Development Services Public Meeting Minutes

Meeting Number: 9

Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 7:00 P.m. - 11:55 P.m.

Live streamed

Roll Call

• Mayor Frank Scarpitti
• Deputy Mayor Michael Chan
• Regional Councillor Jim Jones
• Regional Councillor Joe Li
• Councillor Alan Ho
• Councillor Keith Irish
• Councillor Ritch Lau
• Councillor Reid McAlpine
• Councillor Karen Rea
• Councillor Andrew Keyes
• Councillor Amanda Collucci
• Councillor Juanita Nathan
• Councillor Isa Lee

Staff

• Arvin Prasad, Commissioner Development Services
• Adam Grant, Fire Chief
• Frank Clarizio, Director, Engineering
• Darryl Lyons, Deputy Director, Planning & Urban Design
• Rick Cefaratti, Senior Planner II, West District
• Stacia Muradali, Manager, Development - East
• Laura Gold, Council/Committee Coordinator
• Erica Alligood, Election and Committee Coordinator
• Clement Messere, Manager, Development - West District
• Stephen Lue, Senior Manager, Development
• Rajeeth Arulanantham
• Melissa Leung, Acting Manager, Development -Central
• Brashanthe Manoharan, Planner II
• Matthew Keay, Deputy Fire Chief

​Alternate formats for this document are available upon request

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

The Development Services Public Meeting convened at 7:03 PM with Regional Councillor Joe Li in the Chair.

The Committee recessed from 8:59 - 9:10 pm.

2.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest.

3.

DEPUTATIONS

Deputations were heard with the respective item.

4.

REPORTS

4.1

PUBLIC MEETING INFORMATION REPORT, YUE GONG C/O EVANS PLANNING (MARCELLE GIFFORD), APPLICATION FOR ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT TO PERMIT ACCESSORY RETAIL AND OFFICE USES AND THE STORAGE AND SALES OF AMMUNITION 

AT 44 RIVIERA DRIVE (WARD 8), FILE NO. PLAN 22 266738 (10.5)

 

The Public Meeting this date was to consider an application submitted by Evans Planning c/o Marcell Gifford.

The Committee Clerk advised that 45 notices were mailed on May 3, 2023 and a Public Meeting sign was posted on April 26, 2023.  There were no written submissions received regarding this proposal.

Stephen Lue, Senior Manager, Development, introduced the item.

Brashanthe Manoharan, Planner II, provided a presentation on the Application for Zoning By-Law Amendment to Permit Accessory Retail and Office Uses and the Storage and Sales of Ammunition.

Joanna Fast, Evans Planning, provided a presentation on the Application for Zoning By-Law Amendment to Permit Accessory Retail and Office Uses and the Storage and Sales of Ammunition.

There were no comments from the audience with respect to this application.

The Committee discussed the security provisions for storing and selling ammunition, and requested that staff make sure that all provisions have been met in regards to the selling and storing of ammunition. 

The Applicant clarified that they already have a permit from the RCMP to store and sell ammunition for their existing store on Woodbine Avenue, but that they need to apply for the Zoning By-Law Amendment as they are re-locating to a new location.

Stacia Muradali, Development Manager, East, advised that should Council approve the application, the Applicant will only be permitted to sell and store ammunition as an accessory use.

• Moved by Councillor Isa Lee
  Seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  1. That the “PUBLIC MEETING INFORMATION REPORT – Zoning By-law Amendment application to add additional permitted uses within the existing industrial building to allow for the storage and sales of firearms and accessory retail and office uses (Ward 8), (File No. PLAN 22 266738) at 44 Riviera Drive, submitted by Evans Planning. be received;
  2. That the Record of the Public Meeting held on May 23, 2023, with respect to the proposed application for Zoning By-law Amendment submitted by Evans Planning for 44 Riviera Drive (File No. PLAN 22 266738), be received;
  3. That the application by Evans Planning for the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment (File No. PLAN 22 266738), be referred back to staff for a report and a recommendation;
  4. And that staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

4.2

PUBLIC MEETING INFORMATION REPORT, MEADOW PARK INVESTMENTS (BT) INC. (JORAN WEINER) C/O HUMPHRIES PLANNING GROUP INC., APPLICATION FOR OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT TO PERMIT A 45-STOREY MIXED-USE BUILDING CONTAINING 

508 RESIDENTIAL UNITS, 434 M² GROUND LEVEL RETAIL USES, FOUR (4) LEVELS OF BELOW GRADE PARKING, AND ACCESS PROVIDED ON 77 ANDERSON AVENUE (WARD 5), FILE NO. PLAN 21 144733 (10.3, 10.5)

 

The Public Meeting this date was to consider an application submitted by Meadow Park Investments (BT) Inc. (Joran Weiner) c/o Humphries Planning Group Inc. (Nicole Cappadocia)

The Committee Clerk advised that 168 notices were mailed on May 3, 2023 and a Public Meeting sign was posted on April 28, 2023.  There were no written submissions received regarding this proposal

Stephen Lue, Senior Manager, Development, introduced the item.

Brashanthe Manoharan, Planner II, provided a presentation on the proposed development.

Jonathan Sasso, Humphries Planning Group Inc., provided a presentation on the proposed Development.

There were no comments from the audience with respect to this application.

Councillor Andrew Keyes, Ward 5 Councillor, advised that residents’ primary concerns at the Community Information Meeting held on this application were related to the height and density of proposal, and the traffic congestion it will create. Councillor Key expressed concern that parking ration has been reduced dramatically and that only 1% of the proposal is for retail.

                        The Committee discussed the following relative to the proposed development:

• Inquired how Bill 23 impacts the parkland being proposed for the proposed development;
• Questioned if the parking ratio being proposed is based on the premise that there will be GO service every 15 minutes;
• Inquired what the square footage is for the two bedroom units, and for the two bedroom with a den units;
• Requested that both staff and applicant’s presentations be made available prior to the Development Services Public meetings in the future;
• Expressed concern regarding the density of development proposal due to its proximity to the heritage district, and due to the traffic congestion it will create on Main Street Markham;
• Questioned how the proposed development aligns with the Mount Joy Study and Draft Demonstration Plan;
• Requested that the development have a more prominent design, as the site is visible to the entire community;
• Suggested that the area around the Go Station needs to be developed as a destination.

Mr. Lue advised the proposed development is subject to the parkland requirements prior to Bill 23.

The Applicant advised that the two bedroom condo units are proposed to be 750 square feet, and that the two bedroom with a den condo units are proposed to be 950 square feet.

Stacia Muradali, Manager, Development – East District, advised that 30 stories is being contemplated for the subject lands in the Mount Joy Study and Draft Demonstration Plan. The tallest buildings to be permitted in this area will be on the lands closest to the GO Station. Building heights of 40 to 45 stories are being contemplated on these lands. However, the permitted height for buildings in this area is still being reviewed.

The Mayor requested that the Applicant provide the City with examples of their previous projects. The Applicant agreed to provide this information.

• Moved by Councillor Andrew Keyes
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
  1. That the “PUBLIC MEETING INFORMATION REPORT – Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications to develop a 45-storey mixed-use building containing 508 units (Ward 5), (File No. PLAN 21 144733) at 77 Anderson Avenue, submitted by Humphries Planning Group Inc. be received; and,
  2. That the Record of the Public Meeting held on May 23, 2023, with respect to the proposed applications for Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment submitted by Humphries Planning Group Inc. for 77 Anderson Avenue (File No. PLAN 21 144733), be received; and,
  3. That the applications by Humphries Planning Group Inc. for the proposed Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment (File No. PLAN 21 144733), be referred back to staff for a report and a recommendation; and further,
  4. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

4.3

PUBLIC MEETING INFORMATION REPORT, NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’Í’S C/O MALONE GIVEN PARSONS LTD., APPLICATION FOR OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT TO PERMIT A NEW BAHÁ’I NATIONAL CENTRE

BUILDING THAT INCLUDES ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES (7200 LESLIE STREET), MEETING ROOMS AND LODGING FACILITIES, A NATIONAL TEMPLE BUILDING FOR THE BAHÁ’I FAITH (7290 LESLIE STREET), AN ANCILLARY RESTROOM/RECEPTION BUILDING AT THE REAR OF THE EXISTING LOG CABIN, AND A NEW PARKING LOT (WARD 1), FILE NO. PLAN 22 262723 (10.3, 10.5)

 

The Public Meeting this date was to consider an application submitted by Malone Given Parsons Ltd. (Allyssa Hrynyk, Senior Planner), on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’í’s of Canada

The Committee Clerk advised that 47 notices were mailed on May 3, 2023 and a Public Meeting sign was posted on April 26, 2023.  There were 39 written submissions received regarding the proposal.

Stephen Lue, Manager, Development, introduced the item.

Rick Cefaratti, Senior Planner II, West District, gave a presentation regarding the proposal, the location, surrounding uses and outstanding issues.

Don Givens, Malone Givens and Parsons, and Architect of the project provided a presentation on the proposed development.

                        The following deputations were made on the proposed development:

1. Aaron and Thomas Megit, spoke in support of the proposed development, providing the following feedback:

• Advised that they live within walking distance from the Baha’i Centre and participate in many of their gatherings and youth activities;
• Noted that the Baha’i Centre attracts people from various backgrounds and that their gatherings and activities are open to everyone;
• Spoke about how the Baha’i faith empowers youth to develop empathy and other important skills;
• Suggested that having a National Baha’i Centre would promote unity within the community.

2. Mark Newton, representing the German Mills South Ratepayers Association, spoke in opposition to the proposed development, providing the following feedback:

• Suggested that the development proposal was beautiful, but that the size of the property is too small to accommodate such a large scale development proposal;
• Suggested that a major tourist attraction such as the National Baha’i Centre should be built on arterial road rather than on a dead end street;
• Expressed concern that there was little public consultation regarding the proposed development prior to this meeting;
• Expressed concern that it threatens the meadow’s ecosystem and natural habitat;
• Expressed concern that it does not comply with the City’s Official Plan, and that it would be disruptive and invade the privacy of the existing community;

3. Kimberley Seymour, representing the Settlers Ratepayers Association, spoke in opposition to the proposed development due to the disruption it will cause to the natural habitat and wildlife. Ms. Seymour provided the following feedback on the propose development:

• Expressed support for Mr. Newton’s deputation;
• Suggested that the meadow should be protected for future generations to enjoy, which means protecting the meadow from any future developments that would be harmful to it;
• Advised that Markham has formally brought the meadow into its park system, and that the Settlers Ratepayers Association has adopted the park;
• Expressed concern that the proposal does not comply with Markham’s Official Plan;
• Expressed particular concern in regards to the damage the proposed emergency access road would cause to the meadow;
• Suggested that the proposed flood mitigation measures are flawed.

4. Wendy Sun provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Suggested that the location of the proposed National Baha’i Centre is not appropriate;
• Expressed concern that the proposed development will have a negative impact on the meadow and its natural habitat;
• Specific concern was expressed regarding the number of mature trees that would need to be cut down to build the development, as mature trees naturally store carbon and help us in our fight against climate change;
• Advised that the small samplings that will be planted to replace the mature trees being cut down will take year replace the mature trees that will be lost;
• Suggested that the damage to the meadow and to the woodlot outweigh the benefits the development proposal would bring to the community.

5. Edith Kangas spoke about the beauty of the meadow and many different species of birds and wildlife that live in the meadow, including some endangered species. Ms. Kangas spoke of the importance of protecting the natural habitat of the meadow and the wildlife that live in it by complying with the municipal and provincial policies that support the natural corridor. Ms. Edith Kangas displayed a video about the meadow:
6. Valerie Buke, representing herself and the Thornhill Historical Society, provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Expressed concern regarding the impacts of the proposed development will have on the meadow’s ecosystem and wildlife, and on the health of the residents that reap mental and physical benefits from their frequent visits to the meadow;
• Suggested the application should not be supported at a time where the climate is in crisis and natural environments and biodiversity need to be protected;
• Expressed concern regarding the large number of trees that would need to be cut down to build the proposed development, and the consequential displacement of wildlife;
• Noted that a public park should not be destroyed to permit for a private development;
• Requested that the Canadian Association of Bird Safe Standards be used if the proposed development proceeds;
• Expressed concern that the artificial lighting created from the proposed development will disrupt wildlife.

7. Theresa Moore provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Spoke in support of protecting the meadow and its natural habitat;
• Noted that encroachment into the meadow should be minimal if the emergency access road is built, but recommended that alternative routes be explored for the access road;
• Requested that the 100 metre barrier on the north east side of the Baha’i property be maintained;
• Expressed concern regarding the number of tourist the proposed development may attract;
• Expressed concern regarding the impact the proposed development would have on pedestrian safety due to Leslie Street not being equipped to accommodate a National Baha’i Centre for reasons including:
  • There are many cars turning onto Leslie during the rush hour;
  • There are currently no sidewalks;
  • The speed limit is currently to high;
  • The no U turn sign is not visible’;
  • There are many lost drivers who are trying to figure out how to go north;
  • The road is well travelled by wildlife;
  • There is often ice on the west side of the road in the winter, which causes pedestrians to walk in the middle of the road.

8. Jeff Minuk, President of the Bayview Fairways Ratepayers Association, provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Expressed concern that Leslie Street north of Steeles Avenue cannot handle a development of this scale, and that the proposed emergency access road would negatively impact the meadow;
• Expressed concern that on Waterloo Court the Baha’i National Centre would be 4-5 metres from the property line, rather than the permitted 15 metre buffer and that the existing white spruce trees do not offer a visual buffer;
• Expressed concern regarding the impacts the construction of the parking garage will have on 16 Waterloo Court;
• Expressed concern that there is only a 4 metre set-back being proposed between the parking garage and 16 Waterloo Court.

9. Mark Newton, provided the following feedback on behalf of Ingrid Ling, who was unable to attend the meeting due to family emergency:

• Spoke in opposition to the proposed development of a National Baha’i Centre;
• Expressed concern that the proposed development will lead to a loss of privacy for existing residents, that it will be disruptive for existing residents (i.e. noise), that the meadow will not be able to handle the large influx of visitors the centre/ temple will attract, and that a dead end street is not the appropriate place to build the centre/temple.

10. Peter Cheung provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Expressed concern regarding the proposed development due to traffic concerns, as the National Baha’i Centre is being proposed to be built at the end of Leslie Street;
• Advised that Leslie Street north of Steeles is not fully paved, has no curves or sidewalks, and is often reduced to one lane in the winter months;
• Explained that this portion of Leslie Street is frequently used by people using the Lake to Lake Trail, and that vehicles are not permitted to pass pedestrians or cyclists;
• Noted that the long wait to turn on to Leslie Street from Steeles Avenue congests traffic, and that the intersection is prone to accidents.
• Expressed concern that proposal/centre would disrupt the residents living on Waterloo Court and Quail Valley.

 

11. Georgio Caloni provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Expressed concern that such a large development proposal was being considered in this location;
• Suggested that a place of worship should comply with the City’s Official Plan and be built on the arterial road, as Leslie Street cannot handle any additional traffic;
• Noted that Leslie Street north of Steeles is already problematic on the weekends due to people using it to access the Lake to Lake trail.

12. Jeremy Lee provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Spoke about how the meadow is one of Markham’s hidden gems and how his family routinely uses its trail system;
• Expressed concern that Leslie Street in this location cannot handle the scale of proposed development.

 

13. Paul Zammit provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Suggested that the development proposal may be suitable if it was scaled down in size;
• Questioned why 74 logging units were required in this location when there are many existing hotels located nearby;
• Expressed concern that the proposed development would disrupt the wildlife in the area;
• Explained how the development proposal could negatively affect the property values of residents living on Waterloo Court, Quail Valley, German Mills Road, and Fairway Heights Drive due to the aesthetics of the streets being impacted by the proposed development;
• Suggested that homes near the development could drop in price by 5 to 10%, and that some of the more expensive homes on Waterloo Court and Fairway Heights Drive could drop from 300 to 700 thousand dollars;
• Suggested that this is the wrong location for the proposed development.

 

14. Brian Fisher provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Spoke in opposition to the proposed emergency access road due to the negative impact it would have on wildlife and the meadow;
• Suggested that low portion of Leslie Street could be raised to be used as the emergency access road.

 

15. Harry Singh, President of the German Mills South Ratepayers Association, provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Expressed concern regarding the size of the temple being proposed, and that it will become a huge tourist attraction;
• Expressed concern that there will be parking in the greenbelt and that the meadow will be damaged from the proposed development;
• Expressed concern that Leslie Street cannot handle the proposed development and that it will make it more dangerous for pedestrians.

16. Jamaal Merrick registered to speak, but did not speak.
17. Michael Pageu registered to speak, but did not speak.
18. Esther Ravka, Member of the Thornhill Horticultural Society in Thornhill, provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Expressed concern that the bird and animals living in the meadow will need to find new homes, as the tees they live in will no longer be there;
• Expressed concern that people will use the emergency access road as a short-cut;
• Expressed concern that it will open the door to more development in the future.

 

19. Jack Yeager suggested that the development proposal could possibly proceed if it were smaller in scale. Mr. Yeager suggested eliminating or reducing the lodging would be a compromise, which would help reduce the scale of the proposed development.
20. Simone Yeager spoke in opposition to the proposed development due to the proposed lodging, the light and noise pollution it will create, and the traffic it will generate.
21. Shanta Sunarason registered to speak, but did not speak.
22. Karen McKye, Member of the National Governing Council of the Baha’i community, spoke in support of the proposed development. Ms. McKye explained that the Baha’i organization build their temples in sequence and that is now Canada’s turn. Ms. McKye spoke about the Baha’i faith, values and spiritual qualities, including its love and commitment to nature.
23. Mehan Anvari, Chief Financial Officer for the Baha’i Board of Governance, provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Advised that the best experts were hired to design their vision of a National Baha’i Centre
• Noted that the location of National Baha’i Centre was carefully planned when they bought their lands some time ago, explaining that the lands were chosen due to their natural surroundings;
• Suggested that emergency access to the National Baha’i Centre should be respected.
• Noted the Baha’i will continue to work with the City on their development Proposal.

24. Zumrat Ivasheva provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Spoke in support of the proposed development;
• Advocated to Council to permit for Baha’i National Temple to be built, and spoke of the importance of having a place of worship surrounded by nature to their faith.

25. Sidney Qiu registered to make a deputation, but did not speak.
26. Julie Howard provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Spoke in opposition of the proposed development
• Advised her house backs onto the meadow;
• Advocated to Council not to disrupt nature for a parking lot;
• Suggested that the development proposal will not be like the Baha’i temple in Haifa Israel.

27. Deloria Bighorn provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Spoke in support of proposed development;
• Advised that she is a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe, and a member of the Baha’i faith and has served on the Canadian National Spiritual Assembly for the last 15 years;
• Advised that she and her tribe are native to these lands, and explained how many indigenous people have embraced the Baha’i faith, as it reflects many of their traditional beliefs
• Suggested that the Baha’i has demonstrated for the last 50 years that they are trustworthy, therefore, should be trusted that they will minimize disruption to nature and the community during the construction of their place of worship.

28. Melanie Helrawn provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Noted that she lives facing the meadow;
• Expressed concern that the emergency access road would only be required to be built to support the proposed development;
• Questioned why nothing has been done to remove the invasive species if they are so harmful to the meadow;
• Questioned what mitigation strategies would be put in place during construction and if this information could be made available to the public;
• Suggested that the Baha’i faith had only 1500 followers living in the Toronto area;
• Expressed concern that the proposed development includes lodging, and camp facilities, as they may be disruptive to the community;
• Noted that some of the birds living in the meadow would be threatened;
• Questioned if it was ethical for the proposed development to disrupt the wildlife living in the meadow;
• Questioned if the City has done it due diligence regarding the proposed development;
• Advocated for leaving the meadow and natural habitat as it is and for the Applicant to withdraw their application.

 

29. Loretta Shield provided the following development on the proposed development:

• Advised that she is a member of the Baha’i faith and that she welcomes the new temple to her community;
• Spoke of the exceptional design that has been proposed for the Baha’i development, and how it harmonizes the temple with the trees and the surrounding natural habitat;
• Noted that a comprehensive environmental analysis will be conducted prior to the temple being built;
• Advised that the proposed new temple will be built on the Baha’i lands;
• Suggested that the traffic concerns referenced today are the result of many issues that are not influenced by the Baha’i temple;
• Noted that the temple would only attract local residents rather than tourist from around the world.

30. Zenobia Reinsch provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Advised that they she is a long-term member of the Baha’i faith and spoke in favour of proposed development and having her place of worship close to her home;

31. Cyril Chiu provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Expressed excitement to have a National Baha’i Temple in Thornhill, Markham where people of the Baha’i faith can pray and practice their faith;
• Spoke about how being a member of the Baha’i faith helped her overcome many challenges in her life;
• Suggested that both development and change naturally occur overtime;

32. Akham Chan registered to speak, but did not speak.
33. Tieu Phung Chan register to speak, but did not speak.
34. Nahid Hariri provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Noted the honour it would be for Markham to have a National Baha’i Centre when there are not that many in the world;
• Explained the spiritual believes of the Bahai faith, including the warmness of humanity and its focus on community development;
• Explained how the place of worship for the Baha’i faith is to physically represent their spiritual believes.

35. Carol Plastinik provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Expressed concern that the proposed development would disrupt natural habitat and that there would no longer be continuous greenspace, emphasizing the importance of having a compete ecosystem;
• Expressed concern that the habitat would not come back after being disrupted, noting that there is already only a few fields of milkweed remaining in meadow to feed the monarch butterflies;
• Expressed concern that the proposed development would impact the insect population, and spoke of important role insects play and how they are slowly disappearing;
• Questioned what will happened to the caterpillars if 600 trees are cut down; then questioning wat will happen to the birds if they do not have caterpillars to eat;
• Challenged Council to think forward and to protect the meadow for future generations.

36. Daniela Canciu provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Advised that her home currently overlooks the meadow and that it is like her backyard
• Expressed concern that a road for emergency vehicles would need to run through the meadow as it would disrupt the natural habitat and would be visible from some of the homes that back on to the meadow;
• Suggested that it was unfair to disrupt the meadow that many residents enjoy to achieve another group’s dream;
• Expressed concern that the proposed development would impact their property value.

37. Michael Brodey provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Emphasized the importance of saving the meadow to protect the wildlife that live in it;
• Expressed concern that a traffic signal would be needed on John Street to support the proposed development;
• Spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment to the Official Plan.

 

38. Annie Chui provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Spoke about how the meadow is a very special place to the Thornhill community, and the importance of protecting greenspaces as they become more scarce;
• Expressed concern that the proposed development would impact their walks in the meadow;
• Suggesting compramising and finding a solution that works for everyone.

 

39. Jack Heath provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Suggested the matter be referred to the Thornhill Sub-Committee for a more comprehensive discussion on the many issues with the proposed development, noting that it will take a long time to work through all the issues;
• Noted that there are many zoning issues that will need to be addressed in order for this development to proceed;
• Suggested that meadow does not have the capacity to handle large volumes of people, advising that it is already full with people from the community;
• Suggested making the meadow bigger by taking the fence down if the Baha’s would like to proceed with the proposed development;

40. Oksana Koufer provided the following feedback on the proposed development:

• Expressed concern regarding the traffic the proposed development will create when major roads, such as Bayview and Steeles Avenue are already congested with traffic;
• Suggested that people that live south of Steeles Avenue should also be made aware of the prosed development due to the scale of the proposal.

 

The Committee discussed the following relative to the proposed development:

• Councillor Irish advised that he would hold a Community Information meeting on the proposed development;
• Were pleased to see that Council’s investment in transforming a landfill into a beautiful meadow has been so successful;
• Clarified that development is not being proposed on City lands;
• Advised that the emergency access road will only be extended if required, clarifying it would only be able to be accessed for emergency purposes as there would be boulders blocking the roadway ;
• Wanted to understand how the proposed development will impact the meadow, and how many tourist it may attract to the area;
• Suggested that improvements could be made to the Leslie Street north of Steeles to address the increase of its use due to the opening of the Lake to Lake trial;
• Acknowledged that there was still a lot of work to be done on proposed development;
• Suggested that focus should also be on the new trees that will be planted in the area, as a result to the proposed development.

Moved by Councillor Andrew Keyes
Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

That the Development Services Public Meeting be permitted to be extended past midnight.

            Carried by 2/3 Vote

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  1. That the deputations by Aaron and Thomas Megit, Mark Newton, Kimberly Seymour, Wendy Sun, Edith Kangas, Valerie Burke, Theresa Moore, Jeff Minuk , Mark Newton ( on behalf of Ingrid Ling), Peter Cheng, Giorgio Carloni, Jeremi Lee, Paul Zammit, Brian Fisher, Harry Singh, Esther Ravka, Jack Yeager, Simone Yeager, Karen McKye, Mehan Anvari, Zumrat Ivasheva, Judith Howard, Deloria Bighorn, Melanie Hellbronn, Loletta Chiu, Zenobia Reinsch, Nahid Hariri, Cryil Chiu, Carol Pasternak, Daniela Canciu, Michael Brodey, Annie Chu, Jack Heath, and Oksana Koufer,on the Application by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’i, be received.
  2. That the written submission by Mark Newton, Theresa Moore, John Kim, Fereshteh Gilani, Dr. Bahram Jam, Homa Jammehdiabadi, Rachel Horton, Katie Lam, Kevin Chan, Ethan Chan, Michael Pageau, Jeanette Forsythe, Willem Tiemersma, Corneliu Maraciuc, Gail Lavery, Brad Taylor, Jacqueline Byrnes, Alex Cheng, Jessica Chang, Edith Kangas, Sarah Chabot, Kimberley Seymour, Mark Newton’s group submission,  Fanny Durand, Daniel Canciu, Valerie Burke, Jeff and Tanya Minuk, Gary Davidson, T.E Kelly, Joan Honsberger, Hazel Perry Hamilton, Jennifer Tong, Jack Ping, Bernadette King, Stan and Elaine Lapidus, Daniel Kung, Yong Xiao, Jack & Lynda Ellis, Jason Choi, and Carmen Choi,on the Application by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’i, be received; and,
  3. That the Report entitled, “PUBLIC MEETING INFORMATION REPORT, Applications by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’i’s, for Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments to permit a Bahá’i National Centre and Temple, File No. PLAN 22 262723 (Ward 1)", be received;
  4. That the Record of the Public Meeting held on May 23, 2023, with respect to the proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment to permit a Bahá’i National Centre and Temple at 7200 and 7290 Leslie Street, File No. PLAN 22 262723, be received;
  5. That the Applications by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’i’s, to amend the Markham Official Plan 2014 and Zoning By-laws 1767 and 304-87, as amended, be referred back to staff for a report and recommendation to evaluate the proposal; and,
  6. That Councillor Keith Irish, Ward 1, hold a Community Information meeting on the Applications by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’i to further discuss the applications; and,
  7. That the Applications by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’i be further discussed at the Thornhill Sub-Committee; and further;
  8. That Staff be directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

5.

ADJOURNMENT

• Moved by Councillor Karen Rea
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones

  That the Development Services Public Meeting adjourn at 12:32 PM.

  Carried