Paul Hicks

The applicant appealed the municipality's failure to adopt an official plan amendment and zoning by-law amendment to permit a 177-unit high-density residential development.

The threshold issue was whether the lands should be re-designated and re-zoned for residential uses given an existing oversupply of residential lands in the municipality.

The Tribunal found that the site-specific redesignation of the fully serviced, shovel-ready infill property was appropriate and an efficient use of under-utilized land, despite the oversupply.

The Tribunal ordered the appeal to move forward to a full hearing.

The appellants appealed the City of Ottawa's approval of an Official Plan Amendment that changed the land use designation of the subject site from 'General Rural Area' to 'Rural Employment Area' to facilitate a light industrial warehousing facility.

The appellants, who reside adjacent to the site, raised concerns about increased truck traffic, noise, and safety.

The Tribunal accepted the uncontroverted expert planning evidence that the proposed development is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, conforms to the City's Official Plan, and incorporates appropriate setbacks and buffering to mitigate land use compatibility issues.

The appeal was dismissed and the Official Plan Amendment was approved.