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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPLN 15-26 Report to Planning and Development Committee Report Number: PLN 15-26 Date: June 8, 2026 From: Kyle Bentley Director, City Development & CBO Subject: Zoning By-law Amendment Application A 03/25 (Part 2) Amendment to Consolidated Zoning By-law 8149/24, as amended Four Seasons Country Club City Initiated Recommendation: 1. That Report PLN 15-26 regarding the Four Seasons Golf Course be received; 2. That Part 2 of City Initiated Zoning By-law Amendment Application A 03/25, to permit an amendment to Zoning By-law 8149/24, as amended, to reinstate permissions for two existing residential units, and permit an accessory residential unit in conjunction with the existing permitted golf course at Four Seasons Country Club, 1850-1900 Eighth Concession Road, be approved; 3. That the Draft By-law implementing Part 2 of Zoning By-law Amendment Application A 03/25, as set out in Attachment 2 to Report PLN 15-26, be finalized and forwarded to Council for adoption; and, 4. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the actions necessary to implement the recommendations in this report. 1.0 Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to obtain Council’s approval of a zoning by-law that will reinstate the residential permission for two dwelling units at Four Seasons Country Club, 1850-1900 Eighth Concession Road, that were previously allowed under the former “A/GC” – Agricultural/Golf Course zoning of Zoning By‑law 3037, as amended, and recognizes an existing Dwelling Unit within the golf course clubhouse. The report represents Part 2 of City Initiated Zoning By-law Amendment Application A 03/25. It is recommended that the draft implementing Zoning By-law, as set out in Attachment 1, be finalized and forwarded to Council for adoption. PLN 15-26 June 8, 2026 Page 2 2.0 Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of Advance Innovation & Responsible Planning to Support a Connected, Well-Serviced Community. 3.0 Financial Implications: This report has no direct financial implications to the City. 4.0 Discussion: The purpose of this report is to obtain Council’s approval of a zoning by-law that will reinstate the residential permission for two dwelling units at Four Seasons Country Club that were allowed by the former “A/GC” – Agricultural/Golf Course zoning under Zoning By-law 3037, as amended. The by-law will also recognize an existing Dwelling Unit within the golf course clubhouse. This report outlines how the proposal conforms to the Provincial Planning Statement, the Greenbelt Plan, the Durham Regional Official Plan, and the Pickering Official Plan. A draft implementing Zoning By-law is provided as Attachment 1. 4.1 Background On December 16, 2024, Council adopted the Consolidated Zoning By-law 8149/24, which came into force and took effect immediately. By-law 8149/24 applies to the entire City of Pickering, except for the lands that are within the Kingston Road Corridor Intensification and Special Retailing Node and subject to Official Plan Amendment 38. On June 16, 2025, preliminary information about City Initiated Zoning By-law Amendment Application A 03/25 was presented at a virtual Statutory Public Meeting, which was initiated to address corrections to errors and omissions in the text and mapping of Zoning By-law 8149/24. On December 1, 2025, the Planning and Development Committee recommended approval of Part 1 of Zoning By‑law Amendment Application A 03/25, which addressed errors and omissions in the text of Zoning By‑law 8149/24 and corrected a site-specific mapping error. In Report PLN 24-25, staff also identified that Part 2 of the City Initiated amendment was on- going to allow additional time for discussions with the representative for Four Seasons Country Club, 1850–1900 Eighth Concession Road, to address comments related to the zoning of the subject lands. 4.2 Public Engagement – Comments received at the June 16, 2025, Statutory Public Meeting The Statutory Public Meeting was advertised on the corporate website, including the City’s Development Applications website, and promoted through the City’s social media channels. The Statutory Public Meeting was held on June 16, 2025. PLN 15-26 June 8, 2026 Page 3 One delegation spoke on behalf of the owner of the Four Seasons Country Club at the Statutory Public Meeting. The delegation advised that the zoning applied through Zoning By‑law 8149/24 was inconsistent with the permissions previously in place under former Zoning By‑law 3037, as amended by By-law 3155/89. The delegation requested that the zoning for the long-established golf course and banquet facility uses recognize the dwelling with two units (originally established under the Agricultural Zoning), as well as the accessory residential dwelling unit above the clubhouse, as these three dwelling units have historically been associated with the operation, management, maintenance, and security of the property. The delegation further advised that no new residential units or new development were proposed as part of the application. 4.3 Property Location and Description The subject lands are located approximately 250 metres east of Brock Road, along the north side of Eighth Concession Road (see Location Map, Attachment 2). The property has an approximate area of 36.8 hectares and frontage along Eighth Concession Road. The site is developed with an existing golf course, clubhouse and banquet facilities, maintenance facilities, parking areas, and a detached residential building containing two dwelling units associated with the operation of the golf course. The site also contains ancillary structures related to golf course operations and maintenance. The surrounding area is characterized by rural, open space, and environmental land uses. Portions of the property contain valleyland and woodland features associated with the Natural Heritage System and Greenbelt Plan area. 4.4 Property History Property records indicate that the detached residential building existed on the subject lands, some time prior to the Council adoption of Zoning By‑law 3037 in 1965. The detached residential building originally contained two units associated with the agricultural operation of the property. In the mid-1950s, the lands were developed for a golf course, clubhouse, pro shop, and outdoor amphitheatre. The detached residential building remained on the property as an accessory component of the overall operation. Over time, the clubhouse was expanded to include banquet facilities and additional residential accommodation associated with the operation and security of the golf course property. Until late 2024, five dwelling units existed on the property, including: • three dwelling units within the detached residential building; • one dwelling unit above the clubhouse; and, • one dwelling unit above the maintenance building. The property owner has advised that one dwelling unit within the detached residential building and the dwelling unit above the maintenance building are in the process of being removed. PLN 15-26 June 8, 2026 Page 4 Following these removals, three dwelling units are proposed to remain on the property, consisting of: • two dwelling units within the detached residential building; and, • one dwelling unit above the clubhouse. No new dwelling units are proposed through this application. 4.5 Zoning History Prior to the implementation of Consolidated Zoning By-law 8149/24, the subject lands were zoned “A/GC” – Agricultural/Golf Course under former Zoning By-law 3037, as amended by By-law 3155/89. The former zoning permitted agricultural, recreational, and residential uses on the property. In addition, By-law 8037/23 recognized an additional dwelling unit within the existing detached residential building. Through the Consolidated Zoning By-law Review Project, the subject lands were rezoned to “GC” – Golf Course. While the “GC” zone continued to permit the golf course and associated recreational functions, the previous residential permissions associated with the historical operation of the property were omitted. The proposed amendment is intended to restore and clarify these limited residential permissions through a site-specific zoning exception. 4.6 Applicant’s Proposal No new development is proposed as part of this application. The purpose of the application is to recognize existing uses and conditions on the subject lands, which were permitted under the former Zoning By-law 3037, as amended. Through the Consolidated Zoning By‑law Review Project, the property was rezoned from “A/GC” – Agricultural/Golf Course to “GC” – Golf Course, which inadvertently removed previously existing legal residential permissions. The site currently contains three dwelling units within the existing detached residential building (two as part of the original construction plus one as a more recent renovation), one dwelling unit above the clubhouse, which the owners indicate support on‑site operations and provide security for the property, and one dwelling unit above the maintenance building. The owner is in the process of removing the recently added dwelling unit in the existing detached dwelling, and the dwelling unit above the maintenance building. A total of three dwelling units are proposed to be maintained on the subject lands – the two in the detached residential building and one unit above the clubhouse. PLN 15-26 June 8, 2026 Page 5 5.0 Planning Analysis: 5.1 The proposal is consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement (2024) The proposal is consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement (PPS), as it maintains an existing major recreational use within the Rural Lands. The PPS supports a diversified rural economy and recognizes major recreational uses, such as golf courses, as appropriate and desirable rural land uses. The zoning amendment does not introduce new development or intensification of the subject lands. It seeks to recognize and permit existing conditions on the property, including the existing residential dwelling units. Because no new construction or servicing extensions are proposed, the amendment is consistent with PPS direction that development on rural lands be appropriate for the capacity of existing servicing and infrastructure. The continued use of the site for golf course operations does not alter natural heritage features or hazard lands, maintaining consistency with PPS policies protecting ecological systems and directing development away from natural hazards. Overall, the proposal is consistent with the PPS by supporting a rural recreational use, recognizing existing residential uses tied to the functioning of the property, and ensuring that development remains compatible with rural land uses. 5.2 The proposal conforms to the Greenbelt Plan (2017) A portion of the subject lands is located within the Protected Countryside Area of the Greenbelt Plan. The lands contain an existing golf course and associated clubhouse facilities that constitute an established major recreational use. The Greenbelt Plan permits major recreational uses within the Protected Countryside, provided such uses are compatible with the rural landscape and do not negatively impact the natural heritage system or require extensive infrastructure. The Plan also recognizes that accessory facilities supporting the operation, management, and security of major recreational uses may be appropriate where ancillary to the principal recreational use. The proposal does not facilitate expansion of the golf course, additional residential development, new buildings, or site alteration. The amendment is limited to recognizing three existing accessory dwelling units associated with the long-standing operation of the golf course property. Residential dwelling units intended for an employee associated with the recreation use is a permitted use. The existing dwelling unit above the clubhouse supports the function and security of the golf course. The subject lands contain an existing golf course and associated clubhouse facilities, and no new development or expansion of the recreational use is proposed. The proposal does not introduce new buildings, site alteration, or changes to the scale or intensity of the recreational use, it does not create additional impacts on natural heritage features, agricultural lands, or rural character. The continued operation of the golf course and the recognition of existing accessory residential uses are consistent with the Greenbelt Plan, to allow major recreational uses that are appropriately located, compatible with the rural landscape, and do not require PLN 15-26 June 8, 2026 Page 6 significant infrastructure or servicing. The proposal conforms to the policies of the Greenbelt Plan. 5.3 The proposal conforms to the Durham Regional Official Plan “Envision Durham” The subject lands are located in the Greenland System and are designated as Major Open Space Areas. This designation is intended to protect connected open space systems while permitting recreational and rural uses compatible with environmental and landscape functions. Major Open Space Areas are predominantly for conservation and a full range of agricultural, agricultural-related and secondary uses. Major recreational uses, including golf courses, may be permitted subject to applicable Regional and Greenbelt policies. The proposal maintains an existing recreational use and recognizes accessory residential uses historically associated with the operation of the property. No new development, expansion of use, or site alteration is proposed. The amendment does not introduce additional impacts on the environmental functions of the Greenland System or alter the rural character of the area. The proposal conforms to the Regional Official Plan. 5.4 The proposal conforms to the Pickering Official Plan The subject lands are located in the Open Space System – Active Recreational Areas within Pickering’s Official Plan. This designation permits conservation, environmental protection, restoration, education passive recreation and similar uses, subject to the provisions of the relevant Greenbelt Plan policies. Active recreational and other related uses, including an outdoor golf course, are also permitted uses on lands with this designation. A portion of the subject lands is part of the Natural Heritage System. A valleyland feature transverses the northern portion of the site and significant woodland features are located throughout the subject lands. The Official Plan requires environmental studies where development or site alteration is proposed within areas of influence associated with natural heritage features. As no new development, grading, vegetation removal, site alteration, or expansion of the recreational use is proposed, an Environmental Study is not required in support of the application. The amendment does not alter the existing development envelope or create additional impacts on natural heritage features. Overall, the proposal conforms to the Pickering Official Plan. 5.5 Zoning By-law 8149/24 The subject property is zoned “GC” – Golf Course within Zoning By-law 8149/24, as amended. Only a golf course use is permitted on the subject property. The golf course can include ancillary buildings or structures operated for the purpose of playing golf, and includes a golf course, driving range, miniature golf facilities and such accessory uses as a restaurant, PLN 15-26 June 8, 2026 Page 7 banquet facility, retail store, fitness centre and other buildings or structures devoted to the maintenance and operation of the golf course. The applicant is proposing to restore the residential use permissions that existed prior to the adoption of Zoning By-law 8149/24. It is proposed to zone the property to include an exception that permits three existing residential dwelling units which support the golf club use, two in the existing detached dwelling and one above the clubhouse. 5.6 The existing dwelling unit in the clubhouse supports the golf course use The applicant has indicated that the existing club house has contained a residential dwelling unit since the 1980’s, which has provided security for the golf course. However, the City is unable to find building permit records for the residential dwelling unit. The Greenbelt Plan outlines policies regarding major recreational uses and recognizes that such uses often require on‑site facilities to support their operation, management, and security. In this context, the existing dwelling unit above the clubhouse functions as an accessory component to the golf course use and contributes to the security and maintenance of the property. The unit does not introduce new development, does not expand the recreational use, and does not generate additional impacts on surrounding natural heritage features or agricultural lands. The residential use is compatible with the surrounding rural and recreational character and does not require new or expanded servicing. Recognizing the existing dwelling unit maintains the intent of the Greenbelt Plan by supporting the major recreational use while ensuring that development remains appropriate to the rural landscape. 6.0 Conclusion: The proposed zoning amendment is consistent with the PPS and conforms to the Greenbelt Plan, the Durham Regional Official Plan, and the Pickering Official Plan. The amendment addresses an omission resulting from the enactment of Consolidated Zoning By-law 8149/24 and restores limited residential permissions associated with the long-standing operation of the golf course property. The by-law also establishes permission for a dwelling unit above the clubhouse that has become an integral part of the operation of the Four Seasons Country Club. The proposal does not permit new development, or an expansion of the golf course use. The proposed zoning exception establishes clear limitations on the number and location of dwelling units and recognizes that the residential uses remain accessory to the principal golf course operation. The applicant is working with City staff regarding applicable Building Code requirements associated with the retained residential units. Any required permits or approvals necessary to maintain occupancy will continue to be addressed through the building permit application review process, as appropriate. PLN 15-26 June 8, 2026 Page 8 Staff support Zoning By-law Amendment Application A 03/25, and recommend that the site- specific by-law, as set out in Attachment 2 of this report, be approved and forwarded to Council for enactment. Attachments: 1. Location Map 2. Draft By-law to amend By-law 8149/24, 1850 to 1900 Eighth Concession Road Prepared By: Kerry Yelk, Senior Planner, Zoning Prepared By: Deborah Wylie, Manager, Zoning & Administration Approved/Endorsed By: Catherine Rose, Chief Planner Approved/Endorsed By: Kyle Bentley, Director, City Development & CBO KY:ld Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council By: Marisa Carpino, M.A. Chief Administrative Officer -04!0/- P](KER]NG City Development Department Attachment 1 to Report PLN 15-26 mi 1b ct:-------1 ~------j N@t1:e.onc-7 _o:ai:t;:::~~~~ '--1 ___ J-_ ""'-' -,._ -_ -~ __ .... ;_ ~--1 ubject ~-- ands Location Ma File: A 03/25 Munici al Address: 1900 1850 Eighth Concession Road © The Corporation of the City of Pickering Produced (in part) under license from: © King's Printer, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. All rights reserved.;© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, Department of Natural Resources. All rights reserved.;© Teranet Enterprises Inc. and its suppliers. All rights reserved.;© Municipal Property Assessment Corporation and its suppliers. All rights reserved. ~ - Date: May. 21, 2026 SCALE: 1:24,00 THIS ISNOTAPL.ANOFSURVEY. l:\PLANNING\01-MapFiles\02 -Applications\A\2025\A03-25 City lniliated\A03-25 City lnitiated.aprx Attachment 2 to Report PLN 15-26 The Corporation of the City of Pickering By-law No. XXXX/26 Being a by-law to amend Restricted Area (Zoning) By-law 8149/24, as amended, to implement the Official Plan of the City of Pickering, Region of Durham, for land City wide (A 03/25) Whereas the Council of the Corporation of the City of Pickering initiated an application to rezone the subject lands, being Part of Lot 17 and 18, Concession 8, Now Parts 1 to 3, 40R-16072 in the City of Pickering, to restore residential zoning permissions for a Detached Dwelling containing two dwelling units that were previously allowed under the “A/GC” – Agricultural/Golf Course zoning which existed prior to the passing of By-law 8149/24; And whereas the Council of the Corporation of the City of Pickering also initiated the application to rezone the subject lands to recognize an existing Dwelling Unit within the golf course club house as an accessory to activities normally considered incidental and subordinate to a golf course; And whereas the Council of the Corporation of the City of Pickering considers it appropriate to amend Zoning By-law 8149/24 to recognize the use of the subject lands for the purposes of a golf course inclusive of ancillary uses and activities, and these three existing dwelling units, as accessory to activities normally considered incidental and subordinate a golf course; And whereas an amendment to By-law 8149/24, as amended, is therefore deemed necessary; Now therefore the Council of The Corporation of the City of Pickering hereby enacts as follows: 1.Schedule 1 of By-law 8149/24, as amended, is hereby amended to delete the existing notation “GC” and replaced by the notation X### (GC) as depicted on Schedule I to this By-law. 1.The provisions of this By-law shall apply to the lands being Part of Lot 17 and 18, Concession 8, Now Parts 1 to 3, 40R-16072, in the City of Pickering, designated “X### (GC)” on Schedule I to this By-law. 2.Section 15, Exceptions, of By-law 8149/24, as amended, is hereby further amended by adding a new Exception Zone X### as follows: Exception Zone ### (By-law XXXX/26) 1.Provisions (“X### (GC)” Zone) No person shall within the lands zoned “X### (GC)” on Schedule I attached hereto use any lot or erect, alter or use any building or structure for any purpose except the following: a)Permitted Uses By-law No. XXXX/26 Page 2 i. Golf Course inclusive of an ancillary special events tent and banquet facility, having an area of not greater than 465 square metres and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, is used for golf tournaments, wedding ceremonies and receptions, and, other similar functions and activities. ii. Detached Dwelling, containing two dwelling units, provided that the total gross floor area of the detached dwelling does not exceed 300 square metres. iii. Dwelling Unit, having a gross floor area of not greater than 90 square metres, within a portion of the golf course club house. iv. Accessory Uses, Buildings and Structures as are considered incidental and subordinate to the uses permitted in subsections (i), (ii) and (iii) above inclusive of a maintenance building, which includes an office and meeting room together with facilities intended to serve the daily needs of persons employed on the property, and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes the use of shipping containers for the storage of equipment, goods and materials utilized in association with the operation and maintenance for the golf course and related ancillary facilities. b) Zone Regulations i. Minimum Lot Area – 30 hectares ii. Minimum Lot Frontage – 500 metres iii. Minimum Yard Requirements – All Buildings and Structures: a. Front Yard – 30 metres b. Interior Side Yard – 15 metres c. Rear Yard – 370 metres iv. Maximum Lot Coverage – 5 percent v. Maximum Height of Buildings and Structures – 12 metres c) Special Provisions i. notwithstanding Section 2(b)(iii)(b) above, the minimum required interior side yard between the easterly property line and the easterly wall of the club house shall be 6 metres. ii. Shipping Containers a. the maximum gross floor area of all shipping containers shall not exceed 300 square metres in area. By-law No. XXXX/26 Page 3 b. notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.37 of By-law 8149/24, no shipping container shall be located within 30 metres of the front lot line or within 6 metres of an interior side lot line or rear lot line. 3. By-law 8149/24, as amended, is hereby further amended only to the extent necessary to give effect to the provisions of this By-law. Definitions and subject matters not specifically dealt with in this By-law shall be governed by relevant provisions of By-law 8149/24, as amended. 4. This By-law shall come into force in accordance with the provisions of the Planning Act. By-law passed this XX day of XXXX, 2026. ________________________________ Kevin Ashe, Mayor ________________________________ Susan Cassel, City Clerk "'O ro 0 0:: ~ C) 0 ,_ ((l I ' E 00 ..... tO s:j" ..... -45.85 m E ('") ~ ~ 350.47 m 59.56 ,n - E r---~ C") 0 L{) X###(GC) 201.07 m ~ 1nnrn ( 'l"\nt"'0cc-1nn Rl"\<:>rl ~ 561.08 m Schedule I to By-Law XXXX/26 Passed This XXrd Day of XXXX 2026 Mayor Clerk E O"l "-: C") C") ..... E ..... ~ r--0 ..... E s:j" O"l s:j" 00 s:j" t IV