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DEPUTATION BY SCOT SMITH REGARDING MOTION 14-G-096, REZONING FROM GENERAL COMMERCIAL (C4) TO RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE SECOND DENSITY (RM2) AND DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION APPLICATION FOR 196 BURTON AVENUE (WARD 8).
Mr. Scot Smith provided a deputation in opposition to motion 14-G-096 regarding the Rezoning from General Commercial (C4) to Residential Multiple Second Density (RM2) and Draft Plan of Subdivision Application for 196 Burton Avenue (Ward 8). Mr. Smith provided quotes from correspondence received from the Premier's Office discussing the importance of protecting the stock of affordable housing and the authority for municipalities to enact by-laws under Section 99.1 of the Municipal Act to prohibit and regulate the demolition and conversion of rental properties. He commented that the timing of the Ontario Municipal Board hearing will be too late to assist the residents of the trailer park.
Mr. Smith advised that he had moved to the Burton Avenue Trailer Park in the spring of 2013 and within a few months, he had received an eviction notice which has left him with nowhere to go. He discussed the challenges he has faced in attempting to find new housing and the anticipated loss of his savings. Mr. Smith commented on negative impacts of the health and well-being of the residents in the trailer park since the issuance of the eviction notices. In closing, Mr. Smith commented that he feels he has been misled by the property owner and he requested that Council deny the application.
Mayor Lehman and City staff provided clarification regarding Section 99.1 of the Municipal Act.