Here is a synopsis of where we are today.
On January 3, 2024 at 9:45am, I received the following email message from our planning staff, “This email is (sic) to let you know that we have a report recommending denial for the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment applications at 1065 Paramount Drive which will be before the Planning Committee on January 16th. The notice of public meeting is expected to go out on January 9th to those who wrote in, those who are within the required notification distance and will be posted in the Hamilton Spectator.”
Coincidently, on January 3, 2024 @ 12:12pm, I was advised by the developer’s planner that after being briefed by city planning staff on their concerns and their recommendation to deny the application, the developer filed an OLT appeal for a non-decision, 411 days after the original submission. As a result of this OLT appeal, the public is denied an opportunity to delegate to the committee as part of a planning hearing. After being advised of this situation, I worked with staff to request a very rare non-statutory meeting which provides the opportunity for residents to be formally heard at the planning Committee on February 6, 2024. These presentations will help our planning staff understand the level of concern on this project. These concerns will be considered as part of Council and staff’s deliberations to prepare our response to the appeal at the OLT.
At the Council meeting on January 24, 2024, I successfully argued for the following amendment, “That staff prepare an information report in order to provide the public with the process staff followed with respect to the Urban Hamilton Official Plan Amendment Application UHOPA-23-005 and Zoning By-law Amendment Application ZAC-23-006 for Lands Located at 1065 Paramount Drive, Stoney Creek, including the rational for staff’s position on the matter and the history of the activities between the developer and the Planner.”
You can find that discussion by using this link, https://www.youtube.com/live/DIQ6CNmYXO4?si=7EtnfyudddeIu70d&t=2811
I would be remiss if I did not indicate that I am proud of the amount and quality of work completed by Senior Planner James Van Rooi. His prompt responses to my office and residents’ queries was appreciated by all. I am grateful that his comprehensive review of this application resulted in an intended recommendation to deny the OPA and rezoning.
For any resident wishing to speak in person or virtually at the non-statutory public meeting, you can file your request through this form: https://www.hamilton.ca/city-council/council-committee/council-committee-meetings/request-speak-committee-council
Members of the public who cannot attend in person or virtually you can provide comments in writing via mail or email in advance of the meeting on February 6, 2024. Comments can be submitted by emailing clerk@hamilton.ca or by mailing the Legislative Coordinator of the respective Committee, City of Hamilton, 71 Main Street West, 1st Floor, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 4Y5. Comments must be received by noon the day before the meeting. Any written comments received after the deadline will be included on the next Council agenda.
Comments can also be placed in the drop box which is located at the back of the 1st Floor of City Hall, 71 Main Street West. All comments received by noon two business days before the meeting will be included in the agenda.
I hope this information is helpful for those wishing to be heard on this file.
Brad Clark Report 