NOVEMBER 17, 2009 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

MINUTES

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

Meeting No. 33

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 B

Report Agenda

9:00 a.m. – Council Chamber

Attendance

Mayor F. Scarpitti Deputy Mayor J. Heath Regional Councillor J. Jones 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 Regional Councillor G. Landon

J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services B. Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services A. Brown, Director of Engineering C. Conrad, Town Solicitor B. Karumanchery, Senior Development Manager T. Lambe, Manager, Policy and Research V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design A. Tari, Committee Clerk

The Development Services Committee convened at 9:00 AM in the Council Chamber with Councillor J. Webster in the Chair.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

None disclosed.

1. MARKHAM'S BUILDING EXCELLENCE AWARDS (12.2.6)

That Council presents the following recipients with the 2009 Markham's Building Excellence Awards to homebuilders that demonstrate compliance with the Building Code Regulations and the Building Code Act through obtaining the necessary permits and inspections. Homebuilders are selected from two categories, small volume (5 to 24 dwelling units) and large volume (greater than 24 units).

Small Volume (5 to 24 dwelling units):

• Broadmoor Homes (555174 Ontario Limited)
• Laurier Homes (Windsong) Limited
• Laurier Homes (Windsong North) Inc.

Large Volume (greater than 24 units):

• Desert Fox Properties Inc.
• Ponziane Home Corp
• Wismer Homes (National Homes (Markham 5) Inc.)
• Cornell (Mattamy (Wykland) Ltd.)
• Yorkwood Homes Windsong Limited
• Cathedral Town (Majorwood Developments Inc.)
• Kylemore Communities (West Village) Ltd.

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

Minutes

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded Councillor C. Moretti

That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting, Part B, held

November 3, 2009, be confirmed.

CARRIED

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

Minutes

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded Councillor C. Moretti

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

CARRIED

4. MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES
- October 21, 2009 (16.39)

Minutes

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded Councillor C. Moretti

That the minutes of the Main Street Markham Committee meeting held October 21, 2009, be received.

CARRIED

5. MARKHAM CENTRE SUB-COMMITTEE MINUTES
- October 27, 2009 (10.0)

Minutes

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded Councillor C. Moretti

That the minutes of the Markham Centre Sub-Committee meeting held October 27, 2009, be received.

CARRIED

6. INTENTION TO DESIGNATE UNDER
PART IV OF THE ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT
AND HERITAGE EASEMENT AGREEMENTS
NICHOLS FARMHOUSE & LOUIS NICHOLS HOUSE
10519 & 10521 WOODBINE AVENUE
EMK CONSTRUCTION/TREELAWN CONSTRUCTION (16.11)

Report Attachment

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded Councillor C. Moretti

1) That as recommended by Heritage Markham, the Nichols Farmhouse and the Louis Nichols House – 10519 and 10521 Woodbine Avenue be approved for designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act as properties of cultural heritage value or interest; and,

2) That the Clerk’s Department be authorized to publish and serve Council’s Notice of Intention to Designate as per the requirements of the Ontario Heritage Act; and,

3) That if there are no objections to the designation in accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be authorized to place a designation by-law before Council for adoption; and,

4) That if there are any objections in accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to refer the proposed designation to the Ontario Conservation Review Board; and,

5) That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into Heritage Conservations Easements with the property owner for 10519 and 10521 Woodbine Avenue; and further,

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

CARRIED

7. HERITAGE EASEMENT AGREEMENTS FOR
HERITAGE PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION PROGRAM (16.11)

Report Attachment

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded Councillor C. Moretti

1) That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute Heritage Easement Agreements with the property owners identified on Schedule “A” attached to the report dated November 17th, 2009, and any other documents required to give effect thereto, in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor; and,

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

CARRIED

8. 1039954 ONTARIO LIMITED
SOUTHWEST CORNER OF MAJOR MACKENZIE DRIVE
& RALPH CHALMERS AVENUE
WISMER COMMONS COMMUNITY
- PROPOSED PLAN OF SUBDIVISION AND
IMPLEMENTING ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENTS
(SU 02-118676 (19TM-02016 – PHASE 4 AND 5) AND ZA 09-122509) (10.7, 10.5)

Report Attachment

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded Councillor C. Moretti

1) That the report dated November 17, 2009 entitled “Preliminary Report, 1039954 Ontario Limited, Southwest corner of Major Mackenzie Drive & Ralph Chalmers Avenue, Wismer Commons Community – Proposed plan of subdivision and implementing zoning by-law amendments, File Numbers SU 02-118676 (19TM-02016-Phase 4 and 5) and ZA 09-122509; and,

2) That Staff be authorized to schedule a statutory Public Meeting to consider the proposed Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment; and further,

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

CARRIED

9. AGRICULTURAL ASSESSMENT STUDY
FINAL REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
(10.0)

Memo Map Report Appendix A Appendix B

There was considerable discussion regarding the long term future of the “white belt” lands in Markham and whether something needs to be done to permanently protect those lands for agricultural uses. The Committee inquired about what is considered a viable farming community. Staff pointed out that a viable farming community is not solely based on acreage or number of farms available. There are many factors that dictate whether land will be farmed.

There was discussion with respect to “white belt” lands being identified by the Province as future development area. The Committee discussed whether the Town’s proposed Greenway System should be included into the Provincial Greenbelt Plan. Staff indicated that a request to include additional lands into the Provincial Greenbelt Plan needs to be made through the Region of York to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The Committee suggested that staff report back on what the process is to include additional lands within Markham in the Greenbelt Plan.

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

1) That the staff report entitled “Agricultural Assessment Study Final Report and Recommendations” dated November 3, 2009 be received; and,

2) That the staff recommendation contained therein (Appendix ‘A’ enclosed in the Memorandum dated November 17, 2009) be endorsed; and,

3) That staff undertake pre-consultations with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Region of York staff to discuss a potential municipal request to Grow the Greenbelt in Markham, which would include lands contained in the proposed Greenway System including the enhancement lands forming the east-west linkage, as discussed by Development Services Committee on November 3 and November 17, 2009 and that the results of the Town of Markham agriculture assessment study be shared with the Province and options to permanently protect the remaining farmland within the “white belt” after the Town of Markham has endorsed their Growth Management Strategy also be explored; and,

4) That staff report back to Development Services Committee on this matter; and,

5) That the Town of Markham hold a Public Meeting to discuss the agricultural assessment study and the Rouge Park agricultural land and transition plan on Tuesday January 12, 2010 , and further,

6) That the Town invite staff from the Provincial Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to a Part A session of Development Services Committee in early 2010 to present applicable Provincial programs and opportunities that the Town and its agricultural partners could consider.

CARRIED

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

10. PREFERRED MARKHAM GROWTH
ALTERNATIVE TO 2031 (10.0)

Report Attachment Presentation

Mr. Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services emphasized that this is not the final recommendation on the overall Growth Management Strategy rather it is a preferred growth alternative to provide input to ongoing studies and to form the basis for further public consultation.

Ms. Valerie Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design, delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing a high level overview that focused on the process and next steps with respect to the Growth Management Strategy, in the context of the overall Building Markham’s Future Together program.

The Committee suggested that at any future public consultation meetings staff must clearly point out that the difference between the proposed residential growth target and what the current Regional Official Plan forecasts is a difference of 34,000 more people to 2031.

The Committee discussed the possibility of the population growing larger than forecasted. Staff advised that Town will need to monitor growth rates and the provision of infrastructure to keep pace with growth and that policies and phasing plans can assist Staff pointed out that the majority of residential intensification will be placed along the transit corridors. The Committee suggested that staff provide multi year data on the increase in population growth compared with the forecasted numbers of previous Official Plans.

Mr. Peter Miasek, 34 Normandale, addressed the Committee with respect to the Preferred Markham Growth Alternative and stated his support with the 2031 forecasted employment land strategy. He would like more information regarding the risk assessment associated with the proposed forecasted residential growth to 2031.

Staff explained that municipal compliance with the forecasted population and employment growth is legislated through the Province. Local municipalities are required to comply with Regional and Provincial plans and policy direction. Staff advised that the Region of York has completed a detailed financial analysis that concluded with a residential intensification target of 40% across the Region and 52% for Markham specifically. The Town of Markham has also initiated its own financial study.

There was considerable discussion regarding a residential intensification target of 52% or 60% for Markham and how each relates to housing stock, persons per unit by dwelling type, and development within the “white belt”.

Mr. Tim Lambe, Manager, Policy and Research, addressed the Committee regarding the difference in the housing stock between the residential intensification target of 52% compared to 60%.

The Committee suggested that this report only be received at this time and used to hold another Public Consultation session. The Committee discussed the importance of the delivery of rapid transit in order for any of these forecasted residential projections to work.

Mr. Harry Eaglesham, addressed the Committee regarding the Preferred Markham Growth Alternation and spoke in support. He believes that the Markham Council should endorse a residential intensification target and bring that forward to the Public Consultation.

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero

1) That the Report entitled Preferred Markham Growth Alternative to 2031 dated November 17, 2009 be received; and,

2) That the staff recommended growth alternative outlined in the report incorporating the following:

· a 2031 population of 423,500 and employment of 240,800, as provided for in the draft Regional Official Plan,

· the proposed Town greenway system, addressed in a report dated June 16, 2009,

· development of vacant lands within the current settlement area, consistent with land use designations and in support of the preferred growth alternative,

· a Town intensification strategy, as addressed in a report dated April 7 2009, and based on:

o an hierarchy of preferred intensification locations, served by higher order transit, as identified in the Town’s intensification strategy,

o the exclusion of significant intensification from stable, low density residential areas,

o intensification of designated employment lands, in accordance with current policies, or policies intended to preserve lands for employment, consistent with accommodating forecast employment growth;

· a residential intensification target of 60% within the built boundary, based on reports dated April 7 2009 and June 23, 2009,

· an employment intensification target of 67% within the built boundary, based on a report dated June 16, 2009,

· an extension to the current settlement area to accommodate approximately 12,800 units and 14,000 jobs, and having a gross land area of approximately 900 hectares,

· a strategy for supporting continued agricultural activity on farmlands, as addressed in a report dated November 3, 2009, and,

· the phased development of land within intensification areas, and in an extension of the current settlement area, reflecting requirements to be identified for transportation, servicing and community infrastructure,

be received as input for a Public Consultation Session (including other growth options as well) to be held in the evening of Tuesday January 26, 2010; and,

3) That Staff report back following further public consultation, providing a final recommended Growth Management Strategy, refined in response to public comment and input from other applicable Town studies, for approval by Council as input to the Region of York Official Plan and preparation of a new Town Official Plan, commencing in the 2010; and further,

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

CARRIED

11. DOORS OPEN MARKHAM COMMITTEE (16.11)

Report Attachment

The Committee suggested that a representative from Thornhill Heritage also be included.

Councillor Valerie Burke thanked everyone involved for all their hard work in bringing this forward.

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

1) That the report dated November 17, 2009 entitled “Doors Open Markham Committee”, be received; and,

2) That the Doors Open Markham Committee be established as a Town of Markham committee to assist in the planning and implementation of the annual Doors Open Markham event; and,

3) That the Manager, Heritage Planning and the Manager, Community Relations or their designates, be assigned as staff resources for the Committee; and,

4) That Councillor D. Hamilton be appointed to the Committee; and,

5) That the Friends of the Markham Museum appoint a representative (staff or volunteer member) to the Committee; and,

6) That Heritage Markham appoint up to two members to the Committee; and,

7) That the Unionville BIA and Markham BIA each appoint a member to the Committee; and,

8) That a representative from the Thornhill Heritage Conservation District be appointed; and,

9) That the Clerks Department be directed to advertise for appointments from the public or other organizations to the Committee; and,

10) That staff be authorized to submit the Doors Open registration forms and fee to the Ontario Heritage Trust on behalf of the Town; and further,

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

CARRIED

12. YONGE SUBWAY EXTENSION TO
RICHMOND HILL CENTRE/LANGSTAFF GATEWAY
URBAN GROWTH CENTRE (5.10)

Report Figure 1 Attachment

Mr. Baird advised that the staff comments with respect to the motion that was tabled by Regional Councillor Jim Jones regarding the alignment of the Yonge Subway are similar to the comments provided in the previous memo presented to Committee. He pointed out that in terms of the funding Metrolinx are currently undertaking a benefit case analysis that is anticipated to be completed by end of 2009 or early 2010. Mr. Baird is suggesting that Markham not provide any further detailed comments on funding options until the analysis by Metrolinx is completed. He indicated that recently a Council resolution was passed requesting the Federal Government to provide more funding for the rapid transit.

There was brief discussion regarding the 407 Transitway remaining in it own right of way and that the GO station should also remain where it is.

Mr. Alan Brown, Director of Engineering advised the Committee that the Ministry of Transportation has requested an opportunity to come and present to the Development Services Committee their alignment and mobility hubs and will demonstrate what they are trying to achieve.

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

1) That the report entitled “Yonge Subway Extension to Richmond Hill Centre/Langstaff Gateway Urban Growth Centre”, dated November 17^th be received; and,

2) That the report and attachments be forwarded to the Town of Richmond Hill and the Region of York as Markham’s submission with respect to the “Richmond Hill Regional Centre Preferred Concept Report”, dated September 9, 2009; and further,

3) 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

13. HIGHWAYS 404 & 407 FLYOVER WORKING GROUP (5.10)

Report

The Committee indicated that Markham Council has already taken a position with respect to the flyover in Cathedral Town. Staff confirmed that they will continue to support Markham’s position. Staff will report back to Committee with respect to the Working Group discussions.

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

1) That the report entitled, “Highways 404 & 407 Flyover Working Group”, dated November 17, 2009, be received; and,

2) That staff be authorized to participate in a Working Group with the Region of York and Town of Richmond Hill to develop a framework to protect, fund and construct mid-block crossings of Highway 404 and Highway 407; and,

3) That the Working Group’s scope of work be expanded to include the Highway 404 interchange at 19^th Avenue; and,

4) That Staff report back to Council on the findings and recommendations of the Working Group for consideration and approval; and,

5) That the Regional Municipality of York and the Town of Richmond Hill be again informed of the Town of Markham Council’s decision to not support any flyover in the Cathedral Community immediately north of Major Mackenzie Drive; and further,

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

CARRIED

14. REGIONAL OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT
AND GROWTH PLANS
- COMMUNICATION FROM JIM ROBB (10.17)

Letter

The Committee discussed a recent information meeting held by Mr. Jim Robb, in Markham. It was suggested that the Markham Regional Councillors make it clear at the Region that the comments from Mr. Jim Robb are not necessarily supported unanimously by Markham residents. The Committee reiterated that the forecasted population growth for Markham is only 34,000 additional residents than the currently approved Regional Official Plan.

Mr. Peter Miasek addressed the Committee advising he was in attendance at the meeting held by Mr. Jim Robb and confirmed that the comments from that meeting were made by individual residents in Markham and not by official representatives of ratepayer associations.

NEW BUSINESS

15. BRANDING OF UNIONVILLE (9.0)

Regional Councillor Joseph Virgilio advised the Committee that residents in Unionville are concerned with the branding of Unionville and the loss of the postal district. He also indicated that mapping within “google” does not recognize Unionville. The Committee suggested that staff put together a resolution requesting Canada Post to recognize Unionville as a distinct postal district.

The Committee suggested that this be dealt with at the November 30, 2009 General Committee meeting.

ADJOURNMENT

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at 12:35 PM.