MINUTES
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE
September
9, 2008
Meeting No. 20
All
Members of Council
Development
Services Economic
Development
Chair: Councillor J. Webster Chair: Regional Councillor T. Wong
Vice-Chair: Councillor D. Horchik Transportation Issues
Chair: Regional Councillor G. Landon
PART A
Presentations, Major Studies, and Issues Agenda
9:00 a.m. – Canada Room
Attendance
|
Mayor F. Scarpitti Regional Councillor J. Jones Regional Councillor T. Wong Regional Councillor G. Landon Councillor E. Shapero Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor C. Moretti Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik Councillor L. Kanapathi Councillor A. Chiu Regrets Councillor V. Burke Deputy Mayor J. Heath |
J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services R. Blake, Manager, West District C. Conrad, Town Solicitor R. V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design A. Tari, Committee Clerk |
The Development Services
Committee convened at the hour of
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
None disclosed.
1. DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- June 24, 2008, Part A (10.0)
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting, Part A, held June 24, 2008, be confirmed.
CARRIED
2. GROWTH MANAGEMENT STRATEGY - OPTIONS (10.0)
Mr. Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services
advised the Committee that both the Region of York and Town of
Mr. John Waller, Director,
There was discussion regarding the required funding to ensure the transit infrastructure can support the new developments and communities. Accommodating the growth projection is contingent on senior government funding for the required transportation infrastructure. Staff also advised that Hold Provisions (H) can be attached to the Zoning Amendments directly linking the delivery of transportation infrastructure with development.
The Committee suggested that the Region provide scenarios at the scheduled meetings to ensure residents know the various options, ie. Whitebelt Development, High density infill development, etc. Mr. Waller, emphasized the importance for the Region of York to have a very focused strategy in place that will protect lands for future employment.
Moved by Regional Councillor T. Wong
Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero
That the presentation by Mr. John Waller, Director, Long Range and Strategic Planning, Region of York regarding Growth Management Strategy - Options be received.
CARRIED
3. YONGE
STEELES CORRIDOR STUDY (10.0)
Mr. Bob Allsopp, duToit Allsopp Hillier, delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Yonge & Steeles Corridor that included: study process to-date; current plan (preferred options); urban design principles and guidelines; demonstration plan and implementation and phasing.
There was discussion with respect to achieving diverse building heights. Staff advised that today’s presentation is a brief overview. The actual Yonge Streeles Corridor Study is extremely detailed with various guidelines that will facilitate the achievement of an attractive and sustainable community. Staff also advised that the Official Plan Amendment will have a number of incentives to encourage mixed use development.
Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the presentation by Mr. Bob Allsopp, duToit Allsopp Hillier regarding Yonge Steeles Corridor Study be received.
CARRIED
4. MARKHAM
CENTRE DESIGN CHARETTE
RESULTS AND NEXT STEPS (10.0)
Presentation Consultants Presentation
Commissioner J. Baird advised the Committee that in the Fall of 2007 Council authorized staff to review and update the Markham Centre Secondary Plan, and a consultant was retained to provide built form guidance. He also advised that many of the applications for Markham Centre are seeking additional building height. Consequently, staff is in the process of establishing additional guidelines pertaining to building height and urban design criteria.
Mr. Richard Kendall, Manager, Central District, provided the Committee with background information and current height policies for Markham Centre.
Mr. George Dark, Partner, Urban Strategies Inc., delivered a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the results of the two day charette (approximately 40 representatives in attendance) that was held on June 12 and 13, 2008.
There was considerable discussion
regarding the original vision (The Duany Plan), landowner proposals since that
time, and the proposed “post-charette” visions.
The Committee stated concerns with respect to required infrastructure to
support the proposed development. Committee
also discussed the need to ensure that development applications are considered
in the context of the original vision for Markham Centre. Staff advised that it is mandated that the
Official Plan be reviewed every five years, and that the Markham Centre
Secondary Plan needs to be updated and further strengthened to guide current
development applications. Staff also
advised that the development of a public realm plan is essential in terms of
defining what is important to the Town of
There was discussion regarding the importance of implementing a number of green initiatives to ensure sustainable practices are obtained throughout the Markham Centre development.
Moved by Councillor J. Virgilio
Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon
That the presentation by Mr. George Dark, Partner, Urban Strategies regarding Markham Centre Design Charette, Results and Next Steps be received.
CARRIED
5. YONGE
SUBWAY EXTENSION
- RECOMMENDED ALIGNMENT AND
STATIONS (10.0)
Ms. Mary Frances Turner, Vice President, York Region Rapid Transit, delivered a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the outcome of the first Public Consultation Centre (PCC) held on June 17 and 18, 2008.
Mr. Tom Middlebrook, McCormick Rankin, provided a technical
presentation outlining the principle areas of decision making with respect to
the Yonge Subway that included: station
location options, Richmond Hill Centre alignments, crossing of the
The Committee discussed the proposed location for the transportation hub located at the Richmond Hill/Langstaff Centre and suggested the need for further detailed analysis of subway alignment and station options. The Committee expressed the need to ensure that the transit services will be readily accessible for the proposed major development to the south of the transit hub (Langstaff lands in Markham). Ms. Turner agreed to continue dialogue with key stakeholders.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones
Seconded by Regional Councillor T. Wong
That the presentation by Ms. Mary Frances Turner, Vice President, York Region Rapid Transit and Mr. Tom Middlebrook, McCormick Rankin, regarding Yonge Subway Extension - Recommended Alignment and Stations be received; and,
That the York Region Transportation staff work together
with Markham, Richmond Hill, Metrolinx, Ministry of Transportation, 407,
Landowners, and other stakeholders to continue detailed analysis of the Yonge
Subway Alignment and station location options at the Richmond Hill/Langstaff
Centre Hub.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services Committee
meeting adjourned at