A minor variance application that would allow two Paxton Avenue properties to be re-merged and redeveloped is headed to St. Catharines' Committee of Adjustment next month.
Applicant Scott Smith is seeking relief from the city's zoning by-law for the properties at 11 and 13 Paxton Avenue, according to a City of St. Catharines notice. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, November 12 at 5 p.m.
What the application proposes
Application A-59/26 asks the committee to approve the cancellation of Consent B-03/12SC and the re-merging of the two lots, clearing the way for redevelopment of the existing detached dwelling on the site.
The specific relief sought is an increase in the maximum permitted lot area from 465 square metres to 568.1 square metres, a variance from Zoning By-law 2013-283, as amended.
How residents can participate
Written comments must reach the Secretary-Treasurer by 12 p.m. on November 6, 2026. Residents can also appear in person to make a verbal presentation to the committee at the hearing.
The city cautions that submissions become part of the public record and will be made available to the public, including on the city's website. Personal contact information such as phone numbers, email addresses, house numbers and signatures will be redacted before online posting.
Anyone who wants to appeal a future decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal should note the city's warning: an appeal may be dismissed if the person made no written or verbal submission at the hearing before the committee approved or refused the application. Under the More Homes Built Faster Act, appeals may be submitted by the applicant, the Minister or a specified person or public body with an interest in the matter.
Hearing details
The hearing will be held in person in Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall at 50 Church Street, with attendees asked to use the James Street entrance. The proceedings will also be live-streamed on the City of St. Catharines' YouTube account.
Questions, comments and requests for a copy of the Notice of Decision can be directed to Elaine Munro, Secretary-Treasurer of the Committee of Adjustment, at City Hall, P.O. Box 3012, 50 Church Street, St. Catharines, by email at CitizensFirst@stcatharines.ca or by phone at 905-688-5600.
