Title
APPLICATION FOR ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT - 377 BIG BAY POINT ROAD (WARD 9) (FILE: D30-026-2022)
Brandi Clement of The Jones Consulting Group advised that the purpose of the Public Meeting is to review an Application for a Zoning By-law Amendment submitted by The Jones Consulting Group on behalf of Big Bay 4 Inc. for lands known municipally as 377 Big Bay Point Road, Barrie.
Ms. Clement discussed slides concerning the following topics:
• An aerial view of the subject lands and a summary of the site characteristics, including lot area, frontage and depth, and the prior use of the site;
• An overview of the surrounding land uses and associated densities;
• The Draft Plan of Subdivision for the proposed preliminary development concept;
• Renderings of the proposed preliminary development concept;
• The Planning Applications submitted with respect to the development;
• The proposed development’s conformity with The Provincial Policy Statement 2020 and A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe;
• The subject lands designation under the existing and proposed Official Plan;
• An overview of the current Zoning of the site and the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment;
• The engineering being considered for the proposed development, including storm drainage design, grading and retaining walls, water infrastructure, and sanitary servicing;
• Landscape considerations for the proposed development, including tree preservation, a tiered retaining wall, and an enhanced planting plan; and
• An overview of traffic and parking considerations, including site access, traffic analysis, sight distance, a Vehicle Swept Path Analysis, and the total number of parking spaces.
Ward 9 Councillor, S. Morales asked questions of staff and received responses.
VERBAL COMMENTS:
1. Judy Beck, 74 Ward Drive, commented that she has lived in the area of the proposed development for 27 years. She disputed the statement by Ms. Clement indicating that there were no natural heritage features associated with the development site, noting that there are 150 year old trees in the area. Ms. Beck expressed that she is pleased to hear there will be tree preservation on the south side of the site and requested that tree preservation take place on the west side of the site as well.
Ms. Beck expressed concerns about the drainage from the proposed development and the impact that the 1.8 metre high retaining wall will have on surrounding properties. She noted that the retaining wall at this proposed height will be above the fence line of her property and expressed concerns that the structure will be built from the height of the retaining wall.
2. Dianne Lamb, 21 Loon Avenue, commented that her property backs onto the site of the proposed development. She expressed concerns about the destruction of trees on the site, the drainage, and the height of the proposed development may exceed two storeys in order to accommodate the living area required for the units. Ms. Lamb commented that she fears she will lose the privacy of her property, that there will be flooding resulting from the development, that trees will be destroyed, and that she will lose the value of her home.
3. David Harvey, 21 Loon Avenue, expressed concern with the proposed structure being built 4 metres above the existing grading of the site. He stated that this alone will be higher than the back fence of his property and he questioned whether it was necessary to raise the grade to the proposed height. Mr. Harvey commented that he fears surrounding landowners will lose the value of their homes. He stated the importance of preserving the trees on the west side of the site and requested that these trees be preserved. Mr. Harvey concluded by expressing concern with the drainage onto his property and requested that this concern not be overlooked.
4. Cathy Colebatch, 97 Cumberland Street, commented on the proposed raising of the property and the retaining wall, comparing it to a project located at 1 Milburn Street in Barrie. She stated that the three storey structure at 1 Milburn Street now looks like a 4 storey structure and towers over neighbouring homes. She requested that members of the Committee take a walk in the area of the proposed development in order to gain the perspective of surrounding homeowners. Ms. Colebatch stated that she was encouraged that the proposed development is only two storeys in height. She requested that if new trees are planted, consideration be given to species that are native to the area, and that different types be planted. Ms. Colebatch also requested that the developers work with an arborist to evaluate the feasibility of relocating trees that are removed to another location on the site.
WRITTEN COMMENTS:
1. Correspondence from Allan and Elaine MacDonald dated February 10, 2023.
2. Correspondence from Dianne Lamb dated February 10, 2023.
3. Correspondence from Brittany Glueckler and Aaron Pullen dated February 10, 2023.