Committee of Adjustment, October 15, 2025

City Council Meeting Summary

The meeting covered multiple planning applications and related zoning discussions, with one minor variance approved and several items still under consideration or deferred. Public input was limited for the discussed items, and staff emphasized policy context such as the Official Plan and ongoing studies. Key decisions included the approval of a minor variance at 402 Bonnie Meadow Road (Application 138 of 2025) with conditions, while other items remain in process or were denied.

Five Most Important Topics

1) Application 138 of 2025 – 402 Bonnie Meadow Road (Minor Variance) - Darren Sandra Smith presented a rear box bay window replacement variance due to rot found during construction; he argued the variance is minor: “I believe this is minor. It's in the rear yard and doesn't create any impact on anything.” The application was approved unanimously, subject to conditions including adherence to the site plan (dated Aug 26, 2025) and elevation drawings (dated Aug 22, 2025), with approval expiring two years after issuance if a building permit is not obtained.

2) Application 139 of 2025 – 874 Sinclair Road (Minor Variance) - Aiming to permit a motor vehicle dealership and related uses on the site, presented as “a fairly straightforward minor variance application to permit a motor vehicle dealership use on the subject site,” noting surrounding similar uses. The transcript indicates the application is still under discussion, with no final decision recorded in this section.

3) Official Plan Amendment (OPA68) and Employment Areas - City staff urged delaying approval until an employment study and OPA68 are completed, arguing for policy alignment. Staff notes echoed that “The official plan that has to be met, the intent purpose of is the in effect official plan. It's not some future study that the town may want to do.” This highlighted tension between current approvals and potential policy shifts.

4) Public Participation and Process - For the two applications (138 and 139), no members of the public called in or raised their hands to provide input, indicating limited immediate public engagement on these items. General statement in the section: “no members of the public had called in or raised their hands to provide input.”

5) Parking/Condominium Parking Spaces and Related Signage (Condominium Plan 24CDM 240091312) - The discussion covered designated parking spaces, safety signage, and conditions. A notable conditional language included signage requirements: “Approval subject to four conditions... signage be installed with respect to the following four cautions: Watch for overhead clearance, reduce sideyard clearance, compact vehicle space, and do not back in.” These measures directly affect residents and visitors and illustrate how parking design intersects with safety.

File Numbers Discussed

• Application 138 of 2025 – 402 Bonnie Meadow Road
• Application 139 of 2025 – 874 Sinclair Road
• (Other sections reference OPA68 and related zoning discussions; specific bylaw references include standard zoning amendment and site plan processes.)

Opportunities for Public Input

• Public input opportunities exist during hearings or written submissions; for these items, no public participation was recorded (“no members of the public had called in or raised their hands”). General process notes also mention residents can participate via phone line (905-815-6095) or video conference, and written notices can be requested via email to the Secretary Treasurer.

Motions and Outcomes

• Motion to Accept Regret for Miss Price: Passed.
• Motion for Application 138 of 2025 – Approval of Minor Variance for 402 Bonnie Meadow Road: Passed unanimously.
• Motion for Application 139 of 2025 – Approval of Minor Variance for 874 Sinclair Road: Under discussion (no final decision in transcript).
• Motion to Deny Application 060 of 2025 – 3071 Trafalgar Road: Denied unanimously.
• Motion to Approve Zoning By-Law Relief for 248 Jennings Crescent (Application 099 of 2025): Taken into committee for final decision.
• Motion to Approve Dwelling Construction Variance (2087 Wakeley Street, File A1225): Approved with conditions; expires in two years if no permit issued.
• Motion to Approve Parking Space Conditions for Condominium Plan 24CDM 240091312: Passed (signage and cautions included).
• Motion to Approve Use of Building for Motor Vehicle Dealership (subject to staff concerns and policy alignment): Pending/Not yet final in the transcript.
• Deferred Motion for On-Site Meetings (parking/underground spaces discussion): Deferred to allow staff/site testing.

Follow-Up Actions

• For 138 of 2025: ensure compliance with approved site plan/elevations; obtain building permit within two years.
• For 139 of 2025: further discussion and decision pending.
• For 2087 Wakeley Street: ensure building permit within two years; monitor variances (garage, lot coverage, front yard setback) as applicable.
• For 248 Jennings Crescent: final decision expected after committee review; monitor RFA adjustments and minimal neighborhood impact.
• For parking/condominium signage: implement “Do Not Back In” and related safety signage; finalize draft signage as part of condo approval process.

Councillors Present

• Mr. Towski
• Mr. Hardcastle
• Mr. Dicki
• Miss Price (noted as absent in at least one section)

Note: Names reflect the councillors referenced across the provided meeting sections; staff and applicant representatives are listed for context but are not counted as councillors.