PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES

PLANNING COMMITTEE

Monday, December 02, 2024 at 11:00 A.m. - 11:30 A.m.

UXBRIDGE COUNCIL CHAMBERS

51 TORONTO STREET S. UXBRIDGE, ONTARIO

COUNCIL PRESENT:

MAYOR DAVE BARTON
BRUCE GARROD, REGIONAL COUNCILLOR
PAM BEACH, COUNCILLOR
GORDON SHREEVE, COUNCILLOR
ZED PICKERING, COUNCILLOR
WILLIE POPP, COUNCILLOR
TODD SNOOKS, COUNCILLOR

STAFF PRESENT:

KRISTI HONEY, CAO
DEBBIE LEROUX, DEPUTY CAO/DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE SERVICES/CLERK
TOBI LEE, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE/TREASURER
EMILY ELLIOTT, DEPUTY CLERK
LAURA RUPPRECHT, LEGISLATIVE COORDINATOR
AMANDA FERRARO, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
HILARY WILLIAMS, DIRECTOR OF BY-LAW AND ANIMAL CONTROL
COURTNEY CLARKE, DIRECTOR, PUBLIC WORKS, PARKS & TRAILS
JAMIE MILLER, ARENA MANAGER
MIKE KLOSE, CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL
NADINE MESSINA, CONTRACT & PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR
SIERRA MILLER, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
HALEY DICKSON, PLANNING TECHNICIAN

OTHERS PRESENT:

Cody Morrison

1.
CALL TO ORDER by Councillor Snooks, Chairman of the Planning Committee

The Chairman of the Planning Committee called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.

2.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF

There were none.

3.
CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS ON THE PURPOSE OF THE MEETING

Township File No. Zoning By-Law Amendment 2024-08 (ZBA 2024-08)

Applicant: King Street Parkette (Township of Uxbridge)

TOBI LEE, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE/TREASURER joined the meeting at 11:03 AM.

AMANDA FERRARO, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICES joined the meeting at 11:03 AM.

HILARY WILLIAMS, DIRECTOR OF BY-LAW AND ANIMAL CONTROL joined the meeting at 11:03 AM.

COURTNEY CLARKE, DIRECTOR, PUBLIC WORKS, PARKS & TRAILS joined the meeting at 11:03 AM.

MIKE KLOSE, CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL joined the meeting at 11:03 AM.

NADINE MESSINA, CONTRACT & PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR joined the meeting at 11:03 AM.

SIERRA MILLER, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER joined the meeting at 11:03 AM.

JAMIE MILLER, ARENA MANAGER joined the meeting at 11:06 AM.

4.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF THE REVIEW

The subject property is zoned “Recreational (RE)” zone under the Township of Uxbridge Zoning By-law No. 81-19, as amended.

The purpose and effect of this application is to rezone the lands to the “Residential First Density Zone (R1) in order to permit residential uses on the property.

The subject property generally designates the lands as “Community Areas” under the Durham Regional Official Plan, as amended.

The subject property generally designates the lands as “Living Area” under the Township of Uxbridge Official Plan, as amended.

Haley Dixon, Senior Planning Technician spoke to the matter. With the assistance of a PowerPoint presentation Ms. Dixon explained that the purpose of this application is to rezone the lands to the “Residential First Density Zone (R1) in order to permit residential uses on the property. made presentation. Ms. Dixon advised that the lands are located on the north side of King Street West between Balsam Street North and Beech Street North.

Ms. Dixon advised that most of the neighbourhood including the properties immediately adjacent the subject lands is comprised of low-rise single family residential dwellings. Ms. Dixon explained that according to the Regional Official Plan and Envision Durham, the property is designated Community Area. Uses associated with this designation include housing, limited commercial uses, offices, institutional and community uses as well as public service facilities and other recreational and cultural uses.

Ms. Dixon also advised that according to the Township’s Official Plan the property is designated Residential Area. This designation recognizes established residential areas and ensures that new uses are generally compatible with the existing structure and character while providing for the creation of new residential areas. Permitted uses in this area include low and medium density residential as well as public parks.

Ms. Dixon explained that the subject lands are currently zoned recreational which permits an athletic field, a community centre, a fairground, a public park, and a public use. Other permitted uses include conservation, forestry, reforestation, bird sanctuaries, wildlife reserves or other similar uses which provide for the preservation and management of the natural environment.

Ms. Dixon continued by explaining that Township records indicate that recommendations for the King Street Parkette to be deemed surplus and to be rezoned to accommodate residential uses were first introduced in 1981, however no action was taken at that time. The matter was raised again in 1984, however, no action was taken. In 2014, the Township held its first public meeting to rezone the lands to a residential zone (R1). Following the meeting, Council decided not to proceed with the rezoning of the lands. Ms. Dixon advised that since that time, it has been determined that the park is underutilized. In May 2024, staff brought forward a report recommending that the Parkette be deemed surplus to the needs of the municipality and that it be rezoned to a residential zone category in order for the Township to divest itself of the lands.

Ms. Dixon advised that in June 2024 Council approved a resolution deeming the lands to be surplus of the needs of the Corporation and directing staff to undertake the process of rezoning the lands from Recreational Open Space to Residential.

Ms. Dixon explained that the proposed application is to rezone the subject lands from recreational zone to the residential first density zone. This new zone would permit residential uses on the property. Ms. Dixon reiterated that the intention is to sell the property for residential purposes.

Ms. Dixon concluded by advising that notice was given for the statutory public meeting in line with the requirements of the Planning Act. The notice was mailed to area residents located within 120 metres of the subject lands. A sign was posted on the subject lands, the notice was also posted on two areas of the Townships' website, and it was also posted in the local newspaper.

Questions from Committee:

Councillor Snooks advised that residents abutting the park will have the option of purchasing a portion of the parkette lands however the lands must first be rezoned to residential.

Councillor Pickering joined the meeting in-person at 11:17 a.m.

Councillor Popp inquired as to what are the next steps of this process.

Cody Morrison, Senior Planning Official advised that prior to the zoning by-law being adopted, staff will report back with a recommendation.

Mayor Barton inquired if these lands could be sold with the current zoning and then rezone post purchase.

Cody Morrison explained the lands could be sold in the absence of a rezoning application and left to the purchaser to rezone but cautioned that the value on land zoned recreation is low. Mr. Morrison advised that best market value is reflected in the rezoning.

Regional Councillor Garrod spoke to when the lands were declared surplus.

Courtney Clarke, Director of Public Works, Parks and Trails explained that since the lands were declared surplus only routine maintenance took place. No improvements were made to the park.

Mayor Barton spoke to the Parks Master Plan.

Councillor Snooks addressed safety measures.

Courtney Clarke advised that picnic tables were added and that all equipment was kept up to date with regular safety inspections.

5.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Any persons wishing to make oral or written submissions on the subject reports should give their names, addresses and postal codes to the Clerk and ask their questions through the Chair or file their written submission.

Patricia Bell - 205 King Street West, Uxbridge - Patricia Bell expressed her concerns with selling the park and suggested other options to increase park usage. Ms. Bell spoke to the importance of a small park to a community.

Gerry Oldham - 224 Maple Street, Uxbridge - Gerry Oldham provided Committee with the parkette's history and a timeline on park equipment. Ms. Oldham stated that the Township is the trustee of these lands and they have neglected this job. Ms. Oldham spoke to the importance of protecting green space. Ms. Oldham advised that she would like to see the Township keep and upgrade this parkette.

Lukas Volkmann - 13849 Concession 4, Zephyr - Lukas Volkmann spoke to his interest in birds and the importance in protecting their habitat. Mr. Volkmann advised that the King Street Parkette was home to many birds and a good spot for bird watching. Mr. Volkmann spoke to the Township's recent Bird Friendly Certification and reminded Committee of their commitment to bird preservation.

Yvonne Bell - 44 Balsam Street North, Uxbridge - Yvonne Bell advised that she resides near the parkette and observes residents using the park often during the day and evening. Ms. Bell spoke to the removal of park equipment. Ms. Bell suggested that the Township install benches to enhance the public’s ability to use the space. Ms. Bell advised that she has spoken to neighbours and received closed to 70 signatures from residents who want to keep the park. Ms. Bell assured Committee that she will share the petition with the Clerks office.

Jayne MacAulay - 35 Balsam Street North, Uxbridge - Jayne MacAulay advised that this park is important to people of all ages and makes a great conversational space. Ms. MacAulay suggested adding some benches to improve the space. Ms. MacAulay explained that additional residential in the area is not appropriate and encouraged Committee not to approve the rezoning.

Brock Clark - 56 Balsam Street North, Uxbridge - Brock Clark inquired how much the Township is expecting for the lands if they are sold.

Mayor Barton explained that staff's report recommended that the abutting land owners be given the option to purchase a portion of the lands.

Debbie Leroux, Director of Legislative Services/Clerk advised that an appraisal has been retained and that a decision has not yet been made on how to dispose of the land.

Mr. Clark inquired whether the price has an impact on the proposal.

Councillor Snooks explained that the money will be factored in, but that the price will be discussed with neighbours.

Mr. Clark inquired as to what would happen should the Township not receive what they were asking for.

Councillor Snooks explained that the matter would go back to staff for a report.

Mr. Clark suggested that the Township consider purchasing the lands and maintaining it as a park.

Councillor Snooks advised that this option has not been considered and would have to be investigated.

Mr. Clark also suggested that the Township approach businesses about collectively saving the park.

Ted Barris - 35 Balsam Street North, Uxbridge - Ted Barris spoke to his opposition based on environmental concerns and the negative impact to community by removing park. Mr. Barris also spoke to the impact of the 2022 Tornado and the resulting loss of greenspace and the importance of protecting what remains.

Stephen Garfinkel – 41 Balsam Street North, Uxbridge - Stephen Garfinkel advised that he backs onto the park and spoke to his concerns regarding trees being removed and provided feedback regarding communication surrounding the lands being declared surplus.

Marlene Riddle - 12 Dafoe Street, Zephyr - Marlene Riddle inquired into the costs of maintaining the Parkette from 2022 to date.

Courtney Clarke advised that the grass cutting and garbage collection is tendered out and paid per cut and removal. Ms. Clarke advised that the grass is cut approximately 40 times per season and garbage is collected weekly at approximately $20.00 to $25.00 per week.

Marlene Riddle also spoke to her concerns regarding trail maintenance and the its importance to residents.

Diane Bernard - 58 King Street West, Uxbridge - Diane Bernard spoke to the importance of community parks and that once one park is sold there is a risk of others falling suit.

Nan Hill - 7 Village Green Lane, Uxbridge - Nan Hill spoke to her concerns surrounding the removal of the Parkette. Ms. Hill explained that it is a community space and should remain as a community space.

Marlene Riddle - Ms. Riddle spoke to value of the lands.

Mayor Barton explained that an appraisal was completed and remains confidential while negotiations are taking place and transactions are complete. Mayor Barton assured Ms. Riddle that all transactions are conducted in a willing and transparent way.

Yvonne Bell confirmed that the lands were declared surplus during a public meeting in June.

Debbie Leroux clarified proceedings that has taken place since the public meeting in June and advised that it was a public meeting not a statutory public meeting which is a requirement under the Planning Act.