Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services, introduced this item advising that it is related to an application for Official Plan and Bylaw Amendment to facilitate the development of 174 townhouse units on Victoria Square Blvd. Commissioner Prasad advised that the development will be serviced by a condominium corporation and include the extension of a private road. Commissioner Prasad introduced James Koutsovitis to deliver a presentation.
James Koutsovitis, Planner, Gatzios Planning + Development Consultants Inc., delivered a presentation.
Austen Ho, Deputant, representing residents of the surrounding community, expressed disappointment with the current application at this site. Mr. Ho noted that this neighbourhood was intended to be a low-density neighbourhood, expressing significant concerns with the number of dwellings included in the application, noting that it will further add to current neighbourhood challenges related to public resources such as inconsistent garbage collections, crowded schools, theft, parking disputes due to lack of parking, and increased traffic. Mr. Ho expressed support for development on the subject property but requested that developments be reasonable and in-line with the existing neighbourhood, which he noted is not displayed through the proposed townhomes and condominiums.
Emanuala De Korte, Deputant, who resides to the South of the proposed development, supported the development of the subject property, which was originally proposed as 24 dwellings. Ms. De Korte expressed concerns with the density of the proposal as the neighbourhood was under the belief that this would be low-density housing and noted concerns regarding the environmental impacts and impacts on infrastructure due to increased traffic.
Shita Ngan, Deputant, resident in the subject neighbourhood, expressed concerns with existing services in the area and the lack of daycare options nearby. Ms. Ngan expressed her belief that the proposed number of dwellings may further impact the services and infrastructure in the area due to the resulting population increase.
Min Lei, Deputant, lived for a couple years, unmarried, now young professional with young kids, concerned that young kids playing in the area will be impacted by the construction and density.
Giulio Cescato, Director, Planning & Urban Design, clarified that the two condominiums noted by the deputant are not included in this application. Mr. Cescato advised that the current application is comprised of 174 units of both stacked and conventional townhomes on 3.3 acres.
The Committee provided the following feedback:
- Asked for the rationale of the change from the proposal for 24 detached dwellings to what is currently proposed. Mr. Koutsovitis advised that due to the contamination on the site, the building form must be more dense noting that the project would become unviable if reverted to the 24 dwellings.
- Questioned the extent of the contamination on site. Mr. Cescato advised that he believes the contamination is extensive and believes the source is off-site. Mr. Koutsovitis advised that the contamination is underground, noting that the underground parking garage is intended to provide a barrier to the contamination.
- Asked when the contamination would need to be remediated by. Commissioner Prasad advised that the Ministry is required to provide a record of site conditions which is required to be received prior to issuance of building permits.
- Questioned if the change to the proposal is related to Provincial Bill 23. Commissioner Prasad confirmed that the revised proposal is in line with Provincial interests, noting that they are not the approval authority on this application.
- Inquired about parkland provisions within this application. Commissioner Prasad advised that cash-in-lieu will likely be provided as part of the proposal.