M I N U T E S

SHOPS ON STEELES WORKING GROUP

2010-02-25

Canada Room

Attendance

Members of Thornhill Subcommittee: Regional Councillor J. Jones Councillor Regrets Councillor E. Shapero Councillor V. Burke Staff: V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design R. Blake, Manager Development West S. Campbell, Senior Planner A. Tari, Committee Clerk

Applicant & Design Team Maria Gatzios, Gatzios Planning Steven Kirshenblatt, Kirkor Architect City of Toronto Lynn Poole, Senior Planner, Community Planning Residents Daniel Aufgang Marsha Winton Bob James Eileen Liasi David Slotnick Mary Cook Regrets Patricia Hough Brian Compson City of Toronto Councillor David Shiner (Ward 24)

The Shops on Steeles Working Group meeting convened at 7:05 PM with Ms. Valerie Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design in the Chair.

1. INTRODUCTION

Ms. Valerie Shuttleworth welcomed everyone and advised that the purpose of tonight’s meeting is to receive a presentation for the formally revised Official Plan Amendment (OPA) application submitted in December 2009 and obtain preliminary comments from the working group.

2. MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 18, 2009

Ms. Eileen Liasi’s surname was spelled incorrectly and needs to be corrected from “Liase” to “Liasi”.

Moved by Bob James

Seconded by Daniel Aufgang

That the minutes of the Shops on Steeles Working Group meeting held on February 18, 2009, be adopted, as amended.

CARRIED

3. PROCESS UPDATE FROM STAFF

Ms. Sally Campbell, Senior Planner advised the Working Group that a formal revised Official Plan Amendment application was submitted in December 2009 and indicated that general target dates need to be established to move the application forward as required under the Planning Act. The following are the proposed target dates:

· Status update report to the Development Services Committee on March 2, 2010

· Working Group meeting end of March 2010

· Statutory Public Meeting April 20, 2010

· Working Group meeting end of April 2010

· Recommendation Report June 15, 2010

· Official Plan Amendment adopted June 22, 2010

Staff pointed out that the Official Plan Amendment will require the Region of York approval.

4. PRESENTATION OF PROPOSED MASTERPLAN CONCEPT

Mr. Steven Kirshenblatt, Kirkor Architect delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing an overview of the revised proposal for the Shops on Steeles.

The Working Group inquired if the traffic issues will worsen with this proposal? Mr. Kirshenblatt advised that the proposal is suggesting that an additional traffic signal be installed at the northernmost driveway on Don Mills Road. He pointed out that the additional traffic light and the proposed second driveway on Don Mills Road need Regional approval. The Working Group stated concerns that the northwest entrance/exit could potentially block the northbound traffic. Staff advised that there have been revised traffic and service studies submitted that are currently being reviewed. Staff also committed to circulate the studies as soon as electronic copies are available.

There was discussion regarding the internal roads/lanes. Mr. Kirshenblatt indicated that all the internal roads will be fully public accessible roads however they are private roads that will not be maintained by the Municipality.

The Working Group inquired about the intended use of the loading docks on the north side of the residential building “C1” on the site plan. Mr. Kirshenblatt suggested that the location of the loading docks can be re-located to minimize the impact on the existing residential community.

Mr. Bob James stated concerns with the objective of this Working Group. He believes that a fundamental agreement needs to be achieved between the applicant and Working Group members prior to moving forward. Mr. James requested that the residents’ submission entitled “Markhamgate Summit Residents’ Concerns regarding the Proposed Development” dated June 18, 2008 be attached to the minutes (Appendix ‘A’) and that the questions outlined in the document be considered at a future meeting. Staff advised that there have not been any meetings scheduled within the last year because a complete resubmission of the revised application had not been formally submitted to be presented. Staff also explained the planning process that must be followed in accordance with the Planning Act.

Ms. Eileen Liasi, on behalf of the German Mills Residents’ Association advised that their concerns with the massing, density, height, traffic, parking and future rapid transit remain.

There was brief discussion regarding the possibility of underground parking and spreading out the residential densities across the entire site. Mr. Kirshenblatt advised that they explored that option however it does not work in achieving the developers’ goals.

The Working Group inquired if some of the residential could be included as townhouses primarily at the north end of the subject lands that are adjacent to existing residential homes. The Working Group stated strong concerns with insufficient parking. Staff advised that they will review the parking concerns raised by the Working Group.

The Working Group inquired how the proposal will ensure good accessibility for people with disabilities. Mr. Kishenblatt advised that the re-developed site will be barrier free and accessible. He also advised that the proposed intensification will assist in funding the improvements being proposed for the commercial and retail development.

5. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

It was suggested that staff work together with Councillor Shapero to find a date for the next meeting and whether the meeting could begin earlier or end later.

6. ADJOURNMENT

The Shops on Steeles Working Group meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.