Bill 23 Ends Public Appeals - Committee of Adjustment meeting of March 18, 2026 at 7 p.m.

The Committee of Adjustment met to consider multiple variance applications, including residential developments, a car dealership setback, and an expansion of transitional housing. The most significant procedural change affecting residents is that Bill 23 (More Homes Built Faster Act) has removed public appeal rights for Committee of Adjustment decisions. The meeting addressed applications ranging from minor residential variances to a major expansion of a support house for vulnerable community members.

Topics Discussed

REMOVAL OF PUBLIC APPEAL RIGHTS: Bill 23, passed in November 2022, has fundamentally changed how residents can challenge planning decisions. Only applicants and specified persons or public bodies can now appeal Committee of Adjustment decisions to the Ontario Land Tribunal. Members of the public no longer have this right, significantly reducing their ability to contest planning decisions affecting their neighborhoods.

ADDITIONAL RESIDENTIAL UNITS (ARUs) AND ZONING CONFLICTS: A contentious application at 52 Chartwell Road highlighted tensions between provincial housing legislation and local zoning bylaws. The proposal to convert a single-family home into three separate dwelling units sparked debate about whether such developments constitute "apartment dwellings" (not permitted in low-density residential zones) or qualify as ARUs under provincial Regulation 299/19. Town Planner Miss Coburn explained the distinction is based on tenure: "One detached dwelling with two ARUs = complies with Regulation 299/19. If converted to condominiums, the units would become independent, no longer qualifying as ARUs, and would then be classified as an apartment unit." The application was deferred for further clarification on how provincial regulations override local zoning definitions.

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING EXPANSION APPROVED: The committee unanimously approved an expansion of the Support House at 599 Chartwell Road, adding nine new bedrooms to the existing transitional housing facility for people experiencing mental health crises, homelessness, and addiction issues. Agent Rick Matalgen stated the facility provides "a very very necessary benefit to the community." No community opposition was received. Council Member Towski noted: "I find it to be similar in nature to the existing use" and "there was no opposition from the community in this matter."

BUILDING HEIGHT DISPUTES: Multiple applications faced scrutiny over proposed height variances. At 309 Balsam Drive, a request to add a port cochere was denied after Mr. Dicki stated: "I feel that the 1.5 meter sideyard setback does not maintain or protect the neighborhood character and I feel that the neighborhood has large lots with ample setback to allow separation between houses." Another application was deferred due to confusion over proposed ceiling heights and lack of clear existing measurements, with a council member expressing concern about a 1.39-meter height increase: "It's pretty significant and it's going to change things a fair bit."

GENESIS DEALERSHIP SETBACK VARIANCE: A variance was approved for a new Genesis dealership at 1275 North Service Road West to exceed the maximum front yard setback from 17.5 meters to 32 meters. The variance was necessary due to conflicting requirements between town zoning and Ministry of Transportation regulations, which created a "very narrow pinch point" of only 3.5 meters where the building could legally be placed. Miss Price stated: "I believe the application to be minor in nature and in keeping with the general intent and purpose of the official plan and zoning bylaw."

Motions

Approved: - Application 002-2026 (246 Jones Street) - lot coverage and floor space ratio variances - Application 033-2026 (1410 Devon Road) - lot coverage and RFA variances - Application 039-2026 (1275 North Service Road West) - Genesis dealership setback variance - Application 041-2026 (599 Chartwell Road) - Support House expansion

Denied: - Application 035-2026 (309 Balsam Drive) - port cochere with sideyard setback reduction

Deferred: - Application 034-2026 (569 Lease Lane) - Application 040-2026 (1358 Cedric Crescent) - Application 042-2026 (193 Wilder Drive) - Application 038-2026 (52 Chartwell Road) - ARU conversion

Attendees

• Miss Price
• Mr. Dicki
• Mr. Hardcastle
• Mr. Towski
• Miss Coburn (Town Planner)