Ron Blake, Senior Development Manager, addressed the Committee and provided members with a brief overview of the development proposal and the recommendations contained in the staff report.
Billy Tung, KLM Planning Partners, consultant for the applicant, addressed the Committee and delivered a presentation on the details of the development proposal, including the site context, proposed site plan, floor plan, street-view elevations, and conceptual building renderings.
There was discussion regarding the integration between the future City park and the open space block to be conveyed to the City on the north side of the subject property, which may include a walkway in the future. There was also discussion regarding whether noise attenuation fencing should be located on public or private property, if required, to mitigate noise impacts from Donald Cousens Parkway. Concerns were expressed regarding the long-term maintenance costs to residents from installing noise attenuation fences on private property rather than public property. Staff clarified that installation of noise attenuation fences on private property, where required, is a standard policy requested by the City and York Region.
The Committee requested that staff and the applicant ensure that any noise attenuation measures required for the proposed units fronting Donald Cousens Parkway are secured through the site plan approval process. The Committee also requested that staff investigate and report back on the policy, potential responsibility, and financial implications to the City, York Region, and other stakeholders of not placing noise attenuation fences on public property city-wide. It was further requested that staff investigate options for the potential relocation and reuse of the excess fill resulting from the development.