Ms. Rita Ossington lives at 1433 Lesperance Road and is joined off-camera by her neighbor Kevin Chapieski, who lives at 12264 Renaud Street. She reads their written comments in opposition to this proposed zoning by-law amendment application. A copy of her written comments is filed with the Clerk's office.
The Mayor opens the floor for questions.
Residents Doug and Sharon Pitre requested Councillor Tonial to address Council on their behalf in support of this application.
In response to an inquiry on the development's setbacks in relation to Ms. Ossington's house, the Director responds that the site plan indicates the most southerly building will be 15 feet from Ms. Ossington's property line and not her house. He clarifies the property is zoned R2 and explains the measurements for building setbacks and range of building separation.
The garbage location for the development and its proximity to Ms. Ossington's house is raised. The Director indicates that they will ensure that there is adequate separation and remarks that there are different types of garbage structures that could be used.
An option of an exit-only driveway on the south end of the development is discussed. The Director advises that it was a better fit to accommodate traffic flow through Arbour Street, which has low volumes of traffic compared to Lesperance Road and which the street intersects Lesperance at a signalized intersection. The Director continues to explain that a traffic impact study had been undertaken and supports the use of one driveway connecting to Arbour Street.
A Member asked for clarification on the land-use planning principles considered for a change in zoning on a residential property to a higher density classification and a transient population, a term introduced by Ms. Ossington. The Director explains planning principles though the lens of owning your home or renting which are both acceptable forms of living accommodations. He notes the Town needs to ensure adequate housing types and tenure are available for the community. The character of an area is a challenging question. The Director explains that the provincial shift in affordable housing and the character of neighbourhoods are evolving as the need for greater intensification and the use of existing infrastructure in existing neighbourhoods are highlighted as a means to ensuring the amount of housing stock available is sufficient to meet housing needs. He explains the Official Plan criteria used to evaluate a zoning by-law amendment application.
The Mayor reiterates that no decision on the zoning by-law amendment application will be made at this meeting.