LONDON — York Developments has an approved major development project at 193 – 199 College Avenue, following the Official Plan and Zoning amendments.
The project involves constructing a six-storey apartment building, reaching 21 metres in height and comprising 43 residential units.
Changes to existing regulations were necessary to realize this plan. The changes included modifications to building height, yard requirements, and lot coverage, necessitating special zoning provisions.
The development successfully transformed the previous Low-Density Residential designation to Multi-family Medium Density Residential under the Official Plan.
Additionally, a Zoning By-law Amendment transitioned the Residential R2 Special Provision (R2-2(7)) Zone to a Residential R10 Bonus (R10-2*B-_) Zone.
The change was crucial to accommodate the apartment building, facilitating a density of 196 units per hectare.
Previously, the site fell under the Residential R2 Special Provision (R2-2(7)) Zone, which allowed uses such as single detached dwellings, duplex dwellings, and converted dwellings.
The new Residential R10 Bonus (R10-2*B-_) Zone enables the construction of apartment buildings.
The approved zoning amendments include several special provisions, such as:
● A maximum building height of 21.0 metres, whereas 10.5 metres was previously permitted.
● A reduction in the minimum front yard depth to 5.0 metres, compared to the required 7.0 metres from the building podium and 8.0 metres from the tower.
● A reduction in the rear yard depth to 4.0 metres, compared to the required 7.0 metres from the building podium and 8.0 metres from the tower.
● A reduction in the East interior side yard depth to 2.5 metres, compared to the required 8.4 metres.
● An increase in the maximum lot coverage to 45%, compared to the required 40%.
These adjustments were contingent on providing services, facilities, and enhanced urban design elements, such as underground parking, common open spaces, transit-supportive development, and accessibility.
The Ontario Land Tribunal was appealed to due to a previous lack of decision from the council.
The development proposal received mixed opinions from councillors at the meeting. One councillor in particular, Anna Hopkins, from Ward 9, voted against the development plans.
Councillor Hopkins explained her opinion on why she chose to vote against it, stating, “I will not be supporting this. I think to me, it is not something that I would want in a neighbourhood.
“The intensification is more than twice the amount. I think that’s awfully high for a neighbourhood,” she said.
However, the development was ultimately approved at the council meeting on June 4, 2024, in a vote of 9 to 5 on the committee’s recommendation.
To read more articles on this specific development, click here.
Comment Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in the comments section of this blog are solely those of the individuals who submit them and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the author or the website owner. We do not endorse or support any comments that may be offensive, discriminatory, or harmful in nature.
We encourage open and respectful discussions and welcome diverse perspectives. However, it is important to remember that comments are the personal opinions of the commenters and not official representations of our stance or values. We reserve the right to moderate or remove comments that violate our comment policy or that we deem inappropriate.
Please engage in discussions with courtesy and respect for one another, keeping in mind that differing opinions can coexist in a constructive manner. Thank you for being a part of our community and for helping to maintain a positive and inclusive environment.
