Council Highlights - April 6, 2020
Summersides Mews
Council heard from Drew Toth and his team regarding the Summersides Mews development, a parcel of land near the community centre, on Wellspring Way and Summersides Boulevard.
Council had previously discussed the parking situation for the development, questioning whether the 61 onsite parking spaces and the 17 curbside stalls were adequate, given the belief that drivers would use the MCC parking lot instead.
Toth’s presentation indicated the development had 20 more stalls on site than required.
Council asked Toth whether a different parcel of land might be better utilized by the development, given Council’s belief that additional parking for the MCC could be used on the lot. Toth indicated that changes to the site plan at this point would set the development back 18 months.
After lengthy debate, Council accepted the presentation for information and the site plan be submitted for approval by Council at the next meeting of Council.
Quaker Road Zoning
Council voted to approve approval to rezone a Quaker Road property from R1-26 (Residential One) to a site specific R1 zone to permit the use of the property for a duplex dwelling. The requested zoning change will recognize an existing dwelling unit within the basement of the existing single detached dwelling. No additions or alterations are proposed to the existing dwelling or location of structures on the property as a result of the proposed zoning change.
A public meeting took place on March 9, 2020 (Draft Minutes in Appendix C). Two members of the public spoke at the meeting, including the son of the property owners. Clarifying questions were asked and information was provided, however no further public comments were received.
While the few public comments received were in opposition and feel that the street is comprised of single detached residences, a triplex does exist immediately adjacent to the subject land and there has been no indication of any issues with this triplex. Further the subject lands have had the second dwelling for a number of years and there has been no indication of any issues or concerns with this second dwelling or with regards to parking, traffic or garbage. There is also no evidence that a second dwelling adversely impacts on property values. Often, homes with a second dwelling have a higher resale value and contribute positively to property values. In addition, neighbourhoods have a variety or mix of housing units provide for a more inclusive community and are desirable.
Overall, the application is to provide for one additional dwelling unit and it represents a very gentle form of intensification that will have virtually no impact. The application is consistent with Provincial policies and conforms to Provincial, Regional and Town of Pelham Official Plan policies. Further, the application represents good land use planning.
Council, citing humanitarian and compassionate grounds, approved rezoning the subject property.
COVID-19 updates
Fire Chief Bob Lymburner updated Council on the COVID-19 pandemic and the Town’s efforts to keep services running efficiently.
Lymburner noted that the Emergency Control Group meeting daily during the week to discuss what’s happening, what can be done, and what preparations need to be made for various scenarios.
All Town buildings are closed to the public and equipment such as trucks, computers, etc. are being cleaned regularly. Town vehicles are to only have one staff member in them at all times during this time.
Treasurer Teresa Quinlin updated Council on some additional costs incurred to date as a result of the pandemic, such as staffing (bylaw, cleaning, IT), extra supplies for cleaning, and working from home technology.
Several capital projects have been reviewed for deferral, with Foss Road resurfacing, Foss Road sanitary drains, and Sulphur Springs reconstruction being deferred by a year. The savings in these projects is $1.7 million in cash not spent in 2020.
Pelham transit will be Dial-a-Ride service only until further notice.
For more, visit: www.pelham.ca/covid19