Another ‘minor variance’

We have just received notice for an application for a ‘minor variance’  for 670 Edison. In January the applicant received approval for the creation of 3 conforming lots at the corner of Edison and Greenwood. At the time the question was asked if the proposed housing met all the conditions of the Zoning By-law and therefore didn’t require any minor variances. The applicant replied that they required no minor variances. Now they have applied for minor variances for the 3 houses. There is a height limit in Westboro for two storeys. The applicant wants to build 3 storeys. In November 2007 the CoA approved another application for a 3 storey residence on Edison near Greenwood with the comment that there would be no impact on the community. It appears there could be an impact and we would like to hear from you so we know what you think about this specific application and the impact of having 3 storeys in a 2 storey community.

Gary Ludington 

300 Richmond Road and Community Design Plan

[edited with additional links]

As many of you know a Community Design Plan for Richmond Road was completed after more than two years of work by the City, 10 different community groups, local property owners, architects and developers. It was passed last July by City Council with a directive to staff to prepare the necessary change for the City’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law, which should happen this April.

Cassone Construction Ltd., the owner of 300 Richmond Road (corner of Richmond and Eden Ave.), applied to the Committee of Adjustment to build a 5 storey building that would basically fill the entire lot. The hearing was heard on Nov 21, 2006 by the Committee of Adjustment and the application was refused. Mr. Cassone filed an appeal with the Ontario Municipal Board. The OMB sent notice of the hearing dated Feb 22, 2008. The date of the hearing is April 10/11 2008. The WCA sent a letter to Councillor Leadman on March 7 seeking her help. Councillor Leadman will be making a request to Planning and Environment Committee at their meeting on Tuesday March 25th, and will be asking the City to defend the policy they approved last July. We need your support and help on this issue. Our request is being supported by Woodroffe North, McKellar Park and Woodpark community associations.

Please contact Councillor Leadman by email Christine.Leadman@ottawa.ca, phone 613-580-2485, FAX 613-580-2525 or by coming to the meeting on Tuesday.

Please note, the meeting starts at 9:30 AM and we have no way of knowing when this item might get heard.

• Click here to view theRichmond Road/Westboro Community Design Plan.
• Click here to view a PDF copy of our letter to Councillor Leadman.

Committee of Adjustment Mar 5, 2008

There are two applications for minor variances being heard by the Committee of Adjustment on March 5th. One is for 348 Tweedsmuir Ave for a reduced side yard and the other is for 487 Evered for a reduced front yard. If you have objections or concerns about either of these please contact us before Mar 5th.

Gary Ludington

Committee of Adjustment Jan 16, 2008

On Jan 16 the Committee of Adjustment heard 4 applications of interest to our neighbourhood:

1. Westboro Station condo – there were 3 minor variances requested and none had to do with the closing of Golden Ave. Because the notice for this meeting was attached to the sign for the closing a number of people came to the meeting just in case it was about Golden. It wasn’t. I label the changes as housekeeping and they were granted. Howevere keep your eyes open – there will be new applications forthcoming.

2. 269 Avondale – an application for this site was heard late in 2007 and was adjourned for a new application. The application was for the creation of 4 lots with no minor variances on which they plan to build 2 semis. The application was granted.

3. 349 Avondale – an application to demolish the existing garage and to build a new attached garage to accomodate a specially equipped van. The application was granted.

4. 376 Winona – an application to create 3 lots all of which were non conforming. This application was opposed by several neighbours and the WCA. The application was postponed sine die and we suggested to the agent for the applicant they meet with the community before coming back with a new application. As a matter of interest there are at least 7 homes on Winona that have been here for at least 100 years.

Committee of Adjustment decision re: 300 Richmond Road

Is now available in PDF format.

FYI, the application was denied.