HomeMy WebLinkAboutDev & Tech Svcs - 2006-02-20DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 20, 2006 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Development and Technical Services Committee met this date, commencing at 6:10 p.m.
Present: Councillor C. Weylie -Chair
!Mayor C. Zehr, and Councillors J. Smola, G. Lorentz, B. Vrbanovic, M. Galloway, and J.
Gazzola.
Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer
R. Browning, Acting General Manager
L. MacDonald, City Solicitor
H. Gross, Director, Project Administration & Economic Investment
J. Willmer, Director of Planning
J. McBride, Director of Transportation Planning
D. Gilchrist, Committee Administrator
1. PRESENTATION - 2005 - 2006 REGIONAL ROADS PROGRAM
Messrs. R. Gallivan and S. van DeKeere, Regional Municipality of Waterloo, presented the
Region's 2005-2006 Transportation Capital Program as it relates to roads within the City of
Kitchener.
Following this presentation, members of the Committee addressed their concerns with respect to
the Program. Councillor C. Weylie requested signalization of the Victoria Street South/Stoke Drive
intersection, regardless of what may be done at the Fischer-Hallman Road/Stoke Drive
intersection. Mr. van DeKeere advised that there is yet to be a final decision on installing traffic
signals at the that intersection; however, it may be possible to install traffic signals there within this
calendar year.
Councillor Lorentz commented that Ira Needles Boulevard needs a width of 4 lanes for its entire
length, within the City of Kitchener. He noted the volume of traffic in this area of the City, and the
need for Ira Needles to be able to relieve traffic on Fischer-Hallman Road. He noted that having a
portion of Ira Needles at 2 lanes and another portion at 4 lanes will cause traffic congestion, and
not be effective in alleviating the traffic pressures on other roads in this area. He stated that the
Region's data showing 4 lanes for Ira Needles Boulevard as not being warranted may not currently
be accurate, considering this data was collected in 2004.
Mr. van DeKeere noted 2 more lanes for Ira Needles Boulevard will cost an additional $2M.
Further, their data show that a 4 lane width for Ira Needles Boulevard will not be warranted for at
least 10 years. With respect to the timing of construction, Mr. van DeKeere advised the bulk of the
construction of Ira Needles between Highway 7/8 and Victoria Street South will be completed and
the road opened in 2006.
Mayor Zehr noted the public meetings taking place with respect to the closure of portions of
Victoria Street South between Lawrence Avenue and Walnut Street to allow for road
reconstruction. He voiced concerns expressed to him by business owners and residents
respecting access and parking. Mr. van DeKeere advised that with the closures, the roadway will
be too narrow to allow for vehicular access. Staff are meeting with area residents and business
owners to address their issues in this regard.
Mayor Zehr then questioned the size of the bridge over King Street East, and Regional staff
advised it is 2 lanes wide at this time and they are still investigating 4 lanes; however, they don't
believe 4 lanes will be warranted for another 14 years.
Mayor Zehr then questioned reconstruction of the Bridge Street bridge, and whether this work
would be limited to reconstruction of the existing bridge. Mr. van DeKeere explained that the
Region is currently short-listing the alternatives, and there will possibly be a round-about at Bridge
Street and Lancaster Street, but a final decision has not yet been made.
Mayor Zehr stated the problems, including safety problems, of closing the whole bridge as access
to and from this area would be restricted, particularly for emergency vehicles. Mr. van DeKeere
advised the Region is currently exploring the opportunity for an alternate river crossing.
DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 20, 2006 - 20- CITY OF KITCHENER
1. PRESENTATION - 2005 - 2006 REGIONAL ROADS PROGRAM. CONT'D
Mayor Zehr next questioned who should pay the cost of sidewalks on Regional Roads. Mr.
McBride responded that City and Regional staff had discussions in this regard and have agreed
that the Region should pay the initial capital costs to install sidewalks on Regional roads, but the
matter had not yet been presented to Regional Council.
Councillor Lorentz questioned whether intersection improvements will be included in the
reconstruction of Queen Street from Highland Road to Courtland Avenue. Mr. van DeKeere
advised there are issues still being considered by the project team, and there will be consideration
of a centre turning lane between Courtland Avenue and Highland Road. With respect to detouring
around this reconstruction work, Mr. van DeKeer advised it will depend on how much underground
work needs to be done.
With respect to Councillor Weylie's request for traffic signals at Victoria Street South and Stoke
Drive, Mr. McBride advised he will work with the Region to see if traffic signals at that intersection
are warranted.
On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz -
It was resolved:
"That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo be requested to construct the entire portion of
Ira Needles Boulevard to be located within the City of Kitchener, at a width of 4 lanes."
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr
It was resolved:
"That due to the proposed closure of portions of Victoria Street South between Walnut
Street and Lawrence Avenue for road reconstruction, the Regional Municipality of Waterloo
is requested to install temporary traffic signals at the intersection of Highland Road West
and West Avenue."
DTS-06-019 -VICTORIA STREET SOUTH -WALNUT STREET TO LAWRENCE AVENUE
RECONSTRUCTION
- REGION OF WATERLOO -NOISE BY-LAW EXEMPTION
- WEST-VICTORIA PARK WARD
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-06-019,
dated January 31, 2006, with respect to a request from the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for
an exemption from the provisions of Chapter 450 (NOISE) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code
for the reconstruction of Victoria Street South between Lawrence Avenue and Walnut Street.
Mayor Zehr questioned the hours of the exemption, and Mr. McBride advised that they actually
only need an exemption from 7:00 p. m. to 9:00 p. m.
On motion by Mayor C. Zehr
It was resolved:
"That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo and its contractor(s) be exempt from the
provisions of City of Kitchener Municipal Code Chapter 450 (Noise), Article 6, during
reconstruction of Victoria Street South from Walnut Street to Lawrence Avenue, between
the hours of 7:00 p. m. and 9:00 p. m., from April 3, 2006 to October 31, 2006."
DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 20, 2006 - 21- CITY OF KITCHENER
DTS06-026 -TRIPLEX DWELLING OPEN HOUSE
- SUMMARY REPORT OF COMMENTS & FEEDBACK
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-06-026,
dated February 8, 2006, in which staff present the outcomes of a public consultation process on
the appropriateness of allowing new triplexes within established residential neighbourhoods. The
report also presents future actions in this regard. Mr. C. Bluhm presented this report.
The Committee was also in receipt of correspondence from Mr. P. Grobe, dated February 19,
2006, in which he disagrees with Planning staffs' interpretation of the public input received in this
regard. Mr. J. Willmer explained that it seems Mr. Grobe has misunderstood what "no change"
means. Mr. Willmer advised that "no change" does not mean "no triplexes". Further Mr. Grobe
lives in the Central Frederick Neighbourhood, which is the only neighbourhood that does not
permit triplexes, and staff are not proposing to introduce triplexes in that neighbourhood.
Mayor Zehr referred to Section 5.0 "Future Directions", in the staff report which relates to "C" in the
recommendation. He clarified that the new directions would not be used to either increase or
decrease the number of triplexes. With respect to Section 5.2 in the report, Mayor Zehr clarified
that the review would deal with neighbourhoods and streets where zoning currently permits
triplexes, where some of these triplexes cause neighbourhood concerns. Mayor Zehr then
clarified that recommendation "C" in the staff report will not be used to influence expanding rights
for triplexes.
Mr. Willmer advised that the R-5 zoning category allows triplexes; however, this zoning category is
very rarely found in suburban areas of the City. Further, Birch Street and the Central Frederick
area are about the only areas of the City where the R-5 zone does not permit triplexes. He then
advised that the process which brought about this report was undertaken by staff as a result of
concerns expressed by residents through various planning processes.
Councillor J. Smola advised that through the public process just undertaken, quality of life issues
were raised. He noted many triplex lots are small, and once space is allocated for parking, there is
little space left for outdoor amenity area. Staff responded that the quality of life issues will be
reviewed by staff. Also, staff will approach the Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee
for advice on how to deal with the issue of amenity space.
On motion by Councillor J. Smola -
It was resolved:
"That Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-06-026 (Triplex
Dwelling Open House Summary Report of Comments and Feedback) be received for
information; and,
That Planning staff present the findings in DTS-06-026 to the Safe & Healthy Community
Advisory Committee for consideration of and response to the issues, and to discuss future
public engagement; and further,
That Planning staff explore the initiatives listed in Section 5.0 of DTS-06-026 through future
Planning initiatives including the review of the City's Official Plan."
4. DTS-06-020 -REVISIONS TO THE URBAN DESIGN POLICY
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-06-020,
dated February 1, 2006, recommending a change to the City's Urban Design Awards, to include
another award category, and the inclusion of a local Urban Planner and a Professional
Engineer/Engineering Technologist to the judging panel.
DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 20, 2006 - 22- CITY OF KITCHENER
4. DTS-06-020-REVISIONS TO THE URBAN DESIGN POLICY, CONT'D
On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz -
It was resolved:
"That the Urban Design Awards judging panel be expanded to include a local urban
planner and a local professional engineer/Certified Engineering Technologist (Civil
Discipline); and further,
That an Urban Design Finalist Award be added to the list of types of awards."
5. DTS-06-030 -EMERGENCY ACCESS POLICY EXEMPTION REQUEST
- VALLEYVIEW HEIGHTS (ST. JACOB'S) LTD.
- PLAN OF SUBDIVISIONS 30T-00204 AND 30T-00201
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-06-030,
dated February 16, 2006, with respect to a request received from Valley View Heights (St. Jacobs)
Ltd., for an exemption from Council Policy I-1035 (EMERGENCY ACCESS). Such an exemption
will allow registration and development of Plan of Subdivision 30T-00204. Mr. Willmer presented
the report explaining that certain lots within this plan of subdivision are beyond the required 300m
distance for a second means of road access. He advised there has been a road constructed
within the area of the abutting plan of subdivision; however, this road has not yet been dedicated
as a public highway. He advised that staff are working with the developer on an easement and an
agreement requiring Valley View to be responsible for indemnifying the City and for maintenance
of this road, among other things.
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic -
It was resolved:
"That Valley View Heights (St. Jacobs) Ltd. be granted an exemption from Council Policy 1-
1035 (Emergency Access), to allow the registration and development of Plan of Subdivision
30T-00204 (Valley View) in advance of Plan of Subdivision 30T-00201 (TVL
Developments), subject to the following conditions:
1. That the City of Kitchener be granted an easement for emergency access purposes
from Fairway Crescent to Sims Estate Drive through Plan of Subdivision 30T-00201,
satisfactory to the City Solicitor.
2. That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into an agreement, satisfactory to the
City Solicitor, whereby Valley View Heights (St. Jacobs) Ltd. shall provide for
maintenance, indemnification, `knock-down' or other barriers acceptable to the City's
Chief Fire Prevention Officer and other related matters."
DTS-06-015 -PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-06-015,
dated January 23, 2006, respecting an amendment to the City's Brownfield Remediation
Community Improvement Plan. The report points out the difficulties experienced with
implementing criteria #5 in this CI Plan, and recommends an amended criteria. The report
suggests this new wording respects the original objectives of criteria #5, but provides clearer
timeframes, and an increased level of flexibility for submission of applications, resulting in greater
certainty, and no additional costs to the program.
DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
FEBRUARY 20, 2006 - 23- CITY OF KITCHENER
6. DTS-06-015 -PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE BROWNFIELD REMEDIATION
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN
On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic -
It was resolved:
"That the `Brownfield Remediation Community Improvement Plan' approved by the Minister
of Municipal Affairs on November 6, 2003, be amended as follows:
(a) That Criteria 5 in Section 4.6 `Project Eligibility Criteria' be repealed and replaced
with the following:
`5. The proposed Project has completed Phase 1 & 2 Environmental Site
Assessments, and the first Building Permit (excluding demolition permits) has not
been issued for the proposed project.'
(b) That the definition of `Eligible Remediation Costs' in Section 4.5 `Program Incentives'
be revised as follows:
`b) Eligible Remediation Costs includes only the cost of conducting a Phase 1 and a
Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), environmental remediation
project costs, associated consultant fees, and costs of complying with a
Certificate of Property Use (CPU) under s.168.6 of the Environmental Protection
Act as necessary, incurred between November 6, 2003, (i.e., the date of
approval of this CI Plan by the Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing) and the
date of issuance of the first Building Permit (excluding demolition permits) for the
proposed project."'
7. WITHDRAWAL OF REQUEST FOR DEFERRAL OF DEVELOPMENT CHARGES - 233
LAWRENCE AVENUE -BLAZE PROPERTIES INC.
Councillor C. Weylie noted the memorandum for Messrs. J. Willmer and M. Selling, dated
February 15, 2006, advising Blaze Properties Inc. has withdrawn its request for deferral of
development charges for its residential development at 233 Lawrence Avenue, Kitchener.
8. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:37 p. m.
D. Gilchrist
Committee Administrator