MINUTES

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

2007-02-13

Meeting No. 5

All Members of Council

Development Services Economic Development

Chair: Regional Councillor J. Jones Chair: Regional Councillor T. Wong

Vice-Chair: Councillor J. Webster

PART A

Presentations, Major Studies, and Issues Agenda

9:00 a.m. – Canada Room

Attendance

Mayor F. Scarpitti (9:20) Deputy Mayor J. Jones Regional Councillor J. Heath Regional Councillor T. Wong Councillor V. Burke Councillor C. Moretti Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik (10:30) Councillor L. Kanapathi Councillor A. Chiu

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services R. Blake, Manager, West District A. Brown, Director of Engineering D. Cheng, Planner C. Conrad, Town Solicitor L. Duoba, Project Coordinator R. Kendall, Manager, Central District B. Lee, Manager of Development Engineering D. Miller, Senior Project Coordinator V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design R. Tadmore, Geomatics Coordinator/GIS Advocate K. Bavington, Committee Clerk

The Development Services Committee convened at the hour of 9:00 a.m. in the Canada Room with Deputy Mayor J. Jones in the Chair.

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST – None Declared

1. LANGSTAFF LAND USE STUDY (10.8)

David Butler of The Butler Group Consultants Inc., gave a presentation on the Langstaff Land Use Study. Mr. Butler reviewed the background of the study, the area involved, existing uses, and factors affecting the evolution of the lands over the past decade. Mr. Butler discussed recent development applications and the potential impacts from changes to planning policies, legislation, and studies.

Al Duffy of Queensville Properties, introduced several representatives of the Land Developers Group in attendance, including representatives of Paclang Holdings Inc., Tan-Mark Holdings Ltd., Mark Tan Developments Inc., and Condor Properties Ltd, on the west side of the rail line.

George Stilletto of Young and Wright Architects, representing Cosini Properties Inc., provided a handout of the Langstaff/Bayview Master Plan Study dated February 13, 2007, prepared by his company. He displayed conceptual land use site plans from the study, which include residential, commercial, institutional, community amenity, and park and open space uses for the east side of the rail line. Mr. Stilletto outlined proposed green linkages, central squares, and the road system.

Romeo Degasperis of Condor Developments gave a presentation on the Gateway Project at Yonge Street and Highway 407. The current development proposal involves 37 acres west of the rail line, and negotiations are ongoing for additional property.

Angela Ianuleccio of Entra Consultants, described the larger transit context.

Sol Wassermuhl of Page and Steele Architects, discussed his vision of an integrated transit-oriented urban community with mixed uses.

Peter Walker of Walker, Nott, Dragicevic Associates Limited, suggested that a transit facility may not be appropriate at this location, due to the potential densities that could be achieved.

Sam Balsamo of Condor Properties, stated that they are committed to working with York Region Rapid Transit.

Committee questioned the funding formula for the Viva and transit systems, and requested a comparative analysis of overall densities and cost efficiencies, including potential Development Charge contributions for infrastructure. Mr. Walker agreed that an analysis could be prepared.

Committee considered ridership strategies, required densities, alternate transit facility sites, potential subway routes, sustainability issues and LEEDS buildings. Concern was expressed that infrastructure needs to be updated, and that public consultation take place.

Mary Frances Turner, Vice-President of York Region Rapid Transit Plan an update on the Yonge Street rapid transit project and displayed illustrations of the proposed transitways. The goal is to achieve a mutually agreeable, integrated development that will support rapid transit strategy and the densities required, and that can be a showcase for transit. A report will be presented at the Region in May, 2007. Ms. Turner advised that a surface system is necessary, as a subway may take 10 years to complete including the Environmental Assessment process, subject to funding and cooperation of the City of Toronto, and emphasised that co-existence of higher densities and the transit facility are not mutually exclusive.

Committee considered requesting the Region to begin the EA process for the subway, and noted that the Region has already established subcommittees to explore alternate transit facility sites and to expedite the subway project. It is important for Markham to be cooperative, while retaining control of the Town’s future.

David Butler discussed the direction of the Land Use Study with respect to major development and the integrated subway/transit system. Staff advised that the next step will be senior level discussions with Council, the Region, and staff.

Moved by: Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by: Mayor F. Scarpitti

That the deputations from Al Duffy of Queensville Properties representing Paclang Holdings Inc., Tan-Mark Holdings Ltd., Mark Tan Developments Inc., and Condor Properties Ltd.; George Stilletto of Young and Wright Architects, representing Cosini Properties Inc.; Romeo Degasperis of Condor Developments; Angela Ianuleccio of Entra Consultants; Sol Wassermuhl of Page and Steele Architects; Peter Walker of Walker, Nott, Dragicevic Associates Limited; Sam Balsamo of Condor Properties; and Mary Frances Turner, Vice-President of York Region Rapid Transit Plan, be received;

And that the presentation by staff and David Butler, consultant, regarding the Langstaff Land Use Study, be received, and that staff report back in one month.

CARRIED

2. REMINGTON PHASE I RESIDENTATIAL
MARKHAM CENTRE (10.7)

Staff gave a brief update on the status of applications by the Remington Group in Markham Centre, and reviewed the Precinct Plan as revised in 2006.

Rudy Buczolits of the Remington Group and Sheldon Levitt of Quadrangle Architects gave a presentation on three proposed buildings fronting onto the extension of Verclair Gate. They described massing, view corridors, alignment of roads, the animated and permeable pedestrian level, and placement of the heritage house within the central park. They displayed elevations and renderings of the pedestrian/transit promenade and the central court amenities including a pool, gym, party room, and terrace.

Discussions included the median and landscaping, underground parking, access, design details, and building materials. The architect advised that a LEEDS consultant had been retained and that a partial green roof is proposed. Committee requested building material samples or true colour samples, and design details for the first and second floors. Staff advised that these will be presented when the site plan report is brought forward.

Moved by: Councillor C. Moretti

Seconded by: Councillor L. Kanapathi

That the presentation by staff and Rudy Buczolits of Remington Group and Sheldon Levitt of Quadrangle Architects, regarding Remington Phase I Residential in Markham Centre, be received.

CARRIED

3. SMALL STREAMS (10.8)
Presentation

Mark Schollen of Schollen and Company Inc., gave a presentation on the background and status of the Small Streams Study, initiated several years ago to generate recommendations to facilitate protection and management of small streams. Mr. Schollen described the study process, the classification system, consultation issues and comments, and the implementation strategy. The next steps will be to present a report to Committee of February 20, 2007, and to continue discussions with environmental groups and UDI.

Committee discussed the Region’s interest in the potential impacts of any proposals, the Oak Ridges Moraine, and Greenbelt Plan on future development north of 16^th Avenue. Staff was directed to ask TRCA to make a presentation to the Committee in this regard.

Jessica Annis, representing the Greater Toronto Home Builder’s Association – Urban Development Institute (UDI), presented three letters from UDI, dated February 13, 2007, May 23, 2006, and August 2, 2005 with comments regarding the Small Stream Study.

Moved by: Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by: Councillor D. Horchik

That the deputation by Jessica Annis, representing the Greater Toronto Home Builder’s Association – Urban Development Institute (UDI), and submission of letters from UDI, dated February 13, 2007, May 23, 2006, and August 2, 2005 with comments regarding the Small Stream Study, be received;

And that the presentation by staff and Mark Schollen of Schollen and Company Inc., regarding Small Streams, be received.

CARRIED

4. RENAMING OF THE BY-PASSED SECTIONS
OF HIGHWAY 7 AND WOODBINE AVENUE (10.14)

Presentation

Staff gave a brief overview of the proposed names for the by-passed sections of Highway 7 and Woodbine Avenue, as a follow-up to discussions by the Committee on December 12, 2006.

The Ward Councillor advised that local residents have indicated agreement with the name of “Locust Hill Lane”.

With respect to Woodbine Avenue, Committee supported naming the by-pass as “Woodbine Avenue” to avoid confusion for travelers, and recommended finding an alternate name for the existing road besides “Old Woodbine Avenue”, that would strengthen the identification of Victoria Square. The Ward Councillor requested staff arrange a meeting with residents and businesses currently existing on Woodbine Avenue, and representatives of the Church and Ratepayer’s Association to discuss the name for the old road.

Staff confirmed that Canada Post has agreed to change the postal code in the new Woodbine Avenue area to avoid confusion.

Moved by: Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by: Councillor D. Horchik

That the staff presentation regarding renaming of the by-passed sections of Highway 7 and Woodbine Avenue, be received;

And that staff bring forward a resolution that the Town request MTO to rename the by-passed section of Highway 7 in Locust Hill as “Locust Hill Lane” prior to the transfer of ownership;

And that staff bring forward a resolution that the Town request the Region to name the by-pass section of the road west of Woodbine Avenue as “Woodbine Avenue”;

And that the name of the by-passed section of Woodbine Avenue be referred to a meeting with staff, the Ward Councillor, residents and businesses currently existing on Woodbine Avenue, and representatives of the Church and Ratepayer’s Association.

CARRIED

5. PRESENTATION ON TRIP TO JAPAN (10.0)

The presentation by John Livey, CAO, on his recent trip to Japan, was deferred to the meeting of February 27, 2007.

ADJOURNMENT

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at the hour of 11:50 a.m.