Changes sought to redevelopment plan for crumbling cookie factory site
After 14 years of decay, redevelopment of the former McCormick-Beta Brands cookie factory property at 1156 Dundas Street may be regaining momentum.
The developer has applied for several zoning amendments, but Michael Kaye says some of those changes would undo concessions he and other neighbours fought for seven years ago.
A senior lifestyle village rising in height and density towards Dundas Street was put forward by the developer in 2015, including repurposing the historic factory.
“We thought there was a deal made,” says Kaye. “The community input was there, council was there, this was all decided on. This was voted on. This was a done deal.”
Kaye says two of the changes are of greatest concern:
- Permission to build townhouses rather than single family homes backing onto the rear yards of existing homes on Albany Street
- Increasing the height of an apartment along McCormick Boulevard from four to six storeys
A former cookie factory at 1156 Dundas Street is seen on Oct. 5, 2022. (Daryl Newcombe/CTV News London)
He believes the request reneges on the compromises reached seven years ago during public input meetings.
In their report to the Planning and Environment Committee, city staff support townhouses behind the existing homes, but not the taller apartment building.
“Staff are recommending that the current zone regulations for density and height are appropriate for the block and should be maintained,” the report reads.
The McCormick Area Secondary Plan that governs development in the area is seven years old.
It pre-dates approval of The London Plan, approval of the bus rapid transit route along Dundas Street, and the housing crisis.
Kaye emphasizes his neighbourhood is not opposed to development or density — it simply already accepted a plan for the site.
“If you look at this property and what was agreed to, I think it was an over reach of density to begin with, and I think if you look at the plan now, the density is still there,” he says.
The Planning and Environment Committee will make a recommendation before council reaches a final decision Oct. 17.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
NASA hears from Voyager 1, the most distant spacecraft from Earth, after months of quiet
NASA has finally heard back from Voyager 1 again in a way that makes sense. The most distant spacecraft from Earth hadn't sent home any understandable data since last November.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Train derailed in Sarnia after colliding with a truck
Police are investigating after a transport truck collided with a train in Sarnia.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.