Variances Approved Amid Opposition - Committee of Adjustment meeting of April 15, 2026 at 7 p.m.

The Committee of Adjustment held a hearing to consider multiple variance applications across the city. Members heard applications for residential additions and modifications, a commercial setback variance, and an expansion to an existing support facility. The committee also outlined a key procedural change affecting who can appeal its decisions. Most items were approved, while one sideyard setback request for a carport was denied.

Topics Discussed

LOSS OF PUBLIC APPEAL RIGHTS: The chair told the committee that provincial legislation has changed who can appeal Committee of Adjustment decisions. The chair said: “In November 2022, Bill 23 legislation, the More Homes Built Faster Act, amended the Planning Act to remove all appeal rights for members of the public.” Under the change, appeals to the Ontario Land Tribunal are limited to applicants, specified persons, or public bodies.

SIDEYARD SETBACK DISPUTE AT 2229 GLENFIELD ROAD: The most debated application was a request tied to below-grade stairs for a second unit, with the discussion focusing on the sideyard setback and the size of the variance. Committee member Mr. Tosski framed the scale of the request by saying, “I think we can't lose sight of we're dealing with 12 cm 4.7 in as the variance.”

Residents Charles and Rosanna Ley described their experience in the neighbourhood and argued for strict adherence to existing rules, saying: “We have been blessed to live in our home issue free for 26 years… At the core, we feel that upholding bylaws is paramount in keeping to the integrity of our communities…”

During the discussion, members also raised questions about whether the plans matched what was being requested, with one member saying: “I'm looking at the plans right now and correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm still seeing 47 on the plans that are attached to April 15th of 2026.” Despite the concerns raised during debate, the application was approved after an initial motion to deny did not carry.

GENESIS DEALERSHIP SETBACK VARIANCE (1275 NORTH SERVICE ROAD WEST): The committee approved a variance for a Genesis dealership to increase the maximum front yard setback from 17.5 metres to 32 metres. The applicant described how overlapping requirements constrained the site layout, saying: “So instead of having a buffer of 3 m and 17 1.5 meters by which to locate the building, we now only have 14 and 17 1.5 meters, which creates a narrow pinch point in where you can locate the building.” The discussion referenced operational needs such as circulation and site functionality; no public opposition was noted in the hearing summary.

SUPPORT HOUSE EXPANSION AT 599 CHARTWELL ROAD: The committee heard an application connected to expanding an existing shelter and addiction support facility. Architect Rick Malgen described the existing use and its role in the community: “This facility operates as a place that provides support to individuals who are either suffering homelessness or dealing with issues of substance abuse, addiction and so on. They provide a very necessary use in the community… they've been doing this since the mid 1980s very successfully.” The proposal included accessibility and safety-related improvements, including a barrier-free entrance and internal circulation upgrades.

CARPORT DENIAL AT 309 BALSAM DRIVE: The committee denied a request to reduce the sideyard setback to 1.5 metres where the bylaw requires 4.2 metres. Mr. Dicki said: “I'm usually pretty concerned about setbacks. In this case, I'm concerned here. You're asking for a 1.5 meter setback when the zoning bylaw requires a 4.2 meter setback…” He added that the bylaw’s intent is to maintain sufficient separation between houses, and concluded: “I am still of the opinion that this is not desirable or appropriate relative to the side setback. So, I put forth a motion that this application be denied.”

Motions

Approved: - Application A059/2026 (446 Tower Drive) — Deferred
- Application A058/2026 (548 Swan Drive) — Deferred
- Application 002/2026 (246 Jones Street) — Approved with conditions
- Application A032/2026 (357 Satan Drive) — Approved with conditions
- Application A033/2026 (1410 Devon Road) — Approved with conditions
- Application 39 of 2026 (1275 North Service Road West — Genesis Dealership) — Approved with conditions
- Application A55-2026 (2229 Glenfield Road) — Approved (after initial denial motion failed)
- Application 056-2026 (392 Lakeshore Road West) — Approved with conditions
- Application 057 of 2026 (246 Albian Avenue) — Approved with conditions
- Application 061 of 2026 (21 Pebble Ridge Place) — Approved with conditions

Denied: - Application A035/2026 (309 Balsam Drive) — Denied

Deferred: - Applications at 446 Tower Drive and 548 Swan Drive were deferred at applicants’ requests

Attendees

The transcript does not provide a complete attendance list. The following members participated in discussion: - Mr. Dicki
- Miss Price
- Mr. Hart Castle
- Mr. Tosski (declared conflict on Application A035/2026)

The chair presided over the meeting, which adjourned at 9:06 PM.