HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSD-023-04
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REPORT
PLANNING SERVICES
Meeting:
GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Date:
Monday, February 23, 2004
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Report #: PSD-023-04
file #: PLN 8.6.6
By-law #:
Subject:
SOUTH COURTICE BUSINESS PARK STUDY
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee
recommend to Council the following:
1. THAT Report PSD-023-04 be received;
2. THAT Council authorize Staff to undertake a study of land use policies and other
issues identified in Section 2 of Report PSD-023-04 for the South Courtice
Business Park; and
3. THAT Staff be authorized to request proposals from consultants and report back
to Council when considered appropriate.
Submitted by:
Oavi (J. Crome, M.C.I.P.,R.P.P.
Director, Planning Services
Reviewed by: a.a~
d franklin Wu
f Chief Administrative Officer
RH*CP*DC*df
17 February 2004
CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1C 3A6 T (905)623-3379 F (905)623-0830
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REPORT NO.: PSD-023-04
PAGE 2
1.0 BACKGROUND
1.1 Courtice has approximately 630 hectares of land designated for employment
purposes along both sides of Highway 401. Industrial lands on the north side of
Highway 401 in Courtice have been partially developed with dry industrial uses
and buildings generally of low architectural quality and on-site outdoor storage.
This form of development impedes the attraction for more prestigious
employment uses seeking higher development standards and controls on
outdoor storage. Like other areas in Clarington, the wide range of industrial uses
is not conducive to industries seeking a higher profile location,
1.2 The South Courtice Business Park on the south side of Highway 401 and
identified on Attachment 1 comprises 129 hectares (318 acres). These lands
have 1630 metres (6,350 feet) of frontage on Highway 401 and they have limited
development to date. The Official Plan designates the frontage along Highway
401 for Prestige Employment Uses and the southerly portion for Light Industrial
uses.
2.0 DISCUSSION
2.1 The South Courtice Business Park is located near the future new Courtice Water
Pollution Control Plan. It is anticipated that the plant will be operational by 2006.
With this new plant, water and sanitary services will be extended into the
Courtice industrial areas and gradually extended northward. This new plant
represents an investment of over $60 million in infrastructure and provides a
tremendous opportunity for the Municipality to bring on new serviced industrial
lands.
2.2 In anticipation of municipal services becoming available for these lands in 2003,
staff initiated a preliminary Servicing Review for the South Courtice Business
Park. This review identified a number of options that required more detailed
planning and identified possible adjustments to the road network identified in the
Official Plan.
2.3 The level of interest in developing the South Courtice Business Park has been
increasing during the past few years due to the anticipation of full municipal
services being provided in 3-5 years and the large tracts of land with good
exposure and access to Highway 401. While the Clarington Official Plan
designates these lands for prestige employment uses and light industrial uses,
the zoning by-law permits light industrial and general industrial uses. The outdoor
storage permitted under the current zoning is attractive to some users but
contrary to the Official Plan policies for this area.
2.4 It is Staffs view that the industrial lands in South Courtice could become a
premiere industrial park for the Municipality. There are enough locational
characteristics, including exposure and access to Highway 401 and imminent
servicing that make these lands ideal for future economic development.
However, some concerns have been raised that some existing and nearby land
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REPORT NO.: PSD-023-04
PAGE 3
uses and the current market conditions in Clarington would not allow for the
attraction of prestige uses to this area, Part of the study will examine the validity
of the Official Plan use designations for the Study Area.
2.5 Goal #2 of the Municipality's Business Plan for 2004-2006, which is "to pursue a
vibrant economy", identifies the promotion of the South Courtice Business Park
as a priority initiative. In order to assist the Municipality with promoting these
lands two important elements are proposed as components of the study:
. A financing strategy for the infrastructure works necessary to service the
area; and
. A marketing approach to attract the target investment sector as determined
through the land use master plan process.
2.6 In summary, the Study Area will include all designated industrial lands south of
Highway 401 and will have the following purposes:
1. To review the land use planning policies for the area including the relative
portions of prestige and light industrial uses and the road network and to
make recommendations with respect to any necessary changes to the
Official Plan and Zoning By-law;
2. To develop a master plan with urban design guidelines for the Study Area;
3. To develop an infrastructurelservicing plan for the area and a related
financial plan for the cost-sharing of services and development charges;
and,
4. To develop a marketing approach for the South Courtice Business Park.
3.0 CONCLUSIONS
3 .1 In consideration of the comments contained in this report, it is recommended that
Staff be authorized to prepare the terms of reference for South Courtice
Employment Area Study and request proposals from a short list of planning
consultants with experience in similar studies.
3.2 Staff will report back to Council with a recommendation on a consultant to
undertake the Study. The Study award will not take place until such time as the
2004 budget is approved andlor suitable funding is in place.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Key Map
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