Committee of Adjustment meeting of February 18, 2026 at 7 p.m.

City Council Meeting Summary

The meeting covered several development applications across multiple properties, with two deferrals granted, unanimous approvals for a consent severance and related variances at 397 Trafalgar Road, a rear-yard setback variance approved for 258 Caroline Drive, and a denial of a rear-yard setback variance for a RL3 corner-lot proposal at 132 Calder Drive. Public input was highlighted for deferred items and objectors; outcomes included deferrals, approvals with conditions, and a decision to deny one variance request.

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Five Most Important Topics Discussed

1) Deferral of Applications: 235 Douglas Avenue and 1314 Avon Crescent (Files #23/2025 and #26/2025) - Summary: The applicant at 235 Douglas Avenue requested a deferral to confer with staff and address objections. The applicant at 1314 Avon Crescent requested a deferral to discuss with staff, with objections documented in writing. - Key points and quotes: - Chair noted objections: “We have two letters of objection from Brian and Liz Kramer and Paul Greg.” - Public-notice process: “You will receive notice accordingly.” - Impact: Deferrals delay any decision and give applicants time to engage with neighbors and staff to resolve concerns before resubmission. - Public comments: Objections were raised by neighbors and acknowledged by the Chair.

2) Consent Application and Related Variances for 397 Trafalgar Road (File B2601; Variances A008/2026 and A009/2026) - Summary: The committee considered severing the property into two lots under Section 53 of the Planning Act, with two associated variances for the coach house and related minor adjustments. - Key points and quotes: - Heritage and design alignment: “the coach house is architecturally accurate with the time” and staff support: “town heritage staff and there was no opposition from the town’s heritage committee.” - Public input: A resident (Peter West) raised concerns and was given the opportunity to present. - Impact: This decision affects lot configuration, heritage alignment, and density; approvals hinge on heritage considerations and adherence to final plans. - Public comments: Objections were submitted and discussed; the public was invited to speak.

3) Rear Yard Setback Variance and Development at 273 Elton Park Road (Application 020/2026) - Summary: A rear yard setback variance was discussed for a corner-lot proposal; the committee considered site constraints and neighborhood impact. - Key points and quotes: - Planner/owner discussion: “The setback line is taken to that 0.3 offset... it’s not to the overhang of the house, but it’s 2 ft in from that the existing house.” - Privacy and trees: Emphasis on existing trees and landscaping to mitigate impact; the design includes privacy measures. - Impact: Approval would adjust setbacks for the proposed footprint, with attention to sightlines and mature trees.

4) Solarium Addition at 258 Caroline Drive (Application 21/2026) - Summary: A one-story solarium addition to an existing residence; included consideration of rear-yard setback and site context. - Key points and quotes: - Configuration and site constraints: “The existing house is shown in the gray hatching... the red outline of a one-story addition approximately 14 ft in height is being added on as a solarium.” - Neighbour context and support: Letters of support were noted from neighbors; public input opportunities exist through the site-plan process. - Impact: Approval would affect massing, setback, and landscaping, with further site-plan approval to regulate landscaping and screening. - Public comments: Neighbors provided letters of support; no objections reported at this segment.

5) Denial of Zoning Variance Application for 132 Calder Drive (Application 22/2026) - Summary: A contested RL3 zoning variance concerning rear yard setback and other provisions was denied. - Key points and quotes: - Opposing position: “These variances are not minor and they are not desirable.” - Visual impact and heritage context: Discussion framed around streetscape and character, with concerns about massing and setback. - Impact: The denial preserves current zoning standards and streetscape integrity, potentially affecting future infill plans in the area. - Public comments: Opposition and concerns were raised; the motion to deny reflected the committee’s stance on the four tests of the Planning Act.

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Files, By-laws, and Document References

• 235 Douglas Avenue (File #23 of 2025) — Deferral requested; no decision yet.
• 1314 Avon Crescent (File #26 of 2025) — Deferral requested; no decision yet.
• 397 Trafalgar Road — Consent Application and Variances:
  • File/BY: B2601 (Consent)
  • Variances: A008/2026 (Coach House) and A009/2026 (Minor adjustments)
• 273 Elton Park Road (Application 020 of 2026) — Rear yard setback variance.
• 258 Caroline Drive (Application 21 of 2026) — Solarium addition; rear yard setback variance considered.
• 132 Calder Drive (Application 22 of 2026) — Denied zoning variance (RL3 rear yard setback in dispute).

Opportunities for Public Input

• General: Residents were invited to register to speak by calling 905-815-6095.
• Notices: Written notice of decisions can be requested by contacting the Secretary Treasurer.
• Specific items: Peter West spoke at the Trafalgar Road discussion; neighbors’ letters of support or objection were noted for Caroline Drive and Elton Park Road items.

Motions Passed, Rejected, or Deferred (Titles and Outcomes)

• Deferral: 235 Douglas Avenue (File #23/2025) — Deferral approved; applicant to confer with staff and address objectors before resubmitting.
• Deferral: 1314 Avon Crescent (File #26/2025) — Deferral approved; applicant to consult with staff and address neighbor objections; notices issued.
• Consent Application B2601 (397 Trafalgar Road) — Approved unanimously.
• Variance A008/2026 (Coach House at 397 Trafalgar Road) — Approved unanimously; subject to garage construction per final heritage permit.
• Variance A009/2026 (Minor adjustments for severed property at 397 Trafalgar Road) — Approved unanimously; contingent on consent application B2601.
• Rear Yard Setback Variance (Application 020/2026) — Approved unanimously; must follow site plan and elevations dated Dec 18, 2025; two-year permit expiration if no building permit issued.
• Rear Yard Setback Variance (Application 21/2026, 258 Caroline Drive) — Approved (unanimously); subject to compliance with final site plan and heritage considerations.
• Denial: RL3 Zoning Variance (Application 22/2026, 132 Calder Drive) — Denied; committee rejected the variance application as not meeting the four tests.

Councillors/Committee Members Present

• Madam Chair
• Miss Price
• Mr. Towelski
• Mr. Dicki
• Mr. Dick
• Mr. Hardcastle
• (Additional participant names appear in various sections as applicants, staff or residents; key committee members listed above were active in the discussed motions and deliberations.)

Notes

• Across several items, public input was limited at the segment level, but written objections or letters of support were cited where relevant.
• Some sections reference different specific file numbers or minor variations in numbering; the above consolidates the key items and their outcomes as presented in the transcripts.