The first Industrial Zone of the City of Hamilton's new Comprehensive Zoning By-Law, Research and Development (M1) Zone was approved by Hamilton City Council on February 15, 2007. The M1 Zone is applicable to the area known as the West Hamilton Innovation District (WHID).
The zoning implements the proposed Official Plan Policies by applying this new Zone to the lands shown on the Map. The Zone provides for a range of uses, including:
- Research and Development
- Science and Technology
- Pharmaceutical and Medical
- Laboratory
- Computer, Electronic and Data Processing
- Printing Establishment
In order for redevelopment to occur, transition uses were provided for. These transitional uses are permitted to locate within an existing building, and include:
- Manufacturing
- Motor Vehicle Service Station
- Repair Service, and
- Warehousing
It was also recognized there was a need for limited supportive commercial uses to be provided for. These uses are restricted in both size and location, as they are meant to serve the needs of employees within the park. They include:
- Financial Establishment
- Personal Services
- Restaurant
- Retail
As part of the introduction of the M1 Zone, new definitions and parking requirements were also developed.
In order to recognize the unique requirements of the McMaster Innovation Park (MIP), Special Exemption 7 was developed (refer to zoning maps 949a, 950a and 991). This exemption allows for additional uses on the MIP lands, including:
- Museum
- Educational Establishment
- Multiple Dwelling
In order to ensure the Park retains its focus as being the centre for Research and Development, Educational Establishments and Multiple Dwellings have been limited in size and location, contingent on the amount of development built for research and development-type uses.
A second Special Exemption (number 6) was developed for the property abutting the rail line to recognize the existing rail use (refer to zoning maps 950a and 992a). At redevelopment, additional development requirements will be enforced to decrease the impact of any future activity on the site to the abutting residential neighbourhood.
The West Hamilton Innovation District Secondary Plan and Zoning By-law were approved by Hamilton City Council on February 15, 2007. Both have been susbsequently appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). As per the Planning Act, the effect of these appeals means that the Interim Control By-law that was applied to the WHID area will remain in effect until such time as the OMB Appeals have been resolved.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Jocelyn Strutt at (905) 546-2424 Ext. 1287 regarding the Research and Development (M1) Zone or Brenda Khes at (905) 546-2424 Ext. 1224 regarding the West Hamilton Innovation District Secondary Plan.
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