MINUTES

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING

2008-05-06 - 7:00 p.m.

Council Chamber

Meeting No. 5

All Members of Council

Development Services

Chair: Councillor J. Webster

Vice-Chair: Councillor D. Horchik

Attendance

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

G. Day, Planner R. Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design A. Tari, Committee Clerk

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

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

None disclosed.

1. PRELIMINARY REPORT
BALDATH RAMPERSAD
APPLICATIONS FOR REZONING FROM AGRICULTURAL
TO COMMUNITY AMENITY AREA AND SITE PLAN APPROVAL
TO PERMIT A DAYCARE CENTRE AND MEDICAL OFFICES AT
10137 WOODBINE AVENUE
(ZA 07127816 & SC 07 124013) (10.5, 10.6)

Report Attachments

The Chair advised the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider an application by Baldath Rampersad to amend the Zoning By-law to permit a daycare centre and medical offices located at 10137 Woodbine Avenue (ZA 07 127816 and SC 07 124013).

The Committee Clerk advised that 67 notices were mailed on April 16, 2008, and a Public Meeting sign was posted on April 8, 2008. Twenty-six written submissions were received regarding this proposal.

Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal, the location, surrounding uses. Staff advised that several revisions were made to the initial site plan application and the following issues have been satisfactorily addressed: poor parking layout; no secure drop off for the proposed daycare centre and no condition of provision for the hazard lands located at the rear portion of the subject property. Staff reported that Heritage Staff are satisfied with the architectural renderings and that the applicant has committed to the following: use of permeable paving in all designated play areas; increase the R Value insulation in all buildings and cool metal roof system for the Medical Building.

The Committee discussed the proposed Woodbine By-Pass and Old Woodbine Avenue re-alignment and how it will impact the access into the proposed site. Staff advised that they will ensure that the applicant has proper frontage once Wooodbine Avenue is re-aligned. The Committee asked about commercial medical waste disposal. The applicant, Mr. Baldath Rampersad, advised the Committee that the Medical building is anticipated to have family physicians and dentists as tenants that will not require medical waste disposal.

Mr. Raymond Quan, Markham resident, addressed the Committee regarding the proposed application located at 10137 Woodbine Avenue. Mr. Quan enquired if there is possibility of a future medical lab and requested clarification regarding the proposed landscape buffer for the river and valleylands.

Staff advised that the proposed landscape buffer is required by the TRCA as a condition of development approval and will consist of native trees, shrubs, etc., that will soften the view for the existing community. Staff also advised that they can tighten the zoning amendment to site specific uses that will not include medical labs. Staff indicated that they will report back with a recommendation report in the Fall 2008.

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

That the correspondence from Raymond Ang, Irene Au, Amanda and Raymond Chan, Helen Chan, Matthew Chan, John Ching, Chatherine Chiu, Winnie Chu, Carlo Chung, Renee Didone, Indu Gulati, Reema Juneja, Annie Lam, Astrid Lam, Edwin Lee, Rodney Mui, Rayond Quan, Sahaila & Mostafa Roshan, Yuan Lu Shao, David Sheen, Danny Seto, Rita Lei, David Wong, Rayond B.Y. Wong, Anita Woo, Tommy & Many Yim and Sui Fong Leung Yueng; be received.

CARRIED

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

That the Development Services Commission report dated March 18, 2008, entitled “PRELIMINARY REPORT - Baldath Rampersad - Applications for rezoning from Agricultural to Community Amenity Area and site plan approval to permit a daycare centre and medical offices at 10137 Woodbine Avenue” be received; and,

That the Record of the Public Meeting held on May 6, 2008, with respect to the proposed amendments to By-law’s 304-87 and 177-96 be received; and further,

That the application to amend By-law’s 304-87 and 177-96 be referred back to staff for a report and recommendation.

CARRIED

2. 1456924 ONTARIO INC.
OFFICIAL PLAN AND ZONING BY-LAW
AMENDMENT APPLICATIONS
TO FACILITATE THE USE OF PART OF THE
GROUND FLOOR FOR PROFESSIONAL OFFICE SPACE
161 MAIN STREET, UNIONVILLE
(OP 08 106544, ZA 08 106545) (10.5)

Report Attachments

The Chair advised the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider an application submitted by 1456924 Ontario Inc. to amend the Town's Official Plan and Zoning By-laws to facilitate the use of part of the ground floor for professional office space at 161 Main Street, Unionville (OP 106544 and ZA 08 106545).

The Committee Clerk advised that 56 notices were mailed on April 16, 2008, and a Public Meeting sign was posted on April 4, 2008. No written submissions were received regarding this proposal.

Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal, the location, and surrounding uses. Staff provided the Committee with background history and the current situation of the building.

The Committee discussed the comments from John Winter, John Winter Associates Limited (2005 Land Use and Parking Study consultants), regarding specific commercial issues and the issue of ground floor offices.

Mr. Louis Vettas, Garfin Zeidenberg LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, addressed the Committee on behalf of the owner for the proposed application at 161 Main Street, Unionville. He advised the Committee that the owner has be unsuccessful in attracting a retail tenant into this space and the only viable alternative would be to permit the use for Real Estate office space. He stated this amendment will not encroach on any aspect of the current retail tenants and will continue to maintain and comply with the spirit of Main Street Unionville. Mr. Vettas also advised that the access to the proposed office space would continue to be through the side and rear entrances. He also spoke of positive contributions the 90 sales and administrative staff provide to retail and restaurant business activity on Main Street, Unionville.

Mr. Richard Talbot, Unionville Ratepayers Association, distributed photographs of the building at 161 Main Street, Unionville, and stated he is not in support of this application. He advised the Committee that the Unionville Ratepayers Association held a meeting on May 5, 2008 and passed the following motion: “The Unionville Ratepayers Association opposes any conversion of retail space into office space.” Mr. Talbot suggested that having less than 50% retail space on Main Street, Unionville, could potentially be a problem.

Mr. Ray Smylie, Unionville resident, addressed the Committee regarding the proposed application for 161 Main Street, Unionville, stating his opposition to this application. Mr. Smylie believes this location is an excellent retail spot and permitting office use would turn it into a dead zone.

Ms. Tracy MacKinnon, business owner on Main Street Unionville, addressed the Committee with respect to the proposed application for 161 Main Street, Unionville. She commended the applicant on the restoration work that they have done to the building and for all their good work for the Community. Ms. MacKinnon believes Council should uphold the current By-law and not permit office uses on the main floor area.

Ms. Karen Chadwick, owner of Queensbridge Mill, addressed the Committee regarding the proposed application for 161 Main Street, Unionville, stating her support. She expressed her sympathy for Royal LePage advising the business requires the proper access for it to grow. Ms. Chadwick stated it can be difficult to run and own property in an area of historical significance and she believes that a company such as Royal LePage could actually be a viable business for Main Street, Unionville.

Mr. Peter Wales, Unionville Villagers Association, addressed the Committee with respect to the proposed application for 161 Main Street, Unionville, stating he is not in support of this application. He advised the Unionville Villagers Association voted in opposition to the proposed application for 161 Main Street, Unionville. Mr. Wales believes it is a very visible and unique location for a retail business and expressed concern that if the office space is permitted it will set a precedent.

Ms. Kim Galway, Royal LePage, addressed the Committee regarding the proposed application for 161 Main Street, Unionville. She advised the Committee that in 2002 the front door of the building was never used to access the office building and that the intention is to keep it that way. Ms. Galway requested that the Committee support the application and look at the issue of permitting office uses on as a case by case scenario.

Mr. Greg McCormik, Unionville BIA, addressed the Committee with respect to the proposed application for 161 Main Street, Unionville, stating he is not in support of the application. He believes that if the retail businesses fall below 50% within Main Street Unionville, it will be problematic. Mr. McCormik believes the By-law should not be amended to permit office space on the ground level.

Ms. Linda Murphy, Royal LePage, addressed the Committee regarding the proposed application for 161 Main Street, Unionville stating she is a Unionville resident and employed by this Royal LePage and is in support of the application. She believes the Community will benefit by permitting this proposal and encouraged the Committee to support the application.

The Committee discussed the advantages of having a real estate business within Main Street Unionville and how the businesses within Main Street Unionville can benefit as well. The Committee discussed incorporating a further restriction in the amending zoning By-law that would only allow a Real Estate office use.

Moved by Councillor C. Moretti

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

That the Development Services Commission Report dated March 18, 2008 entitled “Preliminary Report, 1456924 Ontario Inc., Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment Applications to facilitate the use of part of the ground floor for professional office space, 161 Main Street, Unionville, OP 08 106544, ZA 08 106545” be received; and,

That the Record of the Public Meeting held on May 6, 2008, with respect to the proposed amendments to By-law 122-72, as amended, and the Unionville Core Area Secondary Plan, be received; and,

That the applications by 1456924 Ontario Inc. to amend By-law 122-72, as amended, with a restriction that the ground floor office space be for the sole use of Real Estate Offices, and the Unionville Core Area Secondary Plan be approved; and further,

That the proposed amendments to By-law 122-72, as amended, and the Unionville Core Area Secondary Plan, be enacted without further notice.

Amended by Council at its meeting held on May 13, 2008 to include the following:

That the following recommendation from the May 6, 2008 Development Services Committee Public Meeting be referred to the Unionville Subcommittee for further deliberation and stakeholder consultation; and, that in the absence of a consensus, staff be directed to prepare a report for the June 10, 2008 Council meeting on the application as currently submitted:

ADJOURNMENT

The Development Services Public Meeting adjourned at the hour of 9:09 PM