Council approves townhouse rental development, but with revisions

A development in Ridgeway was given approval at Monday’s council-in-committee meeting, but not without a number of changes and concerns shared by local politicians.

The proposal presented to council included a zoning bylaw amendment to construct a total of 10 townhouses with eight of them containing accessory dwelling units for a total of 18 residences.

The units would be rentals, according to the staff report approved by councillors after a fulsome debate and discussion.

The project would be built on the south side of Nigh Road, west of Ridge Road North, about 1.3 kilometres from downtown Ridgeway.

At the end of the discussion, amendments to the recommendation report included that a sunset clause be put in place ordering that building permits are submitted within three years of the development being approved through bylaw.

Changes brought forward by Mayor Wayne Redekop were also added to the plans, including that the height of the homes be no taller than two storeys instead of the allowed maximum of three storeys, and that the total units be reduced from 18 to 15.

The mayor said it is a “tantalizing” project because of a need for rental properties in town, but that his greatest concern has to do with the size of the parcel, 2,888 square metres, and issues related to parking.

The townhouse units will have double car driveways, for a total of 20 parking spaces to accommodate the homes and their accessory dwelling units. Four visitor parking spaces will be created on the east side of the parking area, staff said in the report.

If each unit’s occupants have two cars, which many households do these days, the amount of parking being pitched isn’t sufficient, including what’s left for visitors, the mayor said.

“I just think that’s a terrible idea,” said Redekop, also concerned about whether parking on Nigh Road would work.

Ward 6 Councillor Ann-Marie Noyes agreed with the mayor, saying there are “too many living quarters and not enough parking spots,” and that the project going ahead is “going to be problematic.”

Ward 2 Councillor Nick Dubanow said he sees both sides, that there is a “housing need” and that the project seems “tempting” because of it involving purpose-built rentals.

He also admitted the proposed development is “unconventional” for the neighbourhood, adding that the town needs to “balance the wider need” for rental homes.

Redekop said even though the province is mandating the town build more homes, the local government needs to “try to protect existing neighbourhoods” and not approve the project just because it would add to the inventory in Greater Fort Erie.

“It just makes me nervous,” said Redekop.

Before Redekop’s amendment to trim the number of units by three was approved, Dubanow questioned whether that would make a difference.

“We’re either doing it or we’re not,” he said about the project as is.

Redekop responded by pointing out that this reduction keeps the development within a low-density designation.

Ward 5 Councillor Tom Lewis said the local government needs to “make a decision,” and also asked for advice on what the changes could mean when it comes to a potential Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) hearing.

Planning director Anamika Dilwaria was not optimistic the municipality would fare well because the proposal meets necessary requirements related to parking and height.

“In my professional opinion, we are not on strong grounds going to the OLT,” she said.

The project and the amendments made Monday will need to be approved through bylaw in the near future.

Rachelle Laroque of the Biglieri Group submitted the application on behalf of owner Brent King, reads the staff report.

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