MINUTES

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING

2007-05-29

Council Chamber

Meeting No. 8

All Members of Council

Development Services

Chair: Regional Councillor J. Jones

Vice-Chair: Councillor J. Webster

Attendance

Mayor F. Scarpitti Deputy Mayor J. Jones Regional Councillor J. Heath Regional Councillor T. Wong Regional Councillor G. Landon Councillor V. Burke Councillor E. Shapero Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor C. Moretti Councillor D. Horchik Councillor L. Kanapathi

V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design S. Bordone, Planner S. Heaslip, Senior Planner R. Kendall, Manager, Central District S. Muradali, Planner A. Tari, Committee Clerk

The Development Services Public Meeting convened at the hour of 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber with Deputy Mayor J. Jones in the Chair.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST - None

1. WOODJANE CORPORATION
A ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATION
TO PERMIT A TWO-STOREY MIXED-USE
COMMERCIAL PLAZA, AT 8241 WOODBINE AVENUE.
EAST SIDE OF WOODBINE AVENUE,
NORTH OF HIGHWAY 407
ZA 06 134156 (10.5)

Report Attachment

The Chair advised the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider a rezoning application to permit a two-storey mixed-use commercial plaza at 8241 Woodbine Avenue, north of Highway 407, east of Woodbine Avenue (ZA 06 134156), submitted by Woodjane Corporation.

The Committee Clerk advised that 24 notices were mailed on May 9, 2007, and a Public Meeting sign was posted on May 4, 2007. No written submissions were received regarding this proposal.

Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal, the location and surrounding uses. Outstanding issues to be addressed relative to the proposal are the preparation of a traffic impact study and a sanitary sewer capacity study is also required.

Representatives of the owners of Woodjane Corporation were in attendance to respond to questions.

There were no comments from the audience with respect to this application.

Moved by: Regional Councillor J. Heath

Seconded by: Councillor L. Kanapathi

That the Development Services Commission report dated April 17, 2007, entitled "Preliminary Report Woodjane Croporation. Rezoning application to permit a two-storey mixed-use commercial plaza at 8241 Woodbine Avenue, located north of Highway 407, east of Woodbine Avenue (ZA 06 134156)" be received;

And that the Record of the Public Meeting held on May 29, 2007 with respect to the proposed amendments to By-law 2284-68 be received;

And further that the application by Woodjane Corporation to amend By-law 2284-68 be referred back to staff for a report and recommendation.

CARRIED

2. 1039954 ONTARIO LIMITED
SOUTHEAST CORNER OF
MAJOR MACKENZIE DRIVE & RALPH CHALMERS AVENUE
WISMER COMMONS COMMUNITY
PROPOSED PLAN OF SUBDIVISION AND
IMPLEMENTING ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENTS
SU 02 118676 (19TM-02016 – PHASE 3) AND ZA 07 108332 (10.7. 10.5)

Report Attachment

The Chair advised the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider a proposed draft plan of subdivision (19TM-02016 - Phase 3) and zoning by-law amendments (SU 02 118676 and ZA 07 108332) submitted by 1039954 Ontario Limited.

The Committee Clerk advised that 46 notices were mailed on May 9, 2007, and a Public Meeting sign was posted on May 7, 2007. No written submissions were received regarding this proposal.

Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal, the location, surrounding uses. There are no outstanding issues.

Representatives of the owners of 1039954 Ontario Limited were in attendance to respond to questions.

There were no comments from the audience with respect to this application.

Moved by: Councillor C. Moretti

Seconded by: Regional Councillor G. Landon

That the Record of the Public Meeting held on May 29, 2007 with respect to applications SU 02 118676 (19TM-02016 – Phase 3) and ZA 07 108332 submitted by 1039954 Ontario Limited for draft plan of subdivision approval and amendments to Zoning By-laws 304-87 and 177-96, be received;

And that draft plan of subdivision 19TM-02016, Phase 3 be referred back to staff for further review and approval under section 2 (b) (iv) of Delegation By-law 2002-202.

And that amendments to Zoning By-laws 304-87 and 177-96 to implement draft plan of subdivision 19TM-02016 – Phase 3 be finalized for enactment.

CARRIED

3. TIMES MARKHAM CENTRE
(MAJESTIC COURT CONDOMINIUM)
NORTH-WEST CORNER OF SOUTH TOWN CENTRE BOULEVARD
AND CLEGG ROAD, APPLICATION FOR ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT
TO PERMIT AN INCREASE IN THE MAXIMUM NUMBER
OF STOREYS FROM 12 TO 16, AND INCREASE IN THE MAXIMUM
NUMBER OF DWELLING UNITS FROM 400 TO 532, AND TO
REZONE A PORTION OF THE PROPERTY FOR A PUBLIC PARK
(ZA 07 111517) (10.3, 10.5)

Report Attachment

The Chair advised the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider a zoning by-law amendment to permit an increase in the maximum number of storeys from 12 to 16, and increase in the maximum number of dwelling units from 400 to 532, and to rezone a portion of the property for a public park, submitted by Times Markham Centre (Majestic Court Condominium)

The Committee Clerk advised that 1347 notices were mailed on May 9, 2007, and a Public Meeting sign was posted on May 3, 2007. Four written submissions were received regarding this proposal.

Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal, the location, surrounding uses. Outstanding issues to be addressed relative to this proposal include the building of a public park with sufficient public exposure and access, height policies of the Markham Centre Secondary Plan, and built form.

Mr. David Bronskill, Goodmans LLP, representing Markham Suites Hotel Limited, spoke in opposition to the proposal for zoning by-law amendment to permit the increase in the maximum number of storeys. His concerns related mainly to the proposed height increase and felt it was not in keeping with the policy direction of Markham Centre and that the increased height of the building may block the Hilton’s clock tower. Mr. Bronskill also indicated the “slab” type building could have adverse impact on existing uses in the area and on future development.

Staff advised that another option would be to not increase the height of the approved buildings but instead add a third, smaller residential building in place of the proposed park site. The Committee agreed the option of a public park is a healthier choice for residents and surrounding employees as opposed to a third concrete building. However, Committee expressed concerns with respect to the public access and visibility of the park location. Staff advised that issues such as park access and public visibility can be dealt with through the site plan approval process. Staff also advised discussions with H & R Developments (owners of the lands abutting the park site) are in progress to consider park entrance alternatives. Committee indicated that the park issues should be addressed before the By-law is presented to Council for enactment.

The Committee questioned whether an Official Plan Amendment to the Secondary Plan was required relative to this application. Bob Crews, J.D. Barnes Limited, representing Times Markham Centre advised that a Secondary Plan amendment is not required. Mr. Crews also advised that the Precinct Plan which was adopted in 2005 does not include a park, but the Secondary Plan does contemplate a park in this area, and as a result, they have amended their application accordingly.

The Architect representing Times Markham Centre advised the Committee that the requested increased height is marginal relative to the original suggested height and confirmed it will not block the Hilton Suites’ clock tower.

Committee questioned whether the proposed By-law would be ready for Council before the summer recess. Staff confirmed that it is not likely that the park issues can be dealt with before the Council summer recess and the By-law may not be ready for Council until the Fall.

Moved by: Councillor E. Shapero

Seconded by: Councillor C. Moretti

That the deputation by David Bronskill, Goodmans LLP regarding the proposed zoning by-law amendment with respect to increase in permitted building height and an increase in permitted number of dwelling units, be received;

That the staff report dated May 1, 2007, entitled “PRELIMINARY REPORT – Times Markham Centre (Majestic Court Condominium) – North-west corner of South Town Centre Boulevard and Clegg Road – Application for zoning by-law amendment to permit an increase in the maximum number of storeys from 12 to 16, and increase in the maximum number of dwelling units from 400 to 532, and to rezone a portion of the property for a public park” be received;

And that the Record of the Public Meeting held on May 29, 2007 with respect to the proposed amendment to By-law 2004-196, as amended, be received;

And that the application by Times Markham Centre to amend By-law 2004-196 as amended, be approved;

And further that the proposed amendment to By-law 2004-196, as amended, be enacted without further notice, upon resolution of the identified park issues.

CARRIED

4. CO-OPERATORS DEVELOPMENT CORP.
34 MAIN STREET UNIONVILLE, MARKHAM CENTRE
ZONING AMENDMENT TO PERMIT 3 RESIDENTIAL APARTMENT
BUILDINGS WITH A TOTAL OF 319 UNITS (ZA 06 120486) (10.5)

Report Attachment

The Chair advised the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider a zoning by-law amendment to permit 3 residential apartment buildings with a total of 319 units, 34 Main Street Unionville (ZA 06-120486, submitted by Co-Operators Development Corporation.

The Committee Clerk advised that 1663 notices were mailed on May 9, 2007, and a Public Meeting sign was posted on May 9, 2007. Eight written submissions were received regarding this proposal.

Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal, the location, surrounding uses and outstanding issues. Staff advised a Community Information Meeting was held on February 1, 2007 and that residents expressed concerns relative to the following: the proposed height of buildings on Main Street, traffic and trucks levels on Main Street, proposed access from the site to Main Street and the loss of trees on the site.

Mr. Vijay Sappani addressed Council on the proposed zoning By-law amendment stating the development of condominiums will take away the historical value of Unionville. Mr. Sappani also stated the increase in traffic will negatively impact the quality of life for the residents in Unionville.

Mr. Richard Talbot read a prepared text on behalf of Mr. Harry Eaglesham. He is supportive of the amendment to reduce the height of the buildings fronting on to Main Street although is concerned with the impact the development will have on the Main Street south beautification plan. He also suggested the proposed roadway emptying on Main Street should enter/exist to the west of the development only.

Mr. Richard Talbot addressed Council on the proposed zoning By-law amendment stating he has two areas of concern, namely, the increased traffic on Main Street resulting from the increased density from the condominiums and preservation of the two rows of trees on the property to maintain the historical environment and provide a buffer.

Mr. Pres Harrison addressed Council on the proposed zoning By-law amendment stating he was concerned with the increased traffic on Main Street as a result of the development. Mr. Harrison also stated the proposed condominiums will disturb the character of the Unionville community.

Ms. Gail Leroux addressed Council on the proposed zoning By-law amendment stating she is not supportive of the high density on Main Street. She also suggested the Region of York will be providing a traffic study report with respect to Main Street and stated that zoning amendments should not be approved pending completion of the report.

The Committee expressed a number of concerns including that the proposed amendment should not set a precedent for other applications coming forward in the Main Street Unionville area. Other areas of concerns discussed were: traffic levels on Main Street, the modern look of the building structure, encroachment into the 10 metre buffer required by the TRCA, and preservation of all of the native trees on the property.

Mr. Brian Moss, Development Manager, the Co-operators Development Corporation, explained due to servicing allocation and traffic issues the project will have to be developed in phases. Mr. Moss also advised that the proposed development includes exits on Main Street although, once “Street A” is built and connected to the future Enterprise Blvd. the access can be closed and re-directed to the new streets. He also stated additional tree planting is included with the proposal.

The Committee suggested the proposed development be reconfigured to include a block of townhouses facing on Main Street with the condominium buildings behind. The Committee also suggested the owners of the abutting lands to the south consider working together in developing the lands in an effort to maintain the Main Street Streetscape.

Moved by: Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by: Councillor J. Virgilio

That the Development Services Commission report dated October 3, 2006 entitled "Co-operators Development Corp. Application for Zoning Amendment to permit 3 residential apartment buildings with a total of 319 units, 34 Main Street Unionville, Markham Centre, ZA. 06-120486" be received;

And that the record of the Public Meeting held on May 29, 2007 with respect to the proposed Zoning By-law amendment be received;

And further that the application by Co-operators Development Corp. for Zoning By-law amendment be referred back to staff for a report and recommendation.

And further that the application be referred to the Unionville Sub-Committee.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

The Development Services Public Meeting adjourned at the hour of 9:50 p.m.