Planning and Environment Committee meeting, December 5, 2023
Attendance
Councillors Priya Raman (Ward 2), Tom Beaudry (Ward 3), Arjun Sidhu (Ward 5), and Helen Marchetti (Ward 6) were present. Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price attended as an ex officio member. No regrets were sent.
Delegations
The committee heard from a resident who lives in the Ambrel Lake neighbourhood. They shared feedback on the proposed changes to the Zoning By-law for residential density. A representative from the Downtown Wrenford BIA also spoke. They discussed storefront renovation grants for merchants on Mercer Street.
Reports and decisions
Mixed-use development at 45 Mercer Street
Staff reviewed the preliminary site plan for a new mixed-use building. The proposal includes ground-floor retail and upper-level apartments. The committee noted that the design respects the historic streetscape. Members agreed the project fits the city's growth strategy. They voted unanimously to forward the recommendation to City Council. Carried.
Official Plan amendments for laneway housing
A report outlined draft policies to allow laneway suites in established neighbourhoods. The committee discussed parking requirements and lot coverage limits. Members felt the draft policy supports affordable housing options for residents. The committee directed staff to prepare a public notice for an upcoming information meeting. Carried.
Secondary suite application in Westbrook
The committee examined a planning application for a secondary suite on a residential lot. Staff confirmed that the lot meets minimum size and setback requirements. The committee recommended approval, subject to standard site plan control conditions. Carried.
Winter maintenance schedule for new streets
The General Manager reported on snow removal plans for recently paved roads in the Railside neighbourhood. He confirmed that crews will follow the standard residential route starting December 15. You can expect normal snow clearing times for your area. Carried.
By-laws
No by-laws were passed at this meeting. The Planning and Environment Committee reviews and recommends changes; City Council passes all by-laws. If you need to review past by-laws, you can visit the By-laws page.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. You can watch past recordings on the Access council meeting recordings page.