2          OFFICIAL PLAN AND ZONING - 7 DEAKIN STREET

 

PLAN OFFICIEL ET ZONAGE - 7, RUE DEAKIN

 

 

 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS as amended

 

That Council:

 

1.                  Approve an application to amend the Region of Ottawa-Carleton Official Plan to allow a noise-sensitive land-use within the Ottawa Airport Operating Influence Zone, for 7 Deakin Street and direct staff to prepare such an amendment for adoption.

 

2.                  Approve an application to amend the former City of Nepean Zoning By-law to rezone 7 Deakin Street from Industrial Park (MP) to Institutional (I) and revise Sections 13.3.1 and 10.1 to permit a Place of Worship.

 

3.                  Provide no further notice pursuant to Section 34 (17) of the Planning Act RSO 1990 c.

 

 
RECOMMANDATIONS modifiÉes DU COMITÉ

 

Que le Conseil :

 

1.                  approuve une demande visant à modifier le Plan officiel de la Région d’Ottawa-Carleton de façon à permettre une utilisation de terrain affectée par le bruit dans la Zone d’influence d’exploitation de l’Aéroport d’Ottawa, plus précisément au 7, rue Deakin, et de donner instruction au personnel de préparer une telle modification en vue de son adoption.

 

2.                  approuve une demande visant à modifier le Règlement de zonage de l’ancienne Ville de Nepean afin de faire passer le zonage du 7, rue Deakin de MP (Parc industriel) à I (Zone d’institutions) et à réviser les paragraphes 13.3.1 et 10.1 afin de permettre un lieu de culte.

 

3.                  Ne donner aucun autre avis aux termes du paragraphe 34 (17) de la Loi sur l’aménagement du territoire, LRO 1990 c.

 

 

 

 


Documentation

 

1.         Development Services Department General Manager’s report dated 05 June 2003 (ACS2003-DEV-APR-0139).

 

2.         Extract of Draft Minutes, 24 July 2003.

 


Report to/Rapport au:

Planning and Development Committee /

Comité de l’urbanisme et de l’aménagement

 

and Council/et au Conseil

 

05 June 2003 / le 05 juin 2003

 

Submitted by/Soumis par:  Ned Lathrop, General Manager/Directeur général

Development Services Department / Services d’aménagement

 

Contact/Personne-ressource:  Karen Currie, Manager, Development Approvals /

Gestionnaire, Approbation des demandes d’aménagement

580-2424 ext. 28310, karen.currie@ottawa.ca

 

 

Ref N°:   ACS2003-DEV-APR-0139

 

 

SUBJECT:     OFFICIAL PLAN AND ZONING - 7 DEAKIN STREET

 

OBJET:          PLAN OFFICIEL ET ZONAGE - 7, RUE DEAKIN

 

 

REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

 

That the Planning and Development Committee recommend Council:

 

1.                  Refuse an application to amend the Region of Ottawa-Carleton Official Plan to allow a noise-sensitive land-use within the Ottawa Airport Operating Influence Zone, for 7 Deakin Street.

 

2.                  Refuse an application to amend the former City of Nepean Zoning By-law to rezone 7 Deakin Street from Industrial Park (MP) to Institutional (I) to permit a Place of Worship.

 

 

RECOMMANDATIONS DU RAPPORT

 

Que le Comité de l’urbanisme et de l’aménagement recommande au Conseil :

 

1.                  de rejeter une demande de modification du Plan directeur de la Région d’Ottawa-Carleton visant à permettre une utilisation du sol sensible au bruit dans la zone d’influence d’exploitation de l’aéroport d’Ottawa à l’égard du 7, rue Deakin;

 

2.                  de rejeter une demande de modification du Règlement de zonage de l’ancienne Ville de Nepean afin de remplacer la désignation de « Zone de parc industriel » (MP) du 7, rue Deakin par la désignation de « Zone institutionnelle » (I) afin de permettre un lieu de culte.

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

The subject property, 7 Deakin Street, is situated on the northwest corner of the Prince of Wales Drive/Deakin Street intersection.  Bounded by vacant land to the north, industrial/office uses to the west, Deakin Street to the south and Prince of Wales Drive to the east, the 25900 m2  property is located in the Merivale Industrial Sector.  The applicant is in the process of acquiring the vacant land to develop the site as a two-storey Place of Worship, including an auditorium with capacity of 1300, a gymnasium, classrooms, kitchen facilities, a library, a nursery and preschool, a choir room, administrative offices, and 534 parking spaces.  To accomplish this an amendment is required to the former Regional Official Plan and an amendment to the former City of Nepean Zoning By-law.

 

Currently, the property is designated as a Business Park in the Regional Official Plan and former City of Nepean Official Plan, an Employment Area in the City Council approved Official Plan, and it is zoned as MP – Industrial Park, which permits a wide range of industrial, commercial and non-residential uses.

 

Former Region of Ottawa-Carleton Official Plan

 

The location of the proposed Place of Worship is within the Ottawa Airport Operating Influence Zone (AOIZ).  By definition, Places of Worship are considered “noise-sensitive land-uses” as defined by Transport Canada and are subject to further land-use restrictions when located within the AOIZ.  According to the Regional Official Plan, these restrictions are based on Noise Exposure Forecasts (NEF) and Noise Exposure Projections (NEP) and are used to determine the compatibility of land-uses with the amounts of noise generated from airport operations.  The 30 NEF/NEP contour line delineates the Ottawa Airport Operating Influence Zone boundary with the general principle that noise-sensitive developments are not permitted within this area.  The greater the NEF/NEP value, the more susceptible the area is to noise-effects. The subject property is located within the AOIZ between the 30 and 35 NEF/NEP contours.

 

Council Approved Official Plan

 

The City Council approved Official Plan was also reviewed in order to determine if policies regarding the AOIZ would differ from the current Regional Official Plan. According to the Schedule K, the subject property still falls between the AOIZ (30 NEF/NEP) and 35 NEF/NEP contours and would abide by Section 4.8.7, Land-use Constraints Due to Aircraft Noise, Policy 3, which states that no noise sensitive land-uses will be permitted between the boundaries of the Ottawa Airport Operating Influence Zone as shown on Schedule K and the 35 NEF/NEP (whichever is more restrictive).

DISCUSSION

 

The Development Services Department recommends against the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments since they contravene the policies in the Region of Ottawa-Carleton Official Plan, the City Council approved Official Plan, the former City of Nepean Official Plan and the provisions in former City of Nepean Zoning By-Law.  Policies in these Plans were put in place to ensure that noise-sensitive uses not be allowed to be developed in areas that have an NEF/NEP greater than 30. These policies are critical to provide a degree of protection to the airport from incompatible development and to protect the residents and public from the adverse effects of aircraft noise. Notwithstanding, the Metropolitan Bible Church, in support of their application, submitted an acoustical review that explains that through insulation and design, adverse noise-effects could be mitigated so as not to affect Church operations. These mitigative strategies are appropriate for noise-sensitive developments between the 25 NEF/NEP and AOIZ boundaries as outlined in Section 11.6.1 Policy 3(c) of the Regional Official Plan. However, the subject property falls between the 30-35 NEF/NEP contours and must abide by Section 11.6.1, Policy 5 of the former Regional Plan which states:

 

“Council shall not permit any development of residential and other noise-sensitive land uses such as those described in Policy 4 (hospitals, schools, day care facilities, nursing facilities and other similar uses), between the boundaries of the Ottawa Airport Operating Influence Zone (30 NEF/NEP) on Schedule G and the 35 NEF/NEP, except in the case of redevelopment of existing residential and other noise-sensitive land-uses and infilling of new residential uses…”

 

Policy 5 gives no indication that mitigative measures could be used to reduce noise-effects and therefore development of any noise-sensitive use would contravene the Regional Official Plan. Even with mitigative measures, the proximity of the proposed development to the airport may subject the Church to high amounts of aircraft noise, which in turn may still disrupt associated indoor and outdoor activities. This may lead to future complaints and attempts by the Church to alter the airport operations.

 

The City Council approved Official Plan, Section 4.8.7, reiterates the same principles from the Regional Official Plan but clarifies any ambiguity by directly identifying Places of Worship as a Noise Sensitive Land Use. It goes on to state in Policy 3 that no noise-sensitive land-uses will be permitted within the AOIZ and the 35 NEP/NEF boundaries. The City Council approved Official Plan does not adjust the NEF/NEP contour lines nor does it change policies regarding noise-sensitive land-uses within the AOIZ.

 

Another cause for concern is the rezoning of the property to Institutional.  Currently, the MP – Industrial Park designation permits a wide range of industrial and commercial uses. By rezoning the property to I – Institutional to permit a permanent large-scale Place of Worship, 2.59 hectares of business park will be removed from the City’s industrial land base and this contradicts the purpose of the Business Park designation. According to the Regional and Local Official Plans, business parks are significant to the City’s economy and employment opportunities.  Section 3.2.1 Merivale Industrial Sector, of the Local Official Plan states that the area is of great significance to the City in terms of employment opportunities and land use impact.

Although Section 4.4 Business Parks, Policy 2 of the Regional Official Plan states that Council shall “permit other non-residential uses in the Business Parks, such as retail, office, small-scale institutional and recreation uses”, the proposed Church will be approximately 6000 square metres (with accessory uses such as classrooms, a gymnasium, a kitchen, etc.) and would be considered “large-scale”.

 

The intent of the policy is to restrict permanent large-scale institutional uses from developing in Business Parks in order to reserve the majority of the land for industrial and commercial uses. These policies are put in place to encourage the majority of new Industrial uses to locate in fully planned and serviced industrial parks, and to prevent scattered or unserviced development.

 

Furthermore, the City Council approved Draft Official Plan designates the property as an Employment Area. Institutional uses are not permitted within Employment Areas and the policies clearly list what the Zoning By-laws will permit in these Employment Areas. Section 3, Policy 5 states:

 

“The Zoning By-law will permit a variety of complementary uses, such as convenience retail, personal service businesses and recreational uses to serve the employees of the Employment Areas, the general public in the immediate vicinity and passing traffic.”

 

Since the proposed church will service a congregation from all areas of the city (as indicated by their Traffic Statement) and Church services are usually held in “off-work” hours, it can be concluded that this development would not be built to serve the employees of the area, the general public in the immediate vicinity, nor the passing traffic. Therefore, development of this property as a “large-scale” Place of Worship would contravene the intent of the Council approved Official Plan.

 

SUMMARY

 

In keeping with the policies set out in the Regional and Local Official Plans, staff recommends refusal of the applications for an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment for 7 Deakin Street. It is the Departmental view that policies regarding Airport noise must be upheld to ensure that only compatible developments are allowed within the AOIZ thus avoiding future complaints from occupants of noise-sensitive uses. As well, land located in designated Business Parks should be reserved for future industrial and commercial uses to ensure that the City has an adequate supply of land to accommodate growth. Allowing a Place of Worship to be developed on this property may result in a precedent being set that would encourage other non-compatible uses to challenge Official Plan policies regarding the Ottawa Airport Operating Influence Zone.

 

CONSULTATION

 

Notice of this application was carried out in accordance with the City’s Public Notification and Consultation policies.  Information signs were posted on-site indicating the nature of the application.

 

The Airport Authority strongly opposes this application to amend the Official Plan and Zoning By-law.  They argue that the policies were developed to ensure that the public is protected from being unduly impacted by a large degree of aircraft noise, and to protect the Airport from encroaching development which could result in complaints and an attempt to limit their operations.  The Airport Authority had spoken to representatives from the Metropolitan Bible Church and their consultants several times prior to submission of applications to the City, and had advised them that the Airport Authority would not support any Official Plan or Zoning Amendments of this nature, should they want to proceed with the land purchase.

 

There were no comments from the public to the proposed development.

 

The Ward Councillor is aware of this application and of the staff recommendation and is in support of this development.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

 

N/A

 

ATTACHMENTS

 

Document 1      Location Map

 

DISPOSITION

 

Department of Corporate Services, Secretariat Services to notify the owner (Reginald Stobo and John Leonard (in trust), 94 Rochester Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1F 4L8), agent (Marcel Benjamin, 468 Boul. Larochelle, Repentigny, P.Q.  J6A 5W3), and the Manager of Assessment, Department of Corporate Services of City Council’s decision.

 


LOCATION MAP                                                                                         Document 1

 


            OFFICIAL PLAN AND ZONING - 7 DEAKIN STREET

PLAN OFFICIEL ET ZONAGE - 7, RUE DEAKIN

ACS2003-DEV-APR-0139                        BELL-SOUTH NEPEAN/BELL-NEPEAN SUD (3)

DEFERRED June 26, 2003 MEETING

 

Chair Hunter began by reading a statement required under the Planning Act, which advised that anyone who intended to appeal this proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), must either voice their objections at the public meeting, or submit their comments in writing prior to the amendment being adopted by City Council.  Failure to do so could result in refusal/dismissal of the appeal by the OMB.

 

Chair Hunter requested Vice-Chair Stavinga to assume the Chair for this item.

 

Mark Martynyshyn provided a brief presentation and was available to respond to any questions on departmental report dated 6 June 2003.

 

The Committee heard from the following delegations:

 

Annette Nicholson, General Counsel, Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport Authority, provided a written presentation of her presentation in opposition to the application before Committee, which is held on file with the City Clerk.

 

Councillor Harder had anticipated more technical reasons for not supporting the application as opposed to the more social and personal reasons.  In response to a query by the Councillor, Ms. Nicholson advised that the church would be slightly west of the flight path for Runway 1432, which is the long Runway.  Responding further, Ms. Nicholson explained that Runway 725 was the most heavily use, depending upon the winds, known as the Barrhaven Runway.  Councillor Harder asked if it was possible for a covenant to be placed in the Agreement with the Church.  Danny Page, Program Manager, Development Review, Planning and Infrastructure Approvals, responded that it could be incorporated at the time of the Site Plan Agreement, but undeniably it did not change the fact there would be noise and patrons of the Place of Worship may not be aware of those covenants.  On the part of the Airport, Ms. Nicholson responded that unfortunately it would not alleviate the Authority’s concerns since it is one of the weakest mechanisms to protect an airport.  There is absolutely nothing that would stop a congregant, whether aware or not of the covenant, from being offended and making a complaint.  Councillor Harder returned to arguments with Paul Benoit, at Nepean 6 years earlier, during the expansion of the Airport, who informed her that the actual noise from the Airport would diminish over the years.  As planes change, etc. Ms. Nicholson responded it was certainly the expectation that aircraft would be modernized and quieter, but the number of


movements would increase.  On the number of flights, Ms. Nicholson could advise that this related to flights taking off to the north, so when there are north winds, generally speaking that runway would be used and it would also be used whenever there are heavily loaded aircraft that require a longer runway (as well as older aircraft).

 

Further to Councillor Harder’s question, Acting Chair Stavinga referred to the covenant and a memo circulated by Councillor Harder that stated the Church conceded to include in the construction various materials to soundproof the structure.  She acknowledged that would not deal with outside concerns, but if that was a condition of Site Plan, would it somewhat alleviate the Authority’s concerns.  Ms. Nicholson reiterated that it was possible to make the indoor environment better, but there was no control on the outdoor.  The Authority’s issue was not whether it was prepared to entertain 55 complaints, it was looking no complaints; and, there are no complaints from industrial parks.  Complaints arise from noise sensitive uses because residents can legitimately expect not to be interrupted ever.

 

Councillor Harder was informed that 75% of the flights take place on the main runway every day.  Ms. Nicholson added the Airport could not make any promises for the future.  Even 25% use of the north runway was a significant disruption.  In response to a question on the airport expansion, Ms. Nicholson noted there was no increase in land mass and at this point, it is constructing a new terminal building on an existing serviced site.  Councillor Harder noted plans included another runway, but it will be south of the current east/west runway and in the 20-year plan.

 

Councillor Hunter concluded the Airport’s opposition was on the grounds of potential complaints.  As such, he inquired how many complaints were received and how those were dealt with in terms of airport operations.  Ms. Nicholson explained that the Airport Authority avoids making changes to its operations.  Generally speaking, runway choices and flight paths are made on the basis of safety; and, those choices are generally made by NavCanada.  When a complaint is received, the Airport Authority attempts to pinpoint the time, date and flight and whether or not the aircraft followed appropriate procedures.  Councillor Hunter pointed out that whether the Metropolitan Bible Church complained or not, it would not affect operations.  Ms. Nicholson maintained it did to some degree in that if there are many complaints considerable pressure is placed on the Minister of Transport to make changes.  The Minister of Transport is sensitive to these issues and could result in pressures to make changes the Authority opines are detrimental to the airport and safety.  Councillor Hunter referred to another, even larger, place of worship within one kilometre of the proposed development and more directly under the airport runway and inquired if the Authority received any complaints from that location.  Ms. Nicholson was not aware of any.

 

Alan Cohen, Peter Peacock, Lou Ranahan and Brian Howe, for the Metropolitan Bible Church.  Mr. Cohen advised that several individuals wanted to address the Committee, but it was agreed that these three individuals would speak and he would sum up in conclusion.

 

Peter Peacock represented the Metropolitan Bible Church Property Corporation on the application before Committee.  He provided a written submission that is held on file with the City Clerk.  The Church had looked at 60 potential sites over the 6-7 years.

 

Brian Howe, an acoustical consultant with HGC Engineering, provided technical information.  His firm was involved with the design of buildings near airports and he was the City of Mississauga’s representative to the Mississauga Noise Management Authority and the Greater Toronto Airport’s Authority Noise Management Authority.  In terms of the location of the Church in relation to noise from the airport, the term used to describe that is the Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) and the Noise Exposure Projections (NEP).  Currently, the airport operating zone is trying to approximate NEF 30.  He provided a zoomed version of the noise exposure contours, the proposed location of the church and the two runways at the airport.  The NEF lines follow the runway pattern.  In terms of the NEF, he pointed out NEF 35 and NEF 40 that was closer to the runway, NEF 30 and then it was quieter further out.  He provided a diagram that depicted all the NEF’s, runways and flight paths based on current operations as of 1994.  It is used by Transport Canada for planning what is known as the NEP curve, which is very similar to the NEF, except that it brings into account additional parameters; namely, changes in operations and runways projected in the future and the fact that planes are quieter.  With respect to the NEP for 2014, the Church would be in a range of NEP 25-28.  In terms of the current NEP, they are in the range of 30 and 35.  This is only a projection, but it is heading towards a quieter airport.  Typically, for planning, one would use the maximum of the NEF and NEP, so it is still in the range of NEF 30-35.  The Airport is trying to give a hard and fast line on a planning map.  It is a method of finalizing the zone to be protected, but the idea or principles come from Transport Canada’s document and that is also referenced in the City’s planning guidelines for land use planning.

 

He displayed an excerpt from Transport Canada’s noise plan for land use guides, which clearly differentiate schools, churches and residences in greater detail than just a noise sensitive use.  The Transport Canada Guide still states that above NEF 30, residences are not an appropriate use, but schools, churches, hospitals, nursing homes would be acceptable uses with the proviso that architectural controls for the interior noise are put in place; and, it is certainly technically possible to design the church without elaborate constructions to maintain acceptable interior noise levels.  It is also interesting to note from the chart that funerals were mentioned, but cemeteries are not one of the uses known to have a dramatic concern, not only for the use, but the services.  Also, the other document referred to in the OP is the Ministry of Environment’s (MOE) land use planning guidelines; and, in that regard, their policy for churches, institutions and other residences is to maintain an appropriate interior noise level of NEF 5.  MOE is saying that these institutional can be placed in whatever NEF so long as the adequate interior NEF level is maintained.

 

There is a differentiation between residential uses and churches, hospitals or schools, with tighter criteria because of the sleep disruption and also the outdoor use.  Both Transport Canada and MOE guidelines differentiate between residences and churches, but the operating zone has combined everything into sensitive uses with no differentiation; therefore, the operating zone is being interpreted in a stricter sense than those Guidelines.  In terms of design of the building the construction for the church could still be very standard, but would have to avoid large windows.  Certainly, it would be designed for the momentary intrusions as opposed to the average level, such that when a plane passed over, it would not disrupt the service; and, in his opinion, from a technical background, designing for that is quite feasible.  In terms of warning clauses or covenants, these are common in residential development, even if they are outside the operating zone.

 

Lou Ranahan provided a comprehensive presentation on the analysis of aircraft noise as it related to the proposed site of the Metropolitan Bible Church, with a written copy on file with the City Clerk.  He provided a pie chart of all the take-offs from the Ottawa Airport between November 2001 and February 2002, and November 2002 and February 2003, provided by Nav Canada.  These were obtained to satisfy the Church that it was not facing a large problem.  Runway 32 impacts the property in question.  He elaborated upon the chart information for the Committee’s benefit.  He overlaid the different contours to demonstrate the difference between modern vs. older engines.  The Airport Master Plan indicates the noise problem caused by aircraft will diminish over time and it relates to the 2014 NEP projection, which has the location in the 25-28 contour, placing this location outside the airport operation influence zone over time.

 

Mr. Cohen advised that the Metropolitan Bible Church has been operating successfully on Bank Street for 70 years.  It expanded in 1967 to meet then new requirements and is now a victim of its own success.  As heard, it has been trying for 7 years to find a replacement site, which will accommodate its facilities, aspirations and parking requirements.  It has looked at 60 sites and found a site where there is no conflict with business and residences and is inherently good for the proposed use and finds itself bumping into policy the Airport Authority and City planners are trying to protect.  The benefit of the re-location to the City is that a very prime residential site becomes available and thereby fulfils some of the City’s most important policies.  The proposal meets the requirements of federal and provincial policy.  No one wants to be in dispute with the Airport Authority.  This city is fortunate with its own local airport authority that has given rise to airport expansion, increased flights, etc.  He submitted though, there was a lack of perspective and overprotection.  The proposal before Committee was a church, with services on Sunday, youth groups on Friday, to construct to the NEF 5; and, meet federal and provincial requirements, which will serve no prejudice whatsoever to the Airport.  He drew the Committee’s attention to “one may construct a hotel within this same zone”, which has happened.  One sleeps in a hotel, but the message is don’t come and pray in my church.

 

In response to a question by Councillor Cullen, Mr. Cohen confirmed that price was an issue, but it was far from the only issue.  Any number of sites could not accommodate their requirements or there were other planning issues.  Councillor Cullen acknowledged a number of factors influenced the Church’s decision and recognized the Church had outgrown its present site.  But, the underlining issue is the concerns raised by the Airport Authority on the interference of the increasing amount of activities and the noise.  Mr. Cohen submitted the church is now located at Bank and Gladstone with ambulances, fire and police, Bank Street traffic and a building not built to current standards with no complaints registered by the Church.  The inside of the new church will be quieter than the existing church.

 

Councillor Harder referred to the pie chart with the percentages and inquired if the delegation had the number of flights per day.  Mr. Ranahan responded that essentially one Sunday in 10 would have several noisy jets departing on that runway.

 

Acting Chair Stavinga referred to the uses not solely based upon Sunday; e.g. nursery and pre-school being introduced.  Would these be five days per week?  Mr. Howe responded that the church did not currently have plans for five days per week, but there are facilities in the Christian Education from nursery through to high school, all indoors.  Presently, nothing is projected for outside and, in fact, they want to expand the inside facilities with a gym, multi-purpose rooms and meeting rooms.  But, it was not currently the intent to have a nursery school or outside activities.  In fact, the rationale for the amount of land was the parking requirements to meet City guidelines.  Currently, the Christian education is contained to Sunday and the Youth Groups on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night, all indoors.  Acting Chair Stavinga noted that as contained in the memo from Councillor Harder the noise study by the proponent was prepared to take certain acoustical measures.  Mr. Howe responded that the Church was of the opinion that it was advantageous to build a more efficient building, not only for the sake of noise, but also because of the cold and heat factor in Ottawa.

 

Having heard from all the delegations, the matter returned to Committee for debate.

 

Councillor Harder presented a Motion that replaces refuse in recommendations 1 and 2 with approve after listening to all the comments and taking into consideration the Airport has no choice but to come forward to speak against the application due to policies.  The application before the Committee relates to a church and not a 24/7 operation.  On sound attenuation, she had considered putting forward a Motion, but if the application is approved, the Site Plan Approval process was the appropriate time to consider those initiatives.

 

Councillor Munter briefly commented for the record since his comments on this matter in the newspaper may have been misconstrued in that he believed the argument against this use was weak, not the argument in favour.  In reading all the documentation, it is a matter of the religion practiced by the Airport Authority that any use within those NEF contours is bad.  Like Councillor Harder, he understands why the Airport pursues that position as does everyone, but in the context of this application, it is one of those instances when blind faith is not appropriate and the Committee must use common sense, which would lead it to permit this use for all the reasons outlined by the delegation.

 

Councillor Hunter would also support Councillor Harder’s amendment and was impressed by the work the applicants put into this issue, facing roadblocks and meeting with the community, objectors and City staff repeatedly and presenting their evidence today.  It certainly indicates they are coming into this site with their eyes and ears open to what could potentially happen.  The church representatives have been at the location at all hours and are aware of the ramifications.  He welcomed this vibrant congregation to the traditional area of Nepean and they will be good neighbours to the Sikh Temple and other places of worship in or adjacent to the industrial park.  It is a complimentary use and adds a 7th day of use to an area which is usually quiet at those times and makes better use of the land and road patterns in the area.

 

Acting Chair Stavinga indicated that although she raised questions she would be supporting the application.  She echoed comments made by Councillors Munter and Harder on the presence of the Airport Authority.  She appreciated the work by the church to find an appropriate home.  Staff objected to the application for the noise as well as a number of reasons, one of which was the employment and industrial area.  She opined the City had to work towards integration.  People assume services are only on Sunday; but there may be services at other times, with employees from the business community attending.  Acting Chair Stavinga advised that staff provided additional wording for Councillor Harder’s Motion.

 


Moved by Councillor J. Harder:

 

That the Planning and Development Committee recommend Council:

 

1.                  Approve an application to amend the Region of Ottawa-Carleton Official Plan to allow a noise-sensitive land-use within the Ottawa Airport Operating Influence Zone, for 7 Deakin Street and direct staff to prepare such an amendment for adoption.

 

2.                  Approve an application to amend the former City of Nepean Zoning By-law to rezone 7 Deakin Street from Industrial Park (MP) to Institutional (I) and revise Sections 13.3.1 and 10.1 to permit a Place of Worship.

 

3.                  That no further notice be provided pursuant to Section 34 (17) of the Planning Act.

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED as amended