Eldon Theodore

The Ontario Land Tribunal heard Phase 2 of appeals regarding the Yonge and Bernard Key Development Area (KDA) Secondary Plan and Zoning By-law in the City of Richmond Hill.

The hearing focused on site-specific development applications and policies for the eastern quadrants and the Di Pede lands in the northwest quadrant.

The Tribunal approved the City's proposed modifications, which were supported by expert planning, transportation, and environmental evidence.

The Tribunal upheld the Greenway System designation and natural hazard buffer requirements for the northeast quadrant, dismissing the appeals of North Elgin Centre Inc. (NEC), which failed to call any evidence.

All other appeals were dismissed, bringing the Secondary Plan and Zoning By-law into effect for the remaining lands.

The applicant appealed the City of Ottawa's refusal of a zoning by-law amendment to permit a six-storey self-storage building and a restaurant on an arterial mainstreet.

The City argued the site was a gateway and the use was inappropriate as it lacked residential development.

The Tribunal allowed the appeal, finding the proposal consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement and in conformity with the Official Plan and Secondary Plan.

The Tribunal preferred the applicant's expert evidence that the development introduces an innovative mix of uses, improves the public realm, and represents an efficient intensification of an underutilized site.