Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services, introduced this item as related to an Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment application at 3009 Elgin Mills Road East, 10731, 10737, 10743, and 10745 Victoria Square Boulevard to permit a four-storey residential building and the relocation and addition to a heritage dwelling at 3009 Elgin Mills Road. Commissioner Prasad advised that the heritage building will be repurposed to a multi-unit commercial building. Commissioner Prasad advised that a statutory public meeting was held on April 16, 2024, followed by a community information meeting, which resulted in a revised submission, reducing the building from 6-storeys to 4-storeys. Commissioner Prasad introduced Randal Dickie from Urban Growth Inc. to provide a presentation.
Randal Dickie, Urban Growth Inc. provided a presentation detailing the proposal.
Arthur Keoshkerian, deputant and resident of Boyd Court, expressed confusion with the recommendations as he did not feel they were representative of the outcome of the public or community meeting, through which area residents expressed support for single-dwelling homes or townhomes. Mr. Keoshkerian expressed disappointment with the notice to area residents related to the development and the change of designation of the area which was previously designated as a hamlet. Mr. Keoshkerian expressed support for ensuring the establishment of infrastructure, prior to developing residences for additional residents. Mr. Keoshkerian expressed concerns with the excavation that would be required for the underground parking and potential excavation for sewer and other infrastructure, noting that it could impact the surrounding properties. Mr. Keoshkerian referenced a nearby development which resulted in light pollution into their homes, noting that this development could impact the surrounding area in similar ways.
The Committee noted that they asked Staff to meet with Mattamy Homes to work on the light pollution issue and confirmed that they would request a further update.
The Committee provided the following feedback:
- Asked Staff for the process that the developer would need to go through with respect to studies or for approval with respect to underground work to mitigate any impacts on the well. Frank Clarizio, Director, Engineering, advised that the applicant is required to go through the site-plan process to determine if there would be any impact to ground water or the well system, noting that if there would be resulting impacts, the applicant would need to present mitigation measures to the Ministry of Environment for approval.
- Asked how the height of the four-storey building would compare to that of a three-storey townhome. Director Cescato advised that Staff do not yet have specific heights for this application, noting that a storey is typically approximately 3 meters.
- Commented that this application shows where public consultation works as the area residents have been engaged and provided considerable feedback, which the applicant has incorporated into the revised application.
- Sought clarification on the setback from Woodbine Avenue and for the setback at the rear. Director Cescato advised that the setback from Victoria Square Boulevard is 11M at its furthest point and 6M at its narrowest point. Director Cescato advised that the rear setback is 3.83M with a landscape strip to provide screening from the neighbouring properties.
- Asked for the rationale of including a sidewalk at the rear, noting that enhanced landscaping could be used instead. Director Cescato explained that the sidewalk is to prevent garbage accumulation and to provide good site circulation, but noted that he would take the idea of enhanced landscaping back for further discussion between Staff and the applicant.
- Suggested that the windows on the fourth floor be at a certain height to prevent overlook into the backyard of nearby properties.
- Expressed disappointment over the elimination of the hamlet designation, asking Staff to revisit the former hamlets and establish a similar designation which respects the preservation of those areas as collective heritage assets and character. Commissioner Prasad confirmed that the Official Plan process underway would afford the opportunity to relook at this, not only for the protection but for the enhancement of these areas, as appropriate.
- Expressed support for a visioning exercise for Victoria Square, which the Ward Councillor noted that he would ask for public input, particularly with respect to the redesign of the Victoria Square Community Centre.