Planning and Environment Committee meeting, October 1, 2024
Attendance
Chair: Councillor Priya Raman (Ward 2)
Members present: Councillor Tom Beaudry (Ward 3), Councillor Arjun Sidhu (Ward 5), Councillor Helen Marchetti (Ward 6), and Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price (ex officio).
Staff in attendance: General Manager, Infrastructure and Planning Samuel Adeyemi, and a Senior Planner.
Delegations
The committee heard from a resident from Ward 5 regarding the proposed housing land bank, and a representative from the Downtown Wrenford Business Improvement Area about vendor logistics for the Harvest on Mercer festival.
Reports and decisions
Housing Land Bank report
The committee reviewed a report on the Housing Land Bank. The report identifies surplus city-owned sites for affordable housing and recommends fast-tracking approvals and incentive measures to support the city's housing strategy. The committee agreed to forward the recommendations to City Council for adoption. Carried unanimously.
Harvest on Mercer festival permit review
Staff presented an update on the upcoming Harvest on Mercer festival. The committee reviewed the proposed use of downtown park spaces for vendor tents and discussed updated traffic and parking information for residents. The committee recommended approving the temporary park use permits with the stated traffic and parking modifications. Carried unanimously.
Winter Maintenance and Parking By-law 2020-097 amendments
A report was tabled to amend the Winter Maintenance and Parking By-law to adjust seasonal parking restrictions on select residential streets. The changes aim to improve snow removal efficiency during the overnight ban period. Councillor Sidhu raised concerns about impact on local businesses, but the committee recommended the amendments proceed to Council. Carried 3-1.
Minor variance application at 45 Mercer Street
Staff reviewed a minor variance request to allow a secondary suite at 45 Mercer Street. The application meets the planning policy guidelines regarding height, density, and parking. The committee recommended granting the variance subject to the submitted site plan conditions. Carried 4-0.
By-laws
No by-laws were passed. The committee recommends the above decisions to City Council for final approval.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.