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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDev & Tech Svcs - 2007-09-24DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 CITY OF KITCHENER The Development and Technical Services Committee met this date, commencing at 7:08 p.m. Present: Councillor C. Weylie -Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Smola, K. Galloway, J. Gazzola, G. Lorentz and B. Vrbanovic Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer R. Browning, General Manager of Development & Technical Services F. McCrea, Assistant City Solicitor G. Murphy, Director of Engineering J. Willmer, Director of Planning J. McBride, Director of Transportation Planning B. Sloan, Senior Planner T. Boutilier, Senior Business Development Officer C. Bluhm, Urban Investment Advisor C. York, Arts/Culture Co-ordinator D. Gilchrist, Committee Administrator 1. DTS-07-137 -MUNICIPAL PLAN AMENDMENT MP07I05IHIKA -ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC07I11IHIKA - 2350 HOMER WATSON BOULEVARD - CITY OF KITCHENER tANTIGUA INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS LTD.) Councillor C. Weylie read the following statement: "This is a public meeting under'The Planning Act, 1996' to consider Municipal Plan Amendment application MP 07/05/H/KA. Section 17 (45) of the Planning Act allows the Ontario Municipal Board to dismiss all or part of an appeal without holding a hearing if the appellant did not make oral submissions at a public meeting or did not make written submissions to the council before the plan was adopted and, in the opinion of the board, the appellant does not provide a reasonable explanation for having failed to make a submission. In order to ensure the record includes all the names of those individuals who are making verbal submissions today for this municipal plan amendment, please ensure that you clearly identify yourself before you begin your submissions and the clerk will record your name for the record. if your name does not appear on the record, you may jeopardize any further involvement you wish to have in these matters. Any recommendation made by the development & technical services committee on these matters today will be considered by city council on October 1, 2007. If city council adopts the amendments, they will proceed to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo who has the final approval authority for municipal plan amendments. They are also the body to whom appeals are sent. Further information on these procedures is available from the City's Development and Technical Services Department or the Region's Department of Planning and Culture." The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07- 137, dated September 4, 2007, regarding a Municipal Plan Amendment and Zone Change for property known municipally as 2350 Homer Watson Boulevard. Mr. J. Willmer presented the staff report, and Mr. R. Hardie, Richard Hardie & Associates, was in attendance on behalf of Antigua International Developments Ltd., in support of the staff recommendation. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 - $6 - CITY OF KITCHENER 1. DTS-07-137 -MUNICIPAL PLAN AMENDMENT MP07I05IHIKA -ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION ZC07I11IHIKA - 2350 HOMER WATSON BOULEVARD - CITY OF KITCHENER (ANTIGUA INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS LTD.) tCONT'D) On motion by Councillor K. Galloway - it was resolved: "That Official Plan Amendment Application MP07/05/H/KA (City of Kitchener, 2350 Homer Watson Boulevard) requesting a change in designation from Open Space to Arterial Commercial Corridor on lands owned by the City of Kitchener, legally described as Part of Biehn's Unnumbered Tract & Part of Block 129, Registered Plan 1710, in the City of Kitchener, be adopted, in the form shown in the `Proposed Municipal Plan Amendment' attached to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS- 07-137, and accordingly forwarded to the Region of Waterloo; and further, That Zone Change Application ZC07/11/C/KA (City of Kitchener, 2350 Homer Watson Boulevard) requesting a change in zoning from Open Space Zone (P-2) with Holding Provision 27H to Arterial Commercial Zone (C-6) with Special Regulation Provision 467R; on lands owned by the City of Kitchener, legally described Part of Biehn's Unnumbered Tract & Part of Block 129, Registered Plan 1710, in the City of Kitchener, be approved, in the form shown in the Proposed By-law, dated July 29, 2007, attached to Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07-137." 2. CSD-07-077 - STREETSCAPE DESIGN COMPETITION FOR YOUTH The Committee considered Community Services Department report CSD-07-077, dated September 5, 2007, advising of the Student Downtown Design Contest that took place this summer. Ms. C. York introduced the report and Mr. P. Roorda, the City's 2007 Artist in Residence, who sponsored the contest. Mr. Roorda explained the purpose of the contest, how it was conducted, and introduced the winners of the competition in each age category. Councillor C. Weylie and Mr. Roorda congratulated each of the winners as follows, and gave them their awards. Student Downtown Design Contest Winners Jennifer Fisher -Ages 6 to 8 Travis Deacon -Ages 9 to 10 Zahid Daudjee -Ages 11 + 3. DTS-07-150 - BRADLEY DRIVE TRAFFIC CALMING The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07- 150, dated August 31, 2007, recommending the installation of traffic calming measures on Bradley Drive. Mr. McBride reviewed the staff report noting that 81 % of the surveys sent to the neighbours were returned and of those, 81 % are in favour of the recommended plan. Further, the neighbours were notified of this meeting. Upon questioning by the Committee, Mr. McBride advised that the area residents are concerned about their children walking to school, and the amount of vehicles, including non-residential vehicles, using Bradley Drive as a short cut to avoid congestion on Ottawa Street North, some of which are speeding. He noted that staff is working with Regional staff to improve traffic control signal timing along Ottawa Street and River Road to improve the capacity and flow of traffic. Mr. McBride then explained how staff evaluated the various options. Ms. Valentine, a resident of Bradley Drive, addressed the Committee advising that Franklin School backs onto Bradley Drive, and much of the traffic disregards parents and children trying DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 - $7 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. DTS-07-150 - BRADLEY DRIVE TRAFFIC CALMING, tCONT'D) to cross Bradley Drive. Also, there are two blank corners that make pedestrian crossing unsafe. She stated that she hopes the staff recommendation will provide the solution to the problem. Councillor Vrbanovic moved the staff recommendation noting that a lot of work has been done with the neighbours, and they eventually reached this consensus. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic it was resolved: "That a raised pedestrian crosswalk with curb extensions be installed on Bradley Drive at the intersection of Bradley Place; and further, That two (2) speed humps be installed on Bradley Drive between Franklin Street North and River Road East." 4. DTS-07-153 - HIDDEN VALLEY INFORMATION REPORT The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07- 153 dated September 19, 2007, providing information on the Hidden Valley community, and the status of the Region's Class Environmental Assessment for the proposed River Road extension. Mr. B. Sloan reviewed the staff report noting that it provides base information. He advised that the Region's public information meeting will not take place until June 2008 and their final report will not be available until the fall of 2008. He stated that the City wants the conservation of natural features. Once the Region's report has been finalized there needs to be a discussion about the ownership of these natural features and which natural features should be in public ownership. Mr. Sloan further advised that it makes sense to review land use designations in the Hidden Valley Community as circumstances have changed since land uses were last decided. In response to questions from the Committee, Mr. Sloan advised that the River Road extension will run somewhere through Hidden Valley, and in reference to Figure 2 attached to the staff report, he advised that it will be located somewhere between the two lines. Regarding the question about how public ownership of the land would affect the Environmental Assessment, Mr. Sloan advised that once the final alignment for the road has been established, the land for the road will have to be acquired, and it would be easier if it was owned by another public body. Mrs. D. Townsend was in attendance and spoke in support of preserving Hidden Valley's unique environment, noting its practical contribution environmentally as well as its natural beauty. Its place as a corridor for wildlife is absolutely essential. She stated that our community leaders tell us that Waterloo Region is forward looking, but that should not take precedence over the environment. Ms. Y. Fernandes addressed the Committee on the importance of maintaining Hidden Valley as a natural area, and agreed with the statement made by staff that permitted land uses in this area should be revisited and rezoned. She noted that an endangered species, the Jefferson Salamander, has been found in Hidden Valley, and should roads and buildings encroach in this area they may harm this endangered species. She noted these creatures are being studied for medical research. Ms. Fernandes also stated that tree removal for the proposed road will have an impact on water quality in this area. She asked that there be proper consideration of the impacts of the road alignment. She stated that Hidden Valley has been identified as a jewel that is irreplaceable. Mayor Zehr questioned what preserving Hidden Valley means. Ms. Fernandes advised of the importance of the ESPA's including those ESPA's under discussion, and that there should be a significant buffer around them. She also suggested that there should be no development in the area of Hidden Valley Road. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 - $$ - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. DTS-07-153 - HIDDEN VALLEY INFORMATION REPORT, tCONT'D) With respect to the construction of the River Road extension, Ms. Fernandes stated that she understands peoples' need for the road; however, she suggested there are other ways to deal with the traffic such as rapid transit and service roads along Fairway Road. When asked whether she could choose between no road or no development, Ms. Fernandes stated that she doesn't want either one. Mr. D. Hilker addressed the Committee respecting the preservation of the Hidden Valley Community noting that this natural area is a jewel. He stated that the ESPA must be enlarged, and the stewardship of this land is of the utmost importance. He also spoke of the importance of this natural area in terms of the Region's water supply, and the effects that development in this area will have on this water supply. In response to questions from Mayor Zehr, Mr. Hilker responded that the open field needs to have a different land use designation. If you bring people into this area it may disturb its pristine nature. Also, because of the slope of the land there may be run-off to deal with. He stated that he wants the City to buy this area and then decide what should be done with it. He also stated that some development in this area may be necessary. In response to questions from the Committee, Mr. Sloan advised that the Region intends to expand the ESPA to those areas identified as candidate ESPA, but they have not indicated a timetable to designate the land as such in their Official Policies Plan. They are waiting for the work to be completed on the additional environmental study. With respect to water quality, the Region is conducting hydrogeological surveys. With respect to letters from the public, Mr. Sloan advised that the Region will compose a response, and staff was asked to respond to these letters advising that the Region is looking into these matters. Ms. Lanteigne addressed the Committee advising that this area contains one of the oldest old growth forests in the Region. The deer graze in the fields and the City should not let these fields be removed. She spoke of the dynamics of connectivity in this land area and advised that other animals are needed in order to have balance in the environment for the salamander. Further, preserving the Jefferson Salamander is preserving life. She also advised that reducing the water quality will cost taxpayers money to clean the water at the water treatment plant. Any tree clearance or road salt affect the salamanders. She then referred to the Oak Ridges Moraine Act and suggested looking at this moraine as a comparison. Councillor Gazzola advised the he had asked staff to submit this report so that everyone could have an understanding of the importance of Hidden Valley. He has come to the conclusion that the road will go through this area, and he will compromise on this road subject to getting the best alignment possible. He stated that he wants the whole area to come under public ownership. He also stated that he thinks the current land owners are relatively new. He advised that he knows there will be a cost involved, but he would like to see this area preserved for future generations. Councillor Gazzola stated that he wants a plan put in place and that everyone needs to get involved; the private sector needs to raise funds, as well as contributions from the City, the Region and the province. If we don't act now it will be lost. He asked the Committee to give its support in principle to bringing this land into public ownership. Mayor Zehr responded that he has commented on the environment for some time, and the preservation of Hidden Valley. Many people have spoken about preserving this area as a place that people could walk through; however, if you walk through this area you cause degradation to the environment. To say the current owner hasn't owned the land for very long overlooks the fact that they may have an attachment to the land, and there have been previous owners. In reference to the Leaf Fund, Mayor Zehr stated that it is one thing to preserve environmentally sensitive land, but it doesn't mean we need to own it. To say tonight that we will work toward the purchase of all of Hidden Valley is premature until the outcome of the water study, the salamander study and the report on the impact of the roadway. Mayor Zehr stated that he has always talked about balance and doing things in an appropriate manner, and he believes that proper steps should be taken and proper notice given. There may still be parts of this land that could be appropriately developed. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 - $9 - CITY OF KITCHENER 4. DTS-07-153 - HIDDEN VALLEY INFORMATION REPORT, tCONT'D) Councillor Gazzola stated that he appreciates the need for further discussion but there needs to be a much bolder statement than the staff recommendation. He wants staff to investigate his proposal, and he wants Council's support for his proposal. Councillor Vrbanovic responded that members of Council have expressed a desire to see as much as possible of Hidden Valley preserved; however, there are still a lot of things in play that may affect the value of the land. Councillor Vrbanovic put forward a motion to adopt the staff recommendation, and to have staff identify which pieces of land may be of corporate interest and how we could fund the purchase. Councillor Gazzola stated that he would like to see some commitment on the part of Council. He stated that for the benefit of the community and the region, he would like to see as much of this land as possible put into public ownership. Councillor Lorentz stated that most members of Council would like to preserve this land but at the moment there are too many unknowns. This is a long drawn-out process and it is prudent to get as much information as possible. He suggested that the City could become a leader in green environmental development. Councillor Gazzola referred to other decisions in principle made by this Council, for example the library and the Centre Block. He stated that this is only the first step, and he wants an indication from Council that they are interested in preserving this land in the public domain. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic it was resolved: "That Development and Technical Service Department report DTS-07-153 providing background information on the Hidden Valley Community and the status of the Region of Waterloo's Class Environmental Assessment for the proposed River Road extension be received for information; and further, That staff start identifying those pieces of land which may be deemed to be of corporate interest in the future, and recommend how the purchase of this land could be funded." 5. DTS-07-154 - STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM & FUNDING REVIEW The Committee considered Development and Technical Services Department report DTS-07- 154 dated September 17, 2007, outlining the public consultation work plan and subsequent steps required to complete the study to review the Cities of Kitchener's and Waterloo's existing stormwater assets and programs. Mr. Murphy explained the report. 6. CAO-07-042 - PROPOSED KITCHENER SERVICE STATION RENEWAL WORKING GROUP The Committee considered Chief Administrator's Office report DTS-07-042, dated September 10, 2007, recommending that the City participate in the Province's Service Station Redevelopment Framework Project, and that Kitchener establish a Kitchener Service Station Renewal Working Group. Mr. Boutilier advised that there are currently 16 vacant former service station sites in the older parts of the City of Kitchener, and they create problems for economic renewal. Discussions have ensued with the province, and they have provided some funding and a staff person to lead the Service Station Redevelopment Framework Project. There are problems with the industry and records of site condition, and there may be other problems, so it is important to find out what they are. The City of Kitchener has volunteered to work on the provincial project, and is looking for people to volunteer for the City's local group. DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 - 90 - CITY OF KITCHENER 6. CAO-07-042 - PROPOSED KITCHENER SERVICE STATION RENEWAL WORKING GROUP In response to questions from the Committee, Mr. Boutilier advised that the problems with the redevelopment of these sites seem to be more than just leaking tanks. They could include problems with water or perhaps not enough zoning possibilities. He stated that it is suspected that all these sites are contaminated, but that is not known for sure. Respecting new service station sites, Mr. Boutilier advised that TSSA now licenses and inspects all new gas station sites. He stated that the standards are higher for new sites. Councillor C. Weylie expressed an interest in being appointed to the City's working group. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic it was resolved: "That staff of Economic Development participate in the Province of Ontario's `Service Station Redevelopment Framework Project', under the leadership of the Ontario Centre For Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA); and, That a Kitchener Service Station Renewal Working Group be established in accordance with the purposes, and suggested composition as set out in Chief Administrator's report CAO-07-042; and further, That Councillor C. Weylie be appointed as a member of the Kitchener Service Station Renewal Working Group." 7. CAO-07-043 - PROPOSED JOINT REGION-CITY BROWNFIELDS FINANCIAL INCENTIVE PROGRAM The Committee considered Chief Administrator's Office report DTS-07-043, dated September 15, 2007, outlining the Proposed Joint Regional -City Brownfields Financial Incentive Program, subject to some further negotiations about calculation of the allowance for administrative costs and that all applications must meet all adopted policy and design guidelines. Mr. Boutilier reported on the progress made with respect to encouraging the Region of Waterloo to become involved in financial incentives for Brownfield redevelopment. He noted that this Council was instrumental in getting the legislation changed so that regional municipalities can participate in these financial incentives. Mr. Boutilier then explained the new incentive program, and that more discussion with the Region is required on the calculation of administrative costs, and the desire that redevelopment plans meet all approved policy and design guidelines. Mr. Boutilier noted that one of the new advantages for a developer is that they will receive some of the financial incentives in the early part of the process. He stated the intension that this program will be ready to start early in 2008. Councillor Smola moved the staff recommendation noting that the key benefit of this financial incentive program is the fact that developers will be able to access some of the funding at the beginning of the process. Councillor Vrbanovic spoke in support of the motion noting that properties are being cleaned up and developed under this program that may never have been redeveloped without it. On motion by Councillor J. Smola- it was resolved: "That the Proposed Joint Regional -City Brownfields Financial Incentive Program as outlined in Region of Waterloo Staff Report F-07-046/P-07-079 be supported, subject to further discussion on the calculation of the allowance for administrative costs, and the requirement that all applications must meet all adopted policy and design guidelines." DEVELOPMENT & TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 24, 2007 - 91 - CITY OF KITCHENER 8. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. D. Gilchrist Committee Administrator