Chair Attridge provided information regarding the appeal process and invited oral submissions from the public.
There were approximately 25 members of the public in attendance.
Mike Walton, 7 Klein Street, provided comments in support of retaining the current zoning for the subject lands as it conforms with the look and feel of the neighbourhood. He highlighted traffic and parking concerns as a result of the proposed application. He further highlighted concerns regarding the one exit in the proposed application and the number of vehicles exiting onto Klein Street, which will create dangerous traffic conditions. He outlined concerns regarding the lack of pedestrian infrastructure, which would not support the application. He also provided comments regarding the concerns with further intensification of the area.
Shayne Fields, 31 Spicer Street, stated that the housing crisis is an affordability crisis, and asked about the role that the province would play in the proposed application. He further requested information about what employment opportunities or demographic changes would be available through the proposed application. He also asked about why this neighbourhood required a mix of housing. He requested Council to support the residents that live in the area and want to continue to enjoy their living spaces, and advised he was not in support of the application.
Ann Zegarchuk, 9 Klein Street, requested information regarding the look and feel of the buildings and whether it would conform to the neighbourhood. She also requested information regarding when the recommendation report with respect to this matter would be coming to Committee of the Whole. She provided comments regarding the traffic concerns in the area, and the need for traffic lights at the intersection of Jocelyn Street and Victoria Street.
Alison Gee, 97 Trefusis Street, advised that she would like to be notified of the decision with respect to the file. She expressed concerns with traffic in the area as well as safety concerns. She also highlighted privacy concerns as the residents of the proposed application would be able to look into her backyard and her neighbours' backyards. She further highlighted noise concerns, and advised that the people in the area had pride of home ownership and maintained the community well, and asked whether this would continue to be the case with a rental development. She advised that this proposal will reshape the community and distort the character of the town.
Tyler Torrance, 120 Trefusis Street, advised that his backyard would be facing the proposed building. He advised that he has similar concerns about the zoning being changed from townhomes to multi-story buildings, and how that will impact quality of life for existing residents and the enjoyment of their backyards. He requested information regarding the design features of the proposed application and whether they would ensure that they are contributing to adding value to the neighbourhood as opposed to devaluing it. He requested information about the possibility of privacy screens or trees to maintain privacy of those residents backyards that face the proposed properties. He requested information regarding how the wildlife in the area would be managed, including the nearby ravine, and whether there was the possibility of having a biodiverse wildlife corridor in the area. He expressed concerns regarding the lighting in the area, and requested information about how sidewalks and walkability in the neighbourhood would be managed.
Justin Novia, 15 Klein Street, provided comments regarding the importance of maintaining the community character of the neighbourhood which was comprised primarily of bungalows.