By GPT-4 & Parth on 2025-10-14, City: Richmond Hill, View Transcript
The Richmond Hill city council held a public consultation on the zoning bylaw amendment for 1430 Major Mackenzie Drive East to permit outdoor sales, display, and storage of seasonal products in front of the Fresh Co grocery store. No final decision was made at this session; planning staff will review public and external agency feedback before a future council vote. The agenda was adopted unanimously.
1) Public Hearing Statement and Appeal Rights - The meeting opened with guidance on public and written submissions for appeals to the Ontario Land Tribunal. - Quote: "If a person, public body, or specified person does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions... they are not entitled to appeal a decision of the city council to the Ontario Land Tribunal."
2) Zoning Bylaw Amendment for 1430 Major Mackenzie Drive East - The amendment would introduce site-specific provisions to permit outdoor sales, display, and storage of seasonal products in front of the Fresh Co store; current zoning (community commercial and neighborhood mixed-use) does not permit outdoor storage. - Quote: "The zoning bylaw amendment seeks to introduce site-specific provisions... to permit the proposed outdoor sales, display, and storage area for seasonal products."
3) Property Overview and Official Plan Context - The site spans about 10.8 acres with six freestanding buildings (grocery, fast food, clinics, beauty services, bank) and is designated as "neighborhood" in the Official Plan, permitting low- to medium-density residential uses and small-scale commercial activity. - Context helps evaluate potential impacts on traffic, aesthetics, and neighborhood compatibility.
4) Purpose of the Meeting and Next Steps - The session was a public consultation to hear from the public, the applicant, and planning staff; no final decision was made. - Quote: "Tonight is really just about hearing from the public and the applicant and our planning staff about the application." - Next steps include circulating the application to internal departments and external agencies for review and comments before a future decision. - Quote: "Staff have circulated the application to internal departments and external agencies for review and comments."
5) Opportunities for Public Input - Members of the public were invited to provide oral or written submissions regarding the zoning bylaw amendment; input will be considered in future deliberations. - Note: No specific contact details were provided in this section.
1) Motion to Adopt the Agenda - Outcome: Passed unanimously. - Details: Moved by Councillor Tree and seconded by Councillor Davidson.
2) Motion for Declarations of Pecuniary Interest - Outcome: No declarations were made.
3) Zoning Bylaw Amendment Application for 1430 Major Mackenzie Drive East - Outcome: No decision made at this session; the application was presented for public consultation and will be reviewed further before a final decision. - Next Steps: Planning staff will review feedback from internal departments, external agencies, and the public prior to a future council decision.