DECEMBER 1, 2009 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

MINUTES

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

Meeting No. 34

All Members of Council

Development Services                                                                 Economic Development

Chair:              Councillor J. Webster                                                                             Chair:             

Vice-Chair:      Councillor D. Horchik                                                                            Transportation Issues

                                                                                                                                        Chair:          Regional Councillor G. Landon

 

 

PART A and PART B

Presentations, Major Studies, Issues and Report Agenda

9:00 a.m.  - Council Chamber

 

Attendance

Mayor F. Scarpitti

Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Regional Councillor J. Jones

Regional Councillor G. Landon

Regional Councillor J. Virgilio

Councillor V. Burke

Councillor E. Shapero

Councillor C. Moretti

Councillor J. Webster

Councillor D. Horchik

Councillor L. Kanapathi

Councillor A. Chiu

 

Regrets

Councillor D. Hamilton

 

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer

J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services

A. Brown, Director of Engineering

P. Loukes, Director of Operations

J. Streisfield, Assistant Town Solicitor

S. Chait, Director, Economic Development

P. Wokral, Heritage Planner

S. Campbell, Senior Planner, Zoning and Special Projects

B. Karumanchery, Senior Development Manager

V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design

M. Wouters, Manager, East District

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 items, Nos.12 and 13.

 

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

 

None disclosed.

 

 

1.         PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS (12.2.6)

 

Ken Ferguson, Backhoe Operator, Operations, 25 years

David Miller, Senior Project Coordinator - Langstaff, Planning & Urban Design, 20 years

Christopher Beaumont, Firefighter, Fire & Emergency Services, 15 years

David Leslie, Firefighter, Fire & Emergency Services, 15 years

James Sinclair, Firefighter, Fire & Emergency Services, 15 years

Donald Stoneman, Firefighter, Fire & Emergency Services, 15 years

Dereje Tafesse, Capital Works Engineer, Engineering, 15 years

Stella Attai, Financial Analyst, Accounting, Financial Services, 10 years

Geoff Day, Planner II, Planning & Urban Design, 10 years

Vincent Lai, Senior Systems Analyst, Information Technology Services, 10 years

Mansoor Ali, Senior Development Engineer, Engineering, 5 years

Karen Dennison, Manager, System Engineering, Operations - Waterworks Division, 5 years

Shahid Rehman, Inventory Control Coordinator, Operations, 5 years

Valerie Burke, Ward 1 Councillor , Mayor & Council, 3 years

Logan Kanapathi, Ward 7 Councillor , Mayor & Council, 3 years

Dwayne Lewis, Waterworks Operator, Operations, 3 years

Carolina Moretti, Ward 4 Councillor , Mayor & Council, 3 years

Syed Rizvi, IMS Analyst, Waterworks, Operations - Waterworks Division, 3 years

Jayanthi Thavapalan, Cash Control Clerk, Financial Services, 3 years

 

 

 

2.         PAVEMENT PRESERVATION STRATEGY (5.7 & 5.10)

 

Dr. Susan Tighe, Professor, University of Waterloo delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding sustainable roads and pavement.

 

The Committee inquired if Ms. Tighe has been involved with the Region of York.  She advised not at this time. 

 

There was discussion regarding the importance of proper engineering for the recycled material and the importance of appropriate conditions when it is being installed.

 

Mr. Peter Loukes, Director of Operations addressed the Committee advising that the Town has began using recycled materials (asphalt) in 2007 and that staff are continually monitoring those locations.

 

Moved by Councillor E. Shapero

Seconded by Councillor V. Burke

 

That the presentation provided by Dr. Susan Tighe, Professor, University of Waterloo, regarding Pavement Preservation Strategy, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

3.         DRAFT DRIVE-THROUGH
            FACILITIES DESIGN GUIDELINES
            (MOIZ BEHAR PLANNING & DESIGN INC.) (10.0) 

            Presentation   Draft Guidelines

 

Mr. Moiz Behar, Moiz Behar Planning and Design Inc. delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Draft Drive-through Facilities Design Guidelines. 

 

There was discussion regarding Ontario Municipal Board appeal decisions that do not support a total ban on drive-through facilities.

 

Mr. Victor Labreche, Labreche Patterson & Associates Inc. addressed the Committee regarding the draft drive-through facilities design guidelines and stated some concerns.  He requested the opportunity to have further discussions with staff to achieve a balanced and fair policy.  Mr. Labreche submitted a copy of “Air Quality Assessment for Tim Hortons Restaurants Ontario Canada Final Report” for staff’s review.

 

Mr. Don Dussault, Manager Real Estate Development, Imperial Oil addressed the Committee with respect to the draft drive-through facilities design guidelines and spoke in opposition.  He believes that the report does not acknowledge the many benefits associated with drive-through facilities.  Mr. Dussault indicated that the proposed guidelines are not reflective of the discussion that took place at the Workshop.

 

There was discussion regarding the appropriateness of regulating drive-through facilities through the Town’s Official Plan.

 

The Committee thanked staff for their work completed to date with respect to drive-through facilities design guidelines and suggested that staff consider ways to address concerns (eg. idling, shorter stacking) with existing drive-through facilities.  The Committee also suggested that staff consider including car wash facilities as part of these proposed guidelines.

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Virgilio

 

That the presentation provided by Mr. Moiz Behar, Moiz Behar Planning and Design Inc., regarding Draft Drive-through Facilities Design Guidelines, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.         MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE HOSPITAL
            - TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION FOR
            UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
            FAMILY HEALTH TEACHING UNIT (10.6)

 

Staff provided brief opening comments and advised that the following is a delegated staff approval.

 

Ms. Marg Wouters, Manager East Development delivered a brief PowerPoint presentation with respect to the proposed temporary accommodations at Markham Stouffville Hospital.

 

Ms. Janet Beed, CEO, Markham Stouffville Hospital delivered a PowerPoint presentation outlining the advantages to being a teaching hospital.

 

The Committee suggested installing a sign that will advise community members that the building is a temporary building and asked if there could be consideration given to limit the noise from the air conditioning unit attached to the temporary building.

 

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

 

That the presentation provided by Ms. Janet Beed, CEO, Markham Stouffville Hospital, regarding temporary accommodation for the University of Toronto Family Health Teaching Unit, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

5.         DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
-
NOVEMBER 10, 2009, Part A (10.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

 

That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting, Part A, held November 10, 2009, be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.         COMMERCIAL FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT
GRANT PROGRAM FOR HERITAGE DISTRICTS FALL 2009 (16.11)

            Report   Attachment

 

There was discussion regarding the recommendation to use grant funds for improvements to landscaping and installation of a picket fence at 148 Main Street Unionville and whether these improvements meet the required criteria.

 

The Committee suggested that staff ensure that the Commercial Façade Improvement Program clarifies that landscape improvements on their own will not be eligible for grant funding.

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio 

 

1)         That the staff report entitled “Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program for Heritage Districts Fall 2009” be received; and,

 

2)         That the applications for the Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program be approved provided that the applicants comply with the eligibility requirements of the program; and,

 

3)         That the requested grant of $10,237.50 to replicate a missing Victorian veranda at the front of 8 Main St. N. be approved subject to the applicant obtaining the necessary approvals and entering into a Grant Agreement with the Town; and,

 

4)         That the requested grant of $9,975.00 to make property improvements to the rear of 149 Main St. Unionville including landscaping, enclosing the garbage bins, adding shutters, and installing a picket fence be approved subject to the applicant obtaining the necessary approvals and entering into a Grant Agreement with the Town; and,

 

5)         That Council authorizes the Mayor and Clerk to enter into Façade Easement Agreements with the owners of 8 Main St. N. and 149 Main St. Unionville and any other documents required to give effect thereto, in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor; and,

 

6)         That Council agrees to waive the eligibility criteria pertaining to the timing of the initiation of the following projects: the veranda of 8 Main St. N. and the improvements to the rear of 149 Main St. Unionville; and,

 

7)         That the grants be funded through the Development Services Planning Capital Project 6633 (Heritage Façade Improvement/Replacement Program); and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

 

7.         ACCEPTANCE FOR MAINTENANCE OF
RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISIONS
REGISTERED PLAN NUMBERS 65M-3788
EXCEPT BLOCKS 142, 143, 144 AND 146,
65M-3948, 65M-3800, 65M-3955
EXCEPT BLOCKS 13 AND 14, 65M-3954, 65M-3830
AND 65R-27851 PARTS 3,6 AND 7, 65M-4005, 65M-3368
AND 65R-21540 PART 7, 65M-3582 AND 65R-24761 PART 2
AND 3, 65M-3638, 65M-3783 PLAN 65M-3639,
65M-3640 AND 65M-4039 (10.7)

            Report  Attachment

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

 

1)         That the report entitled “Acceptance for Maintenance of Residential Subdivisions Registered Plan Numbers 65M-3788 Except Blocks 142, 143, 144 and 146, 65M-3948, 65M-3800, 65M-3955 Except Blocks 13 and 14, 65M-3954,65M-3830 and 65R-27851 Parts 3, 6 and 7, 65M-4005, 65M-3368 and 65R-21540 Part 7, 65M-3582 and 65R-24761 Part 2 and 3, 65M-3638, 65M-3783, 65M-3639, 65M-3640 and 65M-4039,” dated December 2, 2009, be received; and,

 

2)         That the municipal services in Subdivision Registered Plan numbers 65M-3788 Except Blocks 142, 143, 144 and 146, 65M-3948, 65M-3800, 65M-3955 Except Blocks 13 and 14, 65M-3954,65M-3830 and 65R-27851 Parts 3, 6 and 7, 65M-4005, 65M-3368 and 65R-21540 Part 7, 65M-3582 and 65R-24761 Part 2 and 3, 65M-3638, 65M-3783, 65M-3639, 65M-3640 and 65M-4039, be Accepted for Maintenance; and,

 

3)         That by-laws be enacted by Council to accept these subdivisions and to establish each of the roads within the residential subdivisions as a public highway of the Town of Markham; and,

 

4)         That the Community Services Commission accepts the responsibility for operating and maintaining the infrastructure within the subdivision as part of the Town’s system; and,

 

5)         That the Acceptance for Maintenance Period commence October 1, 2009; and,

 

6)         That acceptance of the subdivision be taken into consideration in future operating budgets; and,

 

7)         That the by-law to amend schedule ‘12’ of Traffic By-law #106-71, by including compulsory stops to the indicated streets, be approved; and,

 

8)         That the by-law to amend Schedule ‘A’ of the Speed By-law #105-71, by including a maximum speed of 40 kilometers per hour for the streets indicated, be approved; and,

 

 

9)         That the by-law to amend Schedule ‘F’ of the Speed By-law #105-71, by including a maximum speed of 50 kilometers per hour for the streets indicated, be approved; and,

 

10)       That the by-law to amend Schedule ‘C’ of the Parking of Vehicles By-law #2005-188, by including prohibited parking on the streets indicated, be approved; and,

 

11)       That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the necessary releases from the terms of the Subdivision Agreements, subject to confirmation from the Director of Engineering that the final two year guarantee periods have been completed; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

 

8.         OPA 149 OPEN SPACE AND
            STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN (10.3)

            Report  Attachment  

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

 

1)         That the Development Services Commission Report dated December 1, 2009 report, Entitled “OPA 149 Open Space and Streetscape Master Plan” be received; and,

 

2)         That the OPA 149 Open Space and Streetscape Master Plan, attached to the December 1, 2009 report, prepared by Todhunter Associates be endorsed in principle; and,

 

3)         That all development applications within the Highway 404 North Planning District be reviewed to ensure compliance with the OPA 149 Open Space and Streetscape Master Plan; and,

 

4)         That the following additional changes be incorporated  into the OPA 149 Open Space and Streetscape Master Plan, to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Development Services:

 

  • A revision to the plan to provide a conceptual location for a possible future Highway 404 overpass to the satisfaction of the Director of Engineering, and to be subject to confirmation through a future Environmental Assessment process.
  • A revision to the plan to identify a revised location for the storm water management pond at the south-east corner of the plan subject to approval of Ontario Hydro and Director of Engineering.

 

 

 

 

 

  • A revision to Section 2.0 Demonstration Plan, Section 2.5 – Frontages - to revise the text to suggest that the elevation treatment of the front or street façade should be continued along facades located in exterior side yards.
  • A revision to Section 3.0 Open Space Plan, Sections 3.3, 3.4, 3.6 to specify that the multi-use trail which is 1.5m beyond the width of the regular sidewalk along the future Woodbine By-Pass is to be funded from development charges (14%) and grants and/or developer funding of 86%.  A second multi-use trail will extend northward along the east side of Honda Blvd. This trail will be provided by the subdivision developer at its sole cost. 
  • A revision to Section 1.2.3 Site Characteristics and Surrounding Uses, to include wording that identifies compensation for the loss of any existing vegetation on the site as per the “Trees for Tomorrow Streetscape Manual” approved June 2009.
  • A revision to Section 4.0 - Streetscape Master Plan, Section 4.3 to specify that the subdivision developer will be responsible to provide a single row of trees on each boulevard within the municipal right-of-way throughout the plan of subdivision and a second row of trees on each boulevard along Honda Blvd in addition to a row of trees on private lands directly abutting the blvd.  A single row of trees will be installed under the By-Pass construction and will be funded by the developers under the “Tri-Party Agreement”; and,

 

5)         That the Commissioner of Development Services be authorized to approve any future required revisions to the OPA 149 Open Space and Streetscape Master Plan; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

 

9.         BILLBOARD SIGN VARIANCE
CBS OUTDOOR
CANADA – STEPHEN MCGREGOR
YORK FARMER’S MARKET LTD.
7509 YONGE STREET
APPLICATION NO. 09-116728 00 SP (2.16.2) 

            Report

 

The Ward Councillor advised the Committee that she has met with the shareholders of the York Farmer’s Market Limited and would like the opportunity to explore ways in which the Farmer’s Market can be promoted.  She also indicated that the shareholders have shown an interest in forming a BIA.  It was suggested that this item be deferred to allow the opportunity for further discussions.

 

 

 

 

 

Moved by Councillor V. Burke

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

 

1)         That billboard sign variance application file number 09-11672800SP, submitted by CBS Outdoor Canada, requesting relief from the Sign By-law to permit the erection of a tri-vision billboard sign be deferred.

CARRIED

 

 

 

10.       YORK REGION OFFICIAL PLAN
REGIONAL SUBMISSION ANALYSIS AND RESPONSE
TO MARKHAM COMMENTS (10.17)

            Notice

 

Mr. Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services pointed out the two main areas of concern with respect to the revised Draft York Region Official Plan remain, urban expansion reference and strategic employment areas.  He advised that the proposed resolution reaffirms Council’s original position on the urban expansion and employment lands.  The Committee requested that only the resolution be forwarded to the Region without any of the attachments.

 

The Committee inquired of possible legal implications if the Region of York continues to move forward with their Official Plan Amendment and not amend the policies and maps related to new communities and urban expansion for the section related to the Town of Markham.   Mr. Jeffrey Streisfield, Assistant Town Solicitor advised that the Region’s associated report to their Draft Official Plan Amendment indicates that urban boundaries will be amended through an OPA in the new year.  Mr. Streisfield pointed out that the Regional Official Plan must be approved by the Province. He indicated that if Town’s effort to defer policies and mapping are not achieved at the Region, then the Town should follow through at the Provincial level.

 

There was discussion as to whether the Regional Official Plan can be appealed.  Staff indicated that once the Province has made their final decision on the Regional Official Plan Amendment anyone has the right to appeal it.

 

The Committee discussed the need for schematic drawings at the future Public Consultation session to assist the public in understanding the differences between the various options in achieving the intensification targets.

 

There was discussion regarding the various ways to control the future pace of development throughout the Town.   The Committee discussed the possibility of requesting the Province to consider different approaches in order to achieve their forecasted growth numbers.

 

Staff advised that there will be more detailed technical review of the Regional Official Plan Amendment and that they will look at the existing woodlots as part of that review.  A report will be presented in the New Year.

 

 

 

Moved by Councillor E. Shapero

Seconded by Mayor F. Scarpitti

 

1)         That this memo entitled “York Region Official Plan - Regional submission analysis and response to Markham comments” dated, December 1, 2009, be received and not forwarded to the Region of York; and,

 

2)         That Council reaffirm its request of October 27, 2009 that the policies and mapping related to new communities and any urban expansion (including strategic employment lands as referenced on Figure 2) within the Town of Markham contained in the draft Regional Official Plan be deferred until the Town of Markham’s Growth Management Strategy is completed and endorsed by Town Council; and,

 

3)         That the Clerk advise the Region of York accordingly; and,

 

4)         That staff report back to Development Services Committee early in the new year, following a detailed review of the ROP, once adopted by Regional Council; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

**Note:  amended at the December 1, 2009 Council meeting

 

 

11.       MARKHAM 2020 SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT 2009 (10.16)

 

 

Mr. Stephen Chait, Director of Economic Development advised the Committee that the enclosed brochure is the first semi-annual update with respect to the successes of Markham 2020. 

 

The Committee congratulated staff on the brochure and suggested that the brochure include the following prior to it being circulated:

·      Amend the graphics of the covering to highlight that it is an “update”

·      Include success of Green Economy

·      Include that the Town of Markham has the lowest tax rate in the GTA

 

Moved by Mayor F. Scapitti

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

That the verbal presentation provided by Mr. Stephen Chait, Director of Economic Development, regarding Markham 2020 Semi-Annual Report 2009, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

12.       YORK REGION'S DRAFT
            TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN (5.10)

            Report

 

Mr. Alan Brown, Director of Engineering highlighted some of the staff comments contained in ‘Appendix A’. 

 

There was brief discussion regarding the status of the five Regional Environmental Assessments (EA).  The Committee suggested that the Region should advance the improvements for Kennedy Road from Steeles Avenue to Highway 7 due to congestion and transit requirements.  Staff will have discussions with the Region as to the status of the five EA’s and report back to Committee.

 

The Committee suggested that the staff comments be amended to also include:

  • Markham’s priority for transit are: Yonge Subway extension, 407 Transitway to Cornell and all day GO service on Richmond Hill and Whitchurch Stouffville lines
  • Markham requests a partial interchange at 404/14th Avenue to service the employment lands east of Highway 404
  • Intersection and signalization improvements

 

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

 

1)         That the report to Development Services Committee entitled “York Region’s Draft Transportation Master Plan”, be received; and,

 

2)         That the comments attached as “Appendix A as amended at the December 1, 2009 Development Services Committee meeting” be forwarded to the Region of York as Markham’s preliminary response to the Region’s request for input on the York Region’s draft Transportation Master Plan; and,

 

3)         That the Region of York be requested to update their Transportation Master Plan upon completion of the Town of Markham’s Growth Management Strategy (GMS) and Markham Transportation Strategic Plan (MTSP); and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.       YORK REGION'S DRAFT
            WATER AND WASTEWATER MASTER PLAN (5.0)

            Report 

 

Mr. Brown briefly highlighted the comments contained in “Appendix A”.

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

 

1)         That the report to Development Services Committee entitled “York Region’s Draft Water and Wastewater Master Plan”, be received; and,

 

2)         That the comments attached as “Appendix A” be forwarded to the Region of York as Markham’s preliminary response to the Region’s request for input on the draft Water and Wastewater Master Plan; and,

 

3)         That the Region of York be requested to update their Water and Wastewater Master Plan upon completion of the Town of Markham’s Growth Management Strategy and Master Servicing Study; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

 

14.       NEWS RELEASE: TORONTO BECOMES WORLD'S
            FIRST CITY TO MANDATE BIRD-FRIENDLY BUILDINGS
            (FLAP) (10.0)

            Info

 

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

 

That the news release dated October 28, 2009, "Toronto Becomes World's First City to Mandate Bird-Friendly Buildings", be received and referred to staff for a report on how Markham can also adopt such guidelines.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15.       TORONTO BUTTONVILLE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
- LETTER FROM GREATER TORONTO
AIRPORTS AUTHORITY (GTAA) (5.15.1)

            Letter

 

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

 

That the letter dated November 12, 2009 from Ms. Marilynne Day-Linton, Chair, Board of Directors, Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), advising of its decision not to fund the Toronto Buttonville Municipal Airport, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

16.       MARKHAM AGRICULTURAL ASSESSMENT
            FINAL STUDY (MARKHAM'S PERMANENT
            FOODBELT PROPOSAL) (10.0)

            Memo  Presentation

 

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

 

That the presentation provided by Councillor Burke and Councillor Shapero regarding Markham Agricultural Assessment Final Study (Markham's Permanent Foodbelt Proposal), be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

There was no new business

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at 1:25 PM.