DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
DECEMBER 6, 2011,
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Council Chamber
Meeting No. 32
All
Members of Council
Development
Services Economic
Development
Chair: Regional Councillor Jim
Jones Chair: Councillor Carolina
Moretti
Vice-Chair: Councillor Don Hamilton Vice-Chair:
Councillor Alex Chiu
Transportation Issues
Chair: Regional Councillor Gord
Landon
Vice-Chair:
Councillor Alan Ho
PART A and PART B
Presentations, Major Studies, Issues and Report Agenda
9:00 a.m. – Canada Room
Attendance
|
Mayor Frank Scarpitti Deputy Mayor Jack Heath Regional Councillor Jim Jones Regional Councillor Gord Landon Regional Councillor Joe Li Councillor Valerie Burke Councillor Howard Shore Councillor Don Hamilton Councillor Carolina Moretti Councillor Colin Campbell Councillor Alan Ho Councillor Logan Kanapathi Councillor Alex Chiu |
Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative
Officer Jim Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services Ronji Borooah, Town Architect Alan Brown, Director of Engineering Stephen Chait, Director, Economic
Development Catherine Conrad, Town Solicitor Lilli Duoba, Senior Project Coordinator Scott Grieve, Parks Development
Coordinator Marina Haufschild, Senior Planner,
Urban Design Paul Ingham, Director, Operations Linda Irvine, Manager, Parks and
Open Space Planning Christine Kakaflikas, Manager,
Special Projects Richard Kendall, Manager, Central
District Tim Lambe, Manager, Policy and
Research Rino Mostacci, Director of Planning
and Urban Design Elizabeth Silva-Stewart, Planner Sandra Tam, Senior Business
Development Officer Tom Villella, Senior Project
Coordinator Kitty Bavington, Council/Committee Coordinator |
The Development Services
Committee convened at the hour of 9:05 a.m. in the Canada Room with Regional Councillor
Jim Jones in the Chair. Regional Councillor Gord Landon assumed the
Chair for Transportation items, Nos. 4, 15, 16, and 17.
In recognition of the 22nd anniversary of the Montreal Massacre, the Committee observed one minute of silence.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST – None
Declared
This item was
deferred at the November 22, 2011 Development Services Committee meeting.
Ronji Borooah, Town Architect, gave a presentation regarding the Markham Centre Streetscape Standards and Street Hierarchy. Mr. Borooah discussed the Markham Centre Vision, the Regional Streetscape Policy, and the hierarchy of Gold, Silver, and Bronze streets. The plan will be coordinated with the Adamson Concept Plan, the Remington Precinct Plan, and the Mobility Hub Study. Staff will present a report and recommendation in 2012.
The Committee had comments regarding bike paths and other details. Staff advised that these will be addressed in a future design phase and that the current presentation relates to boulevard treatments.
Discussions included the integration of Highway 407; road extensions impacting the IBM property; retrofit of Enterprise Drive; VIVA and York Region Transit contributions towards the improvements; heritage treatment; and the preference of burying the hydro lines. Financing mechanisms and Development Charge resources were also discussed.
Staff advised that the Committee’s endorsement of the proposed standards will be the basis for going forward with discussions with Markham Centre Developers. The Committee indicated endorsement of the proposed standards.
Moved by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
That the presentation provided by Ronji Borooah, Town Architect regarding Markham Centre Streetscape Standards Street Hierarchy, be received.
CARRIED
Linda Irvine, Manager, Parks & Open Space Development, and Scott Grieve, Parks Development Coordinator were in attendance to give an update presentation to the Committee on the Angus Glen Community Park. The presentation included an overview of the project background, current project status, proposed park programs and activities, revised Master Plan concepts, and the proposed project schedule. Construction is anticipated to start in the fall of 2012 with completion in late 2013 and the official opening in early 2014.
Ms. Irvine discussed the revised Master Plan options with respect to new park programs, elements and design directions as a result of Town initiatives such as the Integrated Leisure Master Plan, Diversity Action Plan, Green Print – Sustainability Plan, Accessibility Guidelines, and Infrastructures Stimulus/RINC projects.
Staff advised that this will be a town-wide community park, in association with the Community Centre. The Committee discussed the proposed budget with respect to ensuring the area residents are provided with the amenities they require, such as a pavilion. The final plan will reflect input from the public consultation program.
Staff identified the roadways, property boundaries, and parking locations. It was noted that if the property to the north is developed, the woodlot would be conveyed to the Town as a public amenity area, and the Committee requested the woodlot be conveyed sooner rather than later, if possible. The Committee also suggested that the rear parking lot road be enhanced and integrated into the park; and that consideration be given to a future parking structure to make better use of the land.
Staff requested authorization to proceed to a Public Information Meeting in early 2012.
Moved by: Councillor Alan Ho
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
That the presentation provided by Linda Irvine, Manager, Parks & Open Space Development regarding Update on Angus Glen Community Park be received.
CARRIED
Tim Lambe, Manager, Policy and Research gave a presentation to update the Committee on the Markham Official Plan Program. The presentation included an outline of policy guidance and conformity, Official Plan structure, Town structure and Land Use Policy, transportation, implementation, potential policy issues, and the 2012 Official Plan program. The consultation plan and the program schedule were reviewed, anticipating completion, adoption of the Plan in 2012, and submission of the Official Plan to the Region for approval in 2013.
The Committee discussed identifying the transit station stops throughout the Town, such as Unionville/Stouffville GO line; defining the Greenway system policies and boundaries; managing stormwater as an important resource; incentives for agriculture; protection for Rouge Valley and the proposed National Park; employment lands with respect to discussions with Whitchurch-Stouffville for joint servicing projects along Highway 404; affordable housing strategy; interpretation and future amendments to the Plan; and community impacts from intensification. Staff provided an update on the issues noted.
The Committee commended Mr. Lambe and the Policy Group staff on the exceptional work done on this project.
Moved by: Councillor Alan Ho
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
That the presentation provided by Tim Lambe, Manager, Policy and Research regarding Update on Markham Official Plan Program be received.
CARRIED
Steve Jacobs of URS Canada Inc., gave a presentation to update the Committee on the Miller Avenue Extension Class Environmental Assessment Study. The presentation outlined the project history, the study area, needs and justifications, public consultation process, responses from the public and approval agencies, the issues and constraints, and implementation costs. The alignment options were reviewed and the preferred alignment was identified.
Correspondence was received from Hydro One dated December 5, 2011, advising that the requested approval for the proposal cannot be provided. The Committee agreed that a meeting be held with Hydro One representatives and some of the landowners, to discuss issues.
The next steps are to address Hydro One’s issues and obtain agency endorsements, then finalize the preferred alignment and meet with impacted businesses and property owners. A second Public Meeting will be held in early 2012 and a further report will be presented to Council.
The Committee questioned the easterly limit at Kennedy Road; constraints caused by Highway 407; impacts to the Markham District Energy property; and phasing options. Comments were made regarding the impacts on wildlife and green space. Staff and the consultant responded to issues noted, and explained the costs and funding options through Development Charges.
The Committee requested that future presentations include photographs as well as maps. Staff were requested to consider commencing the EA process for the extension of Enterprise Drive, and to bring forward a report on that project.
Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
1)
That
correspondence from Hydro One dated December 5, 2011, be received; and,
2) That the presentation provided by Steve Jacobs, Vice President, URS Canada Inc. regarding Miller Avenue Extension Class Environmental Assessment Study Update be received and the next steps be endorsed.
CARRIED
Moved by: Councillor Carolina Moretti
Seconded by: Councillor Alex Chiu
That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting, Part A, held
November 22, 2011, be confirmed.
CARRIED
Moved by: Councillor Carolina Moretti
Seconded by: Councillor Alex Chiu
1) That the staff report dated December 6, 2011 titled “1820266 Ontario Inc. (Times Group), 4002/4022 Highway 7, Applications for Official Plan and zoning by-law amendment to permit a residential development;” be received; and,
2) That a Public Meeting be scheduled for the applications following review of the traffic impact study as outlined in the staff report; and further,
3) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
The Committee thanked staff for working to bring this matter forward. The Public Meeting is anticipated to be held in early 2012.
Moved by: Councillor Carolina Moretti
Seconded by: Councillor Alex Chiu
1) That the report dated December 6, 2011 entitled “PRELIMINARY REPORT – Proposed Zoning By-law Amendment to prohibit new reverse slope driveways in the Town of Markham, PR-128052”, be received; and,
2) That a Public Meeting be held to receive comments from the public, internal and external agencies, and other stakeholders with respect to prohibiting reverse slope driveways in the Town of Markham; and further,
3) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
The Committee discussed the provision of community amenities and traffic issues. Staff reviewed the internal road network and community park sites. A presentation regarding transportation options for major roads will be made to the Committee by Engineering staff prior to the Public Meeting, and an overall roadway plan will be provided at the Public Meeting
Moved by: Councillor Carolina Moretti
Seconded by: Councillor Alex Chiu
1) That the report dated December 6, 2011, entitled “Preliminary Report, Forest Bay Homes Ltd., Applications for Secondary Plan Amendment, Draft Plan of Subdivision Approval and Zoning By-law Amendment, 6350 Steeles Avenue East, File Nos: OP.98-224937, ZO.98-224946 and SU.98-224944”, be received; and,
2) That staff be authorized to schedule a statutory Public Meeting to consider the proposed Secondary Plan Amendment, Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment applications; and further,
3) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
Moved by: Councillor Carolina Moretti
Seconded by: Councillor Alex Chiu
1) That as recommended by Heritage Markham, the Beckett Farmhouse – 4672 Sixteenth Avenue be approved for designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act as a property 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 further,
5) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
A Committee member reviewed the credentials of Bill Crothers, and requested that invitations be extended to the Hon. Denis Lebel, Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Hon. Bal Gosal, Minister of State for Sports, to attend the unveiling.
The Committee acknowledged correspondence from Glenn Baron dated December 5, 2011, and indicated support for Mr. Baron’s suggestion that the Williamson family, owners and operators of the Fairways Gold and Driving Range, be similarly recognized.
Moved by: Councillor Don Hamilton
Seconded by: Councillor Howard Shore
1) That correspondence from Glenn Baron
dated December 5, 2011, suggesting that the Williamson family, owners and
operators of the Fairways Gold and Driving Range, be considered for recognition, be received; and,
2) That Council authorize the use of the proposed street name "Bill Crothers Drive"; and further,
3) That the street name "Bill Crothers Drive" be added to the Town's street name reserve list.
CARRIED
Moved by: Councillor Carolina Moretti
Seconded by: Councillor Alex Chiu
1) That the Memorandum entitled
“Establishment of 20 Fred Varley Working Group ” dated December 6, 2011, be
received; and,
2) That Council
authorize staff to establish a Working Group consisting of the Mayor,
Councillor Hamilton, Town staff and representatives from: the Unionville Ratepayers Association (URA),
Unionville Villagers Association (UVA) and Unionville Business Improvement Area
(UBIA), to work with a facilitator to establish an acceptable development
concept for the proposed redevelopment of the Varley Plaza located at 20 Fred
Varley Drive; and,
3) That Council authorize staff to retain
the services of a professional facilitator, with a strong understanding of the
Ontario Planning Act and Ontario Municipal Board matters, to guide and inform
the Working Group sessions; and further,
4) That the Working Group report back at
the appropriate time.
CARRIED
Moved by: Councillor Carolina Moretti
Seconded by: Councillor Alex Chiu
1) That the report entitled “Philippines Business and Community Relations” be received; and;
2) That the Town be represented by Mayor
Frank Scarpitti; and,
3) That the total cost not exceed $4,000.00
and be expensed from within the 2012 Business Travel operating account
610-9985201; and further,
4) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services, advised that as directed by the Committee on June 28, 2011, the Unionville Subcommittee Working Group has produced a recommendation regarding the establishment of development standards in this neighbourhood. The recommendation endorses the severance of one additional lot per original lot of record, and this proposal will require a second statutory Public Meeting. As the Interim Control By-law encompassing the Hughson Drive study area will expire in February 2012, staff are requesting the Public Meeting be scheduled for January, 2012. A staff report will be provided prior to the Public Meeting.
Regional Councillor Jim Jones, Chair of the Unionville Subcommittee Working Group, discussed the work of the Subcommittee and the results of a door-to-door survey.
Moved by: Councillor Alan Ho
Seconded by: Councillor Don Hamilton
1) That
the Staff memorandum dated December 6, 2011 entitled “Update on Unionville
Sub-Committee Working Group for Hughson Drive (SD 10 110091),” be received;
and,
2) That
a Public Meeting be scheduled to obtain comments on the recommendations of the Unionville
Sub-Committee regarding new zoning standards for the study area; and further,
3) That
Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to
this resolution.
CARRIED
Kate Cooper of Blousfields, Inc., and David Kissick, of Page + Steele/IBI Group, representing the applicant, were in attendance to make a brief presentation on the proposal. Elevations and a site plan illustrating landscape features were displayed for this mixed use centre. They responded to questions from the Committee regarding design details and the parking area. The size of the grocery store in future Phase 2 will be 20,000 ft2, which is much smaller than a typical supermarket.
The Committee requested that outdoor storage and garbage buildup not be permitted in the loading dock area on the north side, as it is visible from Woodbine Avenue. Discussions included the traffic study, phasing, fencing adjacent to the laneway and around the storm water management pond, with respect to safety of children from the nearby school. Staff will refer the issue of fencing the SWM pond to Operations staff for a safety audit.
The Committee commended the applicant on their sustainability initiatives, and suggested solar panels and public art be considered, as well as bird strike mitigation.
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
1) That the presentation by Kate Cooper of
Blousfields, Inc., and David Kissick, of Page + Steele/IBI Group, representing King
Square Limited, be received; and
2) That the report entitled: “RECOMMENDATION REPORT - Application by King Square Limited for Site Plan Approval to permit Phase 1 retail and commercial development at 9390 Woodbine Avenue, File SC 06 109164” be received; and,
3) That the application for Site Plan Approval submitted by King Square Limited to permit Phase 1 retail and commercial uses at 9390 Woodbine Avenue be endorsed in principle, subject to the conditions set out in Appendix “A” attached to this report; and,
4) That site plan approval be delegated to the Director of Planning and Urban Design or his designate, to be issued following execution of a site plan agreement, in accordance with the conditions set out in Appendix “A” to this report. Site plan approval is issued only when the Director has signed the site plan; and further,
5) That staff be authorized to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
The Committee recessed from 12:55 to 1:20 p.m.
On October 4, 2011 Development Services Committee referred the subject
matter to a future meeting.
Alan Brown, Director of Engineering, provided an update on Village Parkway Improvements. Illustrations of cycle tracks, which had been supported by Markham’s Cycling & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CPAC), were provided. The Committee discussed improvements to Village Parkway and Carlton Road, and phasing to coincide with repaving of the road. It was suggested the Town be pro-active with turn restrictions on 16th Avenue at Village Parkway during rush hour. Staff will pursue this issue with York Region.
Staff are requesting authorization to file the Environmental Study Report, and will provide a further update to the Committee in early 2012 on cycling and other items discussed.
Moved by: Regional Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
1) That the report entitled
“Village Parkway Improvements Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA)”, be received; and,
2) That the preferred
alternative for the improvement of Village Parkway from Highway 7 to Landmark
Court as outlined in this report be endorsed; and,
3) That staff be authorized
to file the Environmental Study Report in accordance with the Class
Environmental Assessment Act; and further,
4) That staff be authorized
and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
Alan Brown, Director of Engineering, reviewed the staff report and provided an update on this matter. Mr. Brown provided background information and discussed issues, mitigation measures, options, the Environmental Assessment process, and cost sharing aspects. He summarized the analysis of options in the staff report.
The Committee discussed a ramp-up option for funding, and directed staff report back with phasing and funding strategies, as well as new alternative technology options. The Committee agreed to move forward with the review process but defer any actions at this time.
Moved by: Councillor Colin Campbell
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
1) That the report dated December 6, 2011,
entitled “Train Anti-Whistling at Rail Crossings/Uxbridge Subdivision Rail -
Status Update” be received; and,
2) That Staff report back
with phasing and funding strategies, and information on new alternative
technology options.
CARRIED
Alan Brown, Director of Engineering presented the report regarding the relocation of Pan Am Tributary # 5. Mr. Brown discussed timing issues and the request to waive the tendering process and contracting the Consulting Engineering firm of Masongsong Associates Engineering Ltd. In response to questions, Mr. Brown advised that the TRCA has been consulted.
The Committee requested more details including a cost comparison of retaining the SWM pond vs. underground tank. Staff will provide additional information when this matter comes back for discussion in relation to future phases.
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Alan Ho
1) That the December 6, 2011 report entitled “Pan Am Tributary #5 Relocation” be
received; and,
2) That the tendering process be waived in accordance
with Purchasing By-Law 2004-341, Part II, Section 7 (1) (b) “where there is
only one source of supply for the goods to be purchased” and;
Part II, Section 7 (1)
(h) “where it is necessary or in the best interests of the Town to acquire
non-standard items or Consulting and Professional Services from a preferred
supplier who has a proven track record with the Town in terms of pricing,
quality and service;” and,
3) That staff be authorized to preorder the underground
stormwater management tank system from Hanson Precast Pipe Limited on a non
competitive source basis in accordance with Section 7-1(b), Part II of
Purchasing Bylaw 2004-341 at a cost of $388,865 (inclusive of HST); and,
4) That the Consulting Engineering firm of Masongsong
Associates Engineering Ltd. (“MAEL”) be retained on a preferred supplier basis
in accordance with Section 7 (h), Part II of the Purchasing Bylaw 2004-341 to
provide tendering and contract administration services for the Tributary #5
relocation at a upset limit of $57,835 (inclusive of HST); and,
5) That the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to make
the tender award for the Tributary #5 relocation and associated works to the
lowest priced contractor in accordance with Section 5(c) of Purchasing Bylaw
2004-341; and,
6) That funding for the consulting services, storm tank system,
contract tender and engineering fees be funded from Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American
Games project 70-5390-11416-005; and,
7) That
the shortfall estimated to be $78,967 in the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American
Games project (70-5390-11416-005) be funded from the Town Wide Soft Development
Charges Reserve (90%) and the Capital Contingency (10%); and,
8) That staff review future cost
recovery from area specific development charges for the storm water management
facility; and,
9) that the
contractor be permitted to work extended hours and on Sunday if necessary,
subject to terms and conditions established by the Director of Engineering, and
that an exemption to By-Law 2003-137 be authorized; and further,
10) That staff be authorized and directed to
do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
Paul Stagl and Frank Mauro made a brief presentation of the development concept for a mix of business, residential, and park use on the 32 hectare subject property, owned by Mr. Mauro and Neamsby Investments. They requested the lands be referred to staff as part of the Official Plan review. Discussions included the potential to achieve a Platinum LEED residential subdivision.
Stephen Chait, Director of Economic Development, provided comments on the principle of protecting employment land and suggested the proposal be examined in the context of the Official Plan.
Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
That the presentation regarding Development Concept – South Side of 14th Avenue, East of
Middlefield Road be received and referred to staff for consideration in the context of the Town of Markham Official Plan Review.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at 2:15 PM.
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