MINUTES

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

2007-09-18

Meeting No. 24

All Members of Council

Development Services Economic Development

Chair: Regional Councillor J. Jones Chair: Regional Councillor T. Wong

Vice-Chair: Councillor J. Webster Transportation Issues

Chair: Regional Councillor G. Landon

PART B

Report Agenda

9:00 a.m. – Council Chamber

Attendance

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

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services S. Bordone, Planner C. Conrad, Town Solicitor G. Duncan, Heritage Planner R. Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning R. Kendall, Manager, Central District V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design A. Tari, Committee Clerk

The Development Services Committee convened at the hour of 9:02 a.m. in the Council Chamber with Deputy Mayor J. Jones in the Chair.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

None disclosed.

1. PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS (12.2.6)

Hugh Allison, Firefighter, Fire & Emergency Services – 20 years

Donato Capozzi, Labourer/Driver, Operations – 20 years

Leo Panzarella, Waterworks Operator II, Operations – 20 years

Andy Taylor, Commissioner, Corporate Services – 15 years

Garry Hale, Building Inspector II, Building Standards – 10 years

Alexander Chan, Provincial Offences Officer II, By-laws & Licensing Division – 5 years

Steve Dahan, Truck Driver, Operations – 5 years

Raj Raman, Manager, Accounting and Expenditure Control, Financial Services – 5 years

Alex Spasewski, Provincial Offences Officer II, By-laws & Licensing Division – 5 years

Sabrina Bordone, Planner II, Planning & Urban Design – 3 years

Frank Caswell, Truck Driver, Operations – 3 years

Trevor Frizzle, Facility Operator I, Recreation Services, Crosby C.C. – 3 years

Laura Gold, Assistant to Council/Committee – Clerk’s – 3 years

Scott Greer, Facility Operator II, Recreation Services, Milliken Mills C.C. – 3 years

Dan Jones, Facility Operator I, Recreation Services, Angus Glen C.C. – 3 years

Ken Karges, Lead, Service Management, Information Technology Services – 3 years

Ryan O’Reilly, Gardener, Operations – 3 years

Paul Willis, Sign Maintenance, Operations – 3 years

2. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- September 4, 2007, Part B (10.0)

September 4

Moved by: Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by: Regional Councillor J. Heath

That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting, Part B, held September 4, 2007, be confirmed.

CARRIED

3. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
- September 4, 2007 (10.0)

September 4

Moved by: Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by: Regional Councillor J. Heath

That the minutes of the Development Services Public Meeting, held September 4, 2007, be confirmed.

CARRIED

4. REPORT ON INCOMING PLANNING APPLICATIONS
FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 21, 2007 TO AUGUST 17, 2007 (10.0)

Report

Moved by: Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by: Regional Councillor J. Heath

That Committee receive the report entitled “Report on Incoming Planning Applications for the period of July 21, 2007 to August 17, 2007” and direct staff to process the applications in accordance with the route outlined in the report.

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

CARRIED

5. DELEGATED APPROVALS REPORT (10.0)

Report

Moved by: Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by: Regional Councillor J. Heath

That Council be advised that in accordance with Delegation By-law 2002-202, and additional site specific delegations authorized by the Development Services Committee, the Commissioner of Development Services or the Director of Planning and Urban Design have approved applications listed in the report dated September 18, 2007.

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

CARRIED

6. DESIGNATION UNDER PART IV OF THE
ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT
LINDVEST PROPERTIES (CORNELL) LIMITED
THE ABRAHAM REESOR HOUSE
7265 HIGHWAY 7 (16.11.3)

Report Attachments

Moved by: Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by: Regional Councillor J. Heath

That pursuant to the Conservation Review Board recommendation dated June 6, 2007, Council enact a by-law designating the Abraham Reesor House at 7265 Highway 7, under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act as a property of cultural heritage value or interest;

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

CARRIED

7. YONGE STEELES CORRIDOR STUDY (10.0)

Report Map Appendix A B

Moved by: Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by: Regional Councillor J. Heath

That the Development Services Committee Report titled, “Status Report: Yonge Steeles Corridor Study”, dated September 18, 2007, be received;

And that the study proceed as outlined in this report.

CARRIED

8. DEMOLITION PERMIT APPLICATION 07 113524 DP
CARMEN NACCARATO
94 JOHN STREET
THORNHILL HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT AND
THORNHILL SUB-COMMITTEE MINUTES (16.11)

Report Map Attachment Minutes

Mr. Barry Nelson, 38 Colborne Street, addressed the Committee with respect to the demolition permit application for 94 John Street. He spoke in support of the staff recommendation to deny the application as a means of preserving the character of the heritage area.

Mr. George Jenkyn, 21 Clark Avenue, addressed the Committee with respect to the demolition permit application for 94 John Street. He presented photos to the Committee of the Thornhill heritage area and stated he would like to ensure the heritage area is preserved.

The applicant, Mr. Carmen Naccarato, addressed the Committee with respect to the demolition permit application for 94 John Street. He indicated he does not want to destroy the heritage characteristics of the area and would indeed like to preserve them. Mr. Naccarato also advised he is prepared to consider other alternatives such as building another house in the back part of the property and leaving the existing bungalow for use of an office or studio.

The Committee asked if a second building could be added to the property without applying for a severance. Staff advised the current zoning allows for only one dwelling per lot and therefore, an application for a zoning amendment or minor variance would have to be submitted.

Mr. Bill Wylie, 148 John Street, addressed the Committee with respect to the demolition permit application for 94 John Street. He expressed appreciation to Council on behalf of the Society of the Preservation of Historic Thornhill for their assistance and support which resulted in a very successful 2007 Thornhill Village Festival. Mr. Wylie also stated he wanted to ensure the heritage area in Thornhill is preserved.

Ms. Evelin Ellison, 48 Julia Street, addressed the Committee with respect to the demolition permit application for 94 John Street. She expressed concern that if this application was approved, it could set a precedent for similar actions within the Thornhill Heritage area.

Ms. Marion Matthias, 33 Colborne Street, addressed the Committee with respect to the demolition permit application for 94 John Street. She spoke in support of staff’s recommendation to deny the demolition application.

The Committee questioned whether there was an opportunity for other actions by the applicant if Council denies the demolition permit application. Staff advised the applicant has the opportunity to appeal the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board. Staff also advised that the demolition application is deemed approved if Council does not make a decision within 90 days.

The Committee asked about what would happen if Mr. Naccarato withdrew his current application for a demolition permit and submitted an application for zoning amendment. Specifically, they questioned whether or not Mr. Naccarato would be allowed to re-submit a demolition permit in the event he was not satisfied with Council’s decision on his zoning amendment application. Staff indicated they were not certain if the Act would permit Mr. Naccarato to take such actions.

The Committee asked Mr. Naccarato if he would considering appealing Council’s decision to deny the approval of the demolition permit application. Mr. Naccarato advised that he will not appeal the decision if he is allowed the opportunity to build a second dwelling on the property.

Moved by: Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by: Councillor C. Moretti

That the minutes of the Thornhill Sub-Committee meeting, held July 23, 2007, be received;

And that the applicant work together with Town staff and the community and submit the necessary applications and work together with Town staff and the community on the following options:

(1) to allow for construction of a second dwelling on the property and a list of appropriate compatible uses for the heritage structure, including possible continuation of residential use; and,

(2) to consider a possible severance of the property, through Committee of Adjustment to allow an appropriate sized lot for the heritage building and the remainder of the lot for a new dwelling;

And that the Demolition Permit Application 07 113524 DP for 94 John Street in the Thornhill Heritage Conservation District be deferred;

And that it be noted that Mr. Naccarato agreed with the above process and voluntarily agreed to suspend the 90 day review period specified in the Ontario Heritage Act;

And that the property owner be notified of the decision to defer the demolition permit application;

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

CARRIED

9. RENAMING OF HIGHWAY 7 (10.14)

Report Attachments

The Committee expressed concerns that if the constituents do not appreciate having the Highway renamed that staff should not spend a lot of time on the issue. The Committee agreed to leave it to the Regional Municipality of York to do the public consultations regarding street name options.

Moved by: Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by: Councillor A. Chiu

That the report entitled “Renaming of Highway 7”, dated September 18, 2007, be received;

And that the Town of Markham request the Region of York to consider options for renaming the section of Highway 7 within the Town of Markham under the Region’s jurisdiction from “Highway 7” to a name more representative of an urban arterial road than a Provincial Highway;

And that the Region consult with other York Region municipalities (Vaughan and Richmond Hill) and adjacent Regions and municipalities that also have Highway 7 frontage, and with the public and area businesses;

And that Council rely on the Region’s public consultation process regarding street name options;

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

CARRIED

10. APPLICATIONS FOR ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT
AND SITE PLAN APPROVAL TO PERMIT
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL OFFICES AT
107-111 GLEN CAMERON ROAD
HUNSTER CORPORATION
ZA 05 023385 & SC05 023455 (10.5)

Report Attachments Appendix A B

Richard Librach from Richard Librach Architect Inc. distributed pictures of the proposed office building structure.

The Committee questioned if the applicant would consider a use of a more of a permeable surface in the parking area to allow water to permeate into the soil. Mr. Librach advised that their landscape consultant felt the opportunity was not appropriate for this site. The Committee suggested the applicant work with Town staff to come up with other options for permeable surfaces and to soften the current building design so that it is more amenable to the residents on the north side of the street.

Ms. Evelyn Ellison, 48 Julia Street, addressed the Committee with respect to the proposed application. She suggested a designated bike route lane be created and expressed concerns related to increased traffic, flooding, and lights facing residential areas in the evening.

Moved by: Councilor V. Burke

Seconded by: Councilor E. Shapero

That the staff report entitled “Applications for Zoning By-law Amendment and Site Plan Approval to permit business and professional offices at 107-111 Glen Cameron Road, Hunter Corporation, ZA 05 023385 & SC 05 023455” be received;

And that the Zoning By-law Amendment application (ZA 05 023385) to amend By-law 2237, as amended, submitted by Hunster Corporation to permit business and professional offices at 107-111 Glen Cameron Road, be approved and the draft Zoning By-law Amendment attached as Appendix ‘A’ be finalized and enacted;

And that the applicant work with Town staff to consider the use of permeable surfaces;

And that Town staff follow up with the Engineering Department with respect to the possible establishment of a designated bicycle route in the subject area;

And that the Site Plan Control Application (SC 05 023455) submitted by Hunster Corporation to permit business and professional offices at 107-111 Glen Cameron Road, be endorsed in principle, subject to the conditions attached as Appendix ‘B’;

And that site plan approval be delegated to the Director of Planning and Urban Design or her designate, to be issued following execution of a site plan agreement. Site Plan approval is issued only when the Director has signed the site plan “approved”.

CARRIED

11. MARKHAM CENTRE SECONDARY PLAN (OPA 21)
HEIGHT PROGRAMME, LAND USE SCHEDULES AND
TARGET DENSITY UPDATE (10.0, 10.4)

Report Attachment

Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal. The Committee stated concerns with respect to the original targeted unit counts of 10,000 and questioned if there will be enough community amenities such as parks, community centres, etc. if these counts continue to increase. The Committee also suggested staff look at the VIVA line through Markham Centre and to continue on through Highway 7. The Committee suggested that staff should be clear on what the requirements are with respect to increasing building heights in Markham Centre.

Moved by: Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by: Councillor D. Horchik

That Council affirm the original vision for Markham Centre as a human-scale, pedestrian-oriented, transit-supportive, major activity centre for the Town, in particular the height policies contained within the Markham Centre Secondary Plan (OPA 21), which call for a mid-rise community, with taller building elements concentrated around strategic “landmark” locations identified in the Plan;

And that staff review the available community amenities, park land distribution and road pattern;

And that staff be directed to review the Markham Centre Secondary Plan’s height policies, including specific design criteria relating to taller buildings at “landmark” locations;

That staff be directed to up-date the Markham Centre Secondary Plan’s Appendix ‘I’ – Central Area Statistics to reflect Precinct Plans and development applications approved by Council;

And that staff be directed to up-date the land use and other schedules within the Markham Centre Secondary Plan, to reflect Precinct Plans and development approvals, identified school and park locations, and established road alignments;

And that a public meeting be held, following completion of a draft Secondary Plan Amendment, to consider the Amendment;

And that the draft Secondary Plan Amendment be reviewed by the Markham Centre Advisory Group;

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

CARRIED

12. TOWN INITIATED OPA DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES
FOR THE LANGSTAFF AREA, AND
INITIATION OF A MASTER PLAN AND
SECONDARY PLAN AMENDMENT PROCESS
FOR THE LANGSTAFF AREA (10.3)

Report Presentation Attachments Appendix A

Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal. The Committee suggested that staff work with the Town of Richmond Hill staff to obtain an enhanced concept of the whole area. Staff is proposing that they do their own study and develop a Town of Markham master plan and coordinate with the adjacent land owners. The Committee also suggested that Town staff examine the aging sewer infrastructure and water flow.

Mr. Roger Beaman, Thomson, Rogers, solicitor for Condor Properties Ltd., addressed the Committee on the proposed application and stated that his clients understand the financial commitment outlined in the report and are ready to finalize it with Town staff. Mr. Beaman suggested that staff include into their development principles the notion of a high modal split.

The Committee questioned if outside consultants will be hired. Staff advised that a three year contract position is required, in addition to a consulting team, and the position will be funded by the landowners through Development Charges. The Committee stated concerns with respect to who the new staff person would report to. Staff assured Committee that the contract person will report directly to the Director of Planning and Urban Design and the Commissioner of Development Services.

Moved by: Councillor V. Burke

Seconded by: Councillor E. Shapero

That the report entitled “Town Initiated Official Plan Amendment, Development Principles for the Langstaff Area, and Initiation of a Master Plan and Secondary Plan Amendment Process for the Langstaff Area, File SD 03 – 116189” be received;

And that a Public Meeting be held to consider the Official Plan amendment (attached as Appendix ‘A’) to identify in the Markham Official Plan that the Langstaff Area is part of an Urban Growth Centre (Richmond Hill/Langstaff Gateway Urban Growth Centre) in the context of the Provincial Growth Plan;

And that Town staff be authorized to initiate a process, as outlined in this report, to prepare a Master Plan and a Secondary Plan amendment for the Langstaff area, in consultation with the Thornhill Sub-committee (comprised of Mayor Scarpitti ex officio, Deputy Mayor Jones, Regional Councillor Heath and Councillors Burke and Shapero) and area landowners and that staff consider creating an Advisory Committee;

And that a Request for Pre-Qualification to select a short list of qualified consultants to be invited to submit detailed proposals to undertake the preparation of a Master Plan for the Langstaff Area be developed, in accordance with the Town’s Purchasing By-law;

And that the Langstaff Land Owners provide financial security, to the satisfaction of the Town Treasurer, prior to the award of the contract to the successful consultant team;

And that a capital budget be established for the preparation of the Langstaff Area Master and Secondary Plan process, to be financed by the Langstaff Land Owners;

And that staff report back with the necessary credit agreement, to be executed with the Langstaff Land Owners, for the financing of the Master Plan and Secondary Plan Amendment preparation process, subject to the passage of a Development Charge By-law;

And that staff, in consultation with the Thornhill Sub-committee, report back to Development Services Committee on recommended consultant selection and the recommended Master Plan Study process and timelines, including the public consultation process;

And that staff update Development Services Committee on the status of the Master Plan and related studies on a regular basis;

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

CARRIED

13. MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION
RESPONSE TO FAILURE OF
MINNESOTA INTERSTATE 35W BRIDGE (5.0)

Letter

Moved by: Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by: Councillor L. Kanapathi

Letter from the Ministry of Transportation, dated August 9, 2007, advising that the Ministry will be undertaking a full inspection of all steel deck truss bridges on the provincial highway system, and encouraging municipalities to do the same.

CARRIED

14. MR. G AND MS. E. LILLIE
TRAFFIC ON NINTH LINE (5.12)

Letter

Moved by: Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by: Councillor L. Kanapathi

Letter from Mr. G. and Ms. E. Lillie, dated August 23, 2007, regarding the high volume of traffic on Ninth Line.

CARRIED

15. MR. R. WATT
SIDEWALK SOUTH OR NORTH SIDE OF 14TH AVENUE
FROM NINTH LINE TO THE NEW BOX GROVE BYPASS (5.18)

Letter

Moved by: Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by: Councillor L. Kanapathi

Letter from Mr. R. Watt, dated August 9, 2007, requesting a sidewalk on 14^th Avenue from Ninth Line to the new Box Grove By-pass.

CARRIED

16. MR. M. GORDON
PROPOSED RENAMING OF RAILSIDE PARK (3.0)

Letter

Moved by: Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by: Councillor L. Kanapathi

Letter from Mr. M. Gordon, dated June 14, 2007, requesting that Railside Park be renamed in memory of Ms. Beverley Gordon.

CARRIED

17. NEW BUSINESS (10.0)

The Committee asked staff about the Yonge Street Environmental Assessment and what conditions are required to re-develop and/or re-zone to ensure additional subway stops are included. Staff advised they will follow up with the Director of Engineering and the Director of Planning.

ADJOURNMENT

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at the hour of 12:40 p.m.