James Bay Rental Rejected as Council Cites Fire and Fit

The 17-unit rental proposal, including two below-market units, was turned down after detailed debate. Council focused on major variances, limited rear open space, weak street relationship, heritage context, and fire-access concerns tied to tight side setbacks and single-egress design.

• 17 rental units were proposed, including 2 reduced-rent units
• Staff said the design did not meet key development permit objectives
• Fire officials raised concerns about ladder access and exposure between buildings
• Council supported declining the permit; 2 councillors opposed

Council unanimously supported the phased campus redevelopment and related rezoning after a long discussion. Debate focused on parking, traffic, trees, heritage retention, and whether to require a public hearing; amendments on fixed parking levels and a public hearing were defeated, while added transportation demand measures were requested for future agreement work.

• Rezoning covers the school site plus 8 adjacent residential properties
• Concept plan includes new academic buildings, a relocated sports field, and about 16 rental units
• Council asked staff to consider added transportation demand measures in the MDA
• Amendments on fixed parking levels and holding a public hearing were defeated

Council updated the 257 Belleville Street file to reflect a newer works and services bylaw, then gave the zoning text amendment preliminary readings. It also adopted the housing agreement bylaw for 938 Mason Street without debate.

• 257 Belleville no longer needed one earlier legal agreement because of a newer works bylaw
• Council clarified the project’s physical height had not increased despite a changed calculation method
• Belleville preliminary readings passed unanimously
• 938 Mason housing agreement bylaw was adopted unanimously

Evening delegations described enforcement against unhoused people as harmful and ineffective, and urged council to follow human-rights guidance, expand inclusive housing, and improve access to detox and aftercare. Speakers also tied the crisis to affordability pressures and the toxic drug supply.

• Speakers said tent sweeps increase instability and harm
• Advocates cited federal, provincial, and local human-rights guidance
• Calls included more inclusive housing, detox access, and space for pets and belongings
• Delegations linked deaths and visible disorder to housing shortages and poisoned drugs

Delegations asked the city to improve Centennial Square with more seating, fewer barriers around trees, and eventual fountain restoration. Another speaker requested a curbside EV charger near the 400 block of Russell to serve residents without off-street charging.

• Centennial Square advocates asked for more chairs, usable lawn, and restored fountain edges
• Speakers argued current design choices discourage people from lingering in the square
• A resident proposed a curbside EV charger on the 400 block of Russell
• Council did not debate the requests during the meeting