Brandon Ward, Manager, Planning outlined the applications submitted by Transmetro Properties Limited, Aldenhill Developments Limited and Edgewood Valley Developments Limited c/o Hughes Management which are applications for two plans of subdivision with related Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments to create a total of:
152 detached dwelling lots
Blocks for condominium townhomes (approximately 70 units) and multiple dwellings (183 units maximum)
Neighbourhood Commercial Block
Future Public School
Open Space Conservation Areas
Mr. Ward also outlined the proposed Official Plan Amendments which propose to refine the open space conservation boundary, re-designate the lands for the proposed future school block as institution, relocate the neighourhood commercial designation and re-designate portions to Low-Density Multiple and Medium Density Residential. The proposed Zoning By-law amendments are Residential Fourth Density with Special Provisions, Residential Fifth Density, Residential Medium Density, Neighbourhood Commercial, Institutional, Open Space Conservation and Holding Symbol. Mr. Ward outlined the different public comments that were received relating to these applications and outlined next steps which include planning staff review of comments received through public meeting, preparation of a recommendation report for Council and the applicants pursuit of further planning approvals.
Mr. Jim Hughes spoke on behalf of the applicants and outlined samples of typical housing styles. Mr. Hughes also reviewed the natural heritage system, school site and woodlot and Hansen bridge.
Deputy Mayor Macintosh questioned the connection of Hansen Boulevard.
Mr. Ward outlined that the proposed development and the Hansen Boulevard connection are completed at a similar time.
Mayor Brown commented on the importance of the Hansen Boulevard connection being completed.
Councillor Taylor questioned the Hansen Street bridge and new home construction occurring prior to the bridge opening and questioned the timing of the new bridge opening.
Mr. Ward indicated that the intent is that the Hansen Street bridge is completed prior to new home construction in the area.
Mr. Jones, General Manager, Infrastructure Services indicated that the Edgewood Valley 2B project is moving forward and if all goes well the plan is to construct the bridge in the coming summer.
Councillor Taylor questioned how long the process of bridge building would be.
Mr. Jones advised that bridge would most likely be complete before the road is built and it is likely to be 2022 before the road and bridge are complete.
Councillor Taylor asked for a more definitive date for completion.
Mr. Jones advised that a more concrete date for completion will largely be determined by the developer.
Mr. Hughes indicated that they would be trying to construct the roadway in tandem with the bridge construction if possible.
Councillor Sherwood questioned the make up of the park space.
Mr. Hughes indicated that the park is identified in the woodlot area and it has not yet been determined how much would be active park and how much would be inactive park.
Councillor Sherwood asked where the closest existing park to this development is located.
Mr. Ward advised that he would need to review further to determine the location of the closest park.
Councillor Peters questioned the open space conservation boundaries as well as speed limits on the roadways within the development.
Mr. Ward advised that the open space conservation boundaries have been refined as opposed to shrunk or expanded and it is expected as the development proceeds that a study is completed that recommends any impacts or separation that may be appropriate to protect the area.
Mr. Jones indicated that the 40 km/h speed limit will be implemented in the area.
Councillor Andrews asked about the Storm Water Management Pond and if it is anticipated that the pond would grow.
Mr. Ward indicated that staff evaluated the storm water management analysis to ensure that correct servicing can be maintained.
Mr. Hughes outlined the process that was undergone to determine appropriate storm water management for the proposed development.
Councillor Taylor questioned parking, specifically winter parking.
Mr. Ward indicated that a dedicated parking lot for this development has not been contemplated but the units themselves will need to comply with parking requirements.
Councillor Taylor expressed concern about the bridge being ready for opening prior to construction of homes.
Mr. Hughes indicated that is their intention to move forward with the development at the same time the bridge is being built and indicated he believes the roads and bridge will be in place before the construction of homes.