MINUTES
MARCH
10, 2009 - 9:00 a.m.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE
Meeting No. 8
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
9:00 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 L. Kanapathi Councillor A. Chiu Regrets Regional Councillor T. Wong Councillor D. Horchik Absent Councillor E. Shapero |
J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services B. Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services A. Brown, Director of Engineering B. Karumanchery, Senior Development Manager J. Streisfield, V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design M. Wouters, Senior Project Coordinator Policy and Growth Management A. Tari, Committee Clerk |
The Development Services
Committee convened
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
None disclosed.
1. BIKE LANE ON HIGHWAY 7 (6.3)
Mr. Loy Cheah, Region of York, delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding bike lanes on Highway 7.
The Committee suggested that the Region look at
communities that have successful bike paths such as
The Committee stated their dissatisfaction with the Region of York’s recommended solution and believes that what is being proposed will not be effective. There was considerable discussion regarding safety of cyclist traveling along on street bike routes, particularly along busier streets such as Highway 7.
The Committee suggested that the Region work together with Town staff to develop concepts that will incorporate bike lanes along Highway 7 in a more acceptable manner, and that the following be considered:
- Public Safety
- Dedicated bike paths (separate from the vehicular traffic)
- Develop a map that incorporates both municipal and regional bike routes
- Provision of smaller dividing boulevards or other means that are aesthetically pleasing and that separate the bike, from the cars and pedestrians
- When developing routes consider both cycling commuter traffic and recreational cycling use
Mr. Paul May, Director Infrastructure Planning, Region of York, advised the Committee that an entire network is needed between the municipalities and Region and that would have to be developed in sections. He also advised that the Region is incorporating things to encourage commuters in vehicles to drive slower which in turn will make it safer for cyclists.
Mr. Tupper Wheatley addressed the Committee with
respect to bike lanes on Highway 7 and spoke in support of bike paths separated
from the arterial roads. He suggested
that the Region consider the option of wider singular pathways. Mr. Wheatley asked when the bike paths would
be extended to the easterly part of
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the presentation provided by Mr. Loy Cheah, Manager, Planning from the Region of York, regarding the Bike Lanes on Highway 7, be received; and,
That the Region of
CARRIED
2. DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
(10.0) February 24, 2009, Part A
Moved by A. Chiu
Seconded by Mayor F. Scarpitti
That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting, Part A, held
CARRIED
3. TOWN
OF MARKHAM SECTION 37 PROVISIONS
OFFICIAL PLAN POLICIES AND
GUIDELINES (10.0)
Mr. John Gladki, Principle, GHK International, delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the future use Section 37 Provisions of the Planning Act. He indicated that use of Section 37 is very appropriate in areas that are already built up and undergoing intensification.
The Committee stated concern with incorporating conservation of cultural heritage as part of the Section 37 possible benefits. Staff advised that there is no intention to reduce any of the Town’s current standards, but rather to achieve more if the opportunity exists.
The Committee agreed that it is important to have a process in place related to the use of Section 37 and that there needs to be public consultation and transparency.
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon
That the presentation provided by Mr. John Gladki, Principle, GHK International regarding the Section 37 Provisions, be received.
CARRIED
4. GROWTH
MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
COMMUNITY MEETING PRESENTATION
(10.0)
Ms. Valerie Shuttleworth, Director of Planning & Urban Design,
delivered a PowerPoint presentation to provide an overview of what will be
presented to the public at the Public Information Meetings regarding growth
management strategy, scheduled for March 11, 12, 25 and April 2, 2009. She advised that staff anticipate presenting a
summary of public response and next steps to the Development Services Committee
in April 2009. Growth Management
Workbooks, “
The Committee stated that the questionnaire is very well formed. The Committee suggested that the following information be included at the Public Information Meeting: indicate intensification and Whitebelt options; make it clear why intensification is taking place; identify how constituents can be involved throughout the process; and simplify the language during the presentation.
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti
That the presentation provided by Ms. Valerie Shuttleworth, Director of Planning & Urban Design, regarding an overview of upcoming Growth Management Strategy Community Meetings, be received.
CARRIED
5. SERVICING ALLOCATION UPDATE (5.5)
Mr. Joe Vaccaro, VP of BILD, addressed the Committee with respect to
the Town of
The Committee suggested that a special meeting be scheduled with Members of Council and the members of the Developers Round Table to discuss the various issues currently impacting the development community.
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti
That a special meeting be scheduled with Members
of Council and the members of the Developers Round Table to discuss current issues
impacting the development community.
CARRIED
Mr. Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services, advised the
Committee that what is being presented today is in draft form and will also be
presented at the Developers Round Table meeting scheduled for
Mr. Biju Karumanchery, Senior Development Manager, delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing an update with respect to service allocation.
The Committee inquired if this proposal satisfies the request from BILD. Staff advised that they have met with representatives of BILD, and that staff are comfortable with this proposed distribution. It remains true to the Town’s overall principle to promote transit oriented development, while addressing the needs of the low density community as well. Staff also advised that they anticipate reporting back to the Development Services Committee in late April 2009 subject to the timing of a meeting with the development community recommended by the Committee earlier in the meeting.
Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the presentation provided by Mr. Biju Karumanchery, Senior
Development Manager, regarding the Servicing Allocation Update, be received.
CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
There were no items.
ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services
Committee meeting adjourned at