MINUTES FROM THE MEETING OF THE

MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE

Town of Markham

York Room - Civic Centre

October 15, 2008

Members Regrets

Phil Howes Ibrahim Ali

Deirdre Kavanagh Diane Kobelansky

Diane More Jonathan Mingay

Peter Ross Wil Pialagitis

Keith Thirgood Councillor Carolina Moretti

Helen Walter

Councillor John Webster

Staff

Regan Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning

Kitty Bavington, Committee Clerk

The ninth meeting of the Main Street Markham Committee meeting in 2008 was convened at 5:30 PM with Councillor John Webster in the Chair.

1. MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 17, 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 September 17, 2008, be adopted.

CARRIED

2. PRESENTATION

David Black representing Sierra Homes, 58 – 76 Main Street North

Staff introduced this presentation, advising that it is a preliminary proposal to revamp the Village Shops on Main Street North.

David Black, representing Sierra Homes, displayed conceptual drawings and a site plan for the redevelopment of the property. The condominium plan would be U-shaped, consisting of three stories fronting on the west side of Main Street, a central courtyard with driveway/delivery access, and a six-storey residential building on the north and west

wings of the structure. The section fronting on Main Street would be commercial on the street level, with residential on the top two floors with the possibility of office being considered. A wide walkway from the street to the courtyard behind will bring the residential component to the street, and it is hoped that a café with outdoor seating would further enhance the walkway feature. Parking will be provided underground with commercial parking along the south boundary.

The Committee generally supported the proposal, and discussed the following issues:

- parking for shoppers will be displaced by the proposal;

- Italian style structures with balconies may not be appropriate, but staff will work with the applicant;

- greenery is important;

- landscaping, bump-outs, patios, setbacks, and elevations from the street have to be considered for the streetscape;

- retail portion will be leased, and remain under the control of the condominium;

- access to the top floors will be by one central elevator in the rear portion, plus several stairways;

- current design is too symmetrical; a design more reflective of traditional main street is desired.

Mr. Black expressed appreciation for the feedback, advising that they will be working with staff on the proposal, which is still conceptual and has a long way to go.

3. UPDATES:

a) Interpretation Sub-Committee

There was nothing to report on this subject.

b) Environmental Assessment – Main Street

The Committee received an e-mailed acknowledgement of receipt of the document titled “A Modest Proposal: Leading While Remembering” which had been forwarded to consultants Ogilvie & Company and to staff, on behalf the Main Street Markham Committee.

c) Winter Damage to Trees and Benches

The benches, garbage bins, and bicycle racks still have not been replaced. Phil Howes will set up a meeting with John Webster and Operations staff to discuss this issue, as well as the special events signs and community sign boards.

d) Incoming Planning Applications

2 Peter Street

Staff advised that the Public Meeting regarding the proposed by-law amendment to permit a severance and re-location of a Heritage house, will be held on Tuesday, October 21, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber.

Highway 48 and Emmerson

The Committee was advised of the conceptual residential/office/commercial complex being proposed for this location. It would consist of two towers, eight stories high. Heritage staff will be meeting with the applicants later this month.

e) Status of Town Square Feasibility Study

Dianne More advised that staff are finalizing the study and will be making a presentation to Council in late November.

f) Public Washrooms

Phil Howes reported that the public washrooms are installed and well maintained, and they are a great benefit to Main Street. The Committee agreed that it would be advantageous to keep them year round, for events such as the Santa Claus Parade, the Santa Festival, and the Festival of Lights. The issue of whether the washrooms can be winterized was raised.

Moved by: Phil Howes

Seconded by: Dianne More

WHEREAS events such as the Santa Claus Parade, the Santa Festival, and the Festival of Lights would benefit from retaining the use of the public washrooms on Main Street;

THAT it be requested that the Public Washrooms remain in place during the winter season, for as long as is feasible.

CARRIED

4. NEW BUSINESS

Main Street Markham Budget Committee

The Committee noted that it is time to identify 2009 budget items. Keith Thirgood agreed to work with Jonathan Mingay to summarize and update the budget list, and to work with staff on costing and budget structure information. Since there is a timing issue, a recommendation will be e-mailed to the Main Street Markham Committee members for comments, then John Webster will present the final budget request to the Budget Subcommittee Chair for consideration.

5. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Main Street Markham Committee is scheduled for Wednesday November 19, 2008 at 5:30 PM in the York Room.

ADJOURNMENT

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