Councillor Gordon rejoined the remote meeting as a participant.
Lindsay Sulatycki, Senior Development Planner, provided a summary of the proposed Draft Plan of Subdivision, Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments at 1242-1260 Gordon Street and 9 Valley Road to permit a residential subdivision containing a residential block with two, 12-storey apartment buildings with a total of 377 apartment units, a municipal park block and an open space block. She outlined the current and proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law designations and the requested specialized zoning regulations
Astrid J. Clos, Astrid J. Clos Planning Consultants, agent on behalf of the applicant, provided an overview of the subject applications, including the surrounding land uses, context within the Gordon Street intensification corridor, details on the municipal road, park and open space to be conveyed to the City, the number of parking spaced being proposed and the proposed density.
Adam Carapella, Tricar, highlighted the company's commitment to energy efficient design and to providing affordable and attainable housing
JP Thornton, Kasian Architecture Ontario Incorporated, provided details surrounding the architectural design of the proposed development including the underground parking, floor plans, construction materials and finishes, and shadowing.
Daniel Eusebi, Stantec, outlined the natural heritage considerations for the subject property, including tree removal, the deer corridor and deer habitat, its proximity to the Torrence Creek Provincially Significant Wetland, and bat, bird and amphibian habitat.
Claudia Espindola expressed concerns with the proximity of the proposed development to the wetland and conservation area and the potential impact on the deer path and other wildlife. She also expressed concerns with the number of developments happening in the area and the cumulative impact on traffic and density. She stated that the use of public transportation in the area is not always possible.
Bruce Wilson, a homeowner on Valley Road, stated that Gordon Street and Edinburgh Road is not an intensification hub and as such a 12-storey building should not be approved. He expressed concerns with the lack of amenities in the area and the canyonization of Gordon Street. He also expressed concerns with the current parking inadequacies and the parking calculations provided for the proposed development.
Tony Campagnolo, a resident on Valley Road, expressed concerns with allowing multiple developments along corridors such as Gordon Street.
Tamara Baggio, an adjacent property owner, expressed concerns relating to overflow parking on Landsdown Drive and Valley Road and resulting safety issues for emergency vehicles and school buses. She also expressed concerns with the removal of trees on the subject property, as well as the construction of a 12-storey building directly adjacent to a residential neighbourhood with single family homes.
Susan Watson spoke regarding the parkland dedication aspect of the proposed development and she requested clarity surrounding the parkland calculation.
Council recessed at 10:05 p.m. to allow time for delegations to call into the remote meeting to speak to the item. Council reconvened at 10:10 p.m.
Morgan Dandie-Hannah expressed the importance of maintaining the deer corridor on the subject property. She stated that the City must meet the growth targets set out by the Province while maintaining the character of existing neighbourhoods. She also expressed concerns with the loss of trees.