Vaughan severance allowed with modified conditions

NRU
March 9, 2016

In a February 4 decision, board member Laurie Bruce allowed an appeal by Norampac against two conditions imposed by the City of Vaughan committee of adjustment in its approval of Norampac’s application for consent to sever its employment-zoned property at 655 Creditstone Road.

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority had initially reviewed Norampac’s application, which it found to be located within a regional storm floodplain. TRCA advised the city that if the committee supported the application there should be conditions requiring the floodplain area and a 10-metre buffer around it to be re-zoned as open space, and a proposed plan be registered on title depicting the location of the floodplain and a 10-metre buffer.

TRCA and Norampac indicated they have agreed to replace the two disputed conditions with three other conditions. The new conditions require that cut and fill activities be undertaken to modify the floodplain.
Planner Kurt Franklin (Weston Consulting) provided evidence on behalf of Norampac. He testified the proposed consent is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, the TRCA living city policies, the city’s official plan, and meets the severance criteria under the Planning Act. He stated a surveyor retained by Norampac concluded the floodplain was very shallow and the revised conditions will alleviate public
health and safety concerns.

Planner Kevin Huang provided evidence on behalf of the TRCA. He testified the modified conditions address health and safety concerns associated with the floodplain, while allowing Norampac to proceed with its severance.

The board agreed with Franklin’s evidence and allowed the appeal with modified conditions.

The solicitor involved in this decision was Paul Bottos (Piccin, Bottos) representing Norampac. [See OMB Case No. PL150692.]