Public Hearing Committee Meeting Summary - October 08, 2025

Norfolk County’s Public Hearing Committee met on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, to hear public input and review planning applications. The meeting was held in Council Chambers and streamed online. View the meeting agenda, reports and time-stamped video. 

1. Long Point Region Source Protection Plan Update (CDS-25-063) 

Watch recorded video 

Planning staff presented a municipally initiated Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendment to reflect the decommissioning of the Delhi water intake system (Lehman Dam). The amendment proposes removing references to the intake protection zone near Delhi from the Official Plan and Zoning By-law schedules and text. No public comments were received. The report was received for information, and any future comments will be considered in a subsequent staff report. 

2. 105 Donly Drive South, Simcoe – Zoning and Official Plan Amendment (CDS-25-062) 

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A proposal was presented to permit a gymnastics club as a site-specific use within an existing industrial building. The amendment would retain industrial zoning and designation while allowing the gymnastics club as an additional permitted use. Committee members asked questions about the lack of a definition for “gymnastics club” in the zoning by-law and suggested broader language to allow flexibility for similar uses (e.g., dance or yoga studios). Staff committed to reviewing the definition before the next report. The application was received for information. 

3. 215 Victoria Street, Simcoe – Zoning By-law Amendment for Apartment Building (CDS-25-057) 

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A zoning by-law amendment was proposed to allow a five-storey condominium building with 45 units at the corner of Donly Drive South and Victoria Street. The proposed R5 zoning request includes a special provision for reduced parking requirements, reduced floor area ratio, and greater flexibility in the parking area location. 

Key concerns raised included: 

• Parking shortages: Residents and Councillors expressed concerns about insufficient on-site parking and the impact on surrounding streets.
• Traffic and safety: The intersection at Donly Drive South and Victoria Street is already congested, and additional development may worsen conditions. Suggestions included exploring lay-by parking and road widening. Neighbours also expressed the desire for a stoplight.
• Compatibility with the neighbourhood: Residents felt the proposed building height and density were out of character with the surrounding low-density residential area.
• School capacity and infrastructure: Concerns were raised about the ability of local schools and water/sewer systems to accommodate increased population. 

Several residents spoke during the meeting, voicing opposition to the proposed development and emphasizing traffic, safety, and infrastructure concerns. 

Actions to be taken: 

• Work with the applicant to explore modifications to parking ratios, sidewalk installation, and landscape buffering.
• Ensure road widening and school board consultation are considered.
• Return with a staff recommendation report, tentatively scheduled for late November 2025.