MINUTES FROM THE MEETING OF THE

 

MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE

 

Town of Markham

York Room - Civic Centre

January 21, 2009

 

Members                                                                      Regrets

Phil Howes                                                                   Ibrahim Ali

Jonathan Mingay                                                           Deirdre Kavanagh       

Wil Pialagitis                                                                 Diane Kobelansky

Peter Ross                                                                    Diane More     

Keith Thirgood                                                             Councillor John Webster

Helen Walter

Councillor Carolina Moretti

                                                                                                           

Staff

Regan Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning

Kitty Bavington, Committee Clerk

 

 

The first meeting of the Main Street Markham Committee meeting in 2009 convened at 5:40 PM with Councillor Carolina Moretti in the Chair.

 

 

1.         MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 19, 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 November 19, 2008, be adopted.

CARRIED

 

 

2.         UPDATES:

 

a)         Interpretation Sub-Committee

 

Staff advised that the Consultants are continuing with the project, and gave an update on the work that has been done. An interim report is being prepared by the Consultants.

 

 

 

 

b)         Environmental Assessment – Main Street

 

Peter Ross reported that the first Public Information meeting was held on November 26 at St. Andrews United Church. It was well attended and went well. The facilitator’s summary was a little disappointing in that it did not contain any context or emphasis, or indicate what statements received support from the public. Councillor Moretti advised that this type of feedback is valuable when giving direction to facilitators in the future.

 

 

c)         Winter Damage to Trees and Benches

 

There was no update to provide at this time.

 

 

d)         Incoming Planning Applications

 

Staff advised that a revised application for severance had been received for 60 Rouge Street. The original proposal created a total of three lots and had been denied by the Town and the OMB. The current proposal is for two lots. Peter Ross emphasised that a process is needed for the residents to become more involved, besides the Committee of Adjustment hearing. It was suggested that the Ward Councillor could hold a community meeting.

 

 

e)         Status of Town Square Feasibility Study

 

Staff advised that the report is being finalized and is expected in February. The consultant had to revisit some of the numbers due to economic changes, and wanted to ensure that the preferred option of a 5 or 6 storey condo produces sufficient revenue to cover the Town’s cost of the land acquisition. The Committee requested to see the plans once they are available.

 

 

f)          Public Washrooms

 

Councillor Moretti advised that $200,000 has been allocated in the proposed budget for public washrooms on the Main Streets in Markham. The Town is waiting for the study for the permanent facilities, but provisions will be made for the summer whether they are permanent or temporary washrooms.

 

 

g)         Main Street Markham Budget Sub-Committee

 

Keith Thirgood advised that the items proposed by the MSM budget subcommittee were discussed at the last meeting (permanent public washroom facility and funding for enhanced plantings), and that he expected these items would be included as part of the Town’s 2009 budget review. A Public Information Meeting will be held to present the proposed budget. The Committee Clerk was directed to e-mail the date of the meeting to the members. (Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber.)

 

4.         NEW BUSINESS

 

GO Parking and Train Whistles

 

The Committee expressed concern for the proposed expansion of the GO parking lot, with respect to design and safety issues. Staff stated that they had sent a letter of concern regarding landscaping, fencing, building design, and provision of a parkette, and the consultants are preparing revisions to the plan. Staff will bring the drawings to the Main Street Markham Committee when they are available, and the Ward Councillor may possibly hold a Public Information meeting. It is anticipated to be open this spring.

 

Concerns were relayed from the residents regarding the train whistles. This is a Regional matter, and Councillor Moretti agreed to provide contact information to Keith Thirgood.  

 

 

Parking on Main Street

 

The Committee is concerned with the temporary parking arrangements resulting from the loss of the use of some of the parking lots previously available behind the stores, due to the owner’s liability and maintenance concerns. It is hoped that Council will be able to resolve this matter.

 

 

Master Plan for Trails and Pathways

 

An infrastructure grant has been received for the Milne Park trails and pathways, which will travel across Major Mackenzie Drive and down Donald Cousens Parkway, to Milne Park. A Public Meeting was held with overwhelming response, so a larger meeting will be held on Thursday, February 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The Consultants will be presenting new options. The Committee discussed the possibility of the trail connecting to Main Street.

 

 

 

5.         NEXT MEETING

 

The next meeting of the Main Street Markham Committee is scheduled for Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 5:30 PM in the York Room.

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

The First Main Street Markham Committee meeting adjourned at 6:30 pm.