Mixed-Use development proposed for 482 Osborne Street in Beaverton

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: At their meeting, on Monday, May 26th, Brock Township Councillors received a presentation regarding a proposed zoning by-law amendment and development, at 482 Osborne Street, in Beaverton.

The proposal which would see a three-storey mixed-use building constructed, on the west side of town, was outlined by both municipal staff and a representative from the project’s developer.

Robin Prentice, Director of Development Services, explained the application, Zoning By-law Amendment 11-2022-RA, seeks to rezone the property from C3 to a site-specific C3-XX designation. The land is located within the Beaverton Urban Area designated as a Mixed Use Corridor under the Brock Official Plan.

"The applicant is requesting additional permitted uses, as well as several variances from the existing zoning requirements, including a reduction in the number of required parking spaces and changes to yard setbacks," Ms. Prentice told Council. She added, the public is encouraged to submit feedback on the application, by email, to Robin.Prentice@brock.ca. “All comments will be considered in a future staff report which will include a recommendation to Council.”

A representative from Technoarch, the firm behind the development, provided further details on the proposal. The building would include two commercial units on the ground floor, with the second and third floors containing a total of 10 residential units. The proposed uses include retail and a medical clinic on the main level.

“The Brock Official Plan encourages intensification within settlement areas, like Beaverton,” their representative said. “This project aims to contribute to that goal while also providing new residential opportunities in a central location.”

Several variances are being requested as part of the proposal. These include: a reduced front yard setback of six metres, down from the required 12 metres, due to anticipated road widening; an interior side yard setback of six metres, instead of nine; an increased building height of 10.9 metres, compared to the current 9-metre limit; and a reduction in landscaped open space to 20 percent, down from the required 30 percent. Parking has also become a point of discussion, with the development proposing 20 spaces, nine fewer than the 29 normally required.

Saleem Faruqui, who owns the neighbouring property at 466 Osborne Street, spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting. While supportive of the development overall, he expressed concern over the parking variance.

“I support the idea of the development, it’s good for Beaverton,” Mr. Faruqui said. “But I am concerned about the parking, which could affect my property next door.” He also asked whether a two-storey building might be more appropriate, suggesting it could resolve the parking issue and eliminate the need for a height variance.

A video of the meeting is available through the Township’s online meeting portal. Township staff will prepare a full report, incorporating public comments, for Council’s future consideration.