MINUTES - Special Council - 20070523
TOWN OF AURORA
SPECIAL COUNCIL – PUBLIC PLANNING MEETING
MINUTES
NO. 07-14
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Morris in the Chair; Councillors McRoberts,
MacEachern, Gaertner, Granger, Marsh, Collins-
Mrakas, Buck, Wilson (arrived at 7:15 p.m.)
MEMBERS ABSENT None
OTHER ATTENDEES Director of Planning, Manager of Development
Planning, Planner, Administrative Co-ordinator/
Deputy Clerk and Council/Committee Secretary
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
I DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
Councillor Marsh declared an interest in item 2 by virtue of the applicant being
her spouse’s employer, 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 MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department be
approved, considering item 4 prior to item 3.
CARRIED
III PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Mayor Morris 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. 07-14 Page 2
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
1. PL07-059 - Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft Plan
of Condominium Applications
Stirling Cook Aurora Inc.
13777, 13795, 13815 Yonge Street and 74 Old
Bloomington Road, Lots 17, 18, 19, 20, Plan 166
Northeast corner of Yonge Street and Bloomington Road
Files D14-13-06 and D07-02-06
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 the
surrounding lands and the designation of the lands in relation to OPA 34 and
OPA 48. The Planner explained that the application has been submitted for a
Zoning By-law Amendment and Vacant Land Condominium for a recently
submitted 22 unit development at the north-east corner of Yonge Street and
Bloomington Road. The Planner advised that staff are awaiting further
supporting material in relation to the revised concept plan, which were unable to
be presented to Council at this time. The Planner stated that, from a natural
heritage perspective, the new concept is greatly improved. Notwithstanding that,
there is further work in regards to the landform conservation, hydrogeology and
conformity with the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, in order for the Town
to determine compliance with the plan.
Councillor Wilson arrived at 7:15 p.m.
Applicant/Agent
Ms Laura Starr, Landscape Architect for Gartner Lee Limited, addressed Council
to address various issues regarding the application. Ms Starr advised that, due
to the development being a gateway site, the natural heritage will be kept in tact
on the lands, which will house 4,000 to 6,500 square foot homes. Ms Starr also
advised that a maintenance plan will be required for the woodlot, that a tree
preservation plan will be in place for the site, that the lighting will be
environmentally friendly and that the homes will be designed with an energy
efficiency program.
Public Comments
Mr. Ellwood Ibbotson, of 78 Monkman Court, addressed Council to make
inquiries relating to the community being gated and the location of the vehicular
access point into the community.
The public portion of the meeting closed at 7:40 p.m. and Council’s deliberations
began.
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Buck
THAT the application be approved in principle, subject to the resolution of
outstanding issues referred to in the staff report and the comments of
Council and the public ; and
THAT staff report back to a future Public Planning meeting; and
THAT, if all documents are received in a timely manner, a Special Public
Planning meeting be scheduled prior to a regularly scheduled Council
meeting in July or August 2007.
CARRIED
Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 07-14 Page 3
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Councillor Marsh, having previously declared at interest in item 2, 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.
2. PL07-060 – Applications to Amend Zoning By-law and
Draft Plan Approval of Proposed Plan of Subdivision
Victor Priestly / Claretree Developments 105 Inc.
Part of Lot 25, Concession 2, E.Y.S
Files D14-17-06 & D12-03-06
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 the subject
and surrounding lands at the south-east corner of St. John’s Sideroad and
Bayview Avenue. The Planner explained that the subject lands would be
developed as 98 medium-high density residential units, a 100 suite retirement
residence and a 2.8 acre convenience commercial block. The Planner indicated
that staff are awaiting written comments from the Region of York, however the
majority of the planning matters have been addressed. Verbally, the Region has
indicated concern regarding road access.
Applicant/Agent
Mr. Jim Kirk, Planning Consultant, advised that he believes any outstanding
issues can be easily resolved and that the road access issues are being
addressed with the Traffic Engineer.
Public Comments
Mr. Chris McGowan presented his opinion that the vegetation will be minimal,
there will be no birds, and that the wall to wall houses would have a negative
impact on the neighbourhood.
Mr. John Mascarin, Solicitor, representing Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.,
indicated that a gas pressure reduction station is adjacent to the north-east
corner of the site, with 30 ft. of frontage along St. John’s Sideroad. Mr. Mascarin
indicated that his client has operated the station since 1990, and requested that
similar conditions to the Mattamy plan of subdivision be imposed on this site.
Mr. Jamil Lati inquired regarding volume of expected traffic on Street A, whether
sufficient parking will be available within the high occupancy residential
development and about the location of refuse receptacles.
The public portion of the meeting closed at 8:40 p.m. and Council’s deliberations
began.
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the application be brought back to a further Public Planning
meeting, upon the resolution of the major outstanding issues, including but
not limited to: density, parkland & amenity features, traffic flow, trail
system, bird survey, vegetation, stormwater management, open space
and connection to the trail system, gateway features, parking lot, (expanse
of asphalt), noise buffering and the contribution of the development to
sustainable growth.
CARRIED
Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 07-14 Page 4
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor McRoberts
THAT Council take a recess at 9:28 p.m.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT Council reconvene at 9:33 p.m.
CARRIED
4. PL07-063 – Applications to Amend the Zoning By-law and
Draft Plan of Subdivision
Stefano and Rose Polsinelli
14575 Bayview Avenue, Aurora
Part of Lot 16, Concession 2, E.Y.S.
Files D14-04-01 & D12-01-1A
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 the subject
and surrounding lands. The Planner indicated that applications have been
submitted for a 67 unit Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment
with respect to the 24 acre property, which is located at the north-east corner of
Bayview Avenue and Vandorf Sideroad. The Planner noted that access to the
proposed subdivision remains from Bayview Avenue only, with emergency
access provided from Vandorf Sideroad. It was noted that due to the Interior
design implications of the proposal, which include the realignment of an existing
watercourse feature and buffer area, it was not feasible to align an access
location from the subject lands to that of the Brookvalley development access
located on the south side of Vandorf Sideroad. The Planner further advised that
the applicant, Leisure Services, and Planning Staff are all satisfied with the
proposed parkland and open space dedication proposal, which would contribute
to meeting the parkland needs of the future community while conforming to
landform conservation objectives as prescribed by Official Plan Amendment #20.
In addition, the Planner noted that the proposed residential density of the
proposal was in keeping with the Official Plan. The Planner concluded his
presentation by stating that staff were of the opinion that all major outstanding
issues have been resolved, and should Council see merit in the subject proposal,
it was suggested that Council approve the applications in principle subject to the
resolution of outstanding issues, and direct staff to prepare the necessary
Conditions of Draft Approval and the Implementing Zoning By-law for
consideration by Council.
Applicant/Agent
Mr. Claudio Brutto of Brutto Consulting addressed Council to advise that he is in
support of the staff report and that all major issues have been resolved. Mr.
Brutto indicated that York Region has given draft approval and has approved
access to Bayview Avenue. Mr. Brutto also advised that Lake Simcoe Region
Conservation Authority has done peer reviews and has suggested elongating the
watercourse. As well, Mr. Brutto indicated that there would be a 100 metre,
heavily treed, separation between the houses from this subdivision to the one on
the south side of Vandorf Sideroad.
Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 07-14 Page 5
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Public Comments
Mr. Brian Thurston addressed Council to make comments regarding common
elements with adjacent developments, such as: adjacent to multi-acre estate
lots, less than 2 units per acre – minimum 50 ft. frontages, environmentally
significant features, share Bayview/Vandorf frontages and access via Vandorf
Sideroad. Mr. Thurston also inquired about changing to 40 ft. frontages,
maintaining Bayview Avenue access, density above 2 units per acres, financial or
structural inhibitor to Vandorf access, lots 36, 37 and 38 having the 35 metre
setback and maintenance for the full screening.
Mr. Ellwood Ibbotson addressed Council to inquire about the emergency access
to the community and the re-channelling of the watercourse on the subject
property.
Ms Catherine Cowley addressed Council to indicate that the road access should
not be from Bayview Avenue and that 40 ft. lots are not in keeping with the area.
The public portion of the meeting closed at 10:25 p.m. and Council’s
deliberations began.
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the meeting be extended past 10:30 p.m.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor Marsh
THAT the application be approved in principle, subject to the resolution of
outstanding issues including but not limited to road access, lot sizes, the
heritage barn, parkland and playground equipment, and hydrogeology;
and
THAT staff be directed to prepare the necessary Conditions of Draft
Approval and Implementing Zoning By-law.
CARRIED
3. PL07-065 – Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment
Drive-Through Policies & By-law Provision Additions
Files D09-01-07 & D14-06-07
Moved by Councillor Marsh Seconded by Councillor Wilson
THAT the Procedural By-law be waived in order to allow the public to
address Council prior to staff and the applicant.
CARRIED
Public Comments
Mr. Maurice Luchich, representing the TDL Group which is the operating group
for Tim Horton’s, addressed Council to indicate that he welcomes the opportunity
to work with staff regarding this application. Mr. Luchich advised that the TDL
Group has learned a lot regarding the issue of drive-throughs and that Tim
Horton’s was one of the last brands to introduce the drive-through concept.
Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 07-14 Page 6
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Moved by Councillor Marsh Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the item be adjourned to the June 27, 2007 Public Planning meeting
and that more information be obtained.
CARRIED
Planning Staff/ Applicant
No presentation was given.
IV READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the following listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
4916-07.C BEING A BY-LAW to confirm actions
by Council resulting from meeting
07-14 on Wednesday, May 23, 2007
CARRIED
V ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 11:11 p.m.
CARRIED
_______________________________ ________________________________
PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR KAREN EWART, DEPUTY CLERK