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. LaHay confirmed that the required notice was given in accordance with the Planning Act and circulated to each owner of land within 120 metres and signs were posted the subject property. He summarized the application, explaining that the purpose of the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment is to re-designate lands from the 'Urban Settlement - Fenelon Falls Fringe' area designation to an 'Urban Settlement - Fenelon Falls Fringe area designation with a 'Special Policy' to permit residential condominium development consisting of 24 townhouse dwellings and an apartment building containing 40 dwelling units with a density of 44.5 dwelling units per gross hectare. These applications appear to conform to the Growth Plan and further comments from relevant Departments and Agencies are required to demonstrate that they are consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement. Mr. LaHay 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 Kawartha Conservation advising they do not foresee any issues with the applications but require more information to confirm if the property is within their regulated flood hazard associated with the flood elevation and also require an update to the geotechnical study as the property is in a known area of Karst topography; the City's Community Services Department advising that they have no concerns, the Kawartha Lakes Accessibility Advisory Committee with recommendations to increase the amount of accessible parking and improvements for barrier free access, from Curve Lake First Nations advising that additional consultation is required to asses potential effects on fish populations and possible impact on drinking water and aboriginal rights and from Hydro One advising that they have reviewed the application and that they have no facilities located on property. In addition, 2 comments from separate residents on King Street were received, expressing concern regarding inconsistency with the character of neighbourhood, increased water consumption and waste, traffic, noise, lighting and loss of privacy. Division staff are recommending the applications be referred back to staff until such time as all comments have been received from circulated agencies and City Departments and for further review and processing.
The Chair inquired if the applicant wished to speak to the application.
Nolan Drumm, of EcoVue Consulting Services Inc., provided an overview of the proposed development. He shared renderings of the proposed development, noting that it will consist of 4 residential stories above the parking storey. The development supports intensification objectives and will provide a stock of townhouse and apartment dwelling units that are currently lacking in the City, providing more housing options to current and future residents. Mr. Drumm presented a comparison of Official Plan Policies with the proposed amendment and shadowing study results. He noted there will be some shadowing to the Northwest of the property during certain times of the year, but that most of the shadowing will fall on the property itself. Mr. Drumm advised that City staff have confirmed sufficient sewer capacity is available and he provided an overview of public consultation done to date. He stated that he accepts the staff recommendation to refer the application back for further review.
The Chair inquired if anyone wished to speak to the application.
Wendy Flett, adjacent property owner on Bass Street, expressed concern regarding the potential proximity of the entrance to the development to her property line and how the values of the new units will affect other property values in the area. Ms. Flett expressed an interest in sewer connectivity for her residential property with services being extended to the new development.
Debbie Branidis, resident on West Street, advised that her home is on the street directly across from the proposed development. She expressed concern regarding the effect the additional 64 units will have on the character of the neighbourhood, traffic congestion, property taxes, safety of children and impact on the small waterway nearby. Ms. Branidis noted that the area is a quiet family-oriented area and in her opinion only single houses should be permitted. She stated that the proposed development will infringe on her peace and privacy.
Ms. Vicki Moulder, a resident of Bobcaygeon who was with Ms. Flett, requested that a social impact study be done prior to approval of the land zoning change with an opportunity for public input. She expressed concern regarding traffic, transportation and the overall impact of the proposed development on the existing residents in the area.
No other persons spoke to the application.
The Public Meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m.