DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
NOVEMBER 5, 2013,
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Council Chamber
Meeting No. 16
Attendance
|
Mayor Frank Scarpitti Deputy Mayor Jack Heath Regional Councillor Jim Jones Regional Councillor Joe Li Councillor Valerie Burke Councillor Howard Shore Councillor Don Hamilton Councillor Carolina Moretti Councillor Colin Campbell Councillor Logan Kanapathi Councillor Alex Chiu Regrets Regional Councillor Gord Landon Councillor Alan Ho |
Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services Murray Boyce, Senior Policy
Coordinator Rick Cefaratti, Planner II Stephen Chait, Director, Economic
Development Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor Geoff Day, Senior Planner Huyen Hare, Senior Business
Development Officer Scott Heaslip, Senior Project
Coordinator Anna Henriques, Senior Planner Regan Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage
Planning Richard Kendall, Manager,
Development - Central Brian Lee, Senior Manager, Development Engineering and
Transportation Rino Mostacci, Director of Planning
and Urban Design Elizabeth Silva-Stewart, Senior
Planner Tom Villella, Senior Project
Coordinator Marg Wouters, Senior Manager, Policy and Research Kitty Bavington, Council/Committee Coordinator |
The Development Services
Committee convened at the hour of 9:07 a.m. in the Council Chamber with Councillor
Don Hamilton in the Chair. Councillor
Alex Chiu assumed the Chair for Economic Development item No. 1.
The Committee recessed at 1:00 pm and reconvened at 2:00 pm.
The Committee welcomed visiting Grade 5 students and teachers from Cornell Village Public School.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST –
None Declared
Report Pin
Design Presentation
Huyen Hare, Senior Business Development Officer, introduced Wing-Ki
Chan, coordinator and professor of George Brown College Jewelleries Studies, and
gave a brief overview of the Markham-George Brown College Pin Design Project. Markham’s
Economic Development Department has been collaborating with George Brown
College Jewellery School to generate a design for a gift or award item that
could be produced for the City of Markham.
Pin concept winner Ms. Pearlamina Cheung made a presentation on her pin
concept, inspired by the Markham Civic Centre. A prototype version of the
suggested pin was displayed.
The Committee discussed the collaborative initiative and commended the design for its quality of design and creativity. Committee members offered input including suggestions for modifications or additional designs including the size, material and colours of the pin, and that the name Markham be included on the front of the pin.
Moved by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
1) That the report entitled "Markham-George Brown College Pin Design Project" be received; and,
2) That staff report back to Economic Development Committee on design prototype and production cost/volume options; and further,
3) That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting held October 22, 2013, be confirmed.
CARRIED
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
That the minutes of the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CPAC) meeting held
June 20, 2013, be received for information purposes.
CARRIED
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
1) That the Staff report entitled “PRELIMINARY REPORT, Kylemore Communities (Victoria Square) Ltd., 10975 Woodbine Avenue, Applications for Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft Plan of Subdivision, File No. 13 113916 & SU 13 113916” be received; and,
2) That a Public Meeting be held to consider the applications for Zoning By-law amendment and Draft Plan of Subdivision; and further,
3) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
The Ward Councillor noted that
resident meetings have been held regarding this application and a community
meeting is being scheduled for November 20, 2013, and concerns have been
identified. Staff advised that this is a preliminary report and a Public
Meeting will be held.
Karen Gullason, area resident,
made a deputation in opposition to the proposal, and discussed the density and
provision of a school site and parklands. Ms. Gullason provided a written copy
of her statement.
The Committee suggested wider
notification be provided for the Public Meeting, and requested a standard
process be established for Council notification of community meetings.
Moved by: Councillor Don
Hamilton
Seconded by: Regional
Councillor Joe Li
1) That the
deputation and written submission by Karen Gullason regarding the applications
by 2310601 Ontario Inc., be
received; and,
2) That the staff report dated November 5, 2013 titled “PRELIMINARY REPORT, 2310601 Ontario Inc., Applications for Official Plan and zoning by-law amendment and draft plan of subdivision to permit a high and medium density residential development,” be received; and,
3) That a Public Meeting be held to consider the applications; and further,
4) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
1) That the request by Staff to rename Cardrew Street to Paper Birch Drive be approved; and,
2) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
Staff provided an update on
the relocation of the heritage building from 26 Albert Street and construction
of a new garage.
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
1) That Committee receive
the report entitled “Report on Incoming Planning Applications for the period of
June 1, 2013 to August 31, 2013” and direct staff to process the applications
in accordance with the approval route outlined in the report; and,
2) That Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
1) That the report dated November 5th, 2013, entitled “Preliminary Report, Digram Developments Inc. and Humbold Properties Ltd., Applications for Draft Plan of Subdivision 19TM-13003 and Zoning By-law Amendment, Southeast Corner of Donald Cousens Parkway and Delray Drive, File Nos. SU 13 129548 and ZA 13 129548”, be received; and,
2) That Staff be authorized to schedule a statutory Public Meeting to consider the proposed Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment; and further,
3) 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 of pending updates to the Development Fee and Building Fee By-laws. A Public Meeting will be scheduled for December, 2013 with the anticipation that the by-laws will be approved and take effect shortly after.
The Committee and staff discussed the proposed adjustments to the fee model and the changing building trends since the introduction of new by-laws several years ago. Staff are proposing a review of the by-laws and their structure and will report back to the Committee in early 2014. The Committee requested comparables from across the Region when this matter comes forward.
Moved by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
Seconded by: Councillor Alex Chiu
1) That the Report titled “Development Fee and Building Fee By-laws Update (2014)”, dated November 5, 2013 be received; and,
2) That the proposed amendments be referred to the Development Services Committee Public Meeting to be held on December 3, 2013; and further,
3) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
The Committee was provided
with correspondence from residents and a staff memo dated November 5, 2013.
Jim Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services, advised that the applicants were in attendance to provide
a presentation. The Committee consented to defer this matter until the Ward
Councillor was in attendance.
Moved by: Councillor Don
Hamilton
Seconded by: Councillor
Carolina Moretti
That the application for Site Plan Approval by
Fontur International Inc. for a Bell Canada Monopole Telecommunication Tower
and associated equipment compound at 9255 Woodbine Avenue, File SC 13 110509,
be deferred.
CARRIED
Jim Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services, advised that the applicants were in attendance to provide
a presentation. The Committee consented to defer this matter until the Ward
Councillor was in attendance.
Moved by: Councillor Don
Hamilton
Seconded by: Councillor
Carolina Moretti
That the Revised Site Plan Approval application by
Turris Sites Inc. (carrier Wind Mobile) to permit a 40 metre high shrouded
monopole style telecommunications tower within a 100 m2 fenced
compound at 9400 Kennedy Road, File # SC 12 126925 001” be deferred.
CARRIED
Anna Henriques, Senior Planner, Zoning and Special Projects, made a
presentation on the new comprehensive Zoning By-law project, outlining the background,
purpose and objectives, key initial steps, draft work program, consultation, and
issues identified so far.
The Committee discussed the finished document with respect to availability on-line, ease of use, and integration with the GIS program. The Committee requested an opportunity to examine examples from other municipalities. It was clarified that the project is for housekeeping purposes.
Moved by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
1) That the report entitled “PRELIMINARY REPORT, Initiation of
Markham’s New Comprehensive Zoning
By-law Project”, dated November 5, 2013, be received; and,
2) That Development Services Committee endorse the draft work
program for Markham’s New Comprehensive
Zoning By-law Project and authorize Staff to proceed with the Project,
as outlined in this report; and,
3) That Staff be authorized to prepare and
issue a Request For Quotation (RFQ) to retain a consultant to prepare a Zoning
Issues Analysis and Strategic Direction Report, to identify key issues to be
addressed and to recommend an appropriate strategic approach for undertaking
the Project; 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, reviewed the directions to staff by Development
Services Committee on October 1, 2013, regarding the Markham By-pass. A motion
was presented for consideration by the Committee.
Moved by: Councillor Carolina Moretti
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
Whereas the Regional Municipality of York has
constructed Donald Cousens Parkway to by-pass Main Street Markham from north of
Steeles Avenue to Major Mackenzie Drive East; and,
Whereas the Regional Municipality of York is to
complete the Donald Cousens Parkway from Major Mackenzie Drive East to Highway
48 in 2016/2017; and,
Whereas the City of Markham is undertaking the
reconstruction of Main Street Markham from Highway 407 to Major Mackenzie Drive
East; and,
Whereas the City of Markham is designating Main Street
Markham as a local street for access and not for through traffic; and,
Whereas through traffic are continuing to utilize Main
Street Markham, and should be discouraged; and,
Now therefore be it resolved that:
1) That the Regional Municipality of York be requested to add the name “Markham By-Pass” on all signage for the Donald Cousens Parkway including signage on Highway 407 to encourage residents and commuters to use the Donald Cousens Parkway (Markham By-Pass) route when they are not destined to Main Street Markham; and,
2) ** And
that signage also be provided south of Steeles Avenue, and that the Region
consider renaming the road south of Steeles Avenue “Donald Cousens Parkway”.
CARRIED
** Amended by Council on November 12 to replace Clause 2 with the following:
That
staff be directed to request permission from the City of Toronto to permit
directional signage to be erected on Markham Road south of Steeles Avenue,
advising motorists of the Donald Cousens Parkway (Markham By-Pass) and that the
Region of York be requested to provide the appropriate signage.
Eileen Liasi, representing the German Mills Residents Association, discussed traffic issues in south-east Thornhill and spoke in opposition to the designation of Waggoners Wells Lane and Simonston Boulevard as collector roads.
Marg Wouters, Senior Manager, Policy and Research and Murray Boyce, Senior Policy Coordinator, gave a presentation entitled "City of Markham Official Plan - Part 1 - Overview of Revised Draft Official Plan". The presentation included a review of public consultation, key revisions to the draft Official Plan, related matters, and next steps. The updated version of the Official Plan will be presented later this month and a staff report will be provided with an overview of the main revisions and responses to the submissions received. Discussions of related matters included the Regional Official Plan/ROPA 3 OMB hearing and requests for expansion of the Future Urban Area, employment land conversion applications, the Secondary Plan program, and the Parkland Dedication Study.
The Committee provided comments on minor collector roads with respect to design standards and preserving existing neighbourhoods; streetscape design when bringing massing to the street line; consideration of community uses in certain future green space linkages; preservation of the natural heritage; Bill 140 with respect to provision of second suites; potential of expansion into the whitebelt; and implications of ongoing discussions with Parks Canada regarding the Rouge National Urban Park.
The new Official Plan is targeted to be released to the public on November 19, with consideration at Development Services Committee on December 3 and adoption by Council on December 10, 2013. It will then be forwarded to the Region for approval.
Mike Everard, representing Catholic Cemeteries Archdiocese of Toronto, made a deputation to discuss the shortage of cemetery lands in the area and to request support for the proposed cemetery at Woodbine Avenue and 19th Avenue.
The Committee discussed a potential motion to include the lands owned
by the Grace Gospel Church and others at Major Mackenzie Drive west of McCowan
Road within the Future Urban Area in the new Official Plan. Staff identified a
number of issues that should be taken into consideration in making the motion,
and suggested the motion may be more appropriate when the OP is brought forward
to Committee.
Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
1) That the deputations by
Eileen Liasi, representing the German Mills Residents Association, and Mike
Everard, representing Catholic Cemeteries Archdiocese of Toronto, regarding the
draft Official Plan, be received; and,
2) That the presentation provided by Marg Wouters, Senior Manager, Policy and Research and Murray Boyce, Senior Policy Coordinator entitled "City of Markham Official Plan -
Part 1 - Overview of Revised Draft
Official Plan" be received.
CARRIED
Correspondence Presentation Concept
Plan
On October 29, 2013, Council
referred consideration of this matter to the Committee meeting this date, time
permitting.
Michael Gagnon and Andrew
Walker of Gagnon Law, and Shakir
Rehmatullah representing Flato Developments
Inc., gave a presentation of the proposed employment land conversion at the
northwest corner of Donald Cousens Parkway and Highway 7 in Cornell. The land
ownership was outlined, and the preliminary concept plan was displayed with
residential, retail, office, and park/open space components.
The Committee discussed the
employment jobs to be created, compatibility with adjacent developments, and
Markham District Energy. Clarification was requested regarding the land
ownership along Donald Cousens Parkway. Staff indicated they have not yet
undertaken the conversion analysis on this site to determine impact on jobs as
an Official Plan amendment application with a supporting justification report
has not yet been submitted. Staff also
provided comments regarding the proposed building heights.
Moved by: Councillor Colin
Campbell
Seconded by: Councillor Logan
Kanapathi
1) That
the presentation by Michael Gagnon and Andrew Walker of Gagnon Law, and Shakir Rehmatullah representing Flato
Developments Inc. regarding the proposed official plan amendment application
for employment land conversion at the northwest corner of Donald Cousens
Parkway and Highway 7, be received; and,
2) That
upon receipt of an official plan amendment application, staff be directed to
process the employment land conversion application by Flato Developments Inc.
and that the employment land designation be deferred in the new Official Plan;
and,
3) That
the employment conversion criteria established by Development Services
Committee on October 22, 2013 be applied in the review of this application.
CARRIED
Moved by: Deputy Mayor J.
Heath
Seconded by: Councillor L.
Kanapathi
That the Committee consent to new
business to hear deputations regarding the deferred applications for
telecommunications towers by:
-
Fontur International Inc. at 9255
Woodbine Avenue (SC 13 110509); and,
-
Turris Sites Inc. (Carrier Wind
Mobile) at 9400 Kennedy Road (SC 12 126925 001)
CARRIED
There were no deputations on
this matter. Members of the public were advised to leave their contact
information with the Clerk for notification when these applications come
forward.
ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at 3:00 PM.
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