Economic and Development

Services Committee Minutes

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Council Chamber
Present:
  • Councillor Marimpietri
  • Councillor Chapman
  • Councillor Giberson
  • Councillor Gray
  • Councillor Kerr
  • Mayor Carter
Also Present:
  • Councillor Lee
  • F. Bianchet, Council-Committee Coordinator
  • A. Ambra, Commissioner, Economic and Development Services
  • T. Goodeve, Director, Planning Services
  • G. Hardy, Director, Engineering Services
  • H. Wright, Director, Economic Development Services
  • D. Sappleton, Manager, Development and Urban Design
  • R. Gill, Manager, Development and Technical Services
  • S. Kordalewski, Supervisor, Cultural Development and Programs
  • K. Christopher, Council-Committee Coordinator

Councillor Marimpietri called the meeting to order and stated that all members of the Committee were participating from the Chamber. Also present was Councillor Lee participating from the Chamber. 

The City of Oshawa is situated on lands within the traditional and treaty territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Anishinaabeg and the signatories of the Williams Treaties, which include the Mississaugas of Scugog Island, Curve Lake, Hiawatha and Alderville First Nations, and the Chippewas of Georgina Island, Rama and Beausoleil First Nations.

We are grateful for the Anishinaabeg who have cared for the land and waters within this territory since time immemorial.

We recognize that Oshawa is steeped in rich Indigenous history and is now present day home to many First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. We express gratitude for this diverse group of Indigenous Peoples who continue to care for the land and shape and strengthen our community.

As a municipality, we are committed to understanding the truth of our shared history, acknowledging our role in addressing the negative impacts that colonization continues to have on Indigenous Peoples, developing reciprocal relationships, and taking meaningful action toward reconciliation.

We are all Treaty people.

  • Moved byCouncillor Chapman

    That the delegation of Jim Kotsopoulos be heard.

    Motion Carried

Jim Kotsopoulos addressed the Economic and Development Services Committee concerning Report ED-25-34 regarding applications to amend the Oshawa Official Plan and Zoning By-law 60-94 at 121,125 and 131 Bloor Street East.

The Committee questioned Jim Kotsopoulous.

  • That the Economic and Development Services Committee recommend to City Council:

    That based on Item ED-25-37 being a report from Heritage Oshawa concerning the Windfields Farm/Northern Dancer Cemetery participation at Doors Open 2025, the following be received for information:

    'Whereas Doors Open 2024 was an outstanding success; and,

    Whereas the former Windfields Farm/Northern Dancer Cemetery were a part of that success;

    Therefore be it resolved:

    That the Doors Open Committee open the Windfields Farm/Northern Dancer cemetery to the public during Doors Open 2025.'

  • Moved byCouncillor Chapman

    That the Economic and Development Services Committee recommend to City Council:

    That Correspondence ED-25-39 from Elaine Wright requesting a street naming to honour Irvine Harrell and Correspondence ED-25-40 from Rich Weisz requesting a street naming to honour George Weisz be referred to staff for a report. 

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Chapman

    That all items listed under the heading of Public Consent Agenda for the March 3, 2025 Economic and Development Services Committee meeting be adopted as recommended except Reports ED-25-33 and ED-25-36. 

    Motion Carried
  • That the Economic and Development Services Committee recommend to City Council:

    Whereas an artwork by Jon Colwell (“Stay True”), and an artwork by Meaghan Claire Kehoe (“One Fish Two Fish”), were installed at Oshawa recreation facilities, (“Stay True” at South Oshawa Community Centre and “One Fish Two Fish” at Northview Community Centre) in May 2024 as part of the City’s 2024 “Public Art in Oshawa” event; and,

    Whereas the “Public Art in Oshawa” event was offered as part of the City’s centennial celebration program which received Council approval through CNCL-23-95; and,

    Whereas the City of Oshawa’s Public Art Task Force recommended the direct invitation of both artists for the exhibition opportunity; and,

    Whereas in April 2024, the City entered into an agreement with each artist to provide artwork for temporary exhibition; and,

    Whereas the agreement for the exhibition of “Stay True” will expire on May 20, 2025, and the exhibition of “One Fish Two Fish” will expire on May 18, 2025; and,

    Whereas the artists Jon Colwell and Meaghan Claire Kehoe have shown interest in extending the exhibition of their temporary artworks; and,

    Whereas City staff in the Recreation Services branch have noted that the temporary artworks have received positive public attention and are appreciated at both recreation facilities; and,

    Whereas the Public Art Task Force endorsed an extension of the exhibition period of the temporary artworks at their meeting on January 14, 2025; and,

    Whereas the City of Oshawa’s Public Art Policy specifies that Council is responsible for “approving the related budget, expenditures and sites” of public artworks; and,

    Whereas the temporary artwork’s site has already received Council approval through CS-17-11, the budget for extension requires Council approval, and this cost can be accommodated through the existing Business and Economic Development Services operating budget;

    Therefore be it resolved that based on Item ED-25-25 dated March 3, 2025 concerning extending the exhibition period of artworks at Northview Community Centre and South Oshawa Community Centre:

    1. That the artist fee of $2,500.00 for an extension of up to three years of the temporary artwork “Stay True” by Jon Colwell at South Oshawa Community Centre be approved; and,
    2. That the artist fee of $2,500.00 for an extension of up to three years of the temporary artwork “One Fish Two Fish” by Meaghan Claire Kehoe at Northview Community Centre be approved; and,
    3. That the Director, Business and Economic Development Services, be delegated authority to execute an agreement with each artist to extend the exhibition period of the temporary artworks for up to three years each, resulting in the temporary artwork being removed on or before May 18, 2028 (“One Fish Two Fish”) and May 20, 2028 (“Stay True”).
  • That the Economic and Development Services Committee recommend to City Council:

    That based on Report ED-25-26 dated February 26, 2025 concerning an application under the Urban Growth Centre Community Improvement Plan at 39 Athol Street West:

    1. That the application submitted by Independent Project Managers on behalf of Central Clear View Developments Inc. under the City’s Urban Growth Centre Community Improvement Plan for an Increased Assessment Grant for the development of a 16-storey, 172-unit residential condominium apartment building at 39 Athol Street West be approved in general accordance with the comments contained in said Report, and that the Increased Assessment Grant be a total amount of $3,418,613.50 to spread over a 9-year period; and,
    2. That the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, be authorized to enter into an agreement with Central Clear View Developments Inc. under the City’s Urban Growth Centre Community Improvement Plan to implement Part 1 above, in a form and content satisfactory to the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, and the City Solicitor.
  • That the Economic and Development Services Committee recommend to City Council:

    Whereas the existing building located at 827 Gordon Street and known as the former Cedardale Public School (the “Subject Site”) is currently identified as a designated property on the City’s Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest (the “Register”) under Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter O.18 (the “Ontario Heritage Act”); and,

    Whereas on September 3, 2024, Weston Consulting, on behalf of 2835731 Ontario Inc. (the “Owner”), submitted a Zoning By-law Amendment application consisting of five (5) blocks of 67 townhouses and the preservation of the original portion of the former Cedardale Public School (“Zoning By-law Amendment Application”); and,

    Whereas on November 22, 2024, Weston Consulting, on behalf of the Owner, submitted an application to alter the Subject Site pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act (the “Section 33 Application”) in keeping with the proposal outlined in the aforementioned Zoning By-law Amendment application; and,

    Whereas on January 21, 2025, staff confirmed that all requisite materials had been submitted as part of the Section 33 Application and deemed the application to be complete; and,

    Whereas Council is required to either approve, approve with terms and conditions, or refuse the Section 33 Application by no later than April 21, 2025 in accordance with the 150-day timeline outlined in Section 33(7) of the Ontario Heritage Act; and,

    Whereas pursuant to the exception outlined in Section 33(7) of the Ontario Heritage Act, the municipality and the property owner can enter into an agreement to waive and/or extend this timeline; and,

    Whereas staff believe that the Section 33 Application would be most appropriately considered alongside the Zoning By-law Amendment Application which is still in process and may not resolve prior to April 21, 2025; and,

    Whereas, on February 4, 2025, Weston Consulting, on behalf of the Owner, agreed in writing in extending the timeline to consider the Section 33 Application to coincide with Council’s consideration of the Zoning By-law Amendment Application;

    Therefore be it resolved that based on Item ED-25-27 dated February 26, 2025 concerning the process to extend the timeline associated with an application made under Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act concerning the former Cedardale Public School at 827 Gordon Street:

    1. That the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, and Director, Planning Services be authorized to enter into an agreement with the property owner of 827 Gordon Street to waive or extend the 150-day timeline to consider an application submitted under Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, in accordance with Section 33(7) of the Ontario Heritage Act, to coincide with Council’s consideration of the submitted Zoning By-law Amendment application; and,
    2. That staff be directed to report back to the Economic and Development Services Committee in Q3 2025 concerning appropriate opportunities to advance amendments to the Delegation of Authority By-law 29-2009, as amended, to allow the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, and the Director, Planning Services to enter into agreements with property owners to waive and/or extend various timelines prescribed under the Ontario Heritage Act.
  • That the Economic and Development Services Committee recommend to City Council:

    That based on Report ED-25-34 dated February 26, 2025 concerning applications to amend the Oshawa Official Plan and Zoning By-law 60-94 at 121, 125 and 131 Bloor Street East:

    1. That the application submitted by JKO Planning Services Inc. on behalf of 1000645992 Ontario Ltd. to amend the Oshawa Official Plan (File: OPA-2024-02) to permit a maximum residential density of 681 units per net hectare (276 u/ac) at 121, 125 and 131 Bloor Street East be approved, generally in accordance with the comments contained in said Report, and the necessary by-law be passed in a form and content acceptable to the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, and the City Solicitor; and,
    2. That the application submitted by JKO Planning Services Inc. on behalf of 1000645992 Ontario Ltd. to amend Zoning By-law 60-94 (File: Z-2024-02) to rezone 121, 125 and 131 Bloor Street East to an appropriate PSC-A (Planned Strip Commercial) Zone subject to special conditions to permit the proposed building featuring 167 apartment units and 90.95 square metres (979 sq. ft.) of commercial floor space on the ground floor be approved, generally in accordance with the comments contained in said Report, and the necessary by-law be passed in a form and content acceptable to the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, and the City Solicitor; and,
    3. That, in accordance with Section 34(17) of the Planning Act and notwithstanding that the Zoning By-law Amendment proposed in Report ED-24-90 dated September 4, 2024 presented at the public meeting of September 9, 2024 differs to some degree from the proposed amendment recommended to be approved by City Council pursuant to Part 2 of this Recommendation, such differences are not substantial enough to require further notice and another public meeting.
  • That the Economic and Development Services Committee recommend to City Council:

    That pursuant to Report ED-25-35 dated February 26, 2025, the application submitted by the Regional Municipality of Durham on behalf of the Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation to amend the Oshawa Official Plan (File: OPA-2024-07) to permit the development of a 6-storey apartment building and a 4-storey stacked townhouse building featuring a combined total of 165 units on lands comprising 419 to 451 Christine Crescent and the abutting City-owned Christine Crescent road allowance be approved, generally in accordance with the comments contained in said Report, and the necessary by-law be passed in a form and content acceptable to the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, and the City Solicitor.

  • That the Economic and Development Services Committee recommend to City Council:

    That Report ED-25-38 dated February 26, 2025 being the Economic and Development Services Committee's Outstanding Items List Status Report for the first quarter of 2025 be received for information.

  • Moved byCouncillor Giberson

    That the Economic and Development Services Committee recommend to City Council:

    Whereas at the February 3, 2025 Economic and Development Services Committee and Planning Act Meeting, the Committee considered Report ED-25-20 and recommended to Council:

    “That pursuant to Report ED-25-20 dated January 29, 2025, concerning the Detailed Design for the One-Way to Two-Way Conversions for Albert Street, Celina Street, Brock Street East, and Colborne Street:

      1. That Council endorse, in principle, the detailed designs for converting Albert Street, Celina Street, Brock Street East, and Colborne Street to two-way operations that would require changes to pavement markings and signage only; and,
      2. That staff be authorized to post the detailed design on the City’s website; and,
      3. The staff investigate options for the conversion of Albert Street, Celina Street, Brock Street East, and Colborne Street in 2025 and report back to the March Economic and Development Services Committee.”

    Whereas Project 20-40-0054, Two-way Street Conversion Study, was approved for $100,000 to undertake a Feasibility Study of converting Albert Street and Celina Street to two-way traffic operations; and,

    Whereas Project 21-40-0061, Two-way Street Conversion Study, was approved for $50,000 to undertake a Feasibility Study of converting Brock Street and Colborne Street to two-way traffic operations; and,

    Whereas Project 23-74-0157, Two-way Street Conversion Study, was approved for $250,000 for the detailed design for the two-way conversion of Albert Street, Celina Street, Brock Street East, and Colborne Street and,

    Whereas in 2023, the remaining budgets from Project 20-40-0054 and Project 21-40-0061 were transferred to Project 23-74-0157; and,

    Whereas in 2024, an additional $100,000 was approved for Project 23-74-0157 in the Mayor’s Budget; and,

    Whereas in 2024, staff identified an opportunity to undertake the detailed design in-house, rather than requiring consultant assistance, resulting in considerable cost savings; and,

    Whereas total expenditures of approximately $127,000 have been assigned to Project 23-74-0157 to date, primarily relating to the completion of the Feasibility Studies; and,

    Whereas Project 23-74-0157, Two-way Street Conversion Study, has a remaining approved budget of approximately $370,000; and,

    Whereas by using pavement markings and signage only, Report ED-25-20 identified that the cost of converting Brock Street East, Colborne Street, Albert Street, and Celina Street is approximately $400,000; and,

    Whereas Project 23-74-0157 does not have sufficient budget to facilitate the conversion of Brock Street East, Colborne Street, Albert Street, and Celina Street in 2025; and,

    Whereas additional coordination is required with the Region of Durham for the design of the traffic signals along Albert Street, and Celina Street;

    Therefore be it resolved that pursuant to Item ED-25-33 dated March 3, 2025 concerning the one-way to two-way conversions for Albert Street, Celina Street, Brock Street East, and Colborne Street:

    1. That City staff continue to coordinate with the Region of Durham to finalize the design of traffic signals along Albert Street, and Celina Street required for the conversion to two-way traffic operations; and,
    2. That the additional budget required for the conversion of Albert Street, and Celina Street to two-way traffic operations be referred to the 2026 Mayor’s Budget for consideration; and,
    3. That $25,000 from Project 23-74-0157 be approved for the conversion of Brock Street East and Colborne Street in 2025; and,
    4. That staff develop a communications plan to communicate the conversion to area residents.
  • Amendment:
    Moved byCouncillor Chapman

    That Part 1 of the recommendation be amended to add the words 'Subject to the approval of Part 2,' before the words 'That City staff continue to coordinate'.

    Motion Carried
  • The vote on the recommendation concerning Item ED-25-33, as amended. 

    Affirmative (6)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Giberson, Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, and Councillor Marimpietri
    Motion Carried (6 to 0)
  • Moved byCouncillor Giberson

    That the Economic and Development Services Committee recommend to City Council:

    That pursuant to Report ED-25-36 dated February 26, 2025, the Economic and Development Services Department be authorized to initiate the statutory public process under the Planning Act for Council to consider proposed City-initiated amendments to the Oshawa Official Plan and Zoning By-law 60-94, generally in accordance with Attachment 1 to this Report.

    Affirmative (6)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Giberson, Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, and Councillor Marimpietri
    Motion Carried (6 to 0)
  • Moved byCouncillor Chapman

    That the Economic and Development Services Committee recommend to City Council:

    That pursuant to Closed Item ED-25-28 concerning the potential acquisition of land on Olive Avenue, the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, be authorized to proceed as outlined in said Closed Item.

    Affirmative (5)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Giberson, Councillor Kerr, and Councillor Marimpietri
    Negative (1)Councillor Gray
    Motion Carried (5 to 1)
  • Moved byCouncillor Chapman

    That the Economic and Development Services Committee recommend to City Council:

    That based on Report ED-25-32 dated February 26, 2025 concerning proposed modifications to Fisher Street and Avenue Road at Simcoe Street South as a result of the Oshawa-to-Bowmanville GO Rail Extension:

    1. That Council support in principle the recommendation for road modifications as outlined in said Closed Report; and,
    2. That staff be directed to advise Metrolinx and the Region of Durham of Council’s direction.
    Affirmative (6)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Giberson, Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, and Councillor Marimpietri
    Motion Carried (6 to 0)
  • Moved byCouncillor Chapman

    That the Economic and Development Services Committee recommend to City Council:

    That pursuant to Closed Report ED-25-41 dated February 26, 2025, the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, be authorized to proceed as outlined in Section 2.0 of said Closed Report.

    Affirmative (6)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Giberson, Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, and Councillor Marimpietri
    Motion Carried (6 to 0)
  • Moved byCouncillor Chapman

    That the meeting recess at 2:19 p.m.

    Motion Carried

The meeting recessed at 2:19 p.m. and reconvened at 6:30 p.m. with all members of the Committee in attendance in the Chamber except Councillor Giberson who was absent.  Also present was Councillor Lee who participated in the Chamber and Councillors McConkey and Neal who participated electronically. 

Also in attendance were F. Bianchet and P. Aguilera, Council-Committee Coordinators; the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department; the Director, Planning Services; the Manager, Policy; the Manager, Development and Urban Design; T. Ryan, Principal Planner and C. Leherbaurer, Senior Planner.

  • Moved byCouncillor Chapman

    That Correspondence ED-25-42 from SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust and Correspondence ED-25-43 from Malone Given Parsons Ltd. submitting comments concerning Report ED-25-30 be added to the agenda for the Planning Act Public meeting of March 3, 2025 and be referred to the respective report.

    Motion Carried

Michael Fry, D.G. Biddle and Associates Ltd. provided a presentation concerning revised applications to amend Zoning By-law 60-94 and for Approval of a Draft Plan of Subdivision at 671, 685, 699, 709 and 723 Conlin Road East.

The Committee questioned Michael Fry, D.G. Biddle and Associates Ltd.

  • Moved byCouncillor Chapman

    That pursuant to Report ED-25-29 dated February 26, 2025, concerning the applications submitted by D.G. Biddle and Associates Limited on behalf of Greycrest Homes (Oshawa) Inc. and Greycrest Homes (Conlin) Inc. to amend Zoning By-law 60-94 and for approval of a draft plan of subdivision (S-O-2020-01) to permit 2 blocks for 4 semi-detached dwellings, 14 blocks for 74 street townhouse dwellings, a stormwater management pond block, an open space block, a road widening block and new local roads located at 671, 685, 699, 709 and 723 Conlin Road East, staff be directed to further review and prepare a subsequent report and recommendation back to the Economic and Development Services Committee. This direction does not constitute or imply any form or degree of approval.

    Motion Carried

Connor Leherbauer, Senior Planner provided a presentation concerning City-initiated amendments to the Oshawa Official Plan and Zoning By-law 60-94 to implement protected major transit station areas.

The Committee questioned the Senior Planner. 

Elizabeth Thuaite addressed the Economic and Development Services Committee with questions concerning Report ED-25-30 regarding City-initiated amendments to the Oshawa Official Plan and Zoning By-law 60-94 to implement protected major transit station areas. 

Juthusan Katuirgamanathan addressed the Economic and Development Services Committee with questions concerning Report ED-25-30 regarding City-initiated amendments to the Oshawa Official Plan and Zoning By-law 60-94 to implement protected major transit station areas. 

Voula Zerey addressed the Economic and Development Services Committee with questions concerning Report ED-25-30 regarding City-initiated amendments to the Oshawa Official Plan and Zoning By-law 60-94 to implement protected major transit station areas. 

Kristyn Bradley addressed the Economic and Development Services Committee with questions concerning Report ED-25-30 regarding City-initiated amendments to the Oshawa Official Plan and Zoning By-law 60-94 to implement protected major transit station areas. 

Michael Fry addressed the Economic and Development Services Committee with questions concerning Report ED-25-30 regarding City-initiated amendments to the Oshawa Official Plan and Zoning By-law 60-94 to implement protected major transit station areas.

  • Moved byCouncillor Chapman

    That pursuant to Report ED-25-30 dated February 26, 2025, concerning proposed City-initiated amendments to the Oshawa Official Plan and Zoning By-law 60-94 to implement the Central Oshawa and Thornton’s Corners Protected Major Transit Station Areas as designated in Envision Durham, staff be directed to further review and prepare a subsequent report and recommendation back to the Economic and Development Services Committee. This direction does not constitute or imply any form or degree of approval.

    Motion Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Kerr

    That the meeting adjourn at 8:05 p.m.

    Motion Carried