MARCH 2, 2010 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

MINUTES

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

Meeting No. 6

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 D. Hamilton Councillor C. Moretti Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik Councillor L. Kanapathi Councillor A. Chiu Regrets Regional Councillor G. Landon

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services A. Brown, Director of Engineering S. Chait, Director, Economic Development C. Conrad, Town Solicitor B. Karumanchery, Senior Development Manager V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design G. Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner L. Duoba, Senior Project Coordinator D. Miller, Senior Project Coordinator, Special Projects 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. REPORT ON LAZY DAZE
CARY, NORTH CAROLINA (10.16)

Presentation

Mr. Stephen Chait, Director, Economic Development addressed the Committee and provided a brief history of the relationship between Cary, North Carolina and the Town of Markham.

Ms. Judi McIntyre, Markham Arts Council delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Lazy Daze, North Carolina festival that is held in the Town of Cary for one day in August and suggested that something similar may be appropriate for Markham. She distributed a copy of the “Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit” brochure. Ms. McIntyre provided a little more detail on the Public Art Program in North Carolina.

The Committee suggested adding the exploration of available grants to the list of “things to consider”.

Moved by Councillor C. Moretti

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

That the presentation provided by Ms. Judi McIntyre, Markham Arts Council regarding the Report on Lazy Daze, Cary, North Carolina, be received with thanks.

CARRIED

2. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- FEBRUARY 16, 2010, Part B (10.0)

Minutes

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting, Part B, held February 16, 2010, be confirmed.

CARRIED

3. HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES
- FEBRUARY 10, 2010 (16.11)

Minutes

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

That the minutes of the Heritage Markham Committee meeting held February 10, 2010, be received.

CARRIED

4. PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS
MARKHAM’S GROWTH ALTERNATIVES TO 2031
- FEBRUARY 16 AND 17, 2010 (10.0)

Minutes

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

That the minutes of the Public Information Meetings held on February 16 and 17, 2010 regarding Markham's Growth Alternatives to 2031, be received.

CARRIED

5. CONTINUATION OF INTERPRETIVE PLAQUE PROGRAM
FOR HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT PROPERTIES (16.11)

Report Attachments

Mr. Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services summarized the details outlined in the report for the Committee.

There was brief discussion regarding clause three of the staff recommendation. Staff indicated that a comprehensive report is in process regarding financial incentives for Heritage preservation in Markham, and discussions can take place when that report is presented to the Development Services Committee about whether the amount needs to be increased.

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

1) That the report titled “Continuation of Interpretive Plaque Program for Heritage Conservation District Properties,” dated March 2, 2010, be received; and,

2) That Council adopt the policy document “Guidelines for Interpretive Plaques for Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest in Heritage Conservation Districts,” attached as Appendix ‘D’ in the report; and,

3) That Council allocate up to $6,000 from the Heritage Reserve Fund (Acct. No. 087 2800 115) to provide financial assistance to the Markham Village Conservancy, the Society for the Preservation of Historic Thornhill, and a representative from the Unionville Heritage Conservation District, to fund the continuation of the interpretive plaque program in heritage conservation districts, in accordance with the Guidelines; and,

4) That Council approve a grant of $900 (of the $6,000 allocation) to the Markham Village Conservancy to complete the Peter Street plaque initiative for 6 remaining properties; and,

5) That future funding of the program be brought forward through the capital budget process; and,

6) That the Town of Markham request the Markham Village Conservancy to permit their plaque design and promotional material to be referenced as the basis for similar plaques in Markham’s other heritage conservation districts; and further,

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

CARRIED

6. INFORMATION REPORT: GROWING THE GREENBELT (10.0)

Report Figures App A & B

Ms. Kim Empringham, York Region Federation of Agriculture, addressed the Committee regarding Growing the Greenbelt and spoke in support of the staff recommendations. She indicated that there are issues related to the Greenbelt that need to be dealt with prior to adding more lands to it. Ms. Empringham suggested that the greenway system should not be based on only area mapping but also include actual ground work.

Ms. Lilli Duoba, Senior Project Coordinator presented the Committee with some maps that illustrate the entire Greenbelt Plan area and the Greenbelt Plan in Markham.

The Committee discussed the importance of referring this report to the Growth Management Strategy process to ensure that Growing the Greenbelt is not dealt with in isolation. The Committee suggested that there is no need at this point to forward the report to the Province or the Region. The Committee also suggested that the Town’s Sustainability Plan also needs to be considered.

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

1) That the staff report entitled “Information Report: Growing the Greenbelt”, dated March 2, 2010, be received; and

2) That the report be referred to the Growth Management Strategy study; and further,

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

CARRIED

7. STATUS UPDATE
SHOPS ON STEELES REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL
APPLICATION FOR OFFICIAL PLAN
(SECONDARY PLAN) AMENDMENT
2900 STEELES AVENUE EAST
FILE NO.: OP 07 130802 (10.0)

Report Attachments

The Committee consented to move this item forward within the agenda.

It was noted that the Ward Councillor has requested that this matter be deferred to the March 9, 2010 Development Services Committee meeting to provide an opportunity for her to meet with staff and residents.

Mr. Bob James, Thornhill resident, addressed the Committee with respect to the proposed application for 2900 Steeles Avenue East and spoke in support of deferring the report. He indicated that the working group members believe the applicant has not been receptive to their input. Mr. James suggested that more meetings with the working group are required prior to holding the statutory public meeting.

The Ward Councillor advised the Committee that her main reason for requesting a deferral is that there needs to be more significant dialogue to review and discuss the new proposal in detail with members of the working group. She also indicated that the working group should report to the Development Services Committee with their recommendations.

Ms. Marsha Winton, German Mills Residents Association, addressed the Committee regarding the proposed application for 2900 Steeles Avenue East stating she concurs with Mr. James. She acknowledged that redevelopment of the site is appropriate but believes that the human factor (ie. impact on area residents) is not being sufficiently considered.

Ms. Maria Gatzios, Gatzios Planning, addressed the Committee on behalf of the owner for 2900 Steeles Avenue East and requested that the planning process continue. Her client is not in support of a deferral. Ms. Gatzios indicated that the Statutory Public Meeting is an opportunity to obtain further input and that the owner will continue to work with staff, Council and the working group members.

The Committee suggested that the Statutory Public Meeting be scheduled for the first meeting in May 2010 to afford the applicant and the working group additional opportunities to meet and discuss the application and outstanding issues, and that the Ward Councillor hold a broader Community Information Meeting prior to the Statutory Public Meeting.

There was discussion as to whether or not it would be beneficial for the working group members to meet directly with the owner and their representatives, without the participation of the Ward Councillor and staff, to discuss their concerns and issues.

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero

1) That the report entitled “ Status Update, Shops on Steeles Redevelopment Proposal, Application for Official Plan (Secondary Plan) Amendment, 2900 Steeles Avenue East, File No.: OP 07 130802” be received; and,

2) That a Statutory Public Meeting be scheduled for Tuesday May 4, 2010 to consider the Official Plan Amendment submitted by Bayview Summit Development Ltd., which seeks to permit a full range of retail, service commercial and office uses as well as high density residential uses at the property municipally known as 2900 Steeles Avenue East; and,

3) That the Ward Councillor convene a Community Information Meeting prior to the Statutory Public Meeting date; and,

4) That regular “Shops on Steeles Working Group” meetings be scheduled and that the working group report to the Development Services Committee with recommendations prior to the May 4, 2010 Statutory Public Meeting; and further,

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

CARRIED

8. INFORMATION REPORT:
DRAFT OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT
AND NEW SECONDARY PLAN FOR
THE LANGSTAFF PORTION OF THE
RICHMOND HILL/LANGSTAFF GATEWAY
URBAN GROWTH CENTRE (10.3)

Report Fig 1 App A(OP1) App A(OP2) App A(OP3) App A (Tech Amendments)

App B App C App D

Staff advised the Committee that they are working towards bringing forward a recommendation report to the Development Services Committee in May/June 2010. Staff pointed out that the key factor to this proposal is that it is being developed as a Transit Dependant Development with a very high modal split (over 60% non automobile). In order to achieve a 60% modal split, the Yonge Subway, 407 Transitway and all day GO service need to be operational, along with the VIVA network and local circulator networks. Staff spoke of Peter Calthorpe’s suggestion to physically connect the Langstaff portion to the Richmond Hill Mobility Hub through a concourse (covered structure that would accommodate pedestrians, cyclists and a moving sidewalk).

There was discussion regarding the integration between the Richmond Hill lands and the Langstaff lands and whether the Hydro wires could be buried. Staff advised that there are significant costs, approvals and issues with any proposal to underground hydro lines, in particular 500K lines. Staff have retained an engineering consultant to review the possibility of burying the Hydro wires and that there will be figures and analysis, and comments from Hydro One presented at a future Development Services Committee meeting.

The Committee inquired about the funding required to deliver the essential transit to support this proposal and whether it will be partially funded by Development Charges. Staff advised Metrolinx is in the process of developing a plan to implement the transit delivery and that a key factor is obtaining Federal and Provincial commitment.

Staff provided the Committee with the projected number of vehicle counts for each phase of development during the AM and PM peak hours. The Committee discussed the current bus stops along Bayview Avenue and Yonge Street. Staff advised that discussions with VIVA and York Region Transit are on-going, and that once the required transit is determined the transit providers will adjust their routes and stops.

There was discussion regarding pedestrian connectivity being accommodated through the cemetery lands. Staff advised that Holy Cross Cemetery has made it very clear that they did not wish to cooperate in this regard. The landowners are working with CN Rail to investigate options for a possible pedestrian connection along the CN right-a-way which crosses the subject lands.

Two Committee members stated concern with the first phase proceeding without the Yonge Subway and all day GO Service operating.

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

1) That the report entitled “Information Report: Draft Official Plan Amendment and New Secondary Plan for the Langstaff Portion of the Richmond Hill/Langstaff Gateway Urban Growth Centre” be received; and,

2) That staff report back to Development Services Committee, following the Statutory Public Meeting scheduled for the evening of March 2, 2010, to further refine the draft proposed Official Plan and draft Gateway New Secondary Plan for the Langstaff portion of the Richmond Hill/Langstaff Urban Growth Centre; and further

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

CARRIED

9. PROPOSED ON-STREET PARKING ON THE
WEST SIDE OF SOUTH TOWN CENTRE BOULEVARD,
MARKHAM CENTRE (5.12.4)

Report Attachments

There was brief discussion regarding the cars making a left turn from Town Centre Blvd. South into the Liberty Square Development and cars circulating around to continue traveling further south and potentially hitting the parked cars. Staff advised that spacing has been addressed, but that this program will need to be monitored and adjusted if required.

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

1) That the report entitled “Proposed On-Street Parking on the west side of South Town Centre Boulevard in Markham Centre”, be received; and,

2) That Schedule “C” of Parking Control By-Law 2005-188, be amended to prohibit parking on the west side of South Town Centre Boulevard, between a point 100 metres south of Highway 7 to a point 45 metres north of Clegg Road, during the hours of 7:00am to 10:00am, and from 4:00pm to 6:00pm; and,

3) That Schedule “L” of Traffic By-Law 2005-188, be amended to permit on-street paid parking on the west side of South Town Centre Boulevard, between a point 100 metres south of Highway 7 to a point 45 metres north of Clegg Road, during the hours of 10:00am to 4:00pm and from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, with the parking rate and time stay period established by the Parking Advisory Committee of $1.00 per hour with a 3 hour maximum time stay; and,

4) That the Engineering Department work with the Operations Department to install one pay and display parking meter, concrete pad and appropriate regulatory and information signs at the subject location, funded through the Engineering Department Parking Management Program capital account 83-53509328005 to be reimbursed by Times Development Group; and,

5) That the Operations Department be directed to maintain the concrete pad and signs at the subject location; and,

6) That the Parking Control Department be directed to include this new paid parking location in the current pay and display parking meter maintenance contract the Town has with Precise Parklink Inc. and to enforce paid parking upon the amendment of the Parking Control By-Law, the installation of the pay and display parking meter and associated regulatory signs; and further,

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

CARRIED

ADJOURNMENT

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at 11:50 AM.

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