24 Townhomes on 3 lots at Metcalfe St ?

Recently, Council had before it, another development application to receive. The application, for 103, 107, and 111 Metcalfe St, is a unique one… The builder has come forward asking for an application to amend the zoning bylaw to build 24 townhomes where 3 homes stood. The current zoning is R3 which does not allow for townhomes. In addition, the proposed development will stand at 3 ½ stories which does not conform to our Official plan. Given that the proposed development does not conform to either our zoning or our official plan, Council in the majority voted to not receive the application. As I stated at the meeting — and in discussing other recent applications – why would the Town receive the application and trigger the old planning process, where applicants can go to the OMB with decisions they don’t like? Instead of using the new planning decision-making process that allows Council to not receive an application and instead require applicants to bring forward proposals that are in conformity with our zoning and OP and that Council can consider.

What’s unusual about this application is that the builder doesn’t own the property yet. So Council was being asked to consider an application that not only doesn’t conform to our OP or zoning but the applicant does not even own the property. An application for a zoning amendment that could result in 24 townhomes 3 ½ stories high in a space that currently has 3 detached homes in a stable neighbourhood that only allows at maximum 3 stories… Council’s agenda and certainly my agenda is the community, the best interest of the community as a whole.. and the proposed amendment in my opinion is not in the best interest of the community.. I stand by my decision.

To be clear, in terms of process, Council did not reject the application… Council rejected receiving the application. The builder can revise the application and come back with something that fits in a stable neighbourhood… I hope the developer will come back to council with a revised application that better fits the needs and vision of our community. Council in the majority voted to not receive the application 6-3, with Mayor Dawe, Councillors Pirri and Humfryes in favour of receiving the application.

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6 Responses

  1. One of those homes was built by my great-great grandfather and I do believe It is designated as a historical home. My family is from Aurora where I grew up. As did my Grandmother in that very house.
    I will find any paperwork and get back on this. Thank you for the information.

  2. One of those homes was built by my great-great grandfather and I do believe It is designated as a historical home. My family is from Aurora where I grew up. As did my Grandmother in that very house.
    I will find any paperwork and get back on this. Thank you for the information.

  3. Tom thanks to you and those Counsillors who voted No to something that does not conform to either our zoning OR our official plan! It should be a “no brainer” that the vote would have been unanimous. Your question – why would the Town receive the application and trigger the old planning process, where applicants can go to the OMB with decisions they don’t like? – is a good one. Why indeed? I wonder what Mayor Dawe, Councillors Pirri and Humfryes would reply? For goodness sake – of what earthly good are zoning and official plans if members of the Council are willing to go against them?! If the zoning says “no townhouses” that seems pretty clear to me! I had believed that Council was in place to ensure that guidelines that are already in place are followed. Numerous areas in Aurora are beginning to look patenty ridiculous. It’s very disappointing, and this flagrant disregard for Aurora’s zoning and Official plan by Councillors who Aurora citizens have put in Council is alarming to say the least!

  4. PS – the fact that our Mayor is quite willing to even consider looking at a deveopment application that goes against Aurora’s zoning an Official plan is shocking!

  5. We know why one Councillor voted for this garbage, we call it the fireman’s hand shake and the other 2 nothings are long gone. Scary when this gets 3 votes. Former Mayor has never been a supporter of the Town Park area. Embarrassing!!!!

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