Woodbridge development settled

NRU
May 31, 2017

In a May 24 decision, board member Gerald Swinkin allowed multiple appeals, in part, by FCF Old Market Lane 2013 against the City of Vaughan’s failure to make a decision on its applications for official plan and zoning by-law amendments and site plan approval. FCF originally proposed to build an eight storey, 146-unit mixed-use development at 177, 185 and 197 Woodbridge Avenue.

FCF also sought, and was granted by the board, a consolidation of the above noted appeals with its appeals of the new Vaughan official plan and the Woodbridge Centre Secondary Plan.

Through board-led mediation, FCF, the city and the local ratepayers group reached a settlement agreement for a revised proposal consisting of a six storey mixed-use building with 85 residential units and a privately-owned public space between two retained heritage buildings.

Planner Peter Smith (Bousfields) and heritage architect Philip Evans (ERA Architects) provided evidence on behalf of FCF in support of the settlement. Smith testified that the revised proposal strikes a balance among the policy objectives of intensification, urban design and heritage conservation, and the proposed OPA is an appropriate amendment to the Woodbridge Centre Secondary Plan.

Evans testified that the development will maintain the main street character of the Woodbridge Heritage Conservation District. He explained that the existing heritage buildings-the MacLean House and Wallace House-will be relocated and used for grade-related commercial and residential uses.

The board accepted Smith and Evans’ expert testimony and allowed the appeals in part, withholding its final order pending execution and registration of Section 37 and heritage easement agreements, as well as finalization of the planning instruments to give effect to the board’s approval.

The board’s decision also resolves FCF’s appeal of the new Vaughan official plan and the Woodbridge Centre Secondary Plan.

Solicitors involved in this decision were Christopher Tanzola and Kelly Oksenberg (Overland) representing FCF Old Market Lane 2013 Inc. and Denise Baker (WeirFoulds) representing the City of Vaughan.