MINUTES - Special Council - 20030625
TOWN OF AURORA
SPECIAL COUNCIL - PUBLIC PLANNING MEETING
MINUTES
NO. 03-19
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Jones in the Chair; Councillors Griffith,
MacEachern, Pedersen, and West.
MEMBERS ABSENT Councillors Kean, Timpson, Vrancic and Wallace were
absent.
STAFF MEMBERS Administrative Coordinator/Deputy Clerk, Director of
Planning, Planners, Acting Planner, Planning
Technician, Acting Manager of Planning and
Environment and Council/Committee Secretary.
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act.
II APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the content of the Agenda be approved as presented with the
addition of the following:
Correspondence from Angela Rudder of 563 Tara Hill Circle,
regarding Item #1 - PL03-069 - Zoning By Law Amendment
Application, Lips/Malone Given Parsons Limited, 219 Old Yonge
Street.
CARRIED
III PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Mayor Jones outlined the procedures that would be followed in the conduct of the
public meeting. The Deputy Town Clerk confirmed that appropriate notice had
been given in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Planning Act.
Aurora Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 03-19 Page 2
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
1. PL03-069 - Zoning By-law Amendment Application
Lips/Malone Given Parsons Limited
219 Old Yonge Street
Part of Lot 4, Registered Plan 461
D14-06-02
Planning Staff
The Planner gave a description of the application and summarized the contents
of the Planning Report No. PL03-069. The Planner advised that the applicant is
proposing to amend the Zoning By-law to permit the redevelopment of the
property to demolish the existing dwelling and replace it with two residential
buildings containing a total of 8 row-house units. The Planner advised that the
first building, shown as Block A, will consist of 5 units to be located in the
southeast portion of the subject lands, and Block B will consist of 3 units to be
located in the west portion of the subject lands. The applicant has submitted
drawings, plans and various surveys and reports to support this application. The
Planner indicated that staff have some concerns with regard to preservation of
trees on the site, adequate buffering between the subject lands and neighbouring
properties, and the need for clarification as to the ownership status of these
proposed dwellings in terms of private or public. The Planner advised that
comments are still expected from Treasury, the Economic Development Division
and Central York Fire Services. The Planner recommended that Staff report back
to Council with the resolution of these issues.
Applicant
Mr. Richard Harrison advised that he is representing the owners, Mr. and Mrs.
Lips, who were in attendance. Mr. Harrison advised that the plan which was
originally submitted has been modified to allow for all 24 parking spots to be
contained within the subject lands and that the turnaround for fire protection
services is no longer needed within the design, as trucks will be able to back out,
so the space will be better disseminated.
Mr. Harrison advised that the Lips have been trying to save the 7 Chinese Elm
trees in the front yard, however an arborist has advised that the trees are too far
gone to attempt preservation. Mr. Harrison advised that the parking provisions,
servicing and access availability meet with the Town’s requirements, and advised
that the applicant still requests an exemption from the access road standard
width requirement of 7.4 m. to allow for a 6 m. road width.
Public Comments
The following residents commented on this application:
• Mr. Brendan Heaslip, 557 Tara Hill Circle
• Mrs. Darlene Whyte, 353 St. John’s Sideroad
• Mrs. Orianna Brodbeck, 220 Old Yonge Street
• Mr. Larry McCartney, 501 Tara Hill Circle
• Mr. Devon Pirto, 527 Tara Hill Circle
Concerns raised included the issues of increased traffic and further aggravation
of existing parking problems in the area, safety hazard for residents walking in
the area due to the lack of sidewalks along with the high volume of traffic and
parked cars, unpleasant view for residents living on Old Yonge Street, concerns
regarding the rental of the proposed units as this may reduce the value of homes
in the area and the potential for loss of on-street parking which is currently used
by condominium owners just south of the subject area.
Some residents requested that the Town consider incorporating a sidewalk into
the streetscape to improve safety, and plant new shrubbery and hedges to
provide screening of the roadway and parking area within the proposed
development for neighbouring residents in the immediate area.
Aurora Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 03-19 Page 3
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
The public portion of the meeting closed at 7:30 p.m. and Council’s deliberations
began.
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Pedersen
THAT Report PL03-069 be received as information and that staff be
requested to report back as to the resolution of the outstanding issues, as
identified in this report and concerns raised by residents at the Public
Planning Meeting; and
THAT this report address issues including but not limited to:
• Installation of sidewalks on Old Yonge Street to address pedestrian
safety concerns with regard to high volume of traffic and parked
cars;
• Increased landscaping to shelter residents from the view of the
neighbouring units and parked cars;
• Green space be enhanced on the subject property; and
• Request that the owner register the property as a condominium to
alleviate concerns regarding the rental of the proposed units
CARRIED
2. PL03-064 - Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment Application
Puccini’s Auto Centre Ltd., Parts 1 and 2 of 65R-3167,
218 Edward Street,
D09-03-03 and D14-09-03
Planning Staff
The Planning Technician gave a description of the application and summarized
the contents of the Planning Report No. PL03-064. The Planning Technician
advised that the applicant is proposing to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-
law to permit the sale of used cars as an ancillary use to the existing auto repair
facility. The Planning Technician indicated that no changes would be made to the
site plan or the building and the used cars would be displayed on the existing lot.
The Planning Technician advised that staff indicated some concerns regarding
the differences between the conceptual plan and the approved site plan.
Therefore the Planning Technician suggested that Council recommend that the
application be referred back to staff to work with the applicant toward the
resolution of outstanding issues and drafting of an Official Plan Amendment and
Implementing Zoning By-law Amendment.
Applicant
Mr. Terry Kelly advised that he represents Puccini’s Auto Centre Ltd. and
indicated that the applicant expects that sales of used cars would be
approximately 2 to 4 per month. Mr. Kelly advised that the zoning amendment
was a requirement in order for the applicant to obtain a vehicle dealer’s licence
from the Ministry of Transportaion. Mr. Kelly further advised that the applicant did
not request the waiving of associated application fees, only a reduction of the
fees which amount to $6,000, on the grounds that this is an existing small
business, hoping to increase service for the convenience of its clients.
Public Comments
There were no members of the public in attendance to comment on the application.
Aurora Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 03-19 Page 4
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
The public portion of the meeting closed at 7:45 p.m. and Council’s deliberations
began.
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT report PL03-064 be received as information and that the application
be approved in principle and referred back to staff to work with the
applicant toward the resolution of outstanding issues; and
THAT staff be requested to report back with a draft Official Plan
Amendment and Implementing Zoning By-law Amendment; and
THAT staff be requested to report on the costs of processing Official Plan
Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications.
CARRIED
3. PL03-068 - Zoning By-law Amendment Application
Abbotsford Animal Hospital
Lot 6, Plan 131
15018 Yonge Street
D14-11-03
Planning Staff
The Planner gave a description of the application and summarized the contents
of the Planning Report No. PL03-068. The Planner advised that the applicant is
proposing to amend the Zoning By-law to permit the use of the subject lands for
business and professional offices, retail and clinics and to include 5 additional
parking spaces totalling 10 all together on the subject lands. The Planner
advised that staff have some concerns with respect to the inability to ascertain
parking needs without a complete floor plan, the need for further review and
submission of a site plan to help determine suitability of the specified uses is
required. Therefore the Planner suggested that Council recommend that Staff
report back with the resolution of these issues.
Applicant
Mr. Jory Bocknek advised that the projected number of practitioners expected to
practice in the proposed clinic would be two, and that at any given time the
number of patients visiting the clinic shouldn’t exceed 2 to 4 an hour. Mr.
Bocknek advised that the increase of parking spots to 10 should accommodate
the projected uses within the proposed building and allow for left over parking
spots to alleviate parking needs within the area.
Mr. Bocknek requested that the Town permit the Zoning By-law amendment at
this time, to assist him in assuring potential buyers that the subject lands will
accommodate the type of businesses he is proposing in conjunction with the sale
of these units. Mr. Bocknek advised that the site plan process can then be
conducted with the prospective owners once they purchase the units.
Public Comments
The following residents commented on this application:
• Mr. Richard Allan, 15032 Yonge Street
• Mrs. Isabel Joyce, 15 Kennedy Street West
Concerns raised included the abundance of medical clinics in the area already
and the potential for an added burden on the existing parking deficiency in the
vicinity.
Aurora Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 03-19 Page 5
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
The public portion of the meeting closed at 8:05 p.m. and Council’s deliberations
began.
Moved by Councillor Griffith Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT report PL03-068 be received as information; and
THAT Staff be directed to clarify the outstanding issues pertaining to use,
required zoning exceptions and parking prior to the drafting of an
implementing by-law; and
THAT the two existing parking spaces on Yonge Street be removed from
the design.
CARRIED
4. PL03-070 - Zoning By-law Amendment Application
Sam Accardi in Trust
Part of Lot 122, Registered Plan 246
18 Centre Street
D14-10-03
Planning Staff
The Acting Planner gave a description of the application and summarized the
contents of the Planning Report No. PL03-070. The Acting Planner advised that
the applicant is proposing to amend the Zoning By-law to permit three row-house
dwellings. The Acting Planner advised that the applicant has provided a
conceptual site plan and conceptual elevations of the proposed buildings for the
purpose of illustrating the proposed development of the subject lands. The
Planner indicated that staff have some concerns with regard to the continuous
deck along the rear of the building, which is not permitted and the need for
dimensions to be submitted with respect to the garages. Therefore the Acting
Planner suggested that Council recommend that Staff report back with the
resolution of these issues.
Applicant
Mr. Paul King advised that he is the planning consultant for the applicant. Mr.
King advised that the applicant is taking measures within the design of the
driveways, to ensure the preservation of the existing mature trees on that site,
and that he will make any adjustments necessary to the design, to conform with
the Town’s requirements respecting the decks and the size of the garages.
Public Comments
Mr. James Wood, 10 Spruce Street advised that he is in favor of this proposal,
however he indicated that he would like to see the height of the roofs of the
proposed units lowered slightly to be more consistent with the other homes in the
area. Mr. Wood advised that a number of the properties to the north and west of
the subject property are in a serious state of disrepair, and Mr. Wood suggested
that measures should be taken to ensure that the garbage and debris on the
surrounding properties be cleaned up, in order to address the existing problem of
rodents within the vicinity.
Aurora Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 03-19 Page 6
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
The public portion of the meeting closed at 8:25 p.m. and Council’s deliberations
began.
Moved by Councillor Pedersen Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT report PL03-070 be received as information; and
THAT the application be referred back to staff to resolve outstanding
concerns such as height, and to draft an implementing Zoning By-law,
based on a site plan submission where the details of the application can
be ascertained.
CARRIED
5. PL03-072 - Statutory Public Meeting Oak Ridges Moraine
Conservation Plan, Municipal Conformity Exercise
Planning Staff
Mr. Howard Friedman, Consulting Planner to the Town of Aurora, gave a full
presentation outlining the Town’s role within the Oak Ridges Moraine Conformity
Exercise. Mr. Friedman advised that the Province of Ontario has implemented a
new Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP) and that it is the
responsibility of any Region or Municipality, who contains land within the Oak
Ridges Moraine, to amend their Official Plan and Zoning By-law, no later than
October 22, 2003, to conform with this new Provincial Plan to protect, maintain
and ensure the integrity of the Moraine’s ecological and hydrological features and
functions.
Mr. Friedman defined the land use categories as they apply to the land use
mapping and policies, environmental features & buffers policies and
groundwater/water resources protection policies. Mr. Friedman advised that the
Town has several options with regard to the Municipal Conformity Exercise, as
outlined within the report. Mr. Friedman advised that OPA 20, as it applies to the
lands located south of Wellington Street down to Vandorf Sideroad, between
Bayview Avenue and Leslie Street, creates some difficulty due to variation in
status. Mr. Friedman advised that the Province requires Council’s direction to
determine if the Town should take a position on these areas or if it should be left
to the property owners and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Public Comments
Mr. Don McCrae, 1156 Vandorf Sideroad advised that the status of his land has
been re-designated from Urban Residential to Linkage area in 2001. Mr. McCrae
expressed concern that he will be prohibited from developing his land in any way
and he requested that the status of his land be grandfathered to when he
originally purchased it.
The public portion of the meeting closed at 9:10 p.m. and Council’s deliberations
began.
Moved by Councillor West Seconded by Councillor Griffith
THAT Council receive for information purposes the Draft Official Plan
Amendment regarding the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan
(ORMCP) as attached as Appendix 1; and
THAT, with respect to special policies for existing lots within the
Settlement Area ORMCP land use designation, it be acknowledged that
existing lots of record within the Settlement Area should be deemed to
have fulfilled the ecological integrity requirement provided they are outside
of the environmental feature (KNHF) or its buffer (MVPZ).
Aurora Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 03-19 Page 7
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Fulfilment of the ecological integrity requirement would be deemed to have
been fulfilled by virtue of the development procedures that were originally
employed during the creation of the lot. However, within the feature or
buffer, development or site alteration would be permitted subject to special
criteria, such as, and for example:
• development or site alteration must ensure the protection of not
less than 75% of the feature and buffer on that lot;
• development or site alteration shall be within 6.0 metres of an
existing permitted primary use structure; and
• development or site alteration shall be discouraged within any
forested feature; and
THAT following the statutory public meeting staff continue to work with
HBR Planning Centre Inc. to refine the Draft Official Plan Amendment and
prepare a draft Zoning By-law and related mapping; and
THAT staff be authorized to hold another informational Public Open House
to consider additional input into the aforementioned proposed Official Plan
Amendment and Draft Zoning By-law on September 10, 2003; and
THAT following the Public Meeting and Open House, staff and HBR
Planning Centre Inc. review public input and agency comments, in order to
refine, and prepare for adoption, the Draft Amendments and report back to
Council with recommendations for fulfilling the Provincially mandated
conformity exercise.
CARRIED
IV ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
CARRIED
______________________ _________________________________
T. JONES, MAYOR K. EWART, DEPUTY CLERK