February 2, 2026
Members present: Paul Johanis (chair), Judie Garbo, Arto Keklikian, Angela Keller-Herzog, William van Geest, Erwin Dreessen and Sofie Waters (guest)
1. Adoption of the agenda
As quorum was not achieved, the agenda was not formally adopted. However, it was agreed to share information and discuss the items listed.
2. Administrative items
a. Minutes of November 17, 2025, this item was deferred.
3.
The GA reviewed the proposed conversions under the new Bylaw for areas currently zoned as Environmental Protection and Open spaces. The Chair reported on the content of GA delegation for the December 17 meeting of the Joint Planning and ARAC committee meeting. The GA is in general agreement with the new Zoning Bylaw overall but objects to Development Reserve Zoning for two greenspace parcels owned by the NCC: the McCarthy Woods corridor and the Woodroffe-Merivale corridor. The GA will make the case that the current zoning should be maintained for these parcels.
The GA made a submission to the City calling for the greenspace acquisition fund to be appropriately topped up now that the City has adopted formal criteria for the acquisition of rural lands for conservation purposes and that the activities scheduled for the year as per the Urban Forest Management Plan be fully funded.
The Chair briefed members on the process and timing of the next review of the Official Plan. Staff expect to present a report on Growth Management in January. These will include new population and household projections, updated housing projections by type and the determination of how much, if any, new greenfield land will be needed to accommodate projected housing demand. The chair attended a stakeholder’s meeting on November 19 to discuss the methodology and assumptions that will be used for this purpose.
4.
The major threat at this point is the potential rezoning under the new Zoning Bylaw to Development Reserve of lands through which the Poets’ Pathway goes. This is being countered through our advocacy on the new Bylaw, in collaboration with the Poets’ Pathway Committee and the Community Associations directly affected. Contacts have been established with the local councillors, federal and provincial elected officials and a meeting was held with the NCC to explain the impact of residential development in these areas, which they own. Councillor Brockington will bring a motion to maintain the status quo for the zoning of the two parcels of concern.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15.
