of the report. He
commented that the BIAC recommendation reinforces Recommendation # 5 of Staff report PD
98/97 dealing with a Business Facilitation Centre and a Business Enterprise Centre. He
commented that he saw the main floor of City Hall where the existing Public Service counter is
situated and the vacant space behind the counter previously occupied by the Information
Services Division as key to the Business Enterprise Centre proposal.
Mr. Gazzola advised the Committee that a number if inter-related staffing moves within City Hall
were on hold pending the outcome of decisions involving the future of the Economic
Development Division. He noted that a staff team has been working on space issues relative to
these moves. Mr. Gazzola advised that a report would be brought to the July 6th Council meeting
JUNE 22, 1998
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
- 126 - CITY OF KITCHENER
REPORT:
12.
RECOMMENDATION FROM BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY
COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROPOSAL FOR THE
GROUND FLOOR OF CITY HALL (CONT'D)
with recommendations for Iocational changes within City Hall, including the issue of the Public
Service Counter.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr-
it was resolved:
"That we approve, in principle, the establishment of a proposed 'Business Enterprise
Centre' recommended by the Business and Industry Advisory Committee"
ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
L. W. Neil, AMCT
Assistant City Clerk