Zonage, bibliothèque et signalisation approuvés - Comité de la planification et du logement - 07 May 26

The council approved infrastructure cost increases and zoning amendments for a new library and residential properties, and spent much of its discussion on sign bylaw exemptions for IKEA and Almanac Grain. Councillors approved IKEA’s digital sign variance, deferred the Almanac Grain sign application to May 20, 2026, and passed motions related to 3296 Lier Walk, the Riverside South Library and Community Centre, and the Fernbank Trunk Sewer front-end agreement.

Topics Discussed

IKEA DIGITAL SIGNAGE: Council approved a permanent sign bylaw variance for IKEA at 2685 Iris Street. The digital sign will cover 37 per cent of the wall area, above the usual 25 per cent limit, and will span three storeys. Councillor Johnson said the proposal did not involve an application fee issue because “there is no fee associated with that application because the application didn't happen,” adding that IKEA would still pay standard permit fees. She also defended the retailer’s role locally, saying, “IKEA is ... a fabulous member of the College Ward community.” Councillor Brockington asked staff to confirm the sign would be “fixed to the building itself, not a standalone sign.”

ALMANAC GRAIN SIGNAGE: Council discussed a requested exemption for a projecting, internally illuminated sign at Almanac Grain’s new Beach Street location in an R4 zone. Vice Chair Gower read the motion into the record, saying committee was being asked to approve exemptions “to allow the installation of a projecting sign in an R4 zone for a commercial use while the bylaw limits this type of sign in residential zones and allow internal illumination for the projecting sign while the bylaw limits illumination in residential zones.” The item was deferred to the May 20, 2026 meeting.

3296 LIER WALK ZONING: Council approved a zoning amendment for 3296 Lier Walk in Orléans. The decision allows residents until May 13, 2026 to submit written comments if they intend to appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

RIVERSIDE SOUTH LIBRARY: Council passed a height amendment tied to the Riverside South Library and Community Centre project. The amendment allows construction changes for the planned facility.

INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS: Council approved a cost increase for the Fernbank Trunk Sewer front-end agreement, a project tied to sewer servicing in the area.

Motions

Passed: - Zoning Amendment - 3296 Lier Walk, Orléans (Item 41) - Fernbank Trunk Sewer Front-End Agreement Cost Increase (Item 42) - Riverside South Library and Community Centre Height Amendment - IKEA Digital Facade Permit motion by Councillor Johnson

Deferred: - Almanac Grain Permanent Signs Bylaw Exemption, to May 20, 2026

Attendees

• Councillor Johnson
• Councillor Brockington