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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDev & Tech Svcs - 2005-04-04 DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 4~ 2005 CITY OF KITCHENER The Development and Technical Services Committee met this date commencing at 4:15 p.m. Present: Councillor C. Weylie - Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola, B. Vrbanovic, J. Gazzola, M. Galloway and G. Lorentz Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer G. Stewart, General Manager of Development & Technical Services P. Houston, General Manager of Financial Services & City Treasurer F. McCrea, Assistant City Solicitor J. McBride, Director of Transportation Planning J. Willmer, Director of Planning J. Witmer, Director of Building K. Currier, Acting General Manager of Community Services L. Bensason, Heritage Planner D. Gilchrist, Committee Administrator 1. DTS-05-032 - REGION OF WATERLOO ROAD IMPROVEMENTS ON SPORTSWORLD DRIVE/MAPLE GROVE ROAD, HIGHWAY 8 INTERCHANGE & GATEWAY PARK DRIVE CITY OF KITCHENER NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION FAIRVIEW-GATEWAY WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05- 032, dated March 21, 2005, regarding a Noise By-law Exemption for improvements on Sportsworld Drive/Maple Grove Road, Highway 8 Interchange & Gateway Park Drive. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the Region of Waterloo and its contractor(s) be exempt from the provisions of Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code, Article 6 Construction Work, during the road improvements on Sportsworld Drive/Maple Grove Road, Highway 8 Interchange and Gateway Park Drive in the City of Kitchener, from July 1, 2005 to December 31,2006, during the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m." 2. DTS-05-040 - SIGNIFICANT TREE DECLINE & REMOVALS SPADINA ROAD & WINDSOR CRESCENT RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT FOREST-ROCKWAY WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05- 040, dated March 21, 2005, regarding significant tree decline and removals for the reconstruction project on Spadina Road and Windsor Crescent. Upon questioning by Councillor G. Lorentz, Mr. D. Smith advised there will be a public education program in this regard; as it is important for the neighbours to understand the trees are already in decline. The trees are not being removed because of the road works, but because they have reached their life expectancy, and would have to be removed in any event. In discussing replacement trees, staff advised a tree inventory will be prepared, and healthy trees will be protected during construction. A tree management and planting plan will be prepared, and staff favour planting native species. 3. DTS-05-046 - MAX BECKER DRIVE ON-STREET PARKING SOUTH WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05- 046, dated March 21, 2005, regarding on-street parking on Max Becker Drive. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 4~ 2005 3. DTS-05-046 - MAX BECKER DRIVE (CONT'D) - 23- CITY OF KITCHENER On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That parking be prohibited at anytime on the east side of Max Becker Drive from Activa Avenue to Commonwealth Street; and, That parking be prohibited on both sides of Max Becker Drive from Commonwealth Street to Fischer Hallman Road; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 4. DTS-05-031 - WOOD STREET & GILDNER STREET - ON-STREET PARKING - WEST-VICTORIA PARK WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05- 031, dated March 15,2005, regarding on-street parking on Wood Street and Gildner Street. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That the 'No Parking January 1 st - March 31 s1' regulation be removed from the west side of Wood Street between Park Street and York Street; and, That the 'No Parking January 1 st - March 31 s1' regulation be removed from the west side of Gildner Street between Park Street and Eden Avenue; and further, That the Uniform Traffic By-law be amended accordingly." 5. CRPS-05-051 - PEDESTRIAN CHARTER WORKING GROUP PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee considered Corporate Services Department report CRPS-05-051, dated March 24, 2005, regarding a proposed Pedestrian Charter for the City of Kitchener, as recommended by the Environmental Committee. Ms. C. Lousley was in attendance on behalf of the Pedestrian Charter Working Group, in support of the recommendations of the Environmental Committee to adopt the Pedestrian Charter, as outlined in Corporate Services Department report CRPS-05-051. Ms. Lousley reviewed the background to the Charter, noting there are several pedestrian charters around the world; however, only one in Canada, in the City of Toronto. Ms. Lousley further explained some of the short comings in the City of Kitchener with respect to the charter: snow removal, lack of sidewalks and curb cuts. She then noted adopting the charter allows the City to take a leadership role. Further, it would mean the City accepts the principle that walking is important. Mayor Zehr commented that the principles are easily supported, but noted there are potential costs involved. Mr. J. Willmer noted there are many things the City is doing well, and there is an aggressive budget in place for this purpose. He suggested the City is already doing a good job in resolving these deficiencies. Staff support the charter because it is consistent with the City's current practices and policies. Mr. Shamess advised the Committee, staff is aware of the locations where sidewalks are required. Staff will be bringing forward a report in this regard in the near future. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That the following Pedestrian Charter, as drafted by the Pedestrian Charter Working Group (Citizen's Advisory Committee on Air Quality [CACAQ] and the Together 4 Heath Coalition), be adopted as a guiding principle for the City of Kitchener; and further, DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 4~ 2005 5. CRPS-05-051 - PEDESTRIAN CHARTER WORKING GROUP lCONT'D) - 24- CITY OF KITCHENER That all other local area municipalities be encouraged to adopt a Pedestrian Charter. 'PEDESTRIAN CHARTER For the City of Kitchener Walking is the most ancient and universal form of travel. It is also an important form of exercise and recreation. Every personal trip involves walking, alone or in combination with taking public transit, driving or cycling. A pedestrian is a person moving from place to place, either by foot or by using an assistive mobility device. Pedestrians include residents and visitors of all ages and abilities. In order to travel safely, conveniently, directly and comfortably, they require an urban environment and infrastructure designed to meet their travel needs. To ensure walking is a safe, comfortable and convenient mode of urban travel, the City of Kitchener respects the following principles: Accessi bi I ity Walking is a free and direct means of accessing local goods, services, community amenities and public transit. Equity Walking is the only mode of travel that is universally affordable, and allows children and youth, and people with specific medical conditions to travel independently. Health and Well-Being Walking is a proven method of promoting personal health and well-being. Environmental Sustainability Walking relies on human power and has negligible environmental impact. Personal and Community Safety An environment in which people feel safe and comfortable walking, increases community safety for all. Community Cohesion and Vitality A pedestrian-friendly environment Encourages and facilitates social interaction and local economic vitality. To create an urban environment in all parts of the city that encourages and supports walking, the City of Kitchener will: . uphold the right of pedestrians of all ages and abilities to safe, convenient, direct and comfortable walking conditions; . provide a walking environment within the public right-of-way and in public parks that encourages people to walk for travel, exercise and recreation; . support and encourage the planning, design and development of a walking environment in public and private spaces (both exterior and interior) that meets the travel needs of pedestrians; . provide and maintain infrastructure that gives pedestrians safe and convenient passage while walking along and crossing streets; . ensure that residents' access to basic community amenities and services does not depend on car ownership or public transit use; . set policies that reduce conflict between pedestrians and other users of the public right-of-way; . create walkable communities by giving high planning priority to compact, human- scale and mixed land use; . encourage research and education on the social, economic, environmental and health benefits of walking as a form of travel, exercise and recreation; . promote laws and regulations that respect pedestrians' particular needs; . advocate for improving the provincial and federal regulatory and funding frameworks that affect the City's ability to improve the pedestrian environment; and . work with individual citizens, community groups and agencies, businesses and other levels of government to achieve these goals. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 4~ 2005 5. CRPS-05-051 - PEDESTRIAN CHARTER WORKING GROUP lCONT'D) - 25- CITY OF KITCHENER An urban environment that encourages and facilitates walking supports community health, vitality and safety. It increases use of public transit; decreases car dependence; reduces conflict between vehicles and pedestrians; leads to cleaner air; green public space; and supports green tourism. Such an environment creates opportunities for the informal social interaction that is one of the main attributes of a vibrant, liveable urban com m unity.'" 6. DTS-05-039 - DEMOLITION CONTROL APPLICATION DC 05/03/P/SR 263 PLAINS ROAD WESTLAND HOLDINGS INC. SOUTH WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05- 039, dated March 15, 2005, regarding Demolition Control Application DC 05/03/P/SR, requesting permission to demolish a single family dwelling located at 263 Plains Road. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That Demolition Control Application DC 05/03/P/SR requesting permission to demolish one single family dwelling (farm house) located at 263 Plains Road, legally described as Tract Biehns Pt Lot 14, RP 58R7038, Part 1 tog with ROW, be approved." 7. DTS-05-044 - ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT 2004 - MASTER STORMWATER MANAGEMENT POLICY The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05- 044, dated March 24, 2005, regarding the 2004 Annual Audit Report for the Master Stormwater Management Policy. Ms. A. Mick, Totten, Sims, Hubicki, presented the City of Kitchener Citywide Stormwater Management Plan, Annual Audit Report for the year November 2003 - October 2004, as attached to Development & Technical Services Department report DTS-05-044, as well as the priority listings for works proposed for 2005. Ms. Mick noted the City of Kitchener is a leader in this area, as not many municipalities conduct maintenance of their stormwater management facilities. Upon questioning by Councillor Lorentz, Mr. Shamess advised the area of Hoddle and Sugar Maple is currently targeted for retrofit. Also, with respect to greenways, such as the Sandrock Greenway, Mr. Shamess advised the current practice is to have stormwater management ponds for all new developments, rather than creeks. He noted that in the past concrete lined channels were used for stormwater management; whereas, the current practice is to create a more natural channel. In response to a question concerning the use of the Regional lab, Ms. Mick advised there is no difficulty in this regard; however, it can not be used by a private consultant. Assurances are being put in place concerning their use of the right parameters. Mr. Shamess advised that reference to salt management relates to the City's use of road salt. He noted a salt management plan is being developed, and if there is a wet summer, such as last year, more salt ends up in the stormwater management ponds. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That Council receive the Executive Summary of the City of Kitchener Citywide Stormwater Management Plan Annual Audit Report (Year 2004), as attached to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05-044 for the period November 2003 to October 2004, prepared to identify the impacts on the City's watercourses from urbanization, and that the stormwater management (SWM) facilities DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 4~ 2005 7. DTS-05-044 - ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT 2004 (CONT'D) - 26- CITY OF KITCHENER being provided meet the volume of stormwater resulting from infill/redevelopment sites; and, That Council continue to endorse the recommendations contained in the previous audits as updated and identified in Section 9.0 of the said Executive Summary; and, That Council approve the additional recommendations, as outlined in Section 10.0 of the said Executive Summary with these recommendations to be incorporated in subsequent Annual Audits; and, That the SWM be added to the Comprehensive User Fees effective immediately; and further, That authorization to defer the collection of the SWM Fee be delegated to the General Manager of Development and Technical Services or his designate." 8. DTS-05-049 - FAIRWAY ROAD EXTENSION ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05- 049, dated March 30, 2005, regarding the Fairway Road Extension Environmental Assessment. Mr. D. Durant, Region of Waterloo, and Mr. G. Gartshore, Ecoplans Ltd., were in attendance to present the 3 routes being considered for the extension of Fairway Road across the Grand River into Cambridge. Mr. Durant gave a pictorial presentation showing the areas for potential routes, identified as Options "A", "02", and "03" in the report. This presentation showed the appearance of bridges for each option, the locations in which each option would cross the Grand River from the City of Kitchener side, and the specifics relating to each. He concluded his presentation by advising the project team has chosen Option "D2" as the preferred route. Mr. Durant advised the Fairway Road extension is in the Region's capital forecast in the years 2007 and 2008, there are 3 municipalities involved in this project, and this presentation will be made to Cambridge City Council on April 25th. When questioned about cost differences, Mr. Durant advised costs of each option are similar. He confirmed Councillor Weylie's comment that wells played a major part in the public's position in supporting Option "D2". On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That Kitchener City Council supports Alternative 02 identified in Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05-049, and in "Fairway Road Extension Class Environmental Assessment - Project Team Review of Alternate Routes" as the preferred route alignment for the Fairway Road Extension." 9. DTS-05-050 - SCHOERG BARN MATERIALS The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05- 050, dated March 31, 2005, regarding potential acquisition of the Schoerg barn materials. Mayor C. Zehr declared a pecuniary interest in this matter as he owns property in the vacinity of 381 Pioneer Tower Road, and did not participate in any discussion or voting with respect to this matter. Mr. L. Bensason was in attendance to present the report and answer the Committee's questions. He emphasized that only 200/0 of the barn materials are available, and there would be a substantial cost and a substantial amount of new materials required to re-erect the barn; consequently, staff recommend that the City not acquire this material. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 4~ 2005 9. DTS-05-050 - SCHOERG BARN MATERIALS (CONT'D) - 27- CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor Gazzola put forward a motion to adopt option #2 on page 3 of the staff report. It was his opinion that this historic building material should be in the possession of the City. Mr. Bensason reminded the Committee that the City purchased the materials of a demolished log house, back in 1999, and funds are required to rebuild this log house. As well, money would be better spent on turning the two existing stone barn foundations into interpretative centres for the area. Upon questioning Councillor Gazzola suggested the barn material could be used in many ways in the future, and stated if it is of historic significance, it should be in the possession of the City. Councillor Vrbanovic spoke in support of the motion stating the developer's action to demolish the barn was outrageous. He suggested the barn material can be incorporated into some new facility. Councillor Gazzola accepted a friendly amendment to his motion from Councillor Lorentz, that Council send a letter to the developer asking that they pay the cost of the City acquiring this material. Councillor Galloway spoke in support of the motion on behalf of Heritage Kitchener, noting that Heritage Kitchener is very much in support of acquiring the barn material. He acknowledged the presence of Mr. Z. Janecki, Heritage Kitchener Co-Chair, in the audience. On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola - It was resolved: "That the City acquire the material salvaged from the Schoerg Barn (381 Pioneer Tower Road), by Timeless Timber Structures Inc., and that the material be put in storage until such time as the disposition of the land on which the barn foundation is located is resolved, and plans for some form of restoration or interpretative facility using the material are completed; and further, That a letter be sent by Council to the developer, requesting they pay the cost of the City acquiring the materials salvaged from the Schoerg Barn." Carried Unanimously Mr. J. Witmer noted that Kieswetter would like to know as soon as possible whether the City wishes to acquire this material. This meeting recessed at 5:55 p.m., and reconvened at 7:13 p.m. with the following members present: Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors C. Weylie, J. Smola, B. Vrbanovic, G. Lorentz, M. Galloway and J. Gazzola. Staff in attendance: Ms. C. Ladd, Ms. F. McCrea, Ms. D. Gilchrist, and Messrs. J. Willmer, K. Currier and C. Bluhm. 10. DTS-05-042 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 04/17/Z/JB - 11 ZELLER DRIVE - HALLMAN BRIERDALE LTD. - CHICOPEE-GRAND RIVER WARD The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05- 042, dated February 22, 2005, regarding Zone Change Application ZC 04/17/Z/JB to change the zoning on the subject lands at 11 Zeller Drive. Mr. P. Britton was in attendance on behalf of the applicant, in support of the staff report. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 4~ 2005 10. DTS-05-042 - ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC 04/17/Z/JB (CONT'D) - 28- CITY OF KITCHENER Councillor B. Vrbanovic commented on the successful public meeting held in this regard, and thanked Mr. Britton, and the applicant for their willingness to work through the issues with the neighbours. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: "That Zone Change Application ZC04/17/Z/JB for the purpose of changing the zoning from Convenience Commercial Zone (C-1) to Residential Six Zone (R-6), and to amend the Grand River South Community Plan from Convenience Commercial to Low Rise Residential on lands legally described as Registered Plan 1732 Block 29 in the City of Kitchener be approved in the form shown in the "Proposed By-Iaw", dated February 22, 2005, attached to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05-042, without conditions; and further, That Schedule 1 - Land Use Plan of the 'Grand River South Community Plan' be revised to redesignate the lands as shown on Schedule 'A', attached to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05-042, from Convenience Commercial to Low Rise Residential." 11. DTS-05-047 - CEDAR HILL LAND USE AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT STUDY The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05- 047, dated March 29, 2005, regarding the Cedar Hill Land Use and Social Environment Study. Mr. B. Stanley was in attendance to present the findings and recommendations of the "Cedar Hill Land Use and Social Environment Study", co-authored by himself, Mr. P. Filion, who was also in attendance, and Mr. N. Neeley. Through his presentation Mr. Stanley highlighted the following statistics with respect to the Cedar Hill Community in comparison to the City as a whole, and other downtown planning communities: . the households size is lower, . there is a greater increase in non-family households, . there is an increase in the number of residents between the ages of 20 & 30 years of age, . there is a decrease in the number of residents between 0 & 19 years of age, . a higher percentage of the population are immigrants, . the average household income is substantially below the average, . Cedar Hill is increasingly becoming an impoverished neighbourhood over time. With respect to housing type, zoning, and density, Mr. Stanley offered the following: . in terms of the percentage of multiple dwellings, there is a close relationship between Cedar Hill and Civic Centre, . with respect to density, Cedar Hill has the highest number of persons per 1,000 sq.m., . Cedar Hill has a higher overall density than any other downtown planning community, . Cedar Hill has the highest number of absentee landlords for buildings containing 1 - 4 residential units. Mr. Stanley next reviewed the distribution and numbers of residential care and supportive housing facilities in each of the City's Downtown planning communities. He explained the statistics do not include nursing homes. With respect to "supportive housing", he defined it as a situation where a person lives in an independent living unit, such as in an apartment building, but receives some form of supportive care, without which they would have to live in a residential care facility. He advised that Cedar Hill has 700/0 of all the residential care and supportive housing occupants in the whole of Downtown Kitchener. With respect to sales values for single detached properties, Mr. Stanley noted that not only are they consistently the lowest in Cedar Hill as compared to other Downtown neighbourhoods, but Cedar Hill values are dropping while these sales values are increasing in other Downtown neighbourhoods. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 4~ 2005 11. DTS-05-047 - CEDAR HILL LAND USE AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT STUDY (CONT'D) - 29- CITY OF KITCHENER Mr. Stanley continued his presentation by reviewing the findings with respect to: property standards violations, calls for police services, noting there are 250-3000/0 greater numbers of calls from the Cedar Hill community respecting disruptive behaviour, than from any other Downtown community. Mr. Stanley briefly highlighted some of the academic literature with respect to the influence of supportive housing on neighbourhood crime rates, as outlined in the report, noting Galster, G. et. al. "The Impact of Supportive Housing on Neighbourhood Crime Rates", 2002, that ".. .it was not the residents of these large facilities who were perpetrators of crime. Rather, the evidence suggests that large facilities attract more crime because they provide a mass of prospective victims and/or eroded the collective efficacy of the neighbourhood. (Collective efficacy at the neighbourhood level refers to the social cohesion present among neighbours and their capacity to enforce norms of civil, lawful behaviour through informal social controls)." Mr. Stanley concluded his presentation by summarizing the report's key findings and conclusions. Councillor M. Galloway left the meeting during Mr. Stanley's presentation. The following people were in attendance to address the Committee with respect to the Cedar Hill Land Use and Social Environment Study: Ms. K. Taylor-Harrison, Ms. D. Schlichter, Ms. M. Wiebe, Ms. K. Harrison, Ms. S. Gunz, Ms. M. DeGroot-Maggett and Messrs. M. Steinman, J. Watson and J. Bergen. Ms. K. Taylor-Harrison spoke on behalf of her family in support of the report and its recommendations, advising that although she and her family are shocked by some of the statistics, they do confirm what she and her family have observed. Ms. Taylor-Harrison advised she and her family live in the community and are landlords there. She stated she fully understands the intent of the study, and thanked Council for passing the interim control by-law. Ms. D. Schlichter, House of Friendship, addressed the Committee advising they have no plans to build anymore housing in the Cedar Hill community. She identified areas of concern and areas of agreement with the studies findings. Ms. Schlichter identified the following concerns: . disagreement with the definition of "supportive housing", . categorization of "supportive housing" as distinct from "assisted housing" and similar to residential care facilities/group homes, . misleading conclusion that there is a disproportionately greater share of "social service agency operated housing and residential care facilities", . inference "supportive housing" and other residential care facilities lead to neighbourhood problems. Ms. Schlichter identified further concerns that there are contradictory messages in the study: . Cedar Hill is a fragile neighbourhood and most stressed among Downtown neighbourhoods vs. recent improvements in property values and population growth, . quality of life and community well being in Cedar Hill vs. negative survey results, . intensity and infill vs. single family owner occupied homes, . City of Kitchener housing for singles is positive vs. House of Friendship housing for singles is negative. Ms. Schlichter identified the following areas of agreement with the study: . enhance and enforce property standards, . reduce absentee landlords who do not care for their property or tenants, . reduce property crimes and police calls for disruptive behaviour, . attract more families and homeowners, . encourage social housing through the City and the Region, DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 4~ 2005 11. DTS-05-047 - CEDAR HILL LAND USE AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT STUDY (CONT'D) - 30- CITY OF KITCHENER . the importance of healthy communities. Ms. Schlichter concluded her presentation with the following comments: . there is a need to carefully define "supportive housing" and "over concentration", . a request for the City to carefully consider the impacts of approving this study's conclusions and recommendations, . the importance of positively "marketing" Cedar Hill, . the importance of incentives and positive "marketing" to encourage social housing across the Region of Waterloo. With respect to her comment that "City of Kitchener housing for singles is positive vs. House of Friendship housing for singles is negative", Ms. Schlichter noted that Kitchener Housing Inc.'s Cedarview apartment building offers the same type of social service assisted housing as offered by Eby Village, but each of these is classified differently in the study. Councillor Vrbanovic commented that Cedar Hill has more supportive/assisted housing than other communities in the Region, and questioned whether Ms. Schlichter believes it has reached the saturation point. She responded the research is not clear on a definition for "saturation point". She stated there are ways to encourage this type of housing to locate in other neighbourhoods. Councillor Vrbanovic questioned whether Ms. Schlichter believes Cedar Hill has a larger share than other parts of Kitchener are the Region. She responded that Chandler- Mowat may have a larger share that Cedar Hill; however, it is not part of the study. Mayor Zehr questioned whether House of Friendship owns other properties in Cedar Hill, and was advised by Ms. Schlichter that they do not. Mr. M. Steinman addressed the Committee advising he has been a tenant of Eby Village for 15 years. He stated only 3;4 of the money normally spent on a study of this nature has been spent on this study, and the stakeholders were not included in the study. He stated the study is prejudice against low income people. Mr. Steinman also stated Eby Village was an asset to the community when it was opened in the 1990's and the City should provide more supportive housing. Mr. J. Watson advised the Committee he bought his home in Cedar Hill in the 1980's when he was single, and since then has married and now lives there with his family. He stated he is encouraged by the report and its recommendations. Ms. S. Gunz, a member of the Steering Committee for the Cedar Hill interim report, addressed the Committee thanking them for commissioning this study, and thanking staff and the consultants. She urged the Committee to accept the recommendations in the report. Ms. Gunz made some specific comments about the report, stating it is a land use study and not a people management study. Further, commenting that the clients of social service providers do not choose to live in Cedar Hill for its own sake, but because the needed services are located there. Social service providers located in Cedar Hill because property is cheap, and the necessary zoning is in place. Council must determine the future land uses for this community and must be guided by those things which will make Cedar Hill healthy for all residents. She pointed out that all residents includes the clients of social service providers, who are harmed by negative trends in the community, and have less opportunity to move from this community should the decline continue. Ms. Gunz concluded by stating the community has welcomed a wide range of housing; however, the 11 existing projects are sufficient for the size of the community. Mr. J. Bergen, a resident of Cedar Hill, advised the Committee that everyone has an interest in the health of the community. He stated that he was initially opposed to the location of the House of Friendship within Cedar Hill, but since its establishment has offered them support. He stated this is not a fight between the neighbours and the House of Friendship, and that diversity gives everyone strength. Ms. M. DeGroot-Maggett advised she resides in Cedar Hill with her husband and children. She spoke of her concern about the closure of St. Joseph School, and the significance of the loss of DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 4~ 2005 11. DTS-05-047 - CEDAR HILL LAND USE AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT STUDY (CONT'D) - 31- CITY OF KITCHENER the school to the community, as it was a community hub. She asked that the school be turned into a resource centre for the community. She stated the sense of community has been depleted since the school closed and the children have been bused elsewhere. She asked the Committee to be mindful of the need for a community hub. Ms. M. Wiebe advised the Committee she has lived in Cedar Hill since 1967, and owns her home. She stated that she has been able to remain in her own home because of the assistance of her neighbours. Further, she can walk everywhere she needs to go, except to the community centre. She cannot participate in the seniors programs offered in the senior centres because they are to far away. She asked the Committee to consider having a community centre at St. Joseph School. Ms. K. Harrison addressed the Committee on behalf of the Cedar Hills Community Group. She advised the community has long supported diversity, proudly advocating the benefits of living in the City core. The community continues to face some very controversial issues, and will continue to work with the City and all other stakeholders for the betterment of the neighbourhood, the Downtown core, and the City as a whole. She then outlined the Cedar Hills Community Group's involvement in this study, and that efforts to make the community's residents aware of the contents of the study. Mr. B. Stanley was then provided an opportunity to respond to delegations' comments. With respect to Ms. Schlichter's comments about the definition of "supportive housing", Mr. Stanley offered the following: "Assisted housing" in this study is defined as housing for which the tenants require financial assistance and no other assistance. "Supportive housing" in the study refers to housing where individuals live in identical types of units as "assisted housing" units, but receive other types of support from exterior agencies. Mr. Stanley agreed there are probably a number of different definitions for "supportive housing". He stated there are large numbers of people living in apartment units in Cedar Hill who receive support from agencies throughout the City and the Region. Further, in response to a comment from Ms. Schlichter about her ability to obtain data from the police concerning calls for services emanating from their properties, Mr. Stanley restated information from the study that crimes and disruptive behaviour come from other residences in the neighbourhood who take advantage of those who live in supportive and assisted housing. Mayor Zehr questioned stakeholder involvement in the study, and Mr. Stanley advised the stakeholders were those residents who responded to the survey, and of those 4 were tenants. Councillor Weylie questioned whether the "tipping point" would be more specific if another study was conducted. Mr. Stanley responded you will never know the actual tipping point; however, 3000/0 is past the tipping point. Mr. J. Willmer addressed the Committee stating supportive housing, assisted housing, and residential care facilities are much needed services, and Kitchener residents are proud to provide them. However, too much of a concentration is detrimental. When looking at Cedar Hill in a relative sense, there is justification in taking a different approach in that area. The recommendations in the study are justified. He then reviewed staff's prospective on the 22 recommendations in the study, as outlined in the Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05-047, noting the priorities recommended by staff. He noted that recommendations 14 - 18 and 21 are economic in nature, and may not be necessary if the other recommendations are successful. Mayor Zehr stated it is important when going through the implementation, not to cast blame on anyone, noting that at times the House of Friendship has received undue criticism. We have an opportunity with this report to keep moving forward for Cedar Hill and the City as a whole, and any neighbourhood in distress reflects on the whole City. Mayor Zehr put forward a motion to adopt the recommendations in the Development and Technical Services Department report. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 4~ 2005 11. DTS-05-047 - CEDAR HILL LAND USE AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT STUDY (CONT'D) - 32- CITY OF KITCHENER Several members of the Committee thanked those in attendance for coming to the meeting, neighbours and the consultants as well as staff. They thanked the people for their participation in the study, and the neighbours were thanked for their care of their community. On motion by Mayor C. Zehr - it was resolved: "That the following be adopted with respect to the recommendations contained in the 'Cedar Hill Land Use and Social Environmental Study': That recommendation 1 be endorsed by Council and Planning staff be directed to monitor progress related to the Development Permit System; and, That recommendations 2, 3, 5-11, and 20, relating to zoning amendments relating specifically to Cedar Hill, be given immediate priority, and Planning staff be directed to prepare an amending zoning by-law and municipal plan amendment for consideration at the May 2,2005, DTS Committee Meeting; and, That Planning staff be directed to undergo broad public consultation with respect to recommendations 4, 12 and 13, relating to zoning amendments affecting the entire city, and report back to the Development and Technical Services Committee in the Fall of 2005; and, That recommendations 19 and 22, relating to non-regulatory and community economic development tools, be given high priority, and Planning and Community Services staff be directed to investigate opportunities to implement these recommendations together with neighbourhood stakeholders; and further, That recommendations 14-18 and 21, relating to other non-regulatory tools, be deferred until such time as recommendations 19 and 22 have been considered." Carried Unanimously 12. DTS-05-048 - RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CEDAR HILL LAND USE AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT STUDY - DOWNTOWN EAST YA GOTTA LUV IT STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-05- 048, dated March 29, 2005, regarding the relationship between Cedar Hill Land Use and Social Environment Study and the Downtown East Ya Gotta Luv It Strategic Action Plan. On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz - it was resolved: "That Planning, Downtown Development and Community Services staff be directed to continue on-going dialogue so as to ensure that recommendations contained in the 'Cedar Hill Land Use and Social Environmental Study', the 'Downtown East Ya Gotta Luv It Strategic Action Plan' and 'Downtown Strategic Plan' are undertaken in a manner that ensures an alignment of staff resources." 13. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. D. Gilchrist Committee Administrator