WOODBRIDGE SETTLEMENT APPROVED

NRU
Aug. 16, 2017

In a July 26 decision, board member Richard Jones allowed an appeal, in part, by Camelot On 7 against the City of Vaughan’s failure to make a decision on its zoning by-law amendment and site plan applications. Camelot had originally proposed to construct a 10-storey building with 152 residential units and ground-floor commercial space at 4902 and 4908 Highway 7.

Prior to the hearing a settlement was reached among Camelot, the city and York Region. As a result of the settlement the development proposal has been reduced to seven storeys with 128 residential units, and the ground-floor commercial space has been eliminated.

Planner Kurt Franklin (Weston Consulting) provided evidence on behalf of Camelot in support of the settlement. He testified that the proposed building has been shifted away from the adjoining residential subdivision to provide enhanced separation and perimeter landscaping. He described the proposal as desirable development on a designated intensification corridor in conformity with the local and regional official plans.

Vaughan Wood Ratepayers representative Mary Mauti attended the hearing in opposition to the appeal. She testified that notwithstanding the reduced scale of the proposed development, there will still be overlook impacts and existing traffic congestion on Highway 7 will be exacerbated by new residents. Neighbours Elisa Testa and Virginia Bucciarelli voiced similar concerns.

The board agreed with Franklin’s evidence and found that the revised development is appropriate and desirable for the site. The board allowed the appeal, in part, but withheld its order pending execution of a site plan agreement, finalization of the ZBA and confirmation from the region that sewage/water servicing has been allocated for 128 residential units.

Solicitors involved in this hearing were Paul Bottos (Piccin, Bottos) representing Camelot On 7 Inc., Kim Mullin (WeirFoulds) and Caterina Facciolo (Brattys) representing the City of Vaughan and regional solicitor Barb Montgomery representing York Region. [See OMB Case No. PL160620.]