Committee of Adjustment Meeting Summary

The Committee of Adjustment approved a series of minor variance and consent applications, including a transportation depot at 548-550 Gardeners Road, a deck-related variance at 23 Point Crescent, industrial-commercial variances at 748 Development Drive, a land transfer between 23 and 27 Charles Street, a residential conversion at 135 Ontario Street, a deck variance at 453 Dockside Drive, and an amended application for 900-908 Division Street. The meeting began at 5:35 p.m. and adjourned at 6:53 p.m.

Topics Discussed

1. PROCEDURE AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

The chair outlined the order for each application: staff presentation, public comments, applicant response, committee discussion and vote. Residents were told that notices of decision would be sent only to those who submitted a written request. Public speakers were given up to five minutes, with a reminder at four minutes.

2. 548-550 GARDENERS ROAD: TRANSPORTATION DEPOT

The committee considered file D13025 2026, "to permit a transportation depot" at 548-550 Gardeners Road, as staff described it. No members of the public spoke after three calls for comments, and the committee raised no substantive questions before approving the application. One member declared a pecuniary interest because of employment with the applicant and did not participate.

3. 453 DOCKSIDE DRIVE: DECK AND CONCRETE PAD VARIANCE

The longest discussion concerned file D13-023-2026 for 453 Dockside Drive, where the applicant sought relief for a covered rear structure that included a concrete pad below. Staff explained why the pad counted toward porch coverage under the zoning bylaw: "because that concrete pad is beneath and it's a, essentially a platform attached to the house that is covered. It meets the definition of porch." Staff added that if there were "glass or landscaping below, this covered porch would meet the 50 percent provision."

Neighbours raised concerns about drainage, view impacts and the scale of the structure. One citizen said, "The property should not be allowed to be developed right to the property line." Nearby resident Scott Blair told the committee, "even at 12 feet with such an elaborate deck based on the photos I'm seeing, it's definitely going to affect any sort of view that they have down the river."

Committee member Gregory Ridge questioned the applicant's suggestion that the slab size could be adjusted, saying, "I don't think it's up to the committee to decide how much slab he can have." Gary Oosterhof also asked why the deck could not be built within the existing bylaw limits. The committee ultimately indicated support for the variance.

4. 900-908 DIVISION STREET: SIX-STOREY APARTMENT BUILDING

The committee also approved an amended application for 900-908 Division Street, a proposed six-storey apartment building. Planning staff said the property had already been identified for intensification and rezoned through the city's planning framework: "the 900 Division Street property was identified as an intensification area... and redesignated as a mixed use property."

Public comments focused on parking, traffic, privacy and compatibility with nearby homes. Phil Scarpaza argued, "The proposed project does not even provide for one parking space per unit. In this day and age, this should be a minimum requirement." Staff responded that the site was in an Express Transit Area, where lower parking standards apply.

On privacy, staff recommended screening for specific upper-floor units: "we would recommend it as a condition... privacy screening" for suites 508, 509, 608 and 609. The committee approved the application with an amendment requiring retention of existing fencing and vegetation where feasible, and replacement fencing where necessary.

5. OTHER APPROVED APPLICATIONS

The committee approved several other applications without recorded opposition:

• 23 Point Crescent (D13018 2026): A minor variance for an expanded deck within the wetland/brush area. Staff said "the CRCA, the Conservation Authority has reviewed the application in full" and was supportive. The application was unanimously approved.
• 748 Development Drive (D13021 2026): Minor variances for reduced setbacks for covered storage and a new building, along with reduced landscaped open space. The application was unanimously approved.
• 23 and 27 Charles Street (D10-010-2026 and D13-020-2026): Consent and minor variance applications to transfer 53.4 square metres from 23 Charles Street to 27 Charles Street and reduce lot area at 23 Charles Street. Both were unanimously approved.
• 135 Ontario Street (D13 022 2026): A minor variance to convert two ground-floor commercial units into three residential units. The application was unanimously approved.

Motions

• 548-550 Gardeners Road - File D13025 2026: Approved
• 23 Point Crescent - File D13018 2026: Unanimously approved
• 748 Development Drive - File D13021 2026: Unanimously approved
• 23 and 27 Charles Street - Files D10-010-2026 and D13-020-2026: Unanimously approved
• 453 Dockside Drive - File D13-023-2026: Committee indicated support for the variance
• 135 Ontario Street - File D13 022 2026: Unanimously approved
• 900-908 Division Street - File D13008 2026 / D108-2026: Amended application unanimously carried
• Adjournment: Unanimously approved

Attendees

Committee members identified in the notes: - Gregory Ridge - Gary Oosterhof - Vincent Cinanni

Other members identified by first name only in the notes: - Ken - Doug - Garrett

Absent: - Jordan Tikkenoslevy - Smnathina

Also identified during the meeting: - Chair - Clerk Allison