Arvin Prasad, Commissioner of Development Services, provided opening remarks, emphasizing the extensive consultations that have taken place during the review process. He noted that consultations involved the public, staff, Council members, Baha’i Canada, and external agencies and have helped in making adjustments and improvements to ensure benefits for all landowners.
Don Givens, representing Malone Given Parsons, addressed the Committee to provide an overview of the timeline of events. He outlined how environmental, traffic, and community concerns have been addressed to date. Mr. Givens clarified that the current stage of the application involves reviewing the Official Plan Amendment and the Zoning By-Law Amendment.
Karen McKye, representing the Baha’i National Centre, addressed the Committee to express her appreciation and gratitude for the consideration of this application. She thanked the Committee for their attention to the matter and acknowledged the collaborative efforts involved in the review process.
The Committee heard the following deputations:
Esther Ravka expressed concerns regarding the infrastructure needed to service the area, highlighting potential issues with traffic, environmental, and climate impacts on both residents and wildlife associated with the application.
Kimberley Seymour expressed her opposition to the project and noted that more work is needed to address concerns with the scale of the development, tree removal, noise and pollution.
Jack Heath expressed concerns in relation to the ecological corridor surrounding German Mills. He suggested that there be a study of the area and additional public consultation in the form of a working group with Baha’i, residents, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
Evelin Ellison expressed concerns with the environmental impact of the project and that the development should follow the zoning by-law. She suggested that the report be returned to staff and that a working group be established to ensure a sustainable and environmentally sound development plan.
Ashkan Tabib Ashkan Tabib expressed concerns regarding the project, noting the significant amount of time spent hearing deputations on the matter. He suggested that additional work and further consultation are needed to address community concerns, the developments' footprint, and how it will integrate into the surrounding community.
The Committee acknowledged that this has been a difficult file for Members of Committee, Council, staff, the applicant and the community. The proactive response by the applicant in addressing key concerns related to the environment, emergency access, and road improvements were acknowledged by the Committee and it was noted that this is indicative of their effort to positively impact the project and resolve potential issues. The Committee also noted that the applicant’s approach is setting an example for future applications.
There was discussion in relation to the Environmental Impact Study and how the environmental and ecological requirements have been met. Staff indicated that Leslie Street will be raised above the Regional flood level to prevent it from being subject to flooding in the future. Additional discussion ensued relating to the traffic accommodations and lake to lake path connections.
The Committee requested a summary of the ecological enhancements made to this application.