UPDATED MAY 20, 2016

(For an electronic petition at a minimum we need you to record your name, physical address and postal code. All other information is optional. If you sign this electronic petition please do not sign the physical petition) 

With Reference to File #OP.16.004 and File # Z.16.005
RioCan Holdings (GTA Marketplace) Inc. proposal for Spring Farm Marketplace

We, the undersigned residents of Ward 5 of the City of Vaughan, call upon our Mayor and Council to strictly enforce the Official Plan and bylaws for the area and deny the application of RioCan Holdings (GTA Marketplace) Inc. (RioCan) for an official plan amendment and zoning by-law amendment.

RioCan proposes to build a 20-storey mixed use residential tower with ground floor commercial uses and three levels of underground parking and a two-storey commercial building at the eastern end of the Spring Farm Marketplace (Sobeys Plaza) along the Hilda Avenue frontage. All second floor professional offices and existing ground-level retail space at the east end of the plaza will be demolished to make way for the new building.

This proposal violates the City of Vaughan’s Official Plan and contravenes zoning bylaws for usage, density, setbacks and height. RioCan is asking the City of Vaughan to exempt them from adhering to these requirements.

We the undersigned object to this proposal for the following reasons:

• The proposal does not conform to the City of Vaughan’s Official Plan
• The proposal contravenes zoning by-laws for usage, density, setbacks and height
• Cars will no longer be able to access the plaza from the main Hilda Avenue entrance
• Traffic congestion will increase on Clark and Hilda Avenues and surrounding streets as a result of:

 – the additional residential units;
 – the closure of the main Hilda Avenue entrance to the plaza; and
 – the subsequent increased dependence on the Clark Avenue West entrance as sole access to the plaza

• Surface parking lot spaces will be lost
• Retail and professional services that are essential to the community will be   displaced; there is no assurance that these services will be preserved in the new development
• Shadows created by the proposed 20-storey residential tower will affect neighbouring homes

This proposal provides no benefit and is detrimental to the community. There is also a risk of setting a precedent for future developments in Vaughan.