MARCH 24, 2009 - 9:00 a.m.

A G E N D A

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

Meeting No. 9

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

Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Regional Councillor G. Landon

Councillor V. Burke

Councillor E. Shapero

Councillor C. Moretti

Councillor J. Webster

Councillor D. Horchik

Councillor L. Kanapathi

 

Regrets

Mayor F. Scarpitti

Regional Councillor J. Jones

Regional Councillor T. Wong

Councillor J. Virgilio

Councillor A. Chiu

 

J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services

B. Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services

A. Brown, Director of Engineering

S. Chait, Director, Economic Development

J. Streisfield, Assistant 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 9:00 AM in the Council Chambers with Councillor J. Webster in the Chair.  Regional Councillor G. Landon assumed the Chair for Transportation item, No.7.

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

 

None disclosed.

 

 

 

1.         SEVERANCE & MINOR VARIANCE APPEALS TO OMB
            94 JOHN STREET, THORNHILL (8.0)

 

Ms. Elena Bevilacqua, 4 Leahill Drive, addressed the Committee regarding the severance and minor variance appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) and requested that the Town Solicitor not attend the OMB hearing in support of the applicant.  Ms. Bevilacqua stated her opposition to the severance and demolition applications for 94 John Street. 

 

Mr. Bill Wylie, on behalf of The Society for the Preservation of Historic Thornhill (SPOHT) addressed the Committee advising that SPOHT objects to the severance application for 94 John Street.  He believes that there is no reason for the Town’s involvement at the OMB.

 

Ms. Marion Matthias, 33 Colbourne Street, addressed the Committee requesting that there be no Town representation at the OMB hearing for 94 John Street.  Ms. Matthias is concerned that if the severance is granted that the applicant may still pursue the demolition of the existing heritage building. 

 

Moved by Councillor L. Kanapathi

Seconded by Councillor V. Burke

 

That the correspondence from Donald C. Hindson, Cattanach Hindson Sutton VanVeldhuizen LLP, dated March 23, 2009, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

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

            Minutes

 

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

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

            Minutes

 

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

 

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

CARRIED

 

4.         MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES
            - February 18, 2009 (16.39)

            Minutes 

 

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

 

That the minutes of the Main Street Markham Committee meeting held February 18, 2009, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

5.         MARKHAM PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
            - February 11, 2009 (16.34)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

 

That the minutes of the Markham Public Art Advisory Committee meeting held

February 11, 2009, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

6.         CORNELL ROUGE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
            NORTH OF HIGHWAY 7, WEST OF DONALD COUSENS PARKWAY
            APPLICATIONS FOR DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION APPROVAL
            AND IMPLEMENTING ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENTS
            (SU 08 131556 (19TM-08002) AND ZA 08 131562) (10.7, 10.5)

            Report  Attachment 

 

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

 

1)                  That the report entitled “Preliminary Report, Cornell Rouge Development Corporation, North of Highway 7, west of Donald Cousens Parkway, Applications for draft plan of subdivision approval  and implementing zoning by-law amendments, File No.’s: SU 08 131556 (19TM-08002) and ZA 08 131562”, dated March 24, 2009 be received; and,

 

2)         That Staff be authorized to schedule a statutory Public Meeting to consider the applications for draft plan of subdivision approval and implementing zoning by-law amendments; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

7.         GLENN BARON, PHYLLIS DOHERTY AND
            TRICIA LOU DEVELOPMENTS LTD.
            ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATION
            TO FACILITATE THE CREATION OF SEVEN (7)
            NEW SINGLE RESIDENTIAL LOTS ON THE
            SOUTH SIDE OF HELEN AVENUE IN SOUTH UNIONVILLE.
            251 & 271 HELEN AVENUE, AND THE
            ABUTTING VACANT LOT TO THE EAST
            (ZA 09 107312) (10.5)

            Report  Attachment 

 

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

 

1)         That the staff report entitled “PRELIMINARY REPORT. Glenn Baron, Phyllis Doherty and Tricia Lou Developments Ltd. Zoning By-law amendment application to facilitate the creation of seven (7) new single residential lots on the south side of Helen Avenue in South Unionville. 251 & 271 Helen Avenue and the abutting vacant lot to the east. (ZA 09 107312),” be received; and,

 

2)                  That a Public Meeting be held to consider the Zoning By-law amendment application (ZA 09 107312); and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

8.         PROPOSED PARKING PROHIBITION ON
            LEGACY DRIVE AND ROUGE BANK DRIVE (5.12.4)

            Report  Attach A  Attach B  Attach C 

 

Mr. Paul Ingham, General Manager Operations, confirmed that the parking restriction will be on the south side of Rouge Bank Drive and the west side of Legacy Drive.

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

 

1)         That the report entitled “Proposed Parking Prohibition on Legacy Drive and Rouge Bank Drive” dated March 24, 2009, be received; and,

 

2)         And that Schedule “C” of Traffic By-law 2005-188, be amended by including the west side of Legacy Drive, between Rouge Bank Drive and Russell Jarvis Drive; and,

 

3)         That Schedule “C” of Traffic By-law 2005-188, be amended by including the south side of Rouge Bank Drive, between Legacy Drive and Cottontail Avenue; and,

 

4)         That the Operations Department be directed to install the appropriate signs at the subject locations, funded through the Operations Department account # 83-5399-8402-005; and,

 

5)         That the Operations Department be directed to maintain the signs at the subject locations; and,

 

6)         That the Parking Control Department be directed to enforce the parking prohibition upon installation of the signs; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

9.         E. MANSON INVESTMENTS ET. AL.
           
APPLICATION FOR SITE PLAN APPROVAL TO PERMIT
            A PHASE 2, 6 STOREY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING (BUILDING B)
            AT 150 HILLWOOD STREET
            (SC.05-021950) (10.7)

            Report  Attachment  

 

Mr. Baird advised the Committee that the site plan endorsement of Phase 1 (building A) will expire on May 16, 2009 if an agreement is not executed.  Staff is in support of extending the site plan endorsement of Phase 1 for an additional 3 years, subject to the revised conditions.  Mr. Baird also advised that the revised conditions include LEED certification and compliance with the Region of York’s Green Building Initiative Program for servicing allocation.  He indicated that the Owner has cooperated with the Town and had previously agreed to exchange the original servicing allocation they received for the first building for 2011 conditional allocation, provided that the Town agreed to grant 2011 allocation for both phases. (buildings A & B).  Site plan endorsement is also being granted for the Phase 2 building.

 

Ms. Mai Somermaa, Emery Investments, presented the Committee with building elevations and advised that based on public and staff input during the review process the building has been stepped down toward the west side to allow a better relation to the existing residents.  She also advised that the application has been through a five year process of design and review.

 

Councillor Carolina Moretti (Ward 4) suggested that this application be deferred for approximately four to six weeks to allow an opportunity to hold a Community Information Meeting for her constituents.  Councillor Moretti also suggested that a new traffic study be conducted to ensure there are no further impacts on the area.  Staff advised that the Town’s transportation staff do not anticipate any major changes to the original 2006 traffic study and suggested that the applicant’s traffic consultant provide a brief letter updating and or confirming the results of the 2006 study.

 

There was considerable discussion regarding the length of time the application should be deferred for.

 

Moved by Councillor C. Moretti

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

 

That the application for site plan approval at 150 Hillwood Street be deferred to the

May 5, 2009 Development Services Committee meeting to allow the Ward 4 Councillor an

opportunity to hold a Community Information Meeting.

CARRIED

 

 

10.       A SITE PLAN APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY
            THE CATHOLIC CEMETERIES ARCHDIOCESE OF TORONTO
            TO PERMIT AN ADDITION (PHASE 3) TO A MAUSOLEUM AT
            HOLY CROSS CEMETERY
            8361 YONGE STREET
            (SC 08 128503) (10.7)

            Report  Attachment

 

There was considerable discussion regarding more tree planting on the property of Holy Cross Cemetery. 

 

Mr. Mike Everard, Planning Consultant, addressed the Committee advising that this application does not require an extension of the boulevards.  The next phases of cemetery development will incorporate boulevard treatment that includes extensive landscaping.  He clarified that this subject area is not related to the preservation of the forest in the north east corner of the property.

 

Staff suggested reviewing the original landscape plan with the applicant for the portion of the property related to the current mausoleum expansion. 

 

Moved by Councillor V. Burke

Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero

 

1)         That the site plan application (SC 08 128503) submitted by the Catholic Cemeteries Archdiocese of Toronto to permit an addition (Phase 3) to a mausoleum at Holy Cross Cemetery at 8361 Yonge Street, be endorsed in principle, subject to the conditions in Appendix ‘A’ to the staff report on this matter dated March 24, 2009; and,

 

2)         That staff together with the applicant update the landscape plan for the mausoleum portion of the site to provide for additional tree planting; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

11.       TOWARD A MARKHAM GROWTH MANAGEMENT STRATEGY:
            OUTLINING AN INTENSIFICATION STRATEGY (10.0)

            Report  Attachment 

 

The Committee questioned if the item should be dealt with while public consultations are ongoing in relation to the Growth Management Strategy.  As well, Committee discussed the need for more members of Council to be present when the item is considered.

 

Ms. Marion Matthias, 33 Colburne Street, addressed the Committee requesting that the intensification strategy clearly state that there is no intensification within the Heritage Conservation District.  She requested clarification with respect to the proposed 55%-60% intensification and would like to know if the City of Vaughan and Town of Richmond Hill have the same targets.

 

Moved by Councillor E. Shapero

Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon

 

That the above item be deferred to a future Development Services Committee meeting.

CARRIED

 

 

12.       MILNE DAM CONSERVATION AREA
            - MULTI-USE PATHWAY REVIEW WORKING GROUP
            TERMS OF REFERENCE (6.3)

            Report  Attach A  Attach B  Attach C

 

Mr. Alan Brown, Director of Engineering, summarized the Terms of Reference and the options outlined in attachment A & C to the staff report dated March 24, 2009.  He confirmed that one member of the TRCA has committed to participate with the working group. 

 

Mr. Tupper Wheatley, Milne Park Conservation Association, addressed the Committee regarding the proposed Milne Dam Conservation Area – Multi-Use Pathway Review Working Group Terms of Reference and stated some concerns.  He is concerned that the proposed target date of June 16, 2009 will not provide enough time for fulsome discussions.  Mr. Wheatly requested that staff provide the answers to the questions raised at the March 10, 2009 Council meeting related to the proposed bridge and existing bridge.  He believes that the Region of York and Town of Markham should consider having bike lanes along Highway 7 from Bullock Road to McCowan Road with a separating boulevard.

 

Mr. Reuben Tang, 7 Banfield Avenue, addressed the Committee with respect to the proposed Milne Dam Conservation Area – Multi-Use Pathway Review Working Group Terms of Reference advising he will further review the report and e-mail his comments and/or concerns to staff and Members of Council.  He requested clarification regarding the option that has the trail going through Banfield Avenue because he understood that option was previously considered and denied.

 

 

Staff and Committee commented that all options have been put back for consideration based on the discussion at the March 10, 2009 Council meeting.  The Working Group members are to review the options. 

 

Councillor Carolina Moretti suggested that all Members of Council should try and do a site visit if they have not already done so to obtain a better understanding of the issues being raised.  She requested that staff provide the answers to the questions raised at the March 10, 2009 Council Meeting as noted above for the first meeting of the Working Group.

 

Moved by Councillor L. Kanapathi

Seconded by Councillor V. Burke

 

That the correspondence from Mr. Glenn Baron be received.

CARRIED

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

 

1)         That the staff report entitled ‘Milne Dam Conservation Area – Multi-use Pathway Review - Work Group Terms of Reference’ dated March 24, 2009 and the correspondence from Mr. Glenn Baron, be received; and,

 

2)         That the Terms of Reference be amended to stipulate that the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) be invited to participate on the Working Group in an advisory capacity; and

 

3)         That the Terms of Reference and schedule for the working group to evaluate options for the development of a multi-use pathway in the Milne Dam Conservation area as outlined in this report and as amended by Council this date, be endorsed; and,

 

4)         That the composition of the working group as outlined in this report, be endorsed; and,

 

5)         That Council appoint Councillor Carolina Moretti, Deputy Mayor Jack Heath, Councillor Valerie Burke, and Councillor Erin Shapero to participate on the working group; and,

 

6)         That the Legislative Services be requested to provide secretariat support to the Working Group; and

 

7)         That if necessary the purchase orders for the design consultants (Chisholm, Fleming and Wardrop) be increased for additional work related to the working group and be funded from Engineering Capital Account 83-5350-8114-005; and,

 

8)         That staff report back on June 16, 2009 with the Working Groups recommended alignment; and further,

 

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

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

13.       2009 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MARKETING PLAN (10.16)

            Report  Calendar  Summary

 

Mr. Stephen Chait, Director of Economic Development, addressed the Committee advising that the 2009 Economic Development Marketing Plan has incorporated the comments and suggestions received from Committee at the February 10, 2009 Development Services Committee meeting.  He indicated that the section referred to as “Professional Scientific and Technological Services and Health in Markham” is being deferred to 2011/2012.    

 

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

 

1)         That the report entitled “2009 Economic Development Marketing Plan” be received and endorsed, and,

 

2)         That the Marketing Plan activities be funded in accordance with the Town’s Purchasing By-laws from within the approved 2009 Economic Development budget accounts; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

14.       PLANNING APPLICATIONS (10.0)

 

The Committee requested confirmation that new planning applications received at the Town are circulated to the Ward Councillors.  Staff advised that all new incoming planning applications are circulated to the Ward Councillors at the same time it is being circulated to the various Town departments and public agencies.  Staff also advised that the Development Services Committee regularly receives the “Incoming Applications Report” which highlights new and incoming applications and provides a brief summary of those applications.

 

 

15.       IN-CAMERA MATTER (8.0)

 

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero

 

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 matter (11:08AM):

 

 

1)         LITIGATION MATTER - SEVERANCE AND MINOR VARIANCE APPEAL TO ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD - 94 JOHN STREET, THORNHILL

2)         LITIGATION MATTER - MINOR VARIANCE APPEALS TO ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD - 133 OLD KENNEDY ROAD, MARKHAM

CARRIED

Moved by Councillor L. Kanapathi

Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon

 

That the Committee rise from the in-camera session (11:57 AM)

CARRIED

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at 11:58 AM.