Committee of Adjustment meetings 2026

The Committee of Adjustment reviewed five applications, approving four variances and consents while denying one setback request.

Committee of Adjustment meeting, April 15, 2026

Attendance

Members present: the Chair, the Vice-Chair, and three members of the Committee.

Staff in attendance: the Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee, who provided administrative support, and a Planner from the Planning & Development department.

One member sent regrets for the evening.

Delegations

A resident from the Benchlands neighbourhood addressed the committee to voice support for a nearby variance application, noting the positive impact on local housing options.

A representative from a local development firm spoke in favour of a zoning variance request, explaining how the proposed changes align with the City's Official Plan and community standards.

Reports and decisions

  • Variance for a rear laneway garage on 45 Mercer Street – The applicant requested a variance to exceed the maximum height limit for a detached accessory structure. The committee reviewed the proposal and approved the variance, subject to the condition that a solid fence be installed to maintain privacy for adjacent properties. Carried 4-0.
  • Minor variance for a front porch extension at 15 Mill Street – The homeowner sought permission to extend a porch into a required front yard setback on a heritage property. The committee granted the variance with strict conditions to preserve the original façade and use matching materials. Carried 3-1.
  • Consent to create a secondary suite on 88 Mill Street – The applicant proposed converting a detached garage into a legal secondary suite. The committee approved the consent, requiring the property owner to meet all current fire separation and life-safety standards before occupancy. Carried 4-0.
  • Driveway widening on Corvid Way – A request was made to widen a shared residential driveway to accommodate two vehicles. The committee approved the variance, provided the applicant upgrades the entrance apron to municipal standards and shares maintenance costs with neighbouring properties. Carried 4-0.
  • Setback variance for a fence in Westbrook – The applicant asked to reduce the required side-yard setback for a new fence. After reviewing sightline requirements at the intersection, the committee denied the application to ensure pedestrian and vehicle safety. Carried 3-2.

By-laws

No by-laws were passed at this meeting. The Committee of Adjustment reviews applications and makes recommendations; only Council has the authority to pass by-laws.

Adjournment

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. and adjourned at 7:45 p.m.