May 6, 1998
To:Chairman and Members
Etobicoke Community Council
From:Karen V, Bricker, MCIP
Commissioner of Urban Development
Subject:Public Meeting - Simcoe Construction
505 The West Mall
File No: Z-2245 (Markland-Centennial)
Purpose:
To consider a site specific proposal to amend the Zoning Code with respect to the property located at the southeast corner
of The West Mall and Holiday Drive, from Fifth Density Residential (R5) to Sixth Density Residential (R6) to permit the
development of an additional 93 unit, 10-storey residential condominium apartment building on a site containing a 6-storey
apartment.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
City funding is not required. There are no impacts on capital or operating budgets.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the application by Simcoe Construction be the subject of a Public Meeting to obtain the views of
interested parties and, if approved, that the conditions outlined in this report be fulfilled.
Background:
On June 4, 1997, prior to the submission of an application, a community meeting was held to allow area residents and
surrounding property owners an opportunity to review a preliminary proposal for the development of an 18-storey, 166 unit
condominium apartment building on a site containing a 6-storey, 59 unit rental apartment building. On August 12, 1997,
Simcoe Construction submitted a formal application to the City proposing a 14-storey, 120 unit condominium apartment.
Following a second community meeting on February 10, 1998, and further discussions with staff, the proposal was revised
to a 93 unit, 10-storey condominium building with stepping at the eighth floor. Comments from the community meetings
are discussed further in this report.
Site Description and Surrounding Uses:
The rectangular site is located at the southeast corner of The West Mall and Holiday Drive. (Exhibit No. 1). The lands are
designated High Density Residential and zoned Fifth Density Residential (R5). The site is occupied by a 6-storey, 59 unit
rental apartment building which was built in 1964. The front door to the apartment faces The West Mall and two side doors
exist at the north and south ends. The area to the south of the existing apartment building is used for surface parking and
parking garages. Access to the site occurs off The West Mall via two driveways at the south end of the site. The building is
generally in good condition and the property use officer for this area has confirmed that there are no outstanding work
orders which apply to this site.
Surrounding zoning categories and land uses are as follows:
North:Fourth Density Residential (R4) and Planned Commercial Preferred (CPP) - a number of apartment buildings
ranging in height from 14 to 19-storeys and the Ramada Hotel
South:Fourth Density Residential (R4) - two high rise, 15-storey apartments .
East:Fourth Density Residential Group Area (R4G) - 3-storey, condominium townhouses.
West:Fifth Density Residential (R5) and Public Open Space (OS) - 5-storey apartment and Broadacres Park.
Proposal:
The applicant has requested a site specific amendment to the Zoning Code from Fifth Density Residential (R5) to Sixth
Density Residential (R6) to permit the development of an additional 93 unit, 10-storey condominium building. The
proposed building would be situated on a 0.3 hectare
(1 acre) parcel at the south end of the site, where surface and garage parking is currently provided (Exhibit No. 2). The
condominium units would consist of 1 and 2-bedroom units with an average size of 78 m2 (858 sq. ft.). This parcel would
later be severed from the property for condominium registration purposes.
The existing northerly driveway off The West Mall would be maintained as a mutual right-of-way for both properties and
would provide access to service areas and the three levels of underground parking. The first level of parking would provide,
by way of an easement registered on title, 44 reserved parking spaces for tenants of the apartment in a segregated portion of
the garage. It is proposed that tenants of the existing building would exit the garage to the surface by way of a stairwell
located at the northwest corner of the garage. The remainder of the first garage level would provide 19 parking spaces for
visitors to the condominium. The second and third levels would supply 116 parking spaces for condominium residents. A
second driveway would be created off Holiday Drive and would provide access to 21 surface parking spaces for tenants and
visitors of the existing apartment. The remainder of the site would be landscaped and a fence would be provided between
the properties to the south and east.
Exhibit No. 1 is a key map of the area. Exhibit Nos. 2, 3 and 4 are reductions of the proposed site plan and elevations. A
summary of information as provided by the applicant, including a comparison of existing and proposed densities is listed in
Table No. 1.
TABLE No. 1
|
EXISTING SITE
|
PROPOSED
APARTMENT SITE |
PROPOSED
CONDOMINIUM
SITE |
TOTAL SITE |
Area |
0.823 hectares
(2 acres) |
0.474 hectares
(1 acres) |
0.349 hectares
(1 acres) |
0.823 hectares
(2 acres) |
No. of
Units |
59 apts. |
59 apts. |
93 apts. |
152 apts. |
Density |
72 uph
(30 upa) |
124 uph
(49 upa) |
266 uph
(103 upa) |
185 uph
(75 upa) |
Building
G.F.A. |
7 900 m2
(85,038 sq .ft.) |
7 900 m2
(85,038 sq .ft.) |
8 725 m2
(93,918 sq. ft.) |
16 625 m2
(178,956 sq. ft.) |
Floor
Space
Index |
0.96 F.S.I. |
1.67 F.S.I. |
2.5 F.S.I. |
2.02 F.S.I. |
Building
Coverage |
2 132 m2 *
(22,949 sq. ft.)
26% |
1 420 m2
(15,285 sq. ft.)
30% |
911 m2
(9,806 sq. ft.)
27% |
2 331 m2
(25,091 sq. ft.)
29% |
Landscaped
Area |
3 716 m2
(40,000 sq. ft.)
45% |
2 425 m2
(26,103 sq. ft.)
51% |
1 991 m2
(21,432 sq. ft.)
57% |
4 416 m2
(47,535 sq. ft.)
53% |
Paved
Area |
2 402 m2
(25,856 sq. ft.)
29% |
895 m2
(9,634 sq. ft.)
19 % |
588 m2
(6,329 sq. ft.)
16% |
1 483 m2
(15,963 sq. ft.)
18%
|
Parking
Required
|
tenant 74
visitor 0
74 |
tenant 74
visitor 0
74 |
tenant 130
visitor 19
149 |
tenant 204
visitor 19
223 |
Parking
Provided |
tenant 68
visitor 0
68 |
tenant 60
visitor 5
65 |
tenant 116
visitor 19
135 |
tenant 176
visitor 24
200 |
|
shortage 6 spaces |
shortage 9 spaces |
shortage 14 spaces |
shortage 23
spaces |
* |
includes garages |
|
|
|
Comment:
Official Plan:
The Etobicoke Official Plan designates the subject site as High Density Residential, which permits multiple unit housing
of all types to be developed within a range of 70-185 uph (28-75 upa), to a maximum floor space index of 2.5. The site is
currently developed to a density of 72 uph (30 upa) with a floor space index of 0.9. The applicant is proposing to increase
the overall net density to l85 uph (75 upa) with a corresponding floor space index of 2.0 (Table No. l). As the Official Plan
permits density to be calculated over the entire property and as both development parcels would maintain an FSI of 2.5 or
less, the proposal would comply with the maximum density provisions contained within the Official Plan.
The project also complies with the Housing policies contained within the Metropolitan Toronto Official Plan and the
former Metro Planning Department has not identified any concerns with the application.
Residential Intensification Policies
The Etobicoke Official Plan supports housing intensification as a means of achieving housing targets, subject to certain
criteria and provided that the level of development is within the density limits of the Plan.
Planning staff have evaluated the application based on the criteria established for considering high density residential
proposals, as contained in Section 4.2.19 of the Plan. This evaluation has been attached as Exhibit No. 5 and generally
reviews the following:
l.The appropriateness of the site for intensification.
2.The ability of the parcels to accommodate the density.
3.The off-site impacts generated by the proposed development.
Staff's review of this application confirms that the locational attributes of this site would support intensification. The site is
well positioned in terms of public transit, access to road networks, parks, and open space facilities. It is also located along a
corridor containing High and Medium Density Residential uses. The site is within close proximity to retail, public and
community services. The Fire Department, Toronto Police Department, Works Department, and Parks and Recreational
Services have not identified any concerns with respect to the provision of hard or soft services to accommodate the
additional residents generated by the proposal.
However, with respect to educational facilities, the former Etobicoke Board of Education has indicated that additional
space may be required at local schools and financial contributions will be required to cover the anticipated capital cost of
accommodating the students generated from this proposal (Exhibit No. 6). The Metropolitan Separate School Board
(MSSB) has indicated in their preliminary comment that the Board is not able to accommodate elementary and secondary
school students generated by the development(Exhibit No. 7). Neither Board has adopted a Development Charge By-Law
on which to base such contributions. In accordance with the practise adopted in the rest of the City, Planning staff do not
recommend that such a condition be imposed.
The application was also reviewed to determine if each parcel, in terms of size and shape could suitably accommodate the
proposed densities and the uses normally associated with high density residential development such as landscaping,
recreational facilities and servicing and was found to be acceptable. The proposed parking supply has also been determined
to be adequate, notwithstanding the mutual use driveway and overlapping parking arrangements on the proposed
condomimium site.
Traffic analysis indicates that there would not be any significant impacts on the local road network or intersections.
Height/built form relationships with developments along The West Mall corridor are acceptable. However, the site=s
relationship with the townhouse block located directly behind and to the east of the proposed building is affected by the
proximity of the proposed 10-storey building. The proposed building height results in some shadowing being cast easterly
on some of the existing townhouses during the late afternoon all year long. Although this situation is of some concern, it is
a condition which currently occurs within the townhouse development as a result of existing apartments and it a situation
which is not uncommon in transitional areas between High and Medium Density Residential designations.
Based on this review, staff are satisfied from a land use point of view, that the proposal would generally meet the criteria
for High Density Residential development and Housing Intensification.
Zoning Code:
The property is zoned Fifth Density Residential (R5). In the event of approval, staff suggest that the site be rezoned to
Sixth Density Residential (R6) which would reflect the higher densities proposed. The amending by-law should provide the
necessary exemptions to reflect both the existing and the proposed developments, as well as take into consideration the
anticipated land severance application.
Site and Building Design Considerations:
The design and placement of the proposed condominium building would be consistent with the existing apartment
building. The proposed condominium would be setback from The West Mall and separated from the existing building by
9.0 metres (30 feet). Staff would recommend that this separation distance be increased to the extent that the building can be
shifted southward while still maintaining an acceptable side yard setback on the south side, which is currently proposed to
be 7.0 metres (23 feet). A side yard setback of 5 to 6 metres (16 to 20 feet) could be acceptable given the fact that the
apartment building to the south is setback approximately 18 metres (60 feet) from the same property line and located east
of the proposed condominium. The overall building height is 10-storeys, however, the building would be stepped at the
eighth floor on both sides.
The proposed condominium would be located approximately 15 metres (49 feet) from adjacent townhouses to the east,
which is consistent with the existing situation with the apartment building to the north.
Landscape Open Space and Recreational Amenities:
The proposed site plan would allow for 51 percent of the apartment lands and 57 percent of the proposed condominium
lands to be devoted to landscape open space, with 53 percent over the combined site. This would be consistent with the
landscape percentages associated with other recent approvals for housing intensification.
Parks and Recreation Services (Exhibit No. 8) has indicated that the parkland dedication requirement for this development
should be based on 5 percent and taken as cash-in-lieu. They further advise that the provision of a suitable on-site
children=s play facility should be allowed for within the scope of this development. Should the applicant feel that the
provision of this feature may not be feasible to incorporate on this site, staff would be prepared to recommend the
acceptance of a cash-in-lieu contribution of $20,000.00 which would be used to upgrade children's play facilities within a
public park within the surrounding community. Detail describing indoor recreational amenities and a detailed landscape
plan containing information with respect to outdoor recreation and amenity features would be required for their review to
the satisfaction of the Staff Advisory Committee on Development Control prior to the passing of a by-law. Planning staff
also recommend that the applicant be required to enter into an Amenities Agreement to secure all on-site amenities
proposed for the existing buildings and the condominium development.
Parking and Traffic:
A Traffic Impact Study, conducted by the BA Consulting Group, concludes that the additional volume of traffic expected
to be generated by the development has no significant impact on the level-of-service of the adjacent road network. The
study also recommended a reduced parking rate of 1.15 spaces per unit for the existing building and 1.45 spaces for the
proposed condominium.
The Transportation Planning section of the Works Department comments are attached as Exhibits 9 and 10. Transportation
staff concur with the conclusions of the Traffic study and are satisfied with the driveway layout, traffic circulation and
parking supply proposed by the applicant. The submission of underground parking plans and a construction management
plan, outlining the management of vehicle parking during construction would be required. In this regard, use of the abutting
public roadways will not be permitted.
Transportation staff have also identified some concerns with respect to the parking and pedestrian exit arrangement for
tenants of the existing building within the first level of the underground garage. Although handicapped access to the
existing apartment would be available from the north end of the building adjacent to the proposed parking area,
improvements should be made to enhance access to and from the garage for all tenants. Garbage containment facilities shall
be provided in accordance with the comments provided by the Coordinator of Waste Management (Exhibit No. 9).
The Ministry of Transportation has indicated that a building entrance permit will be required for the Holiday Drive
driveway (Exhibit No. 11). The former Metropolitan Toronto Planning Department and the Fire Department have no
transportation or access related concerns
Noise:
A noise study prepared by S.S. Wilson Associates, dated March 10, 1998, was submitted by the applicant. The study found
that indoor and outdoor noise control measures would be required as a result of noise from Highway 427 and The West
Mall. The study conclusions are as follows:
1.An acoustical sound barrier with a maximum height of 2.5 metres (8 feet) will be required at the southeast corner of the
proposed condomimium site (Wall would not extend behind existing townhouses).
2.The proposed condominium units must be equipped with central air conditioning.
3.Noise warnings must be registered on title and included in all development agreements and Offers of Purchase and Sale
or Lease of these properties. Warnings are required for indoor, outdoor and balcony areas.
4.The potential additional sound reflections from the proposed apartment building will be acoustically insignificant and is
predicted to result in no appreciable increase to the existing sound levels at the neighbouring properties.
The noise abatement requirements recommended in the noise study shall be included in the development agreement and
the acoustical noise barrier shall be required in the zoning by-law.
Agency Comments/Department Circulation:
In response to the circulation of plans submitted in support of this application, no objections have been expressed by the
Fire Department, Toronto Police Department Realty Services, Canada Post Corporation and the former Metro Planning
Department.
The following agencies have no objection to the development subject to their listed conditions of approval: Bell Canada,
Consumers Gas, Toronto Hydro (Exhibit Nos. 12, 13, 14).
The Development Engineering Section of the Works Department has advised that storm and sanitary sewers are available
on The West Mall (Exhibit No. 15). The site contains an easement for an existing storm sewer and overflow swale. This
easement may not be encumbered by structures, fences, large trees or obstructions. The revised site plan reflects these
requirements. They also advise that storm water management, incorporating quantity and quality control measures, will be
a requirement for the development of the site and details will be required at the Site Plan review stage. The building shall
be constructed to condominium standards.
Urban Development staff note that, the applicant would be required to provide details of lighting and security and safety
features on-site and within the underground garages during the Site Plan Approval process. A screen fence shall be required
along the abutting property lines. The project would be subject to the prevailing development charges in effect at the time
of the issuance of the building permits.
Community Meetings:
Community meetings were held on June 4, 1997, and February 10, 1998, to allow area residents an opportunity to review
the proposal. A third community meeting has been scheduled for April 20, 1998, to present the most recently revised plans.
Concerns expressed by area residents related to traffic and location of driveways; need for the signalization of Holiday
Drive at The West Mall; noise from traffic and cars; location of parking areas, inadequate visitor parking; impact of car
headlights; driveways and the ramp; reduced air quality and circulation; conflicts with activities at the Applewood facility;
density; shadow impact; loss of views and privacy; noise refection into townhouse area; lack of children's play areas; trees;
setbacks; safety; security; poor waste management practices; and, declining property values. The concerns related to
planning matters have been discussed in this report, and will be further reviewed during the Site Plan Control approval
process.
Conclusions:
The subject application has been evaluated within the context of the housing intensification and High Density Residential
provisions of the Etobicoke Official Plan. Urban Development staff are of the opinion that the lands are appropriate for
intensification and that the proposal would generally comply with the criteria for housing intensification. Notwithstanding
that housing intensification is a City wide issue, the application represents a site specific zoning amendment.
In the event of approval, the following conditions should apply:
Conditions to Approval:
1.Fulfilment of the following conditions prior to the enactment of an amending by-law:
(I)Signing of a Development Agreement containing the recommended noise warnings and requirements and the payment
of the necessary fees associated with the preparation execution and registration of same.
(ii)Submission of amenity details for both proposed and existing developments and, the signing of an agreement to secure
the provision of amenity facilities to the satisfaction of Parks and Recreation Services, the Urban Development Department
and the City Solicitor.
2.The site specific amending by-law shall rezone the site to Sixth Density Residential (R6). The zoning by-law shall also
incorporate provisions for existing and proposed buildings specifying maximum density figures for the proposed
condominium site and the apartment site and shall specify requirements for landscape open space, floor space index,
setbacks, parking, acoustical noise barriers, fencing and a maximum building height of 10-storeys with stepping at the
eighth floor for the proposed condominium.
3.Further detailed consideration of the proposal under Site Plan Control to include inter alia:
(i)Signing of a Site Control Agreement which may include, among other matters and payment of necessary fees associated
with the preparation, execution and registration of same, to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor.
(ii)Submission of a landscaping plan detailing fencing, curbing, grading, street trees, planting, and tree preservation
details to the satisfaction of the Staff Advisory Committee on Development Control, and posting of an appropriate financial
guarantee to ensure compliance with the approved plans.
(iii)Submission of a Parking Management Plan to the satisfaction of the Traffic, Transportation and Development
Engineering Division of the Works Department to ensure appropriate on-site parking is provided at all phases of
construction.
(iv)Provision of on-site services, including storage of waste and recyclable materials, the provision of stormwater
management facilities or cash-in-lieu payment, the signing of agreements, and the posting of financial guarantees, if
required by the Works Department.
(v)Submission of revised plans containing design improvements to the access arrangements for the underground parking
garage, and an increase in the proposed north side building setback.
(vi)Confirmation that the site plan is satisfactory to Bell Canada, Toronto Hydro and Canada Post.
(vii)Mutual Use and Maintenance Agreement addressing the mutual right-of-way driveway, garage ramp and level one of
the underground parking garage to the satisfaction of the Works Department and City Solicitor.
(viii)The developer to pay the prevailing development charges in effect at the time of issuance of building permits and
five percent cash in lieu of parkland dedication.
(ix)A construction site management plan to the satisfaction of the Staff Advisory Committee on Development Control.
Contact Name:
Paul Zuliani, Tel: (416)394-8230 Fax: (416)394-6063
Area Planner, Development and Design
Karen V. Bricker, MCIP
Commissioner of Urban Development
(Exhibits 1, 2 and 3 are on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
Exhibit 5
Official Plan Criteria for Considering
High Density Residential Proposals
(Section 4.2.19)
(a)the proximity of the site to retail facilities, or to other Medium or High Density Residential designations
Neighbourhood oriented retail facilities would available within walking distance at The West Mall and Burnhamthorpe
Road. Community and Neighbourhood plazas are located at Burnhamthopre Road and Saturn Road and Renforth Drive and
Rathburn Road which are one to two kilometres west of the subject site. These plazas contain a variety of commercial uses
including a food store, bank, pharmacy, medical and dental offices.
The property is located within a High and Medium Density Residential corridor along Highway 427 from Rathburn Road
to Bloor Street West. Parcels within this area have been developed at densities ranging from 40 uph (16 upa) to 148 uph
(60 upa) with building heights ranging from 3 to 19-storeys.
(b)the adequacy of local social and educational services
The Etobicoke Board of Education has advised that additional capacity would be required at Broadacres Junior School,
Bloordale Middle School and Silverthorn Collegiate Institute to accommodate students from the proposed development.
The applicant has been requested to make a contribution towards capital costs for facilities to the satisfaction of the Board
of Education (Exhibit No. 6).The Metropolitan Separate School Board (MSSB) has provided preliminary comments which
indicate that they are not able to accommodate elementary and secondary school students generated by the proposal
(Exhibit No. 7). Neither Board has adopted a Development Charge By-Law on which to base a request for capital
contributions.
The proposed development would be located within an established residential community with a wide range of community
services available including Broadacres park, places of worship, local health care facilities and a library. The Fire
Department has not identified any concerns with respect to providing adequate services to the proposed development and
surrounding community.
(c)the level of accessibility and the proximity of the site to collector roads, arterial roads, transit and expressways,
and the capacity of those facilities
The site fronts onto The West Mall an arterial road providing direct access to Highway No. 427 with connections available
to the Queen Elizabeth Way and Highway No. 401. The Transportation Planning Section of the Works Department has
reviewed and accepted the findings of the Traffic Impact Study conducted by the BA Consulting Group which indicates
that there would be sufficient capacity on the adjacent roadway system to accommodate the proposed development.
(d)the suitability of the site in terms of size and shape to accommodate the proposed density including on-site
parking, appropriate landscaped open space and recreational facilities
The existing 0.82 ha (2 ac) site would be divided into two regular rectangular parcels with a proposed site area of 0.47 ha
(1 ac) for the existing apartment building and 0.34 ha (1 ac) for the proposed condominium. The proposed development
would result in a density of 124 uph (40 upa) and an FSI of 1.67 on the apartment parcel and a density of 266 uph (103
upa) and an FSI of 2.5 on the proposed condominium parcel. The overall density and FSI of the combined site would be
185 uph (75 upa) and 2.0, respectively. The proposed density over the entire site and the proposed FSI on the individual
blocks would be within the limits of the Official Plan for High Density Residential development.
The size and shape of both parcels would be sufficient to accommodate two buildings with appropriate setbacks, fire
routes and service areas. Approximately 51 percent of the apartment site and 57 percent of the proposed condominium site
is proposed as open space. In staffs opinion the amount, size and usability of the landscaped open space is appropriate.
Parks and Recreation Services has advised that the applicants would be required to submit details regarding the
recreational amenities and facilities to be provided for both existing and proposed structures to compensate for the
reduction in landscaped open space. In accordance with the requirements for condominiums, as contained in the Official
Plan, the applicants would be required to provide a children's play area for the proposed condominium. In the event of
approval staff recommend that the applicants enter into an amenities agreement to ensure compliance with the approved
plans.
On site circulation and parking has been found to be acceptable to the Traffic and Transportation Division of the Works
Department, notwithstanding the requirement for mutual rights-of-way and easements for overlapping tenant parking on the
proposed condominium site. However, access improvements will be required within the first level of the underground
parking garage.
(e)the desire to provide a range of dwelling types and building heights on sites of sufficient size as indicated in
Section 2.2.6.
As the subject site is less than 1 ha (2.47 ac) in size, this criteria does not apply.
(f)the effect of increased traffic, so that no undue adverse impacts are created for local residential streets
The applicants have submitted a traffic impact study which indicated that there would be sufficient capacity on the
adjacent road systems to support the proposed development. The majority of the traffic would access The West Mall which
is an arterial road. The Transportation Planning Section of the Works Department concurs with the findings of the study
and has no objection to the application.
(g)the effect of the height and form of the development so that no undue adverse impacts in terms of overshadowing
or loss of amenity are created for existing residential buildings on site, and for neighbouring residential uses
Shadow studies submitted by the applicant indicate that shadows created by the proposed condominium building would
fall to the north on the subject site and to the east on the adjacent townhouse site. The south wall of the existing apartment
building which contains windows into habitable rooms would experience some shadow in the mornings and early afternoon
during fall, winter and spring. This degree of impact is not considered to be significant for a High Density Residential
designation.
The proposed condominium will cast shadows on the rear yards and walls of the first row of townhouses located to the
east, in the afternoon beginning at 2:00 pm during fall, winter and spring. The shadows extend further into the townhouse
site in the late afternoon depending on the time of year. During the summer months only the southerly block of townhouses
in the first row are impacted by shadow beginning at 4:00 pm. Although this level of shadow impact is of some concern,
staff note that the townhouse site to the east is already subject to some shadow impact from the existing 6-storey apartment
site on the subject site and the abutting 15-storey condominium apartment to the south. In addition, the proposed
overshadowing condition that would be generated on the townhouse site is a situation which is not uncommon in
transitional areas between High and Medium Density Residential designations.
The proposed condominium would result in a loss of views from the windows located at the south end wall of the existing
apartment building. However, as these are corner units and they will still have views to the east or west through other
windows within the unit, this is less of a concern. The townhouse units located directly to the east of the proposed
condominium would also experience a loss of views west as a result of the development; however, the views from these
units are already blocked to some extent by the existing 1-storey garage structure which currently occupies the
development parcel.
In terms of loss of amenity staff note that the existing tenants only experience a limited decrease in the amount of
landscaped open space as a result of the proposed surface parking area at the north end of the site. Existing tenants would
benefit from a new underground parking facility, upgraded on-site landscaping, and any additional on-site amenities which
are to be provided to the satisfaction of Parks and Recreation Services.
In the event of approval staff would require the provision of additional on-site recreational facilities to the satisfaction of
Parks and Recreation Services and the Staff Advisory Committee as well as the signing of an amenities agreement.
(h)the relationship of the site to nearby lower density residential uses, if any, in view of the desire to provide a
gradual transition in height and density wherever possible, or other buffering measures
The subject site is located within a High Density Residential corridor extending along Highway 427. Within this context
and the surrounding lands designated High Density Residential, the proposed density and height is acceptable.
The site abuts a property designated Medium Density Residential to the east which has been developed with 3-storey
condominium townhouses at a density of 42 uph (17 upa). This site abuts a property to the south which contains a
15-storey condominium apartment building developed at a density of 148 uph (60 upa) and the existing 6-storey apartment
on the subject site. The introduction of the proposed 10 and 8-storey condominium within this existing development
context is not inappropriate. However, the transition in height from 10 and 8-storeys is more abrupt than existing
conditions and should be mitigated within the proposed rear yard buffer area with fencing and landscaping.
(i)the degree to which the site is proximate or exposed to significant open space amenities such as valleylands or the
waterfront
Centennial Park is located at Rathburn Road and Centennial Park Road, approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) from the subject
property. This park system provides access to extensive areas of open space for recreation, skiing, swimming, bicycling and
hiking.
(j)the ability to meet the housing targets in Section 2.2
(k)the desire to stay within the population ranges outlined in Sections 2.2.1 and 2.2.2
The City's Housing Target Policies are aimed at providing a sufficient housing base for a minimum population of 300,000
persons and achieve a wide range of housing types. The subject application is compatible with these policies and would
serve to improve the mix of housing types available.
The Official Plan has also set a target of 153,000-175,000 persons for the Central Housing District. According the 1991
Canadian Census data, the population of the Central District was approximately 174,000 persons. The subject application,
in combination with other recently approved residential applications, would indicate that the maximum population range
could be reached or exceeded if the development projects were constructed and occupied within the next 3 to 5 years. Staff
note that the population range is not to be considered the planned capacity for the district and increases in population can be
accommodated provided that public, social and other services are adequate. Based on the circulation of this application,
services would be available for future residents.
(l)the ability of the proposal to address crime prevention and personal safety through urban design, having specific
regard to the application of ACrime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)@ principles as outlined
in Appendix VI
In accordance with CPTED principles, the siting of the proposed building, adjacent to The West Mall would allow for
future residents to have views of both the adjacent public boulevard areas, the private internal driveway and landscape
areas. It is anticipated that the condominium building would be fenced to define the boundaries between public and private
spaces.
During the Site Plan Control review process, the applicant would be required to provide site, landscape and building plans
which detail fencing, landscaping, lighting and safety/security features (on-site and within the underground garages for
both buildings), to the satisfaction of the Staff Advisory Committee on Development Control.