HomeMy WebLinkAboutDev & Tech Svcs - 2006-12-11DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
DECEMBER 11, 2006 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Development and Technical Services Committee met this date, commencing at 5:18 p.m.
Present: Councillor C. Weylie -Chair
Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors K. Galloway, G. Lorentz and J. Gazzola
Staff: R. Browning, General Manager of Development & Technical Services & Fire Chief
A. Pappert, General Manager of Community Services
D. Mansell, Director of Engineering Services
J. Willmer, Director of Planning
F. McCrea, Assistant City Solicitor
J. McBride, Director of Transportation Planning
D. Trask, Deputy Fire Chief
J. Bannon, Planner
D. Gilchrist, Committee Administrator
1. DTS-06-175 - GREENBROOK DRIVE -TRAFFIC CALMING UPDATE
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-06-
175, dated December 4, 2006, regarding traffic calming on Greenbrook Drive.
Mr. J. McBride advised that chicanes had been chosen as the traffic calming measure on
Greenbrook Drive, because they have less of a negative impact on emergency vehicles than
speed humps. Since these chicanes have been installed a number of reviews have been
undertaken which show their effectiveness; among the results, there has been a 10% reduction
of traffic on Greenbrook Drive, with no substantial traffic increase on any other street; traffic
speeds have been reduced within the vicinity of the chicanes. However, a survey was mailed by
staff to 770 residents, and 45% of them responded to the survey, overwhelmingly opposing the
continued use of chicanes. Reasons cited for their opposition included: they are not
aesthetically pleasing, and they have concerns about the effect of winter weather. The residents
would prefer other measures be taken such as a reduction in the speed limit, and other
measures which require Police enforcement.
Through the survey the residents indicate they want the City to reconsider installing speed
humps; however, speed humps affect emergency vehicles. Staff have looked at various designs
for speed humps, and the chosen design has been tested at the KMAC by Grand River Transit
and the emergency services, who are more supportive of this modified design. Transportation
Planning staff are trying to balance the needs of the emergency services with the need to calm
traffic. In addition to speed humps, the residents want to maintain the narrowing of Greenbrook
Drive at Birchcliff Avenue.
Councillor Lorentz noted that any recommendation from this Committee on this matter will go to
the special Council meeting this date. He questioned, and Mr. McBride confirmed, that work to
remove the chicanes could commence within the next couple of days.
Mr. D. Trask was in attendance on behalf of the Kitchener Fire Department to speak in
opposition to the installation of speed humps. Collectively, traffic calming measures such as
speed humps and traffic circles have increased response times for emergency response
vehicles from 4 minutes to 5 minutes. He reminded the Committee that the current number and
locations for Fire Stations was based on a 4 minutes response time, and he may have to come
back to Council for new/more Fire Stations if response times increase further. In addition to
increased response times, emergency personnel have been hurt through speed humps as well
as emergency vehicles.
When questioned as to how other municipalities cope with the affects of traffic calming
measures on emergency vehicles, Mr. Trask responded he has a 300 page report from the City
of Toronto outlining the negative impacts of speed humps on response times, personnel and
vehicles.
Councillor Lorentz moved the recommendation in the staff report. He stated there has to be a
compromise, and stop signs are not a solution. The real solution would be to extend Homer
DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
DECEMBER 11, 2006 - 93- CITY OF KITCHENER
1. DTS-06-175 - GREENBROOK DRIVE -TRAFFIC CALMING UPDATE tCONT'D)
Watson Boulevard, but no one wants to do that. It is an issue we have to discuss with the
Region.
On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz -
it was resolved:
"That the temporary traffic calming chicanes on Greenbrook Drive be removed; and,
That Transportation Planning hold an Open House no later than February 2007 to inform
the residents that staff proposes to install a series of 8 speed humps strategically located
along Greenbrook Drive, during the 2007 construction season; and,
That the intersection narrowing on Greenbrook Drive at Birchcliff Avenue be installed on a
permanent basis in 2007; and further,
That a resident survey on the effectiveness of the speed humps be conducted 6 months
after their installation and a report be prepared for Council outlining the neighbourhood's
position."
DTS-06-1 $0 - ADDENDUM TO REPORT DTS-06-166
DTS-06-166 - PLAN OF SUBDIVISION 30T-06202
- DEER RIDGE DRIVE
- JHS PROPERTIES INC.
Mayor C. Zehr declared a pecuniary interest in this matter as he owns property in close proximity
to the subject property, and did not participate in any discussion or voting with respect this
matter.
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-06-
180, dated December 8, 2006, regarding Deer Ridge Drive, Plan of Subdivision 30T-06202.
Mr. J. Bannon presented the addendum report, noting that since it was written, certain
amendments have been made. He also advised a neighbourhood meeting was held on
November 29th, where the proposed amendments were discussed in detail. Discussion on the
enhanced planting strips led to an agreement that these strips would consist of coniferous trees
planted 9m apart. With respect to the finished grades for lots 12 through 17 inclusive, referred to
several times in the recommendation contained in DTS-06-180, Mr. Bannon stated that lot 12 is
below the 3 foot level, and he requested that all incidents of "lots 12 to 17 inclusive" be changed
to "lots 13 to 17 inclusive". One further change requested by Mr. Bannon relates to the
construction of a model home and conditions 6.13 and 2.2 12, and he requested the words "if
homes are constructed prior to registration" be inserted after the words "the SUBDIVIDER
agrees" in these sections of the recommendation.
Mr. P. Chauvin, MHBC Planning, was in attendance on behalf of the developer, and thanked
Councillor Gazzola and staff for meeting with his client and the neighbours to resolve these
issues. He requested that condition 6.14 be reworded such that the enhanced planting strips
shall consist of coniferous trees with 9m spacing. Also, with respect to the required zone
change, he requested that the application fee be waived.
Mr. Willmer advised that he has no major concern with waiving the fee; it would be similar to a
City initiated zoned change.
On motion by Councillor J. Gazzola -
it was resolved:
"That pursuant to Section 51(31) of the Planning Act R.S.O. 1990, Chapter P 13 as
amended, and delegation by-law 2002-64, draft approval of Plan of Subdivision
Application 30T-06202, in the City of Kitchener, for JHS Properties, be granted, subject to
the conditions outlined in Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-
06-166, subject to the following amendments:
DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
DECEMBER 11, 2006 - 94- CITY OF KITCHENER
2. DTS-06-1 $0 - ADDENDUM TO REPORT DTS-06-166 tCONT'D)
(a) that the Plan of Subdivision map be amended to show the street name of
Riverstone Court; and,
(b) that the date in clauses 1 and 2.1 of the recommendation be changed from July
18, 2006 to November 20, 2006; and,
(c) that under section 2.1.6 SPECIAL CONDITIONS IN ADDITION TO STANDARD
CONDITIONS -Other Time Frames, the following new conditions shall be added:
6.12 (revised) The SUBDIVIDER agrees that the finished grades at the highest
point for lots 13 through 17 inclusive shall be no more than 1.6 metres
higher than the finished grades at the rear of the property.
6.13 The SUBDIVIDER agrees that if homes are constructed prior to registration,
no building permit shall be applied for or any house construction undertaken
on proposed lots 13 to 17 inclusive except where substantially in
accordance with the approved building elevation drawings.
6.14 The SUBDIVIDER agrees to install enhanced planting strips, consisting of
coniferous trees planted 9m apart, within twelve months of registration for
lots 13 to 17 inclusive in accordance with the approved landscape plan, to
the satisfaction of the CITY'S Director of Planning; further, the
SUBDIVIDER agrees that these enhanced planting strips shall be
maintained in perpetuity.
(d) that under section 2.2 ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS TO BE FULFILLED PRIOR TO
REGISTRATION, condition 12 becomes condition 15, and the following new
conditions shall be added:
12. The SUBDIVIDER agrees that if homes are constructed prior to registration,
to submit building elevation drawings for lots 13 to 17 inclusive, and obtain
approval thereof from the CITY'S Director of Planning. The intent is to
ensure that consideration has been given to the design treatment along the
rear of the property and to ensure that the rear fagade of each proposed
building is not more than one storey, in addition to any look-out basement,
but does not permit awalk-out basement.
13. The SUBDIVIDER agrees to submit landscape plans for enhanced planting
strips with lots 13 to 17 inclusive, and obtain approval thereof from the
CITY'S Director of Planning.
14. The SUBDIVIDER agrees to apply for and obtain final approval of a zoning
by-law amendment for lots 13 to 17 inclusive to limit the rear fagade of each
proposed building to not more than one storey, in addition to any look-out
basement, and does not permit awalk-out basement."
Councillor Gazzola requested that this recommendation not be considered at the special Council
meeting this date, but at the Council meeting of December 18, 2006. He requested that during
the next week, the amendments agreed to at this meeting be circulated to the neighbours for
their information.
3. DTS-06-1 $1 - TEMPORARY OCCUPANCY REQUEST
- 165 VICTORIA STREET SOUTH
- NEENA LOUIS
The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-06-
181,dated December 7, 2006, regarding a temporary occupancy request for 165 Victoria Street
South.
DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
DECEMBER 11, 2006 - 95- CITY OF KITCHENER
3. DTS-06-1 $1 - TEMPORARY OCCUPANCY REQUEST tCONT'D)
On motion by Councillor G. Lorentz -
it was resolved:
"That enforcement of the City's Zoning By-law be waived with respect to operating an
educational establishment (driver's training school) at 165 Victoria Street South, within a
building existing on December 11, 2006, and temporary occupancy be approved subject
to the use vacating the location in the event the City initiated Zone Change
(ZC06/06/TC/RM) to permit educational establishment uses on the subject lands in
combination with other permitted uses is not approved; and further,
That in the event of failure to vacate, the City's Municipal By-law Enforcement Officer be
directed to commence notice of action to remove the illegal use and that any work done
to the premises be at the sole risk and responsibility of the owner in the event losses are
incurred as a result of final disposition of this application."
4. DTS-06-17$ - SYSTEMS ENGINEERING APPROACHES FOR BROWNFIELD
REDEVELOPMENT
Mayor Zehr remarked on Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-06-178
listed as an information item on the agenda, noting that there has been dramatic co-operation in
this regard, on the part of all stake holders. He encouraged all members of the Committee to
read this report.
5. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:46 p.m.
D. Gilchrist
Committee Administrator