MINUTES - Special Council - 20080528
TOWN OF AURORA
SPECIAL COUNCIL – PUBLIC PLANNING MEETING
MINUTES
NO. 08-16
Council Chambers
Aurora Town Hall
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
ATTENDANCE
COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Morris in the Chair; Councillors Buck, Collins-
Mrakas (arrived at 7:50 p.m.), Gaertner, Gallo,
Granger, MacEachern, McRoberts and Wilson
MEMBERS ABSENT None
OTHER ATTENDEES Director of Planning, Policy Planner, Planner,
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
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act.
II APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor Granger
THAT the agenda as circulated by the Corporate Services Department be
approved as presented.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the following addition to the agenda be approved:
Correspondence from Ms Linda Shanks-Skinner
Re: Item 2 - Infill Housing By-law - File D14-08-07
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. 08-16 Page 2
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
1. PL08-053 – Application to Amend the Zoning By-law
Coland Developments Inc.
Lots 6 and 7, Part of Lots 2, 3, 4 and 5
Part of Reserved Part of Centre Street
Registered Plan 231
230 Wellington Street East
File D14-05-08
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 advised that the application is for a zoning
by-law amendment to permit three free-standing buildings; two for commercial
and one for professional offices, on the lands located on the north side of
Wellington Street East, east of Industrial Parkway North and west of the future
secondary school. The Planner indicated that the applicant was previously
granted a non-exclusive temporary easement over the full length of the
unopened road allowance which is land owned by the Town. The Planner further
advised that the applicant is proposing vehicular access to the site via a full
movement driveway onto Wellington Street East, with the provision of providing
an eastbound left turn lane along Wellington Street East. The Planner also
advised that a secondary access is proposed at the north end of the property via
a cross connection from the abutting school’s driveway connecting directly to
Industrial Parkway North.
Applicant/Agent
Ms Angela Sciberras, agent for the applicant, addressed Council to advise that
the uses which are being proposed for the lands are in compliance with the
Official Plan and that only a Zoning By-law Amendment is being sought. As well,
Ms Sciberras advised that comments which were received have been taken into
consideration and that they are close to submitting a site plan for consideration.
Mr. Nino Rico Architect, addressed Council to provide an overview of the design
of the buildings, including materials to be used, the various heights of the
buildings as well as the surrounding environment.
Public Comments
Mr. Martin Maier addressed Council to clarify the location of the proposed
development.
The public portion of the meeting closed at 7:32 p.m. and Council’s deliberations
began.
Moved by Councillor MacEachern Seconded by Councillor Gaertner
THAT the application from Coland Developments Inc. for rezoning be
approved in principle, subject to the resolution of the outstanding issues,
specifically the Town-owned unopened road allowance, the connection to
the school driveway, and review of at least the first site plan submission;
and
THAT staff provide a detailed report regarding the unopened road
allowance.
Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 08-16 Page 3
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
On a recorded vote the resolution was CARRIED.
YEAS: 6 NAYS: 3
VOTING YEAS: Councillors Gaertner, Gallo, Granger, MacEchern, Wilson and
Mayor Morris
VOTING NAYS: Councillors Buck, Collins-Mrakas and McRoberts
CARRIED
2. PL08-060 – Zoning By-law Amendment
Infill Housing By-law
File D14-08-07
Planning Staff
The Policy Planner provided a description of the proposed Zoning By-law
amendment, initiated by Town staff as directed by Council, and reviewed the
contents of the report, outlining the chronology of events leading up to the
proposed draft by-law. The Policy Planner then reviewed the amendments to the
draft by-law, which were derived from public comments received.
Applicant/Agent
Not applicable.
Public Comments
Ms Laurel Cook, 19 Kennedy Street East, addressed Council in opposition to the
proposed by-law, indicating that many residents who live in houses such as
those on Kennedy Street East intend to enlarge their homes and would be
restricted to do so under the proposed by-law. As well, Ms Cook questioned why
such a by-law would be considered when so few complaints have been received.
Ms Cook suggested that the by-law would affect the property values and
questioned why specific areas of town are being targeted under the proposed by-
law.
Mr. Brian Peck, 35 Cousins Drive, addressed Council in opposition to the
proposed by-law, suggesting that it would restrict the rights of homeowners to
improve their homes. Mr. Peck raised concerns regarding the by-law targeting
specific areas of town, the negative impact on property values and that the
affected residents were not notified of the proposed by-law prior to this year.
Ms Jennifer Tedford, 60 Machell Avenue, addressed Council in opposition to the
proposed by-law, advising that many homes on her street are in need of
renovation and that those who have chosen to live in certain areas should not be
targeted by the proposed by-law. Ms Tedford advised that the renovations that
she is intending to make on her home would fit into the atmosphere of Aurora
and would not result in a “monster home”. Ms Tedford also asked whether each
renovation could be dealt with on a case by case basis.
Mr. Gordon Barnes, 11 Catherine Avenue, addressed Council to request that
Council look to the future, considering the growth that is expected within the
Town of Area. Mr. Barnes spoke in opposition to the by-law, stating that it
interferes with property values and intensification.
Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 08-16 Page 4
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Mr. Martin Maier, 49 Larmont Street, addressed Council in opposition to the
proposed by-law, citing the number of residents who have spoken against it and
who have signed petitions against it. Mr. Maier provided additional signatures
from residents in opposition.
Mr. Brian Bodley, 129 Wells Street, addressed Council in opposition to the
proposed by-law, stating that the environment is changing and that the homes
which are actually cottages with single car garages must be improved.
Mr. Frank D’Amico, developer/builder, addressed Council in opposition to the
proposed by-law, stating that it would result in devalued properties. Mr. D’Amico
also suggested that all the elements of the proposed by-law have not been
clearly explained to residents.
Mr. Joseph Gatt, 13 Royal Road, addressed Council in opposition to the
proposed by-law, advising that he intends to make improvements to his one-
bedroom house which he bought at an early age and that the by-law would
restrict him from doing so. Mr. Gatt indicated that, at the last meeting, he
provided 40 signatures in opposition and requested that Council deny the by-law.
Ms Mary O’Reilly addressed Council regarding 16 & 18 Mosley Street, and
inquired about provincial legislation regarding infill housing. Ms O’Reilly also
asked about the Heritage District Study and advised that she is in opposition to
the by-law.
The public portion of the meeting closed at 10:23 p.m. and Council’s
deliberations began.
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the draft by-law 4980-07.D be denied.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Gaertner Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the meeting be extended past 10:30 p.m.
CARRIED
3. Correspondence from Ms Linda Shanks-Skinner
Re: Item 2 - PL08-060 – Zoning By-law Amendment
Infill Housing By-law
File D14-08-07
Moved by Councillor McRoberts Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the correspondence from Ms Linda Shanks-Skinner be received.
CARRIED
Special Council – Public Planning Minutes No. 08-16 Page 5
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
IV READING OF BY-LAWS
Moved by Councillor Buck Seconded by Councillor MacEachern
THAT the following listed by-law be given 1st, 2nd and 3rd readings, and
enacted:
5035-08.C BEING A BY-LAW to Confirm
Actions by Council Resulting From
Meeting No. 08-16 on Wednesday,
May 28, 2008
CARRIED
V ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Buck
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
CARRIED
_______________________________ ________________________________
PHYLLIS M. MORRIS, MAYOR KAREN EWART, DEPUTY CLERK