Decision paves way for new long-term care facility and retirement home in Aurora
Yorkregion.com
May 24, 2016
By Teresa Latchford
Despite one councillor’s pleas to protect environmentally significant land on the Oak Ridges Moraine, the town has deemed it acceptable for a long-term care facility and retirement home to operate in southern Aurora.
The property, located off Yonge Street, was originally earmarked for school and park use but the local school boards indicated low demand didn’t require the site.
Currently, owners Rod and Brian Coutts have asked zoning be revised to allow a retirement home and long-term care facility to be built on the 1.8-hectare property.
“It is not just a simple zoning bylaw change, this is a highly functioning environment area on the Oak Ridges Moraine,” Councillor Wendy Gaertner said. “It is so significant; we had a specialized study done on it to ensure development would encourage the environmental significance of the area.”
A previous Ontario Municipal Board ruling states 40 per cent of the land should remain open space to allow for maximum water infiltration, she added. The official plan does allow for a minor institution, defined as small-scale public services, to operate on the property, but she doesn’t see this proposal fitting that bill.
“If we allow this, we are taking away that minor factor and it will have a negative impact on the environment,” Gaertner continued. “Are we here to protect the community interest, the environment or the developer’s interests? I’m asking you (town council) not to allow this development.”
Director of planning and development services Marco Ramunno confirmed a retirement home is considered a minor institution and, therefore, is permitted under the official plan. When prompted by councillor questions, he also confirmed the draft plan shows two four-storey buildings that would take up 35 per cent of the property with the remaining 65 per cent left for parking and green space.
The draft proposal indicates an official plan amendment would not be required.
“It is a benefit to the community and is usually offered at a discount to seniors who need it or supplemented by the government,” Councillor Paul Pirri said. “This is a use that is needed and will allow Aurora residents to age in town.”
Massing and height of the buildings can be discussed during the planning stages of development, Pirri added.
