MINUTES - Special Council - 20060222
TOWN OF AURORA
SPECIAL COUNCIL – PUBLIC PLANNING MEETING
MINUTES
NO. 06-06
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Jones in the Chair; Councillors Buck, Gaertner,
Vrancic and Wallace.
MEMBERS ABSENT Councillors Hogg, Kean, Morris and West were
absent.
OTHER ATTENDEES Director of Planning, Manager of Development
Planning, Planners, Administrative Co-ordinator/
Deputy Clerk, and Council/Committee Secretary.
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Councillor Vrancic, declared an interest in Item 4 - Zoning By-law Amendment
Application from Terra Aurora Inc. for the lands located at 185 & 205 Industrial
Parkway North, by virtue of a Solicitor/Client relationship with a potential tenant,
and did not take part in or vote on any questions in this regard or attempt in any
way to influence the voting on such questions.
II APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Councillor Wallace Seconded by Councillor Buck
THAT the content of the Agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services
Department be approved as presented.
CARRIED
Mayor Jones outlined the procedures that would be followed in the conduct of the
public meeting. The Deputy Clerk confirmed that appropriate notice had been
given and that signs had been posted on the subject properties in accordance
with the relevant provisions of the Planning Act.
Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 06-06 Page 2
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
III PLANNING APPLICATIONS
1. PL06-027 - Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law
Amendment Applications
4240111 Canada Inc. (Origin Retirement Communities
Inc.), Northwest Corner of John West Way and
Hollandview Trail, Lot 82, Concession 1, Part 6,
Plan 65R-14423, File D09-01-06 and D14-01-06
Planning Staff
The Planner provided a description of the application and reviewed the contents
of the report, outlining the location of the property and current uses of subject
and surrounding land. The Planner advised that the applicant is requesting
amendments to the Zoning By-law and Official Plan for the lands located at the
northwest corner of John West Way and Hollandview Trail to permit an
Institutional use to allow for a retirement residence operated by “Origin
Retirement Communities”. The Planner advised that the proposed retirement
home is a five storey building having 144 full service rental units consisting of a
mixture of studio, 1 bedroom and 1 bedroom & den suites including a 30 unit
assisted living floor, a commercial kitchen, laundry/cleaning services and 58
parking spaces located along the north property line of the site.
The Planner advised that comments from outside parties and staff indicate no
significant concerns with the application, however there have been a number of
concerns raised by the residents in that area. The Planner advised that Origin
Retirement Communities hosted a Public Information Session/Open House on
February 8, 2006 to discuss the proposal with the neighbours and it was found
that concerns included, but were not limited to: the height of the building,
massing of the building, the blocked sunlight due to the height, increase noise,
traffic, illumination and the minimal landscape buffer proposed. The Planner
advised that several residents from Ochalski Road and the President of the
Bayview/Wellington Ratepayers Association have been working with staff to
address these concerns and that the applicant has stated that they are
committed to try and satisfy the residents concerns and have agreed to several
design element revisions that have been suggested.
Applicant/Agent
Mr. Bruce Hall, planning representative of Intelliterra Inc. provided an overview of
this proposal and outlined the overall vision and the potential benefits that will
come of this addition to the community and reviewed the many ways in which the
application ties in with Council’s original vision for the Civic Square area. Mr.
Hall advised that the design will complement and enhance the existing look of the
community and that the function of this retirement residence will fill a much
needed demand in the area, allowing aging residents to remain in their
community with confidence and dignity.
Mr. Hall advised that, in response to the concerns raised by the neighbouring
residents, the applicant has no issue with the inclusion of additional landscaping
and buffering, a fence and mature trees. Mr. Hall advised that the applicant is
committed to reducing the wings to 4 stories and increasing the setbacks to
address the shadow and privacy issues, however it was noted that there are
some technical issues regarding the assisted care floor and that architects are
currently working on these issues. Mr. Hall advised that some of the rooftop
equipment will be moved to the basement level to reduce the perceived height of
the building and he advised that the other issues, including parking and traffic
impacts on the area, garbage pick-up, security systems, environmental concerns
and noise will be thoroughly addressed during the site plan process.
Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 06-06 Page 3
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Public Comments
The following residents spoke in opposition of the application
٠ Mr. John Gallo, President of the Bayview/Wellington Ratepayers Association,
resident of 29 Civic Square Gate;
٠ Ms Dorothy Gummersall, resident of 43 Evelyn Buck Lane;
٠ Mr. Jim Thomson, resident of 41 Ochalski Road;
٠ Mr. Denis Poncelet, resident of 67 Ochalski Road
Mr. John Gallo requested that Council give consideration to denying this
application and rezoning this land to be used as park or open green space to
allow the residents to continue to enjoy their community in the same manner as
they have in the past. Mr. Gallo requested that Council adopt a new motion in
the event that the application be approved, and he read it out as follows:
THAT in view of the proposal not conforming to the current designation in
the “Bayview Wellington Centre Secondary Plan” (Official Plan #6) as,
“High Density Residential”, and if Council should determine that there is
merit in the subject application, it be recommended;
THAT staff be authorized to work with the applicant and the ratepayers
group; and
THAT approval of the implementing by-law be given in concert with the
site plan approval, taking into consideration all concerns of the ratepayers
group; and
THAT, once a consensus has been established, the application is once
again brought to the public for review.
The comments and concerns raised by the residents included but were not
limited to the following:
- Request to be included in the process of selecting colours, and design of the
proposed structure;
- Concerns about the imposing shadow from the building and impact on privacy
of neighbouring residences;
- Concerns about the potential impact on traffic, parking, general noise, light,
pollution, snow removal, noise and congestion from emergency and delivery
vehicles, garbage and medical waste storage and pick-up.
The public portion of the meeting closed at 8:05 p.m. and Council’s deliberations
began.
Moved by Councillor Wallace Seconded by Councillor Buck
THAT the applications in Report PL06-027 be approved in principle,
subject to the resolution of outstanding issues, and
THAT approval of the zoning by-law be given in concert with Site Plan
Approval to ensure that details of the landscape buffer, fencing, and
building design have been addressed; and
THAT staff be permitted to work with the applicant and the
Bayview/Wellington Ratepayers Association, to address the concerns
raised by the residents in the affected area; and
THAT the application be brought back to a further public meeting upon
resolution of the major outstanding issues.
CARRIED
Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 06-06 Page 4
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
2. PL06-028 – Applications to Amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law
Priestly Holding Corporation (Montessori School)
Part of Lot 80, Concession 1, E.Y.S., Block 5 of Plan
65M-2976 and Block 45 of Plan 65M-3461
Files D09-04-05 & D14-17-05
Planning Staff
The Planner provided a description of the application and reviewed the contents
of the report, outlining the location of the property and current uses of subject
and surrounding land. The Planner advised that the applicant has requested
amendments to the Zoning By-law and Official Plan for the lands located at the
northwest corner of Stone Road and Bayview Avenue to permit a Montessori
School and accessory uses on the subject lands. The Planner advised that the
school will be comprised of 6 teaching classrooms in a one storey building, a tot
lot to be located at the rear of the proposed building on the west side of the
property and 28 parking spaces provided including one handicap space. The
Planner also advised that sole access is proposed via a full moves access from
Stone Road.
The Planner advised that a traffic study concluded that the site access as
designed would provide adequate capacity for school traffic; the onsite vehicular
circulation as designed is efficient and safe; and, the number of parking spaces
provided exceeded the demand anticipated. The Planner advised that the
proposed land use is compatible and appropriate with the surrounding residential
area, is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, achieves the objectives
of the Town’s Strategic Plan and the proposal does not present any servicing
allocation concerns. The Planner concluded by advising that staff and outside
parties have no objections and comments from the application circulation are
minor and of a technical nature and therefore can be easily satisfied through the
remaining site plan approval process, therefore, based on the aforementioned,
staff recommends the approval of the subject applications.
Applicant/Agent
Mr. Howard Friedman, of HBR Planning, representing the Priestly Holding
Corporation, provided an overview of the concept for this proposed Montessori
School and he advised that he is in full support of the comments within the staff
report and requested that Council approve the report.
Public Comments
Ms Andrea de la Fuente, resident of 156 Millcliffe Circle inquired about the size of
the retaining wall that will be erected between her property and the proposed
school. Mr. Friedman responded by advising that the proposed wall will reach up
to 1.2 metres at its highest point.
The public portion of the meeting closed at 9:05 p.m. and Council’s deliberations
began.
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT Council approve in principle the applications as outlined in report
PL06-028 in addition to the existing commercial uses of the property, to
allow for future redevelopment of the property for commercial purposes
thereby providing convenience commercial services for the surrounding
neighbourhood as was originally contemplated by the secondary plan.
CARRIED
Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 06-06 Page 5
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
3. PL06-031 – Zoning By-law Amendment Application
The Merkur Group, 14800 Yonge Street
Part Lot 77, Concession 1 W.Y.S.
File D14-04-06
Planning Staff
The Planner provided a description of the application and reviewed the contents
of the report, outlining the location of the property and current uses of subject
and surrounding land. The Planner advised that the applicant has submitted a
rezoning application to eliminate the site specific parking standard for the lands,
located within the Yonge Street South Community Commercial Centre, which has
the purpose of serving the commercial needs of several surrounding
neighbourhoods. The Planner advised that, due to the anticipated future growth
and subsequent demand on the Yonge Street South Community Commercial
Centre derived from residential intensification in the surrounding
neighbourhoods, as well the anticipated slow future growth in this area, in
culmination with the proposed parking standards, Staff have no objection to the
proposed Zoning Amendment.
Applicant/Agent
Mr. Harry Froussis, of Zelinka Priamo Ltd., advised the proposed modifications to
the parking area within the subject lands should vastly improve traffic flow in that
area and meet all current standards, and he requested that Council approve that
staff recommendations within report PL06-031.
Public Comments
There were no members of the public in attendance to comment on the
application.
The public portion of the meeting closed at 9:20 p.m. and Council’s deliberations
began.
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT Report PL06-031 be received as information and that Council
approve the application in principle, subject to the resolution of
outstanding issues.
CARRIED
4. PL06-029 – Zoning By-law Amendment Application
Terra Aurora Inc.
185 & 205 Industrial Parkway North
Lot 87, Plan 246, File D14-02-06
Planning Staff
The Manager of Development Planning provided a description of the application
and reviewed the contents of the report, outlining the location of the property and
current uses of subject and surrounding land. The Manager of Development
Planning advised that the applicant has requested an amendment to the Zoning
By-law to allow a licensed day care centre as an additional permitted use for the
lands located at 185 and 205 Industrial Parkway North. The Manager of
Development Planning advised that staff and outside parties have no objections
to the proposal.
Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 06-06 Page 6
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Applicant/Agent
Mr. Michael Larkin, of Larkin & Associates advised that the requested use is in
keeping with the existing uses of the area and that the traffic study concluded
that there will be no negative impact on the area resulting from this application.
Mr. Larking concluded by requesting that Council approve the recommendations
in report PL06-029
Public Comments
There were no members of the public in attendance to comment on the
application.
The public portion of the meeting closed at 9:50 p.m. and Council’s deliberations
began.
Councillor Vrancic, having previously declared a possible interest in Item 4, did not take
part in any discussion in this regard.
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT Council approve the application in principle, subject to the
resolution of outstanding issues.
CARRIED
IV READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Wallace
THAT the following listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
4775-06.C BEING A BY-LAW to Confirm
Actions by Council Resulting
From Meeting 06-06 on
February 22, 2006
CARRIED
V ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Buck
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
CARRIED
______________________ _________________________________
T. JONES, MAYOR K. EWART, DEPUTY CLERK