Vaughan apartment and seniors residence approved

NRU
Dec. 16, 2015

In a November 27 decision, board member Jan de Pencier Seaborn allowed an appeal by 2058258 Ontario against the City of Vaughan’s failure to adopt official plan and zoning by-law amendments for 4603 and 4611 Highway 7. 2058258 proposed to develop a 14-storey apartment and seven-storey seniors residence.

At the outset of the hearing, 2058258 solicitors Christopher Williams and Andrea Skinner advised the board that their client’s development application had been revised, resulting in the withdrawal of its official plan amendment application. The modified proposal reduced the apartment from 14 to 10 storeys and maintained the proposed seven-storey seniors residence. The city and adjacent landowners supported the revised application.

Planner Rosemary Humphries (Humphries Planning Group) provided evidence on behalf of 2058258, testifying that the proposal conformed to the city and York Region official plans and was consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement. Humphries noted transit has improved in the area, thus intensification along Highway 7 is appropriate at this location and the development would provide a mix of housing.

The board agreed with the evidence provided by Humphries and allowed the appeal. It withheld its order on the draft zoning by-law amendment to allow for minor changes as a result of site plan review.

Solicitors involved in this decision were Christopher Williams and Andrea Skinner (Aird & Berlis LLP) representing 2058258 Ontario Ltd. and Dawne Jubb representing the City of Vaughan. (See OMB Case No. PL130656.)