By GPT-4 & Parth on 2026-01-29, City: Richmond Hill, View Transcript
A public hearing-style meeting focused on zoning bylaw amendments and site redevelopments along Yonge Street, with staff asked to review and incorporate public and council input. Several motions to refer comments back to staff were considered, and bylaw amendments and site plans were discussed with a focus on traffic, safety, and landscaping. Public input was invited, and follow-up actions will be determined after staff review.
1) Zoning Bylaw Amendments for 9550 Yonge Street (RMU-CO1/Bylaw 9325) - The applicant seeks to permit new uses (including a restaurant with drive-thru) and establish site-specific standards to support expansion/modification of the existing gas station. Quote: “The proposal is to permit a residential use with a drive-thru facility and to establish site-specific development standards to support the expansion and modifications to the existing gas station.” - This session framed the proposal for information and staff referral, noting “The purpose of this report is to provide council and the public an overview of the development proposal and has been structured for information purposes only with the recommendation that all comments be received and referred back to staff for consideration.”
2) Site Layout, Access, and Traffic Impacts - The plan involves demolishing the current gas station and reducing pump locations from 18 to 8, plus a new building for the restaurant and drive-thru. The southern access will be closed while the northern access remains. Quote: “The southern limit of the existing building kiosk pay station is the same location as the new building. So the southern wall would be in exactly the same position.” - Planning notes argue traffic impacts will not worsen overall; a key point stated was: “With the reduction in the number of pump locations ... there actually is a net decrease in the amount of traffic being generated on the site.”
3) Public/Agency Consultation and Process - The application has been circulated to internal departments and external agencies for review to gather feedback before moving forward. Quote: “Planning staff have circulated the application to internal departments and external agencies for review and comments.” - Public input opportunities were highlighted, with the note that feedback will be referred back to staff for consideration in the next steps of the process.
4) Landscaping, Environment, and Lighting - The proposal emphasizes environmental improvements, including retaining mature trees and planting additional ones. Quote: “The landscape plan shows the existing trees which are remaining and additional trees which will be planted.” - Lighting and light pollution concerns were addressed later in the broader discussion, with assurances about containment to the site.
5) Public Input Opportunities and Next Steps - Public input was encouraged through oral or written submissions, with the reminder that not participating could affect appeal rights. Quotes: “Members of the public were invited to provide oral or written submissions regarding the proposed zoning bylaw amendment”; and “failure to participate in this stage could limit the ability to appeal the decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal.” - Staff will continue to review comments and provide revised reports/recommendations in future meetings.
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