1.             OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT - RICHMOND ROAD/WESTBORO COMMUNITY DESIGN PLAN – REVISION

 

modification au plan officiel et modification au règlement de zonage - plan de conception communautaire du chemin richmond/westboro - RéVISION

 

 

 

Committee recommendations as amended

 

(This matter is subject to Bill 51)

 

That Council:

 

1.                   Approve an amendment to the Official Plan for the City of Ottawa, Volume 2A, to incorporate the Richmond Road/Westboro Community Design Plan as a Secondary Plan as detailed in Document 2 (distributed separately and on file with the City Clerk), as amended by deleting the second bullet point in Part B – The Amendment, Section 1.3.4 b) and replacing it with the following:

 

Recognize that for property at 747 Richmond Road, the Ontario Municipal Board has approved heights of eight to twelve storeys on the basis of measurements specifically outline in the Ontario Municipal Board’s decision and reflected in the approved zoning by-law.

 

2.                  Approve an amendment to Zoning By-law 2008-250 of the City of Ottawa as shown on the location maps and detailed in Document 3.

 

3.                  Approve an amendment to the former City of Ottawa Zoning By-law, 93-98 for 319, part of 320, 344 and 351 McRae Avenue as shown on the location maps and detailed in Document 3.

 

4.                  Approve an amendment to the Richmond Road/Westboro Community Design Plan as detailed in Document 4, as amended by replacing item 4 to read as follows:

 

Sector 6.3 Sector 2 – Woodroffe North, end of last paragraph, be amended by adding:

 

However, on September 16, 2008, the Ontario Municipal Board approved heights of eight to twelve storeys on the basis of measurements specifically outlined in the Board’s decision and reflected in the approved zoning by-law.

 

 

 

Recommandations modifiÉes du Comité

 

(Cette question est assujettie au Règlement 51)

 

Que le Conseil :

 

1.                  approuve une modification au Plan officiel de la Ville d’Ottawa, Volume 2A, afin d’intégrer le Plan de conception communautaire du chemin Richmond/Wesboro en tant que Plan secondaire, tel qu’il est expliqué dans le Document 2 (distribué séparément et déposé auprès du greffier de la Ville) et modifié par la suppression du second point de la partie B – La modification, alinéa 1.3.4 b), et son remplacement par le texte qui suit :

 

« Reconnaître que, pour ce qui concerne la propriété située au 747, chemin Richmond, la Commission des affaires municipales de l’Ontario a approuvé des hauteurs de huit à douze étages en fonction de mesures indiquées expressément dans la décision de la Commission et se reflétant dans le règlement de zonage approuvé. »

 

2.                  approuve une modification au Règlement de zonage 2008-250 de la Ville d’Ottawa, tel qu’il est indiqué sur les plans de situation et expliqué en détail dans le Document 3.

 

3.                  approuve une modification au Règlement de zonage 93-98 de l’ancienne Ville d’Ottawa, tel qu’il indiqué sur les plans de situation et expliqué en détail dans le Document 3.

 

4.         approuve une modification au Plan de conception communautaire du chemin Richmond/Westboro, tel qu’il est expliqué en détail dans le Document 4, modifié par le remplacement du point 4 par ce qui suit :

 

Secteur 6.3 Secteur 2 – Woodroffe Nord, fin du dernier paragraphe, modifié par l’ajout du passage suivant :

 

« Toutefois, le 16 septembre 2008, la Commission des affaires municipales de l’Ontario a approuvé des hauteurs de huit à douze étages en fonction des mesures indiquées expressément dans la décision de la Commission et se reflétant dans le règlement de zonage approuvé. »

 

 

 Documentation

 

1.                  Deputy City Manager's report, Infrastructure Services and Community Sustainability, dated 31 October 2008 (ACS2008-ICS-PLA-0228).

 

2.                  Extract of Minutes 39, 23 September 2008.

 

3.         Extract of Draft Minutes 43, 14 November 2008.


Report to/Rapport au :

 

Planning and Environment Committee

Comité de l'urbanisme et de l'environnement

 

and Council / et au Conseil

 

31 October 2008 / 31 octobre 2008

 

Submitted by/Soumis par : Nancy Schepers, Deputy City Manager

Directrice municipale adjointe,

Infrastructure Services and Community Sustainability

Services d’infrastructure et Viabilité des collectivités

 

Contact Person/Personne-ressource : Richard Kilstrom, Manager/Gestionnaire, Community Planning and Design/Aménagement et conception communautaire, Planning Branch/Direction de l’urbanisme

(613) 580-2424 x22653, Richard.Kilstrom@ottawa.ca

 

Kitchissippi (15), Bay/Baie (7)

Ref N°: ACS2008-ICS-PLA-0228

 

 

SUBJECT:

OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT - RICHMOND ROAD/WESTBORO COMMUNITY DESIGN PLAN - REVISION

 

 

OBJET :

modification au plan officiel et modification au règlement de zonage – plan de conception communautaire du chemin richmond/westboro - RéVISION

 

 

REPORT RECOMMENDATION

 

That Planning and Environment Committee recommend Council:

 

1.         Approve an amendment to the Official Plan for the City of Ottawa, Volume 2A, to incorporate the Richmond Road/Westboro Community Design Plan as a Secondary Plan as detailed in Document 2 (distributed separately and on file with the City Clerk).

 

2.         Approve an amendment to Zoning By-law 2008-250 of the City of Ottawa as shown on the location maps and detailed in Document 3.

 

3.         Approve an amendment to the former City of Ottawa Zoning By-law, 93-98 for 319, part of 320, 344 and 351 McRae Avenue as shown on the location maps and detailed in Document 3.

 

4.         Approve an amendment to the Richmond Road/Westboro Community Design Plan as detailed in Document 4.

 

RECOMMANDATION DU RAPPORT

 

Que le Comité de l’urbanisme et de l’environnement recommande au Conseil :

 

1.         d’approuver une modification au Plan officiel de la Ville d’Ottawa, Volume 2A, afin d’intégrer le Plan de conception communautaire du chemin Richmond/Wesboro en tant que Plan secondaire, tel qu’il est expliqué dans le Document 2 (distribué séparément et déposé auprès du greffier de la Ville).

 

2.         d’approuver une modification au Règlement de zonage 2008-250 de la Ville d’Ottawa, tel qu’il est indiqué sur les plans de situation et expliqué en détail dans le Document 3.

 

3.         d’approuver une modification au Règlement de zonage 93-98 de l’ancienne Ville d’Ottawa, tel qu’il indiqué sur les plans de situation et expliqué en détail dans le Document 3.

 

4.                  d’approuver une modification au Plan de conception communautaire du chemin Richmond/Westboro, tel qu’il est expliqué en détail dans le Document 4.

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

On July 9, 2007, City Council approved the Richmond Road/Westboro Community Design Plan (CDP), and also approved that the CDP be conferred secondary plan status via an Official Plan Amendment (OPA).  In keeping with Council’s direction, this report recommends the approval of an amendment to the Official Plan, Volume 2A to incorporate the CDP as a Secondary Plan.  Also on July 9, 2007 Council deferred a decision on the accompanying Zoning By-law amendment and thus that amendment needs to be brought forward for consideration by Council in this report in order to implement the recommendations of the CDP.

 

On September 23, 2008 Planning and Environment Committee referred this report back to staff for further clarification and directed that it rise to the meeting of November 14, 2008.  Revisions have now been made to Document 2, the Official Plan Amendment, which, when adopted, will become the Richmond Road/Westboro Secondary Plan.  These revisions replace the term  “building profile” with  “general maximum building height ranges,” the result of which is that more specific maximum building heights are set out for the various sub-areas of the Plan, thus better reflecting the recommendations of the CDP.

 

A January 25, 2006 Council motion deferred all rezoning and Official Plan Amendment requests for the Richmond Road/Westboro CDP study area until the completion and approval of the CDP process. As this report completes the process with the OPA and zoning recommendations, this motion can now be rescinded.

 

The OPA boundaries as shown on the Location Map (Document 1), include Island Park Drive on the east, the Ottawa River on the north, Ottawa River Parkway on the west and Byron Avenue on the south, an area of 2.7 square kilometres.  Two Traditional Mainstreets, Richmond Road, running east-west along its entire length, and Scott Street, are included in the planning area. The OPA encompasses part of, or is bounded by, several neighbourhoods that are influenced by their proximity to Richmond Road, including Westboro, Westboro Beach, Hampton-Iona, Highland Park, McKellar Park, Woodroffe North and Woodpark.

 

DISCUSSION

 

RECOMMENDATION 1

 

Recommendation 1 is to approve an amendment to the Official Plan to add the Richmond/Westboro CDP as a Secondary Plan to Volume 2A as detailed in Document 2.  As per the report on Community Design Plans, approved by Council on January 23, 2008, the Secondary Plan will include those parts of the CDP that establish the vision, objectives and principles on which the CDP is based, that address land use, and that describe the components that support land use, including transportation studies, general maximum building height ranges, and a greenspace strategy.

 

Also, as per Council's January 23, 2008 direction, the OPA has been divided into three primary parts:  Part A - The Preamble provides all the background information, including the history of the neighbourhood, existing conditions and issue analysis, the existing planning context, demographics, community issues and the consultation process; Part B - The Amendment provides the land use strategy and those components noted above; and, Part C - The Appendix contains the implementation strategy addressing such matters as streetscaping improvements, urban design guidelines, a 3D model, and zoning directions.  Note that Part B is written in the policy summary format of Secondary Plans that now exists in the Official Plan, including references to and mapping of general maximum building height ranges.

 

Whilst the Richmond Road/Westboro Secondary Plan will become part of the Official Plan, the CDP will continue to be a stand-alone Council-approved policy document for the area to guide private sector development and the undertaking of public works.

 

RECOMMENDATION 2

 

Recommendation 2 is to approve an amendment to the Zoning By-law 2008-250, as detailed in Document 3, to implement the zoning recommendations of the CDP.  Note that this recommendation is being carried forward as it was not addressed by Council in its July 9, 2008 approval of the CDP.  The intention was that the OPA and zoning recommendations would be dealt with in the same report.

 

The CDP's zoning recommendations attempt to address both resident and developer concerns in terms of the Official Plan's intensification and compatibility policies.  The broad characteristics of each sector, the nature of the adjoining land use, and the general depth of lots were among the factors considered in developing the recommendations. All owners whose properties would be affected by the CDP's proposed zoning recommendations were notified during the Zoning By‑law amendment circulation in March 2007.

 

In Planning and Environment Committee's consideration of the CDP report on June 26, 2007, two motions were referred to staff for consideration.  The first motion was to retain the existing 24-metre height limit on considerable portions of the two blocks bounded by Madison, Roosevelt, Byron and Churchill Avenues.  The CDP had recommended that the maximum height of the block bounded by:

 

 

The Committee's motion was in response to a proponent who owned properties on both blocks and who was planning to redevelop these properties in the future at the existing 24-metre height limit. After considering the Committee’s motion and the property owner's submission, this report recommends that the existing 24-metre height for the two blocks be retained as it is the Department’s view that the blocks have sufficient depth and that the rear street provides an adequate separation distance to provide an appropriate transition to the low-rise residential neighbourhoods to the south of Byron and on the north side of Madison.  The blocks also have vehicular access to the rear street.  Buildings facing onto Danforth or Madison would need to be appropriately articulated as a front of a building and stepped back after the second or third storey.  At a minimum, the Zoning By-law’s TM – Traditional Mainstreet zone provisions for setbacks at or above the fourth storey or 15 metres, whichever is lesser, will apply.  On Madison, with low-rise residential uses on the north side, a minimum setback of 3.0 metres will be required, with no maximum.

 

The other Committee motion dealt with 351 McRae Street to include an automobile dealership as a permitted use.  An automobile dealership is not permitted under the existing or proposed zoning. It is staff's view that an automobile dealership should not be added to the list of permitted uses as it would not be in keeping with the mixed use pedestrian-oriented land use plan envisaged for McRae Street in the CDP.  As the existing zoning allows a storage yard, an exception is proposed to allow the storage of vehicles for sale as an additional permitted use.

 

For 927 Richmond Road/108 Woodroffe Avenue (northwest corner of Richmond/Woodroffe), the CDP had recommended that these two properties be rezoned from an eight-storey to a four- storey height limit.  Following Council’s approval of the CDP, those property owners consulted with the Woodroffe North community and submitted a site plan control application for a seven- storey mixed-use building. It is staff’s understanding that the community supports the application, which is temporarily on hold at this time.  Accordingly, the proposed zoning changes no longer include these properties and the CDP will be amended accordingly as described below under Recommendation 4.

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION 3

 

On October 23, 2008 the Ontario Municipal Board approved the unappealed portions of the new Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2008-250. Consequently, for most of this report’s zoning recommendations it will be no longer necessary to also amend the former City of Ottawa Zoning By-law 93-98.  However, the permitted uses in the new GM-General Mixed Use zone continue to be under appeal. Thus, for the properties on McRae Avenue that are proposed to be rezoned to GM, it will still be necessary to amend By-law 93-98 as summarized in Document 3.

 

RECOMMENDATION 4

 

The proposed change in zoning recommendation for the two blocks bounded by Madison, Roosevelt, Danforth and Churchill Avenues, as well as the northwest corner of Richmond/ Woodroffe, discussed in Recommendation 2, requires an amendment to the CDP as outlined in Document 4.

 

Technical comments from City departments require a few minor wording corrections/updates to the CDP that are included in the OPA in Document 2.  For example, the Transportation Impact Management Study, approved to be undertaken as part of the July 9, 2007 Council approval of the CDP, was tied to the 2008 Transportation Master Plan update.  The two studies are now to be independent of each other.  There is also an update to the City’s Cycling Plan reference.

 

The Parks and Recreation Branch noted that the OPA and CDP should reflect their position supporting the preservation of the Atlantis-Selby lands and Rochester Field as green space, but not dedication or designation as active recreational/programmable City parkland. Finally, a correction to two addresses and update of the zoning recommendations for the Richmond/Madison/Danforth blocks and 927 Richmond/108 Woodroffe in the CDP’s Appendix are also outlined in Document 4.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

 

Adoption of the OPA will facilitate the implementation of Richmond Road/Westboro CDP intended to help enhance the planning area for residents, shoppers and visitors alike.  It will lead to future streetscape improvements, enhance the pedestrian environment, confirm green spaces for recreational activities, establish green links to the Ottawa River corridor, and provide design guidance to address local microclimate conditions potentially affected by future development.

 

CONSULTATION

 

The OPA included a public and technical circulation as well as a notice of application advertisement, which appeared in the Citizen and Le Droit on February 1, 2008. Staff worked with the Ward Councillors and the Richmond Road/Westboro CDP Planning Advisory Committee in developing the format for the Secondary Plan.   The proposed Zoning By-law amendment was circulated to all affected property owners, in March 2007.  In addition, the Richmond Road/Westboro CDP entailed an extensive and detailed public consultation program.  

 

A summary of the comments received and the staff response is detailed in Document 5.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

 

The Richmond Road/Westboro CDP, as contained in the OPA, has several initiatives and studies that are follow-up measures to move forward the implementation of the Plan. When these initiatives and studies come forward in future work programs, they will have budget implications that will be addressed at that time.

 

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

 

Document 1      Location Map

Document 2      Official Plan Amendment - Richmond Road/Westboro CDP

Document 3      List of Zoning By-law Changes and Location Maps

Document 4      Amendment to the Richmond Road/Westboro CDP

Document 5      Consultation Details

 

DISPOSITION

 

Legal Services Branch to forward implementing by-laws to City Council.

 

Infrastructure Services and Community Sustainability Department, Planning Branch to:

 

1.         Prepare implementing Official Plan Amendment and Zoning Amendment By-laws;

2.         Notify persons who made oral or written submissions at the Planning and Environment Committee meeting and all persons who requested to be notified of the adoption of the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment.


Location Map                                                                                          DOCUMENT 1

                                                                                                                        


LIST OF ZONING BY-LAW CHANGES AND LOCATION MAPS                 DOCUMENT 3

 

Address

Existing Zoning

By-law 2008-250

Proposed Zoning

By-law 2008-250

Existing Zoning

Former Ottawa

By-law 93-98

Proposed Zoning

Former Ottawa

By-law 93-98

99 New Orchard

 

GM1 -  General

Mixed-Use Zone

GM1 H (25)

Increase height limit from 18m to 25 m

N/A

N/A

975 Richmond

TM H(25)

TM H  (15)

Decrease height limit from 25m to 15m.

N/A

N/A

971 Richmond

TM H(25)

TM H (15)

Decrease height limit from 25m to 15m

N/A

N/A

955-65 Richmond

TM H(25)

TM H(15) Decrease height from 25m to 15m.

N/A

N/A

809 Richmond

TM [25]

TM [25] H (15)

West half -Decrease height limit from 20m to 15m

East half - no change

N/A

N/A

797 and 801 Richmond

TM H(15)                                                       

TM

Increase height limit from 15m to 20m

N/A

N/A

Parts of 25 and 30 Cleary

I1A [314] H (13.8); I1A [315]  - Minor Institutional Zone

I1A [314] [315] H

(18 and 25) Increase height limit from 13.8m to 18m and 25m for part of 30 Cleary Avenue as shown on Map 3

N/A

N/A

747 Richmond

Part of 25 Cleary

TM  H(15)

Zoning enacted by the Ontario Municipal Board

N/A

N/A

415 Richmond

TM H(24) Traditional Mainstreet Zone

TM H(15)

Decrease height limit from 24m to 15m

N/A

N/A

403 Richmond

TM H (24)

TM

Decrease height limit from 24m to 20m

N/A

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

395 Richmond

TM H (24)

TM H (15)

Decrease height                     limit from 24 to 15m  

N/A

N/A

347, 361-369, 379 Richmond; 

376 Madison

TM H(24)

 

 

 

TM [xxxx] H (24)

Add minimum setback from Madison Avenue 3m

N/A

N/A

345 Richmond

TM[9]

TM [9]

Add minimum setback from Madison Avenue 3m

N/A

N/A

322-32 Richmond

413 Churchill

TM H(24)

TM

Decrease height limit from 24 to 20m

N/A

N/A

319-27, 300-318 Richmond

TM H(24)

TM H (15)

Decrease height limit from 24 to 15m

300 Richmond

TM H(16) Decrease height limit from 24 to 16m

N/A

N/A

Part of 277 Richmond

307 Richmond

TM H(24)

TM

Decrease height limit from 24 to 20m

N/A

N/A

377-81 Winona

TM H(24)

TM

Decrease height limit from 24 to 20m

N/A

N/A

267-75; 288-98; 270-74 Richmond

396 Athlone

TM H(24)

TM H(15)

Decrease height limit from 24 to 15m

N/A

N/A

276 Richmond

TM H(24)

TM H(15)

Decrease height limit from 24 to 15m

N/A

N/A

256 Richmond

401 Athlone

406 Tweedsmuir

TM H(24)

TM

Decrease height limit from 24 to 20m

N/A

N/A

249-61 Richmond

TM H(24)

TM H(15)

Decrease height limit from 24 to 15m

N/A

N/A

205 Richmond

TM H(15)

TM

Increase height limit from 15 to 20m.

N/A

N/A

351 McRae

IG1 H(15) – General Industrial

 

 

GM [xxxx] H (15)

Add:

- storage use limited to storage of automobiles for sale as an additional permitted use.

- maximum height within 20 metres of a residential zone - 11m

In all other cases -15m

IS [631] H (15)

CG [xxxx] H(15)

Add:

-storage use limited to storage of automobiles for sale as an additional permitted use.

- maximum height within 20 m of a residential zone - 11m

 In all other cases -  15m

319 McRae

IG1

GM [xxxx]

Add maximum height within 20m of a residential zone - 11m

In all other cases-18m

 

 

 

IS F (1.0)

CG [xxxx] F(1.0)  Add:

- maximum height within 20m of a residential zone 11m

- in all other cases 18m

Part of 320; and 344 McRae

IG1 H(15)

GM H (15)

IS [631] H (15)

CG H (15)

 


 

 

 


 



Amendment to the Richmond Road/Westboro CDP                DOCUMENT 4

 

AMENDMENT TO RICHMOND ROAD/WESTBORO COMMUNITY DESIGN PLAN

 

The Richmond Road/Westboro Community Design Plan is hereby amended as follows:

 

  1. Section 3.7 Transportation/Traffic Studies, sixth paragraph, last sentence: delete the phrase “…as part of the 2008 update of the TMP ”.
  2. Section 3.8 Bicycle Routes, be amended as follows:

a.       Second paragraph, first sentence: replace: “…recreational…” with “multi-use”.

b.      Third paragraph, first sentence: replace “2005” with “draft September 2007”; and, third sentence: add “and that Scott Street be provided with bicycle lanes east of Churchill Avenue.”

 

  1. Section 3.9 Transit, first paragraph, third sentence: delete “…urgently needs to…” with “must”.

 

  1. Section 6.3 Sector 2 – Woodroffe North. End of last paragraph: add: “On September 16, 2008 the Ontario Municipal Board approved zoning provisions that will create a height limit of eight storeys on the east half of 747 Richmond Road and 12 storeys on the western half.”

 

  1.  Section 6.6 Sector 5 – Westboro Village:

 

a)       Replace the fourth paragraph, beginning with “ An exception to this recommendation…” by the following text:

 

An exception to this recommendation is proposed for the block fronting on both Richmond Road (south side) and Danforth Avenue and the block fronting on both Richmond Road (north side) and Madison Avenue. In these cases the existing eight-storey height limit should be retained as the blocks have sufficient depth and the rear street provides sufficient separation distance to provide an appropriate transition to the low-rise residential neighbourhoods to the south of Byron and on the north side of Madison.  The blocks also have vehicular access to the rear street.  Buildings facing onto Danforth or Madison would need to be appropriately articulated as the front of a building and stepped back after the second or third storey.  At a minimum, the new TM zone provisions for setbacks at or above the fourth storey or 15 metres, whichever is lesser, will apply.  On Madison, with low-rise residential uses on the north side, a minimum setback of 3.0 metres will be required, with no maximum.

 

b)         Add to the last paragraph “On August 28, 2008 City Council adopted a zoning by-law amendment permitting an eight storey building on the eastern third of the site.”

 

  1. Section 6.9 Sector 8 -Westboro Beach/Atlantis Selby, first paragraph: delete the word “park” from the following sentence:

"For Sector 8, the Atlantis Selby lands also should be preserved as green space to provide both a local community park and a city-wide attraction.”

 

7.      Section 9.3 Implementation Actions, be amended as follows:

a)      First bullet point:  delete at the end of the sentence “… and used for recreational activities, including sports fields.”

b)      Fifth bullet point:  delete the last sentence “This plan should be included as part of the review and update of the TMP in 2008.”

 

8.      Modify Appendix 1 as per Document 3 – List of Zoning Changes and Location Maps.

 

9.      Replace Map 9a  “ Proposed Maximum Building Height Changes – West Sector” with the following map:

 

 

 

The map change is to retain the existing TM H(25)/CG4 [435] F(2.0) H(24.7) for 927 Richmond Road and 108 Woodroffe.

 

10.  Replace Map 9b  “Proposed Maximum Building Height Changes – East Sector” with the following map:

 

The map change is to retain the existing TM H (24)/CN2 [507] H (24) F (2.0) for the two blocks bounded by Madison, Roosevelt, Danforth and Churchill and to clarify the maximum number of storeys for 93-109 Richmond Road.

 

 


CONSULTATION DETAILS                                                                                DOCUMENT 5

 

In response to the public and technical circulation of the Official Plan Amendment in January 2008, the following comments were received.

 

National Capital Commission (NCC).

“Please note that we have reviewed this from a Capital Planning perspective and support numerous principles outlined in this OPA; including design concepts related to improved linkages to recreation pathways, improving streetscape amenities, implementing provisions to increase the landscaped areas and sidewalk widths along main street corridors and retaining parkland (cash-in-lieu) fees in this community. As noted in previous circulations of the CDP, we also continue to have concerns with respect to the greenspace designations and illustrations of passive open spaces to be confirmed via this CDP on federally owned lands.  We do acknowledge some of the revisions in the text to note that the Rochester Field site remains subject of an active appeal to the OMB and therefore any designation and future land use(s) for this site are, at this time, unconfirmed. We continue to take the position this CDP does not appropriately reflect the NCC’s position for federal lands in the study area. We refer specifically to the two NCC parcels, which are on the edges of the Ottawa River Parkway (ORP) corridor, Rochester Field and lands in the vicinity of Atlantis and Selby Avenues. (For example, Section 6.0- Greenspace Network Strategy, policies in Sections 7.5 and 7.9 and Maps which identify “confirmed greenspace” designations).

 

The NCC is preparing the Capital Urban Lands Master Plan for federal land holdings within the urban area.  This federal level master plan is comprised of evaluation, analysis and public consultation phases and will ultimately develop policy and identify appropriate land use for federal lands. Some sectors identified in the CDP are also the subject of this master plan. We reiterate to the City that the NCC has the legislated authority for the planning of federally owned lands within the Ottawa River Parkway corridor lands. The Capital Urban Lands Master Plan will examine the Ottawa River Parkway corridor in some detail, with provisions for full public consultation and we look forward to integrating to the greatest degree possible the requirements for federal lands with the evolving maturation and diversification of the Richmond Road community.”

 

Staff Response

 

The NCC’s comments reiterate their concerns about Rochester Field and the Atlantis-Selby Lands being confirmed as greenspace in the CDP.  Their concerns were documented in the Richmond Road/Westboro CDP report approved by City Council on July 9, 2007.  As was stated in the staff response in that report, the CDP responded to the community’s greenspace concerns and the existing deficiency in City parkland in Ottawa West as outlined in Section 3.4 of the CDP.

 

Woodroffe North Community Association

The Woodroffe North Community Association's confirms its unconditional support for the proposal to make the Richmond Road/Westboro Community Design Plan (CDP) a secondary plan to the City of Ottawa's Official Plan.  For many years, spot zoning along Richmond Road from Cleary to New Orchard has resulted in land uses, which have not been compatible, in the majority of cases, with our exclusively residential community.  Over the last decade, our members have responded to a number of development proposals but we were not equipped with any official policy or plan to assist us in ensuring a fair and appropriate balance between the interests of Richmond Road landowners and our residents.  Secondary Plan status for the CDP will be a valuable tool which will equip both developers and our members to work together guided by the vision, principles and long-term development objectives for our stretch of Richmond Road.

 

Staff Response

 

The Woodroffe North Community Association’s support for Secondary Plan status for the CDP is acknowledged.

 

809 Richmond Road

For 809 Richmond Road the property owner is objecting to the proposed reduction in maximum building height from 18 metres to 15 metres for the west half of the property. (For the east half no change is proposed).  He disagrees with the rationale in the CDP that the reduction in height limit is to protect the houses on Aylen Crescent as these houses are far beyond the property lines of 809 Richmond.  The major impact is created by the Lord Richard Apartments located at 851 Richmond, which is12 storeys (approximately 36 metres). The Lord Richmond was an existing condition many years before the houses on Aylen Crescent were built.

 

The property immediately to the west of 809 Richmond is occupied by grade level parking for the Lord Richmond, which, according to the property owner, provides the daylighting most affecting the Aylen Crescent residential zone, without the need to downzone of the westerly half of 809 Richmond.

 

The City approval of a 47-metre height limit for 793 Richmond (Charlesfort development) leaves 809 Richmond with 18 metres, which greatly underutilizes this important site between two very high complexes.  The property owner will be pursuing an increase in the maximum building height from the existing 18 metres.

 

Staff Response

 

The closest house on Aylen Crescent is 19 metres from the 809 Richmond rear property line, which, as stated in the CDP, is considered to be within the influence area of the western half of 809 Richmond.  The CDP states that a 15-metre height limit is appropriate for Richmond Road sites that are adjacent to, or are in the influence area of the low density/low scale residential neighbourhood to the north.  Although the Lord Richmond building was an existing condition when the houses on Aylen Crescent were built, an 18-metre building (or potentially higher if the owner were to be successful in obtaining a height increase) would be a subsequent condition.

 

The grade level parking for the Lord Richmond immediately west of 809 Richmond could be redeveloped with underground parking and a new tower that would remove the existing access to daylight enjoyed by the Aylen Crescent houses.

 

The approval of a 47-metre height limit for 793 Richmond to the east is not considered a precedent to similarly increase the height of all the remaining properties in the block from Cleary to Woodroffe.  The key principles of the CDP call for compatible intensification to provide appropriate setbacks and transition in building heights, including lower heights along the edges of existing low density/scale residential areas, regardless of the existing zoning.  The approved building for 793 Richmond does not impact any adjacent low density/scale residential neighbourhood.

 


OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT - RICHMOND ROAD/WESTBORO COMMUNITY DESIGN PLAN

modification au plan officiel et modification au règlement de zonage – plan de conception communautaire du chemin richmond/westboro

ACS2008-PTE-PLA-0061                                            Kitchissippi (15), Bay/Baie (7)

 

(This matter is subject to Bill 51)

 

The following correspondence was received and is held on file with the City Clerk:

·        Comment sheet from Jane Ironside, on behalf of Domicile Developments Inc., received on September 23, 2008

·        Submission from Lloyd Phillips dated September 16, 2008, on behalf of Domenic Cassone, the owner of 300 Richmond Road

·        Email from Tom Trottier dated September 16, 2008

·        Submission from Lynne Racine dated September 18, 2008

 

Councillor Leadman requested that the matter be deferred to allow further staff review.

 

John Moser, Director of Planning, indicated staff do not object to a referral to review the concerns recently raised by Councillor Leadman.

 

In response to questions from Councillor Cullen, Richard Kilstrom, Manager of Community Planning and Design confirmed the issue raised by Councillor Leadman is the definition of building height (low, medium and high).  He stated the number of storeys reflect definitions in other secondary plans from the former City of Ottawa, including Centretown.  Mr. Kilstrom added that the Community Design Plan continues to have status in its entirety.

 

The following delegations were present and consented to referral/deferral:

·        A. Walter Loates, on behalf of Walter Boyle

·        Gary Ludington, Westboro Community Association

·        Lloyd Phillips, on behalf of Dominic Cassone

 

The Committee also received assurances that both Ward Councillors would be kept informed going forward.

 

Moved by J. Harder:

 

THAT this matter be referred back to staff for further clarification and rise to the meeting of 14 November 2008.

 

                                                                                                CARRIED

That Planning and Environment Committee recommend Council:

 

1.                  Approve an amendment to the Official Plan for the City of Ottawa, Volume 2A, to incorporate the Richmond Road/Westboro Community Design Plan as a Secondary Plan as detailed in Document 2 (distributed separately and on file with the City Clerk).

 

2.                  Approve an amendment to Zoning By-law 2008-250 of the City of Ottawa as shown on the location maps and detailed in Document 3.

 

3.                 Approve an amendment to the former City of Ottawa Zoning By-law, 93-98 as shown on the location maps and detailed in Document 3.

 

4.                 Approve an amendment to the Richmond Road/Westboro Community Design Plan as detailed in Document 4.

 

                                                                                                REFERRED/DEFERRED

                                                                                                To November 14, 2008

 

 

 

 

 


OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT - RICHMOND ROAD/WESTBORO COMMUNITY DESIGN PLAN – REVISION

modification au plan officiel et modification au règlement de zonage - plan de conception communautaire du chemin richmond/westboro - RéVISION

acs2008-ics-pla-0228                                              Kitchissippi (15), Bay/Baie (7)

Deferred on 23 September 2008 - Original Report: ACS2008-PTE-PLA-0061 / Reporté le 23 septembre 2008 - Rapport original :  ACS2008-PTE-PLA-0061

 

(This matter is subject to Bill 51)

 

Richard Kilstrom, Manager of Community Planning and Design, provided a PowerPoint presentation, which is held on file with the City Clerk.  He noted that the only change from the first report is how height is defined with a specific range of storeys now outlined (e.g. low profile is defined as under four storeys).  He was accompanied by the following:

·        John Moser, General Manager of Planning and Growth Management

·        Françoise Jessop, Program Manager, Zoning Studies and Area Planning Central

·        Robert Spicer, Planner III

 

Councillor Desroches asked why a community design plan (CDP) would be finalised before the approval of the Transportation Master Plan (TMP).  He referenced Riverside South as an example, where the CDP was developed on the assumption that the community would be serviced by transit.  Mr. Kilstrom advised that CDPs are not done in isolation and would be amended, if required, once the TMP is passed.  Mr. Spicer added that the Infrastructure Approvals division hired a consultant as part of the CDP process to do an infrastructure capacity study, which was reflected in the plan.

 

Councillor Leadman clarified the difference between this CDP and Riverside South, noting Westboro/Richmond Road is an existing area facing intensification, not a greenfield development. 

 

Mr. Spicer confirmed that Council previously approved that the CDP be given secondary plan status, which has resulted in the Official Plan and Zoning amendments before committee.

 

In response to questions from Councillor Harder with regard to the TMP and risk, Mr. Kilstrom indicated this plan is not designed around either option for light rail transit (Byron Avenue or Ottawa River Parkway).  He reiterated that the plan would be amended when a decision on the route is final.  He emphasized that the CDP/secondary plan is needed to help guide development in the area.

 

Mr. Moser stated that land acquisition, if required, for the transit corridor would occur after the completion of an Environmental Assessment (EA).  He added that this plan is transit-supported and speaks to intensification potential.  He said that the Byron right-of-way is in City ownership.

 

Councillor Hunter touched on the issue of property acquisition for transit, recalling a decision by the former Region to dispose of key land holdings that might be required for a light rail transit route in the area.

 

Councillor Cullen countered that key parcels are still available for light rail, including the Byron Linear Park, McEwen Park and Rochester Fields.  He reiterated that this land use plan speaks to how this established community would handle intensification.

 

In response to further questions from Councillor Leadman, Mr. Kilstrom posited that a development freeze along the transit corridor is not necessary.  Mr. Moser concurred, noting that the EA process, which takes 18 months to two years to complete, will look at various transportation options and has not commenced.  EAs are funded from an on-going dedicated budget.

 

Chair Hume commented that speculating on the results of an EA, yet to be completed, is not a productive use of the Committee’s time.

 

Councillor Doucet focussed on community involvement in the preparation of the plan and expectations in that regard. 

 

Brian Cassagrande, FoTenn Consultants, accompanied by Brad Hutt, spoke on the broad development interests of Ashcroft in the Westboro area and site-specific interests of the Unsworth Family (1976 Scott, 319 McRae, 320 McRae). 

 

With regard to 1976 Scott Street, the site presents a unique opportunity for redevelopment of industrial lands.  The site is currently used as a used car dealership across from a transit station, the Metropole and the trailhead facility.  The CDP envisions a mixed-use development for the lands, also planned by the Unsworth Family.  As the site is across from a transit station, Mr. Cassagrande advanced that the City and the CDP should be open to opportunities to capitalize on intensification and height at that location.  He indicated the project is in its infancy and the community will be invited to participate in an open and inclusive process, resulting in an exciting development. 

 

Mr. Hutt, an architect and project manager also representing the Unsworth Family, commented that the family is not interested in selling the property to a large developer; instead, the estate wishes to develop the land in a conscientious way, respecting the family legacy and the community of which they have been a part of for many generations.

 

Mr. Cassagrande summarized that the secondary plan appears to be removing the ability that currently exists within the Official Plan (OP) for the City to consider development with greater height and density when the location and design of the project mitigate the impact and promote broader City and provincial objectives, such as intensification and public transit.  He suggested OP policies and guidelines allow for unique development applications to be considered without the requirement for an OP or Secondary Plan Amendment. 

 

He suggested wording changes to Section 1.2 (objectives), Principle 5, point 3, second sentence, to begin with: “Higher buildings will be considered on sites …”  He also advanced that the ability to support public transit at these locations should be a strong consideration and added to the sentence. Section 2.7 of the appendix, which offers additional criteria for evaluating intensification, should refer to the criteria outlined above (height and flexibility). 

 

Specifically at 1976 Scott Street, Mr. Casagrande advised that the maximum height of four to six storeys should be revised, as a greater height of 10 or more storeys is appropriate.  The site is slightly deeper than shown on the map and immediately across a transit station and an existing 30-storey building.  He also expressed concern with Scott Street’s ability to develop as a main street with the Transitway running on one side.  He advanced that the City should focus on achieving reasonable density targets on Scott.

 

With regard to 319 and 310 McRae, Mr. Cassagrande requested Section 1.4 of the appendix be revised to provide more flexibility with regard to the hydro corridor.  With regard to the GM zone applied to the eastside of McRae, two provisions are of concern: the FSI limit of 2.0 and stepping of height (11 metres permitted within 20 meters of the residential zone, which is more restrictive than the angular building plane contemplated in the TM zone).

 

In response to a question from the Chair, Tim Marc, Senior Legal Counsel confirmed the Traditional Mainstreet designation on Scott Street was upheld at the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).

 

Mr. Spicer indicated it is the first time these concerns have been brought to the attention of staff.  For the properties along McRae, he indicated the existing building heights and rear yard set back provisions were carried forward in the new GM zone, because the lots on the west side of McRae, adjoining a low-rise residential area, are shallow.  The public advisory committee did involve FoTenn, which made representations on other sites.

 

Mr. Cassagrande indicated that he would present his arguments in writing.

 

Gary Ludington, Westboro Community Association touched on his on-going participation for more than three years on the CDP and secondary plan.  He noted the private sector participated in the process with a representative on the public advisory committee.  He added that site-specific issues could be addressed through the development approval process as projects come forward.  He spoke in support of the adoption of the secondary plan, noting recent challenges to the CDP at the OMB.  He clarified that with the secondary plan becoming part of the Official Plan, the CDP will remain as a policy document to help guide development.

 

Walter Loates, Dynar Architect + Associates Inc., addressed concerns on behalf of Walter Boyce, owner of 809 Richmond Road.  He requested that the property enjoy the same permitted mid-height across the site, reflective of the adjacent two apartment buildings.  An 18-meter height limit has been enjoyed on the easterly half of the site; however, the westerly portion is proposed to be downzoned to 15 metres.  The owner is in negotiations to build a retirement home.  A shadow study for a mid-height building was undertaken at three points throughout the day, over the course of a year, that demonstrated no overshadow impact. Mr. Loates noted that there are approximately 19 metres between the northwest corner of the site and the closest residential property, but a stepped building would result in a 38-meter separation or day lighting.  He added that the residents in the affected area are overshadowed already by the adjacent Lord Richmond apartments.  A spatial separation of 25 to 40 metres exists between the residential community and the Lord Richmond east wall due to surface parking.  In addition, he reiterated that the request for increased height is a result of the proposed senior retirement housing, which is needed in the community, and the required density to make the project economically viable.  A letter dated October 26, 2007 and shadow drawings were submitted and are held on file with the City Clerk.

 

Replying to a question from Councillor Leadman, Mr. Loates confirmed the applicant would be required to make a re-zoning application regardless.

 

Lloyd Phillips, Lloyd Phillips & Associates Ltd., on behalf of Domenic Cassone, spoke in relation to 300 Richmond Road.  He said that minor variances were approved by the OMB for a five-storey mixed use building comprised of 20 apartments on upper floors and retail at grade.  With respect to the transitional provision of the new comprehensive zoning by-law, Mr. Phillips requested that the three-year window be extended as the project might not be constructed within that period.   He also affirmed that the height for the property should be four to six storeys, noting his client opposes the permitted height of less than four storeys.  The CDP imposes a 15-meter height limit, as opposed to the 24 metres currently permitted.  Under the previous zoning, the setback from the lane at the rear was zero.  The OMB decision stated that the proposal was consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement and intent of the Official Plan.  In summation, Mr. Phillips requested that the minor variance approved by the OMB be made permanent through zoning.  A letter dated November 3, 2008, outlining these arguments, is held on file with the City Clerk.

 

Ms. Jessop commented that the three-year transition provision of the comprehensive zoning by-law is generous and more than the two years previously set out in the former Ottawa by-law.  Mr. Marc agreed and noted that a rezoning application is more permanent and not subject to the three-year rule imposed on minor variances.

 

Moved by P. Feltmate:

 

WHEREAS for the Richmond Road/Westboro Secondary Plan in Document 2, the wording describing the Ontario Municipal Board September 16, 2008 decision on 747 Richmond Road is proposed to be changed to more accurately represent the outcome of that decision.  This will also require a change to Document 4.

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

 

1.         That Document 2, Part B - The Amendment, Section 1.3.4 b) be amended by deleting the second bullet point and replacing it with the following:

 

·        “Recognize that for property at 747 Richmond Road, the Ontario Municipal Board has approved heights of eight to twelve storeys on the basis of measurements specifically outlined in the Ontario Municipal Board's decision and reflected in the approved zoning by-law.”

 

2.         That Document 4, Amendment to the Richmond Road/Westboro CDP, be amended by deleting 4. and replacing it with the following:

 

4. Sector 6.3 Sector 2 -Woodroffe North, end of last paragraph, be amended by adding:

 

 

“However, on September 16, 2008, the Ontario Municipal Board approved heights of eight to twelve storeys on the basis of measurements specifically outlined in the Board's decision and reflected in the approved zoning by-law.” 

 

That there be no further notice pursuant to Section 34 (17) of the Planning Act.

 

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 

 

That Planning and Environment Committee recommend City Council:

 

1.         Approve an amendment to the Official Plan for the City of Ottawa, Volume 2A, to incorporate the Richmond Road/Westboro Community Design Plan as a Secondary Plan as detailed in Document 2 (distributed separately and on file with the City Clerk), as amended by deleting the second bullet point in Part B – The Amendment, Section 1.3.4 b) and replacing it with the following:

 

“Recognize that for property at 747 Richmond Road, the Ontario Municipal Board has approved heights of eight to twelve storeys on the basis of measurements specifically outline in the Ontario Municipal Board’s decision and reflected in the approved zoning by-law.”

 

2.         Approve an amendment to Zoning By-law 2008-250 of the City of Ottawa as shown on the location maps and detailed in Document 3.

 

3.         Approve an amendment to the former City of Ottawa Zoning By-law, 93-98 for 319, part of 320, 344 and 351 McRae Avenue as shown on the location maps and detailed in Document 3.

 

4.         Approve an amendment to the Richmond Road/Westboro Community Design Plan as detailed in Document 4, as amended by replacing item 4 to read as follows:

 

Sector 6.3 Sector 2 – Woodroffe North, end of last paragraph, be amended by adding:

 

“However, on September 16, 2008, the Ontario Municipal Board approved heights of eight to twelve storeys on the basis of measurements specifically outlined in the Board’s decision and reflected in the approved zoning by-law.”

 

CARRIED as amended with S. Desroches dissenting.