Development Services Committee

2005-03-01

MINUTES

30. 2019311 ONTARIO INC., 150 MAIN STREET UNIONVILLE
OFFICIAL PLAN AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENTS
TO PERMIT ADDITIONAL USES (OP 04 028702, ZA 04 027514)
(10.3, 10.5)

The Chair advised that the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider the proposed Official Plan and zoning by-law amendments, Files OP 04 028702 and ZA 04 027514, submitted by 2019311 Ontario Inc., to permit additional uses at 150 Main Street Unionville.

Committee was advised that 63 notices were mailed on February 9, 2005, and a Public Meeting sign was posted on February 7, 2005. Committee received nine written submissions from:

1. Robert and Susan Kichuk, 6 Fonthill Boulevard, in objection to late-night uses

2. Jack Valianes, 159 Main Street, with comments

3. Judith Crombie, 44 Harpers Croft – submitting comments.

4. Dr. Phil McFarlane, Union Street – submitting comments.

5. Brian Roman, Royal LePage, 161 Main Street – submitting comments.

6. George Sands – in objection.

7. David B. Black, Monopoly Commercial Realty Inc., providing information

8. Mehdy and Beata Tahery, 17 Fred Varley Drive – in objection

9. Ailsa Attersley, in support

Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal, the location and surrounding uses. Staff reviewed the conclusions of the 2002 Unionville Core Area Study and the resulting Secondary Plan Policies with respect to maintaining the percentage of retail/restaurant/other uses. Parking issues need to be addressed. The owner suggested that the building is not suitable for retail use.

Raymond Smylie, 154 Main Street, stated his objection to changes to the new zoning by-law, and suggested the difficulty in finding a tenant may be due to the high rent being asked. Mr. Smylie was also speaking on behalf of Mr. Tahary at 17 Fred Varley Drive, which overlooks the rear yard of the subject site. Mr. Tahary has concerns for the potential late night noise, garbage dumpsters and animals, and the resulting impact on his property value.

Jack Valianes, 159 Main Street, referred to his recent application for a similar use, which was denied by the Town.

Richard Talbot, representing the Unionville Villagers Association, spoke in support of the current by-law, and in opposition to office use.

Kimberley Kwan, 40 Fonthill Boulevard, spoke in opposition to any changes to the current by-law, particularly for restaurant use.

Paul Vasilovsky, 189 Main Street, stated his opposition to amending the by-law, and advised that he had been denied a similar request.

Lori Lievonen, 205 Main Street, a retailer on Main Street, encouraged the use of the building, which has been empty for eight years.

Karen Davis, 159 Main Street, discussed parking problems, and the efforts of the community and the Town over the past few years to achieve a viable Main Street. Ms. Davis stated that the previous owner of the subject building, the Unionville Home Society, had not been permitted to have a restaurant and had ended up selling it to the applicant for lower value.

Greg McCormick, Chair of the Unionville BIA, expressed concern that this issue has been dealt with before, and he stated that there are too many restaurants on the street, and that office use is not compatible with the Heritage district.

Patrick Kenny, 187 Main Street, stated that he is involved with an existing Unionville restaurant, and that they are planning renovations to the building, but would reconsider their plans if this proposed restaurant is approved.

David Black, 4560 Highway 7, spoke in support of the proposal and referred to the opposition to Starbucks on Main Street several years ago, which had proven beneficial for the area. Mr. Black clarified that the rent being asked for the building is in line with the going rate. Even with the extensive renovations, investors and tenants aren’t interested in this site due to the use restrictions. Mr. Black advised that refrigerated storage compartments would be used rather than dumpsters, and that if the building remains empty, the insurance provider will require it to be boarded up.

Jessie Agnew, applicant, explained that he owns another building on Main Street, and that he would prefer to have a retail business, as they are easier tenants. He discussed the deterioration of the empty building and the renovations that had been necessary. Mr. Agnew noted that adjacent home owners were aware a commercial building existed here when they purchased their house, and he summarized that he has tried unsuccessfully for two years to find a tenant, and is open to suggestions.

Moved by: Mayor D. Cousens

Seconded by: Councillor A. Chiu

That the written submissions from Robert and Susan Kichuk, George Sands, and Mehdy and Beata Tahery, in objection, from Ailsa Attersley, in support, and from Jack Valianes, Judith Crombie, Dr. Phil McFarlane, Brian Roman, and David B. Black submitting comments

regarding Official Plan and zoning by-law amendment Files OP 04 028702 and ZA 04 027514, submitted by 2019311 Ontario Inc., be received;

And that the deputations by Raymond Smylie, Jack Valianes, Richard Talbot, Kimberley Kwan,

Paul Vasilovsky, Karen Davis, Greg McCormick, and Patrick Kenny in opposition, and from Lori Lievonen, David Black, and Jessie Agnew, in support of the Official Plan and zoning by-law amendment Files OP 04 028702 and ZA 04 027514, submitted by 2019311 Ontario Inc., be received;

And that the Development Services Commission staff report dated January 25, 2005, entitled “Preliminary Report: 150 Main Street, Unionville (2019311 Ontario Inc.) Application for Official Plan and zoning by-law amendments”, be received;

And that the Record of the Public Meeting held on March 1, 2005, with respect to the proposed amendments to the Official Plan and By-law 122-72, as amended, be received;

And further that the application by 2019311 Ontario Inc. to amend the Official Plan and By-law 122-72, as amended, be referred back to staff for a report and recommendation.

CARRIED