Ian Robertson

The appellant appealed the City of Waterloo's zoning by-law amendment to the Ontario Land Tribunal, seeking site-specific exemptions for a proposed residential subdivision.

The disputed exemptions involved reduced side yard setbacks for certain lots and permitted porch and balcony encroachments into the front yard for cluster developments.

The City opposed the exemptions, citing concerns over grading, drainage, snow storage, neighbourhood character, and the implications of a new provincial regulation (O. Reg. 257/25).

The Tribunal allowed the appeal in part, preferring the appellant's expert evidence that the reduced setbacks and encroachments would not cause adverse impacts, would maintain neighbourhood character, and would facilitate a compact, efficient development in conformity with provincial and municipal planning policies.

The applicant appealed the City of Vaughan Committee of Adjustment's refusal of a minor variance to reduce the required rear yard soft landscaping from 60% to 42.9% to maintain an existing bocce court.

The developer of the subdivision opposed the application, arguing the bocce court increased impermeable surface area and threatened the stormwater management system.

The Tribunal allowed the appeal and authorized the variance, accepting evidence that the bocce court materials were permeable and noting it had existed for five years without causing any drainage issues.

The Ontario College of Teachers brought discipline proceedings against a retired member for engaging in inappropriate online communications with young students while teaching in Japan.

The member used Facebook and personal email to ask students personal questions, share details about his private life, and seek affirmation, violating school policies and professional boundaries.

The Discipline Committee qualified the member's former principal as a participant expert and accepted his evidence that the member failed to meet professional standards.

The Committee found the member guilty of professional misconduct, including failing to maintain the standards of the profession, psychological or emotional abuse, and disgraceful, dishonourable, or unprofessional conduct.