Kingston Planning Committee - 1 Feb

The Planning committee on 1 Feb 2024 discussed the following points. Meeting details can be found here.

Members present: Councillor Vincent Cinanni, Councillor Gary Oosterhof, Councillor Conny Glenn, Councillor Lisa Osanic, Councillor Paul Chaves

The meeting transcript from the Kingston Planning committee primarily focused on two main applications:

1. 700 Gardiners Road Development, File Number: D01-007-2023:

• The property is currently undeveloped, being used for construction staging. The initial approval for this subdivision included over 1040 units, with several phases already completed or under construction.

• The current proposal aims to reduce the commercial land from five hectares to 1.2 hectares, increase residential land, and introduce a new housing type - back-to-back townhouses. The plan includes maintaining a park and introducing additional open space as a buffer from the commercial area. The total number of units proposed is 344, with a net increase of 257 units from the previous plan due to adjustments in street layouts. The presentation also mentioned the need for amendments to the official plan and zoning bylaws to facilitate these changes, emphasizing consistency with provincial policies and good land use planning.

2. 100 Napier Street Development, File Number: D01-006-2023:

• The site is currently designated as open space, requiring an official plan amendment to redesignate it for residential use. The development plans to maintain private amenity space and meet the city's parking requirements, with supporting studies submitted as part of the application.

• Concerns were raised about the impact of this development on open space and the community's recreational needs, highlighting the historical significance of the Kingston Lawn Bowling Club, which has been at its current location since 1942. The discussion also touched on the importance of preserving open spaces for community health and well-being, especially considering the lessons from the pandemic. There was strong opposition to rezoning the property from open space to residential, with many advocating for the land to remain dedicated to community recreation and open space.

• The discussion touched on the city's housing targets and the recent overachievement in creating new units. There were references to changes in student visa policies potentially affecting housing demand and the importance of considering long-term community health alongside densification efforts.

• The potential for the site at 100 Napier Street to serve as a symbol of Kingston's commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples was discussed, considering its historical value and the possibility of creating spaces that acknowledge Indigenous heritage and contributions.