Development Services Committee Minutes
June 12, 2017,
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Council Chamber
Meeting No. 9
All
Members of Council
Development
Services Issues Culture
and Economic Development Issues
Chair: Regional Councillor Jim
Jones Chair: Councillor Alex Chiu
Vice-Chair: Councillor Don Hamilton Vice-Chair: Councillor Alan Ho
Transportation and Engineering
Capital Projects Issues
Chair: Regional Councillor Joe Li
Vice-Chair: Regional Councillor Nirmala
Armstrong
Attendance
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Mayor Frank Scarpitti Deputy Mayor Jack Heath Regional Councillor Jim Jones Regional Councillor Joe Li Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong Councillor Valerie Burke (left
at 4:10) Councillor Alan Ho Councillor Don Hamilton Councillor Karen Rea (left
at 4:10) Councillor Colin Campbell (left
at 4:10) Councillor Amanda Collucci (9:20, left
at 4:10) Councillor Logan Kanapathi (left
at 3:34) Councillor Alex Chiu |
Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative
Officer Jim Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services Trinela Cane, Commissioner of
Corporate Services Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of
Community & Fire Services Chris Alexander, Acting Manager,
By-law Enforcement and
Regulatory Services Dave Blizzard, Public Education
Officer Chris Bird, Director of Building Stephen Chait, Director, Culture and
Economic Development Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor and
Acting Director of Human Resources Adam Grant, Deputy Fire Chief Anna Henriques, Senior Planner,
Zoning and Special Projects Regan Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage
Planning Biju Karumanchery, Director of
Planning and Urban Design Brian Lee, Director of Engineering Dave Miller, Manager, West District Mark Visser, Senior Manager Financial Strategy & Investment Peter Wokral, Heritage Planner Kitty Bavington, Council/Committee Coordinator |
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The Development Services Committee convened at the hour of 9:04 a.m. in the Council Chamber with Regional Councillor Jim Jones in the Chair. Councillor Alex Chiu assumed the Chair for Culture and Economic Development items, Nos. 3 and 17.
The Committee recessed from 11:21 to 11:33 a.m. and from 12:40 to 1:30 p.m. and from 3:15 to 3:34 p.m.
-
None declared
The Markham Fire & Emergency Services CADET Program has focused its
public education efforts on meeting the needs of our very diverse community. One of the communities that may get
overlooked is those living with a development disability. This program was
created to give individuals who are not able to be employed as a firefighter
the opportunity to experience all aspects and roles within the fire service.
Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services, Councillor Alan Ho, Brenda Librecz and Fire Chief, Dave Decker and Deputy Fire Chief, Adam Grant presented a plaque to the following recipients:
Pravin Emmanuel
David Chen-See
Nicholas Legris
City of Markham Staff:
Alex Spasewski, Provincial Offences
Officer II, Legislative Services, 15 years
June Fry, Client Advisor ITS, Information
Technology Services, 15 years
Jody Parsons, Court Administration
Coordinator, Legislative Services, 15 years
Deborah John, Building Inspector II, Building
Standards, 10 years
Keith Doner, Licensed Fleet Technician, Operations,
10 years
Matthew Ribble, Arborist, Operations, 5
years
Michelle Newallo, Administrative Assistant,
Development Services
Commissioner's
Office, 5 years
Eric Ng, Fire Administration Coordinator, Fire
& Emergency Services, 5 years
Martha Pettit, Deputy City Clerk, Legislative
Services, 5 years
Trinela Cane,
Commissioner, Corporate Services, Corporate Services
Commissioner's Office, 5 years
Brandon Sanders, Provincial Offences
Officer I, Legislative Services, 5 years
Susan Hsiung, Senior Human Resources
Consultant, Human Resources, 5 years
Chris Sreblowski, Small Engine/Equipment
Technician, Operations, 5 years
Cindy Coffin, QMS Coordinator, Environmental
Services, 5 years
Jeremy Laurin, CEO, VentureLAB, gave a presentation on this matter. Mr. Laurin provided background information on VentureLAB and its accomplishments, and outlined proposed amendments to the By-law. Mr. Laurin responded to questions from the Committee.
Stephen Chait, Director, Culture and
Economic Development, spoke briefly to the proposed By-law changes and requested
endorsement by the Committee.
Moved by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
Seconded by: Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong
1) That the presentation by Jeremy Laurin, CEO, VentureLAB, regarding VentureLAB Annual General Meeting and new By-laws, be received; and,
2) That the proposed By-law amendments respecting VentureLAB, be endorsed.
CARRIED
Moved by: Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong
Seconded by: Councillor Alex Chiu
That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting held May 23, 2017, be confirmed.
CARRIED
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Amanda
Collucci
That the minutes of the
Heritage Markham Committee meeting held May 10, 2017, be received for
information purposes.
CARRIED
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Amanda
Collucci
That the minutes of the Unionville Sub-Committee - Sixteenth Land Holdings Inc. (York Downs Golf Course) meeting held May 23, 2017, be received for information purposes.
CARRIED
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Amanda
Collucci
That the minutes of the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CPAC) meeting held April 20, 2017, be received for information purposes.
CARRIED
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Amanda
Collucci
That the minutes of the
Friends of the Markham Museum Foundation Board meeting held March 8, 2017, be
received for information purposes.
CARRIED
The Committee discussed the addition of car sales and service to retail uses, and the Public Meeting and review process. Concerns will be discussed further at the Public Meeting.
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Amanda
Collucci
That the report titled “PRELIMINARY REPORT, Cadillac Fairview
Corporation Ltd., Application for Zoning By-law Amendment to permit a motor
vehicle sales establishment and accessory motor vehicle service station and
motor vehicle repair garage, and incorporate previously approved minor
variances at Markville Mall Shopping Centre, 5000 Highway 7 (Ward 3), ZA 17
156158” be received.
CARRIED
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Amanda
Collucci
That the report dated June 12, 2017 and titled “PRELIMINARY REPORT, Digram
Developments Markham 2 Inc., Zoning By-law amendment application to
allow townhouses north of Castlemore Avenue on the east side of Swan Park Road,
in Greensborough, Ward 5, (Part of Block 78, 65M3834)”, be received.
CARRIED
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Amanda
Collucci
That the report titled “PRELIMINARY REPORT, 14th Avenue Investments Inc., C/O Barron Planning Consulting, Zoning By-law Amendment to permit a 3 storey office building and a 1 storey industrial property at 2875 14th Avenue, south side of 14th Avenue between Woodbine Avenue and Highway 404 (Ward 8), File No. ZA 17 149540” be received.
CARRIED
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Amanda
Collucci
1) That the report entitled “Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program for 2017”, dated June12, 2016, be received; and,
2) That Council supports a matching grant of up to $ 10,452.50 for the replication of the missing front porch at 48 Washington Street based on surviving physical evidence and appropriate period design, provided the owner enters into a Heritage Conservation Easement Agreement with the City, removes existing grandfathered inappropriate commercial signage, and obtains a building permit and/or site plan approval for the proposed front porch; and,
3) That Council authorizes the Mayor and Clerk to enter into a Façade Easement Agreement with the owners of 48 Washington Street for any grant amount exceeding $5,000.00 (required for grant assistance over $5,000.00); and,
4) That the identified grant be funded from the Commercial Façade Improvement Program Account 620-101-5699-17034 which has a budget of $25,000.00 for the year 2017; and,
5) That the unallocated funds from the 2017 Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program totaling $14,547.50 be transferred to the 2017 Designated Heritage Property Grant Program (Account 620-101-5699-17031); and further
6) That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
The Committee questioned the recommendation for 99 Y.M.C.A. Boulevard. Staff explained that the application was not supported as it could be perceived as rewarding poor stewardship of the building. Staff were requested to report back with any update on the intended use of the heritage building.
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Amanda
Collucci
1) That the report entitled “Designated Heritage Property Grant Applications -2017” dated June 12, 2017, be received; and,
2) That Designated Heritage Property Grants for 2017 be approved in the amounts noted for the following properties, totaling $44,547.00, provided that the applicants comply with eligibility requirements of the program;
1. 19 George Street, Markham-up to $5,000.00 for the replication or restoration of the front porch;
2. 248 Main Street North, Markham-$3,366.85 for the restoration of the wooden decorative gable elements and repair of concrete front porch;
3. 30 Washington Street, Markham-$5,000.00 for the restoration of the wooden exterior cladding and decorative elements;
4. 36 Peter Street, Markham-$5,000.00 for the replication of missing gable decorations and corbels;
5. 10 David Gohn Circle, Markham Heritage Estates-$7,500.00 for the replacement of the cedar shingle roof;
6. 23 Victoria Avenue, Unionville-$3,842.00 for the production of faux gable end chimneys;
7. 12 David Gohn Circle, Markham Heritage Estates-$7,500.00 for the production of faux gable end chimneys and replacement of the cedar shingle roof;
8. 22 George Street, Markham-$3,220.50 for the repair of the historic windows, production of new storm windows, cleaning and repair of brick walls;
9. 15 Church Lane, Thornhill-$1,400.00 for the replication of wooden crosses at the top of the manse gables and church bell cote;
10. 309 Main Street North, Markham-$1,521.88 for the re-conditioning of the historic wooden windows and production of new storm windows;
11. 370 Main Street North, Markham, $1,195.77 for the installation of a historically appropriate front door and picture windows; and,
3) That Council does not support the grant request for the replacement of the shingle roof for the accessory building at 6 David Gohn Circle because it is not a heritage building; and,
4) That Council does not support the grant request to make structural improvements to the floor at 17 Mill Street, because the work is not visible to the public, is not required for the long term preservation of the building, and it proposes to demolish the existing stone foundation which is a heritage attribute of the property; and,
5) That Council does not support the grant request to recondition the windows at 99 Y.M.C.A. Boulevard because it could be perceived as rewarding poor stewardship of the building as it was restored in 2008, but has been left vacant and unprotected from the elements and vandalism; and,
6) That the grants be funded through the Designated Heritage Property Grant Project Fund, Account 620-101-5699-17031 ($30,000.00 available for 2017); and,
7) That the amount of grant assistance
recommended for approval, in excess of the $30,000.00 available for 2017 Designated
Heritage Property Grant program, be funded through remaining funds from the 2017 Commercial
Façade Improvement/Signage Replacement Grant program Project Fund, 620-101-5699-17034
($14,547.50 remaining); and,
8) That any grant monies allocated to the 2017 Program that are not utilized be returned to the Heritage Loan Fund Reserve (87-2800-125) as per Council policy; and further,
9) 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 Amanda
Collucci
1) That the report titled
‘Information Report 2017 Second Quarter Update of the Street and Park Name
Reserve List’, be received; and,
2) That Council approve the
revised Street and Park Name Reserve List set out in Appendix ‘A’ attached to
this report.
CARRIED
On May 23, 2017 Development Services Committee
postponed the above subject matter to the meeting this date.
Jim Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services provided background information on this matter. Regan
Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning and Peter Wokral, Heritage Planner,
responded to questions from the Committee regarding the project.
A photo of the replicated
structure was displayed. Committee members debated the justification to release
the Letter of Credit.
Michael Crabtree, owner, made
a deputation to provide details of the condition of the structure due to
neglect by the previous owner, and the decision for replication rather than
restoration.
A Motion to release the Letter
of Credit was LOST.
Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Jack
Heath
1) That
the deputation by Michael Crabtree, owner of 26 Albert Street, be received;
and,
2) That the memorandum
dated May 23, 2017 entitled "Letter of Credit - 26 Albert Street,
Markham Village" be received.
CARRIED
Report Appendix A - Presentation
Anna Henriques, Senior Planner - Zoning Special Projects provided a presentation on the proposed strategy for Secondary Suites, Rooming Houses, and Short-Term Accommodations (Phase 3A) of the New Comprehensive Zoning By-law Project. The background of this issue was reviewed.
Secondary Suites: The recommendation is to permit secondary suites, based on:
- Required by legislation in Ontario
- Regional and Markham Official Plan policies are supportive
- Fire safety and code requirements may not be met if units are illegal
- Benefits of secondary suites were outlined
- Recommendations include implementing a Zoning By-law, a Registration By-law, amendments to the Property Standards By-law, a community strategy and public education program, and a monitoring program
- Property taxes would reflect a “finished basement” valued at approximately $35,000 increased assessment
- The Province is currently responsible for conducting interior property standards, municipalities will be required to assume responsibility
The Committee discussed parking requirements, potential Committee of Adjustment applications, student housing, coach houses, and re-inspection requirements. The Committee noted that a maximum of one parking space per secondary suite is specified in the legislation, and that dwellings are not required to be owner-occupied.
Adam Grant, Deputy Fire Chief provided details of the Fire Department responsibilities, and process highlights for existing post-1995 permitted units and proposed units. It is estimated that there are currently 4,000 – 8,000 unregistered units in Markham. With seven (7) new FTE, the City could only process approximately 250 new cases per year, at a cost of $900,000, and only 25–50% of those costs may be recoverable, based on typical application fees in other cities. Re-inspections would require additional staff.
Although the City has to build infrastructure and
provide services, secondary suites do not provide Development Charge funding, and
only minimal property taxes. The financial implications have to be considered
and Markham may consider lobbying the Province for changes to legislation. If
endorsed, a final report and recommendation for Secondary Suites
will come forward in the fall of 2017, and a Public Meeting will also be held
in fall for rooming houses and short term accommodations.
Geoff Pyne and Peter Miasek of the Unionville
Residents Association, stated support for secondary suites and the staff
recommendations. Mr. Pyne reviewed the recommendations of the URA, submitted to
the City in 2016, which are very close to the staff recommendations; however,
they have a concern with the length of time the process is taking.
Chris Bergauer-Free had comments regarding parking concerns,
flood-prone areas, and regulating infill situations that are constructed with
the intention of adding secondary suites.
Further discussions included registration fees, cost recovery, re-inspections, in-fill situations, defining Bed and Breakfasts as a short-term accommodation, grandfathered units, and parking requirements. The Committee discussed identifying potential second suites in new construction, and stated that safe housing is a priority.
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong
That the Committee recess at 3:15 p.m. to allow the Varley-McKay Art Foundation Annual General Meeting to proceed.
CARRIED
The Development Services Committee reconvened at 3:34 p.m.
Moved by: Regional Councillor Joe Li
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
That the
Committee call the question on the matter of New
Comprehensive Zoning By-Law Project, Phase 3a.
CARRIED
by a 2/3 vote of Members present
Further discussion included the complaint vs proactive approach to inspections and registration, and the objective of obtaining DC and property tax revenues to cover the City’s infrastructure and services costs, but which may deter owners from registering. The Committee requested information on potential fines for non-registration when this matter comes forward.
A Motion to add “in principle” to the original clause three (3) was LOST.
Staff advised that if the recommendation to proceed with second suites fails and no further direction is provided by the Committee, secondary suites provisions will remain status quo. Staff may report back in the future if there are any changes or Provincial directions.
The Committee consented to separate the clauses of the recommendation.
The following clauses (original clauses 3 and 4) were LOST on a tie vote:
3) That the proposed draft Strategy for Implementation of Secondary Suites, as outlined further in this report, be endorsed. The strategy is comprised of:
i) A zoning by-law to introduce City-wide (except in Special Policy
Areas) zoning permissions for secondary suites in single detached, semi
detached and townhouse dwellings,
subject to specific development standards;
ii) A registration by-law requiring registration of all dwellings with secondary suites, to ensure safety of occupants and compliance with applicable codes and requirements;
iii) A property standards by-law that includes
requirements for interior property standards;
iv) A communications & public education plan to communicate new by-laws and requirements, and to encourage registration; and,
v) A 6 month monitoring program using AMANDA (City’s internal data management system) to track and evaluate the registration process including matters such as the number of building permit applications, inspections, complaints, etc.; and,
4) That staff report back to DSC in Fall 2017 with final recommendation reports and accompanying by-laws to implement secondary suites; and,
LOST
Moved by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
Seconded by: Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong
1)
That the
written submissions from Alena Gotz and Cosimo A. Crupi regarding the New
Comprehensive Zoning By-law Project, Phase 3A be received; and,
2)
That the
deputations by Geoff Pyne and Peter Miasek of the Unionville Residents
Association, and Chris Bergauer-Free regarding
the New Comprehensive Zoning By-law Project, Phase 3A be received..
3)** That the report entitled,
“INFORMATION REPORT: New Comprehensive Zoning By-law Project, Phase 3A –
Strategy for Implementation of Secondary Suites & Update on Rooming Houses
& Short Term Accommodations” be approved in principle; and,
4) That the presentation entitled, “New Comprehensive Zoning By-law Project: Phase 3A. Strategy for Secondary Suites” be received; and,
5) That staff be authorized to hold a Statutory Public Meeting in Fall 2017 to consider preliminary Official Plan policies for short term accommodations and rooming houses; and,
6)** That staff report back to
a special evening meeting of Development Services Committee in Fall 2017 with
the following:
i) A final recommendation report and
accompanying Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments for rooming houses and
short term accommodations, and all related matters, following the Statutory
Public Meeting in the fall;
ii) A final recommendation report and zoning
by-law amendment for secondary suites and all related matters; and further
7) That staff be authorized to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
** Amended by Council on June 13, to amend Clause 3 and add a new Clause 6, as follows:
“3) That the report entitled, “INFORMATION
REPORT: New Comprehensive Zoning By-law Project, Phase 3A – Strategy for
Implementation of Secondary Suites & Update on Rooming Houses & Short
Term Accommodations” be approved in principle; and,
6) That staff report back to a special
evening meeting of Development Services Committee in Fall 2017 with the
following:
i) A final recommendation report and accompanying Official Plan and
Zoning By-law amendments for rooming houses and short term accommodations, and
all related matters, following the Statutory Public Meeting in the fall;
ii) A final recommendation report and zoning by-law amendment for secondary suites and all related matters; and further”
Moved by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
Seconded by: Councillor Alex Chiu
That the Business Mission to Japan and the following
recommendation be postponed to Council on June 13, 2017:
1) That the report dated May 16, 2017 entitled
“Business Mission to Japan November 25 – December 2, 2017” be received; and,
2) That the City of Markham be represented by a
four-person delegation composed of the Mayor, the Chair of the Economic Development Committee,
the Director of the Culture & Economic Development Department, plus one
additional member of Council; and,
3) That the total cost of the mission to a
maximum amount of $49,000.00 be funded from the 2017 operating budget account t
#610-998-5811 “International Investment Attraction” account; and further,
4) That Staff be authorized and directed to do
all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
The Committee requested
clarification on recent issues relating to new houses by Mattamy Homes being occupied
in an unfinished state. Chris Bird, Director of Building, explained the minimum
standards and inspection issues, and Provincial regulations for occupancy
permits. The Committee suggested requesting the Province to review the
requirements.
Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Seconded by: Councillor Don
Hamilton
That staff be directed to prepare
a memo and resolution to request the Province review the requirements for
Occupancy Permits.
CARRIED
A Committee member noted a
recent presentation to the Cycling and Pedestrian Committee by DropBike, a bike
sharing concept that is being launched in Markham. The Committee consented to
receive a short presentation by DropBike at the next Development Services
Committee meeting, if time permits.
Moved by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
Seconded by: Councillor Alex Chiu
That the confidential items be postponed to the June 26, 2017 Development Services Committee meeting.
(1) DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
COMMITTEE CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES
- May 8, 2017 (10.0)
[Section 239 (2) (e) (c) (e) (e)]
(2) PERSONAL MATTERS ABOUT AN IDENTIFIABLE
INDIVIDUAL, INCLUDING MUNICIPAL OR LOCAL BOARD EMPLOYEES
HERITAGE COMMITTEE CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES
- May 10, 2017 (16.11)
[Section 239 (2) (b)]
(3) LITIGATION OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION,
INCLUDING MATTERS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS, AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY
OR LOCAL BOARD - MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION APPEAL - 14 GEORGE STREET (WARD 4)
(8.0)
[Section 239 (2) (e)]
(4) LITIGATION OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION,
INCLUDING MATTERS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS, AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY
OR LOCAL BOARD - MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION APPEAL - 217 CHURCH STREET (WARD 4)
(8.0)
[Section 239 (2) (e)]
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services
Committee meeting adjourned at 4:25 PM.
Alternate formats for this document are available upon request.