Community Benefits – 525-555 Princess St.

The City of Kingston is seeking input on proposed community benefits related to the development proposal for 525-555 Princess St. (City File Number D35-001-2019).

Community benefits can form part of the approvals process for a project under the Planning Act. In exchange for height or density that exceeds a property’s zoning permission, municipalities may receive community benefits.

This proposed building project has yet to be approved by the City. This is a consultation to ask for feedback from the community on possible community benefits. The development must meet the tests of good planning for community benefit agreements to be established.

Offer your input on possible community benefits

The Planning Act and the Official Plan (OP) provide the parameters for how communities may negotiate community benefits. The estimated approximate value of the community benefit contribution for this development is $300,000 (updated from a previously estimated range of $100,000 to $150,000). The following categories of possible community benefits are derived from a listing found in Section 9.5.25 of the OP:

• Providing public art
• Providing parkland dedication beyond what is already required
• Providing community and open space facilities
• Providing street greening of Alfred St. in accordance with the Williamsville Main St. Plan and Schedule PS-1

Community benefits are finalized through a Council-approved, site-specific amending zoning bylaw that implements a proposed development.

This is the first in a multi-step process:

1. Staff will collect and assess all suggestions, and will present them to the Planning Committee, while making recommendations based on feasibility. Council is the approval authority.
2. Should Council approve community benefits for 525-555 Princess St , the specific design details are expected to undergo additional community engagement with residents, the district councillor and interested community groups.