Trista James, Planner provided an overview of the proposed City-Initiated Amendments to Mississauga Official Plan and Zoning By-law which clarifies wording, revised definitions, removed outdated Rules and addresses new planning trends and laws. Ms. James highlighted proposed key changes with respect to transitional housing, ancillary crisis shelters, and retail store seating for food consumption.
Councillor Dasko noted that in addition to consultation with the Ward Councillor, that ancillary shelters be located in transit friendly areas.
In response to Councillor Dasko's enquiry regarding whether the increase of retail store seating for consumption affects Payment in Lieu of Parking (PIL), Jordan Lee, Manager, Zoning Initiatives, advised PIL is dependent on Gross Floor Area (GFA) and that there is no proposed increased to the GFA; therefore, not affecting PIL. Mr. Lee provided an explanation for the meaning of the acronym PIL and the process for PIL which applies to certain areas of the city.
In response to Councillor Tedjo's enquiry regarding what conditions define severe weather, in our region, and whether these amendments provides any protection for places such as places of worship who provide shelter to the homeless, and face insurance related issues, Trista James, Planner advised that notification from Environment Canada is what is relied upon; however, if merited, staff would look at broadening the scope for other sources; and further advised that staff would respond back on insurance coverage protection.
In response to Mayor Parrish's enquiry on whether the amendments would allow for smaller retail spaces to increase seating space and parking spaces, Jordan Lee, Manager, Zoning Initiatives advised that staff will look at specifying certain sized retail be permitted to increase seating and, that it be reflected on the Recommendation Report.