Weston Consulting Group


WESTON CONSULTING GROUP E-NEWSLETTER - ISSUE 12
In November, 1981, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Arthur” were number one box office hit movies, the Rolling Stones were performing their new hit “Start Me Up”, the Los Angeles Dodgers had just won the World Series, the New York Islanders were Stanley Cup winners, and Pierre Elliot Trudeau was Prime Minister of Canada. The other notable event of 1981 is that on Friday, November 13th of that year, Peter Weston opened a planning consulting firm called Weston & Associates, in the Town of Vaughan. On November 13th, 2011, our 23 staff, their spouses, significant others and kids, including two babies (future planners no doubt), gathered to celebrate 30 years in business. As we commemorate this noteworthy achievement, I cannot help but be amazed at how this company has grown and evolved over the years. We are now active right across the Province of Ontario and the Weston banner and logo is seen in over 50 municipalities at the moment. I am extremely proud to work with the many talented people who strive to make Weston Consulting Group a successful force in the planning and development industry throughout this Province. One of those gifted individuals, Alan Young, Senior Associate, has written all three articles in this month’s newsletter discussing the recent approval of “The Hive” condominium in Toronto, a new approval on Major Mackenzie Drive within Maple, and a recent OMB decision regarding a project on Pondview Drive in Thornhill. As we lead up to the Christmas break, and begin to slow down our activities so that we can spend time with, and truly appreciate, our loved ones, families and friends, I would like to sincerely wish all of our clients, friends and supporters Best Wishes for the holiday season. As well, may 2012 bring you health, happiness and prosperity, as we look forward to working with you for another 30 years.



“The Hive” Condominium, Toronto


At the conclusion of a one-day hearing held in October 2011, the Ontario Municipal Board granted the appeal of Symmetry Developments Inc. against the refusal of its application for minor variances by the City of Toronto (Etobicoke and East York) Committee of Adjustment (PL11064). The site plan application was also approved. Symmetry’s 0.045 ha site is located at the northeast corner of The Queensway and Lady Bank Road (east of Islington Avenue). The appeals related to the owner’s proposed six-storey, 19-unit mixed-use building. The proposed density is 3.75 F.S.I.









WCGI celebrates its 30th Anniversary

November 13, 2011 marked 30 years in business for the Weston Consulting Group. Over the years the firm has successfully navigated through the ups and downs of the economy, significant changes in planning policies and many development flavours and trends since 1981. The firm remains in the forefront of the planning business with a talented group of 23 dedicated professionals in its ranks. Staff and their families celebrated this milestone at a party hosted by Peter and Alice Weston.



394 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville Yonge and Harding Boulevard, Richmond Hill



Developments approved for developments on Major Mackenzie Drive, Maple, Vaughan
At hearings held in October and November, 2011, the Ontario Municipal Board approved official plan and zoning amendments for two multiple-family residential developments on Major Mackenzie Drive, both in Local Centres as designated by the City of Vaughan, and both on a future Regional Rapid Transit Corridor as designated in the new Region of York Official Plan. In both cases, settlements were reached between the owner and the City. Evidence that the projects constituted good planning was presented by Alan Young, Weston Consulting.


Pondview Drive, Thornhill, City of Vaughan
In April 2010, the Ontario Municipal Board issued an interim decision approving a rezoning and consents to create five 15-metre lots for detached dwellings fronting on a proposed extension of Pondview Road in Thornhill. The owners had filed the appeal on the basis that the City had not approved the applications within the timeframes required by the Planning Act. On the eve of the hearing, the City of Vaughan refused the rezoning application despite positive staff recommendations.

Ask the Planner

What is an Urban Design Brief ? When and why is this required as part of a development application?

An Urban Design Brief is an illustrative report which provides an overall urban design framework for a proposed development, usually associated with an Official Plan Amendment or a Zoning Bylaw Amendment application. The report typically provides a description of the process and rationale for site development, building design and landscaping elements.

About Weston Consulting Group

Weston Consulting Group Inc. (WCGI) offers consulting services in the fields of urban, regional and rural planning, computerized design and project management. Our highly qualified and experienced professionals have a thorough knowledge of the planning process, government policy and regulations, trends of the development industry and ways and means of adding value to property. WCGI tailors effective, innovative and practical solutions to each specific project.



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