MINUTES

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING

JUNE 2, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.

Council Chamber

Meeting No. 8

All Members of Council

Development Services

Chair: Councillor J. Webster

Vice-Chair: Councillor D. Horchik

Attendance

Mayor F. Scarpitti Deputy Mayor J. Heath Councillor V. Burke Councillor E. Shapero Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor C. Moretti Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik Councillor L. Kanapathi Regrets Regional Councillor J. Jones Regional Councillor T. Wong Regional Councillor G. Landon Councillor A. Chiu

J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services M. Boyce, Senior Policy Coordinator D. Cheng, Senior Planner B. Karumanchery, Senior Development Manager A. Tari, Committee Clerk

The Development Services Public Meeting convened at 7:12 PM in the Council Chamber with Councillor J. Webster in the Chair. Councillor C. Moretti assumed the Chair at 7:41 PM. Councillor J. Webster re-assumed the Chair at 7:52 PM.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

None disclosed.

1. MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE HOSPITAL
ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATION
FOR ADDITIONAL HOSPITAL LANDS
(ZA.09-112246) (10.5)

Report Attachment

Mr. Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services advised the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider an application submitted by the Markham Stouffville Hospital for additional Hospital lands (ZA 09-112246).

The Committee Clerk advised that 143 notices were mailed on May 12, 2009, and a Public Meeting sign was posted on May 12, 2009. No written submissions were received regarding this proposal.

Staff gave a presentation regarding the proposal, site description, area context and surrounding uses. There are no outstanding issues.

Ms. Marilyn DuChene, 23 Riverlands, addressed the Committee advising that her house facesthe north side of this proposed parking lot. She is requesting that the area of the parking lot that abuts Riverlands be buffered and landscaped.

Staff advised that there will be a landscape edge for the area that abuts Riverlands. Staff also advised that they are continuing to work with the Hospital’s landscape architect.

There was discussion regarding the proposed permitted use being surface parking for the two parcels on the north side of Church Street and whether it should be granted on a temporary basis. Staff advised that temporary use zoning by-laws are for a maximum duration of 3 years and can continue to be renewed as required. The Committee would like to have an opportunity in the future to re-evaluate the permitted use of these parcels.

Mr. Jim Kirk, Malone Given Parsons Ltd., addressed the Committee advising that once the Hospital expansion is completed there will be a need for approximately 2,100 parking spaces which includes the proposed spaces on the north side of Church Street. He presented the Committee with a site plan that demonstrated a colour coded parking strategy.

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

That Markham Stouffville Hospital is encouraged to transition the use of the two parcels on the north side of Church Street from parking lots to other permitted uses and that the Hospital be requested to engage in discussion with Town staff and Council, upon the earlier of the completion of the Hospital’s current expansion or within 7 years, regarding the future use of these two parcels.

CARRIED

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

1) That the report from the Development Services Commission dated May 5, 2009, entitled “Preliminary Report, Markham Stouffville Hospital Zoning By-law Amendment Application for additional Hospital lands.  File No. ZA 09-112246” be received; and,

2) That the Record of the Public Meeting held on June 2, 2009, with respect to the rezoning application submitted by Markham Stouffville Hospital to amend By-laws 304-87 and 1229, both as amended, be received; and,

3) That the application by Markham Stouffville Hospital to amend By-laws 304-87 and 1229, both as amended, be approved; and further,

4) That the proposed amendments to By-laws 304-87 and 1229, both as amended, be enacted without further notice.

CARRIED

2. TOWARD A MARKHAM
GROWTH MANAGEMENT STRATEGY:
SECTION 37 OFFICIAL PLAN POLICIES
AND GUIDELINES (10.0)

Report Attachment

Mr. Baird advised the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider a Town-initiated amendment to the Official Plan (Revised 1987), as amended respecting the use of Section 37 of the Planning Act (MI 510).

The Committee Clerk advised that 18 notices were mailed on May 18, 2009, and notice of the Public Meeting was published in the May 14, 2009 edition of the Economist and Sun and the Thornhill Liberal newspapers. Four written submissions were received regarding this proposal.

Mr. Murray Boyce, Senior Policy Coordinator provided the Committee with opening comments relative to the proposed Town-initiated amendment to the Official Plan (Revised 1987), as amended respecting the use of Section 37 of the Planning Act. Mr. John Gladki, Consultant, delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the use of Section 37 of the Planning Act. Mr. Boyce also reviewed the purpose and effect of the proposed amendment and the next steps.

There was brief discussion regarding developers that may choose to exempt themselves. The Committee inquired about the difference of this proposal from what already exists in the Town’s Official Plan. Staff advised that this amendment would introduce new Official Plan provisions that would assist the Town in obtaining certain facilities, services or matters that would not otherwise be secured under the other provisions of the Planning Act or the Development Charges Act, and that can be of particular benefit to a specific area or the Town as a whole. Staff also advised that bonusing would not be suggested from the start of an application and that ‘good planning’ will always be a primary consideration.

Ms. Eileen Liasi, Thornhill resident and on behalf of the Bayview Glen Ratepayers Association, addressed the Committee with respect to the use of Section 37 Height and Density Bonusing and spoke in opposition. She believes that the mandated intensification is already in excess of what people are willing to accept. Ms. Liasi stated that if the Town does adopt bonusing, it is important that residents be consulted prior to any negotiation/agreements being established.

Ms. Marilyn Ginsburg, Grandview Area Residents Association, addressed the Committee regarding the use of Section 37 Height and Density Bonusing, stating her opposition. She is concerned that this will not benefit existing residents but rather the developers. Ms. Ginsburg referred to the proposed Liberty Developments at 7171 Yonge Street as an example and feels that the bonusing provisions should not allow for extra density.

The Committee stated that the Section 37 Height and Density Bonusing must be used responsibly throughout the Town.

Mr. Fred Webber, addressed the Committee and spoke in opposition to the Section 37 Height and Density Bonusing. He believes it is important to keep the existing communities involved. Mr. Webber is concerned that this policy would encourage developers to request additional density in areas that can not support it.

Mr. Bobby Bhoola, Ballantry Homes, addressed the Committee regarding the use of Section 37 of the Planning Act stating he wants to ensure this will not impact his future application in the Cornell area.

Staff confirmed that bonusing only applies on mutual consent between the applicant and the Town.

Mr. Peter Miasek, 34 Normandale Road, addressed the Committee with respect to the use of Section 37 Bonusing and spoke in support.

The Committee stated that these proposed provisions can be used as another tool to obtain extra benefits for communities in Markham. The Committee indicated that Town is doing everything it can to balance the approach of the mandated Provincial Growth and that a lot of the intensification is being planned along the transportation corridors to try and minimize the impact on the existing communities.

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

That the correspondence from Ms. Eileen Liasi, Mr. Myron P. Pestaluky, Mr. Ira Kagan and Mr. Al Burton be received.

CARRIED

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

1) That the record of the Public Meeting held on June 2, 2009 with respect to the proposed draft official plan amendment, be received; and,

2) That staff be directed to report back to the Development Services Committee with appropriate recommendations.

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

The Development Services Public Meeting adjourned at 9:25 PM.