Whereas, the Yonge/16th Key Development Area (Yonge/16th KDA) is one of only three current intensification areas in the City of Richmond Hill and located on the Yonge Street corridor with direct access to Bus Rapid Transit and other transit and active transportation options: and
Whereas, the Yonge Street subway funding expansion to Richmond Hill has been announced by the Province, which will soon assign higher-level planning policies to lands associated with public transit provisions, to be intensified throughout Richmond Hill; and
Whereas, the Yonge/16th Avenue KDA has approved heights in excess of the 20 storey maximum height established back in 2010 together with approved (net) site densities above 5.25; and
Whereas, Richmond Hill is desirous to accommodate the population target of 242,500 in the Official Plan; and
Whereas, currently the Region of York with Viva are investing $360 million in a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) along Yonge Street to fully integrate with the Yonge/Highway 7 subway; and
Whereas, on April 1, 2019, the LPAT issued its Decision and Interim Order, approving the applications in principle, withholding its final Order until the LPAT is advised that the final form and content of the OPA and ZBA are satisfactory to the Parties.
Therefore, be it resolved that:
1. Council supports the concept of additional heights, densities, and an alternative transportation network for new development on these lands in this Key Development Area and that staff be directed to collaborate with the landowner to further discuss such opportunities;
2. Any proposed revisions to the current approvals by LPAT are subject to the full requirements of a formal re-submission of the appropriate applications for planning approvals to the City of Richmond Hill including the submission of all requisite studies and reports in support of these applications.
3. Council directs the City Manager to negotiate Section 37 terms with the applicant.
4. That staff be directed to report to Council on said applications at their earliest convenience following a Public Consultation process and staff review of the revised proposal.