Owen Sound Committee of Adjustment Meeting Transcript — September 29, 2025

00:00:14 Speaker 01: I will call this meeting to order.

00:00:16 Speaker 01: I would like to welcome everyone to these hearings today.

00:00:19 Speaker 01: The Committee of Adjustment is appointed by Council to consider consent applications and applications for minor variances, and so on.

00:00:28 Speaker 01: Excuse me, minor variances.

00:00:29 Speaker 01: Excuse me.

00:00:29 Speaker 01: My name varies to the Zoning Bylaw.

00:00:31 Speaker 01: Please be advised that any applicant or agent who is in attendance at today's meeting for a specific application may leave the meeting once their application has been considered by the Committee.

00:00:44 Speaker 01: Are there any additional items from the Committee members or staff?

00:00:49 Speaker 01: Seeing none.

00:00:51 Speaker 01: Do any Committee member have any interest arising from the minutes of the last meeting or listed on the agenda?

00:00:57 Speaker 01: If so, please state the general nature thereof.

00:01:01 Speaker 01: Do any Committee members have any comments or motions regarding the July 22, 2025 minutes to be approved and adopted today?

00:01:16 Speaker 02: Yes, through you, Chair.

00:01:18 Speaker 02: I'd like to make a motion to adopt the minutes of the July 22 meeting.

00:01:24 Speaker 01: Thank you.

00:01:25 Speaker 01: I'll call the vote.

00:01:26 Speaker 01: All those in favour.

00:01:27 Speaker 01: Aye.

00:01:28 Speaker 01: It's carried.

00:01:29 Speaker 01: The motion is carried.

00:01:31 Speaker 01: There are no correspondence items being presented for consideration.

00:01:34 Speaker 01: Please be advised that the Planning Act of Ontario indicates that if any person other than the applicant or agent who wishes to receive notice of the decision of the Committee of Adjustment,

00:01:45 Speaker 01: or in the event that the Committee defers the decision or notice for further proceedings respecting the application,

00:01:52 Speaker 01: such persons may leave their names and addresses in writing with the Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee prior to leaving the hearing by filling out the signing sheet located on the table outside Council Chambers.

00:02:04 Speaker 01: In addition, only the applicant, the Minister,

00:02:07 Speaker 01: or specified persons or public body that has an interest in the matter has the right to appeal the decision of the Committee of Adjustment within the defined appeal period.

00:02:17 Speaker 01: More information concerning how to appeal the decision of the Committee of Adjustment and to the Land Tribunal, Ontario Land Tribunal may be obtained by the Community Services Department, Planning City Hall.

00:02:32 Speaker 01: The Committee of Adjustment today will consider four minor variance applications scheduled under applications.

00:02:41 Speaker 01: The Planning Act requires that the public hearing be held before the Committee of Adjustment decides whether to approve the minor variance.

00:02:48 Speaker 01: The public hearing serves two purposes: first, to present the details and background of the application to the Committee of Adjustment and the public, and second,

00:02:57 Speaker 01: to receive comments from the public and agencies before a decision is made.

00:03:02 Speaker 01: For each application, the Secretary will summarise the proposal and correspondence on file.

00:03:07 Speaker 01: Planning staff will provide any other information that is relevant to the application.

00:03:12 Speaker 01: From there, the applicant will be provided with the opportunity to make a presentation, followed by questions or presentations from the public, either in favour or opposed to the application.

00:03:24 Speaker 01: All questions should go through me, the Chair, and presentations are limited to a maximum of ten minutes.

00:03:32 Speaker 01: Committee members will then have the opportunity to question the applicant, the Secretary-Treasurer, the planner, or anyone giving presentations.

00:03:40 Speaker 01: The application applicant will be then considered by the Committee.

00:03:46 Speaker 01: Will the Secretary-Treasurer please advise how, when, and to whom the notice of public hearings were circulated?

00:03:55 Speaker 03: Through you, Chair.

00:03:56 Speaker 03: Notice for these applications was posted on the subject properties on Wednesday, September 18th, and notice was sent by mail to the assessed owners within 60 metres of the subject properties,

00:04:08 Speaker 03: and was also circulated to those persons, departments, and agencies likely to have an interest in the applications, as legislated, included with each notice.

00:04:18 Speaker 03: Was a legal description of the subject property and a description of the purpose of the proposed minor variance.

00:04:24 Speaker 03: The circulations were provided in accordance with the provisions of the Planning Act, R.S.O.

00:04:30 Speaker 03: 1990, Chapter P.13.

00:04:33 Speaker 01: Thank you very much.

00:04:35 Speaker 01: I now declare this to be a public hearing for application A-12-2025.

00:04:40 Speaker 01: Ms. McLean, would you please summarise the application and any correspondence received to date?

00:04:46 Speaker 03: Thank you, Chair.

00:04:50 Speaker 03: This is a minor variance application that was put forward by Bob Van Dolder.

00:04:55 Speaker 03: The Official Plan designation is residential, and it is zoned as low-density residential R3.

00:05:02 Speaker 03: The legal description of the lands is Plan 8, Lot 69, City of Owen Sound, County of Grey, and it is known municipally as 915 11th Avenue East.

00:05:14 Speaker 03: The applicant is proposing to construct an accessory structure in the rear yard of the property.

00:05:19 Speaker 03: The accessory structure is proposed to contain a two-storey additional residential unit.

00:05:25 Speaker 03: Accessory buildings are permitted to have a maximum height of five metres.

00:05:29 Speaker 03: The proposed accessory building height is six metres.

00:05:32 Speaker 03: A minor variance of one metre is being requested to address the height of the accessory structure.

00:05:35 Speaker 03: Comments have been received without objection from Grey County, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, and the Authority, in the City of Owen Sound's Engineering, Public Works, and Building Departments.

00:05:47 Speaker 03: The Historic Saugeen Métis have also provided comments without objection following the agenda being published.

00:05:55 Speaker 01: Thank you very much.

00:05:56 Speaker 01: Planning staff, will you please advise and provide any additional information that may be relevant?

00:06:05 Speaker 01: Thank you.

00:06:06 Speaker 04: Thank you, Chair.

00:06:07 Speaker 04: In regards to this minor variance, the property is located between Eighth Street and Tenth Street East on the east side of Eleventh Avenue East.

00:06:16 Speaker 04: It's an established residential street, and the property backs onto the residential townhouse condominiums of Laurie Crescent.

00:06:24 Speaker 04: There's an existing single-detached dwelling and a detached shed on the property.

00:06:28 Speaker 04: The applicant is proposing to remove the shed and construct an accessory structure in the rear yard of the property to contain a two-storey additional residential unit.

00:06:36 Speaker 04: The lands are zoned as low-density residential R3.

00:06:41 Speaker 04: Additional residential units are permitted in detached accessory structures in accordance with the Planning Act, the Official Plan, and Zoning Bylaw.

00:06:49 Speaker 04: The maximum permitted building height for accessory structures in this location is five metres.

00:06:53 Speaker 04: The proposed building height is up to six metres.

00:06:56 Speaker 04: As discussed in the report, the plan provided shows a shallow sloped gable roof with a height of 5.31 metres, measured in accordance with the Zoning Bylaw.

00:07:06 Speaker 04: As the plans are conceptual at this point, to provide some flexibility in finalizing the construction drawings.

00:07:11 Speaker 04: The variance requests up to six metres.

00:07:15 Speaker 04: The application has been reviewed against the policy context and the four tests of a minor variance,

00:07:19 Speaker 04: finding the application is consistent with and helps to achieve the direction of the provincial planning statement and Planning Act, conforms with the intent of the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw,

00:07:29 Speaker 04: is minor in nature and desirable for the development and use of the lands subject to the conditions, and I'll go into those in a minute.

00:07:36 Speaker 04: Staff would note the Planning Act specifically supports one residential unit in an ancillary building to a single detached dwelling.

00:07:44 Speaker 04: This is reflected in the Official Plan and zoning policies.

00:07:48 Speaker 04: Therefore, the use is permitted.

00:07:51 Speaker 04: On-site parking for up to three cars is shown on the conceptual plan.

00:07:55 Speaker 04: Additional details are required as a condition to ensure parking for at least two cars,

00:07:59 Speaker 04: which is the zoning requirement—one for the main dwelling and one for the accessory dwelling—meets minimum size requirements and there is access from the parking area to the A.R.U. The A.R.U. is proposed with setbacks which

00:08:12 Speaker 04: exceed zoning minimums,

00:08:13 Speaker 04: providing additional separation from adjacent uses.

00:08:16 Speaker 04: The proposed roof will be low pitched.

00:08:18 Speaker 04: The increase in height is not anticipated to be noticeable from neighbouring properties.

00:08:23 Speaker 04: The increased building height will provide a more efficient use of the lands, maintaining moderate lot coverage.

00:08:29 Speaker 04: A building permit will be required for the accessory structure, which will ensure servicing, the open, servicing, the Ontario Building Code, grading, and drainage are appropriately addressed.

00:08:39 Speaker 04: Staff recommend approval of the application subject to six conditions.

00:08:43 Speaker 04: One is that the driveway width and length conform to the requirements of the Zoning Bylaw.

00:08:48 Speaker 04: Two, that parking arrangements have been made.

00:08:51 Speaker 04: Three, that the existing shed has been removed.

00:08:53 Speaker 04: Four, that construction occurs substantially in accordance with the sketch submitted.

00:08:58 Speaker 04: Five, that servicing arrangements are acceptable to the City for the subject lands and the proposed uses,

00:09:04 Speaker 04: and finally that arrangements respecting access to the additional residential unit from the parking area have been made to the satisfaction of the Planning and Engineering Services Division.

00:09:16 Speaker 04: In summary, planning staff recommend approval of the application.

00:09:23 Speaker 01: Thank you very much.

00:09:24 Speaker 01: Does the applicant or agent for A12-2025 have a presentation they wish to make?

00:09:29 Speaker 01: Seeing none, are there any questions or comments from the members of the public for A12-2025?

00:09:41 Speaker 01: If so, please stand, give your name and the municipality in which you reside to the Secretary of Treasury, followed by your comments.

00:09:52 Speaker 01: Seeing none, Mr. Building Official.

00:10:01 Speaker 01: It's just my curiosity.

00:10:03 Speaker 01: It's nothing to do with the application.

00:10:05 Speaker 01: The property to the rear is a rental, so to speak.

00:10:13 Speaker 01: Yes.

00:10:13 Speaker 01: Okay.

00:10:14 Speaker 01: That's the question.

00:10:14 Speaker 01: That's what.

00:10:16 Speaker 01: Okay.

00:10:16 Speaker 01: Are there any further questions or comments from the committee to the applicant, Secretary Treasurer, Planning Division staff, or any persons who have made presentations?

00:10:25 Speaker 01: Seeing none.

00:10:25 Speaker 01: Does any member of the committee wish to make a motion?

00:10:26 Speaker 01: A member of the committee wishes to make a motion on application A12/2025.

00:10:37 Speaker 02: Yes, Chair.

00:10:38 Speaker 02: I'd like to make a motion to approve the application of A12/2025, subject to the conditions.

00:10:46 Speaker 01: Thank you very much.

00:10:47 Speaker 01: I will call a vote.

00:10:48 Speaker 01: All those in favour?

00:10:51 Speaker 01: Aye.

00:10:51 Speaker 01: Okay.

00:10:51 Speaker 01: The motion is carried.

00:10:53 Speaker 01: Please be advised that there is a 20-day appeal period during which time the applicant, the Minister, or specified persons or public body that has an interest in the matter may appeal today's decision.

00:11:05 Speaker 01: During this appeal period, no building permit may be issued or other work commenced.

00:11:10 Speaker 01: I now declare the public hearing for application A12/2025 to be concluded.

00:11:13 Speaker 01: The applicant may leave the meeting now if they wish to do so.

00:11:22 Speaker 01: I now declare this to be a public hearing for application A14/2025.

00:11:27 Speaker 01: Ms. McLean, would you please summarise the application and any correspondence received to date?

00:11:35 Speaker 03: Thank you, Chair.

00:11:36 Speaker 03: This is a minor variance application that was put forward by Barry Crucilbrink on behalf of Barry's Construction and Insulation Limited.

00:11:44 Speaker 03: The official plan designation is residential, and it is zoned as medium density residential R4.

00:11:50 Speaker 03: The legal description of the lands is part Lot 25, part Lot 26, Staveley West Side, City of Owen Sound, Grey County, and it is known municipally as 890 Twenty Street East.

00:12:04 Speaker 03: The applicant is proposing to sever the subject lands to create one new residential lot.

00:12:10 Speaker 03: The applicant is proposing to retain the existing dwelling on the retained lot.

00:12:14 Speaker 03: A single detached dwelling is proposed for the severed lot, which will necessitate the removal of the existing shed.

00:12:21 Speaker 03: So to facilitate that, consent is being requested, and a minor variance is being requested to address the site and building deficiencies.

00:12:28 Speaker 03: Comments have been received without objection from Grey County, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, in the City of Owen Sound's Engineering, Public Works, and Building Departments.

00:12:38 Speaker 03: One public comment was received respecting the impact on adjoining property owners and precedents for future developments.

00:12:46 Speaker 03: The Historic Society and Mati have also provided comments without objection following the agenda being published.

00:12:58 Speaker 01: Sorry, Planning Staff, would you please provide any additional information that may be relevant?

00:13:04 Speaker 04: Thank you, Chair.

00:13:06 Speaker 04: The property, 890 Twenty Street East, is located in the northwest corner of the intersection of Twenty Street East and Ninth Avenue East.

00:13:15 Speaker 04: To facilitate the proposed consent and the proposed development on the severed lot, a minor variance is being requested to address building regulations on the retained parcel and site and building regulations on the severed parcel.

00:13:29 Speaker 04: The lands are zoned medium density residential R4, which permits single detached dwellings.

00:13:35 Speaker 04: The application has been reviewed against the policy context and the four tests of the minor variance,

00:13:40 Speaker 04: finding the application is consistent with and helps to achieve the direction of the provincial planning statement and Planning Act, conforms with the intent of the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw,

00:13:50 Speaker 04: and is minor in nature and desirable for the development and use of the land, subject to the recommended condition.

00:13:56 Speaker 04: Staff would note that the application conforms to the infill policies of the Official Plan, and that it is located on an open and maintained road that is Twenty Street East and Ninth Avenue East,

00:14:07 Speaker 04: has access to municipal water and sanitary sewers as well as other municipal services, and is situated in a residential neighbourhood which contains a range of residential types on varying lot sizes.

00:14:19 Speaker 04: No adverse impact on adjoining properties is anticipated as a result of the proposed development, and the residential character of the streetscape is not expected to change significantly.

00:14:30 Speaker 04: Recommended conditions of approval for the associated consent application will ensure that the final stormwater management plan is designed to ensure that drainage is managed appropriately across the site.

00:14:41 Speaker 04: A variety of lot sizes within the City's residential lot portfolio will diversify the supply of residential housing and should allow for a range of housing prices to be available.

00:14:53 Speaker 04: So, staff recommend approval subject to three conditions.

00:14:57 Speaker 04: The first one being that the approval is obtained from the City's Committee of Adjustment for the consent application B14/2025, and the conditions pertaining to the consent are fulfiled.

00:15:07 Speaker 04: The second is that the future building permits for the attached garage on the severed parcel demonstrate a minimum of 12.65 metre wide and 6.0 metre long parking space can be accommodated within the attached garage,

00:15:23 Speaker 04: and finally, that construction occurs substantially in accordance with the sketch submitted with the application and attached to Schedule A of the decision of the Committee of Adjustment.

00:15:33 Speaker 04: So, in conclusion, staff recommend approval subject to the conditions.

00:15:39 Speaker 04: Thank you very much.

00:15:41 Speaker 04: Does the applicant or agent for A14/2025 have a presentation they wish to make?

00:15:50 Speaker 04: I wouldn't call it a presentation.

00:15:53 Speaker 04: I think the staff report did a good job.

00:15:56 Speaker 04: Just going through the details of this, we just finished a very similar application on the top of Ten Street Hill a couple of months ago.

00:16:05 Speaker 05: It's very similar lot size, very similar minor variance application.

00:16:08 Speaker 05: So we can see that the City is also encouraging different types of housing sizes and types and full services.

00:16:15 Speaker 05: So we think this is another good application for a new home in Owen Sound.

00:16:19 Speaker 05: So, any questions?

00:16:20 Speaker 05: I'm certainly here.

00:16:25 Speaker 05: Thank you very much.

00:16:30 Speaker 01: Are there any questions or comments from the public for A14/2025?

00:16:35 Speaker 01: If so, please stand, give your name and the municipality in which you reside to the Secretary Treasurer, and following with your comments.

00:16:44 Speaker 01: Yes, my name's Doug Murdoch.

00:16:46 Speaker 01: I live on Eight Avenue East.

00:16:47 Speaker 01: I think this should be denied.

00:16:50 Speaker 01: The lot he wants to new lot he wants to make is way undersized.

00:16:56 Speaker 01: It's supposed to be, from my understanding, reading the information, 400 square metres, and it's only 305.

00:17:03 Speaker 06: Like, how much smaller are we going, and where is this going to lead?

00:17:07 Speaker 06: Like in the future, for development, smaller and smaller lots, and the setback, like for the rear lot, is half of what it should be.

00:17:18 Speaker 06: I think we're allowing.

00:17:20 Speaker 06: I don't mind development, but like say how much smaller lot sizes, and are we going to cram houses into areas?

00:17:31 Speaker 06: That's my concern.

00:17:34 Speaker 06: So, and yeah, so the lot's a lot smaller.

00:17:38 Speaker 06: I think it's too small to be developed.

00:17:42 Speaker 01: Thank you very much.

00:17:43 Speaker 01: Are there any further questions or comments from the committee, from the applicant, Secretary Treasurer, Planning Division, or staff, or persons who've made presentations?

00:17:56 Speaker 01: I might say that the City does encourage smaller lots.

00:18:03 Speaker 01: There are people of a preceding age that don't wish to have large lots and large lawns.

00:18:13 Speaker 01: They like a small house, a place to park the garage, and a front porch to sit on.

00:18:19 Speaker 01: And if you meet those items, I think you have many, many people that would be happy to live in a house of that size.

00:18:28 Speaker 01: So, there's no questions from the committee.

00:18:33 Speaker 01: Does any member of the committee wish to make a motion for application A14/2025?

00:18:43 Speaker 07: I'll make a motion to approve A14/2025 as presented with the conditions.

00:18:51 Speaker 07: Thank you very much.

00:18:54 Speaker 07: I'll call the vote.

00:18:56 Speaker 07: All those in favour.

00:18:58 Speaker 07: It is carried.

00:19:00 Speaker 01: The motion is carried.

00:19:02 Speaker 01: Please be advised there is a 20-day appeal period during which time the applicant, the Minister, or specified persons or members of the public that have an interest in the matter may appeal today's decision.

00:19:14 Speaker 01: During the appeal period, no building permit may be issued or other work commenced.

00:19:20 Speaker 01: I now declare the public hearing for A-14-2025 to be concluded.

00:19:24 Speaker 01: The applicant may leave the meeting now if they wish to do so.

00:19:36 Speaker 01: I now declare this to be a public hearing for application A-15-2025.

00:19:42 Speaker 01: Miss McLean, would you please summarise the application and any correspondence received to date?

00:19:48 Speaker 03: Thank you, Chair.

00:19:49 Speaker 03: This is a minor variance application that was put forward by Ron Davidson, land use planning consultant, on behalf of the Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board.

00:19:58 Speaker 03: The official plan designation is residential, open space, and hazard lands, and it is zoned as institutional and hazard lands.

00:20:06 Speaker 03: The legal description of the lands is Sydenham Range Five, east of Garafraxa Road, part lots nine and ten, registered plan 16R-12-12-2, parts four and seven, City of Owen Sound, County of Grey,

00:20:21 Speaker 03: and it is known municipally as Twenty-Eighth Avenue East, with the address not yet assigned.

00:20:27 Speaker 03: The applicant is proposing to construct a new secondary school.

00:20:31 Speaker 03: The new school is proposed to be comprised of three floors.

00:20:34 Speaker 03: Bylaw 2025-079, ZBA 56, was approved earlier this year to amend the zoning categories on the lands.

00:20:43 Speaker 03: At that time, a two-story school was proposed.

00:20:46 Speaker 03: The maximum permitted building height in the institutional zone is 12 metres.

00:20:51 Speaker 03: The proposed building height is 16 metres.

00:20:54 Speaker 03: A minor variance of four metres is being requested to address the height of the new building.

00:20:58 Speaker 03: Comments have been received without objection from Grey County, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, the City of Owen Sound Engineering, Public Works, and Building Departments.

00:21:07 Speaker 03: The historic Saugine Métis have also provided comments without objection following the agenda being published.

00:21:16 Speaker 03: Thank you very much.

00:21:19 Speaker 01: Planning staff, will you please provide any additional information that may be relevant?

00:21:24 Speaker 01: Thank you, Chair.

00:21:26 Speaker 04: The Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board acquired lands fronting on the west side of Twenty-Eighth Avenue East, roughly two hundred and sixty metres south of Sixteen Street East, aka Highway 26,

00:21:37 Speaker 04: and backing onto the Grey County Rail Trail.

00:21:41 Speaker 04: As mentioned, the parcel was created by consent, approved in 2024, and was rezoned earlier this year through said ZBA 56.

00:21:49 Speaker 04: The rezoning application provided for the site to be zoned institutional, and also includes hazard lands to address the existing hazards.

00:21:59 Speaker 04: The proposed secondary school is located on the portion of the land zoned institutional.

00:22:04 Speaker 04: At the time of the rezoning, the school board had planned to construct a two-story school.

00:22:08 Speaker 04: However, the Ministry of Education has requested that the building be redesigned as a three-story school.

00:22:13 Speaker 04: The conceptual plans show the three-story school with a maximum height of 15.5 metres.

00:22:19 Speaker 04: Notice was given for relief up to 16 metres in height, representing a four-metre variance, to provide some flexibility in finalizing the plans and construction drawings.

00:22:29 Speaker 04: The application has been reviewed against the policy context and the four tests of the minor variance, finding the application consistent with the direction of the provincial planning statement,

00:22:37 Speaker 04: conforms with the city's official plan and hand of the zoning bylaw, is minor in nature and desirable for the development and use of the lands.

00:22:44 Speaker 04: Staff would note that the school use is permitted in the institutional zone.

00:22:48 Speaker 04: The development is located outside of the flight path for the hospital's heliport.

00:22:54 Speaker 04: Lands to the north are planned for East City commercial and high-density residential uses, and lands to the south are planned for low-density residential uses.

00:23:02 Speaker 04: Therefore, the proposed school will provide a transition between the future higher-density residential and commercial uses and the lower-density residential uses to the south.

00:23:13 Speaker 04: The building is located close to Twenty-Eighth Street East, with school bus access and parking off a future 15th Street East on the north side of the building.

00:23:21 Speaker 04: A one-story shop building and portables are shown on the south side of the building.

00:23:26 Speaker 04: These accessory buildings will provide further transition between the new school and the neighbouring residential uses to the south.

00:23:34 Speaker 04: There is an existing residence to the south right now.

00:23:38 Speaker 04: The increased height results in a smaller building footprint.

00:23:41 Speaker 04: The up to 16-metre high school building is set back from the neighbouring properties to the north and south by approximately 40 metres.

00:23:49 Speaker 04: The proposal will be subject to site plan approval, which will address overall site design, landscaping, parking, traffic circulation, pedestrian pathways, and other applicable issues.

00:24:00 Speaker 04: Staff recommend approval subject to the condition that construction occur substantially in accordance with the sketch provided, to the satisfaction of the noted staff.

00:24:09 Speaker 04: Thank you.

00:24:12 Speaker 01: Thank you very much.

00:24:14 Speaker 01: Does the applicant or agent for A-15-2025 have a presentation they wish to make?

00:24:19 Speaker 01: Welcome, Ron.

00:24:24 Speaker 08: Still, Ron Davidson, planning consultant, representing the school board, and Alicia is here today as well, representing the school board.

00:24:32 Speaker 08: I don't have a whole lot to say.

00:24:33 Speaker 08: Sabina summarised it very well.

00:24:36 Speaker 08: As she said, there was a consent application back in 2024 that resulted in the subject lands being severed from a property owned by somebody else to the north,

00:24:46 Speaker 08: and the school board subsequently purchased the property.

00:24:49 Speaker 08: Fast forward to a few months ago, we went through the rezoning process.

00:24:53 Speaker 08: The zone is institutional, as Sabina has said.

00:24:56 Speaker 08: Unfortunately, we found out a little bit later that the Ministry of Education requires the building to be redesigned to comply with their revised efficiency standards.

00:25:05 Speaker 08: So now we have to go three stories, but some of that additional height from 12 metres to 15.5 metres, to fifteen-five metres,

00:25:12 Speaker 08: is for the rooftop mechanical equipment and the parapet that will help hide the rooftop equipment.

00:25:18 Speaker 08: That's that's the justification or the reason for us standing here.

00:25:22 Speaker 08: In hindsight, if we had known, we would have asked for relief in the zoning bylaw amendment instead of having to file yet a third application.

00:25:30 Speaker 08: But hindsight is 2020.

00:25:32 Speaker 08: We didn't know that at the time.

00:25:34 Speaker 08: Sabina took the application quickly through the four tests of the Planning Act for minor variance.

00:25:40 Speaker 08: The only thing I wish to add is that, in my opinion, there'll be no impact on the neighbours.

00:25:45 Speaker 08: You heard me and I say that the closest house is about forty metres away.

00:25:50 Speaker 08: So it's in my mind there's not going to be an impact in terms of this building dominating or having a much larger height than a nearby adjacent house, nor will there be a shadowing effect.

00:26:04 Speaker 08: So there's again in my opinion there's no concern there.

00:26:09 Speaker 08: And also, I mean, for an institutional building, fifteen and a half metres really isn't that tall.

00:26:15 Speaker 08: If you think about it, probably most institutional buildings are going to be probably three or four stories in height.

00:26:22 Speaker 08: And lastly, we don't really have a choice.

00:26:25 Speaker 08: The school board is saying it has to be this high.

00:26:27 Speaker 08: So we're respectfully asking the committee to grant this minor variance application.

00:26:33 Speaker 08: Thank you.

00:26:36 Speaker 01: I didn't give you permission to sit down.

00:26:39 Speaker 01: On the drawings, Rand, there's a new shop building.

00:26:44 Speaker 01: What type of shop is that?

00:26:46 Speaker 01: Good afternoon.

00:26:56 Speaker 01: My name is Alicia Lancy, Executive Superintendent of Business and Treasurer with the board.

00:27:00 Speaker 01: The shops are the shop classes, the technology, the automotive, and our construction classes.

00:27:03 Speaker 01: That will be how classes that will be housed in that building.

00:27:09 Speaker 01: Thank you very much.

00:27:12 Speaker 01: Are there any further questions?

00:27:14 Speaker 01: Oh, sorry.

00:27:14 Speaker 01: Are there any questions or comments from the members of the public for A-15-2025?

00:27:19 Speaker 01: If so, please stand, give your name and the municipality in which you reside to the secretary treasurer, followed by your comments.

00:27:27 Speaker 01: Seeing none.

00:27:28 Speaker 01: Are there any further questions or comments from the committee to the applicant, secretary treasurer, planning division, or any persons who've made presentations?

00:27:36 Speaker 01: Seeing none.

00:27:38 Speaker 01: Oh, sorry.

00:27:40 Speaker 07: Not.

00:27:41 Speaker 07: I don't have the prior design prior to this, but because it now has to be three stories, is it smaller, like, footage in, in, in comparison,

00:27:49 Speaker 07: or is this additional space capacity that you've just added to it?

00:27:59 Speaker 07: This new design is actually a reduction of twenty-two thousand square feet, approximately.

00:28:09 Speaker 07: Thank you very much.

00:28:13 Speaker 01: Does any member of the committee wish to make a motion for application A15/2025?

00:28:26 Speaker 01: Yes.

00:28:26 Speaker 01: Oh, it's okay.

00:28:27 Speaker 01: All right.

00:28:27 Speaker 01: Sorry.

00:28:29 Speaker 02: Yes, Chair.

00:28:29 Speaker 02: I'd like to make a motion to approve the minor variance for A15/2025.

00:28:37 Speaker 02: Are we in fifteen or sixteen, sir?

00:28:40 Speaker 02: Fifteen, two thousand and twenty-five.

00:28:44 Speaker 01: I'll call the vote.

00:28:45 Speaker 01: All those in favour.

00:28:46 Speaker 01: The motion is carried.

00:28:51 Speaker 01: Please be advised that there is a twenty-day appeal period during which time the applicant, the minister, or specified persons or public body that has an interest in the matter may appeal today's decision.

00:29:02 Speaker 01: During the appeal period, no building permit may be issued or other work commenced.

00:29:10 Speaker 01: I now declare public hearing for A15/2025 to be concluded.

00:29:15 Speaker 01: The applicant may leave the meeting now if they wish to do so.

00:29:26 Speaker 01: I now declare this to be a public hearing for application A16/2025.

00:29:31 Speaker 01: Ms. McLean, would you please summarise the application and any correspondence received to date?

00:29:40 Speaker 03: Thank you, Chair.

00:29:41 Speaker 03: This is a minor variance application that was put forward by Graham Construction Limited on behalf of Community Living Owen Sound and District.

00:29:49 Speaker 03: The official plan designation is River District Commercial, and it is zoned as Core Commercial C1.

00:29:55 Speaker 03: The legal description of the land is Registrar's Compiled Plan 918, Lots 20 and 21, Registered Plan 16R8528, Parts 3 and 4, City of Owen Sound, County of Grey,

00:30:09 Speaker 03: and it is known municipally as 1170 Third Avenue East.

00:30:14 Speaker 03: The applicant is proposing to construct a new three-story residential multi-unit building.

00:30:19 Speaker 03: The building is proposed to contain a group residence.

00:30:22 Speaker 03: To facilitate the proposal, a minor variance is being requested to address the requested site and building deficiencies.

00:30:29 Speaker 03: Comments have been received without objection from Grey County, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, and the City of Owen Sound Engineering, Public Works, and Building Departments.

00:30:39 Speaker 03: The Historic Métis Nation of Ontario has also provided comments without objection following the agenda being published.

00:30:46 Speaker 03: Thank you very much.

00:30:47 Speaker 03: Planning staff, will you please provide any additional information that may be relevant?

00:30:52 Speaker 04: Thank you, Chair.

00:30:54 Speaker 04: The Community Living property is located on the west side of Third Avenue East between 11th Street and 12th Street East, in a mixed-use block.

00:31:02 Speaker 04: For context, NorTown Plaza, which includes the Budenblat restaurant, is at the south end of the block with parking fronting Third Avenue East.

00:31:13 Speaker 04: The intersection of Third Avenue and 12th Street East to the north is where the fire hall is.

00:31:18 Speaker 04: The block is part of the River District commercial designation in the official plan, and the lands are zoned as Core Commercial C1, as is the entire block.

00:31:27 Speaker 04: The applicant is proposing a new three-story group residence, which is a permitted use.

00:31:31 Speaker 04: In conducting a detailed review of the site plan, staff noted that the parking area in front of the building is required to be set back one point five metres from the street line,

00:31:39 Speaker 04: the front lot line, whereas it is shown as zero point five metres from the street line.

00:31:45 Speaker 04: While this specific variance was not described in the notice of hearing, the site plan was attached, and the purpose to construct a new three-story residential multi-unit building has not changed.

00:31:56 Speaker 04: The parking is functionally associated with the group residence.

00:31:59 Speaker 04: Staff recommend that, with approval of the committee, this relief can be included in the decision.

00:32:05 Speaker 04: This would mean that the committee is considering three areas of relief today.

00:32:08 Speaker 04: The first is the interior side yard setback; required is four metres, provided is three point three metres, with a variance of zero point seven metres.

00:32:18 Speaker 04: The second is the maximum density FSI.

00:32:22 Speaker 04: It's required at one, provided at one point zero five, and the variance is zero point zero five.

00:32:30 Speaker 04: And finally, the parking lot area location on lot, no closer than one point five metres to the street line.

00:32:38 Speaker 04: Provided is zero point five metre to the street line, and the variance is one point zero metre.

00:32:44 Speaker 04: Staff have also found previous consent records indicating a shared access to the rear of the three townhouse units,

00:32:50 Speaker 04: and the subject lands was provided for via 1.2-metre easement over the neighbouring 1166 Third Avenue East property, and a 1.5- or sorry, 1.8-metre easement over the subject lands, which combined provides a shared 3.0-metre access.

00:33:08 Speaker 04: The document on file indicates that these easements run from the front yard to the rear yard.

00:33:15 Speaker 04: Staff have spoken with the applicant's team, and a revised plan is anticipated prior to building permit issuance, removing any obstructions from the easement.

00:33:23 Speaker 04: The proposed building does not obstruct these easements, and none of the variances are impacted by the easement or impact the easement.

00:33:30 Speaker 04: Staff have worded the recommended conditions to consider the building only to be in accordance with the sketch.

00:33:36 Speaker 04: The application has been reviewed against the policy context and the four tests of minor variances, finding that the application is consistent with the direction of the provincial planning statement,

00:33:45 Speaker 04: conforms to the city's official plan and intent of the zoning bylaw, is minor in nature and is desirable for the development and use of the lands.

00:33:53 Speaker 04: Staff would note that the permitted group residence is located in an existing built-up area of the city and represents efficient use of infrastructure and public services.

00:34:03 Speaker 04: The proposal will support the goals and objectives of the official plan.

00:34:07 Speaker 04: The location provides for municipal services, commercial amenities, and recreational amenities nearby, with transit also available.

00:34:15 Speaker 04: A commercial use would be permitted on the site with smaller setbacks and a higher density than what is proposed by the application.

00:34:23 Speaker 04: The reduced side yard is necessary for only a portion of the building, and access to the rear remains available.

00:34:29 Speaker 04: The height of the building and lot coverage are not exceeded, suggesting that the small increase in density is not out of line with the intent of the zoning law.

00:34:38 Speaker 04: The subject lands have been used informally for parking for a number of years, as is visible in old air photos,

00:34:44 Speaker 04: and the new parking lot will define the parking area with concrete curb protecting the sidewalk.

00:34:48 Speaker 04: Third Avenue East is a county road, and the county indicated no concerns.

00:34:53 Speaker 04: The location of the building on the lot maintains separation from neighbouring properties and provides access to the rear yard.

00:34:59 Speaker 04: Summary: Staff recommend approval of the application subject to two conditions: one, that construction of the building occur substantially in accordance with the sketch; and two,

00:35:09 Speaker 04: that a pedestrian connection be provided from the city sidewalk along Third Avenue East to the main entrance of the building, to the satisfaction of the Manager of Planning and Heritage.

00:35:18 Speaker 04: Thank you.

00:35:21 Speaker 01: Thank you very much.

00:35:23 Speaker 01: Does the applicant or agent for A16/2025 have a presentation they wish to make?

00:35:29 Speaker 01: Seeing none, are there any questions or comments from members of the public for A16/2025?

00:35:36 Speaker 01: If so, please stand, give your name, and the municipality in which you reside to the Secretary-Treasurer, and followed by your comments.

00:35:43 Speaker 01: Thank you.

00:35:49 Speaker 01: Good afternoon.

00:35:50 Speaker 01: My name is Rob Allen.

00:35:52 Speaker 01: I reside in the municipality of Erin Township.

00:35:55 Speaker 09: However, I do own the property directly across from this proposed development.

00:36:00 Speaker 09: In the notice that was sent out, I did have a couple of questions, but I see on this application it's identified.

00:36:06 Speaker 09: Application it's identifying a ten-unit facility.

00:36:10 Speaker 09: It was not on the information that we received.

00:36:15 Speaker 09: That was one of my questions: Was how many units in a three-story facility?

00:36:21 Speaker 09: Do we have?

00:36:23 Speaker 09: Is it a male group home?

00:36:25 Speaker 09: Is it a female group home?

00:36:27 Speaker 09: Is it a mixed-use group home?

00:36:30 Speaker 09: Is it an adult-only facility?

00:36:34 Speaker 09: Is it under eighteen.

00:36:36 Speaker 09: In my past career, I was involved in group homes.

00:36:43 Speaker 09: From the insurance perspective, I've seen many, and quite a variety of experiences associated with those.

00:36:54 Speaker 09: My concern as a property owner, directly across and for that of my tenants, is obviously a potential safety issue.

00:37:03 Speaker 09: What is the impact to my property with respect to future rents?

00:37:10 Speaker 09: What am I going to be able to achieve market value, or is it going to become a depressed situation for renting when I do get a vacancy because of the group home directly located across?

00:37:23 Speaker 09: And of no insignificant concern is what will the impact be to my property value.

00:37:31 Speaker 09: Well, thank you for your questions.

00:37:36 Speaker 09: Just hang on there.

00:37:37 Speaker 09: I'll pass this over to the planning department.

00:37:45 Speaker 09: Through you, Chair.

00:37:49 Speaker 09: The proposal was brought forward by Community Living.

00:37:54 Speaker 09: It is a group home.

00:37:56 Speaker 04: There, as the site plan shows, there will be communal living facilities and staff on site for twenty-four hours a day.

00:38:05 Speaker 04: Other than that, I don't think I can comment on any of the requested sort of information that you have.

00:38:14 Speaker 04: It's not something that the zoning bylaw can consider.

00:38:19 Speaker 04: Just as we can't consider the tenants in your units.

00:38:25 Speaker 04: As far as impact on your property value, the...

00:38:29 Speaker 04: I don't think I can comment on that.

00:38:31 Speaker 04: Generally, property values are determined by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.

00:38:38 Speaker 04: Oh, microphone, microphone, please.

00:38:44 Speaker 09: I have taken the liberty to have spoken to a couple of real estate agents who were well versed in the community,

00:38:51 Speaker 09: and they both agree that there would be a negative impact on my property values.

00:38:57 Speaker 09: So, going forward... and very potential negative impact on rents and the being able to achieve market rents.

00:39:07 Speaker 09: So I'm just... it's obviously a concern.

00:39:11 Speaker 09: We only run a small business of providing rental accommodation to tenants and yeah.

00:39:25 Speaker 01: Thank you very much for your comments.

00:39:27 Speaker 01: I'm sure, with 24-hour supervision on site, it will be a minimum impact to the neighbours around.

00:39:41 Speaker 01: Okay.

00:39:41 Speaker 01: Are there any further comments or questions from the committee to the applicant, Secretary Treasurer, Planning Division, or any persons that have made a presentation?

00:39:51 Speaker 01: Yeah.

00:39:55 Speaker 01: Seeing... no comments, does anyone wish to make a motion?

00:40:05 Speaker 02: Yes, through your Chair, I'd like to make a motion for the approval of the minor variance for A16/2025, subject to the conditions.

00:40:19 Speaker 01: Thank you very much.

00:40:20 Speaker 01: I'll call a vote.

00:40:21 Speaker 01: All those in favour.

00:40:24 Speaker 01: The motion is carried.

00:40:26 Speaker 01: Please be advised that there is a twenty-day appeal period during which time the applicant, the Minister, or specified persons or public body that has an interest in the matter may appeal this today's decision.

00:40:37 Speaker 01: During this appeal period, no building permit may be issued or other work commenced.

00:40:42 Speaker 01: I now declare Public Hearing A16/2025 to be concluded.

00:40:47 Speaker 01: The applicant may leave the room.

00:40:49 Speaker 01: They may leave the meeting if they wish to do so.

00:40:51 Speaker 01: I now turn the meeting to the Manager of Planning and Heritage to speak on two consent files listed on today's agenda: B13/2025 and B14/2025.

00:41:03 Speaker 04: Thank you, and through Chair, there was a technical administrative error regarding the giving of notice for B13 and B14/2025, and therefore those applications will not be heard today.

00:41:21 Speaker 04: Insufficient notice was provided to meet the requirements of the Planning Act.

00:41:25 Speaker 04: The applicants and owners of the respective applications were notified of the situation when staff realized this error.

00:41:31 Speaker 04: Notice of these applications will be given again in accordance with the Planning Act, and the applications will be heard on the October 28th Committee of Adjustment agenda.

00:41:41 Speaker 04: Staff apologized for the situation, and we will, like I said, have the applications on October's agenda.

00:41:49 Speaker 04: Thank you.

00:41:52 Speaker 04: Thank you very much.

00:41:55 Speaker 01: There are no correspondence items being presented for information.

00:41:59 Speaker 01: No additional business was added at the beginning of the meeting, so I will move to item ten, which is the next regular scheduled meeting on October 28, 2025.

00:42:09 Speaker 01: The time is now 3:43.

00:42:16 Speaker 01: I declare the meeting adjourned.