Waterfront changes are "just not Whitby" said mayor

WHITBY -- Plans to build five massive towers on Whitby's waterfront faced fierce resistance Monday from area residents worried about the effect of the proposal on the shoreline.

The 15-acre property, located right off the water on Brock Street, belongs to Brookfield Homes and is designated for high-density development.

The planned towers range from nine to 33 storeys encompassing a total of 1,243 units and a new public road. The buildings will be situated about 50 feet from the water, developers said.

Brookfield requested an amendment to the harbour development section of the Whitby Official Plan, permitting an increase in residential density from a maximum of 115 units per hectare to a maximum of 370 units per hectare. The second application was an amendment to the current high-density residential zoning bylaw to allow increases in maximum height of buildings and number of units. The plan also requests building a new road to extend from Brock Street South to a proposed waterfront walkway along the water's edge.

Many people voiced concerns Monday about the size of the development, which is slated to more than double the number of people per hectare.

Resident Sharon Johnston said she recently moved to the area from Scarborough because of concerns over high-density development.

"We're not opposed to any development; we're opposed to this magnitude of development," she said.

When an introductory public meeting was held March 31, area residents mostly expressed optimism about the harbour development and little was discussed about the issue of increased density.

At the meeting Monday, resident Rob Williamson said he lives across from the proposed development and approves the plan's updates. Because there is already a plan for development in place, residents must be more realistic, he said.

"The original plan was unattractive so this has improved that," he said. "They've given us a more beautiful, appealing design and I think we should go for it."

The redevelopment of the site is consistent with the intent of the Town of Whitby Official Plan, which designated it as high-density residential. Whitby planning director Bob Short said the site is a unique property in its ability to support the development and potential employment opportunities.

But some residents argued the development is likely to separate the lakefront from the rest of Whitby. They asked why other municipalities are protecting the Lake Ontario shoreline while Whitby is not. Birdwatchers said tall structures could endanger the safety of migratory birds, generally threatening Whitby's environmentally friendly reputation.

Some residents said they don't believe much foresight has gone into the plan, claiming Whitby doesn't have the infrastructure to support the development, which they said can lead to a series of problems, including increased crime, higher taxes and more traffic.

A transportation study was presented to address concerns brought forth in March, showing traffic demands can be satisfied by Brock Street south of Victoria Street East.

But the claim was vehemently opposed by members of the crowd, who said they regularly witness the problems traffic already creates during rush hours.

Brookfield Homes president Peter Nesbitt said the plan is not envisioned to happen quickly as it will be built over a period of about eight to 10 years and done in phases, each lasting one to two years.

Mayor Pat Perkins agreed with the majority of residents at the meeting. The plan doesn't work with the mandate of the Town and its inhabitants, she said.

"There are places I would find it acceptable, but not on the lakefront," she said. "It's just not Whitby."

The mayor said her vision for the town is one that mirrors Pickering's waterfront, which she considers more people-friendly.

"It's making people walk around and enjoy," she said. "This doesn't do for me what I saw in Pickering . . . I want to see good things happening but I'm not finding this is good enough and it's not friendly enough."

Council amended a motion that a walkway be built and opened to public prior to any occupancy. The recommendation will go before council July 7.