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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCIS Minutes - 2024-04-22 Community and Infrastructure Services Committee Minutes April 22, 2024, 3:00 p.m. Council Chambers - Hybrid City of Kitchener 200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7 Present: Mayor B. Vrbanovic Councillor S. Davey Councillor D. Schnider Councillor J. Deneault Councillor C. Michaud Councillor A. Owodunni Councillor P. Singh Councillor B. Ioannidis Councillor M. Johnston Councillor D. Chapman Councillor S. Stretch Staff: D. Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer M. May, General Manager, Community Services and Deputy Chief Administrator V. Raab, General Manager, Corporate Services J. Readman, General Manager, Development Services J. Lautenbach, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services D. McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services L. MacDonald, City Solicitor B. Rowland, Director, Corporate Communications and Marketing D. Saunderson, Deputy Clerk R. Bustamante, Director of Planning M. Hildebrand, Director, Neighborhood Programs and Services D. Becks, Director, Facilities Management K. Hughes, Assistant City Solicitor J. Oosterveld, Manager of Customer Experience & Project Management H. Foulds, Manager, Service Coordination and Improvement 1 R. Scott, Manager, Procurement O. Ojurongbeand, Project Manager B. Pearce, Supervisor, Older Adult Programming T. Roberts, Project Manager, Planning A. Fusco, Director Legislated Services / City Clerk M. Blake, Committee Administrator M. Mills, Committee Administrator _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Commencement The Community and Infrastructure Services Committee held a meeting this date commencing at approximately 3:48 p.m. 2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof 2.1 Councillor C. Michaud - Not For Profit Affordable Rental and Co-op Housing Incentive (Pilot), DSD-2024-143 Councillor C. Michaud declared a pecuniary interest with respect to the Not For Profit Affordable Rental and Cooperative (Co-op) Housing Incentive (Pilot), DSD- 2024-143, due to their place of employment. Accordingly, Councillor C. Michaud did not participate in any discussion or vote regarding this matter. 2.2 Councillor B. Ioannidis - Not For Profit Affordable Rental and Co-op Housing Incentive (Pilot), DSD-2024-143 Councillor B. Ioannidis declared a pecuniary interest with respect to the Not For Profit Affordable Rental and Co-op Housing Incentive (Pilot), DSD-2024-143, due to their place of employment. Accordingly, B. Ioannidis did not participate in any discussion or vote regarding this matter. 3. Consent Items 3.1 Dumfries Avenue Formal Traffic Calming Review, DSD-2024-122 The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2024- 122, dated April 4, 2024 recommending an approval for the Dumfries Avenue Traffic Calming plan. On motion by Councillor S. Davey it was resolved: 2 "That staff be directed to implement the proposed traffic calming plan as Proposed Traffic Calming Plan) of Development Services Department report DSD-2024-122." Carried 3.2 Noise Exemption - Greek Food Festival - 527 Bridgeport Road, CSD-2024- 136 The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-2024- 136 dated March 12, 2024 recommending approval of a noise exemption for the Greek Food Festival being held at 527 Bridgeport Road on June 8, 2024 from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., and on June 9, 2024 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. On motion by Councillor S. Davey it was resolved: "That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be granted to the Greek Orthodox Community of Saints Peter and Paul Kitchener-Waterloo & District for their Annual Greek Food Festival at 527 Bridgeport Road, to be held on June 8, 2023, from 12 p.m. 11 p.m. and June 9, 2024, from 12 p.m. 10 p.m., as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-2024-136." Carried 4. Discussion Items 4.1 Not For Profit Affordable Rental and Co-op Housing Incentive (Pilot), DSD- 2024-143 Councillor C. Michaud declared a conflict on this item (Councillor C. Michaud declared a pecuniary interest with respect to the Not For Profit Affordable Rental and Cooperative (Co-op) Housing Incentive (Pilot), DSD-2024-143, due to their place of employment. Accordingly, Councillor C. Michaud did not participate in any discussion or vote regarding this matter). Councillor B. Ioannidis declared a conflict on this item. (Councillor B. Ioannidis declared a pecuniary interest with respect to the Not For Profit Affordable Rental and Co-op Housing Incentive (Pilot), DSD-2024-143, due to their place of employment. Accordingly, B. Ioannidis did not participate in any discussion or vote regarding this matter). 3 The Committee considered Development Services Department report DSD-2024- 143, dated March 12, 2024, recommending approval of the Not For Profit affordable rental and Co-op Housing Incentive (Pilot). Councillor B. Ioannidis entered the meeting at this time. T. Roberts, Project Manager, presented an overview of the report. J. Oosterveld, Manager of Customer Experience & Project Management, and R. Bustamante, Director of Planning & Housing Policy were in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee. E. Philip, Thresholds Homes and Support was in attendance in support of the staff recommendation, advocating for additional resources for not for profit organizations to intensify and develop existing capital resources for highly affordable housing. In response to questions from the Committee regarding financial barriers for not for profit organizations seeking to develop affordable housing. E. Phillip noted reallocation of funds to external projects is extremely challenging, as costs that do not provide direct support to their clients often become a barrier to not for profit organizations. In response to further questions, E. Philip noted key factors to determine whether a development project is not for profit includes densityand the impact of the selected site location on the general community. A. Biodeau, KW Habilitation addressed the Committee in support of the staff recommendation, noting incentive programs encourage not for profit organizations to pursue development projects that provide supportive housing and affordable units. A. Biodeau also noted the benefits of implementing a mentorship program model through the proposed pilot project, as a means of fostering information sharing and learning opportunities between organizations. Councillor M. Johnston left the meeting at this time. Councillor D. Schnider assumed the Chair. Councillor M. Johnston resumed Chair at this time. In response to questions from the Committee, A. Biodeau confirmed implementing a mentorship program for not for profit organizations, to shadow the development process of the selected organizations would serve as a great tool for less experienced organizations seeking to develop affordable housing, and would build capacity within the development sector. R. Fewster, M. Molengraaf, and S. Burrows were in attendance in support of the staff recommendation, noting the impact the incentive program would have on 4 the housing crisis, and on the ability of not for profit organizations to develop affordable housing. L. Intini was in attendance in support of the staff recommendation, noting the importance of increasing the affordable housing units available due to the growing housing crisis. In response to questions from the Committee, J. Oosterveld stated the Not for Profit Affordable Rental & Co-op Housing Incentive is a pilot program designed to address financial barriers of developing new affordable housing units. It was noted the proposed pilot program provides a $10,000/unit grant for qualifying developments to incentivize 520 new units with a commitment to 260 units with building permits issued by September 1, 2026. J. Oosterveld further clarified the application process and potential eligibility criteria for organizations to receive funding. Councillor P. Singh brought forward a motion to approve the staff recommendation as outlined in Development Services Department report DSD- 2024-143, including an amendment, "that financial review and analysis be incorporated into the funding eligibility criteria in efforts to confirm the viability of building permit; and further, that staff be directed to consider the creation of a mentorship program for not-for-profit organizations, to shadow the development process of the selected organizations participating in the Not-For-Profit Affordable Rental & Co- A recorded vote was requested at this time. Councillor P. Singh's motion was then voted on, and Carried unanimously, on a recorded vote. On motion by Councillor P. Singh it was resolved: "That a new Council Policy regarding Not For Profit Affordable Rental & Co-operative Housing Incentives (Pilot), attached to Development Services Department report DSD-2024-143 as App and, That the reallocation of Affordable Housing Reserve funds, to be used towards the Not For Profit Affordable Rental & Co-operative Housing Incentives (Pilot), be approved; as outlined in the Development Services Department report DSD-2024-143; and, 5 That the General Manager of Development Services or their designate be authorized to execute all agreements and other related documentation, subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor, which may be required to administer the Not-For-Profit Affordable Rental & Co-op Housing Incentives (Pilot); and, That financial review and analysis be incorporated into the funding proposed affordable housing projects and their ability to obtain a building permit; and further, That staff be directed to consider the creation of a mentorship program for not-for-profit organizations, to shadow the development process of the selected organizations participating in the Not For Profit Affordable Rental & Co- Carried, unanimously on a recorded vote 4.2 Rockway Centre Redevelopment Update, CSD-2024-191 The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-2024- 191, dated April 12, 2024 recommending approval of the three phased Redevelopment Strategy for the Rockway Centre. Bethany Pearce, Supervisor, Older Adult Services provided an overview of the report. H. Foulds, Manager, Service Coordination and Improvement, R. Scott, Manager, Procurement, O. Ojurongbeand, Project Manager, Community Services, D. Becks, Director, Facilities Management, and M. Hildebrand, Director, Neighbourhood Programs & Services were also in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee. * Councillor P. Singh and Counillor B. Ioannidis left the meeting at this time. In response to questions from the Committee, B. Pearce stated throughout the construction of the Rockway Centre , the City will aim to minimize the disruption to recreational activities by relocating programs to alternate City locations if construction is to occur at the existing Community Centre site. In response to questions from the Committee, M. Hildebrand noted the Request for Information (RFI) will assist staff in gaining a better understanding of the funding options that potential partners would be open to considering such as: a long-term lease, capital investment, or land transfer, including development opportunities on the existing site and/or other lands in close proximity to the current location. M. Hildebrand also noted the RFI will provide further clarity on 6 potential funding arrangements, location preferences, timelines for construction and high-level cost estimates. In response to further questions, B. Pearce noted staff have conducted extensive community engagement and relationship-building efforts with the Rockway Centre Community to ensure the vision for the Rockway Centre Redevelopment reflects the wants and needs of the residents. Councillor B. Ioannidis and Councillor P. Singh returned to the meeting at this time. In response to questions from the Committee, M. May, General Manager, Community Services noted staff believe all three of the proposed phases of the Rockway Centre Redevelopment strategy is likely to be completed by the second quarter of 2025. M. Hildebrand noted in response to further questions, the significance of having an older adult dedicated Centre, and staff's continued commitment to embed older adult programs across other City Centres. On motion by Councillor D. Chapman it was resolved: "That staff proceed with the three phased Rockway Centre Redevelopment Strategy as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-2024-191." Carried 4.3 Rosenberg Area Community Centre - Construction Update, CSD-2024-156 The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-2024- 156, dated March 28, 2024 recommending approval for the budget of the Community Centre in the Rosenberg area. M. Hildebrand, Director, Neighborhood Programs and Services provided an overview of the report. In response to questions from the Committee, M. Hildebrand stated the proposed name for the Rosenburg Area Community Centre is the Williamsburg Community Centre. J. Lautenbach noted in response to questions from the Committee that the total, funding for this project will come from development charges (DCs), meaning the building's construction will have no impact on municipal taxes. 7 A. Owodunni brought forward a motion to approve the staff recommendation, as outlined in Community Services Department report CSD-2024-156. A recorded vote was requested at this time. The motion was then voted on, and Carried unanimously on a recorded vote. On motion by Councillor A. Owodunni it was resolved: "That the total budget for the Rosenberg area, which will be built jointly with the Waterloo Region Catholic District School Board, be approved at $8,125,000 and be funded fully through development charge revenue; and further, That the new Community Centre be named The Williamsburg Community Centre as outlined in the Community Services Department report CSD- 2024-156." Carried, unanimously on a recorded vote 5. Information Items 5.1 None. 6. Adjournment On motion, this meeting adjourned at approximately 6:17 p.m. Mariah Blake Committee Coordinator 8