Committee of Adjustment meetings 2026

The Committee approved four minor variances and a lot severance, and rejected one enforcement appeal.

Committee of Adjustment meeting, January 21, 2026

Attendance

The Chair presided. The Vice-Chair and three other appointed members were present. City staff in attendance included the Secretary-Treasurer, Farid Haddad, and a Planner from the Planning and Development department. No members sent regrets.

Delegations

Two residents spoke during the public comment period. A Benchlands resident requested additional information on setback requirements for new fences. A representative from a local property management group asked about the process for leasing common elements in mixed-use buildings.

Reports and Decisions

The Committee reviewed the following applications and reports:

  • Minor Variance Application for 42 Mercer Street – The applicant requested permission to build a rear deck that extends slightly closer to the side property line than the Zoning By-law allows. The Committee found the variance would not cause a nuisance or block light and air. Carried.
  • Consent Application for 15 Mill Street – The owner asked to sever a small portion of the lot to create a separate entrance for a future laneway suite. The Planner confirmed the severance meets Official Plan policies and city infrastructure standards. Carried.
  • Minor Variance Application for 3 Water Street – The applicant sought to raise a garden shed by 30 centimetres to match the grade of a new driveway. The Committee approved the variance, noting it does not impact neighbours' privacy or sunlight. Carried.
  • Appeal of Zoning Enforcement Notice for 12 Tamsin Street – A resident appealed a notice ordering the removal of an unpermitted fence. The Committee reviewed the property records and found the structure clearly violates the Fence and Pool Enclosure By-law. The appeal was rejected. Defeated.
  • Consent Application for 101 Church Street – The applicant requested a lease for a portion of the building's common stairwell to install a new fire escape. The Planner confirmed the change meets building safety standards. Carried.

By-laws

No by-laws were passed at this meeting. The Committee of Adjustment makes recommendations to Council on zoning matters; Council passes all by-laws.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

You can view the full application files and any conditions attached to these decisions on our public records page. If you need to contact the Committee with follow-up questions, you can reach the Secretary-Treasurer's office during regular business hours.