MINUTES

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

JANUARY 20, 2009 - 8:30 a.m.

Meeting No. 2

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

8:30 a.m. – Canada Room

 

 

Attendance

Mayor F. Scarpitti

Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Regional Councillor J. Jones

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

Regional Councillor T. Wong

 

Absent

Councillor E. Shapero

 

J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services

B. Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services

C. Conrad, Town Solicitor

A. Brown, Director of Engineering

B. Cribbett, Treasurer

B. Karumanchery, Senior Development Manager

T. Lambe, Manager, Policy and Research

V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design

A. Tari, Committee Clerk

 

The Development Services Committee convened at 8:30 AM in the Canada Room with Councillor D. Horchik in the Chair.  Councillor J. Webster assumed the Chair at 9:00 AM.  Regional Councillor G. Landon assumed the Chair for Transportation item #1.

 

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

 

None disclosed.

 

 

 

1.         REGION OF YORK
            SOUTHEAST COLLECTOR (5.10)

 

Mr. Wayne Green, Region of York, Senior Project Manager Environmental Services delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the status of the Environmental Assessment for the southeast collector trunk sewer.  He advised that as a result of environmental issues such as ground and surface water, the Ministry of Environment demanded that the Environmental Assessment (EA) be elevated to an individual assessment rather than a ‘Schedule C”.  He also advised that with individual assessments, approximately 70% of the design is completed prior to the final recommendations. 

 

The Committee discussed the amount of land required for the project.  Mr. Green indicated that the Region is reviewing the possibility of reducing the land requirements.  Staff advised that negotiations between the Region of York’s property section and the Town of Markham’s property section are currently underway.

 

The Committee discussed the potential issues related to the amount of ground water taken during the construction of shaft #13 and enquired if the Region is aware of the households in Box Grove that are still on well water.  Mr. Green advised that the Region has attempted to obtain that information and that most residents have connected to the municipal services.  He also advised that there is a 1-800 number available at all times where residents can call if problems do arise.  The Committee suggested that the Region set up a contingency fund in case any problems do occur to the existing wells.

 

Staff advised that they will submit a letter by Friday January 23, 2009, endorsing the environmental assessment study report subject to conditions (such as site plan approval, traffic mitigation, etc).

 

There was discussion regarding the proposed location of the Odour Control Facility (OCF).

 

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

 

That the presentation provided by Mr. Wayne Green, Region of York, Senior Project Manager, Environmental Services regarding Region of York Southeast Collector, be received.

CARRIED

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

 

That staff be directed to send a letter to the Ministry of Environment endorsing the York Region Southeast Collector Trunk Sewer final Environmental Assessment report, subject to the conditions to be outlined by Town staff and including the following matters discussed by Development Services Committee:

  • Coordination of engineering works and traffic control impacts, in consultation with Town engineering staff;
  • Obtaining site plan control approval from the Town for any permanent structure, including the proposed corrosion control facility;
  • Addressing any impacts on Town property, such as easements across Town parkland or road allowances, to the satisfaction of the Town;
  • Provision of a Well monitoring and mitigation plan and a public contact/coordination process for dealing with any impacts on area wells;
  • The Environmental enhancement programs to be coordinated with the Town of Markham and the Rouge Alliance;
  • Odour Control Facility,  required in easterly section of corridor and currently proposed in the vicinity of Altona Road, be located and designed to mitigate any impact on area residents; and further,

 

That the Rouge Park Implementation Task Force Final Report  dated November 25, 2008 (draft document released for comment by Markham Council on December 16, 2008) be forwarded to the Region of York and Ministry of the Environment for consideration relative to the proposed enhancement program for Bob Hunter Park .

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

2.         YORK REGION 2031 FORECASTS
            AND LAND BUDGET (10.0)

 

Mr. John Waller, Region of York delivered a brief PowerPoint presentation regarding the Regional Official Plan Update.

 

Mr. Paul Bottomley, Region of York delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the York Region 2031 Forecasts and Land Budget.

 

The Committee enquired about the rolling out of this information and Town staff related work to the public.  Staff advised that a roll out session for Markham residents regarding Markham’s growth management work is scheduled for February 9, 2009.  Staff also advised that their recommendations are very much in line with the recommendations of the Region. 

 

There was discussion with respect to tools that can be used that will assist in achieving the projected forecasts.  Mr. Waller suggested that a new aggressive and firm policy would have to be developed that will support the recommended phasing, sequencing and allocations.  He stressed the importance of a long term planning horizon (up to 2051) that will identify and provide some form of protection for strategic employment lands across the Region. The Committee stated concerns regarding the protection of lands designated for employment uses.  Mr. Waller advised that the Regional and Local Official Plans will be very clear to not permit any conversion of the lands designated for employment uses and will not allow major retail on these lands.

 

 

 

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Deputy J. Heath

 

That the presentation provided by Mr. Jim Waller, Region of York and  Mr. Paul Bottomley, Region of York, regarding York Region 2031 Forecasts and Land Budget, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

3.         GROWTH MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
            - OVERVIEW AND APPROACH TO FINANCIAL
            ANALYSIS AND FISCAL PLANNING (10.0, 7.0)

            Presentation  

 

This item was deferred to a Development Services Committee meeting in February 2009.

 

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

There was no new business.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at 10:05 AM.