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DEPUTATIONS REGARDING MOTION 20-P-006, APPLICATION FOR A ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT (2591451 ONTARIO INC.) FOR 829 ESSA ROAD (WARD 7)
The following Deputations were provided concerning motion 20-P-006, Application for a Zoning By-law Amendment (2591451 Ontario Inc.) for 829 Essa Road:
1. Darren Vella of Innovative Planning Solutions requested Council to reconsider the decision rendered by the Planning Committee concerning the proposed rezoning of 829 Essa Road. Mr. Vella advised that his client has taken into consideration the concerns raised at the Planning Committee meeting. He commented on Planning staff recommending to approve the application for ten townhouses and he noted that his client wishes to reserve the right to consider those ten townhouses if the matter ends up before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. Mr. Vella asked Council to consider his client’s revised proposal that includes total of eight townhouses instead of the proposed ten. He provided information associated with a revised proposal that included the reduction in height from three to two storeys, shifting the main living spaces to the ground floor to address residents’ privacy concerns, and lowering the density of the development to 62 units per hectare.
Mr. Vella discussed the eleven intensification projects approved by the City along the Essa Road corridor and he noted that they range from 55 to 200 units per hectare. He commented on the revised proposal being at the lower range in density along the corridor compared to other approved developments. Mr. Vella highlighted the other uses along the corridor that are crucial to the community such as schools, commercial and industrial properties. He noted that the City’s Planning Department review and recommended approval of the application, that he felt that the development is good planning and is similar to the other approved applications by Council.
In conclusion, Mr. Vella requested that Council reconsider their decision as per the revised proposal provided by his client.
2. Marilyn Hutchison acknowledged the Planning Committee’s decision not to approve the application and that she had requested to address Council in anticipation that the applicant would submit an amendment to the application. Ms. Hutchinson discussed the applicant’s referencing the Essa Road intensification corridor and that she believes the applicant’s intention is changed Essa Road to Athabaska Road which is not a part of the intensification corridor. Ms. Hutchison reiterated her written submission that included her concerns for traffic safety at the corner of Essa Road and Athabaska Road, the lack of green space with the removal of mature trees, traffic studies not accurate by the time of day the studies were conducted, children’s safety when walking to the nearby elementary school, the lack of parking with the one car per unit requirement, and a decline in property values for the existing neighbourhoods. Ms. Hutchinson concluded by questioning if Council approves the application, how many small properties of townhomes are going to be built instead of following the City’s Master Plan.
3. Michael Saunders advised he has lived with his family for the last five years directly across from the proposed development. He discussed his concerns should the developer move forward with the development and the impacts that it will have on his family. Mr. Saunders discussed the increase in traffic to an already high traffic area, the safety of his child and the community and noise concerns that will affect his daughter’s medical condition. Mr. Saunders commented on the petition that was signed by 192 neighbouring residents that are in opposition to the proposed development and do not support the zoning change. Mr. Saunders advised that his family will be have to sell their property if the application is approved for the sake of his daughter’s health and he requested that Council not approve the proposed rezoning and development.
4. Michael Campbell advised that he is one of the neighbouring properties to the proposed development. He acknowledged his understanding for intensification and how it is being used to shape the future of the City of Barrie. He addressed his concern with the proposed zoning change and his belief that the base premise of this intensification is being ignored, and that the intensification is for Essa Road and not Athabaska Road. Mr. Campbell described the current community that includes a primary school and a high school with a large number of students, and a new development to the south of the schools. He discussed the current and continuing changes to Essa Road and the large increase of people to the area resulting in more vehicles, transit and room in schools for additional students. Mr. Campbell questioned why proper lights haven’t been installed at the corner of Essa Road and Athbaska Road to address traffic safety issues. Mr. Campbell expressed his frustration with the proposed rezoning, and he advised in his opinion that no thought of future planning has been considered, just instant housing, income and taxes at the expense of the residents. He advised that he and his wife bought this house to retire, in a community surrounded by mature trees, and for its privacy which with all the changes and developments being built is gone. Mr. Campbell noted that the developer has not been in contact with them or the neighbouring properties and that he believes the developer does not have the best intentions for the community. He asked that Council focus on the application in front of them.
5. Catherine Skinner and her daughter advised that they have lived on Athabaska Road for four years and that they like the area they live in as it is close to her school and all amenities. She discussed a few negatives in the area such as speeding cars and heavy traffic volumes, and the parking of on-street cars resulting in an unsafe environment for the community. Miss. Skinner advised that allowing a rezoning and a large development with ten townhouses is not acceptable for this area. She commented that if the application is approved, traffic will increase making it more unsafe and resulting in possible car or pedestrian accidents. Miss. Skinner noted her concerns with the mature trees being cut down, privacy for the existing neighbourhood and the decline in property values.