MINUTES - Special Council - 19970327··v
TOWN OF AURORA
SPECIAL COUNCIL -PUBLIC PLANNING
MEETING NO. 13-97
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Thursday, March 27, 1997
7:30p.m.
II MINUTES II
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS
STAFF MEMBERS
Mayor Jones in the Chair; Councillors Griffith, Healy,
Ochalski, Sorley (7:33 p.m.), Wallace and Weller.
Councillor McKenzie was absent on vacation and
Councillor Morris was absent due to a previous
commitment.
Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Corporate
Services, Director of Planning, Planning Staff, and
Administrative Coordinator.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
#216. Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Ochalski
THAT the content of the Agenda be approved as outlined herein.
CARRIED
Mayor Jones advised that this meeting had been called as a Public Meeting with
respect to the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment Application for Bayview Wellington
Homes, Block 7, Registered Plan 65M-3072, 5-61 Ochalski Road, application number
D14-04-97; proposed Zoning By-law Amendment for Bayview Wellington Homes, Part
of Lot 83, Concession I, E.Y.S., West of Bayview Avenue north of Hollidge Blvd.,
application number D14-02-97; proposed Zoning By-law Amendment Application for
Bayview Wellington Management, Part of Lot 83, Concession I, E.Y.S. (Phase IlL West
side of Bayview Avenue north of Hollidge Blvd., application number D14-03-97; and
proposed Zoning By-law Amendment for Horizontal Investments Ltd., Lots 12 through
to 15 and Part of Lot 16, Registered Plan 68, Nos. 69, 73, 77, 81 and 83 on Metcalfe
Street, application number D 14-05-97.
The Public Meeting procedures and the opportunities available for persons to ask
questions related to the items tabled for consideration were explained. Mayor Jones
advised that any person who wished further notice of the passage of the proposed By-
Aurora Special Council -Public Planning Minutes No. 13-97
Thursday, March 27, 1997
Page 2
law under consideration could sign the information forms available. In addition, Mayor
Jones advised that any concerns with the proposal must be expressed during the
Public Meeting or in writing prior to the adoption by Council of any amendment in
order to protect the right to appeal to either the Region or the Ontario Municipal Board.
Names and addresses of speakers are required as a part of the record of the
proceedings.
The Clerk advised that the required Notices of Meeting for Applications D14-02-97,
D14-03-97, D14-04-97, and D14-05-97 were mailed on March 3, 1997. The notices
were circulated in compliance with the Planning Act, by First Class Mail, to the
addresses within 120 metres of the area shown on the last revised assessment roll of
the Town of Aurora to which the proposed By-laws would apply and to every person
within 120 metres who provided the Clerk with written notice of change of ownership
or occupancy and to every person and public body who provided a written request for
such notice. In addition, the necessary signs were posted on the properties in
accordance with the rules of procedure under the Planning Act.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
PL97-044-089 re: Proposed Zoning By-law
Amendment Application. 5-61 Ochalski Road.
Block 7. Plan 65M-3072 -Phase I
Bawiew Wellington Homes. South side of
Ochalski Road between John West Way and
Hollandview Trail. D 14-04-97
Ms. Sarah Henstock, Planner, provided an overview of the proposal. The subject lands
are located in Phase I of the Bayview Wellington development. The site is on the
south side of Ochalski Road between John West Way and Hollandview Trail. The
subject lands are designated Medium High Density of the Bayview Wellington Centre
Secondary Plan. The lands are currently zoned "Row Dwelling Residential (R6-31)
Exception Zone" which permits back to back row housing. The application is to
change the zoning from "Row Dwelling Residential (H)R6-31 Exception Zone" to "Row
Dwelling Residential (H)R6 Exception Zone" to permit 23 street townhouses comprised
of 5 bungalow units and 1 8 two-storey units. The applicant has proposed three
townhouse blocks of 7-8 units in each block with a mixture of two-storey units in the
middle of each block stepping down to bungalow units at each end except for the unit
adjacent to John West Way which is to remain a two-storey unit. The proposed two-
storey units fit within the "R6-17" zoning standards that currently apply to the two
blocks to the north directly across the street, and the bungalow units mostly comply
with the "R6-17" zone standard but require a greater lot coverage due to the type of
housing form. The Planner advised that the applicant had originally proposed a
bungalow unit at the east end of the block adjacent to John West Way in this location.
The Secondary Plan requires that units along John West Way have a building height
of 3-4 storeys to create a "Main Street" and become pedestrian oriented. The
applicant had revised the plans to include a two-storey unit with gables in the end to
give the appearance of a three-storey unit. Comments have been received from the
Public Works Department which outline some technical concerns with the site, and
these issues have been discussed with the applicant and must be resolved prior to the
implementing Bill being drafted. Comments were also received from the other
departments which have been noted in the Staff Report which would also be
incorporated into the implementing Bill. The Planner concluded that the proposed
rezoning retains the intent of the Bayview Wellington Secondary Plan, adheres to the
principles in the Urban Design Guidelines, and enhances the variety of housing types
···.,
Aurora Special Council -Public Planning Minutes No. 13-97
Thursday, March 27, 1997
Page 3
available within the community and facilitates an expanded range of lifestyles. Council
was advised that Staff have no objection to this application and recommend that the
application to change the zoning to permit 23 street townhouses be approved subject
to the road and sewer issues being addressed to the satisfaction of the Public Works
Department, and the site undergoing site plan approval.
Applicant's Comments
Mr. Celeste Iacobelli on behalf of the applicant, stated that he was in support of the
Staff Report, and that they are prepared to work with Staff to resolve the concerns
identified.
No members of the public were present to address this application. The public portion
of the meeting closed at 7:40 p.m. and Council's deliberations began.
#217. Moved by Councillor Weller Seconded by Councillor Ochalski
THAT subject to the road and sewer reconstruction issues as detailed in
Report PL97-044-089 being addressed to the satisfaction of Public
Works Staff, the application to change the zoning from "Row Dwelling
Residential (H)R6-31 Exception Zone" to "Row Dwelling Residential (H)R6
Exception Zone" to permit 23 street townhouses be approved subject to
the site undergoing site plan approval; and
THAT Staff be authorized to prepare an implementing Bill.
CARRIED
PL97-045-090 re: Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment
!10 Semi-Detached Lots). Part of Lot 83. Concession I. E.Y.S ..
Bayview Wellington Management. West of Bayview
Avenue north of Hollidge Blvd .. D 14-02-97
Ms. Sarah Henstock, Planner, provided an overview of the proposal. The subject lands
are located in Phase II of the Bayview Wellington development west of Bayview
Avenue north of Hollidge Boulevard. Phase II is currently vacant with a mix of
residential housing units proposed similar to the Phase I development. The subject
lands are designated Low Medium Density of the Bayview Wellington Centre
Secondary Plan. The subject lands are currently zoned "Detached Dwelling Second
Density Residential (H)R2-50 Exception Zone". The applicant has requested a change
to the Zoning from "Detached Dwelling Second Density Residential (H)R2-50 Exception
Zone" to "Semi-Detached and Duplex Dwelling Third Density Residential Holding
(H)R3-6 Exception Zone" to permit 10 wide shallow semi-detached lots. The current
zoning permits 18 single detached dwellings on "interlots" which are a "L" shape with
a wide lot frontage of 1 0 metres. The proposal consists of frontages of 18.44 metres
per lot which would be 9.22 metres per unit. The lot configuration would be the
standard block form with a depth of 23 metres. The intent of the Bayview Wellington
Centre Secondary Plan is to have a broad mix of residential dwelling types to
accommodate the range of demand in the market place. The "interlots" that are
currently permitted under the existing zoning are a new and different form of housing
for the Town intended to promote alternative land uses as set out in the Secondary
Plan. The applicant has advised that attempts to market the interlots have not met
with a favourable response whereas the semi-detached lots have been marketed
successfully within this development. The Planner concluded that the proposed
rezoning retains the intent of the Bayview Wellington Secondary Plan by respecting the
Aurora Special Council -Public Planning Minutes No. 13-97
Thursday, March 27, 1997
Page 4
mix of unit types. The additional two units that the applicant has proposed to add to
the subdivision is balanced by the reduction of units for some of the blocks in Phase
I of the Bayview Wellington Subdivision and would not impact on the services for this
area. No objections to the application were received from the circulated departments
and agencies. Council was advised that the proposed amendment is minor in nature
and maintains the diversity within the subject Plan. Staff have therefore suggested
that the subject application for rezoning to permit 1 0 wide shallow semi-detached lots
be approved.
Applicant's Comments
Mr. Roger Beaman, Counsel for the applicant, indicated that he was in support of the
comments and recommendations provided for in the Staff Report.
No members of the public were present to address this application. The public portion
of the meeting closed at 7:55 p.m. and Council's deliberations began.
#218. Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor Weller
THAT the application to change the zoning from"Detached Dwelling
Second Density Residential {H)R2-50 Exception Zone" to "Semi-Detached
and Duplex Dwelling Third Density Residential Holding {H)R3-6 Exception
Zone" be approved; and
THAT Staff be authorized to prepare an implementing Bill.
CARRIED
PL97-046-091 re: Proposed Zoning By-law
Amendment Application (School/Park Sitel.
Part of Lot 83. Concession I E.Y.S.-Phase II
Bayview Wellington Management. West side of
Bavview Avenue north of Hollidge Blvd .. D14-03-97
The Director of Planning provided an overview of the proposal. The subject lands are
located at the north end of Phase II in the Bayview Wellington development west of
Bayview Avenue north of Hollidge Boulevard. The subject site is comprised of the
institutional lands for two schools and the parkland. During the review of the Draft
Plan of Subdivision by the School Boards the siting potential of the property was
considered and the School Boards requested the flexibility within the Draft Plan to
relocate the schools. The schools were relocated further to the west adjacent to the
open space area along the ravine and parkland to the east adjacent to the hydro
corridor. The applicant has requested and amendment to the Zoning By-law from
"Open Space {0) Zone" and "Institutional {I) Zone" to "Institutional { 1-1 0) Exception
Zone" to permit schools and parkland to facilitate the reconfiguration in this regard.
The current proposal rearranges the uses as subsequently agreed to and consolidates
the parkland for one large park connected to the hydro corridor. The proposed zoning
would permit both schools and parkland and would accommodate any future
rearrangement of the school and parklands that may be required for the subject lands.
Comments received from the Leisure Services Department included that the park block
be the same size as indicated in the original Draft Plan of Subdivision, and a public
right-of-way over the north end of the school site to access the valley land. Council
was advised that Staff recommend that the application be approved subject to
requirements contained in the Staff Report.
Aurora Special Council -Public Planning Minutes No. 13-97
Thursday, March 27, 1997
Applicant's Comments
Page 5
Mr. Roger Beaman, Counsel for the applicant indicated that he was in support of the
Staff Report as presented and explained the purpose of the application.
No members of the public were present to address this application. The public portion
of the meeting closed at 7:58 p.m. and Council's deliberations began.
#219. Moved by Councillor Weller Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT the application to change the zoning from "Open Space (0) Zone"
and "Institutional (I) Zone" to "Institutional {1-1 0) Exception Zone" to
permit schools and parkland be approved; and
THAT Staff be authorized to prepare an implementing Bill.
CARRIED
PL97-049-092 re: Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment.
Horizontal Investments Ltd .. Lots 12 through to
15 and Part of Lot 16. Registered Plan 68.
69. 73, 77. 81 and 83 Metcalfe Street. D14-05-97
At this point in the meeting Councillor Sorley declared an interest in this application
by virtue of a solicitor-client relationship and left the meeting for the duration of the
discussion on the application.
Mr. Rob Hughes, Planner, provided Council with an overview of the subject
application. The subject lands are located on the south side of Metcalfe Street midway
between Wells Street and Larmont Street. Five single detached residential dwellings
currently exist on the lands, municipally known as 69, 73, 77, 81, and 83 Metcalfe
Street. He advised of the building history of these homes and that the units are listed
as heritage properties, and the present condition of the homes. The lands are
designated "Urban Residential" in the Official Plan. The subject lands are currently
zoned "Detached Dwelling Second Density Residential R2 Zone" (69-81 Metcalfe
Street) and "Special Mixed Density Residential (R5) Zone" (83 Metcalfe Street). The
subject lands are located within the centre of the early historic residential
neighbourhood directly across from the Town Park. Many of the homes surrounding
the park and opposite facing Harrison Avenue are street oriented, mid-sized single
detached units characterized by narrow side yards, shallow front yard setbacks, and
rear yard garages. The applicants have proposed to rezone the subject lands from
"Detached Dwelling Second Density Residential (R2) Zone" and "Special Mixed Density
Residential (R5) Zone" to "Semi-Detached and Duplex Dwelling Third Density
Residential (R3-1 0) Exception Zone" and "Detached Dwelling Second Density
Residential (R2) Exception Zone". The purpose of the amendment is to allow for the
replacement of the existing five detached homes with ten semi-detached units and one
single detached unit. Exceptions to the R2 zoning designation for the single house
include a reduction in the minimum lot area, minimum lot frontage, and the minimum
interior side yard setback for a two storey building. Council was advised that in
principle the subject application provides for an increased variety of housing forms and
purchase prices within the historic core, and compatible infill housing and small scale
urban intensification. Staff have suggested that some changes to the subject
development in order to ensure improved compatibility with the surrounding
neighbourhood. The proposed changes identified in this regard include that the
proposed two-bay garages be replaced with those having the ability to accommodate
a single vehicle; that a maximum be placed on floor area and main building height; that
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Aurora Special Council -Public Planning Minutes No. 13-97
Thursday, March 27, 1997
Page 6
the building be setback from the front lot line consistent with adjoining properties; that
there be variation in the exterior design and cladding of each building design; and that
consideration be given to rear yard landscaping and fencing treatment. Staff have
reviewed the list of exceptions requested to the normal R2 and R3 zoning provisions
and the standards appear to be consistent with those adopted by Council in the past
for other locations in the municipality with the exception of the standards requested
for the single detached R2 unit. Staff have suggested that the dimensions of the
proposed lot be revised in accordance with existing R2 exception zone standards
previously approved by Council in order to avoid a precedent in this regard. Council
was advised that in principle, staff have no objections to the application subject to
revision of the plans submitted to address certain building design and site plan issues,
grading and servicing connections, and that the development be subject to site plan
control, and further that the applicant adhere to the existing R2 Exception zone
standards for the proposed single detached unit.
Applicant's Comments
Mr. Arthur Diamond, building designer and agent for the applicant explained the
purpose of the application involving an infill project and to enhance the old Town fabric
with the replacement of the existing rental housing with quality semi-detached homes
and a detached house. He explained that the proposed housing units would be
compatible with the existing housing mix and density in the area of the old Town Park,
the real estate value of this form of housing, and the low lot coverage and elevations
of the proposal, and the homeowners that would be attracted to this form of housing.
Mr. Diamond identified some concerns that he had regarding the five proposed
changes contained in the Staff Report and responded to each of these issues and
explained that the applicant would work with Staff to resolve the same. The two-bay
garages are part of modern living with the majority of families having two cars, and
the original proposal has been modified in an attempt to lessen the impact of the
garages and these initiatives were explained in this regard. The proposed designs as
they pertain to floor area and main building height were explained, and that the same
are not the largest in the area. It would be difficult to be consistent with the adjoining
building setbacks as they are less than the current zoning minimum requirement of 6.0
metres needed for parking in the front. The townhouses that were constructed on the
corner of Centre Street and Walton Drive were also cited as an example of the type
of projects that have been completed. Individual designs have been prepared for each
building in order to create a wider variety of design and detail in keeping with the
existing neighbourhood. A rear yard buffer strip in the form of landscaping or fencing
should be agreed upon and presented at the Site Plan approval stage. The benefits to
the Town derived through approval of the application were outlined.
Public Comments
A number of residents in the vicinity provided Council with concerns including the type
of housing form, building height, scale, and aesthetics of the proposed housing units.
The continued enjoyment of back yards by abutting property owners, zoning
standards, and rear yard landscaping and fencing treatment between the housing
forms were also raised. Maintaining an open view of the street with windows located
at the front of the house and minimizing the impact of the garages, and the alternative
of a rear yard garage location accessed by a laneway were identified as being major
concerns. Other residents identified concerns regarding the loss of affordable housing,
density of the project, maintaining the street scape, and that the housing units would
ultimately be built as presented this evening. Concerns related to timing for the
housing units to be constructed, minimizing the impact of construction activity to
abutting property owners, fencing and landscaping, drainage, and the condition and
•.
Aurora Special Council -Public Planning Minutes No. 13-97
Thursday, March 27, 1997
Page 7
maintenance of the existing rental housing units on the subject lands were provided.
Overall there was general support provided for the proposal as being a positive
initiative and improvements to the area.
The building designer for the applicant and Staff provided general responses to the
questions of the public raised thus far on the proposal. The applicant advised of the
benefit of two-bay garages, and the requirement for lot coverage, and that the
greenery and planting of the area would still be maintained. The buffer strip along the
back of the project was proposed to be dealt with at the site plan approval stage and
that the applicant was open to suggestions on a buffer strip. The proposed building
period subject to all necessary approvals and construction measures were explained.
Staff responded to issues regarding the location of the garages and building height
restrictions. The applicant further responded to the location and size of the one single
detached unit and drainage concerns. It was indicated that the proposed semi-
detached units and single detached units would be marketed as freehold units for sale.
The public portion of the meeting closed at 8:55 p.m. and Council's deliberations
began.
#220. Moved by Councillor Wallace Seconded by Councillor Weller
THAT the application be approved in principle and the passing of an
implementing Bill to be withheld pending the processing of a Site Plan
Application, and the resolution of issues respecting the dominance of on-
street garages, driveway width, building height and size, architectural
design and cladding, building setbacks, and rear yard screening; and
THAT the applicant be requested to adhere to existing R2 exception zone
standards for the proposed single detached unit.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
#221. Moved by Councillor Weller
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:15p.m.
CARRIED
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L. ALLISON, MUNICIPAL CLERK