City of Brockville Council Meeting Highlights – March 11, 2025

Brockville – Here are the highlights from the City of Brockville council meeting held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Zoning Bylaw Amendments:

The zoning bylaw amendment for 100 Stewart Boulevard is part of a development plan to meet the growing demand for housing, particularly for seniors. By converting the northern parking area into a 5-storey, 65-unit apartment building with underground parking, the owner is addressing the need for more senior living units, given that the current units are fully leased. This type of development could also help ease potential housing shortages in the area, especially for seniors who may require specialized housing.

The zoning bylaw amendment for 10-16 Church Street is aimed at repurposing an existing structure into affordable housing. By renovating and adding to the existing storage building, the development will create a three-story, 12-unit apartment building. The project also involves demolishing 16 Church Street to facilitate access to the new development, to ensure adequate entry points for both residents and services. This is a significant step to addressing local housing needs, particularly affordable housing, which is often in high demand. It may also help revitalize the area.

2024 Annual Building and Bylaw Services Activity Report:

An annual report is provided to highlight the department’s work and to enhance the City’s processes. In 2024, Brockville experienced a remarkable surge in residential construction, the highest since 1987. Some activities are highlighted below.

Construction Activity:

• 299 building permits issued (including 221 new residential starts)
• $65,295,902.70 estimated construction cost (including $39,962,778.00 for new residential starts)
• Approximately $783,813.12 in building permit fees collected (up $345,773.12 from 2023)
• Building permits were issued for 16 new residential suites in existing buildings.
• 1,400 inspections completed (1,164 passed, 236 failed)

Bylaw Enforcement Activity:

• 715 written Bylaw complaints received
• 605 Bylaw files closed, 53 still active
• 154 animal control calls for service were responded to and property standards clean-ups were completed, totalling $20,674.61
• 8 provincial offences notices issued

The full 2024 Annual Building Report can be found on the City’s website.

Developers’ Meeting regarding the Development Charge Study:

Municipalities have the authority to impose development charges according to the Development Charges Act. They are fees imposed by Bylaw and collected by municipalities to help offset increased capital costs required because of increased needs for services arising from development and growth within the municipality.

The city’s current bylaw was adopted in 2020 and was set to expire in January 2025. It was however extended until the city could complete a new background study. The study was prepared by Watson and Associates Economists Limited and presented at the Public Planning and Development Committee meeting on March 4, 2025. At that meeting, Mayor Wren moved a motion to direct staff to schedule and promote a meeting for Developers to offer their feedback regarding the Development Charge Background Study. At last night’s Council meeting, the motion was backed unanimously by the Council members present.

Annual Reports related to Water and Wastewater Operations:

• 2024 Annual Building & Bylaw Services Activity Report
• Amended 2023 Annual Water Quality Report Brockville Drinking Water System
• 2024 Annual Water Quality Report Brockville Drinking Water System
• 2024 Annual Report Water Pollution Control Centre
• 2024 Annual Report Sewage Collection System

Proclamations:

National Epilepsy Awareness Day in the City of Brockville

THAT the Council of the Corporation of the City of Brockville wish to proclaim March 26, 2025, as National Epilepsy Awareness Day in the City of Brockville.

Greece’s Independence Day in the City of Brockville

THAT the Council of the Corporation of the City of Brockville wish to proclaim March 25, 202,5 as Greece’s Independence Day in the City of Brockville; and
THAT the Greek Flag be flown at Tunnel Bay from March 24 to 28, 2025.

 Looking ahead:

• General Meeting March 18, 2025, at 4:30 pm
• Council Meeting March 25, 2025, at 5:30 pm
• Planning and Development Meeting April 1, 2025, at 4:30 pm
• Planning and Development Public Meeting April 1, 2025 at 6:00 pm
• Council Meeting April 8, 2025, at 5:30 pm

For links to all of the referenced reports and supporting materials, please read the full post on our website: https://brockville.com/news/council-highlights-march-11/