1 00:00:13,044 --> 00:00:16,764 Good evening, everyone. I'd like to call the gross standing 2 00:00:16,764 --> 00:00:26,522 committee meeting to order, please. Clerk Walters. First I'm on 3 00:00:26,522 --> 00:00:29,162 the agenda is a land acknowledgement from council or treaty. 4 00:00:29,162 --> 00:00:34,344 Council. Trinity, please, if everyone could please stand. We acknowledge 5 00:00:34,344 --> 00:00:36,544 that we have the privilege to work on the traditional 6 00:00:36,544 --> 00:00:40,104 lands of the Nonishnabi. Peoples of Fort Williams, First Nation 7 00:00:40,104 --> 00:00:48,611 signatory to the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850. This land 8 00:00:48,611 --> 00:00:51,491 has been a place of gathering, learning and sustenance for 9 00:00:51,491 --> 00:00:56,731 indigenous people since time. Immemorial, we recognize the enduring presence 10 00:00:56,731 --> 00:01:00,811 and deep traditional knowledge of first nations, Inuit and mates, 11 00:01:00,811 --> 00:01:03,331 people and the ways they have shaped and continued to 12 00:01:03,331 --> 00:01:07,929 shape our community. We acknowledge the effects of colonization, including 13 00:01:07,929 --> 00:01:12,849 displacement, loss of culture, and intergenerational trauma, and we commit 14 00:01:12,849 --> 00:01:18,329 ourselves to reconciliation through respectful relationships, truth telling and shared 15 00:01:18,329 --> 00:01:21,729 action for a better future. Please take a moment to 16 00:01:21,729 --> 00:01:22,649 pause and reflect. 17 00:01:40,050 --> 00:01:42,410 Thank you. Good evening, folks. Just a couple of things 18 00:01:42,410 --> 00:01:44,850 I'll run through to start off. With. Just to let 19 00:01:44,850 --> 00:01:47,650 everyone know, the decision today is on the surplus of 20 00:01:47,650 --> 00:01:55,399 the lands, not the actual developments. The recommending endorsement will 21 00:01:55,399 --> 00:01:58,799 come to council in January to declare a land surplus 22 00:01:58,799 --> 00:02:03,919 to enable housing developments. Decisions regarding specific development proposals will 23 00:02:03,919 --> 00:02:06,439 be addressed at a later stage through any required zoning 24 00:02:06,439 --> 00:02:11,353 amendments for example. Fanshaw and Arundel will require zoning amendments 25 00:02:11,353 --> 00:02:14,870 and that therefore will have public meetings. Where you can 26 00:02:14,870 --> 00:02:19,030 provide public input for or against the proposals. I'd like 27 00:02:19,030 --> 00:02:23,030 to remind everyone just if we cannot restate what other 28 00:02:23,030 --> 00:02:25,270 people have said. I understand. Some people might be here. 29 00:02:25,270 --> 00:02:29,979 For. The same property. And there'll be ten minutes per 30 00:02:29,979 --> 00:02:37,097 deputation. With around five minutes from council members. With three 31 00:02:37,097 --> 00:02:42,572 questions maximum. And then. So that's what it so clerk 32 00:02:42,572 --> 00:02:48,450 Walters. Are there any disclosures of interest? Seeing none. Are 33 00:02:48,450 --> 00:02:52,741 there any further announcements? See none. First I'm on the 34 00:02:52,741 --> 00:02:54,821 agenda is the confirmation of the agenda. I need a 35 00:02:54,821 --> 00:02:57,861 mover and a second Councilor Pascalino, Councilor Aguwal. All those 36 00:02:57,861 --> 00:03:02,697 in favor? Opposed to penny. That's carried. That same on 37 00:03:02,697 --> 00:03:05,977 the agenda is under reports of administration to the surplus 38 00:03:05,977 --> 00:03:09,617 declaration. Call for proposals for the four opportunity sites. Report 39 00:03:09,617 --> 00:03:13,217 387 2025 from growth. It seeks endorsement from this standing 40 00:03:13,217 --> 00:03:18,857 committee. To declare the opportunity site surplus. For potential future 41 00:03:18,857 --> 00:03:22,457 residential development. We have open remarks this evening from Commissioner 42 00:03:22,457 --> 00:03:26,777 Marshall. Commissioner Marshall, please. Thank you chair. As stated earlier, 43 00:03:26,777 --> 00:03:30,257 this report seeks endorsement to declare four city owned sites 44 00:03:30,257 --> 00:03:34,457 as surplus for housing consistent with council's direction to identify 45 00:03:34,457 --> 00:03:39,239 lands that can support new housing supply. Additional housing. Is 46 00:03:39,239 --> 00:03:42,079 urgently needed to meet the current demand and improve affordability. 47 00:03:43,671 --> 00:03:46,991 Declaring the lens surplus is an early step. It signals 48 00:03:46,991 --> 00:03:50,551 council's intent for these sites to support future housing, but 49 00:03:50,551 --> 00:03:54,951 it does not approve the conceptual design, density, layout, or 50 00:03:54,951 --> 00:04:00,312 any specific development proposal. Two of the sites, 144 Fanshaw 51 00:04:00,312 --> 00:04:05,432 street and 791 Arundel street, will also require rezoning which 52 00:04:05,432 --> 00:04:09,752 includes a statutory public process and further opportunities for residents 53 00:04:09,752 --> 00:04:13,623 to provide input. The mayor's task force on building more 54 00:04:13,623 --> 00:04:17,743 homes has endorsed the surplus recommendation and will continue to 55 00:04:17,743 --> 00:04:21,322 be engaged in the process. If council declares the land 56 00:04:21,322 --> 00:04:24,482 surplus, administration would work with the proponents to refine the 57 00:04:24,482 --> 00:04:28,002 concepts and negotiate agreements of purchase and sale, all of 58 00:04:28,002 --> 00:04:32,842 which would return to council for further consideration and decision. 59 00:04:32,842 --> 00:04:35,642 I would now like to invite director deputor and manager 60 00:04:35,642 --> 00:04:40,671 walker to present some additional details. Go ahead, please. Thank 61 00:04:40,671 --> 00:04:44,498 you. Chair of the team is pleased to present this 62 00:04:44,498 --> 00:04:48,498 report which advances the city's efforts to improve housing supply 63 00:04:48,498 --> 00:04:54,035 and affordability. Next slide, please. As commissioner Marshalls noted, Thunder 64 00:04:54,035 --> 00:04:57,835 Bay requires more housing units and also greater housing choice 65 00:04:57,835 --> 00:05:01,435 to meet the needs of current residents and accommodate anticipated 66 00:05:01,435 --> 00:05:05,435 population growth. Thunder Bay is currently facing a shortage of 67 00:05:05,435 --> 00:05:10,771 approximately 1100 housing units. And this directly affects residents who 68 00:05:10,771 --> 00:05:13,811 are searching for appropriate housing and drives up price across 69 00:05:13,811 --> 00:05:18,375 a housing market. Currently, rent is not affordable to 50% 70 00:05:18,375 --> 00:05:23,635 of Thunder Bay rental renter households. It is important to 71 00:05:23,635 --> 00:05:26,915 double the rate of unit construction to address this issue. 72 00:05:26,915 --> 00:05:31,451 Additional large scale projects are required to achieve this. By 73 00:05:31,451 --> 00:05:34,251 advancing the conceptual developments outlined in the support, there is 74 00:05:34,251 --> 00:05:38,340 an opportunity to make a major impact. The development could 75 00:05:38,340 --> 00:05:41,980 add a significant number of units, including 700 units with 76 00:05:41,980 --> 00:05:47,148 building permits in 2026. Increasing the supply will help stabilize 77 00:05:47,148 --> 00:05:51,537 housing costs and free up existing housing inventory. Through the 78 00:05:51,537 --> 00:05:55,297 surveys, we heard general public support to develop these lands 79 00:05:55,297 --> 00:05:59,137 for housing, along with concerns of the surrounding neighborhoods. Next 80 00:05:59,137 --> 00:06:03,764 slide, please. One of the questions that is often heard 81 00:06:03,764 --> 00:06:06,564 is who will live at these developments? And the answer 82 00:06:06,564 --> 00:06:09,284 is that the homes will be available to everyone. The 83 00:06:09,284 --> 00:06:12,804 residents of the buildings may be young professionals. Young families, 84 00:06:12,804 --> 00:06:15,524 new residents to Thunder Bay, or neighbors who wish to 85 00:06:15,524 --> 00:06:20,319 stay in the neighborhood in age and place. Approximately 10% 86 00:06:20,319 --> 00:06:22,399 of the units would be affordable to mid and lower 87 00:06:22,399 --> 00:06:27,119 income households as required by CMHC financing support. I will 88 00:06:27,119 --> 00:06:29,239 invite manager Walker to walk us through the properties in 89 00:06:29,239 --> 00:06:35,074 the next steps. Next slide, please. Thank you, director. To 90 00:06:35,074 --> 00:06:40,878 pewter through the chair. A council's direction, administration undertook the 91 00:06:40,878 --> 00:06:43,998 exercise of selecting city owned vacant lands within the urban 92 00:06:43,998 --> 00:06:48,118 boundary and in existing neighborhoods suitable to support housing development. 93 00:06:48,118 --> 00:06:49,878 In June of this year, the city issued a call 94 00:06:49,878 --> 00:06:53,118 for proposals for various sites, including the four to be 95 00:06:53,118 --> 00:06:56,798 considered this evening. Certain development studies have been completed in 96 00:06:56,798 --> 00:06:59,811 all four sites have access to city. Infrastructure, including street 97 00:06:59,811 --> 00:07:05,561 frontage, piped services and amenity spaces. Next slide, please. Conceptual 98 00:07:05,561 --> 00:07:08,521 development proposals submitted through the call for proposals reviewed and 99 00:07:08,521 --> 00:07:12,001 assessed by applying the smart growth principles of track record, 100 00:07:12,001 --> 00:07:15,841 including demonstrated experience and past project quality, alignment with the 101 00:07:15,841 --> 00:07:20,121 city's housing and growth objectives of affordability, density, and sustainability 102 00:07:20,121 --> 00:07:25,394 and addressing community and neighborhood need. It. Is based on 103 00:07:25,394 --> 00:07:28,514 this assessment, administration is recommending moving forward with the next 104 00:07:28,514 --> 00:07:32,263 step of declaring the foresights of surplus for housing. Next 105 00:07:32,263 --> 00:07:36,072 slide, please. In addition to updates to this standing committee 106 00:07:36,072 --> 00:07:39,032 and the Mayor's task force on building more homes. Public 107 00:07:39,032 --> 00:07:42,112 notice of the intent to surplus the four properties was 108 00:07:42,112 --> 00:07:45,472 issued by way of letter city. Website and posted signage 109 00:07:45,472 --> 00:07:49,632 on each property. In addition, a greater level of public 110 00:07:49,632 --> 00:07:54,358 engagement was undertaken. With a survey on the city's get 111 00:07:54,358 --> 00:07:58,398 involved page and two open houses. All feedback received through 112 00:07:58,398 --> 00:08:01,278 this various methods is appreciated and will be further addressed 113 00:08:01,278 --> 00:08:04,318 in the conceptual as the conceptual developments are refined through 114 00:08:04,318 --> 00:08:08,838 negotiation, site plan control and zoning bylaw amendment stages as 115 00:08:08,838 --> 00:08:14,578 applicable. Next slide, please. 791 of Rundle street is 3.15 116 00:08:14,578 --> 00:08:17,978 vacant land north of Boulevard Lake. It is currently zoned 117 00:08:17,978 --> 00:08:23,650 community and rezoning would be required. The conceptual development is 118 00:08:23,650 --> 00:08:26,970 up to 600 units contained in three six story buildings. 119 00:08:26,970 --> 00:08:30,147 Conceptually shown here. It is noted that the density of 120 00:08:30,147 --> 00:08:33,107 this development is higher than some others discussed tonight and 121 00:08:33,107 --> 00:08:37,747 exceeds that permitted by the urban mid rise zone. Next 122 00:08:37,747 --> 00:08:41,903 slide, please. Written questions and concerns were submitted by 52 123 00:08:41,903 --> 00:08:46,783 residents, including impact on recreation and green space infrastructure capacity 124 00:08:46,783 --> 00:08:53,429 development density and potential impact on property values. Individual members 125 00:08:53,429 --> 00:08:55,909 of the mayor's task force consider the density too high 126 00:08:55,909 --> 00:08:59,189 for this site. It is anticipated that the scale of 127 00:08:59,189 --> 00:09:02,709 the development will be reduced to. A degree at the 128 00:09:02,709 --> 00:09:06,476 time of a zoning bylaw amendment application. Next slide, please. 129 00:09:08,108 --> 00:09:13,068 49.7% of survey respondents were very supportive or supportive of 130 00:09:13,068 --> 00:09:21,401 the development proposal. 39.5 were not supportive. And 15.9% neutral 131 00:09:21,401 --> 00:09:26,138 are not sure. Next slide, please. 144 Fanshaw street is 132 00:09:26,138 --> 00:09:31,858 1.25 vacant land across from Confederation College. It is currently 133 00:09:31,858 --> 00:09:34,778 zoned urban low rise and rezoning of to the urban 134 00:09:34,778 --> 00:09:38,538 mid rise zone will be required. The conceptual development is 135 00:09:38,538 --> 00:09:41,298 up to 200 units contained within one six story building. 136 00:09:44,715 --> 00:09:49,671 Conceptually shown here. Next slide, please. Written questions and concerns 137 00:09:49,671 --> 00:09:53,471 were submitted by 34 residents, including impact on green space 138 00:09:53,471 --> 00:09:58,591 infrastructure capacity, noise and potential impact on property values. Next 139 00:09:58,591 --> 00:10:06,576 slide, please. 58.9% of survey respondents were very supportive or 140 00:10:06,576 --> 00:10:14,441 supportive 23.3% were not supportive. And 17.8% were neutral or 141 00:10:14,441 --> 00:10:19,792 not sure. Next slide, please. 300 Tokyo street is 2.6. 142 00:10:19,792 --> 00:10:22,472 Vacant land at the corner of John street and Junette. 143 00:10:22,472 --> 00:10:26,632 Avenue south. It is zoned urban, mid rise. The conceptual 144 00:10:26,632 --> 00:10:29,472 development is up to 400 units contained. Within two six 145 00:10:29,472 --> 00:10:36,511 story buildings, conceptually shown here. Next slide, please. Written questions 146 00:10:36,511 --> 00:10:39,711 and concerns were submitted by three residents, including impact on 147 00:10:39,711 --> 00:10:47,388 green space infrastructure capacity and noise next slide, please. 60.9% 148 00:10:47,388 --> 00:10:53,235 of survey respondents were supportive or very supportive. 13.3 were 149 00:10:53,235 --> 00:10:57,595 not supportive and 25.9% neutral or not sure. Next slide, 150 00:10:57,595 --> 00:11:02,940 please. 211 to 223 Tupper street and 224 Camelot street 151 00:11:02,940 --> 00:11:06,340 is zero point 28. Vacant land in the north core 152 00:11:06,340 --> 00:11:09,940 in his own downtown neighborhood. The conceptual development is up 153 00:11:09,940 --> 00:11:18,358 to 8185 units and community spaces. Next slide, please. No 154 00:11:18,358 --> 00:11:25,023 written questions or concerns were submitted. 64.8% of survey respondents 155 00:11:25,023 --> 00:11:29,143 were very supportive or supportive, 12% were not supportive and 156 00:11:29,143 --> 00:11:34,696 23.2%. Neutral or not? Sure. Next slide, please. Following this 157 00:11:34,696 --> 00:11:37,456 meeting, administration will proceed with its report to council in 158 00:11:37,456 --> 00:11:44,477 January. Should counsel approve the surplus recommendation? Administration would proceed 159 00:11:44,477 --> 00:11:48,637 to refine the conceptual development proposals and negotiate. Purchase agreements 160 00:11:48,637 --> 00:11:53,110 with proponents. These agreements would be conditional upon site plan 161 00:11:53,110 --> 00:11:57,693 control and rezoning where required. Once settled, administration would return 162 00:11:57,693 --> 00:12:00,333 to the Standing Committee for endorsement of the sales and 163 00:12:00,333 --> 00:12:05,156 to counsel for approval. Zoning bylaw amendment applications and detailed 164 00:12:05,156 --> 00:12:08,996 site find control agreement. Negotiation would follow. I'll now turn 165 00:12:08,996 --> 00:12:14,117 things back to director, to pewter. Thank you. Next slide, 166 00:12:14,117 --> 00:12:19,876 please. Just the final slide chair to close this report 167 00:12:19,876 --> 00:12:23,556 recommends that this committee endorsed the recommendation that council declared 168 00:12:23,556 --> 00:12:27,603 the four opportunity sites as surplus to support housing. The 169 00:12:27,603 --> 00:12:30,803 mayor's task force has endorsed the recommendation and request regular 170 00:12:30,803 --> 00:12:35,803 updates. We thank the residents. The task force, the committee, 171 00:12:35,803 --> 00:12:38,843 and this committee for their feedback throughout this process. Should 172 00:12:38,843 --> 00:12:41,643 the properties be declared surplus staff will work with the 173 00:12:41,643 --> 00:12:46,299 developers to refine the proposals to address community concerns. The 174 00:12:46,299 --> 00:12:49,579 specific development proposals will be further considered in the future. 175 00:12:49,579 --> 00:12:53,355 Steps that are outlined by manager Walker. Where required, zoning 176 00:12:53,355 --> 00:12:56,835 amendment process will address items such as scale, density and 177 00:12:56,835 --> 00:13:00,309 parking requirements. A detailed site plan would be available at 178 00:13:00,309 --> 00:13:03,229 that time, and there will be additional opportunity for public 179 00:13:03,229 --> 00:13:05,629 input and another public meeting of council for this purpose. 180 00:13:07,395 --> 00:13:11,035 The site plan control process will specify lighting, access, servicing, 181 00:13:11,035 --> 00:13:16,955 drainage, landscaping, building placement, and address traffic concerns. Technical studies 182 00:13:16,955 --> 00:13:20,195 such as traffic and servicing studies will be completed to 183 00:13:20,195 --> 00:13:23,915 inform the process and further address concerns raised by the 184 00:13:23,915 --> 00:13:28,581 public. Through the chair. Thank you. And to the committee, 185 00:13:28,581 --> 00:13:30,541 thank you for the opportunity to present and for your 186 00:13:30,541 --> 00:13:33,501 consideration of this report and administration's pleas to answer any 187 00:13:33,501 --> 00:13:37,752 questions. Thank you. Manager Walker, director, deputy and Commissioner Marshall. 188 00:13:37,752 --> 00:13:45,187 Thank you for the intro. Clerk Walters, please. Chair. We 189 00:13:45,187 --> 00:13:49,227 can reach your questions of administration, although, as discussed, if 190 00:13:49,227 --> 00:13:51,067 there is no pertinent questions right now. We can wait 191 00:13:51,067 --> 00:13:54,234 till the end. There will be three rounds. Five minutes 192 00:13:54,234 --> 00:13:56,874 each for questions to the report. Let's save it. To 193 00:13:56,874 --> 00:14:00,628 the end, right? Okay. All right. We do have a 194 00:14:00,628 --> 00:14:03,588 number of deputies scheduled for this evening. The first one 195 00:14:03,588 --> 00:14:06,228 has been received from Conor McLeod on November the 13th, 196 00:14:06,228 --> 00:14:15,550 requesting to appear before a standing committee. Welcome s. Mcleod. 197 00:14:20,544 --> 00:14:22,464 Lights on, so it's on. If you can just be 198 00:14:22,464 --> 00:14:25,889 about six inches away from the mic. When you're ready, 199 00:14:25,889 --> 00:14:32,889 you'll have ten minutes. Okay. All right. Good evening. I'm 200 00:14:32,889 --> 00:14:36,329 here in regards to the housing proposal on Rundal and 201 00:14:36,329 --> 00:14:39,809 Toledo in the green. Space. I have been following this 202 00:14:39,809 --> 00:14:43,249 topic from its inception, and I'm alarmed at which the 203 00:14:43,249 --> 00:14:47,442 speed in which this process is moving. Hundreds of community 204 00:14:47,442 --> 00:14:51,082 members showed up to the award meeting on November 5, 205 00:14:51,082 --> 00:14:55,362 2025, in order to gather more information on this proposal 206 00:14:55,362 --> 00:14:59,947 as well as to, err, grievances. The entire community expressed 207 00:14:59,947 --> 00:15:05,857 anger, frustration and discontent in regards to this project. In 208 00:15:05,857 --> 00:15:08,177 fact, out of the hundreds of people who showed up 209 00:15:08,177 --> 00:15:11,017 that night, there was only one individual. Who was in 210 00:15:11,017 --> 00:15:14,249 favor of this venture. She did not live in the 211 00:15:14,249 --> 00:15:17,889 immediate area, nor was she a lifelong member, as many 212 00:15:17,889 --> 00:15:21,542 who are against this. Are. Of course. I recorded this 213 00:15:21,542 --> 00:15:24,782 historical award meeting for reference as it has been some 214 00:15:24,782 --> 00:15:28,422 time since the community has come together in agreement on 215 00:15:28,422 --> 00:15:32,338 a concern such as this in quite some time. In 216 00:15:32,338 --> 00:15:35,104 fact. This act alone should be enough to put an 217 00:15:35,104 --> 00:15:39,884 end to this housing proposal. As the community has spoken 218 00:15:39,884 --> 00:15:42,767 and we have said no. However, I will give you 219 00:15:42,767 --> 00:15:45,567 some of the very real concerns we as a community 220 00:15:45,567 --> 00:15:50,687 share. If the proposed 600 unit complex went through with 221 00:15:50,687 --> 00:15:53,887 between two to four people per unit. This would increase 222 00:15:53,887 --> 00:15:59,335 the population of Curt river by roughly between. 1502, 400 223 00:15:59,335 --> 00:16:03,686 people. For reference. The town of Nippigan is roughly 1500 224 00:16:03,686 --> 00:16:07,886 people and the population of Atticoken. Is roughly 2600 people. 225 00:16:09,344 --> 00:16:11,784 You are talking about moving the population of a small 226 00:16:11,784 --> 00:16:15,864 town into that few square kilometers. This would raise the 227 00:16:15,864 --> 00:16:18,744 population of Kert river by over 40% in a very 228 00:16:18,744 --> 00:16:22,554 short period of time. Ironically, the politicians at the ward 229 00:16:22,554 --> 00:16:25,394 meetings said in regards to this ten year smart growth 230 00:16:25,394 --> 00:16:29,114 plan that fast growth too quickly is not a positive 231 00:16:29,114 --> 00:16:32,754 thing in the short or long term. I feel raising 232 00:16:32,754 --> 00:16:37,194 the population by over 40% overnight qualifies as fast growth. 233 00:16:38,985 --> 00:16:42,425 There are also valid environmental concerns, as this property is 234 00:16:42,425 --> 00:16:46,890 home to many animals that. Would be mortally affected and 235 00:16:46,890 --> 00:16:51,830 displaced. Not only do community members use this environmental green 236 00:16:51,830 --> 00:16:55,710 space daily, but people from all across Thunder Bay. Come 237 00:16:55,710 --> 00:16:59,458 as well to use and to appreciate this area. As 238 00:16:59,458 --> 00:17:02,778 one community member put it so eloquently, I go there 239 00:17:02,778 --> 00:17:05,298 every single day and have never seen the same person 240 00:17:05,298 --> 00:17:10,612 twice. There are also infrastructure concerns, as massive parking structures 241 00:17:10,612 --> 00:17:13,252 would need to be built in tandem with this. Property 242 00:17:13,252 --> 00:17:16,485 to account for the influx of people. And traffic is 243 00:17:16,485 --> 00:17:25,435 already an issue this community brings up regularly. we are 244 00:17:25,435 --> 00:17:28,755 not against growth or development personally i had no issue 245 00:17:28,755 --> 00:17:32,195 with the building project on huron as the pros outweighed 246 00:17:32,195 --> 00:17:31,907 the cons It makes sense. However, the proposal on a 247 00:17:31,907 --> 00:17:35,507 rendal makes no sense at all. Destroying a beautiful area 248 00:17:35,507 --> 00:17:39,067 the community uses daily and yearly. When we have fought 249 00:17:39,067 --> 00:17:41,427 for this area in the past and especially when there 250 00:17:41,427 --> 00:17:45,707 are far more suitable properties. Makes no sense at all. 251 00:17:45,707 --> 00:17:49,897 It is not logical or practical. These are only some 252 00:17:49,897 --> 00:17:52,537 of the very real concerns we share as a united 253 00:17:52,537 --> 00:17:56,457 community. We have been meeting regularly to discuss this project 254 00:17:56,457 --> 00:17:59,468 and will continue to do so. I hope our very 255 00:17:59,468 --> 00:18:02,068 real concerns are not lost on you, and I thank 256 00:18:02,068 --> 00:18:04,508 you for taking the time to hear us out. Thanks 257 00:18:04,508 --> 00:18:09,413 again. Regards, Conor McLeod. Thank you, Mr. McLeod. There any 258 00:18:09,413 --> 00:18:14,965 questions? Not at this time. The deputation. Councilor Agwell, please. 259 00:18:16,629 --> 00:18:22,802 Okay. Thank you very much, chair. Mr. Cloud. In your 260 00:18:22,802 --> 00:18:26,282 presentation, you said you're not against growth, but you're against 261 00:18:26,282 --> 00:18:30,134 this project. Is it the density of the project or 262 00:18:30,134 --> 00:18:36,689 is it. Specifically. It's the environmental green space. We use 263 00:18:36,689 --> 00:18:40,369 this space. As I said, daily people come from all 264 00:18:40,369 --> 00:18:44,214 across Thunder Bay to use this. Space. So that particular 265 00:18:44,214 --> 00:18:48,771 area. Is not necessarily. The project, so to speak. It's 266 00:18:48,771 --> 00:18:53,452 the destroying of that particular area. My subsequent question to 267 00:18:53,452 --> 00:18:59,609 you would be if. The project. Was enhancing the green 268 00:18:59,609 --> 00:19:03,102 space. With other type of housing. Would you be amendable 269 00:19:03,102 --> 00:19:05,382 to that, or would you be opposed to that and 270 00:19:05,382 --> 00:19:09,326 you want to leave it all as. definitely i think 271 00:19:09,326 --> 00:19:11,794 that's the main concern Just to leave it the way 272 00:19:11,794 --> 00:19:15,584 that it is. For the animals and for the people 273 00:19:15,584 --> 00:19:19,533 that use it every single day. And my third question 274 00:19:19,533 --> 00:19:23,427 to you through the chair would be. Proportionately for the 275 00:19:23,427 --> 00:19:25,387 city of Thunder Bay. Current river I grew up in 276 00:19:25,387 --> 00:19:28,267 current river myself. I went to cloud garden 100 years 277 00:19:28,267 --> 00:19:31,894 ago. But current river do you not find it has 278 00:19:31,894 --> 00:19:36,219 proportionately a lot more? Park and green space compared to 279 00:19:36,219 --> 00:19:38,739 any other part of our city. That's precisely why we're 280 00:19:38,739 --> 00:19:41,739 here, actually, because I feel like this would just be 281 00:19:41,739 --> 00:19:46,723 only a domino effect. That would perpetuate. The changing of 282 00:19:46,723 --> 00:19:48,603 print river, fundamentally. You know what I mean? That's why 283 00:19:48,603 --> 00:19:54,189 I love this. Community. That's why I'm here. I just 284 00:19:54,189 --> 00:19:57,029 want current river to stay Kurt river. And as I 285 00:19:57,029 --> 00:20:01,375 said before, I wasn't ever against other projects in current 286 00:20:01,375 --> 00:20:04,095 river. It's just that particular area. You know what I 287 00:20:04,095 --> 00:20:07,815 mean? Because it's dear to me and it's part of 288 00:20:07,815 --> 00:20:11,860 Kerr river. You know what I mean? Thank you. Thank 289 00:20:11,860 --> 00:20:15,700 you. See? No further questions. You may return. Thank you. 290 00:20:15,700 --> 00:20:19,921 Thank you very much. Clerk Walters, please. I'm on the 291 00:20:19,921 --> 00:20:22,841 agenda. Correspondence received from Laurie Santiac from on November the 292 00:20:22,841 --> 00:20:25,521 14th, requesting to appear before a standing committee and note 293 00:20:25,521 --> 00:20:29,081 there was additional information relative to this deputation. Distributed on 294 00:20:29,081 --> 00:20:33,921 Friday, November the 20 eigth welcome, Ms. Antique. And again, 295 00:20:33,921 --> 00:20:43,424 you'll have ten minutes when you're ready. Good evening, Mayor 296 00:20:43,424 --> 00:20:47,424 Boschkov. Members of the growth standing committee, members of city 297 00:20:47,424 --> 00:20:51,024 administration. My name is. Laurie Santinc, I'm here today speaking 298 00:20:51,024 --> 00:20:54,064 on behalf of my husband and myself, as well as 299 00:20:54,064 --> 00:20:58,024 my neighbors, nine other property owners on Toledo street whose 300 00:20:58,024 --> 00:21:04,435 homes are adjacent to the proposed. 600 unit development at 301 00:21:04,435 --> 00:21:08,235 791 Arundel and who will be directly impacted by the 302 00:21:08,235 --> 00:21:12,395 largest proposed development in the history of Thunder Bay. In 303 00:21:12,395 --> 00:21:15,355 support of my deputation, I have provided a joint letter 304 00:21:15,355 --> 00:21:18,715 signed by my fellow neighbors, along with copies of two 305 00:21:18,715 --> 00:21:22,715 blog posts by Livio di Mateo professor of economics, Lakehead. 306 00:21:23,046 --> 00:21:26,206 University, as well as his recent interview with TB News 307 00:21:26,206 --> 00:21:30,537 Watch on November 25. We are unanimous in our desire 308 00:21:30,537 --> 00:21:32,737 to see the green space be left as is to 309 00:21:32,737 --> 00:21:35,697 be enjoyed. Not only by us, but by the community 310 00:21:35,697 --> 00:21:39,137 at large. This is not some random lot owned by 311 00:21:39,137 --> 00:21:41,857 the city. It is a wonderful green space enjoyed for 312 00:21:41,857 --> 00:21:46,297 decades, 365 days a year by our local community, as 313 00:21:46,297 --> 00:21:49,650 well as many residents throughout Thunder Bay, with its. Mature 314 00:21:49,650 --> 00:21:52,810 trees, grasses and open fields. It provides habitat and acts 315 00:21:52,810 --> 00:21:55,930 as a wildlife corridor for the abundant animals who share 316 00:21:55,930 --> 00:21:59,170 our world. It provides a car free, safe space for 317 00:21:59,170 --> 00:22:02,850 the many runners, walkers, dog walkers, cyclists, cross country skiers, 318 00:22:02,850 --> 00:22:06,610 skate skiers, mountain bikers, children going to school, bird watchers. 319 00:22:06,610 --> 00:22:10,297 Running events. The lifts goes on the city. Has invested 320 00:22:10,297 --> 00:22:13,817 in this green space by installing a paved, lit, multiuse 321 00:22:13,817 --> 00:22:17,497 trail maintained year round with access from the active living 322 00:22:17,497 --> 00:22:21,617 corridor along a rundle lion boulevard, as well as a 323 00:22:21,617 --> 00:22:26,737 pathway between 414 and 412 Toledo. As you already know, 324 00:22:26,737 --> 00:22:29,417 out of the ten opportunity sites chosen by city admin. 325 00:22:29,080 --> 00:22:33,850 Administration 791 Arundel is the only one zoned community zone, 326 00:22:33,850 --> 00:22:37,050 a zoning designation used by the city for park space 327 00:22:37,050 --> 00:22:41,370 throughout Thunder Bay. Yes, this zoning also allows some development, 328 00:22:41,370 --> 00:22:44,650 but not residential. And definitely not the type of massive 329 00:22:44,650 --> 00:22:48,454 development that is being proposed. Why, we ask, of all 330 00:22:48,454 --> 00:22:51,374 the parcels available to the city for development, is it 331 00:22:51,374 --> 00:22:54,334 now choosing to build the largest housing development in the 332 00:22:54,334 --> 00:22:57,134 history of the city on what is and always has 333 00:22:57,134 --> 00:22:59,894 been. Seen and used by residents of Thunder Bay as 334 00:22:59,894 --> 00:23:04,614 park space. In our opinion, this sets a terrible precedent, 335 00:23:04,614 --> 00:23:08,235 Professor Diamateo's blog posts and interview le. Lends credence to 336 00:23:08,235 --> 00:23:10,955 our letter and our concerns and comments about this proposed 337 00:23:10,955 --> 00:23:14,195 development in his blog post of November 20, he states, 338 00:23:15,571 --> 00:23:18,331 The logical place to target density developments in Thunder Bay 339 00:23:18,331 --> 00:23:21,211 should be the two former downtown core areas. Of Port 340 00:23:21,211 --> 00:23:24,451 Arthur and Fort William and the corridor connecting them that 341 00:23:24,451 --> 00:23:27,691 runs along an immediately adjacent to water, Fort William Road, 342 00:23:27,691 --> 00:23:32,531 Simpson streets and Algoma Memorial, may street, the Shunia area 343 00:23:32,531 --> 00:23:36,951 neighborhood is definitely not the largest. Sorry, not the location 344 00:23:36,951 --> 00:23:39,951 for the largest housing development the city has ever seen 345 00:23:39,951 --> 00:23:43,671 and even runs contrary to Thunder Bay's official plan. In 346 00:23:43,671 --> 00:23:46,391 order to fit 600 units, the green space will have 347 00:23:46,391 --> 00:23:49,991 to be rezoned urban high rise. Such zoning and massive 348 00:23:49,991 --> 00:23:53,311 development allowing buildings up to 45 meters or twelve to 349 00:23:53,311 --> 00:23:56,966 15 stories high, is not. Compatible in scale and mass 350 00:23:56,966 --> 00:24:01,366 with the surrounding community of single family homes. Smaller apartment 351 00:24:01,366 --> 00:24:05,446 buildings consisting of anywhere from four to 127 units, a 352 00:24:05,446 --> 00:24:09,846 72 unit condominium complex or the 118 units in Chartwell 353 00:24:09,846 --> 00:24:14,446 Thunder Bay's retirement home complex. It literally dwarfs every single 354 00:24:14,446 --> 00:24:18,204 other build type in the. Neighborhood. The development is also 355 00:24:18,204 --> 00:24:20,924 contrary to many of the tenants in the city's various 356 00:24:20,924 --> 00:24:25,819 policy. Strategies, plans and guidelines which no doubt we, the 357 00:24:25,819 --> 00:24:29,859 taxpayers, have spent thousands, if not millions of dollars. To 358 00:24:29,859 --> 00:24:33,779 have the city produce. For example, Thunderbase housing lands needs 359 00:24:33,779 --> 00:24:36,579 study and strategy the climate forward. Thunder Bay net Zero 360 00:24:36,579 --> 00:24:40,859 strategy, the smart growth action planets in its draft form, 361 00:24:40,859 --> 00:24:44,024 or the Thunder Bay urban design. And landscape guideline. These 362 00:24:44,024 --> 00:24:47,224 city documents, as well as various media releases and interviews 363 00:24:47,224 --> 00:24:51,438 with local media. Use urban planning language, such as creating 364 00:24:51,438 --> 00:24:55,838 integrated spaces that combine residential, commercial, and public amenities building 365 00:24:55,838 --> 00:24:59,718 homes in areas that already have neighborhood amenities infill development, 366 00:24:59,718 --> 00:25:03,238 keeping our taxes lower, making better use of existing structure 367 00:25:03,238 --> 00:25:06,758 infrastructure and allowing more people to live in walkable, connected 368 00:25:06,758 --> 00:25:13,171 neighborhoods by 2030. 5%. 65% of trips within the city 369 00:25:13,171 --> 00:25:16,851 will be by walking, cycling or public transit. Neighborhoods are 370 00:25:16,851 --> 00:25:21,491 complete compact and walkable. Thunderbase, forest and green spaces are 371 00:25:21,491 --> 00:25:26,080 protected and provide essential ecosystem services. In his interview with 372 00:25:26,080 --> 00:25:29,880 TB Newswatch, Professor D. Mateo stated that putting developments, and 373 00:25:29,880 --> 00:25:33,480 I quote, wherever the city conveniently has a piece of 374 00:25:33,480 --> 00:25:36,480 green space in the short run may seem optimal because 375 00:25:36,480 --> 00:25:39,440 it's quick, but what they're doing is creating a more 376 00:25:39,440 --> 00:25:44,040 dispersed city that's. Even more dependent on vehicles. And dependent 377 00:25:44,040 --> 00:25:48,421 on vehicles we are. According to Walkscore.com, a website whose 378 00:25:48,421 --> 00:25:53,111 mission is to promote walkable neighborhoods. Arch union neighborhood. Is 379 00:25:53,111 --> 00:25:56,351 considered car dependent with a walk score of 13 out 380 00:25:56,351 --> 00:26:00,791 of 100. 791 Arundel to Hotter Avenue, where some basic 381 00:26:00,791 --> 00:26:04,671 amenities do exist, is a 2.3 kilometer walk along a 382 00:26:04,671 --> 00:26:09,511 rundle. Without continuous sidewalks on the road with car traffic 383 00:26:09,511 --> 00:26:13,273 in this weather, although the active living Corri. Corridor has 384 00:26:13,273 --> 00:26:17,473 cycling opportunities. It is neither protected nor maintained year round, 385 00:26:17,473 --> 00:26:20,113 and there is only one bus. Servicing our neighborhood, the 386 00:26:20,113 --> 00:26:23,793 number seven Hudson, running every 30 minutes in peak times. 387 00:26:23,793 --> 00:26:27,673 And this bus doesn't? Even run east along a rundle. 388 00:26:27,673 --> 00:26:31,473 Toledo and Conmey do not have continuous sidewalks. So again, 389 00:26:31,473 --> 00:26:34,551 even considering walking a direct. Route to downtown is about 390 00:26:34,551 --> 00:26:37,551 3.8k or a 50 minutes walk if you're in good 391 00:26:37,551 --> 00:26:41,271 health, including on roads with traffic. There are no major 392 00:26:41,271 --> 00:26:45,631 stores, banks, there's no LCBO medical offices, never mind large 393 00:26:45,631 --> 00:26:49,151 employers in our neighborhood or in current river residents in 394 00:26:49,151 --> 00:26:52,031 this neighborhood must drive or use transit, which, as I'm 395 00:26:52,031 --> 00:26:55,142 sure you're aware, is neither. Convenient, fast, or the most 396 00:26:55,142 --> 00:26:58,102 efficient means of getting to any of the major employers 397 00:26:58,102 --> 00:27:01,644 here in thunder. Bay. We do not understand why the 398 00:27:01,644 --> 00:27:04,444 city would consider destroying this well used in love green 399 00:27:04,444 --> 00:27:07,844 space would consider cutting down force that provides an essential 400 00:27:07,844 --> 00:27:12,124 ecosystem service in our neighborhood and proposes 600 unit housing. 401 00:27:12,124 --> 00:27:15,924 Development, which will add at least 600 plus more vehicles, 402 00:27:15,924 --> 00:27:19,684 spewing emissions and increasing noise pollution. And add upwards of 403 00:27:19,684 --> 00:27:23,512 1200 plus. People to a car dependent neighborhood that is 404 00:27:23,512 --> 00:27:28,832 not walkable, not complete, not compact, not connected once again, 405 00:27:28,832 --> 00:27:32,752 a quote from Professor Di Mateo's blog, posted November 20 406 00:27:32,752 --> 00:27:35,272 the problem here is that Thunder Bay's idea of increasing 407 00:27:35,272 --> 00:27:39,272 density in a climate crisis apparently includes cutting down swast. 408 00:27:39,272 --> 00:27:42,610 The green space to build. Density development in areas often 409 00:27:42,610 --> 00:27:45,930 removed from where density either already exists or should be 410 00:27:45,930 --> 00:27:50,410 promoted. Moreover, the constant dispersion of new development results in 411 00:27:50,410 --> 00:27:54,090 the new residents of these density developments having to rely 412 00:27:54,090 --> 00:27:58,610 mainly on automobile transport rather than public transport transit, which 413 00:27:58,610 --> 00:28:01,702 is not convenient or timely given. The disbursed nature of 414 00:28:01,702 --> 00:28:09,179 the city. Mayor Boschkov, councilors, members of city administration. We 415 00:28:09,179 --> 00:28:12,419 are not against building housing, but we are against using 416 00:28:12,419 --> 00:28:15,659 green space to build this type of density not only 417 00:28:15,659 --> 00:28:19,310 here, but across the city. Now. Build here if you 418 00:28:19,310 --> 00:28:22,590 must, but only if there are no other options. If 419 00:28:22,590 --> 00:28:27,158 you insist on using this green space. The owners of 420 00:28:27,158 --> 00:28:31,478 houses along Toledo proposed a much smaller development, zoned, no 421 00:28:31,478 --> 00:28:34,558 larger than urban mid rise that leaves the multi use 422 00:28:34,558 --> 00:28:38,198 trail as is provides a buffer between any development and 423 00:28:38,198 --> 00:28:42,198 the existing property owners on Toledo and is compatible in 424 00:28:42,198 --> 00:28:46,337 scale and mass with the surrounding community. But please. Before 425 00:28:46,337 --> 00:28:52,021 you even consider designating this parcel surplus. Never mind allowing 426 00:28:52,021 --> 00:28:55,301 a proposed 600 unit development, or even a smaller one. 427 00:28:56,758 --> 00:29:01,278 Consider the learned opinion of Professor D. Mateo the overall 428 00:29:01,278 --> 00:29:05,158 character of this union neighborhood. The concerns of the adjacent 429 00:29:05,158 --> 00:29:09,473 property owners and the wider community. The car dependent nature 430 00:29:09,473 --> 00:29:12,673 of this area, the lack of adequate walking and cycling. 431 00:29:14,036 --> 00:29:17,516 Infrastructure, the lack of local services and amenities, the destruction 432 00:29:17,516 --> 00:29:20,996 of forest and green space, and what the removal of 433 00:29:20,996 --> 00:29:24,316 a well used and much love park space means to 434 00:29:24,316 --> 00:29:27,756 the residents of our shunian neighborhood and the community of 435 00:29:27,756 --> 00:29:32,301 current river. Thank you. Thank you so much for that 436 00:29:32,301 --> 00:29:36,701 detailed deputation. And Councilor Atrini, please. Thank you. Through the 437 00:29:36,701 --> 00:29:39,021 chair. Thank you very much for your presentation today and 438 00:29:39,021 --> 00:29:44,102 coming tonight. I did receive your report and went through 439 00:29:44,102 --> 00:29:48,782 it. Very detailed. Fantastic. I'm going to refer to the 440 00:29:48,782 --> 00:29:53,031 map. I used to live in kert river. For a 441 00:29:53,031 --> 00:29:55,351 large portion. But on the other side of Curt river 442 00:29:55,351 --> 00:29:58,031 bridge, I've played baseball. Here back in the day. But 443 00:29:58,031 --> 00:30:00,071 if you ask me exactly where, I couldn't tell you. 444 00:30:00,071 --> 00:30:02,795 Today? Because that was a long time ago. The walking 445 00:30:02,795 --> 00:30:05,875 path, I believe, is close to the red line that 446 00:30:05,875 --> 00:30:11,597 you've drawn on your map. Is that correct? Yes. And 447 00:30:11,597 --> 00:30:15,517 so if the city. I appreciate your solutions. I want 448 00:30:15,517 --> 00:30:17,583 to state that. I kind of like the idea of 449 00:30:17,583 --> 00:30:22,095 the privacy piece. And the concern about the buildings being 450 00:30:22,095 --> 00:30:24,295 too close to the houses and being closer to the 451 00:30:24,295 --> 00:30:27,055 other. Side. But if they ended up moving that path 452 00:30:27,055 --> 00:30:30,825 to allow for different roads to come in, Instead of 453 00:30:30,825 --> 00:30:34,447 one road in and out. That would be okay as 454 00:30:34,447 --> 00:30:36,047 well, right? You just want to make sure that you 455 00:30:36,047 --> 00:30:39,402 keep that walking. It's not only that, but you do 456 00:30:39,402 --> 00:30:42,482 have to look at the intersection of Toledo and Runle. 457 00:30:44,212 --> 00:30:45,652 There is one of the property owners lives right on 458 00:30:45,652 --> 00:30:49,704 the corner, and his driveway. Access a rundle as well 459 00:30:49,704 --> 00:30:53,904 as Toledo street. So then there's just basically his property. 460 00:30:53,904 --> 00:30:56,344 A little bit of space and then the walking path. 461 00:30:56,344 --> 00:30:59,775 So if you move that walking path, Too much further 462 00:30:59,775 --> 00:31:03,279 to the west. Then. It sort of encroaches. There's going 463 00:31:03,279 --> 00:31:07,253 to be a lot of car traffic. There's a crosswalk 464 00:31:07,253 --> 00:31:11,457 with the signal. At that intersection, and it's a busy 465 00:31:11,457 --> 00:31:13,537 road. We have ChartWell, which I think you need to 466 00:31:13,537 --> 00:31:16,297 keep in mind because there's a lot of Chartwell users 467 00:31:16,297 --> 00:31:20,177 in their motorized scooters or wheelchairs rather, that actually cross 468 00:31:20,177 --> 00:31:22,057 over on a regular basis and go up and down 469 00:31:22,057 --> 00:31:25,057 that pathway. We even have a lady who's dropped off 470 00:31:25,057 --> 00:31:28,417 by the handy bus. Who's blind, who has been used 471 00:31:28,417 --> 00:31:32,642 to walking on that. Path for quite some time. So 472 00:31:32,642 --> 00:31:34,282 it's a little bit concerning because it is a bit 473 00:31:34,282 --> 00:31:37,082 of a crunch space. If you will. Yeah, it is 474 00:31:37,082 --> 00:31:39,922 definitely really tight, and I know with site plan control, 475 00:31:39,922 --> 00:31:48,933 they'll start looking at all those pieces. if growth committee 476 00:31:48,933 --> 00:31:51,813 says yes and moves it to council to make the 477 00:31:51,813 --> 00:31:55,293 decision of whether we're going to sell this as surplus 478 00:31:55,293 --> 00:31:57,296 and then i really do appreciate You understanding that maybe. 479 00:31:56,211 --> 00:31:58,171 The neighbors and yourself would be more accepting if it 480 00:31:58,171 --> 00:32:00,891 was a bit smaller. So I really appreciate those comments. 481 00:32:00,891 --> 00:32:05,302 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Any further questions? Councilor 482 00:32:05,302 --> 00:32:13,266 Aguwal, please. Thank you. thank you chair When you said. 483 00:32:13,595 --> 00:32:19,182 Smaller density, smaller program plan. What are you envisioning there 484 00:32:19,182 --> 00:32:23,702 for? Well, given the neighborhood and the scope and mass 485 00:32:23,702 --> 00:32:26,982 of the neighborhood itself. We have mostly single family homes, 486 00:32:26,982 --> 00:32:30,622 bungalows, a couple of two stories like our house and 487 00:32:30,622 --> 00:32:33,262 our neighbor's house was two story, for example. And there 488 00:32:33,262 --> 00:32:36,302 are apartment buildings that I think the tallest one is 489 00:32:36,302 --> 00:32:39,526 five stories in the immediate area. Current river has some 490 00:32:39,526 --> 00:32:45,602 taller ones. But on that property. 200, 250. We're thinking, 491 00:32:45,602 --> 00:32:49,568 obviously, it depends on the design. Of the property. We'd 492 00:32:49,568 --> 00:32:52,888 like to keep at least that urban mid rise going 493 00:32:52,888 --> 00:32:58,152 any higher. Than that. Is inappropriate for that area. We 494 00:32:58,152 --> 00:33:02,707 obviously need building. I understand that. I live in Calgary. 495 00:33:02,707 --> 00:33:05,347 I went through the rezoning process there. I was on 496 00:33:05,347 --> 00:33:09,067 the board. Of our local Community association. I was on 497 00:33:09,067 --> 00:33:11,387 the development and planning committee. I took a course through 498 00:33:11,387 --> 00:33:14,227 the city. I have a certificate in planning. So I 499 00:33:14,227 --> 00:33:16,907 do know the ins and outs, and that experience can 500 00:33:16,907 --> 00:33:19,507 be used here. In Thunder bay, too, so you really 501 00:33:19,507 --> 00:33:21,827 have to look at. Is this the proper spot for 502 00:33:21,827 --> 00:33:25,898 any. Type of development like we're willing to give. We 503 00:33:25,898 --> 00:33:28,458 understand that there's a need, but a lot of your 504 00:33:28,458 --> 00:33:31,858 documents focus on the fact that buildings should be done 505 00:33:31,858 --> 00:33:35,018 in areas where there's services and amenities, and we just 506 00:33:35,018 --> 00:33:38,818 don't have that in current river. We don't. You can't 507 00:33:38,818 --> 00:33:44,046 walk along a rundle. There are no sidewalks. There's the 508 00:33:44,046 --> 00:33:46,446 active living corridor, and then when it gets to a 509 00:33:46,446 --> 00:33:49,206 sidewalk at Black Bay. You have to cross the street 510 00:33:49,206 --> 00:33:51,166 and get to the sidewalk there and then you have 511 00:33:51,166 --> 00:33:53,606 to cross the street again in order to get to 512 00:33:53,606 --> 00:33:57,867 the shopping area. It's poor planning. I'm sorry? It's poor 513 00:33:57,867 --> 00:34:01,347 urban planning. We should be. Putting people in areas where 514 00:34:01,347 --> 00:34:04,227 they can actually thrive. And if we're not going to 515 00:34:04,227 --> 00:34:08,827 increase and improve the infrastructure for sidewalks, for transit, and 516 00:34:08,827 --> 00:34:13,307 for cycling infrastructure, then we shouldn't be putting in a 517 00:34:13,307 --> 00:34:18,692 large amount of people. In that spot. Okay. Thank you. 518 00:34:18,692 --> 00:34:23,740 Thank you for that answer. I do appreciate. Your deep 519 00:34:23,740 --> 00:34:27,420 and thorough presentation with the details. Thank you very much. 520 00:34:27,420 --> 00:34:31,842 So. They do resign with me a lot. The walkability 521 00:34:31,842 --> 00:34:35,681 scales are important. And I thank you for all that 522 00:34:35,681 --> 00:34:40,418 information. You're welcome. Okay. Thank you so much. You may 523 00:34:40,418 --> 00:34:45,815 return. Clerk Walters, please. That same on the agenda. Correspondence 524 00:34:45,815 --> 00:34:48,735 received from Terrell Prince on November the 14th. Requesting to 525 00:34:48,735 --> 00:34:52,215 appear before the standing committee. Also, additional information relative to 526 00:34:52,215 --> 00:34:57,093 this deputation distributed on Friday, November the 20 eigth. Welcome, 527 00:34:57,093 --> 00:35:00,453 Ms. Prince. And again, you'll have ten minutes when you're 528 00:35:00,453 --> 00:35:08,754 ready. Thank you. Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor. 529 00:35:12,510 --> 00:35:16,497 City councilors, fellow citizens and neighbors. I am grateful that 530 00:35:16,497 --> 00:35:18,937 I have the opportunity to speak to you all today. 531 00:35:20,413 --> 00:35:23,173 My husband Dave and I bought our house on Toledo 532 00:35:23,173 --> 00:35:26,293 two years ago. And what made us decide? To live 533 00:35:26,293 --> 00:35:30,251 here was the quiet neighborhood. The beautiful green space and 534 00:35:30,251 --> 00:35:34,811 treeline behind our backyard and the easily accessible nature trails 535 00:35:34,811 --> 00:35:39,477 from Toledo street. This is such a special area, so 536 00:35:39,477 --> 00:35:43,077 quiet, so peaceful. We feel very privileged to be a 537 00:35:43,077 --> 00:35:46,705 part. Of it. In regards to the new development proposal. 538 00:35:48,376 --> 00:35:51,176 We are not against the idea of adding housing at 539 00:35:51,176 --> 00:35:54,736 791 or Rundle street as long as it is a 540 00:35:54,736 --> 00:35:57,776 good fit for the area and preserves as much of 541 00:35:57,776 --> 00:36:01,264 the green space as possible. For the benefit of the 542 00:36:01,264 --> 00:36:06,163 surrounding community. However, we are convinced that the proposed 600 543 00:36:06,163 --> 00:36:08,683 units is much too large in scale to allow a 544 00:36:08,683 --> 00:36:15,159 harmonious integration with the surrounding neighborhood. That being said, I 545 00:36:15,159 --> 00:36:18,399 am speaking today mainly about the need to keep a 546 00:36:18,399 --> 00:36:22,599 treelined green space. Corridor between the houses on Toledo and 547 00:36:22,599 --> 00:36:25,559 any new development. I would like to say a few 548 00:36:25,559 --> 00:36:29,039 words. About all the benefits. We have enjoyed having this 549 00:36:29,039 --> 00:36:34,527 green space with mature trees backing onto our property. These 550 00:36:34,527 --> 00:36:39,247 tall trees provide us with a natural privacy screen and 551 00:36:39,247 --> 00:36:42,647 beautiful scenery behind our property that we enjoy every day. 552 00:36:44,837 --> 00:36:47,677 The ambient noise of the wind moving through the leaves 553 00:36:47,677 --> 00:36:51,317 and branches and the great variety of birdsong. Provides a 554 00:36:51,317 --> 00:36:55,677 natural sound overlay that helps minimize the sound of cars 555 00:36:55,677 --> 00:36:59,917 and trucks from a rundle and the nearby highway. The 556 00:36:59,917 --> 00:37:04,454 trees also improve our air quality and provide shape. There 557 00:37:04,454 --> 00:37:08,271 is also always something new and interesting to see. As 558 00:37:08,271 --> 00:37:12,780 many birds and animals are always visiting. Nesting, feeding on 559 00:37:12,780 --> 00:37:17,340 berries and seeds or just passing through. We moved here 560 00:37:17,340 --> 00:37:20,300 because of our great love. For nature and our desire 561 00:37:20,300 --> 00:37:23,968 to live in harmony with it. When we saw the 562 00:37:23,968 --> 00:37:27,688 image the city provided of the proposed new development, we 563 00:37:27,688 --> 00:37:31,608 were frankly shocked by the invasive nature of its appearance. 564 00:37:31,608 --> 00:37:33,768 I know that it is being said that it is 565 00:37:33,768 --> 00:37:37,208 just a concept. But since this is all we had 566 00:37:37,208 --> 00:37:43,455 to go on, It appears to us that the developer 567 00:37:43,455 --> 00:37:46,215 plans to remove all the existing mature trees and put 568 00:37:46,215 --> 00:37:50,495 in a concrete perimeter populated by a few small, thinly 569 00:37:50,495 --> 00:37:54,255 spaced out evergreens that will likely take years to provide 570 00:37:54,255 --> 00:37:57,135 any kind of effective privacy screen for us and our 571 00:37:57,135 --> 00:38:01,833 neighbors. This loss of natural green space and privacy. Would 572 00:38:01,833 --> 00:38:05,182 also. Certainly negatively affect the value of our properties, and 573 00:38:05,182 --> 00:38:07,942 we would also lose most of the benefits that the 574 00:38:07,942 --> 00:38:12,471 current mature treeline offers us. It makes me think of 575 00:38:12,471 --> 00:38:15,911 that old Joni Mitchell song where she's saying they paved 576 00:38:15,911 --> 00:38:19,732 paradise and put up a parking lot. It popped into 577 00:38:19,732 --> 00:38:23,189 my head last night. We are asking the city to 578 00:38:23,189 --> 00:38:25,669 keep the tree lined trail that so many people use 579 00:38:25,669 --> 00:38:29,589 every day. Intact and preserve the tree line behind our 580 00:38:29,589 --> 00:38:32,749 fences that shield our yards and give us so much. 581 00:38:32,749 --> 00:38:37,892 Beauty. Happiness and peace of mind. More trees should be 582 00:38:37,892 --> 00:38:40,772 planted at the beginning of Toledo as well to fill 583 00:38:40,772 --> 00:38:43,652 in the gap and form a continuous tree line so 584 00:38:43,652 --> 00:38:46,132 that all of the homeowners can have privacy and a 585 00:38:46,132 --> 00:38:51,211 peaceful environment. We, the homeowners, are asking the city to 586 00:38:51,211 --> 00:38:56,411 ensure that any developer maintains a natural green space corridor 587 00:38:56,411 --> 00:38:59,811 easement between the affected properties on Toledo and the new 588 00:38:59,811 --> 00:39:03,731 housing this will provide us. All an effective privacy buffer 589 00:39:03,731 --> 00:39:08,677 zone. This and the preservation of the walking path. Will 590 00:39:08,677 --> 00:39:11,877 also help to integrate and harmonize any new mid rise 591 00:39:11,877 --> 00:39:15,077 build space with the quiet and peaceful character of the 592 00:39:15,077 --> 00:39:21,465 neighborhood. In our view, this would fulfill. Two of the 593 00:39:21,465 --> 00:39:26,497 city's stated objectives. Preserving green space and adding density to 594 00:39:26,497 --> 00:39:31,086 the area. This vital natural landscape will then continue to 595 00:39:31,086 --> 00:39:36,606 benefit wildlife, visitors and residents, old and new. Now and 596 00:39:36,606 --> 00:39:40,315 into the future. Thank you all for your time and 597 00:39:40,315 --> 00:39:45,228 consideration. Thank you so much for your deputation. Any questions? 598 00:39:48,459 --> 00:39:52,531 Say none. Thank you. You may return. Clerk Walters, please. 599 00:39:54,655 --> 00:39:58,729 Let's. Correspondence received from Ivan back on November the 14th 600 00:39:58,729 --> 00:40:08,717 requesting to appear before standing committee. Welcome, Mr. Beck. 601 00:40:08,717 --> 00:40:11,037 And again, when you're ready, you'll have ten minutes. Thank 602 00:40:11,037 --> 00:40:20,247 you. Thank you. Mayor Boschkov, counselors of the city of 603 00:40:20,247 --> 00:40:27,479 Thunder Bay, neighbors, friends and study administration. My name is 604 00:40:27,479 --> 00:40:33,076 Ivan Buck. I live at 408 Toledo Street. Before I 605 00:40:33,076 --> 00:40:35,916 retired, I was a secondary school teacher and a principal 606 00:40:35,916 --> 00:40:39,543 with 34 years of experience. I also was seconded to 607 00:40:39,543 --> 00:40:42,543 the ministry for four years to work in curriculum development 608 00:40:42,543 --> 00:40:46,743 at the secondary schools. In 2007, my wife and I 609 00:40:46,743 --> 00:40:50,863 purchased our house on Toledo street. We were very excited. 610 00:40:50,863 --> 00:40:54,533 About the green space behind our property. And the price 611 00:40:54,533 --> 00:40:58,721 reflected this feature. It is the only investment that we 612 00:40:58,721 --> 00:41:04,577 have. Like most citizens in Thunder Bay, the largest purchase 613 00:41:04,577 --> 00:41:07,177 that will ever make us is the purchase of their 614 00:41:07,177 --> 00:41:12,395 home. That applies to everyone in the room. The atmosphere 615 00:41:12,395 --> 00:41:16,715 created by the green belt overlooking our backyard has created 616 00:41:16,715 --> 00:41:20,755 many happy memories for us. For example, our granddaughter chose 617 00:41:20,755 --> 00:41:25,134 our backyard for her wedding ceremony. This kind of happy 618 00:41:25,134 --> 00:41:29,701 memory will not happen. If an apartment building complex replaces 619 00:41:29,701 --> 00:41:34,412 the privacy provided by the green buffer zone, If you 620 00:41:34,412 --> 00:41:37,252 become aware that your home investment will take a significant 621 00:41:37,252 --> 00:41:42,175 loss of a political decision, You have become as upset 622 00:41:42,175 --> 00:41:46,080 as my wife and I are. That also applies to 623 00:41:46,080 --> 00:41:50,718 everyone in this room. I have witnessed current river homeowners 624 00:41:50,718 --> 00:41:54,198 move to tears when talking about the impact this decision 625 00:41:54,198 --> 00:41:59,398 will have on them. Presently. The zoning bylaw protects this 626 00:41:59,398 --> 00:42:05,547 beautiful natural environment and wetlands from development, exploitation. This popular 627 00:42:05,547 --> 00:42:08,827 area is owned as community, and our current river community 628 00:42:08,827 --> 00:42:12,474 lives up to that definition. The use of the pathway, 629 00:42:12,474 --> 00:42:15,314 we call it Cherry Lane, by the way, is extremely 630 00:42:15,314 --> 00:42:20,394 popular with current river citizens and they are friendly and 631 00:42:20,394 --> 00:42:29,199 happy lot. Dogs, families walking, bikers, joggers, citizens with disabilities, 632 00:42:29,199 --> 00:42:22,716 including the blind and those in electrical devices skiers. Dog. 633 00:42:34,588 --> 00:42:38,068 School students and summer cam groups all utilize a natural 634 00:42:38,068 --> 00:42:42,468 environment of that pathway and green belt. My wife, Cora, 635 00:42:42,468 --> 00:42:44,788 and I have many memories of biking walk in the 636 00:42:44,788 --> 00:42:48,228 many tributary trails along the pathway over the years. You 637 00:42:48,228 --> 00:42:50,548 never know what you're going to meet. A fox, a 638 00:42:50,548 --> 00:42:53,468 deer, a wolf, a raccoon, a bear, maybe even a 639 00:42:53,468 --> 00:42:57,244 skunk or two. There's an incredible variety of birds. Some 640 00:42:57,244 --> 00:43:01,257 live here and some are just passing through. This will 641 00:43:01,257 --> 00:43:05,057 all be gone if the pathway disappears and you do 642 00:43:05,057 --> 00:43:10,269 something to the natural environment. It is incomprehensible to me 643 00:43:10,269 --> 00:43:14,309 that the city is considering eliminating the zoning bylaw that 644 00:43:14,309 --> 00:43:17,389 protects the use of this land for the everyday taxpaying 645 00:43:17,389 --> 00:43:21,389 citizens so that they can unlock the final housing and 646 00:43:21,389 --> 00:43:27,669 accelerator. Advance a $5.88 million for 2027 again I say 647 00:43:27,669 --> 00:43:30,508 this? Would not be an issue if the proposal had 648 00:43:30,508 --> 00:43:35,376 a personal effect on those creating it. If you truly 649 00:43:35,376 --> 00:43:40,324 believe this smart growth action plan has a value. Please 650 00:43:40,324 --> 00:43:44,644 at least consider a proposal that would maintain the pathway 651 00:43:44,644 --> 00:43:46,964 and a green buffer zone for the citizens who live 652 00:43:46,964 --> 00:43:50,764 here and care deeply about the health and well being 653 00:43:50,764 --> 00:43:54,688 of their community. On the other hand, if you really 654 00:43:54,688 --> 00:43:59,461 want a smart growth action plan, Please consider recommendations and 655 00:43:59,461 --> 00:44:04,421 Professor Libya Dematio's essay titled thunder B is missing his 656 00:44:04,421 --> 00:44:09,781 chance for strategic urban density. The article is honest, factual, 657 00:44:09,781 --> 00:44:13,381 and logical. That paves the way for valid strategic house 658 00:44:13,381 --> 00:44:17,542 building density. Levy, of Domario is a professor of economics 659 00:44:17,542 --> 00:44:22,307 at Lake University. And Professor Demadio's article appears in Northern 660 00:44:22,307 --> 00:44:28,996 Economist 2.0, November the 13th 2025. Mayor Baskoff and concerts 661 00:44:28,996 --> 00:44:32,116 of Thunder Bay. It is my belief that you are 662 00:44:32,116 --> 00:44:36,916 elected to assist. In the health, safety and well being 663 00:44:36,916 --> 00:44:42,014 of the citizens of Thunder Bay. Please support the concerns 664 00:44:42,014 --> 00:44:46,753 of your taxpayers. Thank you for listening to me. Thank 665 00:44:46,753 --> 00:44:51,965 you so much, Mr. Buck. Any questions? Councilor Atrini, please. 666 00:44:54,098 --> 00:44:55,978 Thank you, chair. I just have a question later for 667 00:44:55,978 --> 00:44:57,898 administration, if you could put me on that. List. Thank 668 00:44:57,898 --> 00:45:02,154 you. ten four okay thank you so much sir Don. 669 00:45:02,154 --> 00:45:11,718 Yes. Thank you. Clerk Walters, please. Chair. Then it's time. 670 00:45:11,718 --> 00:45:14,438 On the agenda is correspondence received from Stephanie Petroni on 671 00:45:14,438 --> 00:45:24,435 November the 16th requesting to appear before standing committee. Good 672 00:45:24,435 --> 00:45:27,235 evening, Mr. Petroni. Thanks for coming forward. And when you're 673 00:45:27,235 --> 00:45:29,715 ready, you'll. Have ten minutes. Can you hear me okay, 674 00:45:29,715 --> 00:45:31,435 Ed, just come a little closer if you can. Okay? 675 00:45:31,435 --> 00:45:32,235 It's great. Thank you. 676 00:45:42,346 --> 00:45:45,746 Good afternoon. My thanks to mayor and council and city 677 00:45:45,746 --> 00:45:50,026 staff for accommodating today's. Deputations. My comments are related to 678 00:45:50,026 --> 00:45:57,444 the proposed development at 791 or. First, I would like 679 00:45:57,444 --> 00:46:01,004 to address messaging issued by city staff to the media 680 00:46:01,004 --> 00:46:04,564 that implies dissenting. Opinion regarding this proposal are rooted in 681 00:46:04,564 --> 00:46:13,068 personal feelings. this is an obvious red herring which foments 682 00:46:13,068 --> 00:46:16,508 the villainization of concerned citizens sets up a play for 683 00:46:16,508 --> 00:46:20,628 the nimby card and diminishes the importance of concerns brought 684 00:46:20,628 --> 00:46:20,028 forward As you have heard from some of my neighbors 685 00:46:20,028 --> 00:46:23,988 already, our concerns are not self serving. Rather, they are 686 00:46:23,988 --> 00:46:29,004 valid, intelligent and proactive. It is indicated within the terms 687 00:46:29,004 --> 00:46:31,404 of reference for the mayor's task force on building more 688 00:46:31,404 --> 00:46:35,044 homes that on August 18, 2023, the city submitted an 689 00:46:35,044 --> 00:46:38,324 application to the Housing Accelerator fund that set an aggressive 690 00:46:38,324 --> 00:46:40,964 target for the development of 2200 units in three years. 691 00:46:42,759 --> 00:46:47,200 In a November 13 interview with. TB Newswatch city staff 692 00:46:47,200 --> 00:46:50,960 indicated that the pressure is on. The city must build 693 00:46:50,960 --> 00:46:56,040 1755 housing units by February 2027 to meet conditions of 694 00:46:56,040 --> 00:46:59,640 the Housing Accelerator Fund, and they're behind by 1200 units. 695 00:47:00,881 --> 00:47:03,441 Falling short of this target loses the city almost $6 696 00:47:03,441 --> 00:47:06,921 million in funding. And with the clock ticking. The city's 697 00:47:06,921 --> 00:47:12,145 priority is high density housing proposals and fast. The city's 698 00:47:12,145 --> 00:47:16,425 entertainment of a monster sized eastern block tenement. Stylized 600 699 00:47:16,425 --> 00:47:18,585 unit development poised to drop in the middle of the 700 00:47:18,585 --> 00:47:21,985 Orundal green space like Andre the giant coming off. The 701 00:47:21,985 --> 00:47:25,225 top ropes underpins the urgency in which the city is 702 00:47:25,225 --> 00:47:29,945 pushing through high density proposals. The message is clear. As 703 00:47:29,945 --> 00:47:35,023 many units as possible. Anywhere. I have a few concerns. 704 00:47:36,703 --> 00:47:39,263 High density housing may be suitable in mixed use neighborhoods, 705 00:47:39,263 --> 00:47:42,103 but it is not suitable in neighborhoods characterized by single 706 00:47:42,103 --> 00:47:45,423 family homes and without services or businesses within walking distance. 707 00:47:46,732 --> 00:47:50,492 Furthermore, high density also means high population density, and in 708 00:47:50,492 --> 00:47:53,612 non mixed use neighborhoods, this has the potential to increase 709 00:47:53,612 --> 00:47:56,572 the victimization as well as the criminalization of people living 710 00:47:56,572 --> 00:48:01,604 in these areas. High population density, particularly when rapid and 711 00:48:01,604 --> 00:48:04,444 in small areas, can lead to a range of numerous 712 00:48:04,444 --> 00:48:10,726 consequences. Including social. Worth noting. 600 units. Could mean 600 713 00:48:10,726 --> 00:48:14,166 to maybe 2000 new neighbors all at once. That is 714 00:48:14,166 --> 00:48:18,526 a current river population increase. Of twelve to 42%, all 715 00:48:18,526 --> 00:48:22,526 behind eleven homes on just 3 ha, or 0.6%. Of 716 00:48:22,526 --> 00:48:25,815 all of current river. How will such an increase impact 717 00:48:25,815 --> 00:48:31,935 education, transportation, safety, environmental pollution, and neighborhood amenities? What will 718 00:48:31,935 --> 00:48:34,815 the social impact upon our neighborhood be we don't know. 719 00:48:36,270 --> 00:48:39,070 I encourage city council to direct that a social impact 720 00:48:39,070 --> 00:48:42,550 study be conducted before committing current river to high density 721 00:48:42,550 --> 00:48:49,819 development prior to rezoning. In 1992, Claudi Garten Elementary School, 722 00:48:49,819 --> 00:48:54,718 a landmark and current river, went up in flames. Bystanders 723 00:48:54,718 --> 00:48:57,758 reported that it took 30 minutes for firefighters to get 724 00:48:57,758 --> 00:49:01,438 water on the blaze. What was the hold up. Inadequate 725 00:49:01,438 --> 00:49:05,278 water pressure from fire hydrants to the hoses. Any number 726 00:49:05,278 --> 00:49:08,038 of new homes in the proposed development area will impact 727 00:49:08,038 --> 00:49:11,722 the residential water system. At this time, I am in 728 00:49:11,722 --> 00:49:15,602 correspondence with city staff to acquire information regarding water pressure 729 00:49:15,602 --> 00:49:20,322 readings for residential usage and fire hydrant operation as well 730 00:49:20,322 --> 00:49:22,962 as water main size which delivers our clean water for 731 00:49:22,962 --> 00:49:26,513 this area. I am unsure if the city has taken 732 00:49:26,513 --> 00:49:29,753 into consideration these issues, which are not just about convenience. 733 00:49:29,753 --> 00:49:34,296 But also safety. Regardless of current water pressure readings, a 734 00:49:34,296 --> 00:49:37,256 high density development will have an impact on water psi 735 00:49:37,256 --> 00:49:41,096 in the neighborhood prior to rezoning. I encourage the city 736 00:49:41,096 --> 00:49:44,176 to undertake a water pressure study of the area around 737 00:49:44,176 --> 00:49:48,016 791 rundle, which should include the consideration that a minimum 738 00:49:48,016 --> 00:49:51,976 of no less than 600 new neighbors and potentially hundreds 739 00:49:51,976 --> 00:49:53,948 more. Would add to the burden of the current water 740 00:49:53,948 --> 00:49:58,888 system. In 2012, the city reconstructed a two lane rural 741 00:49:58,888 --> 00:50:02,048 road, which is now celebrated as the Arundal Hudson active 742 00:50:02,048 --> 00:50:06,048 living corridor connecting residents to parks and trails along an 743 00:50:06,048 --> 00:50:10,448 improved road system featuring traffic calming measures to ensure usability 744 00:50:10,448 --> 00:50:16,389 and safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The city's 2017. Walkability 745 00:50:16,389 --> 00:50:20,429 and pedestrian safety report features the Orundal Hudson corridor as 746 00:50:20,429 --> 00:50:23,669 part of a larger strategic plan to increase the vitality 747 00:50:23,669 --> 00:50:29,037 and activity of Thunder Bay residents. Establishing 600 new homes, 748 00:50:29,037 --> 00:50:32,477 or even just 100 new homes in the small area 749 00:50:32,477 --> 00:50:35,437 not within walking distance. To any major service or business 750 00:50:35,437 --> 00:50:38,877 will increase the number of vehicles along the corridor. This 751 00:50:38,877 --> 00:50:42,557 raises safety. Concerns for pedestrians and cyclists and will contribute 752 00:50:42,557 --> 00:50:47,666 to traffic congestion and flow challenges, especially during. Peak traffic 753 00:50:47,666 --> 00:50:52,559 hours. As a minor artery. Traffic congestion will also contribute 754 00:50:52,559 --> 00:50:56,553 to traffic density. And my concern is not just convenience 755 00:50:56,553 --> 00:51:00,393 for vehicular travel, but also for the physical risk. To 756 00:51:00,393 --> 00:51:05,233 walkers, joggers, cyclists, moms pushing strollers, school age children and 757 00:51:05,233 --> 00:51:09,193 youth, dog walkers. People with mobility challenges and users of 758 00:51:09,193 --> 00:51:12,553 wheelchairs and scooters, all of whom I've seen along this 759 00:51:12,553 --> 00:51:17,209 corridor frequently and in numbers. D. Daily. I encourage the 760 00:51:17,209 --> 00:51:21,089 city to undertake a traffic study prior to rezoning for 761 00:51:21,089 --> 00:51:25,329 the purposes of identifying road capacity, especially with regard to 762 00:51:25,329 --> 00:51:29,849 traffic volume, congestion, density and flow, as well as increased 763 00:51:29,849 --> 00:51:35,208 risk to pedestrian and cyclists. Without enough measurable data to 764 00:51:35,208 --> 00:51:38,728 ensure that such a development will not have serious consequences 765 00:51:38,728 --> 00:51:42,488 in current river, it would be reckless to approve this 766 00:51:42,488 --> 00:51:47,326 proposal. I am not indifferent to the pressing need for 767 00:51:47,326 --> 00:51:51,646 housing in Thunder Bay, especially affordable housing. When I was 768 00:51:51,646 --> 00:51:54,246 a young mother. I was grateful for the rent gear 769 00:51:54,246 --> 00:51:56,686 to income, housing. I was able to secure while getting 770 00:51:56,686 --> 00:52:02,108 back on my feet and returning to university. However, we 771 00:52:02,108 --> 00:52:05,308 have a proposed development with a huge footprint in a 772 00:52:05,308 --> 00:52:09,927 very small space and in a very unique neighborhood. The 773 00:52:09,927 --> 00:52:15,567 National Collaborating center for Environmental Health outlines several best practices 774 00:52:15,567 --> 00:52:20,007 for developing high density housing developing in a green space 775 00:52:20,007 --> 00:52:24,157 is not one of them. In fact. NCC ECE states 776 00:52:24,157 --> 00:52:27,957 that existing open green and blue spaces should be protected 777 00:52:27,957 --> 00:52:32,117 and utilized as these spaces have many natural, positive impacts 778 00:52:32,117 --> 00:52:35,277 on an individual's health and well being and promote the 779 00:52:35,277 --> 00:52:39,717 health of our natural environment. We all know this. It 780 00:52:39,717 --> 00:52:45,488 is not revelatory. Now. I'll get personal. I moved to 781 00:52:45,488 --> 00:52:49,725 Thunder Bay in 2017. Unfamiliar with the city and not 782 00:52:49,725 --> 00:52:54,445 knowing anybody. I spent my weekends deliberately getting lost, eager 783 00:52:54,445 --> 00:52:58,718 to discover my new home. To my disappointment, I discovered 784 00:52:58,718 --> 00:53:04,278 many streets lined with dilapidated buildings, derelict homes, neighborhoods surrounded 785 00:53:04,278 --> 00:53:08,158 by businesses and industry and all within a mostly treeless 786 00:53:08,158 --> 00:53:11,678 community, it was difficult to find visual beauty in thunder. 787 00:53:11,678 --> 00:53:14,158 Bay. And I surmised that it was to be found 788 00:53:14,158 --> 00:53:16,558 only when turning away from it. To face the view 789 00:53:16,558 --> 00:53:20,306 of. Lake superior or the boreal forest. But then I 790 00:53:20,306 --> 00:53:24,626 found current river and this calm and charming. Neighborhood full 791 00:53:24,626 --> 00:53:28,306 of trees, natural beauty, and all creatures of fur and 792 00:53:28,306 --> 00:53:31,786 feather felt like home. And so. It has become that 793 00:53:31,786 --> 00:53:35,466 for me and my family since 2019. But this neighborhood 794 00:53:35,466 --> 00:53:38,290 isn't just for residents of current. River. It is for 795 00:53:38,290 --> 00:53:41,330 all of Thunder Bay, and many community members visit current 796 00:53:41,330 --> 00:53:44,490 river to catch their breath and access the beautiful trails 797 00:53:44,490 --> 00:53:48,730 located along Boulevard Lake, the LPH grounds and the path 798 00:53:48,730 --> 00:53:51,570 through the green space that we recently have come to 799 00:53:51,570 --> 00:53:56,912 known as 791 Arundel. We can have a different vision 800 00:53:56,912 --> 00:54:01,293 for this green space than what is being proposed. We 801 00:54:01,293 --> 00:54:05,010 can create more paved trails that connect with Boulevard. And 802 00:54:05,010 --> 00:54:09,897 paved trails increase accessibility for people with mobility issues. I've 803 00:54:09,897 --> 00:54:14,777 seen many older neighbors crossing from Chartwells, the Chartwell residents, 804 00:54:14,777 --> 00:54:18,017 to access the paved trail. We can enhance the beauty 805 00:54:18,017 --> 00:54:20,577 within it by planting more trees and in stating park. 806 00:54:20,577 --> 00:54:24,617 Amenities like benches, maybe a water feature. And because we 807 00:54:24,617 --> 00:54:27,177 are meant to be stewards of the land. Maybe we 808 00:54:27,177 --> 00:54:30,311 could even add a few bat boxes and bird. Boxes. 809 00:54:31,387 --> 00:54:35,809 This green space is not. An abandoned lot or bushy 810 00:54:35,809 --> 00:54:40,089 corner that people in our neighborhood just drive by this 811 00:54:40,089 --> 00:54:42,937 small piece. Of land is held. In the generational memory, 812 00:54:42,937 --> 00:54:45,629 I'm almost. 1 minute. Sorry. Just give you heads up. 813 00:54:45,629 --> 00:54:48,469 Thank you. Carry on. You said 1 minute left. Yeah. 814 00:54:48,469 --> 00:54:51,429 Thank you. This small piece of the green space is 815 00:54:51,429 --> 00:54:54,869 not an abandoned lot or bushy corner. That people in 816 00:54:54,869 --> 00:54:58,527 our neighborhood just drive by. This small piece of land 817 00:54:58,527 --> 00:55:01,647 is held in the generational memory of all community members 818 00:55:01,647 --> 00:55:05,567 in thunder. Bay. People have gathered here, children have played 819 00:55:05,567 --> 00:55:08,407 here, and many have escaped here, and still they do. 820 00:55:09,787 --> 00:55:12,907 This place is worth protecting. When we lose our green 821 00:55:12,907 --> 00:55:17,427 spaces, we lose it forever. And I also know this 822 00:55:17,427 --> 00:55:21,707 development spreads, it won't just be the loss of this 823 00:55:21,707 --> 00:55:26,036 screen space. There will be more to lose. I encourage 824 00:55:26,036 --> 00:55:30,156 mayor and council to retain this property for community use, 825 00:55:30,156 --> 00:55:33,196 just as it has been used. For generations. Thank you. 826 00:55:34,931 --> 00:55:37,371 Thank you so much, Ms. Petroni. Are there any questions 827 00:55:37,371 --> 00:55:42,522 at all? Just quickly, are you in favor of a 828 00:55:42,522 --> 00:55:45,482 smaller development at all or just no development at all? 829 00:55:45,482 --> 00:55:50,540 No development. Okay. Thank you so much. Your worship, please. 830 00:55:53,490 --> 00:55:59,678 I guess. You've just asked a question. There's no level 831 00:55:59,678 --> 00:56:06,525 of construction at all. Single family or anything that. Would 832 00:56:06,525 --> 00:56:09,325 I feel there are many suitable places in Thunder Bay 833 00:56:09,325 --> 00:56:12,165 that are not in a green space. Where those needs 834 00:56:12,165 --> 00:56:16,995 could be achieved, and I would encourage city staff. To 835 00:56:16,995 --> 00:56:20,675 continue looking for more suitable locations rather than a green 836 00:56:20,675 --> 00:56:24,115 space that has been used for generations. By the community 837 00:56:24,115 --> 00:56:27,590 members of Thunder Bay. My second question deals with you 838 00:56:27,590 --> 00:56:31,270 mentioned water pressure. How long have you had this issue 839 00:56:31,270 --> 00:56:36,811 and has there been any attempts? To address it. My 840 00:56:36,811 --> 00:56:39,531 interest in water pressure is knowing what the current water 841 00:56:39,531 --> 00:56:43,533 pressure is around the proposed area. I think that is 842 00:56:43,533 --> 00:56:48,564 something that we need to consider before. We fast track 843 00:56:48,564 --> 00:56:51,684 proposal of that size, or any size for that matter. 844 00:56:51,684 --> 00:56:54,137 And this is. What I'm looking to the city for 845 00:56:54,137 --> 00:56:58,137 is more information about the water pressure for residential use 846 00:56:58,137 --> 00:57:01,377 as well as hydrants. Thank you for that. Thank you, 847 00:57:01,377 --> 00:57:06,815 chair. Thank you so much. Thank you. Can return. Clark 848 00:57:06,815 --> 00:57:11,695 Walters, please, let's. Correspondence received from Cody Lane on November 849 00:57:11,695 --> 00:57:21,678 19 requesting to appear before. Standing committee. Welcome, Mr. Lee, 850 00:57:21,678 --> 00:57:23,558 and thanks for coming forward. And again, you'll have ten 851 00:57:23,558 --> 00:57:25,598 minutes and I'll give you a heads up when you 852 00:57:25,598 --> 00:57:32,015 hit nine minutes. Okay. Thank you. Thanks. Good evening. I'd 853 00:57:32,015 --> 00:57:34,855 like to thank Mayor Boschkoff, the growth standing committee and 854 00:57:34,855 --> 00:57:38,895 city administration. For listening to my deputation tonight. I'm giving 855 00:57:38,895 --> 00:57:41,895 my deputation tonight in support of the surplus lands proposal 856 00:57:41,895 --> 00:57:45,029 that is before the committee. Ultimately, I would like to 857 00:57:45,029 --> 00:57:49,509 see the growth standing committee endorse the proposal. Counsel ultimately 858 00:57:49,509 --> 00:57:51,949 declare these land surplus. Can you just move a little 859 00:57:51,949 --> 00:57:56,614 bit? Thanks and do the required rezonings that are necessary 860 00:57:56,614 --> 00:58:00,894 to develop these lands for medium to high density residential. 861 00:58:00,894 --> 00:58:03,454 I believe this proposal will help with housing and rental 862 00:58:03,454 --> 00:58:06,574 affordability as well as the sustainable growth of the city. 863 00:58:08,303 --> 00:58:11,023 Some background about myself. 25 years old, and I just 864 00:58:11,023 --> 00:58:13,263 moved to this city this year. Or moved. Back to 865 00:58:13,263 --> 00:58:15,383 the city after living in the country for 13 years. 866 00:58:16,817 --> 00:58:19,217 Currently, I rent a one bedroom apartment in Northwood for 867 00:58:19,217 --> 00:58:23,017 1350 a month, and according to the CMHC, the average 868 00:58:23,017 --> 00:58:25,937 rent in the city for a primary rental as of 869 00:58:25,937 --> 00:58:29,977 2024 is 1359. So I like to consider myself the 870 00:58:29,977 --> 00:58:34,287 average renter in this city. Some history. When my family 871 00:58:34,287 --> 00:58:37,567 left this city in 2012, my father was paying $500 872 00:58:37,567 --> 00:58:40,127 a month. To rent a two bedroom home in current 873 00:58:40,127 --> 00:58:43,959 river. Now that was a low rent for the time, 874 00:58:43,959 --> 00:58:47,639 even for especially for a house. However, that affordability allowed 875 00:58:47,639 --> 00:58:52,039 my father to put me an extracurricular activities. Save up 876 00:58:52,039 --> 00:58:55,853 for a vehicle. Go on the occasional vacation and eventually 877 00:58:55,853 --> 00:58:58,053 save up for a house. And if that rent were 878 00:58:58,053 --> 00:59:00,493 two three times what it were, I would be living 879 00:59:00,493 --> 00:59:03,628 a very different life right now. So you can imagine 880 00:59:03,628 --> 00:59:05,628 my surprise when I wanted to move back to this 881 00:59:05,628 --> 00:59:08,828 city and I find that $500 a month doesn't even 882 00:59:08,828 --> 00:59:11,868 buy your room in somebody's house anymore. I paid two 883 00:59:11,868 --> 00:59:13,988 and a half times as much to live in half 884 00:59:13,988 --> 00:59:17,188 the space my family and I did back in 2012, 885 00:59:17,188 --> 00:59:19,708 if I wanted to live in my childhood home, I 886 00:59:19,708 --> 00:59:22,468 would be paying about $2,000 a month, and this is 887 00:59:22,468 --> 00:59:24,930 backed up by the. CMHC data, which shows in the 888 00:59:24,930 --> 00:59:27,210 last ten years, the average rent has gone of about 889 00:59:27,210 --> 00:59:33,588 57%. Inflation in that time period was 30%. So I 890 00:59:33,588 --> 00:59:36,948 asked what changed, and I guess the better. Question to 891 00:59:36,948 --> 00:59:41,544 ask is what didn't change? So between 2024 and 1990, 892 00:59:41,544 --> 00:59:43,664 which is the furthest back I could get the numbers 893 00:59:43,664 --> 00:59:46,704 to. Go. So the 34 year period, there was a 894 00:59:46,704 --> 00:59:51,264 net gain of 447 primary rental units. This is my 895 00:59:51,264 --> 00:59:55,024 interpretation of the data. I'm sure administration can look into 896 00:59:55,024 --> 00:59:58,800 it further. But I can see that when I drive 897 00:59:58,800 --> 01:00:00,920 around town, I can see that in my apartment that 898 01:00:00,920 --> 01:00:03,560 was built in the, across the street that were built 899 01:00:03,560 --> 01:00:06,560 in the most of the other apartments that were built 900 01:00:06,560 --> 01:00:09,360 in the last century. So at some point, this city 901 01:00:09,360 --> 01:00:13,160 built medium to high density residential. And then stopped in 902 01:00:13,160 --> 01:00:15,720 favor of low density residential. And it's why I believe 903 01:00:15,720 --> 01:00:18,821 we're in the housing. Crisis that we are and why 904 01:00:18,821 --> 01:00:21,621 the city is seeing an increasing infrastructure deficit every year. 905 01:00:23,338 --> 01:00:24,858 So I hope you can see my excitement with this 906 01:00:24,858 --> 01:00:28,738 proposal, because to me, this represents 100 years. Of apartments 907 01:00:28,738 --> 01:00:31,098 if we were to continue building them at our existing 908 01:00:31,098 --> 01:00:34,247 rate. And I believe that is going to have major 909 01:00:34,247 --> 01:00:38,967 ramifications for housing and rental affordability. As well as growing. 910 01:00:40,472 --> 01:00:44,678 The city sustainably. So I'll start with housing affordability. I 911 01:00:44,678 --> 01:00:49,198 believe the number I've seen, quote is 1385 units, but 912 01:00:49,198 --> 01:00:53,415 that may be reduced. Now. If we build that many 913 01:00:53,415 --> 01:00:56,375 units, then any senior that wants to downsize out of 914 01:00:56,375 --> 01:00:58,615 a home. Will have the ability to do so if 915 01:00:58,615 --> 01:01:01,295 they have the financial means, whether it be the equity 916 01:01:01,295 --> 01:01:03,935 in their house or investments. They can move into a 917 01:01:03,935 --> 01:01:06,575 new modern apartment like this if they want. To downsize, 918 01:01:06,575 --> 01:01:09,255 and that frees up their family home. Now, I may 919 01:01:09,255 --> 01:01:11,815 not be able to afford that family home. But if. 920 01:01:12,660 --> 01:01:14,380 A family wants to upgrade into that, or a couple 921 01:01:14,380 --> 01:01:17,500 wants to upgrade. I can afford their starter. Home. So 922 01:01:17,500 --> 01:01:20,340 I see it that if we build these medium high 923 01:01:20,340 --> 01:01:23,940 density apartments and a senior downsizes you're freeing up two 924 01:01:23,940 --> 01:01:26,740 units of housing that you didn't need to build. And 925 01:01:26,740 --> 01:01:30,045 we are obviously not building houses fast enough. When it 926 01:01:30,045 --> 01:01:32,885 comes to rental affordability. If you add 100 years worth 927 01:01:32,885 --> 01:01:36,405 of supply, that increases the vacancy rate no longer. We're 928 01:01:36,405 --> 01:01:39,725 not sitting at 3% vacancy rate anymore, and it's. A 929 01:01:39,725 --> 01:01:42,885 lot harder for your landlord to justify high rent increases. 930 01:01:44,414 --> 01:01:47,810 In the last three years alone. I have on file 931 01:01:47,810 --> 01:01:52,364 here. In 2022, the average rent went up seven and 932 01:01:52,364 --> 01:01:56,644 a half percent. 2023, seven and a half percent 2024 933 01:01:56,644 --> 01:02:01,124 8.6% if you increase the vacancy rate by building this 934 01:02:01,124 --> 01:02:05,844 many apartments, it's harder to justify those rent increases. And 935 01:02:05,844 --> 01:02:08,444 if a landlord is sitting on a vacant rental. They 936 01:02:08,444 --> 01:02:12,300 either have to. Reduce their price to justify or to 937 01:02:12,300 --> 01:02:16,300 attract a tenant, or they have to renovate to justify. 938 01:02:16,300 --> 01:02:19,260 What they're charging. That's how I see that this project 939 01:02:19,260 --> 01:02:22,940 or this proposal will. Help with rental affordability. Lastly, I'd 940 01:02:22,940 --> 01:02:27,671 like to tie everything into sustainable growth. This proposal frees 941 01:02:27,671 --> 01:02:31,071 up housing that already exists. That means you're not building 942 01:02:31,071 --> 01:02:34,111 new low. Density residential on the outskirts of the city 943 01:02:34,111 --> 01:02:38,471 where you have to run new roads, water, sewer, stormwater 944 01:02:38,471 --> 01:02:41,631 ems and fire because the houses you freed up are 945 01:02:41,631 --> 01:02:44,631 already connected to services. Now there's. Going to be infrastructure 946 01:02:44,631 --> 01:02:47,703 costs associated with building these new apartment. Apartments, but because 947 01:02:47,703 --> 01:02:50,743 they are adjacent, already existing services, they're going to be 948 01:02:50,743 --> 01:02:53,303 built that infrastructure. Cost is going to be a fraction 949 01:02:53,303 --> 01:02:55,343 of the cost of what it would be if you 950 01:02:55,343 --> 01:02:58,183 took 200 people and put them in 200 homes, as 951 01:02:58,183 --> 01:03:03,739 opposed to. One singular unit. Lastly, I just want to 952 01:03:03,739 --> 01:03:07,739 talk about how this proposal is self sustaining. To quote 953 01:03:07,739 --> 01:03:10,579 the city manager, who brought up in a tv news 954 01:03:10,579 --> 01:03:14,139 article a suburban area has a tax revenue of ten. 955 01:03:16,683 --> 01:03:18,723 Thousand dollars per acre. I believe this is on a 956 01:03:18,723 --> 01:03:22,603 yearly basis for 48 units, whereas a multi unit area 957 01:03:22,603 --> 01:03:28,363 has $100,000 per acre tax revenue. So by building proposals 958 01:03:28,363 --> 01:03:31,163 like this, we are increasing the tax revenues of the 959 01:03:31,163 --> 01:03:34,763 city and making the city more self sustaining. Lastly, there's. 960 01:03:34,763 --> 01:03:37,518 The incentive of the housing acc. Accelerator fund that if 961 01:03:37,518 --> 01:03:41,518 this proposal goes through, we will receive the 5.88 million 962 01:03:41,518 --> 01:03:45,078 that can be used to revitalize the lapidated and vacant 963 01:03:45,078 --> 01:03:49,798 buildings in the downtown cores infill as well as potentially 964 01:03:49,798 --> 01:03:54,556 use that money to subsidize affordable housing. So, in conclusion, 965 01:03:54,556 --> 01:03:56,196 I would like to be able to rent and save 966 01:03:56,196 --> 01:03:59,116 for a home. I see. This proposal as allowing me 967 01:03:59,116 --> 01:04:03,589 to do that by freeing up housing supply. I see. 968 01:04:03,589 --> 01:04:05,829 It helps me by allowing me to save up as 969 01:04:05,829 --> 01:04:09,229 a renter by making rents. More affordable. And lastly, if 970 01:04:09,229 --> 01:04:11,229 you want me to make a 30 year commitment to 971 01:04:11,229 --> 01:04:14,629 this city as a taxpayer. I need to see that 972 01:04:14,629 --> 01:04:17,189 my property taxes aren't going to go up every year 973 01:04:17,189 --> 01:04:20,589 by huge amounts because the city isn't growing sustainably and 974 01:04:20,589 --> 01:04:25,271 those taxes need to come. For me personally. I would 975 01:04:25,271 --> 01:04:29,533 rather. See more self sustaining proposals like this one, because 976 01:04:29,533 --> 01:04:32,453 we simply just are not attracting industry and commercial fast 977 01:04:32,453 --> 01:04:36,050 enough. And ultimately, I would like to own a home. 978 01:04:38,756 --> 01:04:40,636 And not see my tax bill go up by large 979 01:04:40,636 --> 01:04:43,819 amounts every year, so thank you very much. Thank you, 980 01:04:43,819 --> 01:04:49,504 Mr. Lane. Is there? Your worship, please. Thank you, speaker. 981 01:04:53,739 --> 01:04:57,459 Your presentation confirms that you know a little bit about. 982 01:05:00,832 --> 01:05:09,606 The vacancy rates. And the need for. Densification. I 983 01:05:09,606 --> 01:05:16,693 think my first question would be, essentially, Are you aware 984 01:05:16,693 --> 01:05:21,133 that we have the highest percentage of parkland of municipality 985 01:05:21,133 --> 01:05:25,762 in Ontario? No, I'm. Not. Or the number of parks 986 01:05:25,762 --> 01:05:32,924 is ranks among the top. So I want to focus 987 01:05:32,924 --> 01:05:38,764 those points on my question to get from 106,000, which 988 01:05:38,764 --> 01:05:45,936 we are identified as. To the 150. Which is realistic 989 01:05:45,936 --> 01:05:49,416 from a planning standpoint. Can it be done by single 990 01:05:49,416 --> 01:05:54,710 family dwellings? Would you confirm that? We have to have 991 01:05:54,710 --> 01:06:01,192 some measure of densification. Are you asking, like, if I'm 992 01:06:01,192 --> 01:06:06,515 opposed to low density residential? No, I'm just. Asking. What 993 01:06:06,515 --> 01:06:10,711 you would think there's capacity for. Yes, I believe that 994 01:06:10,711 --> 01:06:13,751 there is capacity for low density residential. I just believe 995 01:06:13,751 --> 01:06:16,591 that they should be built in tandem with medium to 996 01:06:16,591 --> 01:06:21,351 high density residential. And I think the tax revenue numbers 997 01:06:21,351 --> 01:06:25,254 illustrate that. The most. If they're built in tandem, you 998 01:06:25,254 --> 01:06:29,334 can use high density, essentially, to subsidize the low density. 999 01:06:31,031 --> 01:06:32,351 Is how I view it. Ultimately, if I want to 1000 01:06:32,351 --> 01:06:35,303 live in low density. We're going to have to build 1001 01:06:35,303 --> 01:06:37,623 more low density. I understand that. I'm not. Opposed to 1002 01:06:37,623 --> 01:06:41,445 low density. I would like to see the infill happening 1003 01:06:41,445 --> 01:06:44,205 at the same time that we construct low density, and 1004 01:06:44,205 --> 01:06:48,589 I just kind of wanted to illustrate that. Over the 1005 01:06:48,589 --> 01:06:52,658 34 year period. How much high density we have added. 1006 01:06:52,658 --> 01:06:55,418 At some point we stopped building apartments like this and 1007 01:06:55,418 --> 01:06:58,738 just mainly focused on low density, and it's why I 1008 01:06:58,738 --> 01:07:02,018 personally believe that there is a housing crisis as well 1009 01:07:02,018 --> 01:07:05,498 as a climbing infrastructure deficit. As a result. Just because 1010 01:07:05,498 --> 01:07:09,058 the tax revenues aren't. There. Thank you for your clear 1011 01:07:09,058 --> 01:07:17,994 answer. Thank. You. Speaker. Thank you. Councilor Aguwal, please. Thank 1012 01:07:17,994 --> 01:07:21,961 you. Chair. My question when you calculated. I thank you 1013 01:07:21,961 --> 01:07:25,121 for your detailed presentation and numbers. Just to get a 1014 01:07:25,121 --> 01:07:30,208 couple of clarifications. When you detailed it was 427 net 1015 01:07:30,208 --> 01:07:35,088 gain of new apartments from 1990. So what I was 1016 01:07:35,088 --> 01:07:38,288 using was I was using the historical primary rental data 1017 01:07:38,288 --> 01:07:41,608 from the CMHC, so I took the difference in units 1018 01:07:41,608 --> 01:07:45,328 from 2024 to 1990, and I had a net gain 1019 01:07:45,328 --> 01:07:50,209 of 447 now. That number. Fluctuates over the years. So 1020 01:07:50,209 --> 01:07:56,078 I apologize if I misinterpreted that the data. Okay. Thank 1021 01:07:56,078 --> 01:08:03,167 you for that clarification. From 1990 to 2025. In the 1022 01:08:03,167 --> 01:08:06,237 last many years. I agree. There's not been a lot 1023 01:08:06,237 --> 01:08:09,317 of multi residential. Did you take into account all the 1024 01:08:09,317 --> 01:08:14,274 multi residential condominiums, which. Are actually registered as single family 1025 01:08:14,274 --> 01:08:18,674 dwellings because the condominium ownership is single family rather than 1026 01:08:18,674 --> 01:08:24,209 multi. Residential. I wasn't aware of that classification. Yeah. So 1027 01:08:24,209 --> 01:08:28,649 we've seen a substantial growth in that spectrum, some of 1028 01:08:28,649 --> 01:08:31,249 which are rentals and so your data, what you've got. 1029 01:08:31,249 --> 01:08:34,231 I appreciate that because. It is the true rental. So 1030 01:08:34,231 --> 01:08:36,591 if somebody has a rental living in there, it's different. 1031 01:08:36,591 --> 01:08:39,551 So your data. I appreciate where you received it from. 1032 01:08:41,391 --> 01:08:46,091 Now my next question. Through you is when you were 1033 01:08:46,091 --> 01:08:49,331 growing up, you lived in a single family home. Yes. 1034 01:08:49,331 --> 01:08:52,770 Not in an apartment. And the goal of your parents 1035 01:08:52,770 --> 01:08:56,010 was to buy the roman single family home and to 1036 01:08:56,010 --> 01:09:01,065 be able to afford it. What is the goal? You're 1037 01:09:01,065 --> 01:09:03,665 a young gentleman who wants to hopefully stay in Thunderbait, 1038 01:09:03,665 --> 01:09:06,065 like you said. In the next 35, 40 years. What 1039 01:09:06,065 --> 01:09:10,391 is your goal? Is it apartment living? What is that 1040 01:09:10,391 --> 01:09:13,471 spectrum for your age group to be moving into? I 1041 01:09:13,471 --> 01:09:16,631 think if you asked personally myself, I would like to 1042 01:09:16,631 --> 01:09:18,711 move into a home in the city. And I think 1043 01:09:18,711 --> 01:09:21,111 if you asked. Anyone my age, they would say the 1044 01:09:21,111 --> 01:09:24,151 same thing. Often when I have this discussion with people, 1045 01:09:24,151 --> 01:09:26,951 my age if you ask them. Do you want to 1046 01:09:26,951 --> 01:09:30,155 move out of the house or would you? Prefer to 1047 01:09:30,155 --> 01:09:31,915 stay at home and save for a house. They will 1048 01:09:31,915 --> 01:09:35,010 stay, stay at home and save. For a house. Because 1049 01:09:35,010 --> 01:09:37,930 the rent is equivalent to a mortgage payment. So many 1050 01:09:37,930 --> 01:09:41,130 of them see renting as essentially throwing away a mortgage 1051 01:09:41,130 --> 01:09:43,810 payment and would much rather prefer to stay at home 1052 01:09:43,810 --> 01:09:47,050 as opposed to rent. In the city. I rent because 1053 01:09:47,050 --> 01:09:50,450 again, my family moved over to the country. I had 1054 01:09:50,450 --> 01:09:53,996 to move. Back for school. And to focus on my 1055 01:09:53,996 --> 01:09:58,070 career, which is why I'm a renter. My friends either 1056 01:09:58,070 --> 01:10:01,030 live in the city or continue to live at home 1057 01:10:01,030 --> 01:10:04,981 on the outskirts of the city. Thank you so much. 1058 01:10:04,981 --> 01:10:07,701 Thank you. All right. Thank you so much for your 1059 01:10:07,701 --> 01:10:10,781 deputation. You may return. I'm sorry. Am I able to 1060 01:10:10,781 --> 01:10:12,941 leave? I have to go to work. Oh. Yeah, go 1061 01:10:12,941 --> 01:10:17,287 ahead. Thank you. You may leave. Thank you. Thank you 1062 01:10:17,287 --> 01:10:21,827 very much. Thank you. Clerk Walters, please. That's I'm on 1063 01:10:21,827 --> 01:10:24,827 the agenda's correspondence received from Zach. White on November the 1064 01:10:24,827 --> 01:10:28,587 19th, requesting to appear before standing committee. Additional information relative 1065 01:10:28,587 --> 01:10:31,307 to this deputation. Was distributed on Friday, November the 20 1066 01:10:31,307 --> 01:10:34,667 eigth. Good evening, Mr. White. Thank you for coming forward. 1067 01:10:34,667 --> 01:10:36,267 And again. You'll have ten minutes and I'll give you 1068 01:10:36,267 --> 01:10:37,987 a heads. Up when you have a minute left, okay? 1069 01:10:40,229 --> 01:10:43,629 Sounds good. Thank you so much. All right. Mayor Boschkov, 1070 01:10:43,629 --> 01:10:47,948 chair Katuga, members of the growth committee. City manager Colin, 1071 01:10:47,948 --> 01:10:51,325 who's away right now, and the rest of administration. Thank 1072 01:10:51,325 --> 01:10:53,485 you for allowing me to speak tonight regarding the proposed 1073 01:10:53,485 --> 01:10:57,565 development in 791 Arundel, my name is Zach White, and 1074 01:10:57,565 --> 01:11:00,525 my wife and I live at 432 Toledo, which is 1075 01:11:00,525 --> 01:11:03,365 right on the corner of Toledo and Arundel. We live 1076 01:11:03,365 --> 01:11:06,285 there with our two beautiful twin girls. We just turned 1077 01:11:06,285 --> 01:11:10,760 ten months this week. The community's own green space. In 1078 01:11:10,760 --> 01:11:14,440 question here as directly out our back window, and we 1079 01:11:14,440 --> 01:11:16,800 often see people using the pay trail. Coming from chart 1080 01:11:16,800 --> 01:11:21,192 wells, other people. It's a very well used space. The 1081 01:11:21,192 --> 01:11:23,992 fixed under unit development, as shown in the conceptual rendering, 1082 01:11:23,992 --> 01:11:27,312 would dwarf our property as well as the other ten 1083 01:11:27,312 --> 01:11:30,844 property owners along the shared property line. It would increase 1084 01:11:30,844 --> 01:11:34,524 traffic, noise levels, light pollution at night, reduce the amount 1085 01:11:34,524 --> 01:11:38,124 of sunlight we receive in our backyard, decreased privacy, and, 1086 01:11:38,124 --> 01:11:40,964 as Ivan mentioned, most likely decreased property values to some 1087 01:11:40,964 --> 01:11:46,036 degree. I don't think any reasonable person in our position 1088 01:11:46,036 --> 01:11:50,022 would prefer to trade. The green space that we enjoy 1089 01:11:50,022 --> 01:11:54,390 for 600 units of housing. But I understand the pressures 1090 01:11:54,390 --> 01:11:57,580 the city are under, and we'll get to that. After 1091 01:11:57,580 --> 01:12:00,460 we learned about this proposed development, we created an online 1092 01:12:00,460 --> 01:12:05,660 petition. 340 members of the community sign this petition in 1093 01:12:05,660 --> 01:12:09,020 opposition of the project, as shown in the conceptual rendering. 1094 01:12:10,809 --> 01:12:13,449 The list of names as well as 120 comments left 1095 01:12:13,449 --> 01:12:17,409 by signees of the petition were submitted. With the application 1096 01:12:17,409 --> 01:12:22,452 for this deputation. This is a substantial community response, especially 1097 01:12:22,452 --> 01:12:26,212 given our limited reach as members of the community. In 1098 01:12:26,212 --> 01:12:30,012 contrast, the survey that was produced by administration recently, which 1099 01:12:30,012 --> 01:12:35,618 was good. It had 142 total responses. So the pie 1100 01:12:35,618 --> 01:12:40,488 charts that were shown earlier were 142 total people. Which 1101 01:12:40,488 --> 01:12:42,808 is less than half the signatures that we collected in 1102 01:12:42,808 --> 01:12:47,048 opposition to the project. In total, it also had 52 1103 01:12:47,048 --> 01:12:52,048 comments on the administration survey, and we've had 120 comments 1104 01:12:52,048 --> 01:12:55,728 submitted as part of the petition in opposition. Now, the 1105 01:12:55,728 --> 01:12:58,288 comments that we received on the online petition followed a 1106 01:12:58,288 --> 01:13:01,508 lot of the similar themes that were summarized by. Administration, 1107 01:13:01,508 --> 01:13:05,468 primarily loss of green space and trails, increased traffic, appropriateness 1108 01:13:05,468 --> 01:13:08,548 of the size of the development and lack of access 1109 01:13:08,548 --> 01:13:13,002 to sufficient amenities. So similar results, but a large number 1110 01:13:13,002 --> 01:13:16,002 of people as well. In addition to this survey, the 1111 01:13:16,002 --> 01:13:18,402 current river ward meeting held on November 5, as mentioned 1112 01:13:18,402 --> 01:13:21,362 earlier, had over 100 concerned citizens come out to voice 1113 01:13:21,362 --> 01:13:24,762 their opposition to the project save one individual who spoke 1114 01:13:24,762 --> 01:13:27,939 in favor. It is clear there are a large number 1115 01:13:27,939 --> 01:13:30,459 of city residents that do not want this project to 1116 01:13:30,459 --> 01:13:34,019 happen. And want the green space to remain as is 1117 01:13:34,019 --> 01:13:39,198 or developed at a smaller scale. We understand the need 1118 01:13:39,198 --> 01:13:42,198 for housing in our city and the millions of dollars 1119 01:13:42,198 --> 01:13:45,878 of HAF funding. That is contingent upon some very ambitious 1120 01:13:45,878 --> 01:13:49,998 housing targets. We understand that urban sprawl creates a tremendous 1121 01:13:49,998 --> 01:13:54,481 strain. On the city's services relative to tax base and 1122 01:13:54,481 --> 01:13:58,340 that infill and urban densification. Is a much more economical 1123 01:13:58,340 --> 01:14:01,780 way to increase the housing supply. We understand the features 1124 01:14:01,780 --> 01:14:05,340 of this property. And what makes it attractive for development. 1125 01:14:05,340 --> 01:14:08,580 We're also fully aware that our property line ends. At 1126 01:14:08,580 --> 01:14:10,900 the fence. And the city of Thunder Bay owns this 1127 01:14:10,900 --> 01:14:13,820 piece of land, not the neighbors that live along it, 1128 01:14:13,820 --> 01:14:15,780 and the city, as an entity can do with it 1129 01:14:15,780 --> 01:14:19,933 what it pleases. However, this standing committee and ultimately council 1130 01:14:19,933 --> 01:14:22,573 as a whole are the ones who decide if this 1131 01:14:22,573 --> 01:14:26,853 proposed development takes place and if so, to what extent? 1132 01:14:26,853 --> 01:14:29,133 The members of council are elected by the residents. Of 1133 01:14:29,133 --> 01:14:31,973 the community to be their voice and reflective views and 1134 01:14:31,973 --> 01:14:36,476 needs of the community. In their decisions. It is council's 1135 01:14:36,476 --> 01:14:39,276 duty to consider the concerns of the hundreds of residents 1136 01:14:39,276 --> 01:14:41,556 who have shown their opposition to this project when they 1137 01:14:41,556 --> 01:14:45,642 make their decisions in this matter. If it is decided 1138 01:14:45,642 --> 01:14:48,842 by council that some amount of multi unit housing must 1139 01:14:48,842 --> 01:14:51,922 be developed at 791 or rundle. Our request is that 1140 01:14:51,922 --> 01:14:55,322 it be done in a reasonable and responsible manner that 1141 01:14:55,322 --> 01:14:59,396 addresses the concerns of nearby residents and the community. A 1142 01:14:59,396 --> 01:15:03,436 600 unit development on under eight acres would be unprecedented. 1143 01:15:03,436 --> 01:15:05,876 Based on our research, it would be. The densest residential 1144 01:15:05,876 --> 01:15:08,396 cluster in the entire city and among the largest multi 1145 01:15:08,396 --> 01:15:13,601 unit proposals in Thunderbase history. Is this well used green 1146 01:15:13,601 --> 01:15:17,321 space located from downtown cores really the appropriate location for 1147 01:15:17,321 --> 01:15:20,241 development of this size. It does not align with the 1148 01:15:20,241 --> 01:15:24,961 existing neighborhood character, the active living corridor, or various city 1149 01:15:24,961 --> 01:15:29,158 planning documents. It would bring a massive influx of residents 1150 01:15:29,158 --> 01:15:34,158 and vehicles, permanently altering traffic patterns, noise and privacy. The 1151 01:15:34,158 --> 01:15:37,998 justification for the size of the development must be based 1152 01:15:37,998 --> 01:15:41,718 on more than short term monetary gain achieved by hitting 1153 01:15:41,718 --> 01:15:46,049 housing targets. The impacts of these decisions will be felt 1154 01:15:46,049 --> 01:15:51,035 in this neighborhood for generations. If development occurs on this 1155 01:15:51,035 --> 01:15:55,569 property. Our recommendations to council to balance the need for 1156 01:15:55,569 --> 01:15:59,889 housing with the impact on local residents and the community 1157 01:15:59,889 --> 01:16:04,049 are as follows. Number one, leave the popular paved traffic 1158 01:16:04,049 --> 01:16:07,289 path untouched by limiting development to the east and north 1159 01:16:07,289 --> 01:16:11,016 sides of the property. Number two, plant mature trees or 1160 01:16:11,016 --> 01:16:14,416 hedges between the paved path and the west property lying 1161 01:16:14,416 --> 01:16:16,736 along the north section of the property to provide those 1162 01:16:16,736 --> 01:16:19,576 Toledo residents with a similar amount of privacy as their 1163 01:16:19,576 --> 01:16:25,576 southern neighbors number three. Aside from a vehicle entryway, maintain 1164 01:16:25,576 --> 01:16:29,096 the existing tree line along a rundle. To provide some 1165 01:16:29,096 --> 01:16:33,047 shelter. From traffic, noise and lights along a rundle for 1166 01:16:33,047 --> 01:16:35,327 both the Toledo residents and the new residents. Of a 1167 01:16:35,327 --> 01:16:40,794 potential development. Number four. Reduce the number of housing units 1168 01:16:40,794 --> 01:16:43,674 down to something more reasonable and appropriate to the area. 1169 01:16:45,112 --> 01:16:47,472 Something similar in scale and density to the existing condo 1170 01:16:47,472 --> 01:16:50,915 and apartment buildings across the street. Number five, limit the 1171 01:16:50,915 --> 01:16:54,395 number of stories of new apartment buildings to four stories 1172 01:16:54,395 --> 01:16:57,355 to reduce the impact on neighboring properties and preserve the 1173 01:16:57,355 --> 01:17:00,835 natural beauty of the area. And number six, place the 1174 01:17:00,835 --> 01:17:04,395 vehicle access. For the proposed development directly across from the 1175 01:17:04,395 --> 01:17:07,075 east entryway of Park View place, which is across the 1176 01:17:07,075 --> 01:17:11,404 street. This creates some distance between. The intersection of Toledo 1177 01:17:11,404 --> 01:17:13,524 and a rundle, as well as the driveway for the 1178 01:17:13,524 --> 01:17:17,564 home at 432 Toledo this location would improve safety by 1179 01:17:17,564 --> 01:17:21,204 essentially creating a two way stop intersection at that spot. 1180 01:17:21,204 --> 01:17:24,364 On the conceptual rendering. The entryway was directly beside the 1181 01:17:24,364 --> 01:17:28,324 Toledo intersection, which would be custard. And you'd have offsetting 1182 01:17:28,324 --> 01:17:31,412 entryways to the apartment buildings across the street. We believe 1183 01:17:31,412 --> 01:17:35,052 these recommendations strike a fair balance between adding much needed 1184 01:17:35,052 --> 01:17:40,277 housing and respecting the existing community. We are not against 1185 01:17:40,277 --> 01:17:43,642 housing being created for people that need it. We simply 1186 01:17:43,642 --> 01:17:47,282 want a reasonable, balanced approach that adds housing to the 1187 01:17:47,282 --> 01:17:51,042 city without sacrificing. The character and well being of the 1188 01:17:51,042 --> 01:17:55,042 surrounding communities. I appreciate the varying opinions that we've heard 1189 01:17:55,042 --> 01:17:58,682 here tonight, especially Cody's opinion as a renter. I was 1190 01:17:58,682 --> 01:18:01,362 a renter in thunder bay for eight years, and I'm 1191 01:18:01,362 --> 01:18:05,635 currently a landlord of. A small house. So I see 1192 01:18:05,635 --> 01:18:09,475 both sides of this issue, and I'm currently vacant in 1193 01:18:09,475 --> 01:18:11,475 the unit that I'm renting, so I'm hearing from people 1194 01:18:11,475 --> 01:18:13,635 looking for a place to live. Right now and communicating 1195 01:18:13,635 --> 01:18:15,915 with them as I try and fill that unit so 1196 01:18:15,915 --> 01:18:17,635 I see both sides. Of this issue, and I just 1197 01:18:17,635 --> 01:18:20,595 want to balance the approach, as I mentioned, to this 1198 01:18:20,595 --> 01:18:24,395 development, so thank you. Thank you so much for your 1199 01:18:24,395 --> 01:18:28,364 deputation, Mr. White. Is there any questions? Councilor Pascalino, please. 1200 01:18:30,215 --> 01:18:33,295 Thank you very much. And through chair. I really appreciate 1201 01:18:33,295 --> 01:18:39,698 your presentation. One of the things. That I like about 1202 01:18:39,698 --> 01:18:46,006 it is that you've. Offered some other alternatives. I want 1203 01:18:46,006 --> 01:18:49,766 you to know that counselors are taking these decisions very 1204 01:18:49,766 --> 01:18:55,061 seriously. We are dealing with people that are looking for 1205 01:18:55,061 --> 01:18:58,661 a place to stay. We're trying to grow the city. 1206 01:18:58,661 --> 01:19:02,701 And we're also trying to make sure that taxes are 1207 01:19:02,701 --> 01:19:09,354 reasonable. And on the other hand. My concern is that 1208 01:19:09,354 --> 01:19:16,455 if we were to do something. That can't be or 1209 01:19:16,455 --> 01:19:21,562 would be difficult. To balance out with the infrastructure around 1210 01:19:21,562 --> 01:19:25,664 there. So my goal, I believe, as a city councilor, 1211 01:19:25,664 --> 01:19:30,445 is to make sure. That. The civil engineers do their 1212 01:19:30,445 --> 01:19:34,933 job to make sure that the roads. And the sewers 1213 01:19:34,933 --> 01:19:37,853 all work in the water pressure work, but also that 1214 01:19:37,853 --> 01:19:41,493 people would want to stay where they are. So I 1215 01:19:41,493 --> 01:19:47,607 really do appreciate. Your deputation. And I want to assure 1216 01:19:47,607 --> 01:19:52,097 you that we're taking. These decisions very seriously. Thank you. 1217 01:19:53,333 --> 01:19:57,774 Thank you. Okay. All right, Ms. White, thank you so 1218 01:19:57,774 --> 01:20:02,160 much. You may return. Deputy Walters, please, let's. The agenda 1219 01:20:02,160 --> 01:20:05,240 is correspondence received from Rod Seabrook on November the 20th 1220 01:20:05,240 --> 01:20:07,600 requesting to appear before standing committee. I will note for 1221 01:20:07,600 --> 01:20:10,000 a committee that we did receive a petition from Mr. 1222 01:20:10,000 --> 01:20:12,880 Seabrook this evening. It is a signed petition and appears 1223 01:20:12,880 --> 01:20:16,760 to be in accordance with the city's position's policy, but 1224 01:20:16,760 --> 01:20:18,360 again, it was just provided to us, just. Before the 1225 01:20:18,360 --> 01:20:21,772 meeting. Thank you. Welcome Mr. Steve Brooke. Thank you for 1226 01:20:21,772 --> 01:20:24,292 coming forward again. You'll have ten minutes. And I'll give 1227 01:20:24,292 --> 01:20:26,572 you a heads up when there's a minute left. Okay? 1228 01:20:26,572 --> 01:20:30,071 Sure. Thank you very much. Just point out I do 1229 01:20:30,071 --> 01:20:34,031 have some slides that accompany the presentation. That is not 1230 01:20:34,031 --> 01:20:40,870 the first slide. Though. No. I think you have an 1231 01:20:40,870 --> 01:20:43,510 old version of the. Yeah, you have an old version. 1232 01:20:49,033 --> 01:20:57,965 Gordon. There should be six slides in total. The first 1233 01:20:57,965 --> 01:20:59,365 one is an aerial overview. 1234 01:21:10,623 --> 01:21:17,594 No. Anyway. I'll try and work with this. If you 1235 01:21:17,594 --> 01:21:23,694 could scroll down further, please, towards the bottom. That's it. 1236 01:21:23,694 --> 01:21:28,134 Okay. That one there. And that's it. Right. Okay. Thank 1237 01:21:28,134 --> 01:21:31,254 you. My. Name is Rod Seabrook. I have lived on 1238 01:21:31,254 --> 01:21:36,729 Sequoia Drive for the past 42 years. I'm here speaking 1239 01:21:36,729 --> 01:21:39,889 on behalf of residents opposed to the proposed sale and 1240 01:21:39,889 --> 01:21:42,929 development of city owned land at John street and Junott 1241 01:21:42,929 --> 01:21:48,489 Avenue. What realty services is describing as 300 Tokyo street, 1242 01:21:48,489 --> 01:21:52,169 residents are shocked, angered and feeling betrayed by the city 1243 01:21:52,169 --> 01:21:55,889 that our neighborhood is under consideration for a massive 400 1244 01:21:55,889 --> 01:22:00,147 unit. Apartment complex development. The property has been described by 1245 01:22:00,147 --> 01:22:05,921 realty services as surplus land. This diminishes. The perceived value 1246 01:22:05,921 --> 01:22:08,881 of the land. On the contrary, the forest has been 1247 01:22:08,881 --> 01:22:11,281 that has been growing there. For the past 50 years 1248 01:22:11,281 --> 01:22:15,378 has significant value. Our neighborhood is a mix of low 1249 01:22:15,378 --> 01:22:18,538 and middle income families, many of who live in social 1250 01:22:18,538 --> 01:22:22,258 housing. Units, which has added greatly to the population density 1251 01:22:22,258 --> 01:22:25,834 of the area. There is also. A significant component of 1252 01:22:25,834 --> 01:22:30,674 single parent and indigenous families housing. Housing consists of single 1253 01:22:30,674 --> 01:22:34,154 family homes and duplexes a small apartment building, and more 1254 01:22:34,154 --> 01:22:38,954 recently, seven new sixplexes and a triplex on Junet Avenue, 1255 01:22:38,954 --> 01:22:43,474 a 58 unit, new 58 unit transitional housing project for 1256 01:22:43,474 --> 01:22:48,199 indigenous youth is. Nearing completion next to the EMS building. 1257 01:22:48,199 --> 01:22:50,919 Our neighborhood has done more than its fair share to 1258 01:22:50,919 --> 01:22:54,979 accommodate. Development over the past 40 years. All at the 1259 01:22:54,979 --> 01:22:58,699 incremental loss of our forested and open areas. It has 1260 01:22:58,699 --> 01:23:03,179 been virtually all take and no give. When the new 1261 01:23:03,179 --> 01:23:06,859 EMS facility was being proposed for construction next to the 1262 01:23:06,859 --> 01:23:10,299 fire, hall at Junot and Red River Road. Residents of 1263 01:23:10,299 --> 01:23:14,259 Grand View protested as a result of these protests the. 1264 01:23:15,227 --> 01:23:19,707 Grandview neighborhood received a large, new dedicated park. Our neighborhood 1265 01:23:19,707 --> 01:23:25,095 got ems. And a tiny parquet. When the transitional housing 1266 01:23:25,095 --> 01:23:29,878 project was looking for property, our neighborhood was proposed. There 1267 01:23:29,878 --> 01:23:32,558 is much debate about the suitability of the area for 1268 01:23:32,558 --> 01:23:35,678 the project, given its well known reputation for violence and 1269 01:23:35,678 --> 01:23:40,053 drug dealing in certain areas. Several councilors voted against the 1270 01:23:40,053 --> 01:23:44,442 project for that very reason. However, the project was approved. 1271 01:23:44,442 --> 01:23:47,042 Again we lost open space, this time next to the 1272 01:23:47,042 --> 01:23:50,682 boys and girls. Club. So here we are having to 1273 01:23:50,682 --> 01:23:53,482 fight with the city over an ill conceived proposal and 1274 01:23:53,482 --> 01:23:57,322 a rushed process. The rush to get construction started is 1275 01:23:57,322 --> 01:24:01,522 driven by targets and deadlines set under the housing accelerator 1276 01:24:01,522 --> 01:24:06,421 fund program. And the associated inducement of federal government subsidies, 1277 01:24:06,421 --> 01:24:11,745 all to address a largely self inflicted housing crisis. The 1278 01:24:11,745 --> 01:24:14,585 process is not about thoughtful planning that takes into account 1279 01:24:14,585 --> 01:24:18,145 the specific challenges and needs of a neighborhood. It's about 1280 01:24:18,145 --> 01:24:22,105 cramming as many multi unit buildings into an area to 1281 01:24:22,105 --> 01:24:26,385 satisfy targets and arbitrary deadlines set under the Housing Accelerator 1282 01:24:26,385 --> 01:24:30,220 Fund program. As a result, the city is fast tracking 1283 01:24:30,220 --> 01:24:33,180 the development with very little time for the public to 1284 01:24:33,180 --> 01:24:38,200 get involved or to provide comments. Had I not distributed 1285 01:24:38,200 --> 01:24:42,240 information? Flyers gone door to door informing residents what was 1286 01:24:42,240 --> 01:24:46,160 being proposed and listening to their concerns. Virtually no one 1287 01:24:46,160 --> 01:24:49,040 in our neighborhood would have been aware of what was 1288 01:24:49,040 --> 01:24:53,000 happening or have had their say. 100% of the people 1289 01:24:53,000 --> 01:24:58,647 that I spoke to directly. Who signed a petition stating 1290 01:24:58,647 --> 01:25:01,567 their opposition to the proposal to sell and develop the 1291 01:25:01,567 --> 01:25:06,410 land for a 400 unit apartment complex. In a matter 1292 01:25:06,410 --> 01:25:09,330 of just a few days. The petition has received 90 1293 01:25:09,330 --> 01:25:13,410 signatures. I'd like to say too clearly, there is a 1294 01:25:13,410 --> 01:25:18,250 disconnect between realty services survey results and what I heard 1295 01:25:18,250 --> 01:25:22,130 from talking face to face with nearly 100 people in 1296 01:25:22,130 --> 01:25:29,509 our neighborhood. 100% opposed. Multiple negative impacts will result with 1297 01:25:29,509 --> 01:25:33,349 no offsetting, mitigating measures or improvements being offered. A 400 1298 01:25:33,349 --> 01:25:36,829 unit, six story complex is completely out of scale and 1299 01:25:36,829 --> 01:25:40,749 character with our neighborhood. The project will completely dominate the 1300 01:25:40,749 --> 01:25:45,367 area. There will be a total loss of the natural 1301 01:25:45,367 --> 01:25:49,807 forest. This contradicts the city's commitments to protect and enhance 1302 01:25:49,807 --> 01:25:54,527 the urban forest and to help address the climate crisis. 1303 01:25:54,527 --> 01:25:57,447 The soil in the area is comprised of 10ft of 1304 01:25:57,447 --> 01:26:03,127 muscade, completely unsuitable for supporting such large buildings. Because of 1305 01:26:03,127 --> 01:26:06,080 the musk egg. Soils the yard zone. Pickton Avenue, next 1306 01:26:06,080 --> 01:26:09,951 to the. Proposed development have sunk over 2ft since the 1307 01:26:09,951 --> 01:26:13,274 homes were built about 50 years ago. The site is 1308 01:26:13,274 --> 01:26:16,234 also currently well below the level of the public sidewalk 1309 01:26:16,234 --> 01:26:19,874 along Junott Avenue, requiring large amounts of fill to raise 1310 01:26:19,874 --> 01:26:22,714 the grade. This will place the homes on Pickton Avenue. 1311 01:26:22,714 --> 01:26:25,914 Several feet below the level of the likely final grade 1312 01:26:25,914 --> 01:26:28,834 of the apartment buildings. Where will the runoff from the 1313 01:26:28,834 --> 01:26:33,599 apartment development end up? The proposed 400 unit development is 1314 01:26:33,599 --> 01:26:36,519 more than three times the size of the new development 1315 01:26:36,519 --> 01:26:40,479 of 120. Units located at the corner of Junet Avenue 1316 01:26:40,479 --> 01:26:45,245 and Riviera Drive. That development is situated on virtually the 1317 01:26:45,245 --> 01:26:50,099 same size property. But it is in an existing low 1318 01:26:50,099 --> 01:26:55,299 density area. By comparison, our neighborhood is already high density 1319 01:26:55,299 --> 01:26:59,859 and cannot absorb a 400 unit apartment complex. The proposed 1320 01:26:59,859 --> 01:27:03,219 department buildings have very little setback from the public sidewalks. 1321 01:27:04,692 --> 01:27:08,492 The Junot Riviera development, however, by comparison, has a much 1322 01:27:08,492 --> 01:27:13,172 larger setback from the sidewalk probably 60ft and the road. 1323 01:27:13,172 --> 01:27:16,092 It also has pave parking areas in front of and 1324 01:27:16,092 --> 01:27:18,692 at the site of the buildings. In addition to underground 1325 01:27:18,692 --> 01:27:23,959 parking, the artist's rendition of the John Juna development. Is 1326 01:27:23,959 --> 01:27:26,559 incomplete and that it does not show any outside parking, 1327 01:27:26,559 --> 01:27:30,119 only a treed courtyard and more trees surrounding the buildings. 1328 01:27:30,119 --> 01:27:33,519 Why would outside parking not be shown when clearly it 1329 01:27:33,519 --> 01:27:38,766 would be needed? Traffic entering and exiting the development will 1330 01:27:38,766 --> 01:27:43,939 increase traffic volume substantially. On already busy John street and 1331 01:27:43,939 --> 01:27:46,659 June Knot Avenue. I had a picture of. There it 1332 01:27:46,659 --> 01:27:50,418 is. That's gridlock at quarter to four in the afternoon 1333 01:27:50,418 --> 01:27:55,559 on John Street. Development of the property is severely constrained 1334 01:27:55,559 --> 01:27:58,999 by there being no access permitted from the Expressway. John 1335 01:27:58,999 --> 01:28:03,079 street or Junott Avenue. Imagine 400 plus vehicles per day 1336 01:28:03,079 --> 01:28:07,279 from the apartment complex, entering and exiting through the residential 1337 01:28:07,279 --> 01:28:16,244 streets. Of Picton, Bleacher and Windsor. Any access utilizing Bleacher 1338 01:28:16,244 --> 01:28:19,804 Avenue will result in the loss of picked in Parquet. 1339 01:28:19,804 --> 01:28:23,724 Picked an avenue currently does not even have sidewalks. All 1340 01:28:23,724 --> 01:28:28,044 this new traffic, including during construction, would put pedestrians at 1341 01:28:28,044 --> 01:28:32,688 risk. The portion of the development running parallel to Juna 1342 01:28:32,688 --> 01:28:35,648 Avenue has been shoehorned into a very narrow strip of 1343 01:28:35,648 --> 01:28:40,449 land. And I draw your attention to that long, narrow 1344 01:28:40,449 --> 01:28:45,717 building along June Avenue. The homes along Picken Avenue will 1345 01:28:45,717 --> 01:28:50,343 lose virtually all of their direct sunlight. These massive concrete 1346 01:28:50,343 --> 01:28:53,423 buildings will reflect already high levels of traffic noise back 1347 01:28:53,423 --> 01:28:56,823 into nearby properties and privacy will be lost for homes 1348 01:28:56,823 --> 01:29:01,423 that ever over top by them. In conclusion, developers don't 1349 01:29:01,423 --> 01:29:04,183 create green space. So it falls to the city to 1350 01:29:04,183 --> 01:29:07,663 ensure that important green spaces, such as the property in 1351 01:29:07,663 --> 01:29:11,807 question are valued and protect. Protected and that the voices 1352 01:29:11,807 --> 01:29:16,007 and opinions of its residents are heard and respected. Once 1353 01:29:16,007 --> 01:29:18,967 the property is sold, developed and paved over. There is 1354 01:29:18,967 --> 01:29:22,527 no returning it to a natural state. A few scattered 1355 01:29:22,527 --> 01:29:25,927 trees and Zimbabwe bushes planted under the city site control 1356 01:29:25,927 --> 01:29:30,807 requirements can never substitute. For the area of natural forests 1357 01:29:30,807 --> 01:29:33,967 that already exists on the property, nor can it mitigate 1358 01:29:33,967 --> 01:29:36,887 the negative impacts of the proposed development on the surrounding 1359 01:29:36,887 --> 01:29:40,327 neighborhood or replace the intrinsic value of the property. That 1360 01:29:40,327 --> 01:29:43,767 it currently holds for residents. Don't be swayed by the 1361 01:29:43,767 --> 01:29:46,887 lure of a few federal dollars of subsidy if missing 1362 01:29:46,887 --> 01:29:51,193 the arbitrary target set under. The housing fund program means 1363 01:29:51,193 --> 01:29:54,433 foregoing the remaining money in the funds. So be it. 1364 01:29:54,433 --> 01:29:56,993 It is. A small price to pay to avoid making 1365 01:29:56,993 --> 01:30:02,087 a very bad decision. Our neighborhood recommendation is that city 1366 01:30:02,087 --> 01:30:06,803 council not approved this proposal, but instead. Have the property 1367 01:30:06,803 --> 01:30:11,563 remain as permanent green space for current and future generations. 1368 01:30:11,563 --> 01:30:14,563 If council chooses to declare the John Juna property as 1369 01:30:14,563 --> 01:30:18,203 surplus and it is subsequently sold and developed, there will 1370 01:30:18,203 --> 01:30:20,563 be nothing left to take from us, you will have 1371 01:30:20,563 --> 01:30:25,311 finally taken it all. That's it. You're done. Okay. Thank 1372 01:30:25,311 --> 01:30:28,991 you for Mr. Seabirk, for your. Deputation. Is there any 1373 01:30:28,991 --> 01:30:36,883 questions? Councilor Agarwal, please. Thank you very much. 1374 01:30:38,995 --> 01:30:42,134 Chair through you. Mr. Seabrook, thank you very much for. 1375 01:30:44,249 --> 01:30:47,089 Your personal dedication of trying to get more information from 1376 01:30:47,089 --> 01:30:50,169 your neighborhood. So you personally went out and knocked on. 1377 01:30:53,175 --> 01:30:56,055 I did. I was fortunate enough to receive a mail 1378 01:30:56,055 --> 01:31:01,201 because I'm with. In the mandatory mailing distance for notices. 1379 01:31:01,201 --> 01:31:03,161 I got a notice in the mail. That was the 1380 01:31:03,161 --> 01:31:06,121 first inquiry I had as I better start paying attention. 1381 01:31:08,523 --> 01:31:11,003 So I started following it, and then when I saw 1382 01:31:11,003 --> 01:31:15,951 what was being proposed, I took action. And I felt. 1383 01:31:17,998 --> 01:31:19,638 The best form of action was to get out and 1384 01:31:19,638 --> 01:31:27,279 talk to people directly, face to face, and. here to 1385 01:31:27,279 --> 01:31:31,199 explain to them what was being proposed here the concerns 1386 01:31:31,199 --> 01:31:32,531 hear their ideas Their wants and needs. That's what I 1387 01:31:32,531 --> 01:31:41,909 did. Thank you. Through you when you went through. Did 1388 01:31:41,909 --> 01:31:45,938 any one of the people in the neighborhood say. Instead 1389 01:31:45,938 --> 01:31:49,898 of six stories, instead of 400 units, maybe 100 units, 1390 01:31:49,898 --> 01:31:54,618 maybe something smaller. With the Natasha. I understand. You mentioned 1391 01:31:54,618 --> 01:31:59,109 that everything's been taken. With an attached green space area. 1392 01:31:59,109 --> 01:32:02,429 So it's not that whole parcel that's green. But maybe 1393 01:32:02,429 --> 01:32:04,789 a nice parquet or something. Did anybody mention some sort 1394 01:32:04,789 --> 01:32:12,028 of combination of that sort? The absolute. Common comment was 1395 01:32:12,028 --> 01:32:18,758 protection of the green space. There was comment. About. Would 1396 01:32:18,758 --> 01:32:23,985 be built be affordable housing. And some said they doubted 1397 01:32:23,985 --> 01:32:28,102 that. Any of it would be for low income families, 1398 01:32:28,102 --> 01:32:32,142 for example. But I will say that the reference to 1399 01:32:32,142 --> 01:32:38,204 affordable housing was made, but. The predominant comment was that 1400 01:32:38,204 --> 01:32:40,444 little bit of green space. They're going to take the 1401 01:32:40,444 --> 01:32:42,924 little bit of green space that we have, this little 1402 01:32:42,924 --> 01:32:48,093 bit of area. That remains in our neighborhood. And they 1403 01:32:48,093 --> 01:32:52,876 just said, that's terrible. It is absolutely terrible. And my 1404 01:32:52,876 --> 01:32:58,970 third question chair is. Quite an important one. Is your 1405 01:32:58,970 --> 01:33:07,179 soil conditions. Stickton Avenue has sunk 2ft. Yes. And that 1406 01:33:07,179 --> 01:33:10,182 area is all musk egg. It is? I can tell 1407 01:33:10,182 --> 01:33:13,422 you exactly how I know when we move to our 1408 01:33:13,422 --> 01:33:18,930 house on Sequoia. In the 80s. A couple of years 1409 01:33:18,930 --> 01:33:22,290 later, I think an excavator showed up on that strip 1410 01:33:22,290 --> 01:33:25,290 of land that I had shown that runs along Junot, 1411 01:33:25,290 --> 01:33:29,660 right? And they were digging. I assume they were digging 1412 01:33:29,660 --> 01:33:34,140 to see what soil conditions is like there, so. After 1413 01:33:34,140 --> 01:33:38,260 the work was done, they had left the excavation open. 1414 01:33:38,260 --> 01:33:41,905 I went over and had a look. And I was 1415 01:33:41,905 --> 01:33:47,158 quite surprised. Not completely shocked, but it's 10ft of muskeg 1416 01:33:47,158 --> 01:33:50,678 over blue clay, so clearly. This is old Lake bottom. 1417 01:33:51,902 --> 01:33:57,222 That overtime has succeeded to a swamp over thousands of 1418 01:33:57,222 --> 01:34:03,775 years and. The result is 10ft of musket. So, yes, 1419 01:34:03,775 --> 01:34:06,415 in terms of the houses on Picton, some of the 1420 01:34:06,415 --> 01:34:09,775 people's steps are this high. They're in the front yard. 1421 01:34:09,775 --> 01:34:14,324 This high off the ground. That's how far that property 1422 01:34:14,324 --> 01:34:19,990 is sunk. And these are small. Modest homes, not massive 1423 01:34:19,990 --> 01:34:25,613 apartment buildings. Thank you. Thank you. Your worship, please. Thank 1424 01:34:25,613 --> 01:34:31,797 you, speaker. As a presenter seem to know a little 1425 01:34:31,797 --> 01:34:41,083 bit about. The carrying capacity. Of the terrain. 1426 01:34:42,392 --> 01:34:48,303 And the muskeg. Do you think that. Site. Can. Hold. 1427 01:34:49,521 --> 01:34:55,863 Smaller. Or. Smaller design capacity. Well, my experience in engine, 1428 01:34:55,863 --> 01:34:58,503 I'm not an engineer, but I worked in the forest 1429 01:34:58,503 --> 01:35:02,143 industry for over 40 years, and my experience with that 1430 01:35:02,143 --> 01:35:10,386 type of soil is around logging. And roadbuilding. And so, 1431 01:35:10,386 --> 01:35:13,626 with respect to a login operation, you wait till wintertime, 1432 01:35:13,626 --> 01:35:17,106 till the ground is frozen till you move into it. 1433 01:35:17,106 --> 01:35:19,266 Otherwise your machinery is just going to sink in terms 1434 01:35:19,266 --> 01:35:23,546 of road. Building. You put corridorites through the area, floated. 1435 01:35:25,280 --> 01:35:27,760 Floater road over top. But it's very temporary, right? That 1436 01:35:27,760 --> 01:35:31,285 is not how you build. Buildings. I would defer to 1437 01:35:31,285 --> 01:35:34,085 the engineers over that, but I believe that the engineers 1438 01:35:34,085 --> 01:35:39,013 should be fully aware before. Anything is decided in terms 1439 01:35:39,013 --> 01:35:43,183 of any kind of proposal at that site. Soil test 1440 01:35:43,183 --> 01:35:47,281 should need to be done because. That location would be 1441 01:35:47,281 --> 01:35:52,421 a real challenge to build on. You mentioned that punk 1442 01:35:52,421 --> 01:35:57,607 picture has sunk 2ft. Yes. Is that the stretch of 1443 01:35:57,607 --> 01:36:01,696 the roadway? And over what time frame would have occurred. 1444 01:36:01,696 --> 01:36:05,096 Yeah. So my measure is of it is, are the 1445 01:36:05,096 --> 01:36:09,176 front steps on the homes on Pickton Avenue. Now some 1446 01:36:09,176 --> 01:36:12,376 people have since brought in fill they've put in new 1447 01:36:12,376 --> 01:36:17,168 stairs, but. There are still some homes that still have 1448 01:36:17,168 --> 01:36:21,519 the original front stairs on them, and. There is one. 1449 01:36:21,935 --> 01:36:25,498 Without. Exaggerating. Two and a half feet. The bottom of 1450 01:36:25,498 --> 01:36:29,178 the stairs. Two and a half feet. Above the grade 1451 01:36:29,178 --> 01:36:33,209 at the front of the house. Is there any number 1452 01:36:33,209 --> 01:36:38,009 of acceptable units for a building such as this based 1453 01:36:38,009 --> 01:36:45,724 on the new designs? And they don't look institutional anymore. 1454 01:36:45,724 --> 01:36:49,708 Well, I don't want to be the one to speak 1455 01:36:49,708 --> 01:36:54,141 on behalf of the residents. My recommendation would be to 1456 01:36:54,141 --> 01:36:57,728 come and talk to us. If you think that that 1457 01:36:57,728 --> 01:37:03,597 site may be suitable for some form of housing. We're 1458 01:37:03,597 --> 01:37:05,557 sending you a very clear message that what is being 1459 01:37:05,557 --> 01:37:10,663 portrayed here is absolutely not suitable. But if you think 1460 01:37:10,663 --> 01:37:14,243 that you might have. Something of interest to offer to 1461 01:37:14,243 --> 01:37:16,203 the residents. I would say come and talk to us 1462 01:37:16,203 --> 01:37:21,458 face to face. Not the way it's been done. Clearly 1463 01:37:21,458 --> 01:37:26,544 the way it was done does not engage. Demographic that 1464 01:37:26,544 --> 01:37:32,695 lives in our neighborhood. Thank you. Councilor treaty, please. Thank 1465 01:37:32,695 --> 01:37:35,455 you to the chair. And thank you for presenting again 1466 01:37:35,455 --> 01:37:44,017 today. i really want to focus on that balance piece 1467 01:37:44,017 --> 01:37:46,177 and i hear you very clearly just as i hear 1468 01:37:46,177 --> 01:37:50,337 rundell talking about that privacy concern wanting to keep that 1469 01:37:50,337 --> 01:37:53,977 tree line in and i'll be asking administration a question 1470 01:37:53,977 --> 01:37:57,737 if it's doable but from your perspective if they manage 1471 01:37:57,737 --> 01:37:58,160 to keep An area of natural forest between this building, 1472 01:37:58,160 --> 01:38:01,800 potential building, and the properties on Pickton, much like a 1473 01:38:01,800 --> 01:38:04,680 rundle in order to keep that privacy piece, in order 1474 01:38:04,680 --> 01:38:07,280 to keep the shade piece that the neighbors are used 1475 01:38:07,280 --> 01:38:10,440 to. Do you think that that would like if we 1476 01:38:10,440 --> 01:38:13,600 ask administration if we can keep 10ft for. And I 1477 01:38:13,600 --> 01:38:15,426 know we're getting a little bit. Into site plan control, 1478 01:38:15,426 --> 01:38:18,986 which is another question I'll ask later. Administration. But if 1479 01:38:18,986 --> 01:38:22,186 we ask them to keep about a 10ft buffer between 1480 01:38:22,186 --> 01:38:26,546 the properties and the new surplus land in which they 1481 01:38:26,546 --> 01:38:28,906 can use for the drainage piece that we are concerned 1482 01:38:28,906 --> 01:38:33,495 about. The ground sinking and then to keep that natural 1483 01:38:33,495 --> 01:38:36,335 tree line for the privacy. Do you think that the 1484 01:38:36,335 --> 01:38:39,495 neighbors would be quite comfortable with that. I don't believe 1485 01:38:39,495 --> 01:38:42,095 they would be comfortable at all. These are 60 foot 1486 01:38:42,095 --> 01:38:46,703 high buildings. That, as I had mentioned in my presentation, 1487 01:38:48,103 --> 01:38:50,223 Is being shoehorned into a narrow strip of land with 1488 01:38:50,223 --> 01:38:54,983 virtually no setback. Those houses would be completely overtopped by 1489 01:38:54,983 --> 01:38:57,103 the buildings. If you take a look or if you 1490 01:38:57,103 --> 01:38:59,023 happen. To drive by and have a look. The popular 1491 01:38:59,023 --> 01:39:03,023 trees are about 60ft tall. That's how tall those buildings 1492 01:39:03,023 --> 01:39:06,649 will be. The people who live on Picton in these 1493 01:39:06,649 --> 01:39:14,661 very modest homes. Will lose their sunlight completely. So we 1494 01:39:14,661 --> 01:39:16,821 want it to be smaller than the poplar trees that 1495 01:39:16,821 --> 01:39:20,101 are 60ft, is what you're telling. Well, when we talk 1496 01:39:20,101 --> 01:39:22,661 about. Well, I guess what I'm saying is. That to 1497 01:39:22,661 --> 01:39:25,661 try and wedge any sort of development along that narrow 1498 01:39:25,661 --> 01:39:30,935 strip there with no setback. Is not right. Thank you. 1499 01:39:30,935 --> 01:39:33,175 Thank you for that. I'll ask administration about the setback. 1500 01:39:33,175 --> 01:39:36,895 Piece. Thank you. Thank you. Chair. All right. Thank you 1501 01:39:36,895 --> 01:39:43,239 so much, Mr. Sheberk. You may return. Clerk Walters please. 1502 01:39:43,239 --> 01:39:46,039 That same on the agenda is correspondence received from Catherine 1503 01:39:46,039 --> 01:39:49,159 Corton on November the 20th requesting to appear before standing 1504 01:39:49,159 --> 01:39:54,449 committee. Welcome, Ms. Courtney. And again, you'll have ten minutes 1505 01:39:54,449 --> 01:39:55,929 when you're ready. And I'll let you know if you 1506 01:39:55,929 --> 01:40:02,828 hit nine minutes. When you have a minute left. All 1507 01:40:02,828 --> 01:40:08,765 right. Can you hear me? Thank you. Thank you, members 1508 01:40:08,765 --> 01:40:13,725 of committee and Mr. Mayor and administration, my name is 1509 01:40:13,725 --> 01:40:17,685 Catherine Cortin. I live on Conley street near Toledo and 1510 01:40:17,685 --> 01:40:23,687 around those streets. As many residents of this area and 1511 01:40:23,687 --> 01:40:28,327 of all other areas near green spaces in Sunder Bay. 1512 01:40:28,327 --> 01:40:31,047 I chose to live there for the very reason that 1513 01:40:31,047 --> 01:40:36,247 it is near green spaces. Therefore I was not contributing 1514 01:40:36,247 --> 01:40:40,887 to urban sprout. I'm here today to express my disappoint. 1515 01:40:40,420 --> 01:40:46,460 Disappointment, my sadness and my anger. How is it even 1516 01:40:46,460 --> 01:40:50,300 possible that our city planners and city council want to 1517 01:40:50,300 --> 01:40:56,542 designate green space? Spaces surplus. Do you realize what green 1518 01:40:56,542 --> 01:41:01,004 spaces do for our city and its people? Previous presenters 1519 01:41:01,004 --> 01:41:04,763 have said it, but I'll say it again. Green spaces 1520 01:41:04,763 --> 01:41:09,166 are key to attract people. To live in some areas 1521 01:41:09,166 --> 01:41:14,363 rather than others. They're key to quality of life, mental 1522 01:41:14,363 --> 01:41:19,958 and physical health. And they're also key to sustainability. I'm 1523 01:41:19,958 --> 01:41:24,398 not here to speak. Only about 791 around the street 1524 01:41:24,398 --> 01:41:27,318 or the other three. Properties which you want to declare 1525 01:41:27,318 --> 01:41:32,195 surplus. But to speak about all green spaces in our 1526 01:41:32,195 --> 01:41:37,554 city that may become targeted in the future. Not only 1527 01:41:37,554 --> 01:41:41,194 sad and angry, I'm also feeling confused about the city's 1528 01:41:41,194 --> 01:41:47,607 commitment. To sustainability. Many years ago, I was part of 1529 01:41:47,607 --> 01:41:51,567 the earthwise process, and I was led to believe that 1530 01:41:51,567 --> 01:41:57,511 our city cares and is committed to sustainability. So today 1531 01:41:57,511 --> 01:42:01,591 I'm wondering, was the Earthwise project just a shoe of 1532 01:42:01,591 --> 01:42:06,976 public consultation? With no heart, no impact. In city planners 1533 01:42:06,976 --> 01:42:14,301 decisions. Because if you do care about sustainability, Sorry, sustainability 1534 01:42:14,301 --> 01:42:17,581 and quality of life. Then how can you even dream 1535 01:42:17,581 --> 01:42:23,302 of destroying any green spaces which. Are vital to our 1536 01:42:23,302 --> 01:42:27,134 future as a city. In the words of Dr. Di 1537 01:42:27,134 --> 01:42:34,410 Mateo, who. Was mentioned earlier. Who was interviewed by TbT 1538 01:42:34,410 --> 01:42:40,760 News last month. I'm wondering if you are hypocrites. His 1539 01:42:40,760 --> 01:42:44,600 words, and I hope you're. Much more than that. But 1540 01:42:44,600 --> 01:42:48,649 here's a quote from the interview. There is a certain 1541 01:42:48,649 --> 01:42:54,162 amount of hypocrisy where city counselors argue. How important fighting 1542 01:42:54,162 --> 01:42:58,202 climate change is. And then when push comes to shove, 1543 01:42:58,202 --> 01:43:02,166 they find a piece of green space. Because it's convenient 1544 01:43:02,166 --> 01:43:06,749 and go after the short term funding from governments. End 1545 01:43:06,749 --> 01:43:11,380 of quote. I hope this is not the kind of 1546 01:43:11,380 --> 01:43:14,900 people that you truly are, but I'd like to know 1547 01:43:14,900 --> 01:43:17,620 what are the reasons why you would choose to destroy 1548 01:43:17,620 --> 01:43:23,328 green spaces rather. Than to focus. On existing urban areas. 1549 01:43:24,896 --> 01:43:30,416 Because, as stated by Dr. Di Mateo, prioritizing urban areas 1550 01:43:30,416 --> 01:43:32,816 should be a number one priority. When it comes to 1551 01:43:32,816 --> 01:43:39,191 building. Not only because Danton areas must be revitalized, but 1552 01:43:39,191 --> 01:43:42,631 also because there are absolutely no reasons to destroy green 1553 01:43:42,631 --> 01:43:46,311 spaces which are vital and precious to all of us. 1554 01:43:49,841 --> 01:43:52,081 so maybe you could tell us why this is not 1555 01:43:52,081 --> 01:43:54,239 the case There are plenty of urban areas in our 1556 01:43:54,239 --> 01:43:59,159 city which could be used and are already properly zoned 1557 01:43:59,159 --> 01:44:05,060 where. Services and amenities already exist. Seems to me that 1558 01:44:05,060 --> 01:44:08,860 will make financial sense. Here are a few examples that 1559 01:44:08,860 --> 01:44:14,891 I've heard of. The former Paul six land. It's a 1560 01:44:14,891 --> 01:44:20,011 land that is underused waterfront parcel. It's mostly city owned 1561 01:44:20,011 --> 01:44:25,051 and has been identified for redevelopment. Its location near Danton 1562 01:44:25,051 --> 01:44:30,131 and the waterfront makes it attractive for large residential development 1563 01:44:30,131 --> 01:44:33,798 like the ones you proposed today. Without the same scale 1564 01:44:33,798 --> 01:44:38,668 of impact on local residents. Simpson street has also been 1565 01:44:38,668 --> 01:44:43,068 an area in great need of revitalization for many years. 1566 01:44:44,333 --> 01:44:48,293 And also has the advantages of existing services and amenities. 1567 01:44:49,632 --> 01:44:53,072 I'm pretty sure there are more in the city, more 1568 01:44:53,072 --> 01:45:00,347 areas that qualify. That are just empty spaces already. With 1569 01:45:00,347 --> 01:45:05,423 Ezvalt no loss of green spaces. So can you please 1570 01:45:05,423 --> 01:45:08,823 consider the two properties I just mentioned, as well as 1571 01:45:08,823 --> 01:45:14,343 other urban areas which would not imply destroying green spaces. 1572 01:45:14,343 --> 01:45:18,626 And if not, can you tell us why? But here's 1573 01:45:18,626 --> 01:45:22,026 my main worry and my main concern. The four proposals. 1574 01:45:24,258 --> 01:45:28,162 With which were faced today revealed a trend. And a 1575 01:45:28,162 --> 01:45:32,127 very unhealthy one, in my opinion. All of us who 1576 01:45:32,127 --> 01:45:36,265 feel that green spaces are essential. We need to know. 1577 01:45:37,467 --> 01:45:42,355 Where and when will you city planners. Ever stop even 1578 01:45:42,355 --> 01:45:46,915 thinking about cutting down viral green spaces? When and where 1579 01:45:46,915 --> 01:45:50,555 will you stop this trend? And if you continue with 1580 01:45:50,555 --> 01:45:55,641 this trend, How much more vital green spaces do you 1581 01:45:55,641 --> 01:46:00,218 plan on selling? Do you plan on? These 600 units, 1582 01:46:00,218 --> 01:46:06,283 for example. As only being the beginning. Because. We know 1583 01:46:06,283 --> 01:46:11,087 that the lph. Forest are right next door to the 1584 01:46:11,087 --> 01:46:17,120 one that you are proposing, right? So, talking about the 1585 01:46:17,120 --> 01:46:22,424 former LPH land. We, the people, would like to see 1586 01:46:22,424 --> 01:46:26,584 it used wisely in ways that will preserve its beauty. 1587 01:46:27,898 --> 01:46:32,818 Its diversity and its wilderness and its usefulness, because we 1588 01:46:32,818 --> 01:46:36,378 know it's widely used by hundreds of people and animals. 1589 01:46:38,184 --> 01:46:41,835 There's plenty of space there to build. Without destroying green 1590 01:46:41,835 --> 01:46:46,507 spaces. And I know this property belongs to the province. 1591 01:46:48,841 --> 01:46:51,401 But I believe that one of the tasks of city 1592 01:46:51,401 --> 01:46:57,529 council is to protect its people. From unwanted demands coming 1593 01:46:57,529 --> 01:47:02,763 from upper levels of government. So I ask you today, 1594 01:47:02,763 --> 01:47:07,052 are you willing to show your allegiance to us? The 1595 01:47:07,052 --> 01:47:11,612 people and to protect our green spaces. Even if the 1596 01:47:11,612 --> 01:47:18,301 provincial government decides to destroy our precious forests. I'm asking. 1597 01:47:19,355 --> 01:47:22,795 This of you send the province who owns most of 1598 01:47:22,795 --> 01:47:26,916 this land and was planning for its future. A very 1599 01:47:26,916 --> 01:47:31,156 clear message. Our green spaces are not for sale because 1600 01:47:31,156 --> 01:47:36,126 they matter. Green spaces are not a luxury. They are 1601 01:47:36,126 --> 01:47:41,110 human need. If you have a copy of my deputation, 1602 01:47:41,110 --> 01:47:48,286 you could see that my questions are highlighted. If you 1603 01:47:48,286 --> 01:47:52,366 don't answer them today, please answer them later, maybe through 1604 01:47:52,366 --> 01:48:01,307 email. I trust that. You are not hypocrites. And you 1605 01:48:01,307 --> 01:48:05,148 will find solutions. There are always solutions to every problems. 1606 01:48:07,050 --> 01:48:11,326 I'm not against growth, and I'm not against. Change. I 1607 01:48:11,326 --> 01:48:14,286 know you have deadlines to meet in order to receive 1608 01:48:14,286 --> 01:48:18,532 the fundings. I know new housing is needed, but as 1609 01:48:18,532 --> 01:48:21,652 one of the people who pay your salary, I urge 1610 01:48:21,652 --> 01:48:26,246 you to hear the call. Full of hope. From the 1611 01:48:26,246 --> 01:48:30,081 men and women who live in this city. And this 1612 01:48:30,081 --> 01:48:34,330 call is very clear. Stop allowing the destruction of green 1613 01:48:34,330 --> 01:48:40,418 spaces in our city and. With your heart. Please envision 1614 01:48:40,418 --> 01:48:45,144 the future in which. You wish your grandchildren to live? 1615 01:48:46,475 --> 01:48:50,600 Thank you for listening to me today. Thank you for 1616 01:48:50,600 --> 01:48:54,760 making decisions which will affect the future in the most 1617 01:48:54,760 --> 01:48:59,223 positive and humane way possible. I know this is a 1618 01:48:59,223 --> 01:49:03,543 long shot, but I'm trying to appeal to your conscience 1619 01:49:03,543 --> 01:49:05,463 and. In the name of God, I urge you to 1620 01:49:05,463 --> 01:49:09,823 use your powers to better the life of your people 1621 01:49:09,823 --> 01:49:13,996 and the needs of a sustainable future. Thank you so 1622 01:49:13,996 --> 01:49:20,534 much for your deputation. Is there any questions? Seeing none. 1623 01:49:20,534 --> 01:49:24,305 You may return. Thank you so much. Kirk Walters, please. 1624 01:49:26,817 --> 01:49:29,377 Yes, I'm on the agenda. There was a written deputation 1625 01:49:29,377 --> 01:49:32,217 received from Brittany Houston. On November the 25th for information. 1626 01:49:33,993 --> 01:49:37,073 Next, please. Final deputation of the evening is correspondence received 1627 01:49:37,073 --> 01:49:40,553 from David Tremonte on November the 27th, and this item 1628 01:49:40,553 --> 01:49:42,753 was distributed separately on November the 20 eigth. 1629 01:49:51,121 --> 01:49:53,201 Good evening. And when you're ready, you'll have ten minutes. 1630 01:49:58,656 --> 01:50:03,312 Thank you, councilor mayor. There. I do have a petition 1631 01:50:03,312 --> 01:50:08,881 for the Fanshaw location there properly located at 144. The 1632 01:50:08,881 --> 01:50:11,881 majority is to not declare the property as surplus property. 1633 01:50:13,754 --> 01:50:15,674 I'll leave it there and stuff like that. I don't 1634 01:50:15,674 --> 01:50:18,914 feel the need to. Reiterate or regurgitate what all my 1635 01:50:18,914 --> 01:50:22,121 citizens there said. We are in fascia in the Northwood 1636 01:50:22,121 --> 01:50:26,096 area. Pretty much par for the course with that. We 1637 01:50:26,096 --> 01:50:30,662 all want a house for everyone's head there. But I 1638 01:50:30,662 --> 01:50:34,062 just don't think the majority are the size of the 1639 01:50:34,062 --> 01:50:38,220 complex that we're deciding upon which again. Is all based 1640 01:50:38,220 --> 01:50:42,467 on speculation. There. But. We don't think that the most 1641 01:50:42,467 --> 01:50:45,907 concern is the traffic and the sewage drainage for that. 1642 01:50:45,907 --> 01:50:53,381 Area. And. Until. More tests. Or. Research is done because 1643 01:50:53,381 --> 01:50:57,696 I believe that we had some issues. When the fans 1644 01:50:57,696 --> 01:51:03,140 condos went first. Back in 510 years ago, whenever. That's 1645 01:51:03,140 --> 01:51:07,294 about it. Okay. Thank you so much. Is there any 1646 01:51:07,294 --> 01:51:12,234 questions? Okay. See none. Thank you, Mr. Jamanti. You may 1647 01:51:12,234 --> 01:51:17,471 return. Clerk Walters, please. So, chair, we do have to 1648 01:51:17,471 --> 01:51:20,271 put the report itself on the floor, do you? Want 1649 01:51:20,271 --> 01:51:23,431 me to read what it is? Please. Okay, so the 1650 01:51:23,431 --> 01:51:27,271 report is with respect to report 384. 2025. We request 1651 01:51:27,271 --> 01:51:29,311 endorsement of the standing committee to forward with the following 1652 01:51:29,311 --> 01:51:35,461 recommendations to city council that the city. 's interest in 1653 01:51:35,461 --> 01:51:39,101 the Vainton property known as 144 Fanshaw street, along with 1654 01:51:39,101 --> 01:51:43,981 300 Tokyo. Street 211 to 223 Tupper street and 224 1655 01:51:43,981 --> 01:51:49,488 Campbell on Street 791 Arundel Street. Surplus as the city's 1656 01:51:49,488 --> 01:51:52,608 requirements pursuant to policies and be designated as an area 1657 01:51:52,608 --> 01:51:55,488 I've cite plan control that is now on the floor. 1658 01:51:55,488 --> 01:51:58,528 I do need the mover and a seconder. Okay. Councilor 1659 01:51:58,528 --> 01:52:07,718 trini, councilor Agua, please. Speakers. Any questions? Administration. May I 1660 01:52:07,718 --> 01:52:11,810 ask if we can separate all the properties? Or instead 1661 01:52:11,810 --> 01:52:15,090 of having them as one bulk vote on them separately, 1662 01:52:15,090 --> 01:52:19,714 please, if we could. Okay, we can do that. Questions. 1663 01:52:19,714 --> 01:52:23,074 Administration. Councilor treaty, I think you had. Yes. Thank you. 1664 01:52:23,074 --> 01:52:30,389 Thank you. Through the chair. administration we're hearing a lot 1665 01:52:30,389 --> 01:52:32,683 of concerns of course about traffic and drainage And water 1666 01:52:32,683 --> 01:52:37,841 pressure and environmental concerns. We have a good audience here 1667 01:52:37,841 --> 01:52:42,484 tonight. And we know the terminology, site plan control, but 1668 01:52:42,484 --> 01:52:45,444 that doesn't necessarily mean our citizens know. What that means. 1669 01:52:47,652 --> 01:52:50,092 Would someone mind elaborating on what site plan control means? 1670 01:52:50,092 --> 01:52:53,335 Because. It doesn't really define what that is. And I 1671 01:52:53,335 --> 01:52:55,575 think some of the people in our audience today think 1672 01:52:55,575 --> 01:52:57,215 that they needed to speak up to say we needed 1673 01:52:57,215 --> 01:53:02,676 to do some of these. Testing and those pieces. Be 1674 01:53:02,676 --> 01:53:10,769 pleased to. So, site plan control. Is essentially. An agreement 1675 01:53:10,769 --> 01:53:14,409 results in agreement between the city and a developer that 1676 01:53:14,409 --> 01:53:22,373 outslines how a development. Will appear and function. Essentially. The 1677 01:53:22,373 --> 01:53:28,318 actual development proposal is attached an agreement. And decided that. 1678 01:53:29,767 --> 01:53:32,487 This is the development that ultimately will result. So the 1679 01:53:32,487 --> 01:53:37,647 site plan control agreement details things like drainage works access. 1680 01:53:39,039 --> 01:53:45,225 Traffic circulation. And often requires supporting studies to ensure that 1681 01:53:45,225 --> 01:53:54,096 the development will not have. An impact on. Infrastructure and 1682 01:53:54,096 --> 01:53:59,296 amenities that cannot be mitigated. Thank you for that. So 1683 01:53:59,296 --> 01:54:02,216 my second question with regards to a bit of. I 1684 01:54:02,216 --> 01:54:05,216 think it's under site plan control, truthfully, but we've also 1685 01:54:05,216 --> 01:54:08,232 heard tonight, and I'm going to talk in general. Because 1686 01:54:08,232 --> 01:54:11,472 three of the properties have been really discussed this evening 1687 01:54:11,472 --> 01:54:17,396 about privacy and noise buffers. Three properties already have tree 1688 01:54:17,396 --> 01:54:23,573 lines there. Is there any potential for the city declaring 1689 01:54:23,573 --> 01:54:25,693 some of the property from the back of the properties? 1690 01:54:27,104 --> 01:54:29,944 Of the adjacent houses to a certain line to be 1691 01:54:29,944 --> 01:54:35,842 able to help with that privacy. Drainage. Keeping the trees 1692 01:54:35,842 --> 01:54:38,842 there is what I'm asking. Is there any possible way 1693 01:54:38,842 --> 01:54:44,388 that we could. Do that. In what's being available. This 1694 01:54:44,388 --> 01:54:53,320 process. Resist. And that feedback was sought throughout the process, 1695 01:54:53,320 --> 01:54:56,520 and we very much appreciate all the people that have 1696 01:54:56,520 --> 01:55:01,218 come to present tonight and have submitted. Their thoughts and 1697 01:55:01,218 --> 01:55:05,668 comments to the city in different forms. These comments are 1698 01:55:05,668 --> 01:55:08,308 absolutely are being taken back and will be taken back 1699 01:55:08,308 --> 01:55:11,708 to discuss with the developers. Should counsel declare these lions 1700 01:55:11,708 --> 01:55:15,988 surplus and we will be looking to address these concerns 1701 01:55:15,988 --> 01:55:21,809 through the development. Of the eventual site plan. So the 1702 01:55:21,809 --> 01:55:26,125 site plan. The concepts that are being, that we have 1703 01:55:26,125 --> 01:55:30,053 been speaking about are just that. They are concepts. That 1704 01:55:30,053 --> 01:55:34,445 express the interests of a development developer. To construct to 1705 01:55:34,445 --> 01:55:39,964 a scale. So the staff will be reviewing these comments 1706 01:55:39,964 --> 01:55:43,635 with the developers and intend to come back. With a 1707 01:55:43,635 --> 01:55:50,792 more refined development that takes these comments. Into account. So 1708 01:55:50,792 --> 01:55:56,879 the trail is a good example. Certainly. There's opportunity to 1709 01:55:56,879 --> 01:56:03,394 realign the trail and to provide. A buffer, given that 1710 01:56:03,394 --> 01:56:05,634 the property is of such size and that will be 1711 01:56:05,634 --> 01:56:08,754 discussed with developer. Thank you. That's for that one. But 1712 01:56:08,754 --> 01:56:10,714 the other two also have tree lines, so I'm. Hoping 1713 01:56:10,714 --> 01:56:12,834 we'll be able to do the same. And then my 1714 01:56:12,834 --> 01:56:15,942 final and third question. I appreciate the people in our 1715 01:56:15,942 --> 01:56:19,302 audience today in our gallery and their concerns with these. 1716 01:56:19,302 --> 01:56:21,862 And again, we've heard from the three sites. Not the 1717 01:56:21,862 --> 01:56:24,822 fourth today, but we also have some background. On the 1718 01:56:24,822 --> 01:56:28,584 fourth. A lot of the people in these areas feel 1719 01:56:28,584 --> 01:56:31,544 like they're being picked on that the city is only 1720 01:56:31,544 --> 01:56:35,704 looking at those areas. And I just want to confirm, 1721 01:56:35,704 --> 01:56:38,584 because I've seen lists. We are looking at other areas 1722 01:56:38,584 --> 01:56:41,104 and other lands in the city for surplus. It's not 1723 01:56:41,104 --> 01:56:45,224 just these four areas. This is a continuous, ongoing review. 1724 01:56:45,224 --> 01:56:48,025 It's not one and done. And I just want to 1725 01:56:48,025 --> 01:56:53,889 confirm that, please. Ask manager Walker to respond. Through the 1726 01:56:53,889 --> 01:56:57,374 chair. That is correct. We have for us since 2023, 1727 01:56:57,374 --> 01:57:00,414 but undergoing an exercise to identify city owned lands for 1728 01:57:00,414 --> 01:57:03,774 housing and we brought various reports before council to that 1729 01:57:03,774 --> 01:57:06,854 effect, including the extent of lands we've looked at. We 1730 01:57:06,854 --> 01:57:09,094 also review our land holdings on an annual basis to 1731 01:57:09,094 --> 01:57:13,774 determine additional lands that are no longer required for active 1732 01:57:13,774 --> 01:57:16,562 municipal use or things that might be. Suitable to look 1733 01:57:16,562 --> 01:57:21,745 at surplusing for housing. City manager, please? Sure. If I 1734 01:57:21,745 --> 01:57:25,625 may. Through you. Just to supplement that, there is no 1735 01:57:25,625 --> 01:57:29,585 doubt that. We are still focused on intensification or densification, 1736 01:57:29,585 --> 01:57:32,625 whichever word you want to use. In the urban course. 1737 01:57:32,625 --> 01:57:35,745 That's where most of our incentive programs exist, and that's 1738 01:57:35,745 --> 01:57:39,805 where the priority is. However, we also need to. Take 1739 01:57:39,805 --> 01:57:43,525 advantage of opportunities as they present themselves. We put out 1740 01:57:43,525 --> 01:57:48,125 requests for development proposals, and these four developments came to 1741 01:57:48,125 --> 01:57:51,485 the fore. We need to pursue all options as we 1742 01:57:51,485 --> 01:57:54,965 go forward, not to meet. Half targets, not to get 1743 01:57:54,965 --> 01:57:58,725 the next half incentive. That is not our motivation at 1744 01:57:58,725 --> 01:58:05,152 all. Our. Motivation is to ensure. We have sufficient housing 1745 01:58:05,152 --> 01:58:08,362 within the city, thank you. Thank you very much for 1746 01:58:08,362 --> 01:58:16,273 that answer. Any further speakers Council Agarwell, please. Thank you 1747 01:58:16,273 --> 01:58:20,175 very much. Chair. I have a couple of questions. I 1748 01:58:20,175 --> 01:58:25,619 just like one major point clarification. One of the deputies 1749 01:58:25,619 --> 01:58:31,492 made a comment. Cody Lane in regards to. A media 1750 01:58:31,492 --> 01:58:38,892 release. A vote. Can you please clarify? City manager. Calling 1751 01:58:38,892 --> 01:58:43,212 that 10,000 per acre. These are the self sustaining for 1752 01:58:43,212 --> 01:58:49,386 land, 10,000 per acre revenue. For single family and $100,000 1753 01:58:49,386 --> 01:58:55,697 an acre for multi residential. I'm kind of confused because 1754 01:58:55,697 --> 01:59:02,640 an acre of land being 43,000 sqft. Would generate more 1755 01:59:02,640 --> 01:59:06,352 than. One house or two houses, which would not be 1756 01:59:06,352 --> 01:59:10,870 10,000. Dollars in revenue. I'm not sure. I didn't see 1757 01:59:10,870 --> 01:59:14,270 that news article, so I don't. Know where that commentary 1758 01:59:14,270 --> 01:59:17,365 came from. Chair through you. I do know that city 1759 01:59:17,365 --> 01:59:21,085 manager Colin did step out of the room temporarily during 1760 01:59:21,085 --> 01:59:25,605 the deputation. I don't have those specific numbers today, but 1761 01:59:25,605 --> 01:59:30,091 certainly that is something. That. I can report back to 1762 01:59:30,091 --> 01:59:33,291 the gross standing and confirm those numbers, but what we 1763 01:59:33,291 --> 01:59:37,531 can say is we know that multi residential construction has 1764 01:59:37,531 --> 01:59:40,731 a greater return on investment as compared to single family 1765 01:59:40,731 --> 01:59:42,931 residential. Homes, and I believe that that was what the 1766 01:59:42,931 --> 01:59:46,578 deputy was referring to. Okay? I have a concern about. 1767 01:59:48,559 --> 01:59:54,598 The commentary only because. The $10,000. A square per acre. 1768 01:59:56,711 --> 01:59:59,191 Would actually yield seven homes and seven homes in new 1769 01:59:59,191 --> 02:00:04,351 construction in today's world would bring about $35,000 a year 1770 02:00:04,351 --> 02:00:07,711 in income based on the 43,000 sqft, which is an 1771 02:00:07,711 --> 02:00:10,191 acre is and which would yield for the 50 x 1772 02:00:10,191 --> 02:00:12,551 120 lots. I just want to make sure the information 1773 02:00:12,551 --> 02:00:13,911 is clear. I don't know if it was said or 1774 02:00:13,911 --> 02:00:18,774 not because. I did not hear the. News broadcast. So 1775 02:00:18,774 --> 02:00:21,734 that just would like that to have that. If we 1776 02:00:21,734 --> 02:00:25,635 are messaging, we should be correct on our messaging. My 1777 02:00:25,635 --> 02:00:30,079 next question is. There has been commentary for many years 1778 02:00:30,079 --> 02:00:37,429 about overpasses coming over our highway, our 1117. Possibly at 1779 02:00:37,429 --> 02:00:46,127 red river, at john street. At. Oliver. At the major 1780 02:00:46,127 --> 02:00:53,171 intersections. The property in question about John Tokyo. Have we 1781 02:00:53,171 --> 02:00:56,171 looked at the potential of. I don't know where we 1782 02:00:56,171 --> 02:00:59,091 are in communications with the ministry of transportation. If an 1783 02:00:59,091 --> 02:01:04,335 overpass is coming there. What kind of traffic impact that 1784 02:01:04,335 --> 02:01:11,501 would cause if. Any. Spanish award can respond. Thank you. 1785 02:01:11,501 --> 02:01:15,759 Through the chair. The Ministry of Transportation is proposing John 1786 02:01:15,759 --> 02:01:19,223 Street Road to be a flyover in the future. When 1787 02:01:19,223 --> 02:01:20,623 in the future? We don't know. Of course, as that's 1788 02:01:20,623 --> 02:01:23,863 what the province. To decide that. But in the end, 1789 02:01:23,863 --> 02:01:27,743 there will not be any direct highway access from John 1790 02:01:27,743 --> 02:01:31,063 in the future. That being said, that's where the northwest 1791 02:01:31,063 --> 02:01:36,103 arterial also comes into play, and the future interchange proposed 1792 02:01:36,103 --> 02:01:40,149 near golflinks and Riviera as well to provide another. Connection. 1793 02:01:40,149 --> 02:01:44,512 That being said, The exact traffic implications to every intersection 1794 02:01:44,512 --> 02:01:47,392 along that corridor when that happens are not fully known 1795 02:01:47,392 --> 02:01:49,352 as it is a long term project and these things 1796 02:01:49,352 --> 02:01:52,152 will have to be monitored as well. We have had 1797 02:01:52,152 --> 02:01:54,632 some recent meetings with the Ministry of Transportation around these 1798 02:01:54,632 --> 02:01:57,672 exact topics. Given that they are advancing some of their 1799 02:01:57,672 --> 02:02:01,192 preliminary designs, and we've asked those same questions to get 1800 02:02:01,192 --> 02:02:03,848 more information around. The direct. Impacts to our intersections as 1801 02:02:03,848 --> 02:02:06,408 a result of their proposed works, and those conversations are 1802 02:02:06,408 --> 02:02:11,687 ongoing. Okay, so. This intersection where we're looking at. The 1803 02:02:11,687 --> 02:02:16,887 proposed 300 Tokyo is quite close to that area, so 1804 02:02:16,887 --> 02:02:20,799 if that is a designated overpass, The traffic will definitely 1805 02:02:20,799 --> 02:02:24,626 be increasing because that would no longer have access. Into 1806 02:02:24,626 --> 02:02:31,803 the expressway. That is a concern to me. And the 1807 02:02:31,803 --> 02:02:36,143 last question would be into the parks we've invested. How 1808 02:02:36,143 --> 02:02:39,823 long ago did we invest into that trail that paved. 1809 02:02:41,784 --> 02:02:49,260 And lit. On the. 791 rendell street so there's been 1810 02:02:49,260 --> 02:02:53,675 a substantial investment by the city Into that trail piece. 1811 02:02:53,675 --> 02:02:56,115 How long ago was it? And how much maintenance have 1812 02:02:56,115 --> 02:03:01,245 we done? Into that area. Through the chair. I don't 1813 02:03:01,245 --> 02:03:08,658 remember the exact date. It was around the 2015. It 1814 02:03:08,658 --> 02:03:13,258 was part of a grant project through Transcanada trail, so 1815 02:03:13,258 --> 02:03:17,017 I think we paid for half of it. And the 1816 02:03:17,017 --> 02:03:21,779 transgender trail paid the other half. That trail. There's not 1817 02:03:21,779 --> 02:03:24,899 really a magic to it being in that exact location. 1818 02:03:24,899 --> 02:03:28,720 It can move around in space a bit. To suit 1819 02:03:28,720 --> 02:03:32,160 the development and work with the developer to make sure 1820 02:03:32,160 --> 02:03:35,760 that that access is still maintained. Both from Toledo and 1821 02:03:35,760 --> 02:03:45,437 Arundo. Thank you, your worship, please. Thank you, speaker. My 1822 02:03:45,437 --> 02:03:52,842 questions. Will be primarily. On our comparators to other municipalities 1823 02:03:52,842 --> 02:03:59,184 our size, both provincially and nationally, because. We from our 1824 02:03:59,184 --> 02:04:03,722 marketing standpoint. I'm under the understanding that we market the 1825 02:04:03,722 --> 02:04:07,882 fact that we have a high percentage of zoned recreational 1826 02:04:07,882 --> 02:04:13,585 area. Areas as well as facilities. And that goes to. 1827 02:04:16,491 --> 02:04:21,968 Say? Unidentified non specified green spaces, as well as lengthy 1828 02:04:21,968 --> 02:04:27,767 parks and trails that people can use. So anybody from 1829 02:04:27,767 --> 02:04:32,167 administration want to address that issue of where we stand 1830 02:04:32,167 --> 02:04:40,726 in terms of. National. Comparators. For such facilities and benefits. 1831 02:04:43,059 --> 02:04:48,219 I'll begin to answer and ask Supervisor Schwarz to add 1832 02:04:48,219 --> 02:04:51,539 to this. So Thunder Bay. Absolutely. Prides itself in its 1833 02:04:51,539 --> 02:04:57,678 high quality of life. And it's a great service that 1834 02:04:57,678 --> 02:05:02,438 it provides in terms of active and passive parkland. And 1835 02:05:02,438 --> 02:05:09,152 active transportation networks. The Thunder bay does have a relatively 1836 02:05:09,152 --> 02:05:13,266 high proportion. Of open space parkland in comparison to some 1837 02:05:13,266 --> 02:05:20,235 other municipalities and Alaska supervisors. Schwartz Library. So the next 1838 02:05:20,235 --> 02:05:27,071 logical question. Is. The sign that we're familiar with. Outside 1839 02:05:27,071 --> 02:05:35,369 the city. has above 100,000 but Not quite. Achieving what 1840 02:05:35,369 --> 02:05:38,609 we believe in other circles, whether it's the dsobs or 1841 02:05:38,609 --> 02:05:44,191 some of these. Health units that our population. Is somewhat 1842 02:05:44,191 --> 02:05:47,871 over 150,000. We hear that more and more frequently from 1843 02:05:47,871 --> 02:05:52,099 the boards and committees. That we are on. How will 1844 02:05:52,099 --> 02:05:56,299 we ever get some acknowledgment about what our population is 1845 02:05:56,299 --> 02:06:05,036 so that these issues. Of financing. Are addressed because. This 1846 02:06:05,036 --> 02:06:10,003 is one of our justifications for infilling. Chair through you 1847 02:06:10,003 --> 02:06:14,596 to his worship. This point was brought up by several 1848 02:06:14,596 --> 02:06:17,836 counselors, including the mayor, during our discussions on the smart 1849 02:06:17,836 --> 02:06:20,916 growth action plan when it was first introduced, which led 1850 02:06:20,916 --> 02:06:24,516 to an additional action item being inserted into the plan 1851 02:06:24,516 --> 02:06:29,564 to try to. Better. Represent the real population of the 1852 02:06:29,564 --> 02:06:32,444 city of Thunder Bay. The how we will go about 1853 02:06:32,444 --> 02:06:35,124 doing that. Has yet to be determined. Again, the smart 1854 02:06:35,124 --> 02:06:38,324 growth action plan is the what and the why. The 1855 02:06:38,324 --> 02:06:41,004 how has to follow. Clearly, we have to work in 1856 02:06:41,004 --> 02:06:44,284 close collaboration with Statscan for that because we can put 1857 02:06:44,284 --> 02:06:46,724 whatever number we want up on the signs, but unless 1858 02:06:46,724 --> 02:06:50,785 the federal. Government agrees with that number. We're not going 1859 02:06:50,785 --> 02:06:54,225 to get any additional funding. So it is identified within 1860 02:06:54,225 --> 02:06:56,785 the smart gross action plan as one of the items 1861 02:06:56,785 --> 02:07:00,800 that we need to address as we move forward. Then 1862 02:07:00,800 --> 02:07:05,070 my third question would be. Can we meet any of 1863 02:07:05,070 --> 02:07:10,865 our targets with just single family units? And how much. 1864 02:07:12,596 --> 02:07:15,717 Money is at stake for us. Chair. I'm going to 1865 02:07:15,717 --> 02:07:20,259 take the first part of this because I think. It's 1866 02:07:20,259 --> 02:07:23,757 a very compelling point. In a good year in the 1867 02:07:23,757 --> 02:07:28,637 city of Thunder Bay, we have averaged between 253 hundred 1868 02:07:28,637 --> 02:07:31,837 units built. Per year, and that's in a good year. 1869 02:07:35,107 --> 02:07:38,587 Just to address the current need. Forget about growth. Just 1870 02:07:38,587 --> 02:07:47,793 to identify to address the current need. We need. 1100 1871 02:07:47,793 --> 02:07:51,993 additional units, and that number grows annually. So we will 1872 02:07:51,993 --> 02:07:54,553 never get there from here if we continue down the 1873 02:07:54,553 --> 02:07:58,153 model we have now of building 250 to 300 units 1874 02:07:58,153 --> 02:08:03,385 a year. We need mass construction to address the need, 1875 02:08:03,385 --> 02:08:07,105 not to address growth to address the need, and then 1876 02:08:07,105 --> 02:08:09,025 after that, we will start to work on the growth. 1877 02:08:10,400 --> 02:08:18,907 Thank you. Thank you. Second round, then councilor Trini. Go 1878 02:08:18,907 --> 02:08:22,187 ahead. Thank you. Thank you. Through the chair. And I 1879 02:08:22,187 --> 02:08:24,107 hope I get a little leniency. On asking this question 1880 02:08:24,107 --> 02:08:27,067 because I know we're talking about surplus lands, but some 1881 02:08:27,067 --> 02:08:29,507 of the citizens that came to the front and asked 1882 02:08:29,507 --> 02:08:34,494 questions about, for example, Simpson street. Why aren't, we. Building 1883 02:08:34,494 --> 02:08:39,700 on Simpson Street. And Growth Committee on November the 25th 1884 02:08:39,700 --> 02:08:44,030 talked about. A new but old. I'll call a revitalized 1885 02:08:44,030 --> 02:08:47,150 program that we have right now. And it's going to 1886 02:08:47,150 --> 02:08:51,550 be enhanced by the spring, which is bacon dilapidated buildings 1887 02:08:51,550 --> 02:08:53,950 program and I'm just wondering if you could. Because we 1888 02:08:53,950 --> 02:08:55,710 can't just go to Simpson street. And say, I want 1889 02:08:55,710 --> 02:08:58,892 this property, this property and this property. We don't own 1890 02:08:58,892 --> 02:09:01,892 the properties. We can't just start. Councilor, this is on. 1891 02:09:01,892 --> 02:09:05,172 Surplus. These individual properties and the developments will come forward. 1892 02:09:06,656 --> 02:09:09,576 At a later date fair, but they were talking about, 1893 02:09:09,576 --> 02:09:12,256 why aren't we building on these? Other sites. And there's 1894 02:09:12,256 --> 02:09:14,936 reasons why it's not just simple. And so I thought, 1895 02:09:14,936 --> 02:09:16,896 I would just. That's why I asked for the leniency 1896 02:09:16,896 --> 02:09:19,550 to say that we. Have a program coming. Thank you. 1897 02:09:22,517 --> 02:09:27,719 Councilor Pascalino, please. Thank you very much. And through chair. 1898 02:09:29,987 --> 02:09:33,867 I realize that growth has to happen in the city. 1899 02:09:36,699 --> 02:09:44,043 It is difficult. And ideally. We would have opportunities, and 1900 02:09:44,043 --> 02:09:47,763 there'd be a lineup for places on Simpson street and 1901 02:09:47,763 --> 02:09:50,883 the people that own the places on Simpson street would 1902 02:09:50,883 --> 02:09:57,916 want to. Build. Massive or in big units. My concern 1903 02:09:57,916 --> 02:10:00,396 as a city councilor, and this is my question to 1904 02:10:00,396 --> 02:10:06,923 administration. Is to make sure. That. What we're going to 1905 02:10:06,923 --> 02:10:12,286 do. Is actually doable, that it works, and I believe 1906 02:10:12,286 --> 02:10:16,440 that that isn't impossible. I think that I've looked at 1907 02:10:16,440 --> 02:10:20,520 other cities that have grown, and it was beneficial to 1908 02:10:20,520 --> 02:10:24,715 them. Milton comes to mind. Was from a small community. 1909 02:10:26,266 --> 02:10:28,106 There are well over 100,000 now, and that was all 1910 02:10:28,106 --> 02:10:34,590 in about 20 years. It's really important that. What we 1911 02:10:34,590 --> 02:10:39,204 do. We do is write, and that. There is. The 1912 02:10:39,204 --> 02:10:42,418 infrastructure to back it up. So a lot of the 1913 02:10:42,418 --> 02:10:44,418 concerns, not all of them, but a lot of the 1914 02:10:44,418 --> 02:10:48,138 concerns of the people in the audience today is they 1915 02:10:48,138 --> 02:10:50,338 want to make sure that when they flush the toilet, 1916 02:10:51,969 --> 02:10:54,009 That things work, that they have water pressure so that 1917 02:10:54,009 --> 02:10:57,737 they can fight fires, so that. There could be road 1918 02:10:57,737 --> 02:11:04,331 infrastructure and sidewalks, because I think. The other thing that 1919 02:11:04,331 --> 02:11:08,518 they talked about also was. Well, we're going to build 1920 02:11:08,518 --> 02:11:13,008 all this housing and. There's not going to be the. 1921 02:11:13,628 --> 02:11:16,308 Businesses close by. But it's like the chicken and the 1922 02:11:16,308 --> 02:11:19,028 egg. What does comes first does the houses come and 1923 02:11:19,028 --> 02:11:22,802 then businesses look at it as an opportunity. So I 1924 02:11:22,802 --> 02:11:26,767 realize that this is new. I will say that no 1925 02:11:26,767 --> 02:11:32,916 matter what we say tonight, Vote it anyway. It's going 1926 02:11:32,916 --> 02:11:38,167 to go through city council and. That will be. Their 1927 02:11:38,167 --> 02:11:42,792 decision, not just the people here. But what I'm asking, 1928 02:11:42,792 --> 02:11:48,339 administration, is that how can we make it clear? That 1929 02:11:48,339 --> 02:11:54,953 we can give. To the people here that are concerned 1930 02:11:54,953 --> 02:12:01,633 about. The logistics of this and how that. It's not 1931 02:12:01,633 --> 02:12:03,433 going to have to be. The worst thing that can 1932 02:12:03,433 --> 02:12:05,793 happen is that we go ahead and build a large 1933 02:12:05,793 --> 02:12:10,014 building. And then think that we're doing it on. Let's 1934 02:12:10,014 --> 02:12:12,374 say we do it on. A shoestring string budget and 1935 02:12:12,374 --> 02:12:14,534 then have to do it over again. So those are 1936 02:12:14,534 --> 02:12:17,054 the things that I think that people are concerned about. 1937 02:12:19,606 --> 02:12:24,034 I know that there are. Huge. Traffic issues on Golf 1938 02:12:24,034 --> 02:12:28,730 links Road. There's a lot of building going there. There's 1939 02:12:28,730 --> 02:12:32,010 a large box store there's. Another mall going in. There's 1940 02:12:32,010 --> 02:12:35,490 1200 units going in on Central Avenue. There's more on 1941 02:12:35,490 --> 02:12:40,130 Burwood. There's another 200 on there, and already I know 1942 02:12:40,130 --> 02:12:44,290 there's. Traffic issues there already. So what I'd like to 1943 02:12:44,290 --> 02:12:49,859 see is that. We on council and administration work together 1944 02:12:49,859 --> 02:12:52,929 to address it. So that you don't need a civil 1945 02:12:52,929 --> 02:12:56,369 engineering degree, but you can see some planning that's. Gone 1946 02:12:56,369 --> 02:13:00,370 into this thing. So maybe you can comment on that. 1947 02:13:00,370 --> 02:13:03,657 Thank you. Chair through you to the councilor, and I 1948 02:13:03,657 --> 02:13:08,539 am going to try to articulate. The views of administration 1949 02:13:08,539 --> 02:13:12,495 in a very simple manner. When a major construction project 1950 02:13:12,495 --> 02:13:16,295 is undertaken, and these will be major construction projects, it's 1951 02:13:16,295 --> 02:13:19,055 not as simple as we want to build. Buy the 1952 02:13:19,055 --> 02:13:22,089 land, and we're going to build it. There are all 1953 02:13:22,089 --> 02:13:24,689 sorts of checks and balances in place, be it traffic 1954 02:13:24,689 --> 02:13:30,609 studies, water studies, wastewater studies that occur as part of 1955 02:13:30,609 --> 02:13:34,929 the normal development process. Before permits would ever be issued, 1956 02:13:34,929 --> 02:13:38,169 there's. Also our site plan control system that we have 1957 02:13:38,169 --> 02:13:40,689 in place, and we've identified that. All four of these 1958 02:13:40,689 --> 02:13:44,133 would be under site plan. Control to address other issues, 1959 02:13:44,133 --> 02:13:49,781 such as access. Beautification, setbacks, et cetera. So all of. 1960 02:13:51,463 --> 02:13:56,924 Those things will happen behind the scenes. And. Approvals are 1961 02:13:56,924 --> 02:14:01,468 required from council, they will come forward to council. The 1962 02:14:01,468 --> 02:14:05,348 process we use for major construction is extremely robust, and 1963 02:14:05,348 --> 02:14:07,588 I would hazard to say that almost all of the 1964 02:14:07,588 --> 02:14:10,268 questions, in fact, I think all of the questions that 1965 02:14:10,268 --> 02:14:13,908 were asked by various deputies this evening. Perfectly legitimate questions. 1966 02:14:15,966 --> 02:14:19,486 And probably without exception, they will all be answered through 1967 02:14:19,486 --> 02:14:24,886 our various mechanisms, studies, reviews and permitting processes that we 1968 02:14:24,886 --> 02:14:27,246 have in place within the city. I'll also make a 1969 02:14:27,246 --> 02:14:33,104 slight diversionary comment. About smart growth. The growth plan that 1970 02:14:33,104 --> 02:14:37,064 is before council for approval tomorrow evening is intentionally called 1971 02:14:37,064 --> 02:14:40,344 a smart growth action. Plan. In it, we talk about 1972 02:14:40,344 --> 02:14:45,864 environmental stewardship, financial sustainability and other key aspects that will 1973 02:14:45,864 --> 02:14:49,144 also be pervasive in all of our processes and procedures. 1974 02:14:49,144 --> 02:14:52,039 So I think. Your concern chair through you to the 1975 02:14:52,039 --> 02:14:56,371 counselor. Is a legitimate one to express. I believe the 1976 02:14:56,371 --> 02:15:00,503 checks and balances are in place to address it. Thank 1977 02:15:00,503 --> 02:15:02,343 you. Second. That was five minutes. You can go on 1978 02:15:02,343 --> 02:15:09,986 a second. Round. Councilor Aguilar, please. thank you I have 1979 02:15:09,986 --> 02:15:12,226 a couple of questions here. Two of the lots in 1980 02:15:12,226 --> 02:15:16,530 particular. One on Tokyo and one on Fanshaw or musk 1981 02:15:16,530 --> 02:15:19,570 ache. The proposed developments that are in front of us. 1982 02:15:19,570 --> 02:15:26,736 Say six stories. Six stories. Would require pile foundation. And 1983 02:15:26,736 --> 02:15:29,736 I know that because 145 Fanshaw was a development that 1984 02:15:29,736 --> 02:15:34,367 I was involved in 1992. The pile foundation will require 1985 02:15:34,367 --> 02:15:39,176 the heavy power length to be pounded in which. Will 1986 02:15:39,176 --> 02:15:44,496 then shock the foundational areas of the neighboring housing. The 1987 02:15:44,496 --> 02:15:47,416 last two buildings that were built at 147 149. Fanshaw 1988 02:15:47,416 --> 02:15:49,936 did not have pile foundation and did not go to 1989 02:15:49,936 --> 02:15:54,528 six stories just for the reasons of piles. Have we 1990 02:15:54,528 --> 02:15:57,408 taken that into consideration or the proponents that come to 1991 02:15:57,408 --> 02:16:01,248 you taking that into consideration? Because the effect of pile 1992 02:16:01,248 --> 02:16:05,611 pounding through that Musc ache for holding the building. Might. 1993 02:16:05,611 --> 02:16:09,501 How that would. Interact with their houses and their foundations. 1994 02:16:09,501 --> 02:16:12,877 Yes. So through the chair, as noted here, we're at 1995 02:16:12,877 --> 02:16:16,814 the. Fairly early stage where we're considering whether this land 1996 02:16:16,814 --> 02:16:21,504 may be available for housing. Any future development of the 1997 02:16:21,504 --> 02:16:24,264 property would be properly designed and engineered in such a 1998 02:16:24,264 --> 02:16:33,361 way that. The foundation is suitable for the soils. So. 1999 02:16:34,108 --> 02:16:37,068 Where pile foundations are required. And they very well would. 2000 02:16:37,068 --> 02:16:41,539 Maybe in this case. And that foundation is engineered and 2001 02:16:41,539 --> 02:16:46,271 reviewed by our team. And there are instances where vibration 2002 02:16:46,271 --> 02:16:52,168 monitoring is. Thank you, chair. On that. My concern is 2003 02:16:52,168 --> 02:16:54,808 that when we brought these parcels that come forward and 2004 02:16:54,808 --> 02:16:57,968 the demonstrations that we have on the land. Show us. 2005 02:16:57,968 --> 02:17:02,128 Six story, heavy density. Right. This should be a forefront 2006 02:17:02,128 --> 02:17:04,368 condition. To be looked at in advance prior to bringing 2007 02:17:04,368 --> 02:17:08,798 it to the public so they know. What kind of 2008 02:17:08,798 --> 02:17:11,478 challenges they may or may not be. The next question 2009 02:17:11,478 --> 02:17:15,656 do I have. Through you, chair is the city. Do 2010 02:17:15,656 --> 02:17:18,696 we, as a city, have what controls other than site 2011 02:17:18,696 --> 02:17:22,310 plan? Control. Do we have in the way of controls 2012 02:17:22,310 --> 02:17:26,430 or guidelines to mitigate the community that has brought forward 2013 02:17:26,430 --> 02:17:30,110 their concerns. How do we mitigate them? Is it only 2014 02:17:30,110 --> 02:17:35,710 site plan control? That. They'll have or is there? Any 2015 02:17:35,710 --> 02:17:39,749 other guideline. Guidelines in place to allow for what they 2016 02:17:39,749 --> 02:17:44,826 brought forward to us today. Well, there are many guidelines 2017 02:17:44,826 --> 02:17:48,506 and strategies that guide development, including the urban design guidelines. 2018 02:17:50,215 --> 02:17:55,020 In this instance. The administration will be taking. The feedback 2019 02:17:55,020 --> 02:17:58,700 away and having discussions with the developer to have a 2020 02:17:58,700 --> 02:18:06,036 preliminary discussion about. How the developer receives. The input that's 2021 02:18:06,036 --> 02:18:10,918 been provided to this point. And me. Be willing to 2022 02:18:10,918 --> 02:18:16,570 adjust the development. To assist with the neighborhood concerns. My 2023 02:18:16,570 --> 02:18:20,429 third question, then, based on that response, Chair. We're looking 2024 02:18:20,429 --> 02:18:25,229 at selling these lands to increase development, increase income growth 2025 02:18:25,229 --> 02:18:28,709 for our community. We have heard that this really high 2026 02:18:28,709 --> 02:18:33,029 extra density is a concern to all these neighborhoods. The 2027 02:18:33,029 --> 02:18:34,869 only one we did not have a concern with was 2028 02:18:34,869 --> 02:18:41,779 the downtown infill core on camel. So the value of 2029 02:18:41,779 --> 02:18:46,030 the land. The value of income to our city. If 2030 02:18:46,030 --> 02:18:50,070 we reduce the density, will it be feasible? Will it? 2031 02:18:50,070 --> 02:18:52,390 Have the same return. And would it have the same 2032 02:18:52,390 --> 02:18:58,111 necessity to make these lots surplus? Through the chair. The 2033 02:18:58,111 --> 02:19:05,650 goal of administration. Is, should counsel declare these land surplus 2034 02:19:05,650 --> 02:19:08,850 to work with a developer to refine a suitable development? 2035 02:19:08,850 --> 02:19:14,320 Proposal for the lands. It may be the case that 2036 02:19:14,320 --> 02:19:17,760 the development needs to be reduced due to what the 2037 02:19:17,760 --> 02:19:20,680 land can sustain and what is appropriate for the neighborhood. 2038 02:19:22,236 --> 02:19:27,267 And that very well may. Affect. Values, including assessment values. 2039 02:19:27,267 --> 02:19:34,092 However, It is an appropriate use of land. Good use 2040 02:19:34,092 --> 02:19:42,117 of existing infrastructure and amenities. Are all important factors which. 2041 02:19:45,330 --> 02:19:50,493 The city. Administration wishes. To find a good fit. Yeah, 2042 02:19:50,493 --> 02:19:53,493 you're allowed more. Three. But that was five minutes. Okay. 2043 02:19:53,493 --> 02:20:02,573 Thank you. Clerk Walters, can we put to first? Councilor 2044 02:20:02,573 --> 02:20:05,916 Pascalino's second round. Thank you very much. And through the 2045 02:20:05,916 --> 02:20:11,673 chair. My question. Is, how does our city rate compare 2046 02:20:11,673 --> 02:20:18,623 to other cities? In Ontario, maybe even northern Ontario with 2047 02:20:18,623 --> 02:20:21,223 the green space. I know that a lot of people. 2048 02:20:23,059 --> 02:20:26,493 Were talking about. They're going to lose their green space. 2049 02:20:28,410 --> 02:20:32,924 By their location. How are we for parks and for 2050 02:20:32,924 --> 02:20:37,200 trails and all of that? So through the chair. We 2051 02:20:37,200 --> 02:20:40,920 have participated in benchmarking studies in the past, and there 2052 02:20:40,920 --> 02:20:45,200 are two metrics for Parkland. So the one is total 2053 02:20:45,200 --> 02:20:51,848 amount of Parkland. And that we score quite high. In 2054 02:20:51,848 --> 02:20:55,328 probably the top ten percentile, but that includes all of 2055 02:20:55,328 --> 02:21:00,888 our undeveloped parkland. So things like Centennial Park, Trowgridge, whole 2056 02:21:00,888 --> 02:21:04,008 Bogart Lake complex that somewhat skews that. And that it 2057 02:21:04,008 --> 02:21:08,900 really increases. Our total amount of parkland per person. The 2058 02:21:08,900 --> 02:21:13,620 second metric is on developed parkland and developed Parkland. We're 2059 02:21:13,620 --> 02:21:21,161 about average. Now further to that response. One of the 2060 02:21:21,161 --> 02:21:25,361 aspects that administration did consider when identifying lands that could 2061 02:21:25,361 --> 02:21:30,121 potentially be declared surplus news. For housing was to review 2062 02:21:30,121 --> 02:21:35,460 the amenity spaces that are nearby. That and the availability 2063 02:21:35,460 --> 02:21:45,335 of infrastructure support the development. Just last 2064 02:21:45,335 --> 02:21:49,358 point, and as what I brought up earlier, Typically what. 2065 02:21:50,937 --> 02:21:56,460 Happens. Like I was talking about the businesses versus. The 2066 02:21:56,460 --> 02:22:00,323 residents. Which one comes first? And is there any comment 2067 02:22:00,323 --> 02:22:04,828 on that? Like. Is this a good way to put 2068 02:22:04,828 --> 02:22:07,588 up the buildings and the residents and then to have. 2069 02:22:09,271 --> 02:22:14,941 The businesses come next. Chair through you. I'll begin. What 2070 02:22:14,941 --> 02:22:18,381 studies have shown is that businesses establish themselves where there's 2071 02:22:18,381 --> 02:22:22,770 a need. If you have a greater population inherently, you 2072 02:22:22,770 --> 02:22:27,471 will have additional businesses that establish themselves. Exactly which businesses 2073 02:22:27,471 --> 02:22:31,911 would establish themselves at these. In proximity to these locations, 2074 02:22:31,911 --> 02:22:34,391 we can't predict. At this point, but when you get 2075 02:22:34,391 --> 02:22:38,711 increased population, there's increased demand for services, and that increases 2076 02:22:38,711 --> 02:22:43,904 businesses. We have heard anecdotally. That a number of businesses 2077 02:22:43,904 --> 02:22:47,264 are supportive of these initiatives because it will bring more 2078 02:22:47,264 --> 02:22:50,984 population into the area around where their business is established. 2079 02:22:53,371 --> 02:22:58,999 And I don't. Know. I think that addresses it. Subject 2080 02:22:58,999 --> 02:23:01,359 to follow on by the councilor. Thank you. Thank you. 2081 02:23:02,569 --> 02:23:08,322 Second round. Your worship. Mayor Poshka, thanks again. We have 2082 02:23:08,322 --> 02:23:12,482 been recognized by the provincial and federal governments and granted. 2083 02:23:15,145 --> 02:23:22,822 Millions of dollars. By meeting targets. What impact would that 2084 02:23:22,822 --> 02:23:28,989 have? On our ability to continue funding. If we decide 2085 02:23:28,989 --> 02:23:34,445 not to keep building. And say. We don't want any 2086 02:23:34,445 --> 02:23:37,525 more population or we don't want better housing for people. 2087 02:23:39,024 --> 02:23:41,664 Chair through you to his worship. Two parts to that 2088 02:23:41,664 --> 02:23:46,165 answer. First of all, to be clear, The motivation behind. 2089 02:23:47,477 --> 02:23:50,437 Asking council to declare these properties surplus is to address 2090 02:23:50,437 --> 02:23:54,197 the housing need, not simply to go chasing money. That 2091 02:23:54,197 --> 02:23:59,201 said. The federal and provincial incentives through the Housing Accelerator 2092 02:23:59,201 --> 02:24:04,155 Fund and the building faster fund. Help in that it 2093 02:24:04,155 --> 02:24:07,635 provides us with funding to provide incentives to build more. 2094 02:24:09,605 --> 02:24:12,565 So if we continue to meet our targets, we get 2095 02:24:12,565 --> 02:24:15,285 all of those incentives and we take that. Money and 2096 02:24:15,285 --> 02:24:18,485 we roll it over into additional incentives to build even 2097 02:24:18,485 --> 02:24:21,485 more housing. But at the end, of the day. Our 2098 02:24:21,485 --> 02:24:25,165 primary objective is not to get money. Our primary objective 2099 02:24:25,165 --> 02:24:28,005 is to build housing. If we achieve targets, we get 2100 02:24:28,005 --> 02:24:33,599 more money. The second part of that is that some 2101 02:24:33,599 --> 02:24:36,279 people have said that that money will always be there. 2102 02:24:37,827 --> 02:24:42,859 Through the other orders of government, provincially and federally. But 2103 02:24:42,859 --> 02:24:49,824 over my time. I have seen ebbs and flows. So 2104 02:24:49,824 --> 02:24:53,408 is there any urgency that. We ensure that we are 2105 02:24:53,408 --> 02:24:57,848 on these lists. With the funding caps, that type of 2106 02:24:57,848 --> 02:25:02,067 thing. Chair through you to his worship. I'll give a 2107 02:25:02,067 --> 02:25:04,787 very short answer. The funding wasn't. There two years ago, 2108 02:25:04,787 --> 02:25:07,827 before half started. So this notion that it will always 2109 02:25:07,827 --> 02:25:13,600 be there, regardless. Of whether we achieve targets. I do 2110 02:25:13,600 --> 02:25:17,227 not believe that would be a valid assertion. Thank you. 2111 02:25:18,971 --> 02:25:23,848 Thank you. Just on first round for myself. I just 2112 02:25:23,848 --> 02:25:25,968 want to let everyone know that this will come to 2113 02:25:25,968 --> 02:25:30,652 council in January. No matter. Whether it's endorsed by this 2114 02:25:30,652 --> 02:25:34,487 committee or not. So that's the process, Mr. Clerk. Am 2115 02:25:34,487 --> 02:25:43,428 I correct? Yes. And then Fanshaw and Arundel. If pastor 2116 02:25:43,428 --> 02:25:48,942 council would require. Zoning changes. So there's been opportunity, there 2117 02:25:48,942 --> 02:25:53,045 would be a public opportunity for more engagement. And conversation 2118 02:25:53,045 --> 02:25:57,327 from the community. So just quickly. I'll let you know 2119 02:25:57,327 --> 02:26:02,567 my thoughts. On tokyo street. I'm going to vote in 2120 02:26:02,567 --> 02:26:03,767 favor of that one. I don't have a problem. With 2121 02:26:03,767 --> 02:26:06,087 that one. I'm going to vote in favor of Tupper 2122 02:26:06,087 --> 02:26:08,767 and Camelot street. I'm going to vote in favor of 2123 02:26:08,767 --> 02:26:12,207 Fanshaw. I'm not going to vote. In favor of rundle. 2124 02:26:12,207 --> 02:26:16,807 Fundamentally, I think it's too large of a development for 2125 02:26:16,807 --> 02:26:21,424 that. Property. But having said that, it still will come 2126 02:26:21,424 --> 02:26:24,344 to council. And then if it passes there, it'll. Have 2127 02:26:24,344 --> 02:26:29,428 to go through a zoning. Process as well, which I 2128 02:26:29,428 --> 02:26:31,948 don't believe I would support either, based on the fact 2129 02:26:31,948 --> 02:26:36,794 that I think. That development is too large. 600 units 2130 02:26:36,794 --> 02:26:40,589 on that area. That's my thoughts. And so I remind 2131 02:26:40,589 --> 02:26:44,229 councilors and your worship that there was only. Three rounds. 2132 02:26:44,229 --> 02:26:47,189 Everyone's had two rounds except myself. It was one. And 2133 02:26:47,189 --> 02:26:49,469 so if you want. To speak to all four properties 2134 02:26:49,469 --> 02:26:52,669 like I just have. You only have one round left 2135 02:26:52,669 --> 02:26:56,994 of five. Minutes, so I just don't want you. Getting 2136 02:26:56,994 --> 02:26:59,554 missing out here. So, Mr. Clerk, can we put the 2137 02:26:59,554 --> 02:27:05,294 first property. On the. It should be a third round. 2138 02:27:05,556 --> 02:27:10,288 Third round. Councilor Janey. Thank you. Through the chair. It's 2139 02:27:10,288 --> 02:27:15,834 very interesting. On your rationale, and I know we're not 2140 02:27:15,834 --> 02:27:19,899 supposed to debate. So tonight is about declaring the land 2141 02:27:19,899 --> 02:27:25,446 surplus, but not about the density. Of that land. So 2142 02:27:25,446 --> 02:27:29,046 for my decision tonight, I will be voting on declaring 2143 02:27:29,046 --> 02:27:33,286 at surplus. But I don't. Agree with 600 properties on 2144 02:27:33,286 --> 02:27:37,068 a rundle. I just want to make that clear. I 2145 02:27:37,068 --> 02:27:42,308 don't necessarily agree with what's been designated as well on 2146 02:27:42,308 --> 02:27:44,428 Juneaut. And I'll use Junot instead of Tokyo. I don't 2147 02:27:44,428 --> 02:27:48,683 know where Tokyo came. From. I'm not 100% sold on 2148 02:27:48,683 --> 02:27:52,123 Fanshaw. I am on the downtown core, but those other 2149 02:27:52,123 --> 02:27:56,398 three properties. I'm not really sold. On the densification of 2150 02:27:56,398 --> 02:27:58,958 them. And so, for that reason, I will be voting 2151 02:27:58,958 --> 02:28:01,038 yes to surplus. But I will be very clear on 2152 02:28:01,038 --> 02:28:04,801 that densification piece. I'd like to see more consistency in 2153 02:28:04,801 --> 02:28:09,661 the neighborhood. I know people talked about. The seniors home 2154 02:28:09,661 --> 02:28:12,861 across the street. I know there's lots to talk about. 2155 02:28:12,861 --> 02:28:16,781 Five stories there's. Lots to talk about. Tree heights on 2156 02:28:16,781 --> 02:28:22,318 multiple properties. And so I'd like to see the densification 2157 02:28:22,318 --> 02:28:26,893 smaller. Recognizing from administration that we do have some targets 2158 02:28:26,893 --> 02:28:29,653 to meet, but also recognizing that we're also looking at 2159 02:28:29,653 --> 02:28:33,973 other properties. So for myself, I'm not going to vote 2160 02:28:33,973 --> 02:28:37,173 no because of what's been predicted as a size. Because. 2161 02:28:39,181 --> 02:28:40,461 I will be very strong that I don't agree with 2162 02:28:40,461 --> 02:28:46,752 those sizes. Thank you for that. Mr clerk. The first 2163 02:28:46,752 --> 02:28:50,592 property is Fanchai, I believe. Yes, correct, chair. So the 2164 02:28:50,592 --> 02:28:53,752 first property is municipally. Known as 144 Fanshaw street, to 2165 02:28:53,752 --> 02:28:57,312 be declared surplus to the city's requirements and designated as 2166 02:28:57,312 --> 02:29:01,295 an area of site pond control. Okay. All those in 2167 02:29:01,295 --> 02:29:07,919 favor? Opposed. Penny, that's carried. Next to property. The second 2168 02:29:07,919 --> 02:29:10,239 property is in municipal known as 300 Tokyo street. Once 2169 02:29:10,239 --> 02:29:12,679 again, it would be to be declared as surplus and 2170 02:29:12,679 --> 02:29:16,889 designated as an area of site fund control. Councilor Aguwal. 2171 02:29:16,889 --> 02:29:21,404 Third round. Yes. Thank you very much, judge. Here. Chair. 2172 02:29:21,404 --> 02:29:23,684 I have a big concern about this property, and the 2173 02:29:23,684 --> 02:29:27,684 concern is not development. The concern is the Ministry of 2174 02:29:27,684 --> 02:29:33,899 Transportation. The Ministry of Transportation. Flyover or overpass, whatever it's 2175 02:29:33,899 --> 02:29:37,099 called, is unknown at this time. It's been designated to 2176 02:29:37,099 --> 02:29:40,899 be there. We don't know, and we cannot predict what 2177 02:29:40,899 --> 02:29:44,699 the traffic will. Be to call this land surplus today 2178 02:29:44,699 --> 02:29:48,511 will be a very big concern because. If the ministry 2179 02:29:48,511 --> 02:29:53,365 has to expropriate or we have to do alternate. Traffic 2180 02:29:53,365 --> 02:29:55,725 monitoring in that area. I think it's best that we 2181 02:29:55,725 --> 02:29:58,525 have better and more concrete. Answers from the Ministry of 2182 02:29:58,525 --> 02:30:02,605 Transportation prior to declaring this property surplus. The land will 2183 02:30:02,605 --> 02:30:06,525 be there once we know what's going on, then we 2184 02:30:06,525 --> 02:30:09,125 should make that surplus at that point or a portion 2185 02:30:09,125 --> 02:30:11,885 of it if we need to have more turning lanes 2186 02:30:11,885 --> 02:30:13,917 or if we need to. Use that land to widen 2187 02:30:13,917 --> 02:30:19,037 the streets or make extra property for our own traffic 2188 02:30:19,037 --> 02:30:22,371 flow in that area. That for me is a concern 2189 02:30:22,371 --> 02:30:27,705 for that lot. The lot. On. Since this is my 2190 02:30:27,705 --> 02:30:32,391 last round of conversation, The lot on Camelot. I love 2191 02:30:32,391 --> 02:30:35,471 that intensification. I love the program and the plan. That's 2192 02:30:35,471 --> 02:30:40,178 come forward. And for current river. We need single family 2193 02:30:40,178 --> 02:30:44,058 homes. We need little wartime homes. We need affordable homes. 2194 02:30:45,599 --> 02:30:49,360 We haven't built or designated. Large parcels of land for 2195 02:30:49,360 --> 02:30:52,440 single families. We heard from the young fellow. He wants 2196 02:30:52,440 --> 02:30:55,724 to buy a home. He's not buying an apartment or 2197 02:30:55,724 --> 02:30:59,764 moving an apartment. We have lots of apartments coming up. 2198 02:30:59,764 --> 02:31:03,204 That area is surrounded by single family homes. One of 2199 02:31:03,204 --> 02:31:05,604 the other ladies that I think was the second lady 2200 02:31:05,604 --> 02:31:12,295 that spoke, who had all the data. She mentioned. A 2201 02:31:12,295 --> 02:31:17,368 very mixed use. Lower intensification. Keeping the trails. Make that 2202 02:31:17,368 --> 02:31:23,375 connectivity. For me. I'm in favor of lower density blend 2203 02:31:23,375 --> 02:31:27,415 of mix of single family. Yeah, it doesn't bring as 2204 02:31:27,415 --> 02:31:30,335 many taxes, but it gives the quality of life that 2205 02:31:30,335 --> 02:31:33,655 Thunder Bay has. Been known for. Thunder Bay is a 2206 02:31:33,655 --> 02:31:36,895 single family residential home where you can move here and 2207 02:31:36,895 --> 02:31:39,674 buy a home that you can call your own. You 2208 02:31:39,674 --> 02:31:41,474 want to move to Toronto and live in an apartment, 2209 02:31:41,474 --> 02:31:44,034 you can afford to do that there. Because our rental 2210 02:31:44,034 --> 02:31:46,674 apartment costs are about the same as the Toronto apartment 2211 02:31:46,674 --> 02:31:52,093 costs right now. We need more apartments. But with the 2212 02:31:52,093 --> 02:31:55,413 apartments, there is no more rent control. Anything built after 2213 02:31:55,413 --> 02:32:01,279 2018. Does not have a rent control. So new apartment 2214 02:32:01,279 --> 02:32:06,844 development for intensification for affordable housing. It's not there, we 2215 02:32:06,844 --> 02:32:12,902 have no guarantee. Because new construction does not allow. Rental 2216 02:32:12,902 --> 02:32:17,524 caps like they did prior to the 2018 construction. My 2217 02:32:17,524 --> 02:32:23,315 concern is removing ourselves. From the strategy of what Thunder 2218 02:32:23,315 --> 02:32:26,836 Bay has been known for. Single family homes, a home 2219 02:32:26,836 --> 02:32:29,796 to call your own and make it that we need 2220 02:32:29,796 --> 02:32:34,077 the blend we need some apartments. And one of the 2221 02:32:34,077 --> 02:32:37,757 deputies did speak about freeing up a home, having seniors 2222 02:32:37,757 --> 02:32:40,757 move out of their home into an apartment. That's important 2223 02:32:40,757 --> 02:32:43,837 too. We need homes for the youth, but the 25. 2224 02:32:43,837 --> 02:32:46,357 Year old gentleman that was here. We don't have them. 2225 02:32:48,122 --> 02:32:53,639 Departments, aren't it? So I will vote in favor. For 2226 02:32:53,639 --> 02:32:58,039 Camelot. I will not support Tokyo because I'm concerned that 2227 02:32:58,039 --> 02:33:01,776 we don't. Know enough about Ministry of Transportation. And I 2228 02:33:01,776 --> 02:33:06,756 will vote in favor of Arundel only. With because. It's 2229 02:33:06,756 --> 02:33:09,356 got a rezoning that we will limit the number of 2230 02:33:09,356 --> 02:33:12,796 housing units on. That property. And Fanshaw we voted for 2231 02:33:12,796 --> 02:33:16,841 already. Thank you. Thank you. We have to do the 2232 02:33:16,841 --> 02:33:20,270 07:00 resolution, please. So just committee just at the hour 2233 02:33:20,270 --> 02:33:22,110 being 07:00 p.m. at the standard. Committee continue with the 2234 02:33:22,110 --> 02:33:24,350 business. At this hour? We'd have mover in a seconder. 2235 02:33:24,350 --> 02:33:27,510 Your worship, the calcier Trini. All those in favor? Both 2236 02:33:27,510 --> 02:33:30,550 defending that's carried your. Worship. The third and final round. 2237 02:33:31,785 --> 02:33:35,785 Chair through you. I would ask manager Ward to just 2238 02:33:35,785 --> 02:33:38,625 clarify or amplify the comments he made on the flyover 2239 02:33:38,625 --> 02:33:41,825 for highway 1117 because I believe it is germane to 2240 02:33:41,825 --> 02:33:45,425 the discussion. Manager Ward. Thank you. And through the chair. 2241 02:33:45,425 --> 02:33:49,185 So the Ministry of Transportation has completed their preliminary designs 2242 02:33:49,185 --> 02:33:54,557 for the various. Intersections in the city and at the 2243 02:33:54,557 --> 02:33:57,637 John intersection, they have also identified what lands they need 2244 02:33:57,637 --> 02:34:00,437 for their future flyover, and that's been taken into account 2245 02:34:00,437 --> 02:34:05,864 for these parcels as well, so. Does these lands that 2246 02:34:05,864 --> 02:34:09,450 picked in Tokyo. Are not significantly impacted by the future 2247 02:34:09,450 --> 02:34:12,290 land needs. Notwithstanding the traffic impacts the lands have been 2248 02:34:12,290 --> 02:34:15,530 taken into account already. Okay. Thank you for that clarification, 2249 02:34:15,530 --> 02:34:21,412 your worship. Third found around. Yes. We'll be voting in 2250 02:34:21,412 --> 02:34:25,776 support of all of these to get. Them moving. So 2251 02:34:25,776 --> 02:34:30,362 that we can keep up with the pace. With the 2252 02:34:30,362 --> 02:34:34,642 further understanding that we are under competition for these tens 2253 02:34:34,642 --> 02:34:39,758 of millions of dollars. And that I have absolute faith 2254 02:34:39,758 --> 02:34:42,918 in the planning department. They have heard the concerns of 2255 02:34:42,918 --> 02:34:47,091 those who. Have objections or are worried about certain things. 2256 02:34:48,653 --> 02:34:53,026 That they will be addressed. And I will certainly be 2257 02:34:53,026 --> 02:34:55,906 available to make sure they're followed up on. So I 2258 02:34:55,906 --> 02:35:02,566 would offer that. As we come to a decision. Thank 2259 02:35:02,566 --> 02:35:09,731 you, chair. Thank you, worship. Pasquino council Pascalino. Thank you 2260 02:35:09,731 --> 02:35:12,611 very much. And through the chair, I am going to 2261 02:35:12,611 --> 02:35:16,131 be voting in favor on all of these sites for 2262 02:35:16,131 --> 02:35:19,931 much the same reason as marriage has stated, but I 2263 02:35:19,931 --> 02:35:24,309 want to make it clear. There are a lot of 2264 02:35:24,309 --> 02:35:27,309 things that can prevent these things from going forward, whether. 2265 02:35:28,973 --> 02:35:31,733 It's not worth it to upgrade the sewers. But even 2266 02:35:31,733 --> 02:35:35,475 like I had an email. Today. There was an owl 2267 02:35:35,475 --> 02:35:38,035 in a tree. They're going to do wildlife studies. These 2268 02:35:38,035 --> 02:35:40,235 things are going to happen. They have to do the 2269 02:35:40,235 --> 02:35:44,182 wild. Wildlife studies. They have to make sure that. There 2270 02:35:44,182 --> 02:35:48,722 aren't certain trees that are growing on these properties. So 2271 02:35:48,722 --> 02:35:51,162 I'm just here to make this thing go to the 2272 02:35:51,162 --> 02:35:55,837 next step. Where it goes from there. It really depends 2273 02:35:55,837 --> 02:35:59,579 on. The civil engineers and all the agencies doing their 2274 02:35:59,579 --> 02:36:03,479 work, and I'm trusting them to do their work. And 2275 02:36:03,479 --> 02:36:07,359 I'm counting on everybody to question the work that they're 2276 02:36:07,359 --> 02:36:09,879 doing. If there are any doubts. But this is just 2277 02:36:09,879 --> 02:36:12,359 one step in a long journey, and it is a 2278 02:36:12,359 --> 02:36:17,479 step. To work. At trying to get more housing and 2279 02:36:17,479 --> 02:36:20,199 more buildings in the city and more growth in the 2280 02:36:20,199 --> 02:36:24,319 city. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Clerk, please. All right, 2281 02:36:24,319 --> 02:36:27,679 we'll resume the voting a little unorthodox. Here. We'll continue 2282 02:36:27,679 --> 02:36:29,919 on. The next property is municipally known as 300. Tokyo 2283 02:36:29,919 --> 02:36:32,319 street be declared surplus to the seed requirements and be 2284 02:36:32,319 --> 02:36:34,679 designated as an area of site fund. Control all those. 2285 02:36:35,267 --> 02:36:40,237 In favor, please. Defend. That's carried. Next property, please. Next 2286 02:36:40,237 --> 02:36:43,037 property is municipally known as 211 to 223. Tupper street 2287 02:36:43,037 --> 02:36:46,157 and 224 Tamil street once again to be declared surplus 2288 02:36:46,157 --> 02:36:48,917 and designated as an area of Saipon control. All those 2289 02:36:48,917 --> 02:36:52,941 in favor? Opposed to any that's carried. Next property, please. 2290 02:36:54,596 --> 02:36:57,476 And the last property is municipally known as 791 Arundel 2291 02:36:57,476 --> 02:36:59,876 street. Be declared surplus to the Caesar requirements and be 2292 02:36:59,876 --> 02:37:02,916 designated as an area of site plan control. All those 2293 02:37:02,916 --> 02:37:08,716 in favor? Opposed? If any, that's carried. Next item, please. 2294 02:37:08,716 --> 02:37:12,476 Seeing no further items, a motion to adjourn. Councilor Pascalino. 2295 02:37:14,955 --> 02:37:17,835 Councilor aguilar. All those in favor? Opposed? Venny, just to 2296 02:37:17,835 --> 02:37:20,537 let everyone know, These will be coming to council in 2297 02:37:20,537 --> 02:37:23,657 January again, so it's another opportunity to speak to all. 2298 02:37:23,657 --> 02:37:27,463 I'm not speak but to contact all counselors. If you 2299 02:37:27,463 --> 02:37:29,703 wish so. Thank you. Thank you very much for coming 2300 02:37:29,703 --> 02:37:30,063 forward tonight.