The Chair requested staff to advise on the manner of giving notice for the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments. He also asked staff to briefly describe the proposal and summarize the correspondence, if any, received to date.
Mr. Walker confirmed that the required notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act and circulated to each owner of land within 120 metres, and that 3 signs were posted on the subject property. He summarized the applications, explaining that they propose to permit a mixed use residential and commercial plan of subdivision consisting of 1,832 residential units as follows: 157 lots for single detached dwellings; 20 lots for 40 semi-detached dwelling units; 14 blocks for 73 townhouse dwelling units; 2 medium density blocks for up to 60 residential dwelling units; 2 blocks for natural heritage protection; 1 stormwater management block; 1 wetland compensation block; 2 park blocks; and 3 blocks for future residential and commercial developments with up to 1,502 residential units. The lots and blocks will be serviced by full urban municipal services with access via an extension of a new proposed north-south collector street (Street B) between the vacant future development to the south and Thunder Bridge Road to the north; and a new proposed east-west collector street (Street A) between the new Street B and Angeline Street North to the east. Through the appropriate revisions to the technical reports and plans, conformity with the policies of the Growth Plan, the Ops Official Plan, the Town of Lindsay Official Plan, and consistency with the Provincial Policy Statement should be achieved. Mr. Walker summarized the comments received to date, as detailed in his report, noting that subsequent to the writing of the report additional comments were received from Cheryl Tolles at the Ministry of Transportation establishing various conditions for draft approval, and from the following people:
- Jamie Morris, on behalf of the Kawartha Lakes Environmental Advisory Committee
- Rob Ferguson
- Allen MacPherson
- Rob Martin
- Susan Mooney of Country Estates Retirement Home
- Glenda Morris
- Peter Petrosoniak
- Bill Steffler on behalf of the Green Trails Alliance
Comments received noted the following themes/concerns:
- Opportunities for more cycling and multi-use trail infrastructure (including connectivity with neighbourhoods to the east and the Victoria Rail Trail, and trails on the south side of Jennings Creek)
- Requests for additional sidewalks on both sides of the proposed roads, Thunderbridge Road and Highway 35
- Integration of subdivision design with the City's future Active Transportation Plan
- Design of laneways and lot integration with the existing Retirement Home on Thunderbridge Road
- Wetland and Storm Water management block drainage
- Location of park blocks
Staff are recommending that the application be referred back to staff for further review and processing until such time as all comments and concerns have been addressed. He responded to questions from Committee members.
The Chair inquired if the applicant wished to speak to the application.
Michael Testaguzza of the Biglieri Group spoke as the applicant on behalf of the owners Ibrans Developments Ltd. He presented an overview of the applications noting:
- the context of the property
- the Master Plan proposal (including sidewalk and multi-use trails)
- the specifics of the Phase One proposal
- the proposed changes from the existing Official Plan, and existing planning policy; and
- the proposed zoning amendment options, including for the proposed rear access lane housing
Overall, he appreciated the comments received so far, and was looking to address any new comments received today. He responded to questions from the members of the Committee.
The Chair inquired if anyone wished to speak to the application.
Jamie Morris, spoke on behalf of the Environmental Advisory Committee. He noted that they are looking to expand and encourage active transportation options in this development, as they did with the Craft development to the south. He noted they were pleased to see natural heritage blocks built into the plan to protect Jennings Creek, however advocated for all the recommendations in his correspondence.
Peter Petrosoniak noted that his recommendations in his correspondence forwarded to the Committee. He also advocated for the protection of Jennings Creek, a continuous multi-use path along the creek, sidewalks on both sides of the roads, a pathway around the western stormwater block, trail connectivity with trails to the east of the development (including the Victoria Rail Trail), a park in the first phase, and pathways around the entire development. Overall he spoke supporting the health and safety for all residents in the community and promoted more active transportation options.
Susan Mooney spoke as the Owner of the County Estates Retirement Home fronting the development on Thunderbridge Road. She questioned the location of proposed laneways in the future phases that will front the boundary of their property. She also noted that they would like to see greater consideration for all the existing properties fronting Angeline and Thunderbridge Roads.
Bill Steffler spoke on behalf of the Green Trails Alliance. He spoke in support of increased active transportation options, as he noted that more trails and sidewalks promote a healthy population, a healthy environment, and more options for school children to walk or bike to school. He requested to see a more detailed active transportation plan including connections with other developments, including a multi-use trail along the Jennings Creek towards the east and the Victoria Rail Trail.
No other persons spoke to the application.
The Chair permitted the applicant to respond to the comments and questions from the members of the Public. Mr. Testaguzza highlighted the proposed green space in the first phase, noted they are following the City's standards for sidewalks, and that laneways would be reviewed near the retirement home. He responded to questions from the members of the committee.
The Public Meeting concluded at 2:06pm.