Another Farhi Holdings parking lot seeks extension from city
A month after a trio of temporary parking lots near Richmond Row received three-year extensions from city council, Farhi Holdings is now seeking an extension for another lot in the core.
On Monday, the Planning and Environment Committee (PEC) considered a request to extend zoning permission to operate a parking lot at 193 Queens Avenue for three years.
The president of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario’s London Chapter, Kelley McKeating, told PEC that extending surface parking lots in core neighbourhoods shifts development pressure onto heritage buildings.
Committee Chair Phil Squire noted that Farhi Developments was one of several developers who submitted a proposal to city hall to partner in the construction of a public parking garage and mixed-use high rise on the property and a neighbouring city-owned lot.
“There already has been a proposal on that property to develop it, a proposal that was actually stopped by the actions of the city of London,” explained Councillor Squire.
Council put consideration of the parking garage on hold until post-pandemic parking needs can be assessed in the core.
The property began operating as a parking lot in 2007.
The Downtown Parking Strategy determined that the central downtown area has an 81 percent utilization rate, including the subject property.
Civic administration recommends a three-year extension because, “there is a demonstrated parking shortage in the central (downtown) sub-areas.”
The planning committee voted (5-1), Cllr. Hopkins opposed) to permit the three-year extension.
“I would like to encourage the developer to develop here,” added Councillor Anna Hopkins. “This is a place where development can occur.”
Squire says there is a lot to consider before granting parking lot extensions.
“If you are going to have a parking lot, you’re going to have to demonstrate two things, that it’s needed and you are looking to develop it.”
Council will make a final decision on July 6.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.