Electronic Development Services Committee Meeting Minutes

Meeting Number 15

Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 9:30 A.m. - 3:00 P.m.

Live streamed

Roll Call

• Mayor Frank Scarpitti
• Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
• Regional Councillor Jack Heath
• Regional Councillor Joe Li
• Regional Councillor Jim Jones
• Councillor Keith Irish
• Councillor Alan Ho
• Councillor Reid McAlpine
• Councillor Karen Rea
• Councillor Andrew Keyes
• Councillor Amanda Collucci
• Councillor Khalid Usman
• Councillor Isa Lee

Staff

• Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer
• Claudia Storto, City Solicitor and Director of Human Resources
• Biju Karumanchery, Director, Planning & Urban Design
• Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff
• Joel Lustig, Treasurer
• Ron Blake, Senior Development Manager, Planning & Urban Design
• Francesco Santaguida, Assistant City Solicitor
• Sabrina Bordone, Senior Planner, Central District
• Daniel Brutto, Planner I, North District
• Loy Cheah, Acting Director, Engineering
• Regan Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage
• Darryl Lyons, Manager, Policy
• Stephen Lue, Manager, Central District
• Marg Wouters, Senior Manager, Policy & Research
• Hristina Giantsopoulos, Election & Committee Coordinator
• Terence Tang, Technology Support Specialist II
• Morgan Jones, Commissioner, Community Services
• Shane Manson, Senior Manager, Revenue & Property Taxation

​Alternate formats for this document are available upon request

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

In consideration of the ongoing public health orders, this meeting was conducted electronically to maintain physical distancing of participants. With the passage of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020 (Bill 197), municipal Council Members are now permitted to meet remotely and count towards quorum.

The Development Services Committee meeting convened at 9:05 AM with Regional Councillor Jim Jones in the Chair for all items on the agenda.

• Moved by Councillor Reid McAlpine
  Seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes

  That the agenda items 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, and 7.5 be addressed prior to proceeding with item 7.3.  

  Carried

2.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

Councillor Reid McAlpine declared a potential pecuniary interest in relation to item 7.5.

3.

DEPUTATIONS

There were deputations in relation to Item 7.3 Housing Choices:  Markham's Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy.

Mike Clare, representative of Markham Inter-Church Committee for Affordable Housing, addressed the Committee to thank the Mayor, Members of Council, and staff for their leadership in the development of this important plan. He further expressed support for Markham's Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy.

Surjit Sachdev, representative of Anand Vihar, The Centre for Dignified Living, addressed the Committee to express the importance of affordable housing and support for Markham's Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy.

There were written deputations submitted for Item 7.3 Markham's Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy.

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jack Heath

  That the deputations made by Mike Clare, and Surjit Sachdev be received.

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li

  That the written communications from BILD, and Bobby Bhoola be received.

  Carried

4.

COMMUNICATIONS

Please note that the communications received in relation to item 7.5 will be forwarded to the July 12, 2021 Development Services meeting agenda.  

5.

PETITIONS

There were no petitions. 

6.

CONSENT REPORTS - DEVELOPMENT AND POLICY ISSUES

6.1

PROVINCIAL CONSULTATION ON REGULATIONS UNDER THE CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES ACT (10.0)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jack Heath
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the report entitled “Provincial Consultation on Regulations under the Conservation Authorities Act” dated June 22, 2021 be received; and,
  2. That the report be forwarded to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority as City of Markham comments on the consultation on the proposed Conservation Authorities Act regulations (ERO #019-2986); and further,
  3. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

6.2

INTENTION TO DESIGNATE A PROPERTY UNDER PART IV OF THE ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT, THOMAS FRISBY JR. HOUSE, 3151 ELGIN MILLS ROAD, WARD 2 (16.11.3)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jack Heath
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the report entitled “intention to Designate a Property under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, Thomas Frisby Jr. House, 3151 Elgin Mills Road, Ward 2”, dated June 22, 2021, be received;
  2. That as recommended by Heritage Markham, and required as a condition of development approval, the Thomas Frisby Jr. House – 3151 Elgin Mills Road be approved for designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act as a property of cultural heritage value or interest;
  3. That the Clerk’s Department be authorized to publish and serve Council’s Notice of Intention to ate as per the requirements of the Ontario Heritage Act;
  4. That if there are no objections to the designation in accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be authorized to place a designation by-law before Council for adoption;
  5. That if there are any objections in accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to refer the proposed designation to the Ontario Conservation Review Board;
  6. That if the designation is referred to the Conservation Review Board, Council authorize the City Solicitor and appropriate staff to attend any hearing held by the Board in support of Council’s decision to designate the property; and
  7. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

  Carried

6.3

REVISION TO LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF HERITAGE DESIGNATION BY-LAWS, 9064 WOODBINE AVE AND 5933 FOURTEENTH AVE (16.11.3)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jack Heath
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the memo titled “Revision to Legal Description of Heritage Designation By-laws, 9064 Woodbine Ave and 5933 Fourteenth Ave”, dated June 22, 2021, be received.

  Carried

7.

REGULAR REPORTS - DEVELOPMENT AND POLICY ISSUES

7.1

RECOMMENDATION REPORT SCARDRED 7 COMPANY LIMITED APPLICATIONS FOR DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT TO PERMIT 20 SINGLE DETACHED DWELLINGS ON THE NORTHERN PORTION OF 4038 HIGHWAY 7 (WARD 3) FILE NOS. SU/ZA 18 180309 (10.7, 10.5)

Ron Blake, Senior Manager, Development, Planning & Urban Design, addressed the Committee to provide a brief overview of the applications and revisions that have been made to the proposal since the Public Meeting held in May 2019.  As noted by Mr. Blake, the most significant change to the applications is the removal of the 50-unit townhouse block on the southern portion of the subject lands, which now represents the owner’s second development phase that would be subject to future development planning applications.    

The Committee made the following inquiries in relation to the application:

• Whether the balconies in the architectural rendering are accessible;
• A clarification request with respect to the black and red boundary lines, as shown on Figure 6 of the Recommendation Report; 
• Confirmation that there is  sufficient space for tree planting;
• The height of the proposed dwellings;
• Where the responsibility of boulevard maintenance lies;  
• The significance of a connection to Ferrah Street and the availability of traffic data to support it;
• That there is opposition by residents to the Ferrah Street connection as it is currently a 'dead end' street;
• The benefits of the Ferrah Street connection in alleviating the risk of large city operated vehicles backing out of Ferrah Street over a long distance;
• The size and dimensions of the proposed lots; 
• Concerns with the 11-storey building proposed for the southern portion of the subject lands (Block 21); 
• Consideration to inform the purchasers of the single-detached dwellings that an 11-storey building is proposed for the lands to the south and that the concept concept plan be made available to purchasers so that they are made aware. 

The Committee appreciated the design considerations that went into the building elevations and thanked the applicant for incorporating age friendly accessibility features.    

The applicant and staff provided information in relation to the inquiries made by the Committee.  Staff noted that an 11-storey mixed-used development is proposed for the southern portion of the subject lands and that it was always intended for Ferrah Street to be connected to allow emergency and resident access. 

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jack Heath
  1. That the staff report dated June 21, 2021, titled “Recommendation Report, Scardred 7 Company Limited, Applications for Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment to permit 20 single detached dwellings on the northern portion of 4038 Highway 7 (Ward 3), File Nos. SU/ZA 18 180309”, be received; and,
  2. That in accordance with the provisions of subsections 45 (1.4) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13, as amended, the Owner shall through this Resolution, be permitted to apply to the Committee of Adjustment for a variance from the provisions of the accompanying Zoning By-law, before the second anniversary of the day on which the by-law was approved by Council; and,
  3. That the applications submitted by Scardred 7 Company Limited to amend Zoning By-law 118-79, as amended, be approved and the draft Zoning By-law, attached hereto as Appendix A, be finalized and brought forward to a future Council meeting to be enacted without further notice; and,
  4. That Draft Plan of Subdivision 19TM-18011 be approved, subject to the conditions set out in Appendix B of this report; and,
  5. That the Director of Planning and Urban Design or his designate, be delegated authority to issue Draft Plan Approval, subject to the conditions set out in Appendix B, as may be amended by the Director of Planning and Urban Design or his designate; and,
  6. That Draft Plan Approval for Plan of Subdivision 19TM-18011 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,
  7. That servicing allocation for 20 units be assigned to Draft Plan of Subdivision 19TM-18011; and further,
  8. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

7.2

RECOMMENDATION REPORT APPLICATIONS FOR A DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT BY 1212763 ONTARIO LTD. TO FACILITATE APPROXIMATELY 371 GROUND-RELATED DWELLING UNITS ON PART OF LOTS 22 AND 23, CONCESSION 4, BERCZY GLEN COMMUNITY

(WARD 2) FILE NO.: PLAN 19 142694 (10.7, 10.5)

Ron Blake, Senior Manager, Development, Planning & Urban Design, addressed the Committee and provided an overview of the application relating to property located in the southwest quadrant of the Berczy Glen community that proposes 371 ground related dwellings, a parkette, stormwater management, and new road connections.   

Loy Cheah, Senior Manager, Transportation, Engineering, addressed the Committee to provide details of the two additional clauses to the recommendation after a review of the collective roads that will be built as part of this plan and the maximum development charge credit available.  

Emily Grant, Principal, Malone Given Parsons Ltd. made a brief presentation that identified the proposed revisions to the application after the public and stakeholder consultations.  

The Committee thanked the applicant for taking time to consult with Councillor Alan Ho in addition to taking into consideration area resident concerns.  

There was discussion on the following:

• A suggestion that the developer track the sale of homes that incorporate age friendly elements in their design;  
• The positive effect of incorporating second suites, main floor master bedrooms and other design options;
• The maintenance of the parkland, and park lot;  
• Whether Block 334 will have public access;
• The number of lots to be included in the cul-de-sac; 
• The land area for Block 334 and its designation;
• Concerns with adding a trail in the Greenway;
• Inquiries regarding park land allocation and parkland credit with respect to development charges; and,
• Inquiry into the parkland dedication and parkland credit and how it can be incorporated in this development.

The Committee suggested that the parkland in the development be considered for community uses in line with ROPA 7.   

• Moved by Councillor Alan Ho
  Seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  1. THAT the staff report dated June 21, 2021 titled “RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Applications for a Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment by 1212763 Ontario Ltd. to facilitate approximately 371 ground-related dwelling units on Part of Lots 22 and 23, Concession 4, Berczy Glen Community (Ward 2),” be received; and,
  2. That in accordance with the provisions of subsections 45 (1.4) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13, as amended, the Owners shall through this Resolution, be permitted to apply to the Committee of Adjustment for a variance from the provisions of the accompanying Zoning By-law, before the second anniversary of the day on which the by-law was approved by Council; and,
  3. That the application submitted by 1212763 Ontario Ltd. to amend Zoning By-law 304-87, as amended, be approved and the draft by-law attached as Appendix ‘A’ be finalized and brought forward to a future Council meeting to be enacted without further notice; and,
  4. That Draft Plan of Subdivision 19TM-19005 be approved, subject to the conditions set out in Appendix ‘B’ of this report; and,
  5. That the Director of Planning and Urban Design or his designate, be delegated authority to issue draft plan approval, subject to the conditions set out in Appendix ‘B’, as may be amended by the Director of Planning and Urban Design or his designate; and,
  6. That draft plan approval for Draft Plan of Subdivision 19TM-19005 will lapse after a period of three (3) years from the date of Council approval in the event that a subdivision agreement is not executed within that period; and,
  7. That servicing allocation for 378.5 units be assigned to Draft Plan of Subdivision 19TM-19005; and,
  8. That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a Construction Agreement with the Trustee of Berczy Glen Landowners Group Inc. or its successors in title for the construction of the bridge over Street ‘A” (the “South Bridge”) and new external sanitary sewers and, upgrades to the existing downstream sanitary sewer system that eventually connects to the York-Durham Sanitary Sewer on 16th Avenue (the “East Sanitary Upgrades”) upon terms to the satisfaction of the Director of Engineering and the City Solicitor, or their respective designates; and,
  9. That Council authorize a City-Wide Hard Development Charge Credit and/or Reimbursement not exceeding $8,000,000.00 to the Trustee of Berczy Glen Landowners Group Inc. for the design, contract administration, and construction costs associated with the construction of the South Bridge for the southerly east-west collector road (Street ‘A’) in the Berczy Glen Community; and, 

  10. That Council authorize a City Wide Hard Development Charge credit not exceeding $940,679.00 to 1212763 Ontario Limited (Berczy-Azuria) relating to their portion of the construction and property costs associated with roads identified as Street A (from west limit of Subdivision, adjacent to Hydro One lands, to east limit of the Subdivision) and Street B (from west limit of Subdivision, adjacent to Hydro One lands, to north limit of the Subdivision) within the Plan of Subdivision; and,

  11. That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a Development Charge Credit Agreement, if required, in accordance with the City’s Development Charge Credit and Reimbursement Policy, with 1212763 Ontario Limited (Berczy-Azuria), or their successors in title to the satisfaction of the Treasurer and City Solicitor; and further,

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

  Carried

7.3

HOUSING CHOICES: MARKHAM’S AFFORDABLE AND RENTAL HOUSING STRATEGY (10.0)

Biju Karumanchery, Acting Commissioner, Development Services, addressed the Committee to provide a brief overview of Markham's Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy and that it will guide the City into the future to address the City's affordable housing challenges.  Darryl Lyons, Manager, Policy indicated that the current recommendations were made with consultations and feedback from stakeholders and that they will increase the level of affordable housing across the City.   

Emily Irvine, Special Projects Coordinator, addressed the Committee and delivered a presentation entitled, Markham's Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy that provided an overview of the work done so far, the strategy inclusions as well as next steps.    

The Committee congratulated staff on their work for this initiative.  

There was discussion on the following in relation to the presentation:

• That regular updates be provided to the Committee;   
• Identify ways to utilize vacant and underutilized land for affordable housing;   
• The criteria used to establish the average rent amount for a one bedroom apartment;  
• The impact Airbnb has had on housing supply and housing costs; 
• Concerns that there are not enough affordable housing units being built;
• That there be purpose built rentals, for example; 0 - 30 affordable housing units be constructed within each new multi-unit condominium;
• That consideration be made to diversify affordable housing types, for example; duplex, triplex;
• The financial impact of exempting Housing York Inc. from paying parkland fees be understood;
• The difficulty for minimum wage earners to afford rent and that they require support;
• The increase in housing prices and the impact it has had on rental rates and vacancies;   
• A suggestion that a subcommittee be established and be responsible for moving this agenda forward;
• A suggestion that a non-profit, self funding land development corporation be established for opportunities to leverage publically owned land for these purposes; and,
• That unit sizes be considered and smaller units can be a source of affordable housing. 

Staff provided responses to the Committee's inquiries and indicated that they will continue to work with stakeholders and all levels of government on this initiative.  

The Committee thanked all staff, community groups, non-profit organizations and stakeholders involved in this process and requested that staff report back regularly on the progress of the Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy initiatives.

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
  1. That the report and presentation dated June 22, 2021 entitled "Housing Choices: Markham’s Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy" be received; and,
  2. That “Housing Choices: Markham’s Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy” attached as Appendix A to the report dated June 22, 2021 entitled "Housing Choices: Markham’s Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy" be adopted; and,
  3. That staff be directed to address the York Region February 25, 2021 Council resolution requesting lower tier municipalities to support, in principle, the provision of two acres of land by each municipality, either directly or through partnership for affordable housing over the next five years through implementation of Action 10 of Housing Choices: Markham’s Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy and report back to Development Services Committee; and,
  4. That staff be directed to assess the York Region February 25, 2021 Council resolution requesting lower tier municipalities amend their parkland dedication by-law to exempt Housing York Inc. from being required to pay parkland fees through implementation of Action 14 in Housing Choices: Markham’s Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy and report back to Development Services Committee; and, 
  5. That the Committee supports the establishment of a Sub-Committee to support the progress of the Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy and regular status reporting; and further,
  6. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

7.4

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO DEMOLISH – SINGLE DETACHED DWELLING 32 JOSEPH STREET, MARKHAM VILLAGE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT, WARD 4 (16.11)

Ron Blake, Senior Manager, Development, Planning & Urban Design, addressed the Committee and provided an overview of the request by the owner to demolish this heritage property and noted that while staff are requesting that Council approve this application, Heritage Markham does not support this request and recommends that an addition to the existing dwelling be made. 

The Committee discussed the following:

• The homeowner's intent with the property;
• That this may set a precedent for similar requests in the future;
• Reasons to support demolition over remodeling of this heritage home; 
• That each demolition application be evaluated on its own merit as not to set future precedents; and,
• Concerns that a new home would be oversized for the lot size.

Russ Gregory, the developer, addressed the Committee to indicate that due to the current location of the home on the property does not lend itself to an addition and that he suggested that the homeowners take down the home and build a two-story home to coincide with the existing heritage designs.

Jon Mintsopoulos, homeowner, addressed the Committee to indicate that he was aware there were other Type B homes approved for demolition at the time the home was purchased and feels that the new home will bring greater value that fits the character of the area.  

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jack Heath
  Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea

  That the application to demolish 32 Joseph Street, Markham Village Heritage Conservation District, Ward 4 be denied.

  Lost
• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes
  1. That the report entitled “Notice of Intention to Demolish, 32 Joseph Street, Markham Village Heritage Conservation District, Ward 4” dated June 22, 2021, be received; and,
  2. That the recommendation from Heritage Markham Committee on June 9, 2021 in support of retaining the existing single detached dwelling at 32 Joseph Street be received as information; and,
  3. That Council supports the proposed demolition of the existing single detached dwelling and associated garage at 32 Joseph Street located within the Markham Village Heritage Conservation District; and further,
  4. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  5. That the applicant be requested to adhere to the existing infill by-law at the time of the building application is submitted;
  Carried

7.5

RECOMMENDATION REPORT OFFICIAL PLAN AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED BOXGROVE COMMERCIAL EAST INC. C/O SMARTCENTRES REIT TO PERMIT A COMMERCIAL SELF-STORAGE WAREHOUSE FACILITY AT 500 COPPER CREEK DRIVE

(WARD 7) FILE PLAN 20 120313 (10.3, 10.5)

This item was deferred to the July 12, 2021 Development Services Meeting Agenda.

• 1. That the report dated June 22nd, 2021 and titled “RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment Applications submitted by Boxgrove Commercial East Inc. c/o SmartCentres REIT to permit a commercial self-storage warehouse facility at 500 Copper Creek Drive (Ward 7)”, be received; and,
  2. That the Official Plan Amendment Application (PLN 20120313) submitted by Boxgrove Commercial East c/o SmartCentres REIT to allow a commercial self-storage warehouse facility at 500 Copper Creek Drive be approved by Council at a later date; once a satisfactory site plan application has been submitted and reviewed; and,
  3. That the Zoning By-law Amendment application (PLN 20 134853) submitted by Boxgrove Commercial East Inc. c/o Smart Centre REIT to permit a commercial self-storage warehouse facility at 500 Copper Creek Drive be approved and enacted by Council at a later date; once a satisfactory site plan application has been submitted and reviewed; and further,
  4. That Staff be authorized to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

   
• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jack Heath

  That this item be deferred to the July 12, 2021 Development Services Meeting Agenda.   

  Carried

8.

MOTIONS

There were no motions. 

9.

NOTICES OF MOTION

Councillor Karen Rea introduced a notice of motion in relation to a vacant home tax that will be placed on the July 12, 2021 Development Services agenda for consideration.  

• Moved by Councillor Karen Rea
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine

  Whereas housing prices have seen a significant increase in the past couple of years; and

  Whereas residents, especially young residents are experiencing difficulty entering the housing market due to a lack of affordable homes; and

  Whereas there has been an increase in buyers purchasing properties and upon closing, many of these homes remain unoccupied; and

  Whereas some absentee homeowners are not maintaining their properties; and

  Whereas implementing a residential vacant unit tax will encourage homeowners to maintain, occupy or rent their properties which will help increase the housing supply; and

  Whereas the Province of Ontario has announced a new tax authority on vacant homes that will give Toronto and other interested municipalities the power to impose such a tax to encourage owners to sell or rent such spaces;

  Now therefore be it resolved that staff be directed to investigate options for imposing a vacant home tax on the assessment of vacant residential units under the new provincial initiative and report back with recommendations in Q4 2021 for Council’s consideration.

10.

NEW/OTHER BUSINESS

10.1

PRESENTATION - SMALL BUSINESS PROPERTY SUBCLASS UPDATE (7.0)

Joel Lustig, Treasurer, addressed the Committee to provide a brief update on the optional Small Business Subclass which was announced by the Province in November 2020 as part of the 2020 Provincial Budget. Mr. Lustig advised committee that Staff prepared a presentation to update all of Markham Council on the optional Small Business Subclass regulations which were enacted May 7^th, in advance of a Regional Staff report being tabled June 24^th to York Region Council.

Shane Manson Senior Manager, Revenue & Property Tax, provided the presentation entitled, Small Business Subclass Update which highlighted key aspects of the regulation including;

• The subclass is only applicable commercial and/or industrial property classes;
• Options to define small business properties (area specific, cva thresholds, property type, building / unit sqft, or a hybrid approach);
• Level of tax reductions (up to 35%);
• Composition of business properties ;
• Funding of the Small Business Class (All Classes or Revenue Neutral Ratios);
• Stakeholder consultation (Provincial requirement);
• Timing Considerations for implementation;
• Status of implementation in other municipalities along with next steps for the city.  

The Committee discussed the following in relation to the presentation: 

• The impacts and administration of this initiative; 
• That the Committee encourage the Regional Councillors to advocate for a Regional approach to tax relief;  
• Concerns with the options to define small business properties as there may be unintended consequences as a result of some of the classifications, size threshold, or definitions; 
• The impact of classifications to businesses within the same class and various revenue amounts;
• That the calculations and classifications should be equitable; and,
• That this is a long-term tax policy decision (ongoing discount)
• Whether the impact of a tax shift could be seen regionally (from one municipality to another); and,
• That Minister of Finance should not consider to match municipal reductions on a case-by-case basis, that all municipalities should be treated equally

The Committee thanked staff for the presentation and requested additional information as it becomes available.   

Staff advised Committee that a report back to Markham Council would occur once York Region Council has made a decision in the fall of 2021. 

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jack Heath
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee

  That the presentation be received.

   

  Carried

10.2

INCREASED ACCESS TO CITY POOLS

Councillor Andrew Keyes addressed the Committee to suggest that the City extend the hours and increase access to the community swimming pools.

Mary Creighton, Director, Recreation Services, advised on the current swimming schedule and that staff are working to accommodate recreational and competitive swimmers within the current health guidelines.  She noted that the outdoor pool hours are between 7:00 AM and 7:30 PM, during daylight hours.  

The Committee discussed the following:

• That there be consideration to a program policy that factors in the number of residents served to the type of activity;
• A suggestion that Legacy Pool be open for recreational swim in accordance with health guidelines; 
• Inquiries into the maximum capacity for recreational swim at various City pools;
• Consideration to extend the hours for the outdoor pools and investigate the lighting options;

Staff provided information regarding the various capacity limits and advised that the lighting options and requirements will be investigated.    

• Moved by Councillor Andrew Keyes
  Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea

  That staff investigate the lighting requirements, necessary safety considerations and extension of the hours at Morgan Pool.    

  Carried

11.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

There were no announcements.

12.

CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS

The Committee convened into confidential session at 3:50 PM.

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes

  That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, General Committee resolve into a confidential session to discuss the following matters:

  Carried

12.1

DEVELOPMENT AND POLICY ISSUES

12.1.1

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES – MARCH 30, 2021 AND MAY 25, 2021 [Section 239 (2) (e) (c) (f) (f)] (10.0)

Development Services Committee confirmed the March 30, 2021 and May 25, 2021 Confidential Minutes.  

12.1.2

LITIGATION OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION, INCLUDING MATTERS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS, AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD; [Section 239 (2) (e)] AND

ADVICE THAT IS SUBJECT TO SOLICITOR-CLIENT PRIVILEGE, INCLUDING COMMUNICATIONS NECESSARY FOR THAT PURPOSE; ARYEH CONSTRUCTION LIMITED OLT APPEAL (8.0) [SECTION 239 (2) (f)]

The Committee consented to forward this item to the June 29, 2021 Confidential Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.  

12.1.3

LITIGATION OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION, INCLUDING MATTERS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS, AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD; [Section 239 (2) (e)] AND

ADVICE THAT IS SUBJECT TO SOLICITOR-CLIENT PRIVILEGE, INCLUDING COMMUNICATIONS NECESSARY FOR THAT PURPOSE; 10-20 FINCHAM AVENUE OLT APPEAL (8.0) [SECTION 239 (2) (f)]

The Committee consented to forward this item to the June 29, 2021 Confidential Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.  

13.

ADJOURNMENT

The Development Services Committee open session concluded at 3:50 PM.  The Committee resolved into confidential session and did not return to open session.  The Committee consented to place item 12.1.2 and item 12.1.3 on the June 29, 2021 Confidential Council Meeting Agenda. 

The Development Services Committee adjourned from confidential session at 4:48 PM.    

• Moved by Councillor Isa Lee
  Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

  That the Development Services Committee meeting adjourn at 3:50 PM  

  Carried