The Committee of Adjustment heard 11 applications for minor variances and consent, approving six, deferring four, and denying one. The meeting addressed residential development proposals ranging from garage additions to a significant transitional housing facility expansion. A key procedural note: Bill 23 has eliminated public appeal rights to the Ontario Land Tribunal, meaning only applicants and specified public bodies can now appeal decisions.

Topics Discussed

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING EXPANSION APPROVED: The committee unanimously approved an expansion of Support House's facility at 599 Chartwell Road, adding nine bedrooms to serve people experiencing mental health crises, homelessness, and addiction issues. Rick Matalgen of SNBA Architects presented the enhanced proposal, which includes new fire safety measures, an elevator for barrier-free access, and expansion to the third story. The applicant stated the expansion is "urgently needed in the community," and no public opposition was received. The approval requires construction within two years according to plans dated November 5th, 2025.

CONTROVERSIAL CARPORT DENIED: The committee rejected an application for a fourth garage structure at 309 Balsam Drive, citing concerns about overdevelopment and inadequate setbacks. The applicant sought to reduce the side yard setback from the required 4.2 meters to just 1.5 meters for a 47-square-meter port-cochere. Committee member Dicki stated: "You've got a zoning bylaw setback of 4.2 meters and you want to only have a lousy 1.5 meter setback... you're taking your setback on that north side and just taking it as if it was a 40 foot wide lot which has 1.2 meter setbacks... but you're on this huge huge lot with a substantial width." Member Hardcastle added that the property is "a significantly large building that has significant variances that were approved previously" and the carport would contribute "additionally to the size of the massing and ultimately the over development of the site."

ADDITIONAL RESIDENTIAL UNITS DEBATE: An application at 52 Chartwell Road sparked extensive discussion about how provincial regulations for Additional Residential Units (ARUs) interact with local zoning bylaws. The proposal would convert a single-family home into three separate units with variances for building height (increasing 1.39 meters to 10.39 meters total), driveway width (28.1 meters versus permitted 9 meters), and garage configuration. Committee member Towski questioned whether the units constituted an "apartment dwelling" prohibited in the RL3 zone, despite the applicant's claim they qualify as ARUs under Bill 23. Planning staff confirmed that Ontario Regulation 299/19 overrides local zoning definitions, but a committee member stated: "I'm just struggling with determining that this meets the zoning bylaw without something in writing that says the additional dwelling unit regulations requirements override an existing definition and permitted use in the town of local zoning bylaw." The application was deferred for written clarification from staff.

GENESIS DEALERSHIP VARIANCE APPROVED: The committee approved a variance for a new Genesis dealership at 1275 North Service Road West, allowing a maximum front yard setback of 32 meters instead of the permitted 17.5 meters. Oz Kamal of MHBC Planning explained the variance is necessary because Ministry of Transportation requirements for a 14-meter setback from Highway 403 create a conflict with the E1 zone regulations, leaving only a 3.5-meter "narrow pinch point" for building placement. The additional setback accommodates a fire route, accessible parking, and enhanced walkways. No public opposition was received, and the adjacent Grand Touring Automobiles dealership received a similar variance for the same regulatory conflict.

MULTIPLE DEFERRALS FOR REVISIONS: Four applications were deferred to allow applicants to work with planning staff: 569 Leane (File 034-2026) received no staff recommendation and requires revised drawings; 1358 Cedric Crescent (File 040-2026) was deferred with a warning about missing required signage that "could jeopardize future committee appearance"; 193 Wilder Drive (File 042-2026) needs to address planning department comments; and the Chartwell Road ARU application requires additional documentation on height justification and zoning compliance.

Motions

Approved: - 246 Jones Street (File 002-2026): Lot coverage variance to 39.8% and lot ratio variance to 43.55% - 357 Satan Drive (File 032-2026): Garage floor area variance to 62.28 square meters and lot coverage variance - 1410 Devon Road (File A33-2026): Three variances including garage size, setback, and RFA - 1275 North Service Road West (File 039-2026): Maximum front yard setback variance to 32 meters - 599 Chartwell Road (File 041-2026): Extension of non-conforming use for transitional housing facility expansion

Denied: - 309 Balsam Drive (File A035-2026): Side yard setback reduction to 1.5 meters for carport addition

Deferred: - 569 Leane (File 034-2026): To revise drawings and obtain staff recommendation - 1358 Cedric Crescent (File 040-2026): To work with staff and correct missing signage - 193 Wilder Drive (File 042-2026): To address planning department comments - 52 Chartwell Road (File 038-2026): To provide written clarification on ARU regulations and height justification

Attendees

The transcript does not include a complete list of committee members present. Members identified during discussions include: Dicki, Hardcastle, Hart Castle, and Towski (Chair).