[0:30] Good evening everyone. I'd like to call this meeting to [0:33] order under the authority of subsection 45 of the planning [0:37] act, RSO 1990 chapter P13 has amended to provide relief [0:42] from zoning bylaw 07 - 67. We will be hearing [0:47] Application A07 - 26 this evening. The purpose of this [0:52] hearing of the Committee of Adjustment is to allow the [0:55] presentation of an application for a minor variance and to [0:59] allow interested members of the public the opportunity to ask [1:02] questions or offer comments regarding this application. The Committee will [1:07] exchange views and the decision will come after full consideration [1:12] of input from the hearing submissions from any interested parties [1:16] and comments from agencies. If any member of the public [1:19] would like to be notified in rating of the Committee [1:22] of Adjustments Decision on an application there to email coa [1:27] at iron. ca or mail this request to 568 Forge [1:32] or Fogger Road. Hillsburg, Ontario, NOB 10O. For anyone who [1:38] has completed the sign - in sheet at the podium, [1:41] please note you do not need to separately submit a [1:44] written request to be notified. We'll start with deferrals. Consider [1:49] the Application allow any parties interested in the Application to [1:53] speak. Allow additional comments from the Applicant and then come [1:56] to a decision. So I have a, the following motion [1:59] before the committee, be it resolved that the Committee hereby [2:02] approves the Agenda circulated. Do I have a mover and [2:06] a secondary for this motion. I'll second. All those in [2:13] favor. Carried. Declaration of Prachinitary interests. Do any members of [2:20] the Committee have any pequenitary interests regarding an application before [2:23] the Committee today? Seeing none, we will carry on. I [2:29] have the following motion before the committee, be it resolved [2:32] that the Committee hereby adopts the minutes and circulated for [2:35] the meeting of June 17, 2026. Do I have a [2:39] mover in secondary for that motion. I'll move it. Remember [2:47] Bruce will secondly. All those in favor. Carried. Request for [2:53] withdrawal defer. So does the Applicant wish for whatever reason [2:57] to withdraw or to further application? And I'm calling on [3:03] Maria Jones. Okay, thank you. Justin, will you please confirm [3:12] that Notus was provided. Thank you, Mr. Chair, through you. [3:16] Notice was given on August 6th to every owner of [3:18] land within 60 metres of the subject property and to [3:21] ages requiring Notices prescribed under the Planning Act. Thank you. [3:26] We will now consider the Application file number A07 - [3:31] 26. Location is 5916 Trafalgar Road North Hillsburg. I will [3:38] now invite the town senior planner who is with us [3:41] virtually. Thank you Jessica for being here to present her [3:45] report. Jessica, do you solemnly affirm that the evidence to [3:49] be given by you at this hearing touching the matters [3:52] and questions shall be the truth, the whole truth, and [3:54] nothing but the truth? I do. Thank you, carry on. [4:00] Through you Mr. Chair, this is minor variance applications 07 [4:04] - 26 for Hillsburg Heights, Inc. Located at 5916 Trafalgar [4:09] Road North in Hillsburg. The Application is to facilitate the [4:14] development of single detached and townhouse dwellings associated with the [4:18] proposed redline revisions to the county - approved draft plan [4:22] of subdivision 23t . 2. And the red line revisions [4:28] will our subject to count the approval. Four variances were [4:33] requested. A minimum exterior side yard of. Such dwellings in [4:38] the UR - 1 - 102 zone, whereas the minimum [4:42] exterior side Jared shall be four metres. A maximum building [4:46] height of 13 metres for single detached dwellings in the [4:49] UR - 1 - 102 zone, whereas the maximum building [4:53] height shall not exceed 11 metres. Building height of 13 [4:58] metres for all - town. Have you are 2 - [5:01] 101 zone, whereas the maximum building height shall not exceed [5:05] 12. 5 metres for a stack townhouses and 11 metres [5:09] for all other. A minimum watt frontage of 6 metres [5:13] per end unit or corner lot for a townhouse. In [5:17] the UR2 - 101 zone, whereas the minimum lot - [5:22] fronted shall be 6 metres per unit on an interior [5:25] lot and 7 metres per year and unit or corner [5:30] lot. Staffer satisfied that the Application meets the 4 tests [5:34] of the planning act. No objections were received from circulated [5:38] agencies or departments as the Hillsburg subdivision has already received [5:44] approval establishing an overall development framework, including road network and [5:48] housing forms. The applicant is requesting that certain permissions already [5:53] established elsewhere and be extended. Three written submissions from members [5:59] of the public were received by staff after this report [6:01] was finalised and were subsequently forwarded to the committee for [6:05] consideration. Planning staff recommended approval of the Application. Thank you [6:13] very much. We'll now provide an opportunity for representation and [6:20] questions regarding A07 - 26. So at this time I'll [6:24] call Maria to the podium if she could please. Maria, [6:34] do you solemnly affirm that the evidence to be given [6:36] by you at this hearing touches the matters and questions [6:39] shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but [6:42] the truth. I do. Thank you, carry on. Good evening. [6:49] My name is Maria Jones. I'm a planner with Candevcon [6:52] group representing the Applicant Hillsburg Heights. Our presentation complements that [7:00] was present, the one that was presented by the town. [7:04] We had submitted a minor variance application to facilitate the [7:08] development of single detached in townhost dwellings in accordance. With [7:17] the, in accordance with the proposed red line revisions to [7:21] the county approved draft plan as subdivision 23T - 21002. [7:29] For some background, the site was rezoned on December 12, [7:35] 2024 through zoning bylaw, amendment 2454, and the plan of [7:41] subdivision was approved on December 19, 2025. The approved subdivision [7:46] included 195 single detached lots, 174 townhouse units, a school [7:53] block, a park. And stormwater management facilities. During the detailed [8:00] engineering design, it became apparent that the site topography, particularly [8:06] within the townhouse blocks north of the stormwater management pond [8:11] near Trafalgaro created some grading challenges due to the southward [8:17] slope. To address these conditions. A limited number of single [8:22] detached in townhouse lots were reconfigured to better accommodate the [8:27] site. This area of photo here illustrates the subject lands [8:33] in context to the surrounding area. As indicated, the requested [8:42] through the planner, the requested variance is provide flexibility by [8:47] both single detached and townhouse lots within the UR - [8:52] 1 102 and you are 2101 zones of the site [8:57] - specific bylaw. For the townhouse lots in the UR [9:03] - 2101 zone, relief is requested to permit the minimum [9:08] frontage of 6 metres for ending corner units, whereas seven [9:13] metres is permitted or required. To permit a maximum height, [9:19] building height of 13 metres, whereas a maximum of 12. [9:24] 5 metres for Stack Townhouses and 11 metres for other [9:28] townhouse forms is permitted. For single detached lots in the [9:34] UR - 1 - 02 zone, relief is requested to [9:38] permit exterior side yards of 3 metres, whereas 4 metres [9:43] are required, and to permit a maximum building height of [9:46] 13 metres where 11 metres are permitted. These variances allow [9:50] the single detached in townhouse lots to be developed interchangeably [9:55] within the affected zones. This slide identifies the area affected [10:04] by the proposed red line revisions through the red lines. [10:11] The affected area is located north of the stormwater management [10:15] blonde near Trafalgar Road. The proposed law configurations correspond to [10:21] existing grading constraints and will accommodate walk out basement designs. [10:28] It will reduce the need for between walls, between homes, [10:33] minimize existing grading and slight alterations and avoid unconventional building [10:38] designs that would otherwise be required due to the sight [10:42] slope. In our opinion, the Application satisfies [10:52] all four tests under the planning act. It may, the [10:55] Application maintains the intent of the official plan. It proposes [11:00] development required development. The proposed development remains residential in nature [11:09] and continues to implement the approved residential designation. Both townhouse [11:15] and single detached dwelling are permitted forms in the official [11:20] plan. It does maintain the intent of the zoning bylaw. [11:26] The variances do not alter the overall vision or function [11:29] of the approved zoning. Rather they introduce limited site - [11:34] specific provisions to provide flexibility while maintaining appropriate setbacks, streetscape [11:40] character, landscape opportunities, and building design. It is desirable for [11:46] the appropriate development of the land, the variances support practical [11:51] development solutions that respond to site conditions. They allow for [11:57] efficient lot layouts and building designs while maintaining the intent [12:01] of the approved subdivision. And we feel that it is [12:06] minor in nature. The request relief is technical and limited [12:10] in scope. The subdivision continues to provide the same housing [12:14] forms already approved and will end with only minor adjustments [12:20] to lock configurations. In conclusion, upon approval of the variances, [12:28] a red line revision to the approved draft plan of [12:31] subdivid or to the approved plan of subdivision will be [12:34] submitted to the town and county for final approval. And [12:37] the county will be the final approval authority. The revised [12:41] plan proposes 198 single detached lots and 173 townhouse units [12:47] representing essentially no change to the overall density of the [12:51] subdivision. The proposed red line revisions and associated variances are [12:57] technical in nature, and they respond to site - specific [13:00] grading constraints and represents good planning. That concludes my presentation. [13:09] Thank you very much. I'm sure we will be back [13:14] to you here shortly. So next we will allow any [13:19] members of the public desiring to speak to make their [13:23] representation. Please note that you'll have up to 10 minutes [13:26] to make your representation and that your comments or questions [13:30] should specifically relate to the Application before the committee. So [13:35] that is just strictly on the variances that they're requesting [13:39] of the height to go from 11 metres to 13 [13:47] from 12 and a half to 13. The front edge [13:51] to go from 7 to 6, and the side lots [13:55] to go from 4 metres to 3 metres. So, um, [14:01] at this time, I believe we have one person that [14:04] would like to speak. So is there a stert, Brennan? [14:09] Okay. So Stuart. Hang on a second. Go - brother. [14:14] Do you solemnly affirm that the evidence to be given [14:17] by you at this hearing touching the matters and questions [14:20] shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but [14:22] the truth? Absolutely. Thank you very much. I may be [14:26] at the wrong way say it in regards to the [14:31] application. For the variants. However. You're asking, they're asking the [14:41] residents for support. And we as the residents, we don't [14:47] seem to be getting any support back from this company. [14:53] So we have a few issues in our neighbourhood. And [14:58] unfortunately it's not to do with the variance. So that's [15:02] where you're here for today, correct? However, because we've been [15:07] chased in the company because they have so many different [15:12] people in between, the towns hired, I believe, it's Ainsley [15:18] group. That represent any problems. And the gentleman's name is [15:24] Josh McLean. Who is the goal between. For the town. [15:29] And we've had issues since they started construction, but it's [15:34] really come to a light with their grading. And I [15:38] live, I back on to the stormwater management pond. So [15:47] this is going to directly affect me. Now the grading [15:52] they have there on my side is I was told [15:57] by this Josh gentleman that they were supposed to change [16:01] the grading there. Now you're talking about the grading on [16:05] the other side. I'm talking about the grading that box [16:08] on our place. And the issue we have and myself [16:16] and my other neighbours is. During the first time they [16:21] put up that black fence. Now you put around it [16:25] for a construction. Well, that fence fell down. And they [16:28] had Bellsley haze in between, right? So the pressure then [16:32] went and it threw my fence down. And then they [16:37] came and I said, you got to put a new [16:39] fence up, right? Like not a new one, but repair [16:42] my fence. So they came and they put another black [16:48] fence up another six yards in behind the black fence [16:52] that went down. So nobody since then, uh, we've sent [16:59] out my neighbours that sent out emails to all the [17:03] town councillors, no reply. The only person that has replied [17:08] to us is a mayor so far. And we had [17:12] a conversation last week, they replied to another one of [17:18] the other replied from the mayor. That's all a phone [17:21] call. Okay. And I explained what was going on. I [17:25] didn't know that this, this variance was going on. So [17:28] he said he can't get involved or whatever. And this [17:31] may not be the place for. It. But if this [17:36] is what this company is doing now. I expect, because [17:41] it's been almost three years, I would suspect that this [17:44] is what they're going to do in the future. And [17:47] that's why I'm dead against this. I don't care how [17:51] big they build it or anything, but they, they have [17:54] to at least address our concerns as neighbours. If they [18:00] don't want it, then we have a big issue. And [18:05] we're held, unfortunately, we're health issues. Now our neighbours across [18:10] the street also us, my wife, her eyes, but the [18:14] kinds of stuff that's going on. Nothing that's addressed. Nope. [18:18] And they tell Josh, they're going to come and redo [18:21] the, uh, the hill. I have seen, when he plays, [18:25] they redid the hill is where the town's fire extinguisher, [18:29] uh, fire hydrant is. Other than that, they have done [18:33] nothing with redoing that hill. It's a mess. Okay. Um, [18:38] Jessica and between you and Justin, maybe there's somebody that, [18:43] um, you guys can have contact the local residents that [18:47] have filed questions and stuff like that. Uh, I'm sure [18:52] you guys will have a, have somebody that could contact [18:55] them and work through some of this. Um, it doesn't [18:58] affect the, um, the application tonight. But, um, there is [19:04] concerns that they've had that they've been trying to get [19:06] some answers to. So maybe between the two years you [19:10] can figure out or this other company. You guys can [19:13] have them reach out to them and see if they [19:16] can't get them some answers. Um, just cause you guys [19:19] are with the town. I'm hoping that, um, that you [19:21] guys know somebody that you guys can get in contact [19:24] with that they can go and see some of the [19:26] residents that are right there that are being affected. And [19:30] hopefully get them some answers and that might help, help, [19:33] uh, straighten a lot of things out. I appreciate that. [19:39] But we have been in contact. I got all kinds [19:41] of emails that's coming. But okay, no resolve. Okay. Well, [19:45] hopefully we can get you something. Thank you. Thank you. [19:50] Is there anyone else that would like. Please step up? [19:54] You're going to have to state your name. Cause unfortunately [19:55] I don't have it here on my list. My name [19:57] is Marilyn. My last name is Pressful. He put several [20:00] emails. From me. Okay. Maryland, do you saw me affirm [20:04] that the evidence to be given by you at this [20:06] hearing touching the matters in questions shall be the truth. [20:09] The whole truth and nothing but the truth. Yes. Thank [20:11] you, carry on. So I have no problem with the [20:14] growth at Hillsburg. I think it's fabulous what we're doing. [20:17] I'm directly affected because I do back on. I'm one [20:20] of the neighbours. I know Molly and Dan, Paul and [20:23] Pearl. I can name them all. Well, my concern is, [20:26] is not the minor variance. Thank you, Jessica, for all [20:29] your work. It's that it's a blanket variance because what [20:33] they've asked for is not just for these specific homes, [20:37] but they're now saying we don't have to do the [20:39] rest of the paperwork. We want to be able to [20:41] do these variances as we go forward. I would be [20:44] fine if you just specify those houses. And said, that's [20:49] what we're going to make the changes to. Those are [20:52] minor variances. But this is asking for a blanket change. [20:56] And I agree with you. I don't trust them. I [20:59] don't trust. And this is going to sound horrible. Council [21:04] to have the time to be able to address all [21:07] the small things that we as homeowners. I've been here [21:09] for over two decades with my husband. I don't think [21:13] it's appropriate. That this is considered minor. It is blanket [21:17] for the entire subdivision. Sorry Jessica. I know it's more [21:21] paperwork for you, but it is my home. Additionally, we [21:26] have to consider the green spaces. So if the builder [21:29] can admit that it's not minor, this is asking for [21:32] a blanket change to save the paperwork. And I understand [21:36] it's a lot of work. But it is not okay. [21:38] To be signed off as minor. If you can specify [21:42] the lot numbers, the changes to those lot numbers and [21:46] not make it future forward because I don't think you [21:49] can go back once you've given them off the leash. [21:53] They're going to be off the leash. Jessica, it only [21:59] affects the ones within the red line on the diagram, [22:02] correct? The Applicant is proposing changes which are the red [22:07] lines. Um, however, it is for the whole zone. And [22:15] I hear the residents concern. However, there are already existing [22:22] established permissions for 13 metre kites. They're permitted to put, [22:32] they're already exist permissions to put townhouses where singles are [22:36] and singles where townhouses are, um, it's just those slight [22:41] iterations of, um, a metre or two metres that is [22:46] in question. So, um, backing on to upper Canada Drive, [22:52] um, they're already permissions for 13 metre heights. And three [22:58] metre, um, exterior, uh, side air. So the permissions are [23:03] already there in certain zones. Okay. Thank you. No, that [23:11] does not clear it up. It already is passed on [23:14] some. Of it. And this is all. We're really looking [23:16] at. Is the red line. Because it's already passe. On [23:20] the other stuff. It didn't come from a. So can [23:22] I ask a question, Jessica? Are they able to change [23:24] those, um, single unit homes. And obviously I'm asking for [23:30] myself and for the people who are not here, that [23:33] back directly onto it. Are those going to remain single [23:36] unit homes. Those will remain single detached dwellings. However, there [23:42] are permissions if they wanted to without coming for a [23:45] minor variance. To change them into townhouses. And when they [23:50] wouldn't need a minor, may I ask, sorry to cut [23:52] you off. When did that happen? Uh, well, it didn't [23:58] happen. It's not happening. They're, they're keeping them as singles. [24:03] But the zone, the, the exception zone already permits townhouses. [24:09] So they could go straight to the county and request [24:11] a red line revision and put in towns. They wouldn't [24:14] even have to come to, uh, the Committee of Adjustment. [24:18] But they're not going to do that. We've worked with [24:23] them and, um, public. And they're going to put single [24:29] detached dwellings in that area. Only a few minor homes [24:33] will be changed. And it is for grading purposes. I [24:40] will leave this in the council's, the committee's hands. I [24:44] want you to understand what it's like to live behind [24:47] these developers. We've definitely worked with them. And I've had [24:50] a different experience on a couple of occasions where they [24:53] have been quite supportive when we had flooding across our [24:56] entire backyard in our septic for several days. They did [25:00] come and support that. So please forgive me if I [25:03] appear to be a little over concerned. I don't think [25:06] you can be over concerned given the situation that we [25:08] are in in Ontario at this time. And I do [25:11] not want to see something that is not reflective. That's [25:16] the word. Of Aaron's charm. And I don't want to [25:20] see less green space or less consideration for the people [25:23] that should have the charm and the ability to have [25:26] a wonderful community there. Thank you for putting up with [25:28] all my emails, Justin as well. Anyways, um, I do [25:32] think it could have been a better, uh, application being [25:35] minor. If it is truly minor not being blanket, um, [25:39] because you may know these things, Jessica, but I do [25:41] not. And the people up and down my street do [25:44] not. And we are very concerned. So thank you for [25:47] listening to me this evening. Thank you very much. Is [25:53] there anyone else. Seeing none, I will now invite questions. [26:02] Um, that they have for the Applicant or the staff. [26:05] And Marielle invite you back to the podium just to [26:09] answer your questions from the committee. And I will turn [26:11] it over to the committee. Bill, you got to help [26:15] me out here. You got to have a question. Yes, [26:18] hi Maria. Uh, I do have a few questions. Um, [26:22] obviously it's just the townhouse lots and those singles that [26:25] are on the red line revisions, um, I mean, yes, [26:29] uh, the variances requested are specific to the, uh, the [26:34] zone categories, I would assume, um, would you have any [26:37] objection if we tied it, the approval. To the red [26:42] line plan essentially. Like a simple condition, tying it to [26:46] the red line plan that these variances are for those [26:48] particular lots that are outlined on the red line plan. [26:51] I mean, that basically would entail that the variances as [26:55] approved cannot be as the neighbour suggested used elsewhere. And [26:59] I know that there's 14 metre approvals throughout the set [27:02] of vision height approvals. The setbacks and so forth. Um, [27:07] just, I can't see a reason why we can't tie [27:09] it to these specific lots. As opposed to the whole [27:12] zone category. And maybe that's a question through Jessica and [27:14] Justin. But, uh, it may satisfy the neighbours to a [27:17] certain extent. Is that possible. Jessica. I would just caution [27:27] in case that the Applicant had to come back and, [27:30] um, make further minor adjustments. Um, and that's why the, [27:37] um, exterior lots were included in here. Um, because they [27:42] may need to move some of the singles to the [27:46] outside of the street. Um, so we would be back [27:50] at committee again, asking, uh, for relief. Uh, this way [27:56] we do it once. Um. The revisions are just in [28:02] that area. Uh, and it's just so that the developer [28:05] can get going with these with the first phase. Not [28:11] that it ultimately it's committee's decision. But Jessica, if we [28:15] were to do it just on the red line, um, [28:17] units affected within the red line. And they did have [28:20] to come back to the committee. That would at least [28:22] keep the neighbours inform, um, I believe they feel that [28:27] they're not informed right now. Um, that that would make [28:31] them be informed because they would have to come back [28:35] and get approval. They know what's, what's being changed. Um, [28:40] so do you see any problem with that? If we [28:42] had, we had that. Uh, there would be no problem [28:46] with that. All right. Thank you. Any. Other questions. Um, [28:53] just one more question. Just, you know, this, we're dealing [28:56] with the minor variances. I know the neighbours have brought [28:58] up the grading and drainage. Isn't there a relatively large, [29:01] uh, deposit as part of the planet television that's being [29:04] put forth to the town that if there is issues, [29:06] I mean, the town could threaten to take some of [29:08] that money that's been part of the LC or bond [29:12] and put it towards the town going out and repairing [29:15] things. I mean, it's just a consideration. Yeah, that would [29:19] come through there are securities held. With a town. The [29:25] Applicant had to submit those. Um, and our engineer Ainley, [29:30] uh, the, um, consulting engineer for the town is working [29:34] with the Applicants engineer. However, if it does get to [29:38] that point, there are securities that we can draw on. [29:42] Okay. Perfect. Thank you. [29:53] Yeah. I mean, simply put, I just think, uh, there [29:56] should be a, uh, just the plan tied to it [29:59] that the lots are specific to what is redlined. Like [30:01] I don't know, honestly, don't think it's a, any, uh, [30:04] issue pertaining to the developer, uh, they came in with [30:07] a specific application. It's to do a specific grading issue. [30:10] So if we tied it to a site plan or [30:12] those specific areas or lots, um, simple enough, I just [30:16] suggest the condition specifying that the variances are as approved [30:21] are tied to the, uh, redline revisions that were submitted [30:26] as part of the application. Is that okay, Justin? Three [30:32] year, Mr. Chair. I'm just going to suggest some language [30:34] here that I'll get feedback in real time for my [30:36] senior planner on. It would be resolved that the town [30:40] of Arian Committee Adjustment hereby approves, semi - variance application [30:43] A07 - 26. Subject to the following condition that the [30:48] relief granted shall be limited to the red line revisions [30:52] to draft plan of subdivision file number 23t, 2102, as [30:58] submitted with minor variance application A07 - 26. And that [31:03] would, Jessica, can you provide feedback on that? Is that [31:05] language sounding okay to you as a condition. Yeah. Could [31:09] you just repeat it one more time, Justin? Sure. So [31:12] the condition would be that the relief granted shall be [31:15] limited to the red line revisions to draft plan of [31:18] subdivision, file number 23t 21002 as submitted with minor variance [31:25] application A07 - 26. Yes, that would be fine. Okay. [31:33] So Mr. Chair, through you, that would still require a [31:36] mover and seconder and reasons for the committee. But I [31:39] will just put that forward. As a proposed condition if [31:43] the committee were desirous of including that. Committee [31:53] adjustment here might approve some minor variance application A07. That's [31:58] 26. Sends the applicant means the planning activist for minor [32:03] variants being. The requested variants that you're concerned. Hang on [32:09] a second. Sorry about that. DD me to start back. [32:12] Okay. So be it resolved that the town of your [32:15] Committee of Adjustment hereby approves a minor variance application A07 [32:20] - 26. With the following conditions. That the relief granted [32:27] shall be limited to the red line revisions to draft [32:30] plan of subdivision file number 23t - 21002 as submitted [32:35] with minor variance application A07 - 26. Thanks, Justin. Um, [32:41] as the Application meets the planning Act test for minor [32:46] variants being the requested variance, they're considered minor in nature. [32:50] The variances are desirable for the appropriate development of or [32:54] use of the land building or structure, the general intent [32:57] and purpose of the zoning bylaws maintained and the general [33:01] intent and purpose of the official plan is maintained. Do [33:04] I have a mover and secondary for this motion. Yes, [33:08] member Eltrood, I'll move it. Member Parkinson will second it. [33:14] All those in favor. Carrie. And I will now adjourn [33:23] the meeting at, um, 633 PM.