The following letter was sent to members of NOTL council. A copy was submitted to The Lake Report for publication.

There have been many concerns expressed regarding the handling of two recent development applications by Niagara-On-The-Lake council members. Both applications were approved by 5-3 votes. 

It is probably safe to say most residents do not want council members to reject development applications on principle and expose the town to significant costs associated with appeals to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

In addition, most residents likely do not support council members rubber stamping approvals of development applications to avoid what may be legitimate appeals to the tribunal.

There must be valid reasons for approving or rejecting any development application. 

It is quite apparent that any development applications for large-scale residential proposals must take into consideration the province’s overarching mandate for increased housing achieved through higher densities.  

The track record of the Ontario Land Tribunal solidly favours developers on residential development appeals.

However, it is not prudent to apply the same criteria to other types of development applications. 

In particular, there is likely an opportunity for a different approach to official plan and zoning bylaw amendments required for commercial development.

The recent approvals of two large commercial development applications for hotels are such cases. It is suggested that the province does not have the same imperative to encourage such commercial ventures as compared to its stance on residential development.

Decisions are more focused on criteria detailed in the town’s official plan and zoning designations of land in its bylaws. 

For instance, the Parliament Oak property requires a significant change from institutional to commercial zoning and locates a large hotel in a residential area.

Further, with the application for a second hotel at Mississagua and Queen streets, the two hotels will have a combined 210 rooms. Both applications require amendments to the official plan and zoning bylaws.    

Why are certain members of council reluctant to enforce compliance to the official plan and zoning bylaws to prevent these unsuitably located big commercial developments in the already overcrowded historic area? 

Robert Buchkowsky
NOTL