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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 7, 2014 o1 Planning & Development Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, April 7, 2014 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Chair: Councillor Pickles Present: Mayor Ryan Councillors: K. Ashe D. Dickerson B. McLean J. O'Connell D. Pickles P. Rodrigues Also Present: T. Prevedel - Chief Administrative Officer P. Bigioni - Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor T. Melymuk - Director, City Development C. Rose - Chief Planner J. Brooks - Manager, Policy N. Surti - Manager, Development Review & Urban Design G. McGregor- Manager, Sustainability & Economic Development R. Pym - Principal Planner - Development Review D. Jacobs - Principal Planner— Policy A. Yearwood - Planner II C. Hodge - Coordinator, Economic Development F. Jadoon - Coordinator, Economic Development L. Harker - (Acting) Supervisor, Legislative Services L. Roberts - Committee Coordinator (I) Disclosure of Interest No disclosures of interest were noted. (II) Part `A' Information Reports Nilesh Surti, Manager, Development Review & Urban Design gave an outline of the requirements for a Statutory Meeting under the Planning Act. He outlined the notification process procedures and also noted that if a person or public body does not make oral or written submissions to the City before the by-law is passed, that person or public body are not entitled to appeal the decision of City Council to the Ontario Municipal Board, and may not be entitled to be added as a party to the hearing unless, in the opinion of the Board, there are reasonable grounds to do so. 1 Planning & Development Committee Meeting Minutes X81 4L[ Monday, April 7, 2014 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Chair: Councillor Pickles 1. Information Report No. 05-14 Zoning By-law Amendment Application A 2/14 G. Gareri, V. Figliano and P. and C. Barbieri 1967 Woodview Avenue A public information meeting was held under the Planning Act, for the purpose of informing the public with respect to the above noted application. Ashley Yearwood, Planner II provided a brief outline of Information Report 05-14 with respect to the rezoning of property located at 1967 Woodview Avenue. Nadia Zuccaro, Planner, EMC Group Limited, appeared before the Committee on behalf of the applicant in support of the application and indicated she would be available to respond to any questions. Peter Rose, 1973 Woodview Avenue, appeared before the Committee and noted his concerns with the elevations proposed and also stated that given the surrounding area, the density may be too much for the neighbourhood. A question and answer period ensued. The applicant confirmed that the rezoning application preserves the open space, with only 10% being developed, and that it falls within the permitted densities. 2. Information Report No. 03-14 Official Plan Amendment Application OPA 14-001/P Amendment 26 to the Pickering Official Plan Informational Revision 21 to the Pickering Official Plan City Initiated Official Plan Review: City Centre Intensification and Redevelopment A public information meeting was held under the Planning Act, for the purpose of informing the public with respect to the above noted application. Dean Jacobs, Principal Planner, Policy provided an overview of the City Centre Intensification and Redevelopment plan. He explained the community vision which will be developed through workshops and outlined transportation plans and key policy components. He provided an overview of the notification process and outlined comments, concerns and questions received at the Open House in addition to a listing of written submissions received. He provided a summary of key points from the Open House which had been held, noting plans were to have a report come forward prior to the summer recess. 2 C� o0 Planning & Development Committee Meeting Minutes El Monday, April 7, 2014 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Chair: Councillor Pickles Stephen Fagyas, Commercial Focus Advisory Services Inc., appeared before the Committee on behalf of the applicant. He noted their concerns with respect to the Region's request for further studies, noting they felt this to be unnecessary. He stated his client is very motivated to move forward with this and are very supportive • of the plan. Mr. Fagyas stated another concern was the lack of response from the school board in relation to where the school site would be located, noting this should be eliminated due to lack of response. Mr. Fagyas also noted they believe the private sector should make a determination on which areas get development first. He stated that overall their concerns have been listened to and they are very supportive of the process and look forward to further positive discussions on this matter. A question and answer period ensued with further clarity being requested regarding the proposed school site prior to a report coming forward. David Steele, 966 Timmins Garden, appeared before the Committee in support of growth in Pickering, however, he did note some concerns with building schools that become unnecessary, stating the need to be more creative, for example, as the population grows, the schools could be turned into apartments. He asked that Members look more closely at population age and be more specific in the wording. Barbara Pulst, 909 Vistula Drive, appeared before the Committee stating her concerns with respect to the Official Plan Amendment. She noted that the City should not continue with the plans for the City Centre until OPG plans beyond 2020 are clear. She stated that in the absence of this confirmation, it is inadvisable to implement any plans for intensification in close proximity to OPG, based on assumptions that could be incorrect. This would raise concerns for sensitive public facilities such as schools and hospitals in the event of an evacuation. She stated that an Official Plan amendment must incorporate future plans regarding the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. Comments were submitted to the (Acting) City Clerk. Peter Falconer, 1435 Parkham Crescent, appeared before the Committee noting his concerns with densities and access and egress off Bayly, noting feedback to date did not address these issues. He also stated concerns with traffic resulting from a huge increase in population, questioning emergency procedures in the event of a major accident. Mr. Falconer also noted concerns with the resident's access to groceries in the event that Loblaws leaves, noting the lack of any plans for a grocery store. He also noted his concerns with the overall appearance of Pickering with this proposed development. Dean Jacobs, Principal Planner, Policy, appeared before Committee to provide clarification on questions raised. 3 Ca,/ c?1 Planning & Development Committee Meeting Minutes I / i Monday, April 7, 2014 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Chair: Councillor Pickles Further discussion ensued with clarification being requested regarding the projected population, jobs and timeframes for discussions with the school board, it being requested that the City initiate this. It was also requested that clarity be provided on what studies the Region is asking for and also that we have a clear language to ensure that the City maintains control. It was also requested to have full justification with respect to the approach being taken regarding drive thrus in order to accommodate accessibility issues. Discussion also ensued with respect to arterial roads, densities, clarification on the number of units per building in the south area, as well as the inclusion of the 3D model in all reports going forward. Further information was also requested by members regarding the number of residents in Bay Ridges, as well as the costs surrounding the flyover bridge. Moved by Councillor Rodrigues Seconded by Councillor O'Connell That the rules of procedure be suspended in order to hear additional comments. Carried Councillor Rodrigues noted there was a 3D display model located on the second floor of the Civic Complex for the public to view. 3. Information Report No. 04-14 Zoning By-law Amendment Application A 3/14 Durham Live— Pickering Developments (401) Inc., Pickering Developments (Bayly) Inc., and Pickering Developments (Squires) Inc. 1802 and 1902 Bayly Street, and 2028 Kellino Street A public information meeting was held under the Planning Act, for the purpose of informing the public with respect to the above noted application. Ross Pym, Principal Planner, Development Review, provided a brief outline of Information Report 04-14, being a zoning by-law amendment to facilitate the future development of a mixed use tourist destination site. He noted this is a conceptual plan, and outlined the applicant's proposal, noting the key design considerations for the project and showing how it can be accommodated on this site. He also noted the surrounding environmentally sensitive lands would be protected through the provision of a buffer. He noted the applicant had requested this be developed in two phases, explaining the designations, identifying the wetlands and employment uses. 4 Cry 00 A. Planning & Development Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, April 7, 2014 7:00 pm Council Chambers Chair: Councillor Pickles Emma West, Planning Alliance, appeared before the Committee on behalf of the applicant. Through the use of a power point presentation, she outlined the urban design elements addressed in the two phases. She provided an outline of the supporting studies, proposed zoning as well as the permitted uses being considered in the zoning by-law amendment. She outlined the benefits of the proposed zoning, noting this would be a major economic driver for the City, with the creation of jobs and significant tourism dollars. She noted their team was present to answer questions. Bob Broadstock appeared before the Committee on behalf of the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario Inc. noting their concerns with respect to the impact of a potential casino in Pickering on the quarter horse racing industry. He provided a history of the horse racing industry in the area, explaining how revenues are invested in the area and how they support the local economy through their investment in programs. He asked that Council not support a casino in the proposed development, as it would impact the horse racing industry in Ajax. A discussion period ensued with respect to job retention in the horse racing industry and the adverse affects of having a casino in Pickering, not only on the horse racing industry, but the detrimental effects it would have on the agricultural industry as well. David Sim, 1000 Rambleberry Avenue, appeared before the Committee in support of the application and the location. He questioned whether horse racing was a financially viable industry, and if so, it should stand on its own. He questioned how the industry sustained itself prior to casinos, noting this should not be supported with tax dollars. Hartley Goldenthal 1898 Wildflower Drive appeared before the Committee in support of the application. He asked whether an agreement could be put in place to support horse racing in Ajax. Greg Fernandes, 582 Rainy Day Drive appeared before the Committee. He noted that horse racing was an integral part of the economy, employing a large number of people. He questioned whether the owners' statement that noted if a casino was not a reality, the complex would be moved was still the case. Murray Chusid, appeared before the Committee representing the owners of Ajax Downs Casino. He requested clarification on whether Durham Live would be dependent on a gaming casino in order to be viable, noting this should be made clear in the documents and to the voting public. He also noted the lack of material received to date, stating no marketing study has yet been provided. Discussion period ensued with respect to social impact studies being conducted, and a request to have staff look into contacting all other agencies involved. 5 oq Planning & Development Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, April 7, 2014 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Chair: Councillor Pickles David Finnegan, 1711 Wollaston Court, appeared before the Committee to urge Council to think strongly as this is a major decision which will affect the character of Pickering. He stated this should be put to the community to vote on. Roger Wade, 1210 —404 Radom Street, appeared before the Committee, in support of the application, noting this would create good jobs and residents would spend money locally. Maurice Brenner, 711 Sunbird Trail, appeared before the Committee noting he would like to see a sustainable community, but stated it was essential for staff to ensure a long term comprehensive traffic study, and to look at the impact and implications of spin off employment opportunities, noting further studies need to be done regarding the number of jobs tied to horse racing and the agricultural industry. He also noted the need to look at the ballot question, stating the public needs to be engaged in a project of this magnitude and should be part of the long term planning process. He also questioned whether the City had looked at all available options, noting the need for detailed review. David Steele, 966 Timmins Garden, appeared before the Committee stating the ballot question should be a two part question, yes or no to a casino as well as "do you support all other activities", so the public can make a choice. Mr. Steele would like to ensure that any potential questions on the ballot are very clear. Michael White, representative of the Pickering Pentecostal Church appeared before the Committee. He stated that while they realize the economic benefits to the City, he noted less consideration is being given to the long term social impacts. He stated that communities should not be built around money generated from casinos. The Committee recessed for ten minutes and reconvened at 11:03 pm. Mary Constantinou, 699 Lublin Avenue, appeared before the Committee in support of the application. Chief Kelly LaRocca, 3120 Hood Drive, Port Perry, appeared before the Committee representing Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation in opposition to the application. She stated that a vote should be held, as community input is crucial. Rob Owens appeared before the Committee on behalf of the Pickering Pentecostal Church, stating the Church will be directly impacted by this application due to their location. He noted traffic concerns in the area of Squires Beach Road and Kellino Street, as well as increased traffic on Bayly resulting from construction vehicles. He also noted noise study concerns as well as the negative impact to families and 6 co Planning & Development _ 1i ' Committee Meeting Minutes IS 1 1I E Monday, April 7, 2014 7:00 pm — Council Chambers Chair: Councillor Pickles indicated that the Church would like to be included in all future discussions on this matter. Keith Falconer, 710 Lublin Avenue, appeared before the Committee on behalf of PESCA, stating their support of the application. He noted their organization supports the proposal with or without a casino. He stated that in making Pickering a tourist destination, it would have economic benefits, increased revenues, as well as help local businesses. He also noted this could have a positive impact upon the future closure of OPG. A discussion period ensued with questions raised regarding the effects of this development on local business, traffic concerns, as well as the potential referendum question. Emma West, Planning Alliance, appeared before the Committee to respond to questions raised. She noted all comments received would be considered and they will work together with staff. She stated that this proposed development is a tourist destination and would function without a casino. She also confirmed that an amendment to the Official Plan is not a requirement, that this is strictly a zoning by- law amendment. Tim Arnott, Planning Alliance, appeared to respond to questions raised regarding transportation related concerns and the scope of the study areas. Moved by Councillor O'Connell Seconded by Councillor Rodrigues That the rules of procedure be suspended in order to continue the meeting for one additional hour. Carried Discussion continued with respect to flooding concerns and environmental impacts. Additional information was also requested on changes to the Province's RFPQ. • (III) Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 12:06 am. 7