Written By Olena Riznyk
NORTH MIDDLESEX – At the March 5 council meeting, the committee discussed a proposed development at 237 to 241 Parkhill Main Street, presented by Craig Hansford of 2436069 Ontario Ltd. The development, located at the corner of Parkhill Main Street and Mill Street, spans approximately 0.29 acres. The surrounding area is predominantly commercial, with a residential parcel behind the property at 184 Mill Street, also owned by Mr. Hansford.
Currently, the property features two-story mixed-use commercial buildings, with commercial space on the ground floor and eight residential units on the second floor. The owner plans to add 16 residential apartment units within the existing building footprint. This expansion will not alter the building’s setbacks, height, lot coverage, or ground floor area. Five of the units will be located at the rear of the main floor, behind the commercial spaces, while 11 units will be situated in the basement.
To facilitate the development, the owner is requesting several variances from the municipal zoning bylaw, including permission to add residential units in the basement and a reduction in the required parking spaces. The application also seeks approval to use the adjacent parcel at 184 Mill Street for some of the required parking spaces.
The proposal includes a reduction in the number of required parking spaces for both residential and commercial use. Specifically, the applicant is requesting a reduction from 33 residential parking spaces to 19 and from 19 commercial parking spaces to zero. Additionally, the development exceeds the maximum density allowed by the zoning bylaw, with the proposal calling for 47 units per gross hectare, whereas the maximum permitted is 25 units per hectare.
The property is located within the urban settlement area of North Middlesex, as outlined in the municipality’s official plan. This area is designated as a central area, intended to accommodate a mix of commercial and residential uses. The plan supports high concentrations and intensities of land uses within the urban settlement area, provided that the development does not negatively impact the commercial focus of the area.
Following the presentation, the committee opened the floor for public comments and questions from council members. Concerns were raised about emergency access to the basement units and the adequacy of parking spaces. The applicant responded to these concerns and outlined plans to increase parking availability. The meeting concluded with a recommendation for deferral until additional information could be reviewed.
