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Planning Advisory Committee

Advisory body for planning and regulatory matters

The Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) is a working committee mandated by the Municipal Council to review certain planning and development applications. It makes recommendations to Council, which remains the final decision-making authority.
The Director of Urban Planning presents applications to the CCU during closed meetings. Certain projects must be reviewed by the committee prior to the issuance of a permit, including new constructions, building extensions, façade modifications, and demolitions.

Role of the PAC

The Committee:

  • Reviews projects in light of municipal by-laws
  • Evaluates architectural integration
  • Considers the existing built environment
  • Assesses neighbourhood impact
  • Makes recommendations to Council

Committee meetings are not open to the public.

Committee Composition

The PAC is composed of:

Chairman
Councillor Larry Zoltak

Vice-chairman
Councillor Leon Elfassy

Citizen members
Daniel Turner, Engineer
Gabriel Kakon, M. Arch
David Hilf, B. Arch
George Elbaz, Architect
Martin Leblanc, Architect

Secretary
Urban Planning Director

Citizen members are appointed based on their interest in urban planning and knowledge of the community.

Mandate and Process

The Committee meets as required, depending on the volume of applications.

Applications are reviewed based on:

  • Submitted plans
  • Applicable by-laws
  • Evaluation criteria
  • Professional recommendations from the Urban Planning Department

Following review, the Committee adopts a recommendation that is forwarded to Municipal Council for decision. 

Submitting an application

Applications requiring Committee review must be submitted to the Urban Planning Department.

A complete application includes:

  • Required plans
  • Technical documentation
  • Applicable forms
  • Required fees

Only complete applications are placed on the Committee agenda. 

Transparency and Final Decision

Final decisions are rendered by Municipal Council at a public meeting.
Residents may consult Council minutes to review adopted resolutions.