HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - 2025-02-10Council Meeting Minutes
February 10, 2025, 7:00 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 (virtually)
Councillor C. Michaud
Councillor A. Owodunni
Councillor P. Singh
Councillor B. loannidis
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
L. MacDonald, City Solicitor
R. Bustamante, Director Planning & Housing Policy
G. Stevenson, Director, Development & Housing Approvals
B. Rowland, Director, Corporate Communications and Marketing
D. Becks, Director, Facilities Management
A. Fusco, Director Legislated Services / City Clerk
D. Saunderson, Deputy Clerk
O. Siddiqui, Project Manager, Customer Experience
E. Schneider, Senior Planner
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1. COMMENCEMENT
The meeting began with a Land Acknowledgement given by the Mayor and the
singing of "O Canada."
1.1 Commemoration of Black History Month - Hymn To Freedom
Mayor B. Vrbanovic recognized Black History Month and Black Heritage Month
and the Hymn to Freedom was presented.
2. MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
On motion by Councillor A. Owodunni the minutes of the regular meeting held
January 20, 2025, and special meetings held January 20 and 27, 2025 as mailed
to the Mayor and Councillors, were accepted.
3. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE
THEREOF
None.
4. COMMUNICATIONS REFERRED TO FILE
4.1 Flag Request under Policy MUN-FAC-442
4.1.a Irish Real Life Festival - March 8 - 18, 2025
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.1 Award of Achievement
Mayor B. Vrbanovic acknowledged that the City of Kitchener and the SDG Idea
Factory were presented with the Excellence in City Building Award by the
Economic Developers Council of Ontario's Awards of Excellence.
6. DELEGATIONS
6.1 Winter Sidewalk Enforcement
Nancy Ashley was not in attendance for the item.
6.2 Kitchener Indoor Recreation Facility - Gymnasium Funding Update, CSD -
2025 -044, listed as item 12.1.c
Council considered Community Services Department report CSD -2025-044,
entitled Kitchener Indoor Recreation Facility - Gymnasium Funding Update, listed
as item 12.1.c this date.
Councillor S. Davey left and returned to the meeting at this time.
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Allister Scorgie, Explore Waterloo, Paul Paven, KW Predators Volleyball and
Mike Quigley, KW Youth Basketball Association, addressed Council in support of
the staff recommendation.
Councillor P. Singh left and returned to the meeting at this time.
J. Lautenbach, O. Siddiqui and D. Becks then responded to questions from
Council.
Councillor M. Johnston left and returned to the meeting at this time.
Moved by Councillor P. Singh
Seconded by Councillor A. Owodunni
"That, in order to avoid project cost escalations and delays in opening the
Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex, staff be directed to proceed with
phase one of the two -phased construction of a new gymnasium at
Schlegel Park, as outlined in Community Services Department report
CSD -2025-044, that would support a wide diversity of community activities
and events, as well as fast-growing sports such as basketball, volleyball
and pickleball; and,
That staff be authorized to use the $19,913,529 in debenture financing
previously authorized by City Council on September 16, 2024, to fund this
phase of the gym construction; and further,
That staff be directed to continue with advocacy efforts with the federal
and provincial governments to secure grant funding to help complete
phase two of the gym construction and open the facility."
In Favour (11): Mayor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor S.
Davey, Councillor D. Schnider, Councillor J. Deneault,
Councillor C. Michaud, Councillor A. Owodunni,
Councillor P. Singh, Councillor B. loannidis, Councillor
M. Johnston, Councillor D. Chapman, and Councillor
S. Stretch
Carried, unanimously on a recorded vote (11 to 0)
6.3 Official Plan Amendment Application OPA24/012/K/ES and Zoning By-law
Amendment Application ZBA24/024/K/ES, 4611 King Street East, Imperial
Oil Limited c/o UM Developments, DSD -2025-025, and addendum report
DSD -2025-053, listed as item 7.2.b
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Council considered Official Plan Amendment Application OPA24/012/K/ES and
Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA24/024/K/ES, 4611 King Street East,
Imperial Oil Limited c/o LJM Developments, DSD -2025-025, listed as item 7.2.b,
In addition it was noted that staff have provided an addendum report DSD -2025-
053. In addition, Council was in receipt of a written submission from Pinegrove,
entitled "updated report".
Brandon Flewwelling, GSP Group; Liaquat (LJ) Mian, LJM Developments;
Andrew Steinsky, Paradigm Transportation Solutions Inc. delegated in support of
the recommendation and highlighted the revised development application to
reduce units from 726 to 583 units, maintain the same number of 493 parking
spaces or 0.75% parking spaces per unit and a reduction in the heights of the
buildings adjacent to King Street from 33 storeys to 26 storeys and a reduction of
the interior tower to 18 storeys; for a total reduction of 11 storeys across the site.
The delegates then responded to questions from Council.
Councillor P. Singh and B. loannidis left the meeting at this time.
Councillor B. loannidis returned to the meeting at this time.
Councillor P. Singh returned to the meeting at this time.
Councillor A. Owodunni left the meeting at this time.
Councillor S. Davey left and returned to the meeting at this time.
Stephanie Brown addressed Council in opposition of the recommendation noting
concerns with the conformity of the proposed application with the surrounding
neighbourhood.
Sharon Verley-Entz delegated in opposition of the recommendation highlighting
the lack of infrastructure and amenities in the adjacent neighbourhood.
Beth Weckman addressed Council in opposition of the recommendation.
Eric Schneider, Senior Planner, Garett Stevenson, Director, Development and
Housing Approvals, and Barry Cronkite, Director, Transportation, then responded
to questions from Council regarding amenities available near the proposed
development, Pineridge Community Association report and recommendations,
ability to defer decision until master space planning is complete, traffic speeds
along King Street and parking provisions.
Councillor P. Singh left and returned to the meeting at this time.
Councillor A. Owodunni returned to the meeting at this time.
Councillor S. Stretch left and returned to the meeting at this time.
M
Councillor D. Schnider left and returned to the meeting at this time.
Councillor P. Singh brought forward a motion to approve the recommendation as
outlined in Addendum Report DSD -2025-053, including an amendment to require
the applicant to provide 10 affordable housing units within the development,
which was then seconded by Councillor D. Chapman.
A motion to defer consideration of the application to the March 3, 2025 Council
meeting, was brought forward by Councillor P. Singh, to allow further opportunity
to discuss concerns raised by the neighbourhood, including but not limited to
building height, transportation impacts, site access, community amenities, and
parking concerns, and was seconded by Councillor S. Davey.
Moved by Councillor P. Singh
Seconded by Councillor D. Chapman
"That the following recommendation be deferred to the March 3, 2025, Council
Meeting to allow staff the opportunity to have further conversations with the
applicant related to the matters including but not limited to: building height,
transportation impacts, site access, community amenities, and parking concerns:
"That Official Plan Amendment Application OPA/24/012/K/ES for Imperial
Oil Limited c/o UM Developments requesting to add Policy 15.D.12.80 to
Section 15.D.12 and to add Specific Policy Area 80 to Map 5 — Specific
Policy Areas in the Official Plan to facilitate a mixed use development
having 586 residential dwelling units and 1,892 square metres of
commercial space within two towers atop a shared podium with building
heights of 18 and 26 storeys and a Floor Space Ratio (FSR) of 6.7, be
approved, in the form shown in the Official Plan Amendment attached to
Report DSD -2025-053 as Attachments `A1' and 'A2', and,
That Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZBA24/024/K/ES for Imperial
Oil Limited c/o LJM Developments be approved in the form shown in the
`Proposed By-law', and `Map No. 1', attached to Report DSD -2024-053 as
Attachments `B1' and `132', and further,
That pursuant to Section 34(17) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P. 13,
as amended, further notice is not required to be given in respect to Zoning
By-law Amendment ZBA24/024/K/ES.""
Carried, as amended
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6.4 Council proceedings to continue beyond 11:00 p.m.
Moved by Councillor P. Singh
Seconded by Councillor M. Johnston
"That pursuant to Section 25.4.16 of Chapter 25 (Council Procedure) of
the Municipal Code, the Council proceedings this date shall be allowed to
continue beyond 11:00 p.m. to conclude matters as listed on the agenda."
Carried
6.5 Evictions due to Renovations Report Back Timing, DSD -2025-051, listed at
item 8.1
Council considered Development Services Department report DSD -2025-051,
entitled Evictions due to Renovations Report Back Timing, listed at item 8.1. In
addition, the city was in receipt of written submissions from ACORN and the
Advocacy Centre for Tenants.
Zackery Smith, and Breanna Elaine Hill, addressed Council in support of the City
passing a renoviction By-law.
Councillor P. Singh left and returned to the meeting at this time.
Councillor C. Michaud left and returned to the meeting at this time.
Lise Lindsay, delegated in support of Council passing a renoviction By-law.
Mayor B. Vrbanovic left the meeting at this time. Councillor S. Davey assumed
the role of the Chair.
Martin Asling and Mo Markham addressed Council in support of expediting
consideration and implementation of a renoviction by-law.
Mayor B. Vrbanovic returned to the meeting at this time and assumed the role of
the Chair.
Jeff Donkersgoed, Eve Simpson, Greg Thornton, Ken Vogelpohl, Ryan Murdock
and Jacquie Wells delegated in support of Council considering and implementing
a renoviction by-law earlier than June 2025.
Rosa Bustamante, Director of Planning & Housing Policy and Justin Readman,
General Manager, Development Services then responded to questions from
Council.
Councillor M. Johnson left and returned to the meeting at this time.
n.
Mayor B. Vrbanovic acknowledged his participation in bringing forward a motion,
to the Ontario Big City Mayor's (OBCM), which was adopted, regarding continued
advocacy to the Province related to bad faith renovictions and the
implementation provisions outlined in Bill 97.
Councillor Chapman expressed interest in approving option 2 as outlined in
Report DSD -2025-051, which would require staff to report back at an earlier date
than June 2025.
Amanda Fusco, Director, Legislated Services/City Clerk, advised for Council to
consider option 2, a motion to reconsider the direction that was approved at June
24, 2024 Council meeting would be required. It was noted the motion would
require 2/3 of the whole of Council for approval.
Councillor D. Chapman brought forward a motion that the direction provided at
the June 24, 2024 Council meeting "That staff be directed to report come back in
June 2025 reviewing impacts of the By-law thus far and to provide a further
updates on any other "renovictions" By-laws within Ontario." be reconsidered, to
allow Council to consider amending the timeline to receive a report back prior to
that date, which was seconded by Councillor C. Michaud.
The motion to reconsider was then voted on and was LOST.
In response to questions from Council, R. Bustamante acknowledged staff are
anticipating reporting back at a Standing Committee meeting on June 2, 2025.
6.6 Suspend the Rules - Motion to go Beyond Midnight
In accordance with Municipal Code Chapter 25 (Procedural By-law), Section
25.2.2 (Suspend the Rules), Mayor B. Vrbanovic requested a motion to suspend
the rules to extend the proceedings of Council past midnight.
Moved by Councillor B. loannidis
Seconded by Councillor C. Michaud
"That approval be given for this meeting of Council to proceed for an
additional hour beyond 12:00 a.m."
7. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
7.1 HERITAGE KITCHENER - FEBRUARY 4, 2025
Moved by Councillor D. Chapman
Seconded by Councillor C. Michaud
Carried
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"That the report of Heritage Kitchener, dated February 4, 2025 listed as
item 7.1.a on the agenda this date, be adopted."
Carried
7.1.a Heritage Permit Application HPA-2025-IV-003, 107 Courtland Avenue East,
Replacement of 22 Windows and Front Doors on Front Fagade, DSD -2025-024
"The pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, Heritage Permit
Application HPA-2025-IV-003 requesting permission for:
1. The replacement of 22 windows on the front fagade with new window
units, and;
2. The replacement of the main entrance doors on the front fagade with
new doors
for the property municipally addressed as 107 Courtland Avenue East, BE
APPROVED in accordance with the supplementary information submitted
with the application, as outlined in Development Services Department
report, DSD -2025-024."
Carried
7.2 PLANNING AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COMMITTEE - JANUARY 27, 2025
Moved by Councillor P. Singh
Seconded by Councillor D. Chapman
"That the report of the Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee, dated
January 27, 2025, listed as item 7.2.a on the agenda this date, be
adopted."
Carried
7.2.a Official Plan Amendment Application OPA24/005/K/CM, Zoning By-law
Amendment Application ZBA24/008/K/CM, Hidden Valley Land Use
Implementation Project, DSD -2024-292
"That the following recommendation be deferred to the May 26, 2025, Council
Meeting, or sooner to allow staff the opportunity to conduct a site visit of the
subject properties and have further conversations with the applicant, and Ward
n.
Councillor related to land use, transportation, environment and source water
protection concerns:
That City Initiated Official Plan Amendment OPA24/005/K/CM, for the
purpose of implementing recommendations contained within the Hidden
Valley Land Use Implementation Project, including amendments to
mapping and text amendments, be approved, in the form shown in the
Official Plan Amendment attached to Development Services Department
report, DSD -2024-292 as Attachment `A'; and,
That City Initiated Zoning By-law Amendment Application
ZBA24/008/K/CM to amend Zoning By-law 2019-051, be approved in the
form shown in the "Proposed By-law" attached to Report DSD -2024-292
as Attachment `B'; and further,
That the Hidden Valley Residential Community Plan (as approved June
14, 1990) and Hidden Valley Industrial Community Secondary Plan (as
approved October 19, 1981) be repealed in their entirety."
7.2.b Official Plan Amendment Application OPA24/012/K/ES and Zoning By-law
Amendment Application ZBA24/024/K/ES, 4611 King Street East, Imperial Oil
Limited c/o LJM Developments, DSD -2025-025 and addendum report DSD -
2025 -053
Carried, as amended, under Delegations
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
8.1 Evictions due to Renovations Report Back Timing, DSD -2025-051
Dealt with under Delegations
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.1 - MAYORAL BUSINESS AND UPDATES - MAYOR B. VRBANOVIC
None.
10. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS -NIL
11. BY-LAWS
11.1 1ST AND 2ND READING
Moved by Councillor B. loannidis
Seconded by Councillor D. Schnider
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"That leave be given the Mover and Seconder to introduce the following
by-laws, namely:
11.1.a To further amend By-law No. 2010-190, being a by-law to prohibit
unauthorized parking of motor vehicles on private property.
11.1.b To further amend By-law No. 88-171, being a by-law to designate private
roadways as fire routes and to prohibit parking thereon.
11.1.c To further amend By-law No. 2008-117, being a by-law to authorize certain
on -street and off-street parking of vehicles for use by persons with a
disability, and the issuing of permits in respect thereof.
11.1.d To confirm all actions and proceedings of the Council for February 10.
2025.
Carried
12. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
On motion, Council resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole to consider its
agenda and was Chaired by Councillor A. Owodunni.
12.1 ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
12.1.a 2025 Appointments to the Heritage Kitchener Committee, COR -2025-063
Moved by Councillor D. Chapman
it was resolved:
"That effective February 10, 2025, Preston Arens and Nic E'Silva be
appointed to the Heritage Kitchener Committee for the term ending
November 15, 2026, or until a successor has been appointed, as outlined
in Corporate Services Department report, COR -2025-063."
Carried
12.1.b Dangerous Dog Designation Appeal - Snider and Hillenaar, COR -2025-064
Moved by Councillor D. Chapman
it was resolved:
"That the decision of the Dog Designation Appeal Committee regarding an
appeal filed by R. Snider and C. Hillenaar, wherein the Committee
substitutes the designation of Dangerous Dog, applied to the dog `Murphy'
by the Humane Society of Kitchener -Waterloo and Stratford Perth, and
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pursuant to By-law 2014-142, and hereby designates "Murphy" as a
Potentially Dangerous Dog, be ratified and confirmed with modified
conditions, as outlined in Corporate Services Department report, COR -
2025 -064."
Carried
12.1.c Kitchener Indoor Recreation Facility - Gymnasium Funding Update, CSD -2025-
044
Carried, under Delegations
12.2 ITEMS ARISING FROM IN -CAMERA
12.2.a Ontario Land Tribunal Matter - Legal Advice (Solicitor / client privilege and
Litigation or potential litigation - Section 239 (2) (e) and (f)) , COR -2025-050
Moved by Councillor B. loannidis
"That the City Solicitor be authorized to enter into settlement negotiations
relating to OLT case number OLT-22-002377; and,
That the General Manager of Development Services be authorized to
approve any settlement of OLT Case Number OLT-22-002377 in
accordance with the direction given in -camera on February 10, 2025, and
to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor; and further,
That the General Manager of Development Services be authorized to
execute any minutes of settlement pertaining to an approved settlement
for OLT case number OLT-22-002377, to the satisfaction of the City
Solicitor"
Carried
13. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
On motion, Council rose from the Committee of the Whole.
Moved by Councillor A. Owodunni
Seconded by Councillor D. Chapman
"That the proceedings and the recorded pecuniary interests and conflicts
taken in the meeting of the Committee of the Whole held this date, as
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attached hereto and forming part of these minutes are hereby adopted
and confirmed."
Moved by Councillor C. Michaud
Seconded by Councillor D. Chapman
14.1.a To further amend By-law No. 2010-190, being a by-law to prohi
unauthorized parking of motor vehicles on private property. i
EVJEMO��
14.1.b To further amend By-law No. 88-171, being a by-law to designate private
roadways as fire routes and to prohibit parking thereon.
(By-law 2025-018)
14.1.c To further amend By-law No. 2008-117, being a by-law to authorize certain
on -street and off-street parking of veh,icles for use by persons with a
disability, and the issuing of permits in respect thereof.
14.1.d To confirm all actions and proceedings of the Council for February 10.
2025.
Mayor
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