The Corporation of the Town of LaSalle

Minutes of the Public Planning Meeting of the Town of LaSalle

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Council Chambers, LaSalle Civic Centre, 5950 Malden Road
Members of Council Present:
  • Mayor Crystal Meloche, 
  • Deputy Mayor Michael Akpata, 
  • Councillor Terry Burns, 
  • and Councillor Jeff Renaud 
Members of Council Absent:
  • Councillor Mark Carrick, 
  • Councillor Sue Desjarlais, 
  • and Councillor Anita Riccio-Spagnuolo 
Administration Present:
  • J. Milicia, Chief Administrative Officer, 
  • P. Marra, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, 
  • G. Beggs, Director of Planning and Development, 
  • R. Hyra, Director of Human Resources, 
  • D. Langlois, Director of Finance and Treasurer, 
  • K. Brcic, Manager of Planning & Development, 
  • N. DiGesu, Manager of IT, 
  • L. Jean, Deputy Clerk, 
  • C. Bartlett, Supervisor of Engineering, 
  • R. Tufts, Council Coordinator, 
  • and A. Hussain, IS Administrator 

Mayor Meloche called the meeting to order at 4:32 pm.

Mayor Meloche read the land acknowledgement statement.

Mayor Meloche read the purpose of the meeting and confirmed that proper notice had been given.

She further stated that no recommendation would be made at this time and that Administration will review all information presented before reporting back to Council.

Ms. Brcic, Manager of Planning and Development provided a brief introduction.

M. Muir, Registered Planner, Dillon Consulting, provided an overview of the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment stating the proposed amendment includes a zoning change from R1 to R3, a reduction in the minimum lot area from 2,800 m² to 2,350 m², a decrease in the minimum lot frontage from 30 m to 24.9 m, and a reduction in the angular plane requirement from 7.5 m to 4.5 m on the eastern side yard. She also referenced the Provincial Planning Statement, the County of Essex Official Plan, and the Town of LaSalle Official Plan and provided background on the proposed development.

Mayor Meloche called upon Dr. T. Miller, resident, who was not present.

W. Khan, 1666 Heritage Drive, submitted a written statement to Council, which she read aloud. While Ms. Khan supports the development of the land, she requested the zoning remain R1. She further shared several concerns, including the limited space between homes, lack of servicing available, and potential impacts on privacy.

C. Webber, 1695 Heritage Drive, has concerns that using the property as a rental may lead to parking issues and increased traffic and requests that the zoning remain R1.

Mayor Meloche called upon N. Maru, resident, who was not present. 

S. Brimner, 1635 Heritage Drive, raised concerns about the proposed parking lot behind her home, specifically the potential impact of headlights shining into her home. She also expressed concerns about parking lot lighting affecting her backyard, noise from air conditioners, and emergency vehicle access. She requested that the zoning remain R1.

J. Thompson, 1695 Heritage Drive, indicated the proposed angular plane is non-compliant and that the development would reduce the natural daylight in his backyard. He also noted that the proposed building would be less than 15 feet from his property.

B. Gabrielle, 1660 Lovell Crescent, addressed ongoing parking challenges in the area, noting that no parking signs have recently been installed. Ms. Gabrielle further expressed concerns that additional rental properties would further reduce parking availability and suggested alternative uses for the land, such as a park, green space, or a parking lot.

C. Broeders, 1569 Lovell Crescent, requested that existing parking issues be considered and noted that accessibility was not addressed. She urged Council to take accessibility into account.

Ms. Brcic clarified that accessibility design is addressed through the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and that compliance is reviewed by the building inspector.

Deputy Mayor Akpata inquired about noise abatement measures and referenced the province's mandate on recycling and garbage collection. Ms. Muir responded that each unit will have central air conditioning and that privacy fencing and additional landscaping will be added to help buffer noise. She further advised that all units will bring garbage and recycling to the curb on designated collection days.

Councillor Burns inquired about flooding, water capacity, and drainage, as well as whether there have been any sewage concerns in the area. Mr. Marra stated that this is not an area where the Town has received flooding-related complaints. He explained that the Town’s sanitary sewer model supports municipal growth including the proposed development. He further advised that the applicant must meet service requirements related to water capacity and stormwater management as part of the application.

Mayor Meloche requested clarification regarding angular plane reduction. Ms. Muir explained that the measurement is taken from the property line, which requires a 7.5-meter setback from the side yard lot line. Due to the building height, a reduction in the angular plane is being requested. 

Mayor Meloche asked whether the zoning requirements had changed under the new Official Plan and Zoning By-law, referencing previous approvals under the old Official Plan. Ms. Brcic clarified that density has been removed from the new Official Plan and is now addressed within the Zoning By-law through the minimum lot area required per unit. 

Mayor Meloche inquired about compliance with the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) and whether the proposal aligns with compatibility requirements. Ms. Brcic confirmed that there are no inconsistencies and stated that a more detailed analysis will be provided in the subsequent report noted in the recommendation

Mayor Meloche reiterated that the purpose of the meeting is to gather information and that Administration will present a comprehensive report to Council at a later date.

  • PPM-01-2025
    Moved by:Councillor Burns
    Seconded by:Councillor Renaud

    That the report of the Manager of Planning and Development dated December 9, 2024 (PD-46-2024) regarding Zoning By-law Amendment Z-11-2024 be received and that Council support that a summary of the comments and issues raised during the Public Planning Meeting be provided, alongside a final recommendation on the application, by way of a future Planning Report.

    Carried

Meeting adjourned at the call of the Chair at 5:30 p.m.