Planning and Environment Committee meeting, February 4, 2025
Attendance
Members present were Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price (ex officio), Councillor Priya Raman (Ward 2, Chair), Councillor Tom Beaudry (Ward 3), Councillor Arjun Sidhu (Ward 5), and Councillor Helen Marchetti (Ward 6). Staff in attendance included General Manager of Infrastructure and Planning Samuel Adeyemi and a Senior Planner.
Delegations
The committee heard from a resident who lives near the downtown core. The resident shared feedback on the proposed mixed-use development, asking for more green space and pedestrian access. The committee thanked them for their input and noted it in the record.
Reports and decisions
The committee reviewed the staff report on the proposed site plan for a mixed-use building at 100 Water Street. Members discussed how the design brings retail space to the street level while adding residential units above. They agreed the project supports the City's goal of a vibrant downtown. The report was recommended to City Council with a few changes to the landscaping and sidewalk width. Carried.
Next, the committee considered an application for a minor variance to reduce the side-yard setback for a new residential building in the Benchlands neighbourhood. Staff confirmed the request does not negatively affect neighbouring properties or the streetscape. The committee recommended approval with standard conditions attached. Carried.
The committee also reviewed the quarterly update on the Official Plan review process. Staff explained the public engagement timeline and confirmed that the next community workshop will take place in March. You can attend to share your ideas on how the City should grow over the next twenty years. Staff will post the workshop location and registration details on the website next week. The update was noted. Carried.
Finally, the committee discussed the proposed zoning amendment to allow secondary suites in the Old Mill neighbourhood. This change would let homeowners add a small rental unit to their property, increasing housing choices without changing the character of the area. The committee directed staff to prepare a by-law draft and schedule a public hearing for City Council in April. Carried.
By-laws
No by-laws were passed. The Planning and Environment Committee reviews applications and makes recommendations. City Council votes on and passes all by-laws.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.