[10:08] Good evening. Welcome to the city of Pickering Committee Adjustment
[10:12] Hearing for August 2026. The hearing is called to order.
[10:16] My name is Sean Wiley and his chair. I'll be
[10:18] facilitating the hearing tonight. With me tonight on my fellow
[10:21] committee members, Vice Chair Oman High Red Eye and members
[10:25] Denise Rundle, Rick Vinandel and Sakshi Tsujoshi, along with the
[10:29] support of several members of the City Development Department. First
[10:34] item on our agenda, as we normally do every month,
[10:38] our indigenous land acknowledgement. We acknowledge that the city of
[10:42] Pickering resides on land within the 3D and traditional territories
[10:45] and the Missaugas of Scuggog Island First Nation. And William's
[10:48] treaties signatories of the Missauga and Civilwald Nations. Pickering is
[10:53] also home to many indigenous persons and communities who represent
[10:56] other diverse, distinct, and autonomous indigenous nations. This acknowledgement reminds
[11:01] us of our responsibilities to our relationships with the First
[11:04] Peoples of Canada. And to the ancestral lands on which
[11:07] we learn, share, work, and live. Our disclosures of interest
[11:16] in all just my fellow committee members of any disclosures
[11:18] of interest with respect to tonight's agenda. Cnan, I'll move
[11:23] on to the next item in the agenda. Is the
[11:26] adoption of tonight's agenda may have a motion to adopt
[11:29] tonight's agenda. Mr. Vandandel, thank you in a secondary, Ms.
[11:33] Sujoshi, and vote of all in favor. We shouldn't do
[11:39] a dot degenera's carried. Thank you. Next item on our
[11:45] agenda tonight is the adoption of the draft minutes for
[11:48] the July 8th, 2026 Committee of Adjustment Hearing. Then I
[11:53] have a motion to adopt those minutes. Mr. Howard, thank
[11:57] you in a seconder. This Sujoshi, thank you and a
[12:01] vote of all in favor. Thank you on that motion
[12:07] is carried. In the minutes are adopted. We have three
[12:15] minor variants reports tonight. To review. For my.
[12:26] Participant list. I've got it here. The first item. Deferred
[12:33] from the July 8th, 2026 meeting is minor variance application
[12:39] 3826. He catchapoli. Thank you, sir. Just give me a
[12:47] moment and we'll move right over to you, 498 Rouge
[12:51] Mount Drive. The African is a request and relief in
[12:53] the form of four minor variances to obtain a building
[12:56] permit for the construction of a detached dwelling. I will
[12:59] note the city development department. Has found the applicant meets
[13:06] the four tests of planning act. I will say that
[13:09] now withstanding their review, the applicant is responsible for demonstrating
[13:12] the justification for our relief SOT and for establishing the
[13:15] statutory tests are met. Should the committee find merit? There
[13:20] are two conditions recommended for inclusion. At this time, I'll
[13:27] also note that the committee members have read the staff
[13:29] report, including recommendations and conditions, and we'll consider all public
[13:33] and agency comments and reaching and decisions this evening. So
[13:36] welcome, sir. I have you on here as well as
[13:38] an agent. Melissa TenPal. I don't know if you're both
[13:40] here. But regardless, I'll pass over to whichever one of
[13:44] you would like to speak tonight, or both of you,
[13:47] and I'll open it up to you first if then
[13:49] you'd like to share with the committee in addition to
[13:52] the report that we have here. Sure, yeah, I'll just
[13:55] do an opening statement. So good evening, everyone. My name's
[13:57] Paul Ketchpilly. So my wife and I are the owners
[14:00] of 498 Rooshmount drive. We're proposing to replace the existing
[14:04] dwelling on our lot with a new single family home.
[14:07] And we're requesting relief related to the dwelling depth. The
[14:12] front yard setback and the side yards up backs. Um,
[14:16] so our objective has been to design a home that
[14:19] fits appropriately with the unique dimensions of our lot. Um,
[14:22] and the established character of Rouge Mount drive. So that's
[14:24] kind of been our goal from the start. Uh, the
[14:27] placement of the home was deliberately designed around the existing
[14:29] neighbourhood. So the werewall is generally aligned to the neighbouring
[14:33] homes. And the front setback is generally consistent with the
[14:36] homes immediately beside us. Uh, this creates a cohesive streetscape
[14:40] rather than introducing a building that projects beyond the established
[14:43] pattern. Um, we do have a narrow lot, so like
[14:46] 13. 75 metres, but the proposed side yards of 1.
[14:49] 2 and 1. 5 metres. Maintain appropriate separation and unobstructed
[14:53] access along both sides of the dualing for maintenance. Um,
[14:56] and there are no proposed side entrances, which reduce the
[14:59] potential privacy and pedestrian activity impacts. Um, we do appreciate
[15:03] the city's review and note that the planning staff consider
[15:06] the variance is minor, desirable for the appropriate development of
[15:09] the land and consistent with the intent of the official
[15:12] plan and zoning bylaw. Uh, we've also worked with TRCA,
[15:15] which has reviewed the proposal with no objection as well.
[15:18] So we believe that the application satisfies the four tests
[15:21] under the planning act and will not create undue impacts
[15:24] on the surrounding properties. Um, so we just want to
[15:26] thank you for your time and consideration on the request.
[15:30] Very good, sir. Thank you. Um, and that's the thing
[15:33] further from your agent. I'll, uh, okay. Thank you. I'll
[15:37] pass on to committee members for questions. Ms. Randall. Thank
[15:48] you, uh, Mr. Chair. Just a quick question through you
[15:51] to the applicant. Um, on our drawings, it indicates an
[15:55] existing structure to remain in the rear. Can you tell
[15:59] us what that structure is going to be used for.
[16:03] Um, it was just a workshop in the back. I
[16:05] think it was the original owners, um, cottage, uh, for
[16:09] many, many years ago, uh, we just, we want the,
[16:12] uh, touching that essentially in the plan, um, when we
[16:15] talked to TRCA, um, the work that would be required
[16:18] if we want to demolish it or take it down.
[16:19] So we just want to leave it as is. Thank
[16:22] you. Good. Further questions for the applicant. The applicant's agent.
[16:34] See, no questions. Any comments on this application before I
[16:37] ask for a motion. Oh, Mr. Harann. Uh, so
[16:47] Mr. Chair, just a very brief comment, uh, I think
[16:49] it's worth mentioning for those who might be watching the
[16:52] YouTube video and not, uh, not aware of all of
[16:54] the considerations that the committee is looking at. And attachment
[16:58] in one of our package here does illustrate the nature
[17:02] of the lawn of the subject land, very narrow lawn
[17:04] as the applicant has indicated. Uh, an unusual in that
[17:07] respect in the sense that, uh, it does back up
[17:10] to the rouge. So given the TRCA comments, uh, I
[17:13] don't have any objections, uh, on this application. Very good.
[17:17] Thank you, Mr. Howard. Further comments. Seeing none, unless for
[17:24] a motion on this application. Ms. Rundle. Thank you, Mr.
[17:30] Chair regarding minor variance 38 26 at 498 Rouge Mount
[17:35] drive to permit four variances to allow for construction of
[17:38] a detached dwelling. I do note, like my colleague mentioned,
[17:43] um, the context of this subject lands and the size
[17:47] and shape of it, a very narrow frontage and frat.
[17:50] Um, I agree with the report that we've also reviewed,
[17:54] uh, which clearly addressed the four tests of the planning
[17:57] act. And based on my own site inspection as well,
[18:00] um, I think it'll be a great addition to the
[18:03] neighbourhood. So I would recommend that, uh, the application be
[18:08] approved as simply meeting the four tests of the planning
[18:10] act and subject to the following conditions. One that the
[18:13] variance is apply only to the detached dwelling as generally
[18:16] cited and outlined on the applicant submitted plans that we
[18:20] have in our report being attachments two, three, and four.
[18:23] And that a tree inventory preservation plan and arborist report
[18:26] be submitted to the satisfaction of city staff showing the
[18:30] preservation of existing mature trees to the greatest extent possible.
[18:35] And Mr. Chair, I'm also going to recommend a third
[18:37] condition only because it is requested that the owner shall
[18:42] obtain a permit from TRCA prior to the issuance of
[18:45] a building permit. Thank you. Very good. All right. Thank
[18:48] you, Ms. Rendle. Uh, seconder on that motion. Mr. Hot
[18:51] Red Eye. Thank you. Uh, and a vote of all
[18:54] in favor of the motion. Motion is carried. Uh, you
[18:59] have good application, Mr. Catjopoli, um, and thank you, young.
[19:03] You did all the homework obviously and interacted with all
[19:05] the various parties. And so good luck to you with
[19:08] your new home. Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you,
[19:11] Lee.
[19:21] Mixt. Application tonight is minor variants 4226. F bracket. 1044
[19:31] Pisces trail. The applicant is requesting one minor variance to
[19:36] obtain a building permit for our rear yard deck. I'll
[19:42] note that the summary findings in the report here indicate
[19:45] the city development fields, the application meets the four tests
[19:48] of the planning act. Now we're standing that the applicant
[19:53] is responsible for demonstrating the justification for the relief sought
[19:56] and for establishing the statutory for tests are met. Should
[20:00] the committee find merit. There is one condition recommended by
[20:05] the city development department. I'll also note that committee members
[20:08] have read staff report including recommendations and conditions. And we'll
[20:11] consider all public agency comments and reaching and decision this
[20:15] evening. From my participant list, I have arrows barricade and
[20:22] Adam Blodges. Blogas. We have, um, Mr. Blueges, I see
[20:29] put your hand up there. Um, I hope I got
[20:31] that name right. And I presume you'll be speaking. I
[20:33] think you're on mutes or I can see on my
[20:35] screen here. You can take yourself off mute. There you
[20:37] go. And I'll give you an opportunity here. If you
[20:41] would like to address the committee, uh, with any other
[20:44] information you think would be helpful in addition to the
[20:47] report we have. Absolutely. Well, first of all, let me
[20:50] thank you all for your time this evening. I appreciate
[20:53] you taking time out of your evening to, uh, to
[20:55] do this. Uh, our application is fairly straightforward. Uh, we
[21:02] are looking to build a deck. I'm sure you've reviewed
[21:04] the plans. Um, we've had one objection from a neighbour
[21:09] that, uh, left some details. And this neighbour lives at
[21:14] 1061 Pisces trail. We are a applying for 1044 Pisces
[21:20] trail. So this particular individual actually lives across the street
[21:24] and around the corner. So I feel that some of
[21:27] his, uh, objections really hold no merit. For example, um,
[21:32] you know, the comments, uh, that were left were that,
[21:35] uh, there was going to be a lack of privacy,
[21:38] um, blocking sunlight, things of that nature. So, um, first
[21:43] off, the reason for this application is because the bylaw
[21:49] only allows for a two metre deck to be built
[21:52] and a two metre deck really is not overly useful.
[21:55] It's not, uh, even big enough to hold a dining
[21:57] table or host a family. So just about everybody that
[22:00] lives in these neighbourhoods is going to have to apply
[22:02] for a minor variance of some sort. And what we'd
[22:07] like to do is build a deck. Um, with a
[22:09] roof, uh, this property faces West, the land behind this
[22:15] property is forest and bush for as far as you
[22:19] can see. So the housing or anything behind them, um,
[22:23] which is one of the reasons that I believe that,
[22:26] uh, you know, this is, uh, an acceptable request. As
[22:29] well. One of the things that you may have noticed,
[22:32] if you looked at the 3D model of the roof,
[22:35] uh, the covered deck that we're planning on building is
[22:38] we're going to have privacy screen on both sides. Um,
[22:42] so that we're actually not impacting the neighbor's privacy at
[22:45] all. Uh, one could argue that, you know, a smaller
[22:49] deck still within the two, two metre limit, uh, without
[22:52] privacy screen would actually be more obstructive as far as
[22:55] privacy to the neighbours go. Um, got a couple other
[22:59] notes here. Um, as far as sun and blocking, blocking
[23:05] natural light, we all love natural light. I'm no different,
[23:09] uh, but this particular yard again faces West as the
[23:13] sun goes over the house. There's really no shadows from
[23:16] a structure that we're planning on building that is going
[23:19] to impact either, uh, neighbours that are immediately adjacent to
[23:23] this property. Um, we feel that this application is minor
[23:29] in nature. Uh, like I said, every house in this
[23:32] neighbourhood, if they're limited to a two metre, uh, allotment,
[23:36] that's not a very big deck. And it's not a
[23:38] very, uh, useful space for your outdoor living space. Um,
[23:41] and we want to be able to host a family
[23:43] and this particular homeowner. I'd love to build them a
[23:45] beautiful deck. Um, that will not only be desirable for
[23:49] the neighbourhood, but maybe even inspire a few other neighbours.
[23:54] Um, or people within the subdivision, um, to do something
[23:57] similar. Uh, and I think that they have every right
[23:59] to enjoy their backyard. Um, like I said, there's nobody
[24:02] behind them for miles. It's a lot of trees and
[24:05] bush and beautiful scenery. The deck that we're building will
[24:09] have privacy panels, uh, so that neither left or right
[24:13] neighbour immediately adjacent. We'll lose any privacy. Um, and as
[24:17] well, I'd like to point out that the, um, the
[24:21] staff at the planning department was satisfied that the proposed
[24:26] variance is consistent, uh, with the provincial planning statement. All
[24:33] right. Thank you, sir. Um, I'll pass on to committee
[24:37] members for any question to comment. Maybe I'll start
[24:47] off. I just, uh, one question I'm just looking at
[24:49] the renderings, which are actually very helpful. Uh, but I'm
[24:51] curious down below underneath the zero walkout. There is a
[24:56] basement door. Directly below the mean level door that's in
[25:01] the rendering. Yeah. Yeah. Directly below. Yes. So the will
[25:06] it be patio stones there in another deck. Or? Uh,
[25:09] the planning on doing. I don't, uh, I don't know
[25:13] what the, the homeowner may do some sort of landscaping
[25:16] at some point in the future, but there's no real
[25:18] concrete plans for that at this point. All right. Thank
[25:21] you. We're also, I might add, I don't know if
[25:24] you know this or not, but there is no absolutely
[25:27] no intention to create a closed room of any sort,
[25:31] uh, on the deck platform level or below it. Good.
[25:35] Thank you. Ms. Randall. Quick question for you, Mr. Chair.
[25:42] Uh, what is, I'm trying to see on my drawings.
[25:46] What's this distance from this new enclosure or this new
[25:50] porch to the rear lot line. I think it does
[25:59] it say 1. 8 metres. Is that what I'm seeing
[26:00] on touchment two? Yes. 1. 8 metres. Oh. Of course.
[26:08] Thank you. And if you noticed whether any other homes
[26:13] on Pisces trail have done a second story extension like
[26:19] this, have you noticed. I don't know that there's really
[26:22] any homes that have even done a deck yet because
[26:25] the subdivision is so brand new and these homeowners just
[26:29] in last fall. Um, I've, I feel like you're going
[26:32] to get a lot of applications over the next couple
[26:34] of years. Um, you know, products have all sorts of
[26:38] shapes and sizes. But at this point I have not
[26:40] seen any. Um, the last time I was in the
[26:43] neighbourhood when I posted the sign there a few weeks
[26:45] ago or a month ago, um, you know, they caught
[26:48] the houses. They're still under construction. Yeah. For the questions.
[27:00] No, thank you. Thank you, Ms. Rendal. Uh, Mr. Howard.
[27:04] Uh, Mr. Chair, through you to city staff, uh, I'm
[27:08] wondering if there's any at this time anticipated effects of,
[27:12] uh, a series of similar types of balconies, cumulatively in
[27:17] terms of, uh, drainage perhaps. Through the chair. Um,
[27:27] I'm hesitant to comment on drainage because it's not my
[27:30] area of expertise. I apologise. Um, I guess what I
[27:33] can say is that every minor variance application, um, and
[27:38] further down in the process, every building permit application is
[27:41] reviewed by, um, our engineering services department and matters related
[27:46] to drainage is absolutely something that they would review. Um,
[27:50] but in terms of what multiple decks would do in
[27:53] terms of drainage, I'm sorry. I wouldn't be able to
[27:55] comment on that. Um, Ms. Roma. Yeah. Ms.
[28:05] Rundle. Uh, yes. Thank you. Just through you to staff
[28:08] doing what's the property to the West zone for? Is
[28:13] it planned for residential. Do we have any indication there.
[28:16] Of what's coming to the rear. Off the top of
[28:22] my head. I do not know if you would like
[28:25] me to quickly look into it. I certainly can if
[28:28] you guys continue to discuss off the top of my
[28:31] head. I don't know. I'm sorry. Would you like you're
[28:35] looking to it? Miseric. If it's quick just to find
[28:39] out at least what is zoned for? Cause it is
[28:42] a consideration when we're moving it a metre off the
[28:45] rear lot line. Just if the other homes are a
[28:48] subdivision plan there. It's a consideration is all. Thank you.
[28:52] Yeah. That's good. And I think Mr. Howard, do you
[28:54] see your hand go up. Uh, just two brief comments.
[28:59] My understanding is that the, um, that space between the
[29:03] Pisces trailed to the east and dusk owl circle to
[29:06] the west is intended for drainage purposes. And that was
[29:10] the reason for my question. It's to be retained as
[29:12] I understand it just from my site visit, uh, but
[29:15] I don't have confirmation in that respect. And then my
[29:17] second comment would be, uh, in light of the input
[29:20] that we've had both from city staff and the applicants
[29:22] agent here, uh, I think it would be important for
[29:26] us to note as a committee that, um, this application
[29:29] is very much being assessed on the merits. And if
[29:33] there is a neighbouring property where there is, perhaps a
[29:36] second or third or maybe the fifth property that's doing
[29:38] this, uh, some different type of effect, uh, because of
[29:42] the previous minor variances, that that's no guarantee that their
[29:47] application subsequently will be accepted. Thank you, Mr. Haraday. I
[29:54] mean. Thank you. Uh, the property to the West is
[29:59] currently zoned agriculture. Thank you. Very good. Okay. Further comments
[30:06] before I ask for a motion. Right. So none may
[30:11] have a motion on this application. Uh, Mr.
[30:20] Venezuel, thank you. Sure. Yeah. Yeah. I'd like to thank
[30:26] you to the applicant for your comments there. I generally
[30:29] agree with them. And, um, I'd like to make a
[30:31] motion to approve application MV42 - 26. That it meets
[30:37] the four tests of the planning act. Um, and that's
[30:40] approval. Be subject to, um, that it apply only to
[30:44] the deck as generally cited in outlined on the applicants
[30:47] submitted plans shown and attachments two, three, four, and five.
[30:52] Thank you, Mr. Vanandel. Seconder on this one. Mr. Howard,
[30:57] I thank you. And, uh, vote of all in favor
[30:58] of the. Notion. And the motion is carried. Have a
[31:05] good evening, sir. Your application has been approved. Thank you
[31:08] to all of you. I really appreciate this. Yeah. Very
[31:10] good. All right. Have a good night. Thank you, YouTube.
[31:16] Okay, our next application is minor variance 43 26. A
[31:24] J and W McFarland. 2210 Wildwood Crescent. Applicant is requesting
[31:31] and relief in the form of one minor variance to
[31:34] obtain a building permit for the construction of a Below
[31:37] grade side entrance. Some refining from the, um, from staff,
[31:44] uh, are that they reviewed the minor variance application. With
[31:47] respect to the criteria set in the planning act and
[31:50] recommend the application to be tabled. To allow the applicant
[31:54] an opportunity to revise the application and resubmit queried supporting
[31:58] materials. Do we have any participant this evening? Do we
[32:05] know. We don't. Okay. I'm going to go ahead then
[32:12] and us for motion on this application from Community Member.
[32:19] Is Randall. Thank you Mr. Chair regarding minor bearings 43
[32:24] 26 at 2210 wildwood. Crescent recommend that we adopt the
[32:31] staff, uh, summary of findings, which recommends that the application
[32:34] be tabled in order to allow the applicant an opportunity
[32:37] to revise the application and resubmit the required supporting materials.
[32:41] As outlined in our report. Thank you. Very good. Thank
[32:43] you, Ms. Rundhall. Secondar on that one. Mr. Howard, I
[32:47] thank you. Everybody threw their hand up there. Um, uh,
[32:50] Somotion or a vote of in favor of this motion.
[32:57] And the motion to table is carried. Thank you. It's
[33:00] our last report. And last time in the agenda is
[33:04] a motion for a German. May I have a motion
[33:06] for German. So we have one more item. We do.
[33:12] Yeah another business appointment of Secretary Treasure. Oh, I'm sorry.
[33:16] Yeah. I'm sorry. I didn't see that. Okay. Do I
[33:18] pass that off. To staff for that one. Uh, no,
[33:25] I believe you're able to take it through this one.
[33:28] Oh, okay. Uh, this time at this point we're going
[33:31] to have a, uh, appointment of a new secretary treasure.
[33:35] And do we have a motion then on have a
[33:38] motion for approval of the new secretary treasure. Ms. Ronda,
[33:46] if we need a motion, um, uh, I'll recommend that
[33:49] Amanda Dunn be appointed as Secretary Treasurer for the city
[33:52] of Pickering. Okay. And I didn't know, did we, do
[33:57] we need to vote on that one or was it
[33:58] just a noteing the appointment? The committee appoints it. So
[34:02] I would take a vote. Okay. Very good. So we
[34:04] have a motion. Then may have a secondaire on that.
[34:07] Mr. Howardy, thank you. And a vote of all in
[34:10] favor of new secretary treasure. Done. Very good. Yeah. No,
[34:15] she's carried and we have a new secretary treasure. Yeah.
[34:18] She's very confident. Yes. Very confident. We'll give good service
[34:23] to the city of Pickering. So we welcome working with
[34:25] her. Yeah, absolutely. I look forward to. Um, and, uh,
[34:30] now we can go to the last item of the
[34:32] agenda. Uh, thank you for sorting me out there. And
[34:34] the last item of the agenda was a German may
[34:36] have a motion for a German. Mr. Howard A and
[34:41] a seconder. Mr. Joshi, thank you and vote of all
[34:44] in favor to adjourn. It's carried. We are adjourned. Thank
[34:48] you all very much for a good meeting. We see.