Planning and Environment Committee meeting, June 4, 2024
Attendance
Councillor Priya Raman (Ward 2) chaired the meeting. Members present were Councillors Tom Beaudry (Ward 3), Arjun Sidhu (Ward 5), and Helen Marchetti (Ward 6). Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price attended as an ex officio member. Staff in attendance included General Manager of Infrastructure and Planning Samuel Adeyemi and Senior Planner Elena Petrova. This meeting was not livestreamed.
Delegations
The committee heard a brief presentation from a resident of the Railside neighbourhood regarding proposed community garden spaces. The resident thanked the City for considering green space in new developments and asked that native plantings be included in the design. The committee appreciated the feedback and noted it for the planning staff.
Reports and decisions
Site Plan Application for 45 Mercer Street
The committee reviewed the design for a proposed mixed-use building on 45 Mercer Street. The proposal includes ground-floor retail and upper-level residential units. Staff recommended approving the site plan subject to a few minor changes to the sidewalk width and landscaping. The committee forwarded the recommendation to Council. Carried 4-0.
Zoning Amendment for a Community Garden in Railside
A report was tabled to amend the Zoning By-law 2016-040 to allow a community garden on a vacant lot in the Railside neighbourhood. The committee approved the amendment and sent it forward to Council for a vote. Carried 5-0.
Development Charges By-law 2025-041 Review
General Manager Samuel Adeyemi presented the draft development charges for the 2025–2029 period. The charges will help fund new roads, parks, and water infrastructure as the Wildrye neighbourhood continues to build out. The committee approved the proposed rates and recommended them to Council. Carried 4-1.
Tamsin River Trail System Expansion
Senior Planner Elena Petrova provided an update on Phase Two of the Tamsin River Trail System. The project aims to connect the Corvid Creek Ravine to the existing path near Riverside Flats Park. The committee endorsed the design plans and recommended funding approval to Council. Carried 5-0.
By-laws
No by-laws were passed. Committees recommend by-laws to Council, which passes them.
Adjournment
The meeting ended at 5:45 p.m.
You can review the full agenda and minutes on the Council page.