Amina Menkad, Planner, provided an overview of the Official Plan Review and highlighted key changes to the new Mississauga Official Plan (MOPA) consistent with the provincial policy changes and reflects the studies and strategies approved by Council, and explained the next steps.
Amina Menkad, Planner, responded to Committee Member's enquiries regarding, clarification on the definition of growth node for downtown Streetsville, timelines for releasing feedback from the community; dixie value mall redevelopment still under review; and allowing areas adjacent to MTSA’s to have same heights as within MTSA boundaries subject to specific criteria.
Councillor Dasko noted a number of changes that pertain to Ward 1 and directed staff to prepare for a Ward 1 specific community meeting in the new year.
The following people spoke:
- Simon Yee, Land Use Planner, Arcadis, spoke on behalf of Canadian Urban Limited, highlighted current OPA with respect to the Dixie-Dundas Community Node and requested boundary expansion once flood mitigation is complete; and requested the removal of employment area designation, and include designation for mixed use with permitted residential use.
- Olivia Warner, Resident, spoke regarding the need for urban agricultural practices in the city and enquired whether the city plans on developing small scale farms; and whether the city can revisit the land use of the old Britannia Schoolhouse and divide the land to develop urban farming.
Mayor Parrish advised that the Britannia Schoolhouse property is owned by the School Board and noted that approximately 33 acres have been sold to Mattamy Homes for development; there will be a sugar bush on the property and there will be opportunities for farming education and growing food on site; as well as reforesting as the city will be permitted to lease forest lands on site.
Councillor Mahoney spoke regarding community gardens and noted the challenges with respect to shortage of land and invited Olivia to make a deputation at the Environmental Action Committee.
- Joe Amato, Resident, provided a brief history of the promise of development that was made to land owners prior to the annexation of the Ninth Line Corridor, and how he is one of three properties that was not included and previous requests and promises by Councillor Saito and staff to include these properties have not transpired. Amato reiterated his request to amend the MOP to designate these properties for development as previously promised. Councillor McFadden acknowledged Mr. Amato's concerns and requested the Commissioner of Planning and Building work with Mr. Amato on this matter and report back to her.
- Jim Levac, Partner, Glen Schnarr & Associates, spoke on behalf of three owners seeking clarification on a statement on page 3 of the staff report regarding bumping up heights and whether the policy applies to areas adjacent to MTSA's and provided details of specific sites and enquired regarding qualifications and restrictions for increase of heights.
Jason Bevan, Director, Director, City Planning Strategies noted the intend of policy is that it is an area outside of the MTSA and that there are flexibilities to amend heights through application process and there is opportunity to correct any schedules prior to the issuance of the draft report.