Committee of the Whole Revised Agenda

Monday, February 27, 2023 at 7:00 P.m. - 8:00 P.m.

Council Chambers

Whitby Town Hall

This meeting will be held in a hybrid in-person and virtual format. In accordance with Section 7 of Procedure By-law # 7462-18, Members of Council may choose to attend in-person or participate virtually. In-person attendance by the public is permitted, however those wishing to speak during the meeting are asked to complete a Delegation Request Form

 

Should you wish to provide comments regarding a matter being considered below, please submit written correspondence and/or a Delegation Request Form.

 

• To submit written correspondence, please email the Office of the Town Clerk at  by noon on the day of the meeting. Written correspondence must include your full name, address, and the item on the agenda that your correspondence is related to.
• To speak during the Committee meeting, please submit a Delegation Request Form online to the Office of the Town Clerk by 10 a.m. on the day of the meeting. Should you be unable to access a computer, please call 905.430.4315 to speak with a Staff Member in the Office of the Town Clerk.

 

The meeting will be available for live viewing through the Town’s live stream feed at whitby.ca/CouncilCalendar while the meeting is in progress. Please visit our website for more information or contact .  

 

A Revised Agenda may be published on a later date.  Late items added or a change to an item will appear with an asterisk beside them.

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1.

Call To Order: The Mayor

2.

Call of the Roll: The Clerk

3.

Declarations of Conflict of Interest

4.

Consent Agenda

5.

Planning and Development

5.1

Presentations

5.2

Delegations

5.2.1

Davina Jones, Resident (In-Person Attendance)

Re: 2022-625 - Correspondence received by C. Harris, Town Clerk from D. Jones and W. Abel, residents, dated November 15, 2022 regarding Port Whitby Traffic Petition

Refer to Item 5.3.1, Correspondence # 2022-625

5.2.2

Wenda Abel, Resident (In-Person Attendance)

Re: 2022-625 - Correspondence received by C. Harris, Town Clerk from D. Jones and W. Abel, residents, dated November 15, 2022 regarding Port Whitby Traffic Petition

Refer to Item 5.3.1, Correspondence # 2022-625

5.2.3

Max Lysyk, Resident (In-Person Attendance)

Re: PDP 61-22, Planning and Development (Planning Services) Department Report
Final Recommended Official Plan Amendment, Downtown Whitby Community Secondary Plan, File Number: DEV-21-20 (OPA-2020-W/03)

Refer to Item 5.4.1, PDP 61-22

5.3

Correspondence

5.3.1

2022-625 - Correspondence received by C. Harris, Town Clerk from D. Jones and W. Abel, residents, dated November 15, 2022 regarding Port Whitby Traffic Petition

• Recommendation:

  That Correspondence 2022-625 received by C. Harris, Town Clerk from D. Jones and W. Abel, residents, dated November 16, 2022 regarding a Port Whitby traffic petition be received for information.

5.4

Staff Reports

5.4.1

PDP 61-22, Planning and Development (Planning Services) Department Report

Re: Final Recommended Official Plan Amendment, Downtown Whitby Community Secondary Plan, File Number: DEV-21-20 (OPA-2020-W/03)

Note: Report PDP 61-22 is carried over from the November 28, 2022 Committee of the Whole agenda as the Report was referred to Staff to prepare a memorandum on the costs and opportunity of undertaking additional consultation with the community on the Downtown Whitby Community Secondary Plan and to undertake an education and training session with Council.

See also attached Memorandum from L. Tesolin, Principal Planner and Supervisor, Policy and Heritage dated February 23, 2023 regarding Downtown Whitby Secondary Plan Update – Additional Comment Submission

• Recommendation:
  1. That Council adopt Amendment 126 to the Whitby Official Plan, regarding the updated Downtown Whitby Community Secondary Plan, as outlined in Report PDP 61-22;
  2. That the Clerk forward the necessary documentation for the Official Plan Amendment to the appropriate approval authority, within fifteen days of adoption of Amendment 126 to the Whitby Official Plan; and,
  3. That the Clerk send a Notice of Council’s adoption of Amendment 126 to those persons and agencies who have requested further notification regarding the Downtown Whitby Secondary Plan Update.

5.4.2

PDP 07-23, Planning and Development (Planning Services) Department Report

Re: Zoning By-law Amendment Application to Remove the Holding (H) Symbol, NF Hopkins Ltd., 901 Hopkins Street, File Number: DEV-29-22 (Z-20-22)  

• Recommendation:
  1. That Council approve an Amendment to Zoning By-law # 2585 (File No. Z-20-22) for the removal of the Holding (H) Symbol, as outlined in Planning Report PDP 07-23; and,
  2. That a by-law to amend Zoning By-law # 2585 be brought forward for consideration by Council.

5.4.3

PDP 08-23, Planning and Development (Planning Services) Department and Office of the Chief Administrative Officer Joint Report

Re: Affordable Housing Initiative – Hickory Street South and Dunlop Street East 

• Recommendation:
  1. That Council direct staff to list the municipally owned property located at the northeast corner of Hickory Street and Dunlop Street East and a portion of the municipally owned property located on the south side of Dunlop Street East, as identified on Attachment #1 to Report No. PDP 08-23, on the Region of Durham’s surplus land website for the potential creation of affordable housing; and,
  2. That staff report back to Council on the interest received for affordable housing opportunities on the subject properties.

5.5

New and Unfinished Business - Planning and Development

5.5.1

Municipal Housing Pledge

• Recommendation:

  Moved by Councillor Lee

  Whereas on October 25, 2022 the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued a letter to the Town of Whitby recognizing the Province’s commitment to build 1.5 million homes by 2031 and assigning a Municipal Housing Target of 18,000 new homes in Whitby to assist with achieving this target.

  And whereas, the Minister also requested the Town to demonstrate its commitment to accelerating housing supply by developing a Municipal Housing Pledge and take the necessary steps to facilitate the construction of 18,000 new homes in Whitby by 2031, and delivering that pledge to the Minister by March 22, 2023.

  And whereas, the Town has a considerable inventory of housing units approved or in the approval process (i.e. 18,118 units), including 4,123 low density, 4,925 medium density and 9,070 high density units.

  And whereas, the Town has additional greenfield land inventory within the West Whitby and Brooklin Community Secondary Plan areas to accommodate draft plan of subdivision applications, and considerable infill/intensification opportunities, which will further increase the potential housing yield.

  And whereas, the Town has experienced a considerable increase in the number of building permits for residential units in the recent past, including 2,360 permits in 2021 and 1,777 permits in 2022, with an expectation to continue such volume of permits into the future.

  Now therefore, the Town of Whitby Council pledges its commitment to facilitate the development of 18,000 new homes by 2031 through the following initiatives/activities:

  • Implement and/or update Official Plan Policies, including the following:
    • Continue to implement recent Official Plan policy adjustments to increase the proportionate share of medium and high density residential units in strategic areas of the Town, such as designated Centers, Corridors and the Whitby GO Station and Port Whitby areas;
    • Initiate an update to the Town of Whitby Official Plan to comply with recent changes to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and pending new Official Plan for the Region of Durham;
    • Initiate an update to strengthen the policy basis for medium and high density residential units within the Whitby GO Major Transit Station Area (MTSA).
  • Complete the on-going Comprehensive Review and Update of the Town’s Zoning By-laws, including the following:
    • Including permissive policies to support accessory units in ground related housing forms;
    • Including contemporary regulations to accommodate a wide range of housing types as-of-right.
  • Develop a Housing Acceleration Strategy and Implementation Plan, including such matters as the following:
    • Confirmation and/or expansion of strategic development areas designated in the Whitby Official Plan;
    • Recognition of updated/contemporary zoning regulations through the Comprehensive Zoning By-law Review and Update;
    • Development of municipal fiscal resources to support the cost of new housing and related infrastructure;
    • Co-ordinate with the Region of Durham to develop a servicing plan to accommodate new growth in Whitby;
    • Identification of public lands with development or redevelopment potential.
  • Capitalize on funding sources, such as the Streamline Development Fund to further advance on-line portal development for Planning Act and Ontario Building Code Act related applications, recognizing the on-line application resources have been established and will continue to be expanded upon.
  • Continue to collaborate with the Region of Durham to ensure major servicing infrastructure (water, sewer, roads) is available when needed.

  Notwithstanding the Town of Whitby’s Municipal Housing Pledge herein, it is recognized that there are many influences outside the control of the Town, which should not reflect upon the Town’s performance to achieve the Municipal Housing Target of 18,000 homes by 2031, including but not limited to the following:

  • Interest rates;
  • Inflation;
  • Supply chain issues;
  • Availability of labour force/skilled trades in housing construction;
  • Housing market;
  • Developer’s desire to proceed with construction;
  • Provision of Regional infrastructure;
  • Planning approvals shifting to the Provincial level from the Region of Durham;
  • Additional, unforeseen legislative changes to planning and building approvals processes;
  • Shortage of talent pool for Planning, Engineering and Building professionals required to review and process development applications.

  The Council of the Town of Whitby makes this pledge recognizing that there is a shared responsibility with the development community to deliver on the creation of desirable communities where residents can live, work and play, not just live.  Also recognizing that they Town’s responsibility to support new and existing residents will remain long after the new housing is constructed.

  The Council of the Town of Whitby requests further dialogue with the Province regarding definitions related to Bill 23 and regulations thereto, and looks forward to further discussions with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing in April 2023 regarding the impacts of Bill 23, and related Development Charge shortfalls, what legislative provisions will be directed at the development community to pass along, dollar for dollar, any savings achieved through Bill 23, and legislative amendments to incent developers to “use it or lose it” with respect to approved development applications or permits.

  That the Clerk be directed to circulate a copy of this resolution to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and all Durham Region MPPs. 

6.

General Government

6.1

Presentations

6.2

Delegations

6.3

Correspondence

6.4

Staff Reports

6.4.1

CAO 04-23, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer Report

Re: Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Whitby and the Canadian Musicians Co-operative

• Recommendation:
  1. That Report CAO 04-23 be received for information;
  2. That the Town enter into a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Ontario Musicians Co-operative Inc. (operating as the Canadian Musicians Co-operative) effective January 1, 2023 to January 1, 2026;
  3. That the CAO and Commissioner Financial Services/Treasurer be authorized to execute the Memorandum of Understanding, and be delegated the authority to make amendments thereto subject to such amendments being mutually agreed upon by the Canadian Musicians Co-operative and the Town; and,
  4. That Council provide an exemption to the Public Nuisance By-law $ 6714-13 for the duration of the Memorandum of Understanding with respect to the ability of Canadian Musicians Co-operative Performers to be able to receive a voluntary gratuity as part of the program.

6.4.2

CAO 05-23, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer Report

Re: Roebuck Street Placemaking Project

• Recommendation:

  That Council approve the semi-permanent closure of Roebuck Street in Downtown Brooklin (June to mid-September) to support placemaking opportunities and create an outdoor community gathering space.

6.4.3

CAO 06-23, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer and Financial Services Department Joint Report

Re: Community Development Funds - 2022 Annual Report

• Recommendation:
  1. That Report CAO 06-23 regarding the 2022 Annual Report for the Mayor’s Community Development Fund and the Performing Arts Community Development Fund be received for information; and,
  2. That Council approve the updated Mayor’s Community Development Fund and Performing Arts Community Development Fund Policy as shown in Attachment 4.

6.4.4

CAO 03-23, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer

Re: Public Art Policy Framework

• Recommendation:
  1. That Report CAO 03-23 be received for information;
  2. That Council endorse the Public Art Policy Framework as presented in Report CAO 03-23; and,
  3. That Staff be directed to prepare a final Public Art Policy to be presented to Council in Q4 2023.

6.5

New and Unfinished Business - General Government

6.5.1

Durham Meadoway – Green Energy Projects

• Recommendation:

  Moved By Councillor Lundquist

  1. That Whitby Town Council urge the Region of Durham to broaden the scope of the Durham Meadoway Visioning Study to include the possibility of green energy projects on the Gatineau Hydro Corridor through Durham in addition to the proposed multi-use path for active transportation; and,
  2. That the Clerk be directed to forward a copy of this motion to the Region of Durham and Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee. 

6.5.2

Protecting Whitby’s Urban Forest Canopy

• Recommendation:

  Moved By Councillor Lundquist

  That staff report back on the opportunity to protect trees of significance on private lands in order to preserve Whitby’s urban forest canopy.

7.

Adjournment

• Recommendation:

  That the meeting adjourn.