MINUTES

FEBRUARY 17, 2009 - 9:00 a.m.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

Meeting No. 5

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 B

Report Agenda

9:00 a.m. – Council Chamber

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 A. Chiu Regrets Regional Councillor T. Wong Councillor L. Kanapathi Absent Councillor E. Shapero

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services B. Librecz, Commissioner of Community and Fire Services R. Blake, Manager, West District R. Borooah, Town Architect A. Brown, Director of Engineering C. Conrad, Town Solicitor B. Karumanchery, Senior Development Manager V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design A. Tari, Committee Clerk

The Development Services Committee convened at 9:03 AM in the Council Chamber with Councillor J. Webster in the Chair. Regional Councillor G. Landon assumed the Chair for Transportation item, No.1.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

None disclosed.

1. MILNE PARK TRAIL (6.3)

Mr. Alan Brown, Director of Engineering delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing an update with respect to the Milne Dam Conservation Area multi-use pathway. He advised the Committee that a Public Information Meeting is scheduled for Thursday February 19, 2009.

The Committee suggested including the financial summary at the Public Meeting.

There was discussion regarding the preferred multi-use pathway alignments and the Committee suggested considering a connection down Sarah Jane Court. Staff advised that the drawings can be modified to show that at the Public Information Meeting and that the entire connection to the east requires further review. The Committee inquired about the lands to the south, adjacent to Highway 407, in relation to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Staff advisedthat they will follow up on the ownership and partnership agreement for those lands.

The Committee discussed the permeable materials being considered for the pathways. The Committee stated concerns that crushed limestone may not be a friendly material for cyclists. The Committee also stated concerns for the environmentally sensitive lands throughout the park and wanted to ensure that these lands are protected. There was discussion regarding accessibility (eg wheelchairs, scooters) and staff advised that there are certain issues regarding accessibility such as steep slopes.

Mr. Tupper Wheatley, Milne Park Conservation Association, addressed the Committee regarding the Milne Park Trails and stated his opposition to the proposed watercourse crossing. He stated concerns with the proposed gravel pathway because it would be a very narrow path and any run off would end up in the river. He suggested that staff consider the following:

· Have counts and surveys done on the number of cyclists currently using the existing paths and that would use the proposed pathways

· Formal pathways may lead to informal pathways and potentially increase the amount of litter and vandalism throughout the park

· A three season monitoring as suggested in the draft Environmental Policy Review study report

Staff advised that there are currently no statistics available regarding the number of people and cyclists using the paths. Staff suggested by educating the public you can minimize the issues such as litter and vandalism. Staff will follow up with the planner and consultant regarding the draft Environmental Policy Review study report.

Ms. Shelley Bourne, Boyington Heights Ratepayers Association, addressed the Committee regarding the Milne Park Trails stating her opposition. She believes that the informal pathways that already exist are sufficient and are already being used by the public. Ms. Bourne stated concerns with the proposed bridge at the end of Milne Lane and the potential increase of parked cars on the residential streets and lane ways. She suggested that bike lanes should be along arterial roads such as Highway 7 not through the park.

Mr. Glen Baron, 251 Helen Avenue, addressed the Committee with respect to the Milne Park Trails stating his support of the proposed pathways. He would like to ensure it is accessible to everyone.

The Committee thanked the residents for their comments and/or concerns and indicated that they look forward to the discussions at the Public Information Meeting. The Committee pointed out the importance of having the proper connectivity of an integrated cycle path system throughout the Town of Markham.

Moved by Councillor C. Moretti

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That the presentation provided by Mr. Alan Brown, Director of Engineering regarding the Milne Park Trail, be received.

CARRIED

2. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- February 3, 2009, Part B (10.0)

Minutes

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting, Part B, held February 3, 2009, be confirmed.

CARRIED

3. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
- February 3, 2009 (10.0)

Minutes

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

That the minutes of the Development Services Public Meeting, held February 3, 2009, be confirmed.

CARRIED

4. HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES
- January 14, 2009 (16.11)

Minutes

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

That the minutes of the Heritage Markham Committee meeting held on January 14, 2009, be received.

CARRIED

5. MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES
- January 21, 2009 (16.39)

Minutes

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

That the minutes of the Main Street Markham Committee meeting held on January 21, 2009, be received.

CARRIED

6. MARKHAM PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
- January 14, 2009 (16.34)

Minutes

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

That the minutes of the Markham Public Art Advisory Committee meeting held on January 14, 2009, be received;

CARRIED

7. MINUTES - CORNELL ADVISORY GROUP
- November 10, 2008 (16.34)

Minutes

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

That the minutes of the Cornell Advisory Group meeting held on November 10, 2008, be received.

CARRIED

8. UNIONVILLE SUB-COMMITTEE MINUTES
MARKHAM CENTRE
- January 20, 2009 (10.0)

Minutes

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

That the minutes of the Unionville Sub-Committee - Markham Centre meeting held on

January 20, 2009, be received.

CARRIED

9. REPORT ON INCOMING PLANNING APPLICATIONS
FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 11, 2008 TO DECEMBER 31, 2008
(10.0)

Report

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

1) That Committee receive the report entitled “Report on Incoming Planning Applications for the period of October 11, 2008 to December 31, 2008” and direct staff to process the applications in accordance with the route outlined in the report; and,

2) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

10. YONGE STREET CORRIDOR - STREETSCAPING
(FILE MI 526)
(10.0)

Report

Staff advised that the purpose of this report is to request that the Region of York go back and review the proposed streetscape design along Yonge Street in concurrence with the subway extension to ensure a uniform look and to ensure that it is pedestrian friendly. Staff also advised that the City of Vaughan has passed a similar resolution.

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

1) That the Development Services Commission Report entitled “Yonge Street Corridor – Streetscaping”, dated February 17, 2009, be received; and,

2) That Council approve the following resolution addressing streetscaping on Yonge Street:

a) Whereas the Region of York has identified the Yonge Street corridor as a high priority for investment in high-order transit; and,

b) Whereas the cost-effectiveness of public transit depends on high levels of transit ridership, and ridership levels depend on an urban environment which is attractive, pedestrian-friendly and complementary to the transit service in terms of densities, built form, roadway design and streetscaping; and,

c) Whereas the detailed design of Yonge Street transit facilities is expected to begin early in 2009; and,

d) Whereas reconstruction of a significant part of the Yonge Street right of way will provide an opportunity to incorporate streetscape improvements during construction of the transit facilities; and,

e) Whereas a comprehensive and detailed streetscape study for the Yonge Street Corridor is required to present the desired vision for the corridor and to coordinate and direct streetscape improvement projects; and,

f) Whereas the Region of York has the authority to coordinate and implement a comprehensive streetscape improvement program for the Yonge Street corridor; and,

g) Therefore be it resolved that the Council of the Town of Markham requests that the Region of York commit funding in its 2009 budget to a comprehensive and detailed streetscape study (including an implementation and funding strategy) for the Yonge Street corridor north of Steeles Avenue, and expedite initiation of the study to ensure its completion and implementation in coordination with the construction of subway-related works, in consultation with the Town of Markham, City of Vaughan and Town of Richmond Hill; and,

3) That the resolution be forwarded to York Region, the City of Vaughan, and the Town of Richmond Hill; and further,

4) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

11. DILAWRI GROUP OF COMPANIES
APPLICATION TO AMEND THE ZONING BY-LAW
TO PERMIT ADDITIONAL PARKING FOR THE
EXISTING MARKHAM HONDA AND
MARKVILLE FORD CAR DEALERSHIPS
7 & 13 MAIN STREET UNIONVILLE SOUTH,
8005 KENNEDY ROAD, AND PART OF LOT 1, PLAN 2196
(ZA 08 129192)
(10.5)

Report Attachments

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

1) That the staff report entitled “PRELIMINARY REPORT, Dilawri Group of Companies. Application to amend the zoning by-law to permit additional parking for the existing Markham Honda and Markville Ford car dealerships, 7 & 13 Main Street Unionville South, 8005 Kennedy Road and Part of Lot 1, Plan 2196 (ZA 08 129192),” be received; and,

2) That a Public Meeting be held to consider the zoning by-law amendment application (ZA 08 129192) submitted by the Dilawri Group of Companies; and further,

3) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

12. DELEGATED APPROVALS REPORT
(10.0)

Report

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio

1) That Council be advised that in accordance with Delegation By-law 2002-202, and additional site specific delegations authorized by Development Services Committee, the Commissioner of Development Services or the Director of Planning and Urban Design have approved applications listed in the report dated February 17, 2009; and,

2) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

13. STATUS REPORT
TIMES GROUP INC. (FORMER LONSMOUNT LANDS)
HIGHWAY 7 PRECINCT PLAN STUDY
(SU 07 133313 AND ZA 07 133350)
(10.0)

Report Attachments

Moved by Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

1) That the report dated February 17, 2009 entitled “STATUS REPORT, Times Group Inc. (formerLonsmount lands), Highway 7 Precinct Plan Study,” be received.

CARRIED

14. INTERIM STATUS REPORT
GEMCROSS DEVELOPMENTS
(CONSTRADA AGGREGATE RECYCLING FACILITY)
350 YORKTECH DRIVE
APPLICATION FOR ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT
TO PERMIT THE EXISTING AGGREGATE RECYCLING FACILITY
FOR AN ADDITIONAL THREE YEARS
(ZA-08-119862)
(10.5)

Report Attachments

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Mayor F. Scarpitti

1) That the staff report dated February 17, 2009 entitled “INTERIM STATUS REPORT; Gemcross Developments (Constrada Aggregate Recycling Facility); 350 Rodick Road; Application for zoning by-law amendment to permit the existing aggregate recycling facility for an additional three years,” be received.

CARRIED

15. ROUGE PARK IMPLEMENTATION
TASK FORCE REPORT - STAFF COMMENTS
(10.0)

Report Attachments

The Committee stated concerns with respect to the Reesor Road parcel owned by the Ontario Realty Corporation and whether it will remain for employment uses. Staff confirmed that their position is in support of employment uses for that area.

Ms. Debra Lapp, 7284 Reesor Road, addressed the Committee regarding the Rouge Park Implementation Task Force (RPITF) Report and thanked staff and the Committee for all their work. She looks forward to the future Public Meetings and would like to be part of the process. She supports the recommendation of RPITF that all publicly owned residential properties in Greater Rouge Park be privatized.

Ms. Bernadette Manning, 8119 Reesor Road, addressed the Committee regarding the RPITF report and thanked staff and the Committee for all their work. She believes that the prime agriculture lands and Heritage homes need to be protected. Ms. Manning hopes that everyone will work together to build sustainable communities in the east end of Markham.

The Committee thanked staff for their excellent work and suggested that the workshop take place in March 2009. Staff advised that they will need to coordinate with Members of Council and are awaiting comments back from the various stakeholders and agencies. Staff will follow up on the date of the workshop.

Mr. Alan Wells, Chair, Rouge Park Alliance, addressed the Committee and indicated his support for the majority of the points raised in the RPITF report. He advised that the park needs to consider the main objectives which are to protect the watersheds and agricultural lands. Mr. Wells said that they will be setting up meetings with farmers to re-visit the area site by site. He encouraged the Committee to complete their position on agriculture. Mr. Wells stated that they want to work together.

The Committee requested that staff go back, and where appropriate, indicate where Council has already taken a position to avoid duplication.

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Whereas the Rouge Park Implementation Task Force report dated November 25, 2008 was received by Council on December 16, 2008; and,

Whereas Council authorized the circulation of the Task Force report, and invited comments from agencies, boards, adjacent municipalities and the Provincial and Federal Governments; and,

Whereas Council also requested Town staff to provide comments on the Rouge Park Implementation Task Force Final Report; and,

Therefore be it resolved;

1) That the staff report entitled “Rouge Park Implementation Task Force Report – Staff Comments” dated February 17, 2009 be received; and,

2) That the Town staff comments, along with comments to be received from other agencies, boards, adjacent municipalities and the Provincial and Federal Governments, be considered by Council at a future workshop to discuss comments received, and next steps in dealing with the Rouge Park Alliance and other stakeholders, including provision for obtaining public input; and further,

3) That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

NEW BUSINESS

There was no new business.

16. IN-CAMERA MATTER (8.0, 10.3 & 10.5)

Moved by Councillor C. Moretti

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) (e) of the Municipal Act, Development Services Committee resolve into an in-camera session to discuss the following confidential matters (10:54AM):

1) LITIGATION MATTER - MINOR VARIANCE APPEAL TO ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD - 20 HEDGEWOOD DRIVE

2) LITIGATION MATTER - 1691126 ONTARIO INC. FOR OFFICIAL PLAN AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT - 7161 & 7171 YONGE STREET, PROPOSED SETTLEMENT OF ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD

CARRIED

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

That the Committee rise from the in-camera session (12:04 PM)

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at 12:05 PM.