MINUTES

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING

2008-04-22 - 7:00 p.m.

Council Chamber

Meeting No. 4

All Members of Council

Development Services

Chair: Councillor J. Webster

Vice-Chair: Councillor D. Horchik

Attendance

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

R. Kendall, Manager, Central District V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design N. Surti, Planner B. Karumanchery, Manager, East District A. Tari, Committee Clerk

The Development Services Public Meeting convened at 7:00 PM in the Council Chamber with Councillor J. Webster in the Chair.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

None disclosed.

1. RULAND PROPERTIES INC. Page 1
VERDALE PROJECT – DOWNTOWN MARKHAM – PHASE 1
ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATION
151 UPPER DUKE CRESCENT
PLAN 19TM01012
MARKHAM CENTRE
ZA 08 107542 (10.5) R. Kendall, ext. 6588

Report Attachments

The Chair advised the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider an application submitted by Ruland Properties Inc., 151 Upper Duke Crescent to amend the Town's Markham Centre Zoning By-law (ZA 08-107542).

The Committee Clerk advised that 72 notices were mailed on April 2, 2008, and a Public Meeting sign was posted on April 2, 2008. No written submissions were received regarding this proposal.

Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal, the location, and surrounding uses.

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

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

That the record of the Public meeting held on April 22, 2008, with respect to the proposed zoning by-law amendment be received; and,

And that the application by Ruland Properties Inc. to amend By-law 2004-196 as amended, to permit an additional 4 storeys (approximately 12.43 metres) of height within Building ‘I’ of the Verdale project be approved; and further,

That the proposed amendment to By-law 2004-196, as amended, be enacted without further notice.

CARRIED

2. TOWN INITIATED OFFICIAL PLAN, SECONDARY PLAN Page 17
AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENTS TO IMPLEMENT
THE APPROVED LAND USE AND URBAN DESIGN VISION
FOR THE HIGHWAY 48 CORRIDOR BETWEEN 16^TH AVENUE
AND MAJOR MACKENZIE DRIVE (OP 06 129338, ZA 06 129342)
(10.3, 10.5) Nilesh Surti, ext. 4190

Report Attach

The Chair advised the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider a Town initiated Official Plan/Secondary Plan and Zoning By-law amendments for Highway 48 Corridor between 16^th Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive to implement the approved design vision and development guidelines for the Highway 48 Corridor (OP 06 129338 and ZA 06 129342)

The Committee Clerk advised that 580 notices were mailed on April 2, 2008 and that notice was published in the Markham Economist and Sun, Markham Page on April 2, 2008 and April 10, 2008.

Staff advised that the proposed Official Plan/Secondary Plan and Zoning By-law amendments are key components to implement the approved urban design vision and development guidelines for the Highway 48 corridor between 16^th Avenue and Major MacKenzie Drive. Staff also advised that there have been a number of meetings and discussions with the various landowners to obtain their feedback on the proposals and address any concerns raised.

Staff gave a detailed presentation regarding the Town initiated Official Plan/Secondary Plan and Zoning By-law amendment for the Highway 48 Corridor between 16^th Avenue and Major MacKenzie Drive proposal that included: the study area context; Highway 48 Urban Design Study; key objectives for the Highway 48 corridor; proposed Town initiated Official Plan Amendment; zoning strategy and landowner concerns raised at their meeting held on

February 19, 2008.

The Committee suggested eliminating any diagrams in future presentations that present buildings (such as Big Box) that would immediately front Highway 48 on the west side.

Mr. Stephen Waque, Borden Ladner Gervais, addressed the Committee regarding the proposed Town initiated Official Plan and Zoning amendments. Mr. Waque advised he represents Anagi Homes who own 6.5 acres of land at the northwest corner of Highway 48 and Edward Jeffreys Avenue, stating their support of the Town’s vision and planning objectives. He advised that their client has submitted a Site Plan application in September 2006 and have been working together with staff. He commented that the 10 storey height limitation will require some limitation on the way the buildings can be designed. Mr. Waque requests clarification that the general Official Plan policies related to residential densities do not apply.

Ms. Erinn Cooney addressed the Committee with respect to the proposed Town initiated Official Plan and Zoning amendments, advising that her street terminates at Castlemore Avenue at the back entrance of the Home Depot store which has considerable truck traffic. She suggested that the Committee ensure (through this development process) the existing residents remain protected from excessive traffic. Ms. Cooney suggested the Town should continue to work toward making this area pedestrian friendly.

The Committee suggested that the Home Depot site plan application be reviewed to ensure the impact between the commercial development and the current residents is alleviated.

Mr. David McKay, MHBC Planning, addressed the Committee regarding the proposed Town initiated Official Plan and Zoning amendments stating he represents various landowners within this area. He stated that they have already conveyed a number of matters to staff and are working with staff. With regards to the Edward Jeffery site, he indicated his client would like to suggest additional height relative to future residential on the site and looks forward to working with staff on this issue. Mr. McKay would also like to have further discussion with respect to the provision of residential dwellings along Highway 48.

Ms. Dianne More, Markham Village Conservancy, addressed the Committee regarding the proposed Town initiated Official Plan and Zoning amendments. She would like staff and the Committee to consider the following suggestions and recommendations:

• to include detailed guidelines for vegetation and landscaping along Markham Road and the intersecting avenues including multiple tree rows lining the boulevards and wide enough for pedestrians crossing the five lanes
• set up a Working Committee to oversee fundraising, budget, and monitor the sequencing of the projects based on the recommendations of the 2003 Main Street Markham Streetscape and Traffic Guidelines
• pledge to act on the recommendations expeditiously
• commit funds to the project and plan them into the budget for the next several years as the project moves forward.

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

That the correspondence received from Flato Management, Freeman Planning Solutions Inc., Borden Ladner Gervais, LLP, Powers Property Services Inc., and J.D. McDermott, Land Use & Environmental Planning Consultants; be received.

CARRIED

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

That the deputations from Stephen Waque, Erinn Cooney, David McKay and Dianne More, be received; and,

That the record of the Public Meeting held on April 22, 2008, with respect to “Town initiated Official Plan, Secondary Plan and Zoning By-law amendments (OP 06 129338 & ZA 06 129342) to implement the approved land use and urban design vision for the Highway 48 Corridor between 16^th Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive”, be received; and further,

That the Town initiated Official Plan, Secondary Plan and Zoning Amendments be referred back to staff for a report and recommendation.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

The Development Services Public Meeting adjourned at the hour of 8:05 PM