Pending the formality of the Ontario Land Tribunal issuing an order approving the settlement, Valery Homes will be permitted to building over 600 units of new housing on the Chedoke Browlands.
The City of Hamilton and Valery Homes agreed to settle Valery Home’s appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal for the lands on Hamilton’s West Mountain.
The Chedoke Browlands comprises 9.6 hectares of land formerly part of the Chedoke Hospital complex. They are bound by the Niagara Escarpment to the north and Scenic Drive on all other sides. Chedoke Creek flows through the middle.
Matt Johnston, a Registered Professional Planner with UrbanSolutions Planning & Land Development Consultants Inc., told the OLT the agreed to planning instruments represent good planning, confirm with provincial planning policy, and meet the intent of Hamilton’s Urban Hamilton Official Plan.
Johnston is the planner retained by Valery Homes.
Settlement Details Shared Orally
OLT Member Pavel Tomilin took the unusual step of ordering that TPR not make any audio recordings for notetaking purposes, stating that a violation of his order would result in a fine of up to $25,000.
Following the convention used by other quasi-judicial and judicial bodies, including Ontario’s courts, the OLT usually permits journalists to use audio recordings to assist with notetaking.
Johnston testified the settlement will permit 609 apartment units and 35 townhouse units.
The townhouse units will be on the west side of the property, along with 231 condominium apartment units.
Four residential buildings are planned for the east side, one eight-storey (which will be near the centre of the lands), a six-storey, and two five-storey buildings.
The 378 units in these buildings are planned to be rental units.
The creek and floodplain in the centre of the property will be maintained, with some lands dedicated to the City. The development will have a setback from the Niagara Escarpment, with improvements to ensure the stability of the escarpment. (Lawyers for the Niagara Escarpment Commission confirmed the NEC’s agreement with the plan.)
OLT To Issue Written Order
OLT Member Tomilin stated that a written order will be issued.
Background
The site was part of the former Chedoke Hospital complex, originally operating as a sanatorium for treating tuberculosis patients. When Chedoke was closed, the lands were declared surplus and sold in 2006.
In 2007, Deanlee Management Inc. proposed a redevelopment that included apartment buildings of up to ten-storeys.
Negotiations between the City and Deanlee followed.
In 2010, City staff recommended approval of a modified plan with 600 units of housing. City Council delayed consideration, and Deanlee appealled to the Ontario Municipal Board.
In 2012, the OMB approved 529 units on the site, including six-storey buildings for the site.
Valery Homes purchased the site in 2012.
In October 2020, Valery Homes submitted a new development plan to build five residential condo and apartment buildings and ten 2-storey townhouse blocks, totalling 574 apartment units and 56 townhouse units.
In May 2021, they filed their non-decision appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
In May 2022, they made a resubmission and lowered the proposed heights of buildings.
Production Details v. 1.0.0 Published: May 25, 2024 Last updated: May 25, 2024 Author: Joey Coleman Update Record v. 1.0.0 original version