• Hyson Developments Inc. (Hyson) is appealing Stouffville’s decision to deny Official Plan and Zoning By-Law amendments for their controversial project at Main Street and Ninth Line.
  • The proposal seeks to build a 13-storey building with 210 dwellings on the Giles site at 5964 Main Street.
  • Council’s primary concern with Hyson’s application was the lack of adequate parking.
  • The appeal will be heard by the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), which handles contested municipal planning matters.
  • A virtual hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on December 12, 2024, and members of the public can view it online.

 

Stouffville’s Council rejected Hyson Developments’s applications during a June 26, 2024, meeting. Hyson had requested an Official Plan amendment to designate the site as a Western Approach Mixed Use area. They also sought Zoning By-Law amendments for increased density and height, reduced setbacks and landscaped areas, and fewer parking spaces than are required.

The development site’s formal addresses are 5964 Main Street and 28 Fairview Avenue. Hyson’s proposed 13-storey building would stand just under 47 metres tall. The combined properties cover 4,024 square metres and would house 210 units, making it the densest development proposal yet for Stouffville’s Main Street.

Council members were particularly concerned about the approximately 25% reduction in required parking requested by Hyson. Although there was some hope for revisions to the application to allow further discussion and keep decision making in the hands of Council, the potential for an OLT appeal was anticipated when the refusal decision was made.

Development applications submitted to the Town often seek Zoning By-Law amendments to allow for reductions in parking requirements. The OLT hearing will be a test of the Town’s ability to enforce its parking regulations, and the resulting decision could set a significant precedent for future projects.

Staff, on the other hand, were supportive of the development. In their view, the proposal represents good planning and is in-line with municipal and provincial policies. Because of this, the Town will require outside counsel to represent and defend Council’s position.

The OLT hearing is expected to last one day, during which both Hyson and the Town will present their cases, along with any other relevant parties permitted to join. Cross-examinations will follow, and parties will then offer final arguments.

While some cases take longer, final decisions from OLT adjudicators are typically released within 90 days. They are posted to the OLT’s Decisions website. Residents can track the matter through the OLT’s Case Status page by referencing Case No. OLT-24-000813.

Those wishing to watch the hearing can email the case coordinator, citing the case number to request streaming details. Residents interested in participating can also request party or participant status by emailing the case coordinator. Rules and restrictions may apply.