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Brien Street Development- Continued

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195, 197, 199 Brien Ave Lots– The History

Information regarding property sale:

  • In 2015, the Parks and Rec Master Plan identified that Bridlewood Park had sufficient
    amenities, and any further features would be placed within the existing footprint.
  • In 2018, Council directed administration to proceed with the surplus process for the
    lands adjacent to Bridlewood Park. During that time, administration has received land
    surveys and the installation of site services for three lots–this took place during the
    Brien Ave. reconstruction.
  • Administration worked with land surveyors to draft a reference plan of the proposed
    lot which could be divided into four parcels, three of which could be sold. In 2021, the
    area was receiving servicing enhancements, so the Town ensured these lots were
    serviced in preparation for the land sale.
  • Administration came back to Council in July 2022 to proceed with the declaration of
    surplus lands; however, with a pending election, Council deferred the decision. Since
    then, administration conducted a Community Services Master Plan to identify if this
    property should be reconsidered as surplus. The Master Plan still identifies this as land
    that could be surplussed as it is unutilized, and the funds would be better suited for
    further development of the Essex Sports Fields.
  • In July of 2022, the proceeds from these lands were approved by Council to fund the
    CCRF grant that the Town received for the sport fields, with the additional surplus
    going in the parkland reserve.
  • In December of 2023, Council directed administration to proceed with the surplus
    process and that surplus proceeds from the land will be placed in the Parkland reserve
    to fund other park projects, such as the new sport fields.
  • The sale of the property amounted to $900,000.00, which was $123,000 over market
    rate.

    Information regarding Zoning By-law and the proposed Severances:
  • The three (3) lots located on Brien Ave. are zoned R1 Low Density Urban Residential.
  • In June 2024, following extensive consultation efforts between Fall 2023-Winter 2024,
    Council approved a municipal-wide Zoning By-law Amendment to permit alternative
    housing options, particular in urban settings, and to accommodate changes as a result
    of Bill 23’s mandate to allow three (3) dwelling units by right on urban residential lots
    serviced with municipal water and sanitary systems.
  • Therefore, uses that are permitted by right in an R1 Zoning District include:
    o Single-Unit Dwelling (formerly known as a Single Detached Dwelling)
    o Two-Unit Dwelling (formerly known as a Duplex Dwelling)
    o Semi-Detached Dwelling
    o Three-Unit Dwelling (to recognize the maximum number of dwelling units
    permitted on one single residential lot)
    o Additional Dwelling Unit
  • A property owner may build, by right, up to three (3) dwelling units per lot on an R1
    Zoned Property.
  • If a lot meets the minimum lot area requirements for a semi-detached dwelling, the lot
    may be further subdivided into two (2) lots.
  • The new owner of the surplussed properties at 195, 197, and 199 Brien Ave is therefore
    able to build between 3-9 dwelling units on three (3) lots (no severances) or between
    6-18 dwelling units on six (6) lots (severances required).
  • Consent to Sever approval has been delegated by Council to the Committee of
    Adjustment (COA).
  • Administration has met with the developer over the past several months to
    continuously review and update various concept plans to ensure zoning regulations
    are met, such as height, setbacks, parking, and landscaping, and to review
    infrastructure, servicing, and development standards.
  • The proposal meets all zoning regulations therefore no Minor Variances are required.
  • A Consent to Sever application is a public process where notice is circulated to
    property owners within 60 metres of the subject properties and where a notice sign
    must be posted in a visible location on the subject property. Notice must be provided
    14 days in advance of the COA meeting.
  • The COA will receive a Staff Report and Presentation which summarizes a policy review
    of the proposed severances against the PPS, County & Town OP, and the ZBL, and
    which will also summarize a technical review and comments from internal
    departments and external agencies. The Staff Report will be made available on the
    COA Meeting Agenda by September 12th.