MINUTES

MARKHAM PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE

October 14, 2009

Meeting No. 8

PRESENT REGRETS

Members Salim Manji Judi McIntyre Stefania Pflugbeil Alina Tarbhai Matthew Korchinski, Chair Staff Carolina Morietti, Councillor Ward 4 Linda Irvine, Manager, Parks & Open Spaces Ms. Stefania Pflugbeil, John Ryerson, Director of Culture Francine Perinet, Director of Varley Art Gallery Ronji Borooah, Town Architect Henry Tse, Project Engineer Pamela Cook, Committee Clerk

Joanne Olson Guest Presenters Gary Adamkowski, Sr. Project Manager, MHPM Project Leaders Duff Balmer, Architect, Shore Tibe Irwin & Partners Amin Ebrahim, Architect, Shore Tibe Irwin & Partners

The Markham Public Art Advisory Committee was called to order at 5:09 pm with Matthew Korchinski presiding as Chair.

1. CHANGES OR ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA

The Agenda was accepted as distributed.

2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES

Moved by Alina Tarbhai

Seconded by Judi McIntrye

That the Minutes of the September 9, 2009 Markham Public Art Advisory Committee be received.

CARRIED

3. MARKHAM EAST PROJECT

Duff Balmer, Architect, Shore Tibe Irwin & Partners made a presentation on the proposed Markham East project to be located off Bur Oak Avenue and edging on the Markham Stouffville Hospital property. The proposed building is a one hundred and thirty thousand square feet building, designed with a wellness theme throughout and comprising of a recreation facility, with a workout area, two gymnasia, and three pools – full size Olympic pool, children’s play pool with a slide, and a therapy pool, on the lower level. A twenty-five thousand square foot public library, a large rehearsal hall and public meeting space with a medical component, extensive seating opportunities for viewing the pool area, a youth room, a meeting room for older adults, and running track will be located on the upper level. A parking structure for up to three hundred vehicles is also planned, linked to the building by a thirty foot high living wall, with plant life growing on a galvanized frame. The plan also intends to create a large programmable park-like perimeter, for potential events like an outdoor market, art exhibiting, yoga or tai chi like activities with different seating opportunities defined with trees and incorporating reading nooks and quiet space. The building design focuses on lots of natural light, coloured glass windows, and a light airy feeling within the enclosed spaces.

Ms. Linda Irvine, Parks & Open Space Development, suggested that this project would be a good opportunity for the Town of Markham draw attention to public art in the community and incorporate their proposed Public Art Policy. It would be important for the Town to take the initiative on a project such as this, to reinforce their commitment, and to encourage private developers to include public art as part of a potential bonus feature of future developments. Ms. Irvine indicated that it would be important for this Committee to start to investigate public art possibilities for the Markham East project.

Francine Périnet, Director of Varley Art Gallery, explained the notion of art to the Committee. She reported that the art has to have value as an investment, and that you must identify how the proposed art relates to the users and the community, both past and present.

It was agreed by the Committee that any structural additives to the project, like extra hooks for hanging exhibits and lighting should be taken into consideration during the construction process.

Ms. Irvine indicated that the Public Art Advisory Committee is representative of the community of Markham and it is anticipated that one of their mandates would be to review future proposals for public art in the Town of Markham. It is important to look for a meaningful piece of art that represents the community, incorporating their local and universal needs.

As funding for public art for the Markham East Project has not yet be considered, there was a discussion on possible competitions or bids from local artists and how to best solicit their involvement. Ms. Irvine suggested that the Committee has to go forward to Council at some point to get funding, and that it may be possible for Town to provide up to one hundred thousand dollars. At a future meeting, the Committee would need to review issues such as this being a one-time spending, or over a fixed number of years and any proposals for fundraising.

As the final design for this project is expected to be completed by the end of December and to go out to tender in January, it was agreed that the architects, Shore Tilbe Irwin and Partners would identify areas of opportunity for public art both inside and outside the building and provide a list for the Committee to review. Mr. John Ryerson, Director of Culture, indicated the landscape design is a future item and is not final yet.

Moved by Alina Tarbhai

Seconded by Judi McIntyre

THAT Town of Markham Staff bring a recommended process for public art involvement for the Markham East Project to Council.

CARRIED

4. BUSINESS ARIVING FROM THE MINUTES

a) Committee Open House

Judi McIntyre reminded the Committee that an arts mixer was confirmed for Tuesday, October 27^th , 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Markham Theatre.

5. NEXT MEETING DATE

The next meeting of the Markham Public Art Advisory Committee will be held on November 11, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ontario Room.

6. ADJOURNMENT

The Markham Public Art Advisory Committee meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m..