Simon M. Deiaco, Planning Services, Planning, Real Estate and Economic Development Department (PRED), presented an overview of the application and answered questions from the Committee. A copy of the slide presentation is filed with the Office of the City Clerk.
The following staff were also present and responded to questions:
- PRED: Douglas James, Manager, Development Review – Central
- Innovative Client Services Department: Tim Marc, Senior Legal Counsel-Planning, Development and Real Estate
The Applicant/Owner as represented by Miguel Tremblay and Scott Alain (Fotenn Planning + Design), and Joey Theberge (Theberge Homes), provided an overview of the Application and responded to questions from Committee. A copy of their slides is on file with the City Clerk.
The following speakers addressed the Committee to speak to the Application:
- Warren H. Waters (Lowertown Community Association) spoke to how increased Floor Space Index should not be granted unless the design meets the Uptown Rideau Street Secondary Plan goals.
- Darin Loewy (ACORN) stated that he observed this was part of a pattern of “demovictions” and demolition by neglect during a housing crisis.
- Laura Shantz stated that the application was for a “demoviction” and that the affordable rental housing stock should be protected. Alternative housing with comparable rent needs to be available.
- Andrea Harrison and Victor Watson spoke to concerns about the building obstructing the sky, ensuring rent remains affordable, and construction causing damage to their home.
- Ilona Horvath is concerned about the proposed building’s impact on the public realm and on the streetscape, and about the building’s massing. A copy of their slides is on file with the City Clerk.
- Michael Barnes expressed concerns about the consultation process. Height, density and massing of the building are disproportionate compared to the Uptown Rideau Community Design Plan.
The following written submissions were received by, and are filed with, the Office of the City Clerk, and distributed to Committee Members:
- Miguel Tremblay (Fotenn Planning + Design, representing Theberge Homes) letter dated January 24, in support
- Ginette Bériault email dated January 24, opposed
- Andrea Harrison & Victor Watson email dated January 25, opposed
- Sandra Milton email dated January 25, opposed
- Karen Niven-Wigston email dated January 26, with concerns
- Diane Stephenson letter dated January 26, opposed
- Warren Waters (Lowertown Community Association) written comments dated January 26, opposed
- David Jurkowski (Brigadier Walk Homeowners Association) email received January 26, opposed
- Darin Loewy (ACORN) speaking notes, dated January 27, opposed
Planning Services accepted the following DIRECTION:
That, as part of Site Plan Control application, staff add conditions related to construction risks and impacts on neighbouring buildings such as pre-blast surveys.
Following discussion on this item, the Committee CARRIED the report recommendations, with Councillor S. Menard dissenting, as amended by Motion No PLC 2022-55/01.