Planning and Environment Committee meeting, May 6, 2025
Attendance
Members present: Councillor Priya Raman, Councillor Tom Beaudry, Councillor Arjun Sidhu, Councillor Helen Marchetti, and Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price.
Staff present: General Manager, Infrastructure and Planning Samuel Adeyemi and Senior Planner Elena Petrova.
Delegations
The committee heard from a representative of the Northgate housing developer regarding site design and community integration. A resident from the Benchlands neighbourhood also spoke about trail access and wanted more wayfinding markers along the Tamsin River Trail.
Reports and decisions
1. Northgate Supportive Housing Project
Staff presented the planning review for a new 30-unit supportive housing building near the Northgate Centre, which is set to open this May. The committee reviewed the site plan, traffic impact, and how the building integrates with existing community services. Members noted that the development will include on-site support services and accessible units. The committee recommended the application proceed to City Council for a zoning amendment. Carried.
2. Ambrel Lake Park Seasonal Amenities
Staff provided an update on the splash pad opening. The committee approved the daily operating schedule from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. through Labour Day, along with the water safety inspection schedule and maintenance budget. Staff confirmed that all water quality tests will be conducted daily before opening. Carried.
3. Tamsin River Trail Capital Works
The committee reviewed the draft capital works program for the multi-use trail system. Members directed staff to focus on the trail extension connecting to the Northgate neighbourhood to improve active transportation links. The committee also agreed to add a spring signage upgrade to the work plan to address wayfinding requests from residents. Carried.
4. 2026 Zoning Review
Staff outlined the scope and timeline for the upcoming zoning by-law review. The committee directed staff to launch community engagement sessions in the fall and to focus on housing diversity and small business permits. Members agreed that the review should include a public survey and neighbourhood workshops. Staff will report back with a draft engagement plan in June. Carried.
By-laws
None. The committee recommends changes to City Council, which makes the final decision on all by-laws. You can view past by-laws on the By-laws page.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.