HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlng & Econ Dev - 2001-01-08PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
JANUARY 8, 2001CITY 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: Mayor C. Zehr, and Councillors J.
Smola, Councillor B. Vrbanovic and J. Ziegler. Councillors G. Lorentz and M. Galloway were in
attendance for part of the meeting.
Officials Present: Ms. L. MacDonald, C. Ladd, J. Billet and Messrs. J. Gazzola, B. Stanley, L. Masseo
and G. Borovilos.
1.BPS-00-169-1762 OLD MILL ROAD
-ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 00/32/O/SV
-HOMER WATSON HOUSE FOUNDATION
- FAIRVIEW – GATEWAY WARD
The Committee was advised that the Department of Business and Planning Services was in
receipt of an application from the Homer Watson House Foundation to re-zone lands known
municipally as 1762 Old Mill Road. The subject property, which abuts the Homer Watson Gallery
property, is approximately 0.8 hectares (1.9 acres) in size. The purpose of the application is to re-
zone the subject property from Residential Three Zone (R-3) to Public Park Zone (P-1). The
property is to be landscaped and utilized as open space for the Homer Watson House property
and a neighborhood park. In this regard, the Committee considered staff report BPS-00-169 dated
December 8, 2000 and a proposed By-law dated December 8, 2000 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 advised that staff had nothing further to add to the report under consideration.
No delegations were registered with respect to this matter.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr -
it was resolved:
“That Zone Change Application ZC 00/32/O/SV (1762 Old Mill Road – Homer Watson
House Foundation) proposing a change in zoning from “Residential Three Zone (R-3)” to
“Public Park Zone (P-1)”, on lands legally described as Part of Lots 119 and 120, Plan 578,
designated as Part 2, Reference Plan 58R-9896, be approved in the form shown in the
,
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attached “Proposed By-law”, dated December 8, 2000, 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.”
2.BPS-00-170 - 147 BINSCARTH ROAD
- ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 00/26/B/TMW
- ALAN POYNTZ
- FOREST – ROCKWAY WARD
The Committee was advised that the Department of Business and Planning Services was in
receipt of an application from Alan Poyntz to change the zoning of lands known municipally as 147
Binscarth Road. The subject property is located on the south side of Binscarth Road between
Barclay Avenue and Pleasant Avenue and contains a one and a half story building. The purpose
of the re-zoning is to add a special use provision to the current ‘R-4’ zoning to recognize an
existing multiple dwelling, containing 4 dwelling units, as a permitted use of the building on the
subject property. In addition, a special regulation provision is also proposed to recognize the
location and configuration of the existing on-site parking. In this regard, the Committee considered
staff report BPS-00-170 dated December 12, 2000 and a proposed By-law dated December 12,
2000 attached to the report.
It was pointed out that notice that the Committee was hold a public meeting this date to consider
this matter had been previously given.
2.BPS-00-170 - 147 BINSCARTH ROAD
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
JANUARY 8, 2001- 2 -CITY OF KITCHENER
- ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 00/26/B/TMW
- ALAN POYNTZ
- FOREST – ROCKWAY WARD (CONT’D)
Ms. C. Ladd advised that staff had nothing further to add to the report under consideration;
however, in view of concerns expressed by the Traffic Division she pointed out that the site does
have a deficiency in parking for the existing use as a fourplex. In this regard, she advised that staff
would not normally support this application, however, in view that the use has existed for the some
45 years staff are recommending approval within the existing building only.
No delegations were registered regarding this matter.
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic -
it was resolved:
“That Zone Change Application ZC 00/26/B/TMW (147 Binscarth Road – Allan Poyntz)
requesting a change in zoning from “Residential Four Zone (R-4)” to “Residential Four
Zone (R-4), with Special Use Provision 289U and with Special Regulation Provision 347R”,
on lands legally described as Part of Block “B”, Registered Plan 230, municipally known as
147 Binscarth Road, be approved, in the form shown in the attached “Proposed By-law”,
dated December 12, 2000, 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.”
3.BPS-00-160-NEW COMMERCIAL POLICIES
-PRESENTATION AND TABLING ONLY OF REPORT
The Committee was in receipt of Business and Planning Services staff report BPS-00-160 dealing
with new ‘Commercial Policies’ for the City of Kitchener.
Mr. L. Masseo provided a PowerPoint presentation in which he advised that following adoption of
the Commercial Policy Review Study adopted by Council in November 1999, a Working Group
was formed to assist in developing a new policy framework based on the recommendations
contained in the study. The new policy structure is premised on a balanced application of
commercial areas throughout the City within the following identified nodes and corridors: Primary
Nodes, Mixed Use Nodes, Mixed Use Corridors, Planned Commercial Campuses, Neighbourhood
Mixed Use Centers and Arterial Commercial Corridors. Mr. Masseo reviewed the definitions for
each and identified existing designations on a locational map. Mr. Masseo stated that under the
new policy structure Commercial Planning Studies will be required for any new or major
expansions for commercial uses to address design, servicing, traffic impact and compatibility
issues. In addition, a Retail Impact Study will be required for any new or major expansion of
commercial uses having 15,000 square metres of potential retail floor space to address potential
impacts to the planned commercial structure of the municipality and/or adjacent municipalities. In
conclusion Mr. Masseo advised that, at this time, it is intended the Committee table the staff report,
reconfirm its commitment to the direction being taken and direct staff to proceed with a detailed
consultation process. Mr. Masseo stated that following the consultation process, it is intended to
refine the policy framework prior to bringing it back for further consideration by the Committee and
Council.
Councillor G. Lorentz entered the meeting at this time.
Councillor J. Ziegler declared a pecuniary interest and abstained from all discussion and voting as
he owns property on King Street East which may be affected by the new commercial policy
structure.
In response to Mayor Zehr, Mr. Masseo advised that the new policy provides for a Retail Impact
Study where new or expanded commercial uses have 15,000 square metres of retail floor space
3.BPS-00-160-NEW COMMERCIAL POLICIES
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
JANUARY 8, 2001- 3 -CITY OF KITCHENER
-PRESENTATION AND TABLING ONLY OF REPORT (CONT’D)
to address potential impact to the planned commercial structure and to ensure market viability. He
pointed out that the Consultant recommended that full market research was not necessary for
lesser proposals; however, the cumulative effect of a number of smaller proposals has not been
addressed and Mr. Masseo agreed that this should be further explored.
Councillor M. Galloway entered the meeting at this time.
Mayor Zehr questioned what direction other municipalities are taking and the impact Kitchener’s
new policy structure may have. Mr. Masseo advised that the Region is in the process of
relinquishing its control to municipalities and within the Region, Cambridge is taking similar
direction. He noted that Waterloo prefers the traditional hierarchy expressing concern with the
direction Kitchener is taking; however, Mr. Masseo stated that staff believe their concerns can be
resolved. Mr. Masseo also noted that while there may be potential for conflict, it is intended to
provide a balance of use.
Councillor G. Lorentz referred to a letter dated January 8, 2001 received from Zelinka Priamo Ltd.
on behalf of Loblaw Properties Limited which suggests that the format for foodstores is changing
rapidly, requiring up to 13,000 square metres of retail space and questioned why a limit of 8,000
square metres is being recommended. Mr. Masseo stated that the policy goes beyond retail to
look at the urban structure in terms of better employment, better use of infrastructure and better
transit. Staff feel that 8,000 square metres is sufficient; however, are willing to work with Loblaws
to resolve their concerns. In response to Councillor Lorentz, Mr. Masseo advised that it is
intended to refine the new policy framework following the consultation process and it is anticipated
this report will be brought back for further consideration in May or June. Councillor Lorentz
questioned the impact to existing neighbourhood plazas and Mr. Masseo advised that it is
intended to assist continuation of this type of commercial use by adding a broader range of uses
which may include institutional and ground residential uses.
Councillor C. Weylie requested that the wording under Section 4 on Page 1 of the staff report be
revised by deleting the words ‘and endorsing’ as the policy structure is only being tabled at this
time. Similarly, she requested that the wording under ‘Implementation Process’ on Page 3 of the
staff report be revised by deleting the phrase ‘accept in principle’ and replacing it with the word
‘receive’. Mr. Masseo agreed to make the requested revisions prior to circulation of the report for
purposes of public consultation.
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic –
it was resolved:
“That Council receive the Business and Planning Services staff report BPS-00-160 dated
December 22, 2000, dealing with an amendment to the City’s Municipal Plan comprising a
proposed new Commercial Land Use Policy; and further,
That the Department of Business and Planning Services be directed to circulate the
proposed amendment within the business community for broad consultation prior to Council
approval.”
4.ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Janet Billett
Committee Administrator