Title
HEIGHT REVIEW AND TALL BUILDING POLICIES FOR THE URBAN GROWTH CENTRE PRESENTATION
Mr. S. Naylor, Director of Planning Services provided an overview of the presentation highlighting that it involves two components, a powerpoint presentation and 3-D modeling. Mr. A. Shaikh, Policy Planner and D. Williams, GIS Mapping Data Specialist provided a presentation regarding Height Review and Tall Building Principles for the Urban Growth Centre. Mr. Shaikh explained that the Planning Services Department has completed a review of the current standards and are recommending that the underlying rationale is still suitable. He noted that a clearer policy on the consideration of applications for tall buildings would assist in ensuring that tall buildings are situated in an appropriate manner which would build upon the strengths of the downtown. He reviewed what can be developed within the existing standards and in various zones and provided an image of the Urban Growth Centre and demonstrated heights of buildings currently in the downtown. D. Williams provided a thorough 3 D modeling visualization of how buildings today would look in the downtown if they were built to their current maximum permitted height. He described justifications provided for the development community for increased height permissions and the advantages of achieving additional height in the Urban Growth Centre. Mr. Shaikh highlighted the recommendations for maximum height permissions. He noted that the current standards permit considerable development and that staff have not found deficiencies within the current standards. He outlined the principles associated with approval of tall building design within the Urban Growth Centre. He stated that a clearer policy would assist Council, staff and the development community in identifying the appropriate design for tall buildings in the Urban Growth Centre. He provided several images associated with each of the proposed principles related to fostering:
- Prevention of adverse building shadows
- a pedestrian oriented environment that encourages access;
- street level activity;
- minimization adverse microclimatic impacts on the street;
- integration of new development within the context of the local urban form;
- retain the view of the Algonquin Ridgeline to preserve Barrie's natural setting;
- protecting the view of major geographical landmarks;
- buildings and principles; and
- contributing to a visually interesting skyline for the City of Barrie.
In closing Mr. Shaikh commented that exploring a new policy would allow for the review of designs for tall buildings in terms of their impact on the Urban Growth Centre.
The Committee Members and Councillor's in attendance asked a number of questions related to the information provided and received responses from City staff.