MINUTES of a regular meeting of COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE of the Municipal Council of The Corporation of the District of Oak Bay, held in the Council Chambers, Oak Bay Municipal Hall, 2167 Oak Bay Avenue, Oak Bay, B.C., on Monday, October 15, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.

 

PRESENT:

Councillor P. Copley (Acting Mayor)

Councillor H. Braithwaite

Councillor S. F. B. Carson

Councillor A. R. Cassidy

Councillor N. B. Jensen

STAFF:

Municipal Administrator, W. E. Cochrane

Municipal Clerk, L. Hilton

Confidential Secretary, K. Green

Director of Building and Planning, N. Beattie

Municipal Treasurer, P. A. Walker

Director of Engineering Services, D. Marshall

 

Acting Mayor Copley called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

 

RECREATION SECTION: (Chairman – Councillor Carson)

 

1.

2007-270

OAK BAY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION,

October 3, 2007

Re Minutes of Monthly Meeting

 

(Agnes Szilos, Director, Parks and Recreation, and Stephen Gorman, Chairman, Oak Bay Parks and Recreation Commission, in attendance for this item.)

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the minutes of the meeting of the Oak Bay Parks and Recreation Commission held on Wednesday, October 3, 2007, and the recommendations contained therein, be adopted.

 

CARRIED

 

FINANCE SECTION: (Chairman – Councillor Braithwaite)

 

2.

2007-271

MUNICIPAL TREASURER, October 1, 2007

Re Monthly Financial Reports

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That the monthly financial reports for September 2007 be received.

 

CARRIED

 

TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY: (Chairman – Councillor Copley)

 

3.

2007-272

2007-272-1

2007-272-2

2007-272-3

 

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING SERVICES, October 9, 2007

ROBERT TRAVIS, October 1, 2007

BETTY AND PETER WALSH et al, August 17, 2007

ROBERT AND CHRIS TRAVIS, October 15, 2007

Re Traffic in the Vicinity of Monterey Middle School

The Director of Engineering Services reviewed his memorandum regarding traffic in the vicinity of Monterey School in response to concerns raised by residents in the area, and their specific suggestions for addressing those concerns.

 

Mr. Marshall advised that to address the issues experienced by residents with cars being parked in such a way as to block their driveway access, it is possible to paint yellow strips adjacent to select driveway entrances, and then evaluate the effectiveness of those strips with the residents later on.  He noted that painting yellow lines, however, does pose an ongoing maintenance issue and the effectiveness is not always assessable, which is why he would recommend painting only a few lines initially.

 

The suggestion made by residents with respect to converting Monterey Avenue and Oliver Street to one way traffic only, said Mr. Marshall, is not supportable from an engineering point of view, and can lead to an increase in safety concerns as noted in his memorandum.

 

In response to requests for resident only parking in the vicinity of the school, Mr. Marshall indicated that the data collecting by the Engineering Department concluded that the majority of the parking issues occur just before and just after school hours, suggesting that the implementation of such a regulation would result in the loss of parking spaces during the rest of the day would not be of benefit to the community as a whole.

 

The option of paving a strip on the south side of Tinto to allow for parking was also suggested by residents, said Mr. Marshall, however, this is not considered justified at this time based on municipal staff observations.  Additionally, he said, should paving this area be considered in the future, a parking demand study and consultation with the neighbours would be warranted.

 

There was discussion regarding the issues raised, and it was suggested that inasmuch as the school has only been in session since September, it was too early to really evaluate the impact of the school reconfiguration on traffic and parking.  The construction, it was noted, has also compounded issues, however, the majority of the work is expected to be complete in the next couple of weeks.

 

Barbara Narver, 873 Oliver Street, pointed out that in her observation, parents of school children were the worst offenders for contravening the parking regulations, and stated her concerns regarding access for emergency vehicles in the area.

 

It was suggested that perhaps the Parent Advisory Council and school staff could assist with an education campaign to reduce the contravention of the pick up, drop off and no parking regulations in the vicinity of the school.

 

Mr. Marshall responded to questions raised by residents regarding the possibility of painting a yellow line along the east side of Oliver, noting that he would be reluctant recommend  eliminating parking in this situation.

 

Sharon Plater, 813 Oliver Street, said she experiences parking problems outside of the school pick up and drop off times, noting that she would support yellow lines being painted adjacent to her driveway to stop it from being blocked by parked vehicles.  She further expressed her concern that Monterey Avenue is too narrow for parking and traffic, together.

 

 

 

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That one metre yellow strips be painted on curbs adjacent to selected driveways in the vicinity of Monterey School, and that staff consult with the residents regarding their effectiveness following an assessment period.

 

CARRIED

 

4.

2007-273

2007-273-1

 

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING SERVICES, October 9, 2007

TOYOKO DOYLE, September 14, 2006

Re Proposed Pedestrian Activated Crosswalk Lights at Foul Bay Road and Byron Street

 

The Director of Engineering Services provided an overview of his memorandum regarding a request for pedestrian activated crosswalk lights on Foul Bay Road where it intersects with Byron Street.  He advised that a system is used for evaluating such installations based upon a recognized set of criteria, and in the case at hand, the lights are not warranted and in fact, the existing crosswalk itself is not completely warranted either.

 

Mr. Marshall went on to say that Engineering staff would, nonetheless, include the intersection within a list of “high profile” crosswalks that gets considered by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) for input and a possible funding contribution should ICBC feel lights would be beneficial in that location

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That the crosswalk located on Foul Bay Road at Byron Street continue to be monitored by staff.

 

CARRIED

 

Ray Fieltsch, 2079 Byron Street, noted that the east side of the sidewalk adjacent to the above noted crosswalk is quite narrow, making it difficult to make a turn from the sidewalk onto the crosswalk, and that there are also visibility problems due to the existing hedge.  Mr. Marshall indicated staff would look at the hedge to see whether or not it should be trimmed back to improve visibility.

 

5.

2007-274

 

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING SERVICES, October 9, 2007

Re Bike Path Provision – Foul Bay Road at Lansdowne Road

 

The Director of Engineering Services outlined the two options for providing a bike path adjacent to the sidewalk along the east side of Foul Bay Road north of the intersection at Lansdowne Road, noting that option B, as noted in his report, is the recommended option at a cost of $40,000.

 

Mr. Marshall answered questions from the Committee, indicating that there may be room to shift the pathway slightly more east, however, there are services underground that need to be avoided.  He also indicated, in response to a question, that eliminating the southbound left turn lane from Foul Bay Road on to Lansdowne Road, to make the east traffic lane wider to accommodate cyclists, would result in an undesirable alignment on the west side of Foul Bay Road for cyclists heading south.

 

With respect to possible funding sources, Mr. Marshall indicated that there may be matching grant funds available, and that staff would pursue this option should the Committee wish to refer the item to Estimates Committee.  It was also pointed out that it may also be possible to fund up to half of the cost from the traffic calming budget, should a grant be received for the other half.

 

MOVED by Councillor Cassidy

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That correspondence item no. 2007- 274 be referred to Estimates Committee.

 

John Luton, 22 Phillipa Place, Capital Bike and Walk Society and Jane van Hoorn, 2965 Oakdowne Road, both expressed their support for the proposed option B, which they felt would result in safer travel for cyclists.

 

The question was then called.

 

CARRIED

 

PUBLIC WORKS SECTION: (Acting Chairman –Councillor Carson)

 

6.

2007-275

2007-275-1

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING SERVICES, October 9, 2007

YVONNE AND HUGH RORISON, [Undated]

Re Boulevard Encroachment Application – 15 Beach Drive

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That it be recommended to Council that approval be given for a boulevard encroachment at 15 Beach Drive for the purpose of installing landscaping and fencing, subject to the plants on the boulevard being trimmed to a height not to exceed 0.9 metres above the road surface, on the property north-side, east for a distance of 20 metres from the property north-west corner, and on the property west-side for 20 metres from the existing driveway to the existing fence, and that the existing fence be permitted to stay as is, all subject to the owners entering into a boulevard encroachment agreement on terms set by the Municipality.

CARRIED

 

7.

2007-276

2007-276-1

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING SERVICES, October 9, 2007

JIM AND NICOLA LAMORTE, October 2, 2007

Re Boulevard Encroachment Application – 867 Transit Road

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Cassidy, That it be recommended to Council that approval be given for a boulevard encroachment at 867 Transit Road for the purpose of installing landscaping, subject to a 1.5 metre grass strip being installed adjacent to the existing sidewalk, and that there is adequate space to accommodate a vehicle on private property (a width of 5.5 metres), and subject to the owners entering into a boulevard encroachment agreement on terms set by the Municipality.

CARRIED

 

8.

2007-277

FIRST METROPOLITAN UNITED CHURCH, September 25, 2007

Re Request to Place Railing Along Willows Beach Walkway

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That the request to place railing along Willows Beach walkway be referred to the Oak Bay Parks and Recreation Commission.

 

CARRIED

 

9.

2007-278

VICTORIA CAR SHARE COOPERATIVE, October 1, 2007

Re Request to Occupy Municipal Parking Space

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Jensen, That it be recommended to Council that the Victoria Car Share Cooperative be given permission to occupy one parking space at the Monterey Avenue parking lot adjacent to the Monterey Centre until May 31, 2009, and that the Mayor and Municipal Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement with the Cooperative for the use of the parking space.

 

CARRIED

 

LAND USE SECTION: (Chairman – Councillor Cassidy)

 

10.

 

2007-279

2007-279-1

2007-279-2

2007-279-3

2007-279-4

2007-279-5

2007-279-6

2007-279-7

2007-279-8

2007-279-9

2007-279-10

2007-279-11

2007-279-12

2007-279-13

2007-279-14

2007-279-15

2007-279-16

2007-279-17

2007-279-18

2007-279-19

2007-279-20

2007-279-21

2007-279-22

2007-279-23

2007-279-24

 

2007-279-25

2007-279-26

2007-279-27

2007-279-28

2007-279-29

2007-279-30

 

2007-279-31

2007-279-32

2007-279-33

2007-279-34

2007-279-35

 

2007-279-36

2007-279-37

2007-279-38

2007-279-39

2007-279-40

2007-279-41

2007-279-42

2007-279-43

2007-279-44

2007-279-45

2007-279-46

2007-279-47

2007-279-48

2007-279-49

2007-279-50

2007-279-51

2007-279-52

2007-279-53

2007-279-54

2007-279-55

2007-279-56

2007-279-57

2007-202

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING SERVICES, October 11, 2007

VALERIE AND BARRY ARNSDORF, August 15, 2007

JOHN AND MARG BOWRON, August 16, 2007

BETTY STANGER, August 17, 2007

JULIE AND BILL PEARCE et al, August 18, 2007

KAREN EVERS-FAHEY, August 18, 2007

BARBARA NEWTON, August 20, 2007

PAMELA DALE, August 20, 2007

JAMES HILL, [Undated]

STEVE LONERGAN, [Undated]

AVIGAIL EISENBERG, August 21, 2007

BONNIE AND GLENN MILBURY, August 21, 2007

TARA DOUGLAS, August 21, 2007

JANET AND ALAN KAPLAN, August 22, 2007

REIDAR SUNDBY, August 25, 2007

PAT AND JOHN PALMER, August 25, 2007

MAURICE DUNNER, August 25, 2007

RANDI MASTERS AND SANDY COLQUHOUN, [Undated]

JOSEPH BLAKE, August 27, 2007

JANE AND MIKE WEBB, August 28, 2007

CHELSEA HOFFMAN, August 28, 2007

NANCY AND JOHN COCKBURN, August 28, 2007

JEAN CHURCHILL, August 19, 2007

TOM STONE, August 26, 2007

HEATHER MACANDREW AND DAVID SPRINGBETT, August 27, 2007

NANCY AND JOHN COCKBURN, September 4, 2007

JANE AND MIKE WEBB, September 4, 2007

S. BRUCE VALLANCE, September 4, 2007

DOUGLAS MCKENZIE, September 6, 2007

ROGER AND THERESA TALLENTIRE, September 6, 2007

DEAN STELMASCHUK AND GERTIE ZEITER, September 6, 2007

HEATHER MACANDREW, September 6, 2007

ERIC AND CARMELLE NIELSEN, September 7, 2007

CAROLYN HEIMAN AND WAYNE JENSEN, September 10, 2007

BARRY AND MARY THOMAS, September 10, 2007

ELISABETH SILVESTER and JACQUELYN MULDERS, September 10, 2007

LAURIE PIAZZA, September 11, 2007

JOHN AND JANET SPENCE, September 12, 2007

BARDY HAVERUK, September 17, 2007

JOHN DAVIS, September 17, 2007

NAN STEWART, [Undated]

BARBARA BLACK, September 21, 2007

GARTH CATERS, September 26, 2007

ERIC NIELSEN, October 9, 2007

DONNA AND BRIAN MCCONNELL, October 9, 2007

DE’LISH BAKERY, October 10, 2007

MARK DAVIES et al, August 23, 2007

JANE WEBB, October 9, 2007

PATRICIA WILSON et al, [Undated]

SANDRA KURVERS, August 20, 2007

LORRAINE BURKE, August 26, 2007

DOLORES TODD, September 5, 2007

ISLAND WEST MANUFACTURERS, August 7, 2007

RDI, August 15, 2007

ELANA SCRABA, October 12, 2007

JACK SCISSONS AND RUTH DECARY, October 14, 2007

RICK AND JILL LEE, October 15, 2007

PATRICIA HANRAHAN, October 15, 2007

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, July 17, 2007

Re Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendments –  677 St. Patrick Street/

2164 McNeill Avenue

 

Councillor Cassidy noted that the business owners of 677 St. Patrick Street (de’lish) made application to amend the Zoning Bylaw to allow seating for up to 20 customers.  He also noted that currently, 2164 McNeill Avenue (Demitasse) has seating for ten customers with C-4 Zoning.  When the application was first before Council it was suggested that consideration be given to amending the Zoning Bylaw with respect to both properties to consider 20 seats for each.  Since that time, he said, staff was asked to provide a report on the traffic and parking situation in the vicinity of both properties.

 

The Director of Engineering Services provided an overview of his traffic report for the vicinity of 677 St. Patrick Street and 2164 McNeill Avenue (correspondence item no. 2007-279).  Mr. Marshall drew attention to the data collected with respect to traffic volume, recorded speeds, parking and reported accidents in and around the two areas, noting that there does not appear to be any issues regarding vehicle speeds along St. Patrick and Central Avenue, that traffic counts were not excessive, and since 1999, three accidents have been reported.  As for the parking, said Mr. Marshall, it was observed that parking demand was not high, however, municipal staff often found that vehicles partially blocked driveways while shopping at the local stores, which could possibly be remedied by painting one metre yellow lines on either side of the driveway entrances.  This option, however, causes ongoing maintenance issues and is not proven to be effective.  It was noted that there are three on-street parking stalls on Central Avenue and three parallel parking stalls on St. Patrick Street.  Overall, traffic in this vicinity is satisfactory in terms of safety and level of service, he said. 

 

Mr. Marshall went on to say that in the vicinity of McNeill Avenue and Roslyn Road, traffic volume was recorded as being higher on McNeill, with slightly excessive speeds being observed.  As for accidents at this intersection, two have been reported since 2000.  Mr. Marshall indicated that parking in front of Demitasse is of concern as vehicles are required to back out on to McNeill Avenue, creating a potentially unsafe situation, and he noted that the parking stalls on Roslyn Road are short enough to cause vehicles to overhang onto the road.  With respect to parking volume, staff observations varied with one of the four times being high demand and the other three times were considered to be low demand on parking in the area.

 

Mr. Marshall advised that a co-relation between the findings of the Engineering Department and the proposed increased seating at either establishment could not be readily observed.  Should it be found that a parking demand study and consultation is warranted, Mr. Marshall suggested that an independent consulting firm be used.

 

Responding to the parking concerns raised regarding 2164 McNeill Avenue, the Municipal Administrator pointed out that the issues brought up refer to parking on private property, and the Municipality is not in a position to ask for that parking area to be reconfigured.

 

It was the majority view of the Committee that the two properties at 677 St. Patrick Street and 2164 McNeill Avenue not be dealt with individually, as suggested by a member of the Committee.

 

Paul Holmes, 2186 McNeill Avenue, commented that a group of residents that originally formed a group called the McNeill/Roslyn Community Association, has expanded to encompass residents concerned about the proposed Hampshire Road municipal parking lot, the proposed expansion at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, as well as the proposed rezoning for de’lish and Demitasse properties, and the group is now called the Oak Bay Community Association. 

 

Mr. Holmes gave an overview of his concerns noting that the municipal process when considering proposed developments should keep in mind the impact it has on protecting residential neighbourhoods.  Mr. Holmes also noted that the potential increase in traffic and parking, additional delivery vehicles, and an increased threat to the safety of children in the neighbourhood is of concern.

 

Mr. Holmes drew attention to the Official Community Plan saying it should be a guiding document to reflect how residential neighbourhoods can be protected and limit growth without taking away from what already exists in a community.    

 

In conclusion, Mr. Holmes expressed his view that by having the agenda available earlier it would permit more time for residents to prepare for an upcoming meeting of interest.

 

Diane Erickson, 2157 Crescent Road, drew attention to the fact that the businesses have not been plunked into these locations but have grown with, and contributed to the areas by offering small locally owned bakeries to the neighbourhood.

 

Judith Andersen, 1265 Roslyn Road, expressed that she did not want it to appear that all the neighbours are included in the Oak Bay Community Association referred to earlier and that she supports the proposed additional seating for both properties.  As a close neighbour, Ms. Andersen said she does not think that the addition of ten seats at Demitasse Bakery will increase parking or the number of deliveries to the store.  In fact, she said, by adding the seats, it will get the people inside the store rather than sitting outside.

 

Paul Drummond, 1081 Roslyn Road, said that as a resident on Roslyn Road for 31 years, he has seen the commercial area change from a store with less traffic to a busy business with an increase in vehicular activity.

 

In the 1980’s, Mr. Drummond recalled that the Council of the day declined a request expand the store at the corner of Roslyn and McNeill due to the impact it would have on the neighbours and he feels that the same holds true now and that the nearest neighbours would be most affected by the proposed changes. 

 

Mr. Drummond expressed his concerns with respect to the inadequate parking at Demitasse and the fact that vehicles have to back out onto the road when exiting the premises, and, he said, Demitasse and de’lish should be addressed as separate issues.

 

Richard Kutcher, 1630 Hampshire Road, questioned the precedent being set by de’lish Bakery, as the owners bought the business with some seating that was in use and there was no due diligence in checking that the zoning permitted this.  Mr. Kutcher commented that by allowing the historical seating, Council is condoning improper use as grounds for rezoning.  

 

Mr. Kutcher drew a similar comparison regarding the proposed parking lot on Hampshire Road noting that although the property may have originally been purchased for future development as a parking lot, the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw did not reflect this.

 

Ray Elford, 742 St. Patrick Street, noted he had sent in correspondence that was not included in the agenda package.  Mr. Elford commented that with the opening of the renovated de’lish Bakery and with Casey’s Market nearby, together there are too many seats causing a parking issue and a safety concern for children in the area. 

 

Mr. Elford felt that the traffic counter placement on St. Patrick Street should not have been located on the south side of Central Avenue as most vehicles travel from Oak Bay Avenue to the south, and further he noted that the amount of traffic continues to increase.

 

Bob Gubbe, 1584 Hampshire Road, said he has been an area resident for 30 years, and feels that the Official Community Plan (OCP) should be brought back to express the wishes of residents when considering future development of the community to provide a sense of certainty rather than a sense of disquiet with the OCP being changed to accommodate development.  Mr. Gubbe said he would like to see more opportunity for the community to be consulted with respect to development changes that affect area residents.

 

Diane Davis, 1534 Hampshire Road, commented that people do not purchase their homes hoping for more traffic.  Ms. Davis said that Oak Bay’s population has seen just a small increase, therefore the traffic increases are more likely caused by small businesses and additional family members driving, which in turn, negatively affects neighbourhoods and the community.

 

Richard Mimick, 1019 Roslyn Road, said he lives across the street from Demitasse and although he did not report the accidents, he has had his cars hit three times.  He also invited others to stand on his porch and see if they like the view that he has.  As well, he said the OCP has one goal and the community needs to live it.

 

Mr. Mimick, wanted to put right a comment a member of Council had made that indicated when Boland’s Bakery was operating it had 18 seats, but in fact he said, it had six seats.

 

Nancy Pekter, 2160 McNeill Avenue, said that living next door to Demitasse raises concerns regarding traffic, which includes, trucks, cars, cyclists, pedestrians, and Monterey School traffic (due to being reconfigured to a middle school) causing the area to be congested. At times, she said, delivery trucks block driveways, sightlines and park on the yellow lines and that her and her mother’s cars have both been hit. 

 

Ms. Petker noted that the owners of Demitasse do not have as much of a stake in the neighbourhood now that they do not live in the vicinity and she would like to see the business be kinder to the neighbours.

 

Barb Rutherford, 1026 Roslyn Road, said that she loves Demitasse, saying it is a jewel and a wonderful addition to the community.  Ms. Rutherford noted that the traffic, of all sorts, can be heavy and that care should be taken when negotiating through parked cars as it is a busy corner with the potential for accidents.   She would like to see the area made safer for the complex mix of users.

 

Jim O’Connell, 650 St. Patrick Street, made reference to a comment made by the Mayor at a previous meeting saying coffee shops are the heart of a community and Mr. O’Connell said now there are two coffee shops within 100 feet of each other. 

 

Mr. O’Connell said that a precedent was set by former Boland’s Bakery with no seats inside and later outside limited seating was offered for the bus drivers only.  Now, de’lish Bakery has opened with 23 seats, he said, and it looks more like a Bistro. 

 

Additionally, Mr. O’Connell commented that, in his opinion, as the former owners lived on site they therefore had a greater stake in the community, whereas the current owners do not. 

 

Kathryn Pineo, 2164 McNeill Avenue, co-owner, Demitasse Bakery Store, addressing previous comments made, said the reason for having the petition in the store was to accurately clarify what the proposed changes would be and to see what people, other than the neighbours, thought about the increase of ten seats.  Ms. Pineo expressed her concern that many of the issues being discussed have nothing to do with the actual seating request.

 

Ms. Pineo commented that they were not invited to participate in the newly formed Oak Bay Community Association. 

 

Responding to other comments made earlier, Ms. Pineo said they originally lived on site but now reside elsewhere in Oak Bay and as a business and residents they give to and are a part of the community since buying the business ten years ago.  As well, she said, the bakery has provided job opportunities for Oak Bay’s youth over the years and their goal is just to run a business.

 

As concerned residents, Ms. Pineo said they would not be opposed to looking at improving safety in the area, but felt that the store is not responsible for the incidents or for what happens on McNeill Avenue.

 

In conclusion, Ms. Pineo disagrees that the store is unsightly, and she said she would like to see the process be fact based and stick with the issue of seating.

 

Chairman Councillor Cassidy reminded speakers to focus on the land use issue at hand.

 

Claudia Mimick, 1019 Roslyn Road, wanted to clarify that past and future Oak Bay Community Association meetings are not for the public to attend.  Ms. Mimick said she sees garbage from her front porch.

 

Martin Kors, 1030 Roslyn Road, expressed concern that with the nature of the neighbourhood changing to include more families with young children, the issue of safety is more relevant.

 

Following the public input, the Municipal Administrator explained that with respect to the rezoning application before Committee, he sees four possible options to consider:

 

1)                  deny the rezoning application for 677 St. Patrick Street, which would see the zoning remain as C-1 which allows a small array of uses that does not include a delicatessen, or seating for food consumption, therefore de’lish would have to revert back to what is permitted;

2)                  create a new zone for de’lish Bakery only that would allow twenty seats, which would leave Demitasse at ten seats, with an option to apply for rezoning to allow twenty seats;

3)                  rezone de’lish Bakery to C-4, the same as Demitasse, and also increase the number of allowable seating from ten to twenty seats in that zone;

4)                  rezone de’lish Bakery to C-4, the same zoning for Demitasse, which currently allows ten seats.

 

Responding to parking requirements for commercial areas, the Director of Building and Planning noted calculations for commercial areas are based on square footage and both de’lish and Demitasse have the required number of parking spaces.

 

It was agreed that traffic has increased and could be attributed to the nature of modern culture which includes more drivers on the road as well as increased population. Further discussion ensued regarding the OCP’s objective of maintaining the inventory of commercial land to meet the day to day shopping needs of residents.   In this regard, it was suggested that “walkable” communities where services are available within a short distance from home are a way to meet such needs of residents.

 

Following discussion, members of the Committee noted that, as is usually the case in considering rezoning applications, it is important to balance the community benefit with the impact on immediate neighbours with respect to this application.

 

The members of the Committee agreed to move forward to the next stage of the process, which would see bylaws drafted for consideration. 

 

With respect to questions regarding the number of seats being set at twenty, the Municipal Administrator noted that the rezoning process would allow, in his view, the reduction of the number of seats post public hearing, without requiring a second public hearing.  

 

MOVED by Councillor Jensen

Seconded by Councillor Braithwaite, That staff be directed to draft a Zoning Bylaw amendment to rezone 677 St. Patrick Street to C-4 zoning and to increase the number of seats permitted from ten to twenty seats in that zone, to be brought back to Committee of the Whole at its November 5, 2007 meeting.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.

2007-280

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, October 2, 2007

Re Uplands Building Permit Application – 3295 Ripon Road

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That it be recommended to Council that the proposed plans to construct a garden shed at 3295 Ripon Road be approved as to siting and architectural design.

 

CARRIED

 

12.

2007-281

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, October 2, 2007

Re Uplands Building Permit Application –  3075 Uplands Road

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Copley, That it be recommended to Council that the proposed plans to construct a residential dwelling at 3075 Uplands Road be approved as to siting and architectural design.

 

CARRIED

 

13.

2007-282

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, October 2, 2007

Re Uplands Building Permit Application –  3000 Uplands Road

 

MOVED by Councillor Braithwaite

Seconded by Councillor Carson, That it be recommended to Council that the proposed plans to construct an accessory building at 3000 Uplands Road be approved as to siting and architectural design.

 

CARRIED

 

14.

2007-283

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND PLANNING, October 10, 2007

Re Development Variance Permit Application –  880 Byng Street

 

The Director of Building and Planning provided a brief overview, noting that when staff responded to a noise complaint at 880 Byng Street, it was observed that the owners had built a small addition, converted a garage into an art studio, and added a small shed to the property without obtaining the required permits.  In order for the shed to remain in its current location and for the converted art studio to remain, the variances described in correspondence item no. 2007-283 would be required.

 

Responding to questions, Mr. Beattie confirmed that the house was conforming before the changes were made and that the shed, behind a hedge, cannot be seen from the road.  As well, he said, there is now one parking space available on the property.

 

Barb and Larry Doughty, 880 Byng Street, explained that they came about the projects innocently as described in their letter attached to correspondence item no. 2007-283.  Ms. Doughty added that their conversion is not a unique use of a garage space in Oak Bay and noted that she did not ask the appropriate questions of the building department when inquiring about their renovation plans.  If they were told that the works could not be done they would not have continued on, she said.