Staff

George Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner

Kitty Bavington, Committee Clerk

The eighth meeting of the Main Street Markham Committee meeting in 2008 was convened at 5:40 PM with Councillor John Webster in the Chair.

1. MINUTES FROM THE AUGUST 20, 2008 MEETING OF THE MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE

THE MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

That the minutes of the Main Street Markham Committee meeting held on August 20, 2008, be adopted.

CARRIED

2. UPDATES:

a) Interpretation Sub-Committee

George Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner, advised that the contract for the Markham Village Interpretive Project – Museum of the Streets (Phase 1) has been awarded to Su Murdoch Historical Consulting. They are currently reviewing background material, researching the archives, and will be conducting oral history interviews with various people, starting with historian Lorne Smith. It is hoped that interesting new material will be found.

Members of the committee suggested that high school students be asked to approach their parents and grandparents about any pre-1950 pictures they may have. A request for pictures could also be posted on the Town Page in the newspaper. Posting sample pictures may pique some interest. Councillor Webster discussed the approach for a similar project by the Markham Historical Society.

b) Environmental Assessment – Main Street

The document titled “A Modest Proposal: Leading While Remembering” had been forwarded to consultants Ogilvie & Company and to staff, on behalf the Main Street Markham Committee. The Committee requested staff to follow up for an acknowledgement of receipt and status of the submission.

c) Winter Damage to Trees and Benches

Keith Thirgood advised the Committee that the Heritage benches must be bolted into concrete rather than on interlock brick, which limits their location. The replacement benches have not been received yet, and the Committee discussed whether, at this point, installation should wait until spring.

d) Incoming Planning Applications

5 George Street

George Duncan advised the Committee that an application has been received for the Gothic Revival house at 5 George Street. The owner intends to add a professional office use, by means of a Minor Variance Application through the Committee of Adjustment on September 24, 2008. The building will not be enlarged, but 5 to 7 parking spaces will be required. Staff consider the proposed use to be more acceptable that the currently permitted uses. The proposal will be subject to site plan approval which will deal with tree preservation and parking issues. The Committee indicated agreement with the proposal, and requested to see the site plan drawings, when available.

GO Station

An expansion of the GO Station parking lot is proposed. Although the Town has no control over the use and site plan issues for this proposal, engineering staff have been working with the owners, and it is hoped that GO will cooperate. Numerous comments have been submitted without a response to date, and staff will try to get an update for the next meeting.

The Committee suggested that the Main Street Markham Streetscape and Traffic Management Study be sent to the developer for reference. Comments by the Committee referred to the need for enhanced screening of the parking lot from Main Street, concern for traffic congestion, and safety issues, particularly with its proximity to the Fire Station.

2 Peter Street

Staff provided an explanation of the proposed by-law amendment to permit a severance and re-location of a Heritage house onto the severed parcel, at 2 Peter Street. A notice will be posted on the property for an upcoming Public Meeting in late October.

Corner of Main Street and Highway 7

The Committee enquired about the development at the corner of Main Street and Highway 7, and were advised that a Heritage-designed mews consisting of a Starbucks coffee shop and a small plaza, will replace the modern buildings on this site. The Committee requested to see the plans for the proposal.

Edward Jeffries and Highway 48

The Committee was advised that the developer has amended the plans for this location. The Town Architect will be making a presentation on October 14, 2008, to discuss development north of 16^th Avenue, to deal with recent numerous application. Issues addressed will include building height, design, and green space. The amended plans will be shown to the Main Street Markham Committee.

Kelava House

Staff advised that the brick heritage house (former Burkholder House) on 9^th Line, north of 16^th Avenue, has been preserved in the context of the Cornell development. The Town and owner are currently resolving issues with property standards.

3. NEW BUSINESS

Tannery Pond

Keith Thirgood reported that the Region has approved funding, and things are slowly starting to happen at Tannery Pond.

The Bridge was partially wash-out and Engineers have inspected it. TRCA is asking for $3800 for the permit to do $1500 of repair work.

The signs that have been installed are wearing well, however, one has been damaged, and one needs graffiti removed from it.

4. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Main Street Markham Committee is scheduled for Wednesday October 15, 2008 at 5:30 PM in the York Room.

ADJOURNMENT

The Eighth Main Street Markham Committee meeting adjourned at 6:40 pm.