It’s quite the laundry list of requested variances at this month’s Committee of Adjustment meeting from accessory apartments to extra space to land severances and finally, good good old fashioned clerical oversight. About a dozen different matters will be before the committee this month so let’s not waste any more time and dive into the slate coming soon at a city council chambers near you. Continue reading “MEETING PREVIEW: Committee of Adjustment Meeting for April 13, 2023”
Everything at this month’s Committee of Adjustment meeting was proceeding relatively smoothly until we landed at the matter of 26 Forest Street. This project would see one house torn down and the lot it sits on split into three portions for three new homes, but that was easier said that done. How did it all turn out? Well, you will have to scroll down and consult the recap to find out… Continue reading “RECAP: Committee of Adjustment Split on Turning One Property into Three”
There’s nothing terribly controversial at March’s Committee of Adjustment this month, but, as ever, controversy is in the eye of the beholder. Some plans will see current properties break off like amoebas and become two properties, some plans include demolitions, and there’s at least one case of a property that the owner feels is not zoned right. This is what’s on the agenda for March… Continue reading “MEETING PREVIEW: Committee of Adjustment Meeting for March 9, 2023”
This month’s Committee of Adjustment saw a number of variances handed out in the name of creating more units in the city, but only one caused any real dilemma. When one man wanted to turn the garage on his rental property into an additional accessory unit, City staff and his neighbour both said no, and then it was up to the committee to unravel the moral conundrum: Could they find a way to get to yes to get one more until in stock? Continue reading “RECAP: Committee of Adjustment Approves Garage Conversion Over Staff Objection”
Though it’s still cold outside, things are heating up for the Committee of Adjustment at this February meeting. The theme of the meeting seems to be new apartments with a couple of variants for accessory units and the transformation of a current commercial space. In other news, a family is looking to make some changes to their front area, and a new affordable housing project needs some changes approved. Continue reading “MEETING PREVIEW: Committee of Adjustment Meeting for February 9, 2023”
On Thursday night, several Ward 5 residents came out to take part in a town hall organized by Councillors Cathy Downer and Leanne Piper. The topics included an overview of the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw Review, an update about the Baker District Redevelopment, and the new main library branch, and some Q&A. This is the recap. Continue reading “RECAP: Zoning, Library, and Transit Discussed at Ward 5 Town Hall”
If you want to talk about development in Guelph, or any municipality in Ontario for that matter, you have to start with the Official Plan. Every decision concerning what can be built, where it can be built, how it can be built, and what services it needs stems from a 403-page, living document that you’ve probably never read. Continue reading “GUELPH POLITICAST #167 – On Development Part II: The Official Plan”
The issues around bylaw (over) enforcement of driveway width have a number of people all over Guelph backing a notice of motion by Ward 1 Councillor Dan Gibson to suspend certain provisions of the zoning bylaw until a review is complete. In some Guelph neighbourhoods though, this idea is going to be a tough sell. Continue reading “Two Neighbourhood Groups Worried About Bylaw Suspensions”
Guelph Politico 