A staff report to be considered at this week's Tay Township committee meeting is bringing forward a zoning bylaw amendment that could add new residential units on Fourth Avenue in Port McNicoll.
The applicant, Brock Peel, submitted the application requesting an amendment to the official plan and to re-designate 757 Fourth Ave. from village commercial to village residential designation. The application also seeks an amendment to the zoning bylaw from village commercial exception to multiple residential exception 11 zone.
The current official plan designation and zoning permit residential units to be built as accessory to a commercial use building. These two changes will allow for a low-rise apartment building, consisting of four residential units, to be built on the property. The rezoning application also seeks to add a site specific provision to allow each unit in a low-rise apartment building to have an independent entrance.
No concerns or objections to the application were received during a public meeting held in January, however, a letter was later sent to staff stating the area is already extremely busy and saturated with apartments.
By way of reasoning, staff have included in the report that the township recognizes the need to broaden available housing stock within the municipality, which was one reason why council approved the newly established Mixed-Use (MU) Zone along Talbot Street in Port McNicoll.
If council committee passes a resolution approving the amendments, a bylaw will be brought to a future council meeting for approval.
Committee members will also receive a delegation from two community members, who are seeking council's permission to run a fundraiser to collect $325,000 to purchase ice and open water equipment that can be used by first responders.
"We have worked with Cheif Shawn Aymer to source the Sever 650K, the equipment needed and the startup costs," write Christina Wood-Horton, Sharelle McArthur, and Brandon Hillis in their submission. "We will raise these funds by reaching out to the community for financial support, hosting community events and by applying for provincial grants. We will also organize an annual event that will help fund the reoccurring costs."
There is also a closed session item being brought forward by the Friends of Keewatin.
The meeting begins 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, and a link to watch the virtual meeting is available online. Residents can also access an audio-only version by dialling (705)999-0385 and entering meeting ID: 889 9631 6960.
