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
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Maple Leafs eliminated from NHL playoffs with Game 7 OT loss to Bruins
Sheldon Keefe told his players hockey history would remember them one way or another.
Israel says Hamas attacks a crossing point into Gaza, wounding 10 Israelis and forcing its closure
Hamas militants on Sunday attacked Israel's main crossing point for delivering humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, reportedly wounding several Israelis and prompting Israel to close the terminal.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
What a judge's gag order on Trump means in his hush money case
A gag order bars Trump from commenting publicly on witnesses, jurors and some others connected to the matter. The New York judge already has found that Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, repeatedly violated the order, fined him US$9,000 and warning that jail could follow if he doesn't comply.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.
Trudeau 'absolutely' best person to lead the Liberals in next election: LeBlanc says
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc insists he's not planning a leadership campaign to head the Liberal party, should current leader and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resign, seemingly quashing rumours he's planning to make a move for his boss' job.
Netanyahu's Cabinet votes to close Al Jazeera offices in Israel after rising tensions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that his government has voted unanimously to shut down the local offices of Qatar-owned broadcaster Al Jazeera, escalating Israel's long-running feud with the channel at a time when cease-fire negotiations with Hamas — mediated by Qatar — are gaining steam.
King Charles III’s openness about cancer has helped him connect with people in year after coronation
King Charles III's decision to be open about his cancer diagnosis has helped the new monarch connect with the people of Britain and strengthened the monarchy in the year since his dazzling coronation at Westminster Abbey.