JASON SETNYK
Southbridge Care Homes has cleared a key step toward a major expansion of its Cornwall long-term care facility, despite concerns raised by nearby residents.
Cornwall’s Committee of Adjustment voted 2-1 earlier this month to approve a minor variance for the property at 800 Nick Kaneb Drive, allowing the proposed building height to increase from the zoning limit of 13.5 metres to 24.4 metres. The change would allow Southbridge to pursue construction of a six-storey long-term care building with 320 additional beds.
The application had previously been considered at a May 6 meeting, but no decision was made. The matter returned to the committee after notices were recirculated under Planning Act requirements.
Planning representatives Brian Casagrande and Evan Saunders of Fotenn, speaking on behalf of Southbridge, argued the proposal satisfied the four tests required for a minor variance under Ontario’s Planning Act.
Casagrande explained that the term “minor” refers to the impact of a variance rather than the physical size of the request. The planning report also noted the property’s existing zoning already allows other forms of higher-density residential development.
“The variance requested is minor in nature,” the staff report stated, noting the proposed height and use are similar to other permitted uses on the property and that impacts are not expected to exceed what is already allowed.
The approval included a condition requiring mature trees and enhanced vegetative buffers to be incorporated into final landscaping plans through the site plan control process.
Some residents from a nearby neighbourhood attended the meeting to oppose aspects of the project. Concerns included the size and scale of the proposed building, loss of privacy, removal of mature trees, increased traffic and noise, drainage issues, construction impacts, and possible effects on property values.
Some residents questioned whether a six-storey building should qualify as a minor variance and expressed frustration with confusion during earlier discussions.
City staff noted the proposal remains subject to further review, including site plan control, where issues such as landscaping, building design, traffic access, and mitigation measures can be addressed.
The project is also dependent on provincial approval, as the proposed 320 long-term care beds remain under review by Ontario’s Ministry of Long-Term Care.
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