Report to: Development Services Committee Report Date: September 4, 2007

SUBJECT: Request by Heritage Markham to Comment on “Planning For Tomorrow-York Region Growth Management”

PREPARED BY: Regan Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning, ext. 2080

RECOMMENDATION:

That as per the recommendation of Heritage Markham, Council request that York Region acknowledge the importance of the protection and preservation of built heritage resources in future regional documentation when considering growth management strategies for the Region.

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Not applicable

1. Purpose 2. Background 3. Discussion 4. Financial

5. Others (Environmental, Accessibility, Engage 21st, Affected Units) 6. Attachment(s)

PURPOSE:

To provide background information on Heritage Markham’s May 9, 2007 recommendation to Council to request that York Region acknowledge the importance of the protection of built heritage resources when considering future growth management strategies for the Region.

BACKGROUND:

Region is undertaking consultation on growth management issues

In the spring of 2006, Regional staff conducted an extensive Phase 1 public consultation to obtain input on growth management issues in the Region. The results of this public input were posted on the Planning for Tomorrow portion of the Region’s website and reported to York Region Council in June and September 2006. With the release of additional background reports relating to growth in York Region and the preparation of proposed growth scenarios, Regional staff began Phase II of the public consultation and engagement to review future growth scenarios in the Region beginning in May 2007

.

Public open house and town hall meetings were held in the first 3 weeks of May to obtain input and stimulate discussion on possible growth scenarios. As well, stakeholder meetings were held with special interest groups. Groups such as Heritage Markham were contacted and sent the brochure entitled “Planning for Tomorrow- York Region Growth Management – Public Consultation (Spring/Summer 2007)”.

Heritage Markham recommends the issue of built heritage preservation be addressed by the Region

At the May 9, 2007 meeting of Heritage Markham, Councillor Burke provided information respecting the Region of York’s Planning for Tomorrow 2007 public engagement and consultation process which began on May 1^st throughout the Region. The concern was expressed that the promotional material for the public consultation process did not emphasize the protection of built heritage resources (individual buildings or heritage conservation districts) in the Region. Heritage Markham recommended that Markham Council request the Region of York to identify the protection of built heritage as a goal in its Planning for Tomorrow 2007 Public Consultation Process and future documents.

Council requests further information on the Heritage Markham recommendation

At the May 29^th Development Services Committee meeting, Council directed staff to report back on the Heritage Markham recommendation.

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

Regional public consultation brochure makes limited reference to heritage resources

A review of the Region’s Planning for Tomorrow-York Region Growth Management –Public Consultation (Spring/Summer 2007) brochure, finds there is minimal reference to the preservation of built heritage resources. The document addresses a number of issues related to future growth including the Region’s draft Sustainability Strategy, intensification opportunities and growth management principles. In discussing how York will grow, “building cities and protecting the countryside” is noted, but nothing about protecting existing heritage resources and areas. In the section on draft growth principles under New Communities, ‘preserving heritage’ is the only reference related to heritage conservation.

Provincial polices require heritage resources to be addressed

Heritage policies of the Provincial Policy Statement require built heritage resources to be protected and preserved:

o        2.6.1 “Significant built heritage resources and significant cultural heritage landscapes shall be conserved” (heritage conservation districts are significant cultural heritage landscapes)

o        2.6.3 “Development and site alteration may be permitted on adjacent lands to protected heritage property where the proposed development and site alteration has been evaluated and it has been demonstrated that the heritage attributes of the protected heritage property will be conserved.  Mitigative measures and/or alternative development approaches may be required in order to conserve the heritage attributes of the protected heritage property affected by the adjacent development or site alteration.” (Therefore, even sites adjacent to protected heritage sites would have to address the impact on the heritage resource and its attributes.  Heritage attributes are defined in the policy statement and include the principal features, characteristics, context and appearance that contribute to the properties cultural heritage significance).

The Region should be cognizant that existing heritage conservation districts and individual heritage resources should be protected and preserved when considering the growth potential of certain areas in the Region.  It is not appropriate to recommend major intensification to areas where the implementation would not be compatible with the environment that a community is attempting to preserve.

Recommendation

It is recommended that as per the Heritage Markham recommendation, Council request that York Region acknowledge the importance of the protection and preservation of built heritage resources in future regional documentation when considering growth management strategies for the Region.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND TEMPLATE: (external link)

None

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Heritage conservation policies requiring preservation and reuse of existing heritage buildings, retention of original heritage materials and demolition policies helps prevent materials going to landfill sites, and is part of part of a sustainable society.

ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

Not Applicable

ENGAGE 21^ST CONSIDERATIONS:

The protection and preservation of built heritage resources helps to achieve a Quality Community.

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDED BY:

Valerie Shuttleworth, M.C.I.P., R.P.P. Director of Planning & Urban Design

Jim Baird, M.C.I.P., R.P.P. Commissioner of Development Services

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix A - Brochure: Planning for Tomorrow- York Region Growth Management- Public Consultation (Spring/Summer 2007)

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