Kingston KROCK Centre - Kingston Regional Sports and Entertainment Centre (KRSEC) -- Large Venue Entertainment Centre (LVEC) Planning And Zoning Issues

The proposed location would have the LVEC constructed on land currently zoned "harbour"; very likely, it would have to encroach on some parkland, or else extend into further landfill of Anglin Bay, including the drydock. It would also have to turn land currently zoned "medium density residential" into a permanent parking facility. This location is in the midst of a residential neighbourhood which has grown up over the last twenty years in response to consistent zoning of the area "medium density residential": the city wished to encourage residential redevelopment of the former brownfields area--and succeeded.

Although the LVEC might appear to fall within the definition of permitted uses on marina lands, it would need to be no more than 35 feet high, set back at least 33ft. from the water, and would have to be a "public use". A "public/private" for profit facility would not appear to qualify as "public use". And, according to an expert recommendation included in the Task Force Reference materials, the proposed LVEC will have to be at least 75 feet high. So, as it stands, the LVEC project would be inconsistent with the current Official City Plan, and also the Waterfront Master Plan. (See: "Application of Zoning Bylaws to the Inner Harbour LVEC Location" and excerpts from the Official City Plan and the Waterfront Master Plan)

At times, supporters of the LVEC proposal have said that residents in the area "ought to have known" that something like this would be built in their neighbourhood. Many prospective buyers checked the zoning before committing themselves: they acted on the principle that city plans and zoning bylaws are supposed to tell you what to expect. And the current zoning makes it clear that those who invested in the area would have had no reason to expect an 80,000 square foot, 75 foot high, 7500 capacity LVEC!

Update:

City Council Meeting No. 08
Minutes
February 15, 2005

MOTIONS
(1) Moved by Councillor K. George
Seconded by Councillor B. George

WHEREAS, within Report No. LV05-011 of the Acting Chief Administrative Officer, Large Venue Entertainment Centre project, it is proposed that an application for rezoning and official plan amendments be considered for February 20, 2005;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT no applications be submitted until such time as Council has received all feasibility studies and has made a decision on the location of the proposed Large Venue Entertainment Centre.

(File No. CSU-R05-001-2005)
LOST (6:6)
(See Recorded Vote)
A Recorded Vote was requested by Councillor K. George.

YEAS: Councillor Downes, Councillor Garrison, Councillor B. George, Councillor K. George, Councillor Meers, Councillor Pater (6)

NAYS: Mayor Rosen, Councillor Beavis, Deputy Mayor Foster, Councillor Patterson, Councillor Smith, Councillor Sutherland (6)

ABSENT: Councillor Stoparczyk (1)

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