Hamilton’s Committee of Adjustment will conduct 23 hearings, here are the hearings that caught my attention. As always, CoA documents do not provide much detail and it’s very likely I’m no aware of why a file in your neighbourhood is interesting – email or comment to let me know.
This week sees many requests to convert single family homes within the old Hamilton boundaries to two unit dwellings. None of these stand out on their planning applications.
The full CoA agenda for this week can be found here: https://d3fpllf1m7bbt3.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/media/browser/2017-02-27/committee-of-adjustment-agenda-03-09-2017.pdf
The Committee of Adjustment agendas are listed here: https://www.hamilton.ca/council-committee/council-committee-meetings/committee-adjustment

298 Garder Road East, Ancaster

The property owner is seeking to building a one storey addition to the legally existing home. The property, near the 403 on-and-off ramp, is zoned Airport Prestige Business and dwelling (homes) units are not allowed – thus expansions require a zoning variance.
The expansion requires a waiver of the current Holding Provision in the area for sanitary, water, and stormwater planning.
Ward 12 Councillor Lloyd Ferguson has recently blocked expansions of homes in Ancaster due to concerns that “monster homes” are harming the character of the area.
I expect CoA will approve the variance, unless Clr. Ferguson files an objection.

139 King Street East, Hamilton

Disclosure: This is within the Beasley Neighbourhood, and I’m active in my neighbourhood. I haven’t received a request to speak on behalf of the BNA on this file, but I may.
Easily the ugliest stucco building in Downtown Hamilton, this two storey structure is across from the Ramada Hotel and previously housed the Canadian Institute of Dental Hygiene career college.
The owner is seeking variances to renovate the building, one of which is to allow aluminum composite panels as part of the facade – which is not permitted in the Downtown Heritage Character Zone.
Considering how ugly the building presently is, I’m going to lean towards the Committee of Adjustment allowing the variance.

149 Dufferin Street, Hamilton

Located in the north portion of the Westdale Neighbourhood, the owner is seeking permission to add a second storey to the existing single family home.
I’m flagging as of interest due to the neighbourhood and ongoing debates about larger homes being used for student rental housing.

17 Summit Drive, Waterdown

Located northeast of Waterdown Memorial Park, the owner of this older Waterdown property is seeking a severance to allow for a future residential home development.
Ward 15 Councillor Judi Partridge has opposed similar variances in older parts of Waterdown on the grounds that Waterdown cannot handle additional population growth pressures at the present time.

261 Highway 5 West, Flamborough

Located at the intersection of Millgrove Sideroad, the property owner is requesting variances for a minimum setback of 10.2 metres from Provincial Highway 5 instead of the required 14 metres in the Zoning By-law.
The proposal is to build a gas station with convenience store and drive-thru coffee shop.
I emailed City staff asking about the Ministry of Transportation’s potential say in this matter.
I’m making note of this application for that purpose – I don’t know how local Zoning and Provincial Highways intersect.