DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
NOVEMBER 8, 2011,
9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Canada Room
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
Presentations, Major Studies, and Issues Agenda
9:00 a.m. – Canada Room
Attendance
|
Regrets
Regional Councillor Gord Landon
Councillor Alan Ho
Councillor Alex Chiu
|
Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative
Officer
Jim Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services
Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of
Community & Fire Services
Ronji Borooah, Town Architect
Stephen Chait, Director, Economic
Development
Catherine Conrad, Town Solicitor
George Duncan, Senior Heritage
Planner
Regan Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage
Planning
Linda Irvine, Manager, Parks and
Open Space Planning
Brian Lee, Senior Manager, Development Engineering and
Transportation
Rino Mostacci, Director of Planning
and Urban Design
Tom Villella, Senior Project
Coordinator
Kitty Bavington, Council/Committee
Coordinator
|
The Development Services
Committee convened at the hour of 9:12 a.m. in the Canada Room with Regional
Councillor Jim Jones in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST –
None Declared
1. DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- October 18, 2011, Part A (10.0)
Minutes
Moved by: Councillor Colin Campbell
Seconded by: Councillor Valerie Burke
That the
minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting, Part A, held October 18,
2011, be confirmed.
CARRIED
2. MARKHAM TRANSPORTATION
STRATEGIC PLAN (MTSP) (5.10)
Presentation
Brian Lee, Senior Manager, Development Engineering and Transportation
introduced this matter, explaining that the Markham Transportation Strategic
Plan (MTSP) is a 20 year plan to establish the strategic directions and
transportation polices to accommodate the growth in Markham.
Brian Hollingsworth of IBI Group, gave the Committee a
preview of the draft presentation prepared for the public consultation meetings
and requested feedback. The presentation included:
- background, provincial legislation, and growth pressures
- purpose and scope of MTSP
- process, timelines, implementation and phasing
- strategic policy directions and strategic plan elements
- area-specific issues
The MTSP is intended to respond to the provincial requirement for
long-term land use projections and transportation policies, and to meet the
requirements for funding by Metrolinx and York Region. The plan will define the
Town’s priorities and set out a vision for transportation in Markham.
Mr. Hollingsworth noted that daily auto trips are projected to increase
by 60% compared to today, if existing trends continue. The challenge is to keep
Markham moving by managing congestion, improving “person” carrying capacity,
and developing transit-oriented communities and a transit culture. Markham is at
a critical point in its evolution and needs to take steps towards a more
sustainable transportation system.
The Committee had several comments and suggestions for the
presentation:
-
“future GO station” at John Street
should be reworded to “potential GO station” to avoid misunderstanding
-
more emphasis on collector roads
and safety issues
-
recommend and seek innovative
ideas, such as using roundabouts and staggering work and school hours
- clarify
that the MTSP will not eliminate congestion, but will help to manage it
- slide
18: road cross-sections – show option to move trees from centre median to
curbside, to buffer cyclists from traffic
- make
reference to climate change and peak oil issues
-
illustrate Young Street subway
extension in maps for Wards One and Two
-
add more details showing the
overall strategic plan and identifying existing and future GO rail stations;
highlight the Havelock line as a potential rail passenger line, etc.
The Committee requested an implementation plan be prepared following the
public consultation, and discussed where the Town goes from here. It was
suggested that the plan is tactical in nature and should be more strategic, for
comprehensive transit improvements across the entire GTA. Markham’s plan will
spell out what its needs are and what it requires from York Region and the
province.
Staff were directed to revise the presentation
according to the discussions today.
Moved by: Councillor Colin Campbell
Seconded by: Councillor Valerie Burke
That the presentation provided by Brian Hollingworth,
Director, IBI Group regarding Markham Transportation Strategic Plan (MTSP) be
received.
CARRIED
3. PARKLAND DEDICATION
BY-LAW AND POLICY REVIEW
(10.0)
Presentation
Tom Villella, Senior Project Coordinator, gave a presentation outlining
the current Parkland Dedication legislation, issues relating to the application
of Markham’s Parkland Dedication By-law, and the proposed review of the By-law.
The current policies and practices were reviewed.
Staff are recommending that a comprehensive review of
the by-law be done at this time, to review options to update the means of calculating
parkland dedication and land valuation in view of the Town’s Intensification
Strategy. The 2012 budget includes funding for a consultant. Staff will
evaluate consultant submissions and make a recommendation to the Committee in
the near future. The criteria for choosing a consultant will be the standard
evaluation as prescribed by the purchasing by-law, and will support a
multi-disciplined approach.
Staff outlined the work program with respect to the
technical steering committee and consultation with the community and
stakeholders. It was suggested by the Committee that three days of community
consultation may not be enough.
The Committee discussed the parkland dedication in low
density areas such as Box Grove, in relation to the demand for parkland and
play equipment in those areas. It was noted that land dedication, rather than
cash-in-lieu payment, is preferred when appropriate.
The Committee requested a comparative analysis of old
and new rates for municipalities such as Vaughan and Richmond Hill. It was
suggested that population figures regarding condominiums have changed with
respect to an increase in the number of children, and that open spaces are
often being utilized by adults as much as by children. There was interest in
how parkland would be dealt with in high density areas such as Langstaff.
Moved by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
Seconded by:
Councillor Valerie Burke
That the presentation provided by Tom Villella, Senior
Project Coordinator, Zoning and Special Projects regarding Parkland Dedication
By-law and Policy Review be received.
CARRIED
4. RECOMMENDED HERITAGE DESIGNATION
ANTHONY ROMAN CENTRE/MARKHAM
CIVIC CENTRE (16.11.3)
Presentation
George Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner, gave a
presentation regarding the proposed heritage designation of the Markham Civic
Centre. Mr. Duncan discussed the criteria for design/physical value,
historical/associative value and contextual value. He noted that cultural
heritage is recognized as well as historical 19th century buildings,
and that our cultural heritage is not just about the past but about the places,
spaces and stories that we value today and want to acknowledge for the future.
The Markham Civic Centre was completed in 1990 and
this is the 20th anniversary of its opening. It had been designed by
renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, and was named for Markham’s former
Mayor, Anthony (Tony) Roman. The building is a good example of a Modernist
public building and has unique architectural expression. It is a significant
building in a unique setting and it is a landmark at Highway 7 and Warden
Avenue. The building is currently evaluated as a Group 1 Heritage building and
it is recommended by Heritage Markham for designation under Part IV of the Ontario
Heritage Act.
The Committee discussed implications with respect to
repairs and using appropriate materials. Staff explained that the heritage
designation will not prevent changes, but will ensure that any changes are
appropriately managed and will respect the property’s heritage value. The
designation is tied to the property and would recognize certain elements, but
not, for example, the parking lot. As the building is modernistic, materials
should be readily available.
The Committee indicated support for recognizing the
Civic Centre as a unique and significant heritage building and asked staff to
bring forward the report. It was suggested that a heritage home be moved to the
Civic Centre property to be used as the office of heritage staff and to
showcase heritage construction materials.
Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Seconded by: Councillor Carolina Moretti
That the presentation provided by Mr. George Duncan,
Senior Heritage Planner regarding Recommended Heritage Designation Anthony
Roman Centre/Markham Civic Centre be received.
CARRIED
5. STRINGBRIDGE INVESTMENTS LIMITED
SOUTHWEST QUADRANT OF HIGHWAY
7
AND SOUTH TOWN CENTRE
BOULEVARD
APPLICATION FOR ZONING BY-LAW
AMENDMENT
TO PERMIT A MIXED-USE
DEVELOPMENT
INCORPORATING HOTEL,
COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL USES
(ZA 10 109997) (10.5)
Report
Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services
introduced this matter and advised of the urgency of this issue with respect to
an OMB hearing scheduled for December 12, 2011. Staff indicated that the
proposal for a hotel at this site can be supported, including retail,
conference facilities and residential condominiums integrated with the hotel
activity. The zoning amendments were briefly outlined.
Correspondence was received from Mark Noskiewicz of
Goodmans, representing Markham Suites Hotel, in opposition to the proposal.
Patricia Foran, representing Stringbridge Investments
Limited, spoke in support of the staff recommendations, and pointed out that
the proposal complies with the mixed use designation in the Official Plan and the
hotel will be a unique addition to Markham.
Mark Noskiewicz of Goodmans, representing Markham
Suites Hotel, made a deputation stating opposition to the proposal with respect
to the conversion of the lands from employment to residential use.
Jason Kaptyn of Kaptyn Hospitality Inc., a developer
of the subject lands, provided information regarding the specifics of the
development, and the utilization of Markham District Energy.
The Committee directed that the wording of the by-law
specify hotel use in a manner that will ensure residential use is not permitted
as of right without the hotel. Staff advised that the wording of the by-law could
specify that residential units can only be built with the integration of a
hotel. The Committee stressed the importance of this issue, and directed staff
to ensure it is addressed at the OMB hearing. Staff will bring the draft by-law
back to the Committee prior to the OMB hearing, if timing permits.
Ms. Foran confirmed that residential use is not
intended to proceed without the hotel.
Discussions included the employment capacity with
respect to the proposed Committee of Adjustment application to increase the
building height for two additional storeys of office space.
The Committee directed that this matter proceed to the
Council meeting of this date, November 8, 2011.
Moved by: Regional Councillor Joe Li
Seconded by: Councillor Howard Shore
1) That the correspondence from Mark
Noskiewicz of Goodmans, representing Markham Suites Hotel, in opposition to the
proposal by Stringbridge Investments Limited, be received; and,
2) That the deputations by Patricia Foran,
representing Stringbridge, Jason Kaptyn of Kaptyn Hospitality Inc., and Mark
Noskiewicz of Goodmans, representing Markham Suites Hotel, regarding the proposal
by Stringbridge Investments Limited, be received; and,
3) That the staff report dated November 8, 2011 titled
“RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Stringbridge Investments Limited, Southwest quadrant of
Highway 7 and South Town Centre Boulevard, Application for Zoning By-law
Amendment to permit a mixed-use development incorporating hotel, commercial and
residential uses, File No. ZA 10 109997,” be received; and,
4) That Council endorse the recommendations of the November 8,
2011 staff report; and,
5) That the Town Solicitor and staff be directed to attend the
Ontario Municipal Board hearing commencing on December 12, 2011 to support the
application as outlined in the November 8, 2011 staff report; and,
6) That the modeling forecasts for Markham Centre be up-dated
to reflect the increased residential unit count and adjustments to the
employment forecasts resulting from the approval of the proposed development;
and,
7) That staff report to Council on an updated Precinct Plan for
the Stringbridge/Times lands prior to reporting on site plan approval for the
proposed development; and,
8) That staff be authorized to enter into negotiations with the
applicant regarding a Section 37 contribution, to form the basis of a draft
Section 37 agreement to be brought back to Council for consideration before
removal of the holding provision from the zoning of the lands; and,
9) That this resolution go to
Council on November 8, 2011; and further,
10) That staff be authorized and directed to
do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
6. "TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION FOR
SMALL AND
MEDIUM SIZED ENTERPRISES BASED
ON SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY" WORKSHOP:
REPORT ON OUTCOMES
AND ACTIVITIES SEPTEMBER
17-26, 2011
BEIJING, CHINA (10.16)
Presentation
This matter was deferred to a future meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services
Committee meeting adjourned at 12:10 PM.
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