Hi neighbour,
Here’s a quick look at some of the files our office has been working on this week.
Tewin Motion at the Planning and Housing Committee
This week at the Planning and Housing Committee meeting, we had a fulsome discussion of my motion to remove the Tewin development from the City’s Official Plan. We heard from 19 delegations, the overwhelming majority of whom supported the motion, and affirmed what I’ve been hearing from residents across the city: Including Tewin in the City’s Official Plan was a bad idea, and it’s still not too late for Council to correct this.
While the motion didn’t pass, I was heartened to see support from 40% (5 of 12) of the committee’s members, and was glad that unresolved issues regarding this development were raised, and will continue to be raised throughout the process. My hope is that moving forward, the city will consider sustainability, sound planning principles, and meaningful consultation with all Algonquin Anishnabe Host Nations when they look at future greenfield development in our city.
I also want to take a moment to thank everyone who has contacted my office over the past six months to share their views on Tewin. It wasn’t an easy decision for me to bring this motion forward, but your support and belief in the power of elected officials to examine past decisions that were made without proper consultation and make better decisions moving forward made it worthwhile.
What can the city do to spur on stalled residential developments?
In Bay Ward, we’ve seen firsthand how construction delays and financing difficulties have left construction sites on residential streets abandoned, delaying access to much needed housing, and causing frustration for residents. I regularly hear from residents concerned about these stalled projects in their neighbourhoods. To address these concerns, I’ve sent an inquiry to the City’s Planning department to explore what measures the city can put in place to encourage completion of stalled infill and other residential developments. I also asked that they look into examples of policies other municipalities have adopted to discourage prolonged delays in infill and other small-scale residential projects. I’ll share updates on this issue as we receive them.
Reminder: Bay Ward Fall Open House, October 21 (Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre, 7:00 pm- 8:30 pm)
My team and I are looking forward to seeing you at the Bay Ward Fall Open House next week! Stop by to meet your neighbours, discuss issues, share ideas and provide feedback. You’ll also have an opportunity to hear updates and have your questions answered from the Stage 2 LRT team and Planning and Development staff.
Read this week’s newsletter for more news and events across Bay Ward!