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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSD-098-08Clarington Leading the Way REPORT PLANNING SERVICES Meeting GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Date: Monday, October 6, 2008 Report #: PSD-098-08 File #: ZBA 2006-0018 ~~I~r~;pn~~~A- 53~-Q~ By-law #: m?oo~ /6~ Subject: REZONING TO PERMIT AN INDOOR GOLF DRIVING. RANGE AND CLUB HOUSE AS PERMITTED USES AT 2735 HANCOCK ROAD, COURTICE APPLICANT: GERTRUD TOMINA RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report PSD-09$-08 be received; 2. THAT the application for Zoning By-law amendment submitted by Gertrud Tomina be APPROVED as contained in Attachment 2; THAT the Holding symbol (H) be removed at such time as the owner has entered into a site plan agreement with the Municipality; and 4. THAT all interested parties listed in this report and any delegations be advised of Council's decision. Submitted by: LB/COS/sh September 30, 2008 Reviewed by ~•~"' -- ""'~--''`~~ ~, Franklin Wu, Chief Administrative Officer CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE S1IREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L1C 3A6 T (905)623-3379 F (905)623-0830 Director of Planning Services REPORT NO.: PSD-098-08 PAGE 2 1.0 APPLICATION DETAILS 1.1 ApplicanUOwner: Gertrud Tomina 1.2 Proposal: To rezone the subject property from the "Agricultural Exception (A-76)" zone to an appropriate zone to permit an indoor golf driving range (Golf Dome) and club house facility and to give permanent zoning to the existing golf driving range 1.3 Area: 9.036 ha 1.4 Location: 2735 Hancock Road, Courtice, Part Lot 26, Concession 2, former Township of Darlington 2.0 BACKGROUND 2.1 On May 24, 2006, Ms Gertrud Tomina submitted a rezoning application to permit the construction of an indoor golf driving range and clubhouse building at 2735 Hancock Road in Courtice. There is an existing outdoor golf driving range on the property as well as asingle-detached residential dwelling. The application was deemed complete on August 28, 2006. The Applicant has also submitted a related site plan application (SPA 2006-0014). 2.2 The golf driving range has existed on this site since 1998 when a temporary Zoning By- law was approved for three (3) years. The temporary zoning was extended for an additional three (3) yews in 2002, and again in 2005. The current temporary zoning will expire on October 10, 2008. 2.3 The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) indicated through Mr. Tomina's rezoning applications in 1998, 2001 and 2003 that a permanent golf driving range would impact the future development of the north-south connecting link between the Highways 401 and 407. At the time the Ministry recommended that the implementing Zoning By-law be a temporary use by-law and the owner enter into an agreement with the MTO describing the driving range as an interim use. The current MTO position will be discussed in Section 9 of this report. 3.0 LAND CHARACTERISTICS AND SURROUNDING USES 3.1 Located on the northeast corner of Hancock Road and Highway 2, the lands are currently occupied by asingle-detached residential dwelling and an outdoor golf driving range facility (see following map). A significant portion of land on the east side of the site (approximately 3.65 hectares according to the Ministry of Transportation) contains land identified as the "Previously Technically Preferred Route" for a Highway 407 to Highway 401 link interchange. There is also a telecommunications tower on the site just to the west of the "Previously Technically Preferred Route." There is also a significant woodlot on the northeast corner of the property. REPORT NO.: PSD-098-08 PAGE 3 3.2 The surrounding uses are as follows North - Agricultural, Rural Residential South - Highway No. 2, Agriculture East - Maple Grove Provincially Significant Wetland Complex, Service Station, Rural Residential West - Agricultural, Rural Residential 4.0 PROVINCIAL POLICY 4.1 Provincial Policv Statement The Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) indicates that development offering recreational, tourism and other economic opportunities are to be promoted. The proposal for an indoor golf driving range and club house building should be viewed as a significant recreational and tourism-related opportunity for the Municipality given that it would be just the second such facility available to the public in the eastern-end of the Greater Toronto Area. 4.2 The PPS requires that development be appropriate to the infrastructure which is planned or available and effort must be made to avoid the need for unjustified and/or uneconomical expansion of the existing infrastructure. The applicant has not requested the expansion of infrastructure to this site. This site is outside of the Courtice settlement area. Figure 1 Existing Golf Driving Range REPORT NO.: PSD-098-08 PAGE 4 4.3 The PPS indicates that development and site alteration shall not be permitted in significant wetlands and significant woodlands, or among other natural features. In addition, development and site alteration is not permitted unless the ecological function of the "adjacent lands" has been evaluated and there are no negative impacts. 4.4 An Environmental Impact Study (EIS) has been undertaken to assess this current proposal in relation to the natural heritage features and functions that have been identified on and adjacent to this site. This EIS has determined, that with the installation of appropriately sized buffers, and permanent water quality treatment, the proposed Golf Dome and club house facility, or continued use of the site for a driving range will not negatively impact the surrounding natural heritage features and functions. 4.5 Greenbelt Plan The property is located within the Protected Countryside and is therefore subject to a number of rural area policies set out in the Greenbelt Plan. Specifically, the proposal is considered to be a major recreational use as defined in the Plan. A major recreational use is one that normally requires large-scale modification of terrain, vegetation or both and usually also requires large-scale buildings or structures. Non-agricultural recreational uses are permitted in the Greenbelt provided they are not located in a Prime Agricultural Area as defined in the Clarington Official Plan. Proposed non-agricultural uses must demonstrate that the use is appropriate in the rural area, that proposed water and sewer servicing is appropriate, that no negative impacts on key natural heritage features or hydrologic features are generated by the use, and that the biodiversity and connectivity of the Natural Heritage System is not disturbed. 4.6 The current proposal has met the tests set by the Greenbelt Plan. The extension of municipal services will not be required. The proponent has demonstrated that the site has sufficient land to accommodate the septic system. The hydrogeologic component of the EIS has determined that the groundwater is adequate in order to accommodate the use without negatively impacting the surrounding uses. 4.7 Provincial Growth Plan This proposal is not required to conform to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe because the application was made prior to the Plan coming into effect on June 16, 2006. 5.0 OFFICIAL PLANS 5.1 Durham Regional Official Plan The Durham Regional Official Plan was recently updated through Amendment #114 however this application predates this Plan and is therefore subject to the policies of the Official Plan that was in place at the time the application was made. REPORT NO.: PSD-098-08 PAGE 5 The previous Durham Regional Official Plan designated the lands as "Major Open Space." Recreational activities are permitted in these areas as long as every effort is made to preserve ecological features including groundwater resources, habitats for plants, fish and wildlife, flood -and erosion control, and scenic and recreational values. The ecological integrity of the area will not be impacted by this development. 5.2 Clarinpton Official Plan The Clarington Official Plan designates the lands at Hancock Road and Highway 2 in Courtice as "Green Space." Lands designated as such are to be used primarily for conservation and active or passive recreational uses. This proposal is considered to be an active recreational use provided that the nature and extent of the uses proposed in the "club house" are recreational in nature. An Environmental Impact Study was required as the property is located on the "Lake Iroquois Beach". As well, the property contains a portion of the Maple Grove Provincially Significant Wetland Complex. It is also located within the natural heritage system of the Greenbelt. The Environmental Impact Study is complete and has determined that the proposed development will not negatively impact the natural heritage features identified on or adjacent to the site if the proposed mitigation measures and recommendations are implemented. To address this, the features (wetland and watercourse) and their buffers have been incorporated in to the area to be zoned Environmental Protection and the permanent water qualityr treatment will be incorporated into the site plan agreement and installed during construction. 6.0 ZONING BY-LAW 6.1 The subject lands are currently zoned Agricultural Exception (A-76), which is a temporary use by-law which limits the use of this property to one residential dwelling and an outdoor golf driving range facility. There have been three consecutive temporary use by-laws applied to this site since 1998 (A -54 expired Sept 2001; A-67 expired April 2005). The current temporary use by-law A-78 expires on October 10, 2008. The proposal to build an indoor golf driving range (golf dome) and club house building has resulted in this rezoning application. Through this application the proponent also wishes to include the outdoor golf driving range as a permitted (not temporary) use on the property. The outdoor driving range will cease to operate once the golf dome is built. 7.0 PUBLIC NOTICE AND SUBMISSIONS 7.1 A public. meeting was held Monday October 2, 2006 to present the proposal to the public. REPORT NO.: PSD-098-08 PAGE 6 7.2 Notice was given by mail to each landowner within 120 metres of the subject site and a public meeting notice sign was installed on the property. Public Notice was also posted on the Municipal website, and on the information screens in the main lobby of the Municipal Administrative Centre, running from September 2, 2005 to October 4, 2005. 7.3 No inquiries were received on this application prior to the public meeting. One submission was made subsequently. The submission was made by Marion Weber and Donald, John, and Carol Muir. Their submission was concerned that this proposal was premature. The reasons cited included: Lack of storm sewers and fire hydrants • It was a year round building • Access from Hancock is inadequate, and • The use is better suited to already serviced areas with existing recreational facilities. 8.0 AGENCY COMMENTS 8.1 Ministry of Transportation At the fourth round of public consultation for the Highway 407/East Link project in June & July of this year MTOj presented further refinements to the Technically Recommended Route (TRR) to the public. The East Link alignment has been shifted slightly to the west in the area of the Tomina lands to avoid a sensitive wetland area further north. In addition, atransit-way station is now being proposed in the NW quadrant of the East Link & Highway 2 interchange. These refinements have now rendered the Tomina's lands completely impacted and the Ministry will be pursuing a complete buyout. Previously MTO was only pursuing a purchase of a portion of the property. The MTO has clearly advised that proceeding with any form of permanent development on this site is not without risk. The MTO has indicated they have informed the Tominas of these design changes and of the risks of proceeding with such a development. However, the MTO also understands that until the 407 East EA approvals are in place, development proposals such as this, may be approved. MTO wanted the Municipality to be aware of their process and timelines in order to ensure that planning decisions can be made appropriately. REPORT NO.: PSD-098-08 PAGE 7 8.2 Clarinpton Building Services The Building Services Department provided a number of comments but all were related to details that will be addressed through the site plan process. Their issues included curb details, water supply for fire purposes, development charges and building permit requirements. 8.3 Clarinpton Engineering Services Engineering Services had no objections to the rezoning application. The concerns that were raised, similar to Building Services will be addressed through the site plan process. Concerns to be addressed through site plan include development agreements, boulevard works, and performance guarantees. 8.4 Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority CLOCA has no objection to the rezoning application. Authority staff wanted some clarification on some details of the Environmental Impact Study, (which have already been addressed) as well as further details regarding stormwater management. The stormwater issues will be addressed through the site plan process. Proposed 407 Link at Highway 2 and Hancock Road REPORT NO.: PSD-098-08 PAGE 8 8.5 Region of Durham Health Department Regional Health is satisfied with the details of the sewage disposal system. 8.6 Region of Durham Works Department Region of Durham Works Department has acknowledged the work that MTO is undertaking in this area for the Highway 407 link. They have requested that if the site plan process is to procQed, there would like a dedicated site triangle at Highway 2 and Hancock Road. 9.0 STAFF COMMENTS 9.1 The concerns that have. been noted by the commenting agencies are all associated with details that are normally addressed through the site plan process. None of the commenting agencies have raised concerns with the proposed land use. 9.2 The majority of the issues regarding the subject property throughout the years have been associated with the Ministry of Transportation and their land needs for the Highway 407 link to Highway 2. MTO has recently made it clear to staff that they can only advise of their position regarding a development proposal if the Environmental Assessment is not complete and the Technically Preferred Route has not been solidified. They do not object to the proposal and they have advised us and the applicant about their process and the risks associated with proceeding with this development. 9.3 An Environmental Impact Study (EIS) has been completed for the property and it has been determined that this proposal will not negatively impact the Provincially Significant Maple Grove Wetland complex, the Tooley Creek or the Lake Iroquois Beach Shoreline. Buffers to the wetland and the watercourse have been recommended in the EIS and are proposed to be zoned Environmental Protection. 9.4 The existing golf driving range is providing a recreational opportunity for not only Courtice, but also other Clarington residents. The next closest driving range is in Oshawa. With respect to the proposed indoor driving range, a facility such as this does not exist in the Durham Region; the next closest facility is in Scarborough. Our growing population will demand an expanded range of all season sporting opportunities. 9.5 The proposed .indoor driving range, if constructed, is not a significant obstacle to the proposed Highway 407 link. The development of the indoor golf driving range requires minimal site grading and/excavation and the dome itself does not have a traditional block or poured foundation that will require large scale demolition. The site can easily be restored to its existing state. 9.6 The proponent has completed the necessary steps to address the technical requirements of various agencies at this stage. 9.7 Although the Ministry of Transportation has indicated that developing this site is not without risk, until the EA is completed, the route cannot be protected. The applicant has REPORT NO.: PSD-098-08 PAGE 9 demonstrated that this use is appropriate for this location, save and except for MTO's future plans. Not to further process this application would expose the Municipality to a potential appeal.. 9.8 The Finance Department advises that taxes have been paid in full. 10.0 CONCLUSIONS 10.1 Based on the comments contained in this report, staff do not object to the approval of the rezoning application. Attachments: Attachment 1 -Key Map Attachment 2 -Zoning By-law List of interested parties to be advised of Council's decision:. 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IMF,-,: i„ uroH vHnos N e 3 ~¢ 0 Qypy N~D~NVH CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON BY-LAW 2008- being a By-law to amend By-law 84-63, the Comprehensive Zoning By-law for the Corporation of the former Town of Newcastle WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington deems it advisable to amend By-law 84-63, as amended, of the Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington for ZBA 2006-018 to permit the development of a golf driving range, an indoor golf driving range and a club house facility in addition to the existing residential uses. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington enacts as follows: 1. Section 6.4 "SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS -AGRICULTURAL (A) ZONE" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following new Special Exception 6.4.83 as follows: 2. "6.4.83 AGRICULTURAL EXCEPTION (A-83) ZONE Notwithstanding Sections 3.11, 6.1(b) and 6.3, those lands zoned "A-83" on the attached Schedule to this By-Law, in addition to the penmitted residential uses, shall be used in accordance with this By-law and the following zone definitions and regulations. a) Definitions i. Golf Driving Range: Shall mean an outdoor facility operated for the purpose of developing golfing techniques, including miniature golf, but excluding golf courses. ii. Indoor Golf Driving Range: Shall mean an enclosed facility operated for the purpose of developing golfing techniques but excludes golf courses. iii. Club House Facility: Shall mean facility accessory to a golf driving range or an indoor golf driving range which may include uses such as a golf pro-shop, snack-bar/canteen, and lounge/ recreation area. b) Permitted Non-Residential Uses i. Permitted non-residential uses within the A-83 zone are a golf driving range, an indoor golf driving range, conservation and forestry. ii. Only a golf driving range, conservation and forestry are permitted prior to the removal of the (H) Holding symbol. c) Regulations for Non-Residential Uses i. Lot Area (minimum) 8.5 ha ii. Lot Frontage (minimum) 165 metres iii. Yard Requirements a. Front Yard (minimum) i. Building less than 30m2 5 metres ii. All other buildings 30 metres iii. Club House Facility 30 metres b. Interior Side Yard (minimum) 30 metres c. Exterior Side Yard (minimum) 30 metres d. Rear Yard (minimum 30 metres iv. Lot Coverage (maximum) 15% v. Landscaped Open Space (minimum) 10% vi. Building Height (maximum) 19m vii. Total Floor Area (maximum) a. Indoor Golf Driving Range 6100 mZ b. Club House Facility accessory to Indoor Golf Driving Range 410 m2 c. Club House Facility accessory to Golf Driving Range 40mZ~ 2 Schedule "1" to By-law 84-63, as amended, is hereby further amended by changing the zone designation from "Agricultural Exception (A-76) Zone" to "Holding (H) Agricultural Exception (A-83) Zone" as illustrated on the attached Schedule "A" hereto. 3. Schedule "A" attached hereto shall form part of this By-law. 4. This By-law shall come into effect on the date of the passing hereof, subject to the provisions of Section 34 of the Planning Act. BY-LAW read a first time this day of 2008 BY-LAW read a second time this day of 2008 BY-LAW read a third time and finally passed this day of 2008 Jim Abernethy, Mayor Patti L. Barrie, Municipal Clerk This is Schedule "A" to By-law 2008- , passed this day of , 2008 A.D. ~ ~ I ~^~ rt, lJ r,-ijl°lj I II Q_' ~ r. /~ Ilo; - ~ p Ilai; Ilx, - - - ~~ ~ - ~~ 1' -_ - ~ i 11 I~ " r~\\\\ ~ ., 1 1 DURyAM \ I 1 H N wAY I \~ 2 I ~~~ ~ I ~ I I ~~~ ~ I ' ® Zoning Change From "A-7frTo "(H)A-83" ® Zoning Change From "A-76" To "EP" ~ Jim Abernathy, Mayor Patli 1. Barrie Munici cl Clerk P I I III ~~ ~ N IIIIIIIi I I ~, ~ I I I ~ ~ ( ~ ~ ~ V ~ . /µ.,~ '^k1Y Z < Z DARLINGTON zsA zoos-o oze