‘The sheer size of the structure is entirely inappropriate for the proposed site,’ says one resident, as others raised concerns about noise and parking over high school’s dome plan
A sports dome planned for St. Augustine Catholic High School is going to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) after a committee in Markham turned it down due to feedback from local residents.
Markham’s committee of adjustment denied a minor variance request at its meeting on July 22. The owner appealed that decision to the OLT on August 10, according to city officials.
The York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) announced that it has partnered with a private company to construct and manage the sports dome on school property located in the Cachet area, near Woodbine Avenue and 16th Avenue.
If granted approval, the board believes the dome would provide St. Augustine students with “much-needed year-round space” for sports and extracurricular activities.
“This dome would also be available to sports leagues from the wider Markham community, which need additional athletic facilities,” YCDSB stated in a press release.
Variances Denied
To proceed with construction, the air-supported dome needed four variances from city zoning regulations.
According to City of Markham officials, the structure would reach a height of 24.08 metres – surpassing the 15-metre limit set for indoor sports buildings – and would be placed 21.57 metres away from nearby residential properties to the north.
The applicant also requested permission for recreational fitness center use and sought a variance for only 234 parking spaces instead of the required 479.
Markham’s committee of adjustment denied these requests in July, prompting an appeal to OLT.
‘The Reaction Was Universally Negative’
Residents living near Rachel Crescent have significant worries about both size and location of the proposed dome.
“The sheer size of the structure is entirely inappropriate for the proposed site,” resident John Butcher remarked.
Butcher expressed concern that this 24-metre building would loom over adjacent homes and obstruct views from surrounding properties. He also mentioned potential noise from mechanical equipment used to keep the dome inflated since fan units are expected on its north side, close to residential backyards.
The city indicated that no noise study was necessary as part of this minor variance application process.
Butcher questioned whether some neighbors received enough information through mailed notices regarding project details. He noted that blueprints and site plans weren’t included with those notices but were accessible via the city’s website.
“I personally had to knock on my neighbours’ doors and explain what is being proposed,” Butcher said. “Once I did, the reaction was universally negative.”
The city clarified that residents within 120 metres were notified by mail about this committee hearing per Planning Act guidelines. Before July’s meeting, they received 19 letters opposing while getting support from just 11 individuals. Seventeen residents attended that meeting as well.
“The YCDSB respects the role of City of Markham and Ontario Land Tribunal in reviewing this proposal, and we will continue supporting this process as appropriate,” stated board representatives.
Scarlett Liu is a federally funded reporter at Markham Economist & Sun
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