In a summer update to City Council, City of Hamilton staff stated Major Transit Station Areas (MTSA) zoning updates will come to Council in “Q3” for approval.
However, in August, the provincial government released a new Provincial Policy Statement (PPS). City of Hamilton staff are reviewing the PPS to ensure the new MTSA zoning complies with the PPS.
Hamilton’s planned density targets already meet provincial targets.
The City wants to see a minimum of 160 residents and jobs combined per hectare within 800 metres of the 17 planned LRT stops, and 150 per hectare with 800 metres of the existing three GO train stops.
It will be interesting to see how the City implements MTSAs around the West Harbour and Centennial GO stations, and along the planned B-Line LRT..
To Watch: Eastgate Square, and Centennial Parkway
The MTSA rezoning report will include planning staff recommendations for rezoning many large properties along the proposed Light Rail Transit line and near the soon-to-open GO Train station at Centennial Parkway.
Eastgate Square has submitted official plan and zoning bylaw applications.
SmartCentres, the owners of the large commercial big box plaza that includes a Wal-Mart at Centennial Parkway and the QEW, have met with City of Hamilton officials for preliminary discussions about converting the property to mixed-use high-density.
Any redevelopment of 500 Centennial Parkway is likely years away, and will be gradual. SmartCentres is presently redeveloping their nearby 200 Centennial Parkway North property.
Council approved Phase 1 of the redevelopment of that site, which will see four mixed-use tall buildings constructed on a portion of the site on the south side of the property.
New City Webpage In Advance of Report
The City launched a new webpage for MTSAs in advance of a public engagement to be launched following Council’s first debate on the draft zoning.
Production Details v. 1.0.0 Published: September 11, 2024 Last updated: September 11, 2024 Author: Joey Coleman Update Record v. 1.0.0 original version