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Planning and Works Committee - May 12, 2009 Public Input ROP Minutes   |
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5:02 p.m.
Regional Council Chambers
150 Frederick Street, Kitchener
Present were: Chair J. Wideman, J. Brewer*, D. Craig*, K. Denouden,* T. Galloway, R. Kelterborn, C. Millar, J. Mitchell, W. Roth, K. Seiling, B. Strauss*, S. Strickland*, and C. Zehr*
Members absent: J. Haalboom, B. Halloran, J. Smola
J. Wideman outlined the procedure of the statutory meeting, including registered delegation time expectations and the appeal processes. Attention was drawn to the sign-in sheets for interested persons. It was further indicated that Committee members were present to listen to issues raised by delegations, however, it was emphasized there would be no decisions being made with respect to the issues presented at this time.
Rob Horne, Commissioner of Planning, Housing and Community Services, provided brief comments as to the public input and background of the creation of the Regional Official Plan (ROP). It was reiterated that the purpose of the statutory public meeting was to listen to public concerns regarding the ROP. The public was reminded that May 19th was the deadline for receiving written comments and that the report would go before Regional Council on June 16, 2009 for approval.
DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST UNDER THE MUNICIPAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST ACT
None declared.
*D. Craig entered meeting at 5:06 p.m.
DELEGATIONS
Robert Tarrant appeared on behalf of Generational Designers and provided a handout to committee; a copy is attached to the original minutes. Committee members were made aware of the future planned proposal of a prototype community within the Region of Waterloo which would incorporate the sustainability and liveability provisions set out in the ROP. Committee was encouraged to consider the proposed new innovative community which encourages renewable energy concepts. Highlights of the design were provided for consideration by the committee.
*Jane Brewer entered the meeting at 5:17 p.m.
Paul Britton appeared for MHBC Planning representing a number of property owners but focused mainly on two property issues; southwest Kitchener lands and the commercial policies contained in the ROP. Attention was drawn to a map of southwest Kitchener lands. A copy of his handout is attached to the original minutes. Support was given to including the lands in urban area designation and the reasoning for that support was itemized. Mr. Britton offered concern with respect to the permanent greenbelt proposed adjacent to west and southwest Kitchener and a shift from Greenfield development in the eastside urban portion of Kitchener. There was concern was expressed of incomplete master plans and growth projections being used to set policies for long term planning with regard to not expanding the urban areas. Reference was made to the land budget and incomplete data as a basis for development in Greenfield areas. It was indicated that density discussions should occur prior to the policy being implemented. Attention was drawn to the recharge mapping and the concern raised regarding their clients’ lands and the significant recharge areas. It was noted in the response document of the change of the recharge area on their lands and this is of concern for the clients.
David Wellhauser appeared on behalf of Waterlooians.ca and asked that the website link be included in the original minutes. Mr. Wellhauser offered support for the Protected Countryside concept to prevent urban sprawl within the ROP. Encouragement was offered for the Region of Waterloo to establish a land trust to include the entirety of the McNally Lands in the Environmentally Sensitive Landscape (ESL). Support was given to the greater intensification of urban areas. Encouragement was given for the removal of the pipeline reference in the long term water resource strategy.
*K. Denouden entered meeting at 5:31 p.m.
John Jackson addressed committee members on behalf of the Grand River Environmental Network, which is a group of area citizen activists who are interested in protecting and enhancing the community. Congratulations was extended to staff and citizens who have worked diligently on the ROP. Mr. Jackson extended encouragement to hold tough on the Countryside Line so that in the next 20 years we don’t surpass that boundary further. Another issue of concern was with regard to infrastructure and implementing new technologies in new infrastructure and the redevelopment of existing infrastructure. Encouragement was given to remove the pipeline reference from the long term water resource strategy from the ROP. It was reinforced that the implementation of the policies were the key in the success of the ROP and Councillors were urged to implement the policies as set out. The importance of encouraging the provincial partners to change their policies to meet our needs was also expressed.
*C. Zehr entered meeting at 5:37 p.m.
Floyd Montour from Six Nations was called but was not present.
Kevin Thomason appeared as President of the Sunfish Lake Association. A copy of the full presentation, as recited, is attached to the original minutes. General support was extended for the progression of the ROP but concern was mentioned regarding the softening of the Countryside Line and the reduction of the amount of Protected Countryside designated land.
Doug Wilson appeared representing Wings of Paradise Butterfly Conservatory, a privately owned and funded laboratory research service. A copy of the full presentation, as recited, is attached to the original minutes. M. Wilson extended encouragement to committee members to support the severance application on the Conservatory property. Details were set out in his presentation.
Jane Schneider of Waterloo, ON appeared as a land owner within the Laurel Creek Headwaters Environmentally Sensitive Landscape. There was gratitude extended for establishing this ESL as well as the two new ESL designations: Dumfries Carolinian and Beverly. Committee was encouraged to conserve and reduce water use within the Region and strengthen policies to protect the ESLs. A copy of the full presentation is appended to the original minutes.
Ed Reese from St. Agatha, ON appeared as a resident of the Laurel Creek Headwaters ESL. Committee was encouraged to review section 7 of the ROP to prohibit mass water taking from the ESL areas. It was suggested that a different approach be taken to water conservation and water reduction. The promotion of tree planting and the increase of agricultural lands within the Region was also encouraged. A copy of his presentation is attached to the original minutes.
Stephen Garrod, LLB, addressed committee representing Lee Silvestri Investments Ltd. With reference to Map 5b, subject lands were identified for committee members along the south portion of Cambridge where the South Boundary Road is proposed to be constructed. With use of a map, an error was identified as to the city boundary and the positioning of the proposed roadway. Encouragement was extended to designate the portion of land being sectioned as a result of the proposed road to be designated as a future urban area and not protected countryside. A copy of his presentation is appended to the original minutes.
Paul Puopolo appeared representing Breslau Properties, land owners of a parcel of land at Kennedy Road and Fountain Street North in Breslau. Committee members were encouraged to consider a change in designation of these lands to urban designated Greenfield and provided a historical update concerning land applications. In addition, staff was encouraged to consider extending the life of the ROP up to 30 years. A copy of his handout is attached to the original minutes.
Ron Hackett appeared representing the Heritage Planning and Advisory Committee and the Wellesley Township Heritage and Historical Society. Mr. Hackett offered support to this draft of the ROP with the view of conserving cultural heritage resources and the reuse of historical buildings. Further support was shared for the policy of establishing Cultural Heritage Landscapes. A copy of his handout is attached to the original minutes.
Merlin Trussler appeared as a farmer and property owner in the southwest corner of Kitchener. With reference to a map, he identified his parcel of land. Opposition was expressed to the designation of this area as Protected Countryside as this land is becoming harder to farm. Mr. Trussler made further comment as to the lack of input the landowners have had in the re-zoning of these lands. It was mentioned that staff has made no contact with the land owners. Information was offered of services that have been installed in this area by the City of Kitchener to support a school, sports complex and a fire station for future development. Committee enquired as to the Protected Countryside designation being a further hindrance to farming this property and an affirmative response was given. Additional clarification was offered as to the lack of notification by Regional staff regarding the change of land designation. Staff offered information about attempts made to establish contact with the affected landowners. R. Horne advised that, although efforts went beyond what was set out in the Planning Act, individual contact has not been made with every affected land owner. Committee was advised of a scheduled meeting between Mr. Trussler and staff in the near future.
Gerald Kara represented the Waterloo Region Food System Round Table and voiced support for the food policies contained in the ROP. Support was given to the Countryside Line to promote local agriculture and maintain prime agriculture lands. A copy of his handout is appended to the original minutes.
Joy Finney appeared for Waterloo Region Healthy Communities Coalition. Committee members were encouraged to overlook the individual disputes that rely on financial or positional gain. She encouraged Committee to look at the overall long-term objectives of the Region, with a focus on promoting a healthy viable community. Information was forwarded to Committee members and is located in the Regional Councillors library concerning health impacts of urban sprawl on a community. A copy of her handout is appended to the original minutes.
Paul Moore appeared representing Empire Communities regarding a parcel of land in Breslau. A copy of the handout is attached to the original minutes. Information was offered as to a parcel of land that currently has a draft plan approval. It is suggested that a portion of this land be included in the designated Greenfield as following good planning policies.
*T. Galloway left the meeting at 6:34 p.m.
*S. Strickland left the meeting at 6:35 p.m.
Kathy Murphy appeared on behalf of landowners from a portion of Cambridge. With the use of maps, concern was expressed regarding areas of land west of Fountain Street as eastside employment lands, which has changed from the first draft of the ROP. Clarification was requested regarding wording changes within the new draft of the ROP, which were identified and read out to committee members. Ms. Murphy expressed concern and sought clarification for the designation concerning a portion of land west of Fountain Street South, east of Speedsville Road on Map 7 of the ROP. Comment was made as to the prudence of approving a new ROP with the existence of an outstanding Ontario Municipal Board hearing. It was requested that this ROP approval be postponed until all outstanding issues are resolved. Committee members reminded the delegation of the Provincial deadline for submitting the ROP. Kevin Eby, Director of Community Planning, acknowledged the error contained in Map 7 with respect to the Countryside future expansion area designation.
John Vasiga from Cambridge, ON appeared to discuss Map 5b with regard to the expansion bridge over the Grand River and encouragement to construct the bridge was given. Items of map omissions were identified. Reference was made to the City of Cambridge response to the ROP pertaining to the subject lands in ROPA 28 and their designation. Clarification was sought for the proposal of these subject lands.
Janis Giftoulos of Ancaster, ON did not appear but sent in a written response which is attached to the original minutes.
Dave Aston appeared representing Gatestone Development and Brian Domm in relation to land located north of Roseville Rd in North Dumfries Township and west of Cambridge. With reference to a map, the lands were identified and committee was encouraged to designate the parcel of land as an urban area or future urban area. Mr. Domm indicated that the land is non-prime agricultural land and that although it’s currently being farmed, it will be landlocked and will become very difficult to farm ongoing. Committee was asked to consider the request on the basis of logical and practical planning merits. Committee clarified the means of access to that parcel of land.
*D. Craig left meeting at 6:54 p.m.
Barry Horosko, LLB, appeared representing Madison Homes with regard to 80 acres of land at the northeast corner of Middle Block Road and Middlebank Drive in Cambridge. Concern was expressed about potential challenges to the land budget and to the extension of the life of the ROP. It was suggested to include the Madison Homes lands in the land budget if it is determined that more lands are to be added.
Mark Reusser appeared representing Waterloo Federation of Agriculture and expressed a desire to challenge policies on a local level for long term agricultural promotion. He demonstrated support for intensification, the Countryside Line and the Protected Countryside policies, Countryside Settlements and farm lot severances. Concern was expressed about the preservation of prime farmland and controlling urban sprawl. Committee members questioned the manner in which the delegation became aware of tonight’s meeting and reference was made to the advertisements in all the local newspapers.
Wilhard Barth from St. Agatha, ON appeared as a farm owner and a member of the Laurel Creek Headwaters ESL Public Liaison Committee. A copy of his handout, as recited, is attached to the original minutes. Concern was expressed on the definition of the term “Contiguous” and clarification was requested on this change from the first draft of the ROP. Encouragement was expressed on the continued protection of ESLs and water recharge areas.
Brad Ullner appeared representing Disability and Human Rights Group, supported by the Social Planning Council of Kitchener-Waterloo. A copy of his handout is attached to the original minutes. A recommendation was offered by Mr. Ullner to include a provision of “Visitable Housing” for new residential developments which would allow a wider selection of choices for special needs residents within the community.
Larry Masseo appeared representing Activa Holdings Inc. on behalf of a number of lands in the area but focused mainly on two issues; Protected Countryside designation and the area of New Dundee and Baden. Mr. Masseo expressed concern about the broad-brush manner, without scientific foundation, in which staff have determined areas as Protected Countryside. It was suggested that this designation be determined based on a number of factors and a Regional Official Plan amendment. Comment was submitted on a parcel of land in Baden and requested a transfer of the approval from New Dundee lands to the Baden lands and incorporated in the present draft of the ROP.
*The following delegations had registered after the agenda deadline and were given a 5 minute time limit:
Jennifer Voss appeared representing 1589805 Ontario Inc. with regard to lands located at the Southeast corner of the city of Cambridge. Her handout is appended to the original minutes. Information was offered about the draft plan of a subdivision concerning these lands. Ms. Voss indicated a proposal has been forwarded to staff regarding a boundary line adjustment on the lands which would prevent a non-viable agriculture parcel of land. It was requested that this adjustment be reflected in the final draft of the ROP. It was clarified that the request is to shift the city boundary line under the proposal offered. Kevin Eby, Director of Community Planning, provided information about the process for shifting the city boundary line versus moving the land designation boundary.
Paul Grespan appeared representing Grandview Investments with regard to a parcel of land located at west of Riedel Drive in southwest Kitchener. General comments were made as to predetermined positions taken at the outset and forced into the ROP. Mr. Grespan commented about land designations in the ROP being based on incomplete data to conform with the Provincial Places to Grow program. It was indicated that studies conducted on the subject lands approved development, however, the designation of the lands by staff as Protected Countryside prohibits development. Councillors were encouraged to review the ROP in a fresh light with an overall view of incorporating all planning principles and suggested they change the designation of the subject lands as urban development lands.
Yvonne Fernandes from Kitchener, ON provided general support for the Countryside Line, Greenland Network and Source Water Protection. Encouragement was given for Council to stand firm on the policies set out in the ROP and to not give in to the pressures of development agencies. Concern was shared regarding the smaller Countryside area in the second draft of the ROP.
Mary Ann Wasilka from Kitchener, ON addressed Committee as a resident of downtown Kitchener and encouraged Committee members to consider the average citizen who may be uninformed on the issues of municipal planning. Comment was rendered on the Region taking a balanced approach to managed growth. A suggestion was made to set benchmarks for low-density growth and high-density growth. Further, it was suggested noise and air-quality be set as a benchmark for that growth.
Deb Swidrovich appeared as a resident of Waterloo, ON and commented on the Protected Countryside, the Countryside Line and sustainability. A copy of her comments, as read, are attached to the original minutes. Support was given to the policies regarding the Protected Countryside and the Greenland Strategy. Ms. Swidrovich expressed support for the Countryside Line policy but concern was voiced for the removal of the word “fixed” as a sign of the weakening of that policy. Concern was noted for the removal of water from ESL areas for commercial and municipal use.
Ginny Quinn from Kitchener, ON appeared for Daphne Nicholls and the Friends of Hidden Valley and commented on sections of the ROP pertaining to Hidden Valley, with reference to a map and proposed roads. A contradiction in the designation of Hidden Valley was identified for staff. It was requested that Map 3a be changed to represent ESPA. It was suggested Hidden Valley be deemed a natural park area. Encouragement was given to maintain the Countryside Line. A copy of her handout is attached to the original minutes.
Vaughn Bender appeared before Committee representing RBJ Schlegel Holdings, a local development company. General support was extended for the policies contained in the ROP. Comments made were focused on the Protected Countryside designation and the objective of balanced planning. Concern was shared about maintaining the urban reserve for future development. The lack of studies conducted for the designation of Protected Countryside for the southwest Kitchener lands were noted. Mr. Vaughn shared support of a firm Countryside Line but it was submitted that careful consideration needs to be given before securing a firm Greenbelt around the community. Encouragement was given to revise the policy of a non-reversible Protected Countryside designation within the ROP. A copy of his presentation is attached to the original minutes.
Darwin and Janna Booth from Cambridge, ON were called but not present.
*B. Strauss entered the meeting at 8:13 p.m.
Louisette Lantgeine from Waterloo, ON appeared before Committee and identified omissions from maps within the ROP, specifically the Wellesley Recharge area. An error was identified in the Response Report concerning her request to remove all recharge areas from Map 6a. It was requested that the error be removed from the Response Document and a retraction noted, if possible. Missing wells were identified in maps contained within the ROP. The requirement to identify Source Water Protection Areas and wells within the ROP maps to maintain accuracy was noted, with a reference to the Region of Waterloo’s Water Resource Protection Strategy.
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J. Wideman canvassed the gallery for any additional delegations and none came forward.
ADJOURN
MOVED by J. Brewer
SECONDED by W. Roth
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
CARRIED
COMMITTEE CHAIR, J. Wideman
COMMITTEE CLERK, S. Parker
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