M E M O R A N D U M

 

To:                  Development Services Committee

 

From:              Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services
                        Valerie Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design

 

Date:               February 16, 2010

 

Subject:           Town of Markham Comments on the Region of York Official Plan, as adopted December 16, 2009 (Edited Appendix A : Requested Modifications to the York Region Official Plan)

________________________________________________________________________

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

1.      That this memo entitled “Town of Markham Comments on the Region of York Official Plan, as adopted December 16, 2009 (Edited Appendix A : Requested Modifications to the York Region Official Plan)” dated, February 16, 2010 be received;

 

2.      And that Development Services Committee adopt the edited Appendix A attached;

 

3.      And that prior to approval, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs be requested to make the modifications to the Region of York Official Plan, as discussed in this memorandum and the report dated February 2, 2010 entitled “Town of Markham Comments on the Region of York Official Plan, as adopted December 16, 2009” and listed in edited Appendix ‘A’, attached;

 

4.      And that the Region of York’s Planning and Development Services Commission – Long Range and Strategic Planning Department be requested to clarify the additional policy matters identified in this memorandum and the report dated February 2, 2010 entitled “Town of Markham Comments on the Region of York Official Plan, as adopted December 16, 2009”;

 

5.      And that the Ministry and the Region be requested to consult with the Town of Markham in considering any other proposed modifications or revisions to the Regional Official Plan that would affect policies or schedules pertaining to lands in the Town of Markham ;

 

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

 

 

BACKGROUND:
On December 16, 2009, Regional Council adopted a new York Region Official Plan. As part of the Regional Council Resolution adopting the Official Plan, the original asterisks on Map 1, which had conceptually depicted potential future urban expansion lands in Markham, were removed.  This was done in response to Markham Council Resolutions dated October 27th, 2009, and December 2, 2009.

 

Town Staff completed a review of the Regional Official Plan (ROP), as adopted and some concerns with the provisions of the document remain.  These concerns were identified in the February 2, 2010 report to DSC.  Staff recommended that the Town seek modifications to several provisions of the ROP. 

 

The report outlined concerns and provided suggested modifications to policy wording.  The exact modification requests were listed in Appendix ‘A’.  The report also identified several policy items which require clarification from the Region.

 

At the February 2, 2010 Development Services Committee meeting, Members of Council suggested further revisions be considered by staff.  DSC directed staff to amend Appendix “A” attached to the February 2, 2010 report to respond to the suggestions and report back at the February 16, 2010 DSC Meeting.

 

 

DISCUSSION:

The following are the list of suggestions made by Councillors at the Development Services Committee and Staff comments related to them.

 

Remove ‘to discourage use of single occupant vehicles and encourage use of transit to access intermodal terminals or hubs.’ in policy 7.2.25f).

Staff believes that it is important to discourage the use of single occupant vehicles to access intermodal terminals.  The language in the ROP does not prohibit single occupant vehicles from accessing the hub, but clearly discourages it and promotes transit usage.  Staff believes reduction in single occupant vehicles in hub areas is essential to their long term success.  Staff do not recommend removing this phrase from the amended Appendix A (attached).   

 

Region should be looking at the 407 Transitway throughout the entire document

The Region of York Official Plan does contain a 407 Transitway policy (Policy 7.2.22):

“7.2.22  To work with partners to complete the transit network, as illustrated on Map 11, including subway line extensions, Metrolinx enhancements, the 407 Transitway and other rapid transit corridors.”

Map 11 illustrates the right-of-way for the future 407 transitway.

This issue is related to the next item.  Noting that the 407 Transitway is currently beyond the 15 year horizon in the Metrolinx Plan, staff will add this matter to the list of items to be discussed with the Region to ensure that the Region continues to review the role and importance of the 407 Transitway.

 

 

 

That the Region review where rapid transit lines intersect to ensure that the proposed density is appropriate and that the forecasted growth will be transit supported

This issue relates to the first clarification of policy matters identified in the staff report of February 2, 2010.  Staff will ask the Region to continue to review these matters as part of the scope of that discussion item. 

 

Amend the proposed wording for section 7.2.25f to clearly state that below grade parking is preferred

Staff has integrated the suggested wording as appropriate into the edited Appendix ‘A’ (attached).  Staff believes the intent of the wording suggested at the DSC meeting is maintained.

 

Use another term instead of “New Canadians”

Staff has changed the term ‘New Canadians’ to ‘residents who are transit dependent’ for policy modification 7.2.35.

 

Strengthen the need for segregated bike lanes

Staff believes that the modification request to policy 7.2.42 as included in the February 2, 2010 Appendix meets this objective.  Also, at the Town, we continue to deal with this at the policy level as well as through the Environmental Assessment review process related to Regional Road improvements. 

 

Technical modifications

In addition to the suggested revisions by DSC, staff also made some additional technical modifications to the edited Appendix.  These technical modifications clarify the modifications requested and correct a typographical error and do not change the policy intent of the report dated February 2, 2010.

 

 

CONCLUSION:

Staff has considered Councillor suggestions and have made changes to Appendix ‘A’, as appropriate.  The amended Appendix A is attached for DSC’s consideration and adoption.  

 

Once adopted, the February 2, 2010 report along with this memorandum will be sent to the Region of York and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to formally request the listed modifications to the Region of York Official Plan document, as well as to request clarification on the various policy matters identified. 

 

Staff will report back to DSC on the progress of these discussions and requests as they evolve.

 

 

ATTACHMENTS:

Edited Appendix ‘A’ – Requested Modifications to the York Region Official Plan

Q:\Development\Planning\MISC\MI 528 Regional Official Plan\MODIFICATIONS REQUEST MEMORANDUM\Memo re proposed modifications to the Region OP.doc