The Public Meeting this date was to consider an application submitted by the Victoria Glen Landowners for an Official Plan Amendment to facilitate the creation of the Victoria Glen Secondary Plan (Files: Plan 19 129512, Ward 2).
The Committee Clerk advised that 144 notices were mailed on November 13, 2019, and that a Public Meeting sign was posted on November 8, 2019. There was one written submission received regarding this proposal.
Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal, the location, surrounding uses and outstanding issues.
Deputations
Michael Auduong, Armstrong Planning, representing the development to the west of the development proposal provided the following feedback:
- Advised that infrastructure was installed by his client that benefits future landowners;
- Requested that a cost sharing agreement be put in place to share the cost of this infrastructure.
Tammy Armes provided the following feedback on the development proposal:
- Suggested that more condominiums/apartments should not be built until the Cathedral Town condominiums are built;
- Noted there is little transit in the area to support condominium living;
- Inquired if Elgin Mills Road will be widened to address the added density to the area.
In response to inquiries from the deputations, staff advised that Elgin Mills Road would be widened to accommodate new development in the Future Urban Area, however they were unable to confirm the timing of the widening. Staff advised that the timing of the construction of a condominium is up to the landowner.
Committee requested that the City’s Engineering Department provide a response to the resident regarding when Elgin Mills Road will be widened.
The Applicant advised that as part of the development of the Future Urban Area, the City will be conducting an Environmental Assessment on the widening of Elgin Mills Road. Also, York Region is conducting an Environmental Assessment on the widening of Warden Avenue and Kennedy Road up to Elgin Mills. Furthermore, the landowners are doing an Environmental Assessment on the collector roads in the area.
Members of Council provided the following feedback on the development proposal:
- Requested that staff investigate whether enough land is being dedicated to parkland relative to similar developments;
- Inquired if there is only one east/west road connection to Victoria Square Boulevard as shown on the Land Use Map;
- Inquired if a trail is being proposed;
- Suggested there should be more diversity in the housing type, for example duplexes, and triplexes;
- Suggested the development proposal should include purpose-built rentals, and that the townhomes should be wider;
- Suggested putting the mid-rise buildings and any retail units closer to Elgin Mills Road;
- Inquired if restricting access to municipal services would encourage the condominium developer in Cathedral Town to proceed with construction in a more timely fashion.
In response to Committee inquiries, staff advised that the parkland dedication will be reviewed by staff to ensure it is adequate. There are plans to have a trail on the east side of the proposed development, but the plans are currently still conceptual. The development proposal includes two connections to Victoria Square Boulevard to the west (one collector road and one local road).
Staff advised that municipalities reserve the option to revoke the rights to municipal servicing when a development fails to be built within a specified period. However, this was not recommended, as there are no restraints on municipal servicing at this time.
Committee requested that an update on Cathedral Town be provided to the Development Services Committee in 2020, and that impacted residents be notified when this item is brought forward.