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DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES

NOVEMBER 15, 2011, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Council Chamber

Meeting No. 29

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 B

Report Agenda

9:00 a.m. – Council Chamber

 

 

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 Alan Ho

Councillor Logan Kanapathi

 

Regrets

Councillor Colin Campbell

Councillor Alex Chiu

 

 

Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer

Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services

Alan Brown, Director of Engineering

Stephen Chait, Director, Economic Development

Catherine Conrad, Town Solicitor

George Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner

Regan Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning

Christina Kakaflikas, Manager, Special Projects

Stephen Kitagawa, Senior Planner

Rino Mostacci, Director of Planning and Urban Design

Stacia Muradali, Senior Planner

Kitty Bavington, Council/Committee Coordinator

 

The Development Services Committee convened at the hour of 9:07 a.m. in the Council Chamber with Regional Councillor Jim Jones in the Chair.  Councillor Carolina Moretti assumed the Chair for Economic Development item, No. 11.

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST – None Declared

 

 

 

 

1.         DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- October 25, 2011, Part B (10.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by: Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by: Regional Councillor Joe Li

 

That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting, Part B, held

October 25, 2011, be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

 

2.         DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
- October 25, 2011 (10.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by: Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by: Regional Councillor Joe Li

 

That the minutes of the Development Services Public Meeting, held October 25, 2011, be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

 

3.         MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES
            - October 19, 2011 (16.39)

            Minutes

 

Moved by: Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by: Regional Councillor Joe Li

 

That the minutes of the Main Street Markham Committee meeting held October 19, 2011, be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 


 

4.         ELIAS AND EKATERINI BOBOTSIS
            9941 WOODBINE AVENUE
            EAST SIDE OF WOODBINE AVENUE
            SOUTH OF MAJOR MACKENZIE DRIVE
            APPLICATIONS FOR OFFICIAL PLAN AND
            ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENTS AND
            SITE PLAN APPROVAL TO PERMIT AN
            EXPANSION OF THE ROYAL CACHET MONTESSORI SCHOOL
            (OPA, ZA AND SC 11 110068) (10.5, 10.6)

            Report  Attachment

 

Moved by: Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by: Regional Councillor Joe Li

 

1)         That the report entitled “PRELIMINARY REPORT, Elias and Ekaterini Bobotsis,  9941 Woodbine Avenue, East side of Woodbine Avenue, south of Major Mackenzie Drive, Applications for Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments and Site Plan Approval to permit an expansion of the Royal Cachet Montessori School, File No.’s: OPA, ZA and SC 11 110068” be received; and,

 

2)         That a Public Meeting be held to consider the applications for Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments; and further,

 

3)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

5.         AMBER PLAIN INVESTMENTS LTD.
            5443, 5521 AND 5565 MAJOR MACKENZIE DRIVE
            (SU.11-120547 AND ZA.11-120546)
            ARROWDALE DEVELOPMENTS LTD.
            AND BONNYDON LTD.
            5601 MAJOR MACKENZIE DRIVE
            (SU.11-118808 AND ZA.118807) (10.6, 10.5)

            Report

 

Moved by: Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by: Regional Councillor Joe Li

 

1)         That the report dated November 8, 2011, entitled, Preliminary Report,

·           “Amber Plain Investments Ltd., 5443, 5521 and 5565 Major Mackenzie Drive, File Numbers:  SU.11-120547 and ZA.11-120546

·           Arrowdale Developments and Bonnydon Ltd., 5601 Major Mackenzie Drive, File Numbers:  SU.11-118808 and ZA.11-118807,”

be received; and,

 

2)         That Staff be authorized to schedule statutory Public Meetings to consider the proposed Draft Plan of Subdivisions and Zoning By-law Amendments; and further,

 

3)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

 

6.         EXTENSION OF SITE PLAN ENDORSEMENT
            PROPOSED 15,970 M2 (171,909 FT2)
            8 STOREY OFFICE BUILDING
            80 MINTHORN BOULEVARD
            WEMAT FOUR LIMITED
            (SC 05 016629) (10.6)

            Report

 

Staff provided clarification in response to a question from the Committee.

 

Moved by: Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by: Regional Councillor Joe Li

 

1)         That the Staff memorandum dated November 15, 2011, entitled “Extension of Site Plan Endorsement - Proposed 15,970 m2 (171,909 ft2) eight storey office building, 80 Minthorn Boulevard - Wemat Four Limited, File No:  SC 05 016629”, be received; and,

 

2)         That the request for an extension of Site Plan Endorsement by Wemat Four Limited be granted to February 3, 2015, subject to conditions as outlined in Appendix ‘B’; and further,

 

3)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 


 

7.         AGS CONSULTANTS LTD.
            139, 195, 201, 203 AND 205 LANGSTAFF ROAD EAST
            3, 5 AND 21 ESSEX AVENUE
            ROBERT AND DEBORAH TIBERIO
            196 AND 198 LANGSTAFF ROAD EAST
            APPLICATIONS FOR ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENTS
            TO EXTEND PERMISSIONS FOR TEMPORARY USES FOR
            AN ADDITIONAL THREE YEARS
            (ZA 11 114963, ZA 11 114979, ZA 11 114988)
            (ZA 11 114990 AND ZA 11 119729) (10.5)

            Report

 

The Committee requested staff investigate pro-active options with respect to the cat rescue shelter, to avoid a crisis situation. Appreciation was expressed to Patrick O’Hanlon for his assistance in this matter.

 

Moved by: Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by: Regional Councillor Joe Li

 

1)         That the report entitled “INFORMATION REPORT, AGS Consultants Ltd., 139, 195, 201, 203 and 205 Langstaff Road East, 3, 5 and 21 Essex Avenue, Robert and DeborahTiberio, 196 and 198 Langstaff Road East, Applications for Zoning By-law Amendments to extend permissions for temporary uses for an additional three years, File No.’s:  ZA 11 114963, ZA 11 114979, ZA 11 114988, ZA 11 114990 and ZA 11 119729” be received.

CARRIED

 

 

8.         ALTERATION TO THE QUEEN’S HOTEL
            BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION 11 129318 NH
            174-178 MAIN STREET
            UNIONVILLE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT (16.11)

            Correspondence  Report 

 

The Committee received correspondence from David Conway, property owner, regarding the Building Permit application for the Queen’s Hotel.

 

Staff explained the unauthorized modifications to the heritage building and the recommendations of Heritage Markham and staff that the building be returned to its original condition.

 

Staff displayed historic photographs identifying the subject window and door and other features of the building, and chronicled the architectural changes over the years. It was acknowledged that very few heritage buildings are 100% original; however, staff consider that the subject alternations are not in keeping with guidelines for such renovations, and may create a precedent for other requests and other alterations without permits, as well as undermining the intent of heritage preservation.

 

The Committee considered the value of the door to the operation of the business. The business had previously shared an adjacent doorway and vestibule with another business, which the tenant considered detrimental to customer access. It was suggested that improved signage may help to promote the business, and that relocation of the door to the north side of the building would be more in keeping with the heritage guidelines.

 

Discussions included pending charges to the property owner, with respect to work performed without a permit. The Committee indicated support for additional fees that can be applied in instances of approval after the fact, and requested that staff incorporate this subject into upcoming discussions regarding the fee by-law. Staff noted that if the alterations are denied, the applicant and staff can continue discussions for an alternate door location and signage improvements.

 

Roger Kanda, applicant, made a deputation explaining the situation and stated that he had been advised by the owner to do the alterations, and had been unaware of the requirement for a Building Permit and heritage approval.

 

The Committee deferred further discussions until later in the meeting, pending the arrival of other parties involved.

 

When discussions resumed, Roger Kanda spoke of his history in Unionville and his business involvement on Main Street. He displayed photographs of the new door, which had been found in the basement of the building and matches the adjacent door. He confirmed that the door had been installed in July, prior to opening the business in August this year, and he suggested that relocation of the door to the north side would not be practical, due to the costs and the need to change the interior layout. The original materials have been discarded. Staff responded that restoration is still possible, even without the original materials.

 

Rob Kadlovski, Co-chair of UBIA, spoke in support of the approval of the Building Permit. Mr. Kadlovski provided background information on Mr. Kanda’s support of the Main Street community, and the inadvertent alterations.

 

Some Committee members spoke about the importance of supporting Markham’s heritage program, and some members spoke of the importance of supporting businesses on Main Street.

 

It was noted that the landlord and tenant have an obligation to comply with the regulations and to be aware of Building Permit and heritage requirements. Staff were directed to meet with the landlord to discuss possible enhancements to the building. The Committee inquired whether it would be possible for the entire original balcony to be restored.

 

A motion to approve the staff recommendation, with a provision that staff consider relocation of the door to the north side of the building, was LOST.

 

The Committee considered a new motion to approve the door, as constructed. A Committee member requested that Clause 1 be separated.


 

Moved by: Regional Councillor Gord Landon

Seconded by: Regional Councillor Joe Li  

 

1)                  That building permit application 11 129318 NH to retroactively approve the alteration of a window to a door on the front door of the historic Queen’s Hotel at 174-178 Main Street, Unionville, be approved as constructed.

CARRIED

 

2)         That the correspondence from David Conway, property owner, in support of approval of the Building Permit, be received; and

 

3)                 That the deputations by Roger Kanda, applicant, and Rob Kadlovski, Co-chair of Unionville BIA, in support of approval of the Building Permit, be received; and

 

4)                 That there is no objection to the removal of interior walls as outlined in the Building Permit application; and,

 

5)                 That a meeting be arranged between staff and the landlord, to consider further enhancements to the building; and further,  

 

6)                 That staff be directed to take any actions necessary to give effect to the resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

9.         2218942 ONTARIO LIMITED
            (FORMERLY FORCAST INC.)
            9225 9TH LINE
            APPLICATIONS FOR OFFICIAL PLAN
            SECONDARY PLAN AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT
            TO PERMIT A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION WITH AN
            ASSOCIATED DRIVE THROUGH SERVICE FACILITY
            (OP.08-116248 AND ZA.08-116256) (10.3, 10.4, 10.5)

            Report  Appendix A and B

 

Correspondence was received from Peter Bahen, in support of the proposal, and from Debbi Accettura, in objection to the proposal.

 

Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services, provided an overview of the proposal for a financial institution with associated drive through service facilities at 9225 9th Line. The public consultation process, proposed mitigation measures to address concerns, and the recommendations of staff, were reviewed. The Site Plan application will come forward to the Committee at a later date.

 

Debbi Accettura made a deputation in objection, stating that she had investigated the zoning of the subject property prior to purchasing their home, and did not want it to be rezoned to a non-residential use. Ms. Accettura noted concerns for idling vehicles and garbage accumulation on the site.

 

Adam Brown of Sherman Brown, representing the applicant, advised that community meetings had been held, one specifically targeting the adjacent residences, and positive feedback had been received. A statutory Public Meeting had also been held, and Mr. Brown outlined the changes the applicant has agreed to make to the proposal to address the issues identified. Elevations and design enhancements were displayed. In response to questions Mr. Brown advised that the property has been vacant for seven years; the applicant is a commercial developer, not a residential developer and has no interest in building houses on the site; and he considers the proposed use to be more compatible to the adjacent residences than the existing gas station and car wash to the north. Mr. Brown summarized that the proposal has advanced and site plan application has been submitted based on the public feedback and general indication of support received.

 

The Committee discussed traffic and access issues on 9th Line, and that the proposed use is not provided for in the Cornell vision; it was suggested, however, this could be considered a transition use and the applicant can work with the residents at the Site Plan stage on further enhancements.

 

The Committee considered the impacts, and the comments of area residents. The Committee questioned the scope of the community consultation by the Ward Councillor, and agreed to refer this matter directly to Council, as the Ward Councillor was not in attendance to provide input.

 

Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Seconded by: Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

1)                 That correspondence from Peter Bahen, in support, and from Debbi Accettura, in objection to the proposal by 2218942 Ontario Limited, be received; and,

 

2)                 That the deputation by Debbi Accettura, in objection to the proposal by 2218942 Ontario Limited, be received; and

 

3)                 That the following resolution be referred directly to Council:

 

a)      That the staff report dated November 15, 2011 entitled “Recommendation Report, 2218942 Ontario Limited, 9225 9th Line, Applications for Official Plan, Secondary Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment to permit a financial institution with an associated drive through service facility”, be received; and,

 

b)      That the record of the Public Meeting held on June 21, 2011, with respect to the proposed amendments to the Official Plan, Secondary Plan and Zoning By-law, be received; and,

 

c)       That the applications submitted by 2218942 Ontario Limited to amend the Official Plan (Revised 1987) and Secondary Plan, be approved, and the draft Official Plan and Secondary Plan Amendments attached as Appendix ‘A’, be finalized and enacted without further notice; and,

d)      That the application submitted by 2218942 Ontario Limited to amend the Zoning By-law be approved and the draft implementing Zoning By-law Amendment attached as Appendix ‘B’ be finalized and enacted; and further,

 

e)       That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

 

10.       1839314 ONTARIO LIMITED
            (FORMERLY GREAT ELDIN DEVELOPMENTS LTD)
            9560 HIGHWAY 48
            DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION AND
            REZONING APPLICATIONS TO PERMIT
            TOWNHOUSES, A FUTURE MIXED USE
            DEVELOPMENT BLOCK AND A PUBLIC PARK
            (SU 11 109000 & ZA 11 108999) (10.7, 10.5)

            Report

 

Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services, introduced this matter and summarized the proposal. The draft plan approval encompasses the entire subdivision, and the proposed rezoning involves the park and townhouse areas only. The high density block will come back to Committee for zoning and site plan approval at a later date, with detailed plans.

 

Moved by: Councillor Carolina Moretti

Seconded by: Regional Councillor Joe Li

 

1)         That the report dated November 15, 2011 titled “RECOMMENDATION REPORT,  1839314 Ontario Limited (formerly Great Eldin Developments Ltd.), 9560 Highway 48, Draft plan of subdivision and rezoning applications to permit townhouses, a future mixed use development block, and a public park (File Nos: SU 11 109000 & ZA 11 108999)”, be received; and,

 

2)         That the record of the Public Meeting held on June 21st, 2011, regarding the applications for approval of Draft Plan of Subdivision and implementing Zoning By-law be received; and,

 

3)         That the Draft Plan of Subdivision (19TM-95081) submitted by 1839314 Ontario Limited be draft approved subject to the conditions attached as Appendix ‘A’ to this report; and,

 

4)         That the application submitted by 1839314 Ontario Limited to amend Zoning By-laws 304-87 and 177-96, as amended,  to permit townhouses and a public park be approved and the draft by-laws attached as Appendix ‘B’ be finalized and enacted without further notice; and,


 

5)         That conditional 2011 servicing allocation for 46 townhouse units be granted to draft plan of subdivision 19TM-95081, subject to written confirmation from the Trustee of the Wismer Commons Developers Group that servicing allocation is available from the total 2011/2012 sewer and water allocation previously assigned to Wismer Commons; and,

 

6)         That the Town reserves the right to revoke or reallocate the servicing allocation should the development not proceed in a timely manner; and,

 

7)         That the draft plan approval for plan of subdivision 19TM-95081 will lapse after a period of three (3) years from the date of issuance in the event that a subdivision agreement is not executed within that period; and further,

 

8)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

 

11.       INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT
            ATTRACTION PROGRAM 2012 (10.16)

            Report 

 

On October 25, 2011 Development Services Committee deferred consideration of the subject matter to a future meeting.

 

Christina Kakaflikas, Manager, Special Projects, reported on the proposed business mission to India in partnership with the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce as part of a targeted Markham-India program, as part of Markham’s economic strategy. The Committee discussed the importance of continuity for the missions, to build on the momentum that has been built.

 

Moved by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by: Regional Councillor Joe Li

 

1)         That the report entitled “International Investment Attraction Program” 2012 be received; and,

 

2)         That Markham partner with the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) to develop, promote and execute a business mission and that the ICCC help to recruit mission delegates and provide organizational and promotional services and travel arrangement services in advance of and during the mission; and,

 

3)         That the Town be represented by a four person delegation composed of Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Councillor Carolina Moretti, Chair of the Economic Development Committee, and two Economic Development professional staff, S. Chait (Director) and C. Kakaflikas (Manager Special Projects); and,

 

4)         That the total cost of the “International Investment Attraction Program” not exceed $47,800.00 and be expensed from within the 2012 “International Investment Attraction Program” Capital Budget; and,

 

5)         That Council pre-approve the International Investment Attraction Program Capital Budget in the amount of $76,300, with the remaining funds of $28,500 to be used for the China investment attraction program; and further,

 

6)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

12.       TRANSIT STRIKE (5.14)

 

The Committee discussed the ongoing transit strike and the efforts by Regional Councillors and York Region to resolve the issues involved.

 

 

 

13.       IN-CAMERA MATTER (8.0)

 

Moved by: Councillor Carolina Moretti

Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi

 

That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) (e) of the Municipal Act, Development Services Committee resolve into an in-camera session to discuss the following confidential matters:

 

1)         Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board

2)         Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board

3)         Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board

CARRIED

 

Moved by: Councillor Carolina Moretti

Seconded by: Regional Councillor Joe Li

 

That the Development Services Committee rise from in-camera session (12:55 PM).

CARRIED

 


 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at 12:55 PM.

 

 

 

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