Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting Number: 5

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 1:00 P.m. - 4:30 P.m.

Live streamed

Roll Call

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

Regrets

• Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Staff

• Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer
• Trinela Cane, Commissioner, Corporate Services
• Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services
• Adam Grant, Fire Chief
• Michael Toshakovski, Deputy City Solicitor
• Frank Clarizio, Director, Engineering
• Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk
• Martha Pettit, Deputy City Clerk
• John Wong, Technology Support Specialist II
• Hristina Giantsopoulos, Election/Council & Committee Coordinator
• Sumon Acharjee, Chief Information Officer
• Mark Visser, Acting Treasurer
• Chris Rickett, Director, Economic Development, Culture and Entrepreneurship
• Catherine Biss, Chief Executive Officer, Markham Public Library
• Alice Lam, Director, Operations
• Janet Ashfield, Deputy Director, People Services
• Hailey Miller, Planner II

​Alternate formats for this document are available upon request

---

1.

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting of Council convened at 1:06 PM on January 25, 2023. Deputy Mayor Michael Chan presided.

INDIGENOUS LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We begin today by acknowledging the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples and their commitment to stewardship of the land. We acknowledge the communities in circle. The North, West, South and Eastern directions, and Haudenosaunee, Huron- Wendat, Anishnabeg, Seneca, Chippewa, and the Mississaugas of the Credit peoples. We share the responsibility with the caretakers of this land to ensure the dish is never empty and to restore relationships that are based on peace, friendship, and trust. We are committed to reconciliation, partnership and enhanced understanding.

2.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest. 

3.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

3.1

COUNCIL MINUTES - DECEMBER 13, 2022

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on December 13, 2022, be adopted.
  Carried

4.

PRESENTATIONS

4.1

THAI PONGAL/ TAMIL HERITAGE MONTH PRESENTATION

Mr. Ken Kandeepan appeared on behalf of the Canadian Tamil Congress in celebration of Thai Pongal/Tamil Heritage Month.  Sisters, Rithika Jeristus and Maya Jeristus, performed a traditional rain dance.  Deputy Mayor Chan and Councillor Nathan thanked the deputants for their presentation in recognition of this celebration.

• Moved by Councillor Juanita Nathan
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li

  1. That the presentation from the Canadian Tamil Congress in celebration of Thai Pongal/Tamil Heritage Month be received.

  Carried

5.

DEPUTATIONS

5.1

DEPUTATION - KAWASAKI DISEASE CANADA

Carin Lin appeared before Council to bring attention to Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day which Council proclaimed on January 26, 2023.  Ms. Lin asked for Council’s assistance in spreading awareness about this rare incurable disease.

• Moved by Councillor Karen Rea
  Seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes

  1. That the deputation from Carin Lin regarding Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day be received.

  Carried

6.

COMMUNICATIONS

There were no communications.

7.

PROCLAMATIONS

7.1

PROCLAMATION AND FLAG RAISING REQUESTS (3.4)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Joe Li
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Alan Ho
  1. That the following proclamations, issued by the City Clerk in accordance with the City of Markham Proclamation Policy, be received for information purposes:
     1. Crime Stoppers Awareness Month - January
     2. Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day - January 26, 2023
     3. Republic Day of India - January 26, 2023
  2. That the following request for flag to be raised at the Anthony Roman Markham Civic Centre flagpole, approved by the City Clerk in accordance with the City of Markham Community Flag Raisings & Flag Protocol Policy, be received for information purposes:
     1. Republic Day of India - January 26, 2023 (Organized by CASEC - Canadian Academy of Sports, Education and Culture)
  Carried

8.

REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE

8.1

REPORT NO.1 - DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE ( JANUARY 17, 2023)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Councillor Keith Irish

  That the report of the Development Services Committee be received & adopted. (Items 1 to 4):

  Carried

8.1.1

SADDLECREEK DRIVE AT GALLERIA PARKWAY / ACTIVE ROAD PROPOSED ALL-WAY STOP (WARD 8) (5.12)

• 1. That the report entitled “Saddlecreek Drive at Galleria Parkway / Active Road Proposed All-way Stop (Ward 8)” be received; and,
  2. That Schedule 12 of Traffic By-law 106-71, pertaining to compulsory stops, be amended to include all approaches to the intersection of Saddlecreek Drive at Galleria Parkway / Active Road; and,
  3. That the Operations Department be directed to install the appropriate signs and pavement markings at the subject location; and,
  4. That the cost of materials and installation for the traffic signs and pavement markings in the amount of $1,000, be funded from capital project #083-5350-22049-005 (Traffic Operational Improvements); and,
  5. That York Regional Police be requested to enforce the all-way stop control upon installation of these stop signs and passing of the By-law; and further,
  6. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

8.1.2

RECOMMENDATION REPORT THREE APPLICATIONS FOR ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT TO FACILITATE THE FUTURE SEVERANCES AND THE CREATION OF NEW LOTS WITH SITE-SPECIFIC ZONING PROVISIONS BY REGENCY PROPERTY INC. (REEGO XUE)

• 1. That the report dated January 17, 2023, titled "RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Three applications for Zoning By-law Amendment to facilitate the future severances and the creation of new lots with site-specific zoning provisions by Regency Property Inc. (Reego Xue) at 4 Sabiston Drive (two new lots), 14 River Bend Road (two new lots), and 15 River Bend Road (three new lots) (Ward 3), File Nos. PLAN 21 130958, PLAN 21 130969, PLAN 21 130977, be received; and,
  2. That the Zoning By-law Amendment applications (PLAN 21 130958, PLAN 21 130969, PLAN 21 130977) submitted by Regency Property Inc. (Reego Xue) to amend By-law 122-72, as amended, be approved and the draft Zoning By-law Amendments, attached hereto as Appendices ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’, be finalized and brought forward to a future Council meeting to be enacted without further notice; and,
  3. That Council grant servicing allocation for up to seven residential units for the proposed development; and,
  4. That the City reserves the right to revoke or reallocate servicing allocation should the development not proceed in a timely manner; and further,
  5. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

8.1.3

RECOMMENDATION REPORT THORNHEIGHTS HOMES INC., APPLICATION FOR ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT TO PERMIT FIVE SINGLE DETACHED DWELLINGS AT 16 KIRK DRIVE, FILE NO. PLAN 21 115669 (WARD 1) (10.5)

• 1. That the report dated December 12, 2022, titled, “RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Thornheights Homes Inc., Application for Zoning By-law Amendment to permit five single detached dwellings at 16 Kirk Drive, File No. PLAN 21 115669 (Ward 1)”, be received; and,
  2. That the amendment to Zoning By-law 2150, as amended, be approved and the draft site-specific implementing Zoning By-law, attached as Appendix ‘A’, be finalized and enacted without further notice; and,
  3. That Council assign servicing allocation for a maximum of five single detached dwellings; and,
  4. That York Region be advised that servicing allocation for five single detached dwellings has been granted; and,
  5. That in accordance with the provisions of subsection 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 Zoning By-law attached as Appendix ‘A’ to this report, before the second anniversary of the day on which the By-law was approved by Council; and,
  6. That the Applicant be required to add additional landscaping on the eastern portion of the site near the last unit; and,
  7. That a condition be added to the purchase of sale agreements prohibiting the paving of the front yard; and,
  8. That the Local Councillor and staff continue to work with the Applicant on the elevation and design of the proposal; and further,
  9. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

8.1.4

REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS at MCCOWAN ROAD AND STREET B / DRIVEWAY TO FATHER MICHAEL MCGIVNEY CATHOLIC ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL (WARD 8) (5.12 & 10.14)

• 1. That the report entitled, “Request for Traffic Control Signals at McCowan Road @ Street B (Ward 8)”, be received; and,
  2. That York Region be requested to approve the signalization of the intersection of McCowan Road @ Street B/driveway to Father Michael McGivney Catholic Academy High School, at the owner’s (Stateview Homes (Nao Towns) Inc.) expense; and,
  3. That the City Clerk send a copy of this report and Council resolution to York Region; and further,
  4. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

9.

MOTIONS

There were no motions.

10.

NOTICE OF MOTION TO RECONSIDER

There were no notices of motion to reconsider. 

11.

NEW/OTHER BUSINESS

11.1

BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li
  1. That Councillor Andrew Keyes be appointed Chair and  Councillor Isa Lee Vice Chair for the Budget Subcommittee; and further,
  2. That all Members of Council be appointed as members of the Budget Subcommittee for 2023 and that quorum for the Budget Subcommittee be five members.
  Carried

12.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Councillor Reid McAlpine advised that the Unionville Curling Club is once again hosting the curling team from Scotland for the annual Strathcona Cup Tour.

Councillor Amanda Collucci advised she’s hosting a Chinese New Year’s celebration.

13.

BY-LAWS - THREE READINGS

Three Readings

13.1

BY-LAW 2023-23  350 YORKTECH DRIVE ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Ritch Lau

  1. That By-law 2023-23 be given three readings and enacted.

  Carried

14.

CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS

• Moved by Councillor Amanda Collucci
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine

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

  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Juanita Nathan

  That Council rise from Confidential session at 2:07 PM.

  Carried
• The following items were approved by Council:

14.1

COUNCIL

14.1.1

CONFIDENTIAL COUNCIL MINUTES - DECEMBER 13, 2022 [Section 239 (2) (a)(b)(c)(e)(f)]

• Moved by Councillor Ritch Lau
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li
  1. That the confidential Council minutes of the Council Meeting held on December 13, 2022 be adopted.
  Carried

14.1.2

PERSONAL MATTERS ABOUT AN IDENTIFIABLE INDIVIDUAL, INCLUDING MUNICIPAL OR LOCAL BOARD EMPLOYEES (APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS TO BOARDS/COMMITTEE) (16.24) [Section 239 (2) (b)]

• Moved by Councillor Karen Rea
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
  1. That the following persons be appointed to the Heritage Markham Committee:

  David Butterworth            November 30, 2025
  Ron Blake                          November 30, 2025
  Tejinder Sidhu                  November 30, 2025

  Note: The Heritage Markham Committee will be operating at full complement if Council approves the above appointments.

  Carried

14.1.3

VERBAL UPDATE FROM THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER ON LABOUR RELATIONS [Section 239 (2) (d)]

• Moved by Councillor Andrew Keyes
  Seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci
  1. That the confidential verbal update from the Chief Administrative Officer regarding Labour Relations be received.
  Carried

14.2

REPORT OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE - JANUARY 17, 2023

14.2.1

LITIGATION OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION, INCLUDING MATTERS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS, AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD (8.0) [SECTION 239 (2) (e)] - OLT APPEAL BY 2456965 ONTARIO INC. (TIMES GROUP) - 3851-3863 HIGHWAY 7 AND 

• 1. That the confidential Update Report - Request for Direction – OLT Appeal by 2456965 Ontario Inc. (Times Group) - 3851-3863 Highway 7 and 8-38 Water Walk Drive be received; and further,
  2. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to these resolutions.

14.3

REPORT OF GENERAL COMMITTEE - JANUARY 24, 2023

14.3.1

LITIGATION OF POTENTIAL LITIGATION, INCLUDING MATTERS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS, AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD; (8.7) [Section 239 (e)]

• 1. That the Confidential Report from the General Committee Meeting held on January 24, 2023, regarding Request for Direction – OLT Appeal be received; and further,
  2. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to the actions set out in this confidential report.

14.3.2

THE SECURITY OF THE PROPERTY OF THE CITY OR LOCAL BOARD; (8.2) [SECTION 239(2) (a)]

• 1. That the Confidential Report from the General Committee Meeting held on January 24, 2023, regarding Security of the Property of the City or Local Board be received; and further,
  2. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to the actions set out in this confidential report.

15.

CONFIRMATORY BY-LAW - THREE READINGS

• Moved by Councillor Isa Lee
  Seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci

  That By-law 2023-22 be given three readings and enacted.

  Three Readings

  BY-LAW 2023-22 A BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF January 25, 2023. 
  
  

  Carried

16.

ADJOURNMENT

• Moved by Councillor Ritch Lau
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li

  1. That the Council meeting of January 25, 2023 be adjourned.

  Carried