Committee of Adjustment Meeting Summary

The Committee of Adjustment approved a series of minor variance and consent applications after a statutory public hearing, including a floor space ratio variance for a 16-unit multiple dwelling at 44 and 50 Arlington Boulevard, a larger redevelopment at 63 Courtland Avenue East and 26 Martin Street, and several smaller residential applications. The committee also approved the May 19, 2026 minutes and adjourned after unanimous votes recorded on multiple items. Written decisions are to be emailed within 10 days.

Topics Discussed

• 44 and 50 Arlington Boulevard (File A2026-036): The committee approved a minor variance to permit a floor space ratio of 0.95 instead of the maximum 0.84 for a proposed 16-unit multiple dwelling. Planning staff described it as a technical variance caused by a revised floor space ratio calculation after basement area was found to be slightly above grade. Staff said, "This is a minor variance application for 4450 Arlington Boulevard. It's a minor variance to permit a floor space ratio of 0.95 instead of the maximum permitted 0.84. This is to facilitate the redevelopment of the property with a multiple dwelling having 16 dwelling units in accordance with the site plan application." and concluded that the application "does meet the four tests of the planning act."

• 63 Courtland Avenue East and 26 Martin Street (File 2022-03763): The committee approved five variances tied to a redevelopment proposal with 84 dwelling units plus a four-unit cluster townhouse block, for 88 units total. Discussion focused on setbacks along Martin Street, building length, and compatibility with the surrounding area. Opponent Matthew Murishon told the committee, "The core of my concern is that I am of the opinion that some parts of these requests are not minor, not desired in the context of the surrounding community on Martin and not in the spirit of the zoning bylaw and are not in best alignment with the city's official plan."

• Opposition on the Courtland/Martin application: Residents objecting to the Courtland/Martin proposal argued the reduced setback would alter the streetscape and affect the area's cultural landscape. One speaker said, "With the expected loss of 26 Martin, which is a vernacular type house, I believe it is of additional importance to consider the impacts of the streetscape and cultural landscape on Martin Street." Another said the bylaw setback "fits better with the surrounding buildings and is more desirable," adding that the proposed buildings "will be the closest buildings to the street."

• Westmount Road West detached accessory dwelling unit application (File A26-038711 / also referenced as 2019051): The committee considered three variances for a detached additional dwelling unit in the rear yard of an existing corner lot property. The variances related to lot area, corner lot width, and interior side yard setback. Staff recommended approval, saying, "we are recommending approval of the variances. We find that they meet all four tests of the planning act." During discussion, Mayor Berry Vrbanovic clarified right-of-way measurements, saying, "Um typically the city rights of way. Uh what is considered city property includes the sidewalk. Um it's not just to the curb. So in this case, that might add another effective meter, meter and a half on top of what on top of the setback that you're asking for um to the actual curb itself."

• Arguments against the Westmount ADU proposal: Objectors argued the proposal was out of character with the cultural heritage landscape and could set a precedent. One speaker said, "This is not planning as normal. This is a specific area and the elected officials have voted to keep it such." Another argued that "a sensitive extension of the main dwelling would be more desirable" than "inserting a new detached residential building into a rear yard green space."

• Additional consent and minor variance matters: The committee also approved a rear-yard detached building with two additional dwelling units at 193 Strange Street (File A2026-0391193), a semi-detached lot split at 104 Wood Poppy Court and 182 Gray Fox Drive (File B2026-007), and an easement application at 12 Onward Avenue (File B2026-008) for driveway and garage access. The notes also state that an earlier application at 12 Crescent Street (A2026-010) was withdrawn.

Motions

Passed: - Approval of May 19, 2026 meeting minutes — 5-0 - Minor Variance, 44 and 50 Arlington Boulevard (File A2026-036) — 5-0 - Minor Variance, 63 Courtland Avenue East and 26 Martin Street (File 2022-03763) — 5-0 - Westmount Road West detached ADU variances (File A26-038711 / referenced as 2019051) — approved as amended - Minor variances, 193 Strange Street (File A2026-0391193) — approved - Consent application, 104 Wood Poppy Court and 182 Gray Fox Drive (File B2026-007) — approved - Easement application, 12 Onward Avenue (File B2026-008) — approved - Agenda item not identified in excerpt — 5-0 - Motion to adjourn — 5-0

Attendees

The meeting notes indicate five committee members were present, but only two are identified by name in the excerpt: - Marco - Maria