Councillor Hobbs responds to CHNA's questions

Councillor Katherine Hobbs sent the following response to CHNA's letter dated February 1, 2011 (see blog posting below):

February 5, 2011

Hello Katherine, et al at the CHNA

Following please find responses for your questions in the letter you sent me. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide.

Thanks,
Katherine

Councillor - Kitchissippi Ward
613-580-2485

Councillor's Responses:

Q: 855 Carling (Arnon): It is our understanding that Arnon can potentially request an increase in the height of its buildings at 855 Carling now that Mastercraft Starwood has been allowed to build a 16 and a 20 story building. The CHNA does not support a further increase and would like to know your position on this issue.

A: In our meeting we discussed how generally each building needs to be considered individually in terms of its neighbourhood and planning rationale context. You stated that your concern regarding the height increase was on the grounds of the Official Plan's principle of graduated height. As a result we would have to consult with staff, the community and the developer on what is appropriate for the sight. I remain convinced that we must give serious consideration to height: where to put it and what it means for the community. As such, it would not be possible to make a judgment of an individual development without so much as a concept plan.

Q: Humane Society site: This site is right next to Ev Tremblay Park and at the edge of a low-rise residential area. Any development on this site should be fairly low-rise as the Humane society site is the transition point between what will be high-rise buildings and a very low-rise neighbourhood. This site is not appropriate for anything other than a two or three story building. Anything more will cast a shadow on the swimming pool which is just a few feet away. As our ward councillor, we would like to know what you think is appropriate and inappropriate on this site - well before we get a zoning proposal.

A: As you may know, the Official Plan calls for transition from mixed-use to residential areas to within the mixed-use centre. Therefore, your assertion that this sight be transitional is correct. In terms of specific height restrictions, I would seek from the developer and staff that any proposal be sensitive to shadowing effects on Ev Tremblay Park and other impacts on its programming. I intend to push for appropriate development of this site.

Q: Hickory between Champagne and Loretta: We have reason to believe that developers may be interested in this strip of land. Our position on the Hickory Street land between Champagne and Loretta is similar to our position on the Humane Society site. Anything that is developed should be fairly low-rise as this area is the transition point between what will be high rise buildings and a very low-rise neighbourhood. This site is not appropriate for anything other than a two or three story building. We would like to know your position on this stretch of land as well.

A: As with the Humane Society site, I would seek for the transition from mixed-use to residential areas to be in keeping with the provisions of the transition to be in the mixed-use area as in keeping with the Official Plan. I intend to push for appropriate development of this site.

Q: 125 Hickory (Mastercraft Starwood): The former ward Councillor for Kitchissippi removed site plan approval authority from staff because of the number of concerns expressed by residents and CHNA. We would like to know if this is still the case. As you know, the CHNA is meeting with the planning department on possible improvements to local roadways as part of the 125 Hickory Street site plan process. We will take a close look at the various options once they are provided by the City and contact you if we have questions and concerns.

A: Delegated authority remains lifted to the Councillor.

Q: Parkdale: We have heard that Parkdale, which is a very narrow residential road, may have been converted from a major collector to an arterial. We would appreciate your help in determining if this is true.

A: Parkdale is defined in the Official Plan as an Urban Arterial.