A vacant auto shop in the Ward received a new lease on commercial life Thursday, with approval to convert 60 Ontario St. into a trio of small businesses.
The city’s committee of adjustment endorsed a pair of minor variances that open the door for the 150 square-metre building, found on a triangle-shaped lot at the intersection with Arthur Street South, to be turned into a barber shop, coffee shop and convenience store.
“The proposed uses will enliven and provide another community focal point for this already engaging neighbourhood, said planning consultant Astrid Clos on behalf of the owner, Watir Holdings Corp., referring to them as “micro-businesses” that are “a better fit than establishing a new vehicle body shop.”
In order for the new uses to go ahead, Watir Holdings sought minor variances to allow the new business uses – a personal service establishment, a take-out restaurant and a convenience store – as well as one eliminating the need for off-street parking.
The variances were approved 5-2.
Parking proved to be the most contentious issue.
“I don’t consider it to be a minor variance,” committee member David Kendrick said of reducing the required parking spaces from 11 to zero. “I can’t support that.”
“This is a very mature, walkable neighbourhood,” said committee member David Gundrum in defence of the parking space reduction. “Most of the customers … are going to be local residents who won’t be driving in.”
Neighbouring resident Russell Morton disagreed, suggesting people will drive to the businesses, especially during winter.
“There’s already an issue with parking on Ontario Street,” he said, stating nearby roads and residents will bear the brunt of drivers who attend those businesses. “The front of my house will be the unofficial ‘run in and grab some smokes’ stop.”
The committee received several written submissions in support of the minor variance requests, as well as a few opposed. Again, parking was the main sticking point for people.
Morton also expressed concern about what businesses the building may hold in the future, noting variances allowing personal service and take-out restaurant businesses are “quite broad.”
“There’s no prospect of it being at a large scale given the size (of the property),” Clos said in response.
Committee member Katie Meads joined Kendrick the minor variance requests because she feels the paved area at the tip of the triangle-shaped property should be converted to green space rather than see the installation of large potted plants to eliminate drivers cutting through the property.
