Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services, introduced this item as a recommended concept for the Markham Centre Secondary Plan for which conceptualization began in 2019. Commissioner Prasad advised that the Secondary Plan process has set parameters for the study and hosted numerous engagement opportunities with stakeholders. Commissioner Prasad advised that on February 2, 2023, Planning Staff hosted the first in-person public open house since the pandemic ended to solicit comments on the development concept. Commissioner Prasad advised that the presentations before Committee bring forth the recommended concepts, containing the Community Energy Plan and Smart Cities strategy.
Stephen Lue, Senior Manager, Development, provided introductory remarks advising this presentation has a balanced approach to lay the foundation for Markham Centre's future. Mr. Lue introduced Andrew Davidge, Gladki Planning, to provide a presentation.
Andrew Davidge, Gladki Planning, introduced his team and provided a presentation. Mr. Lue provided an overview of the proposed developments and active development applications within Markham Centre.
The Committee provided the following feedback:
- Inquired about next steps and asked if a public meeting would be scheduled prior to the Secondary Plan proceeding to Council. Stephen Lue, Senior Manager, Development Planning advised that Staff are currently seeking feedback on the recommended concept and confirmed that the policy framework would be brought to a statutory public meeting, noting that the policy framework will take approximately six months to develop.
- Asked if the Secondary Plan would be amended once the MTO alignment is approved. Mr. Lue advised that Staff is considering establishing a special policy area which would have a separate study.
- Asked about the status of the environmental assessment related to the MTO alignment. Frank Clarizio, Director, Engineering, clarified that environmental assessments typically expire, at which time an environmental assessment amendment is required to extend the environmental assessment. Director Clarizio noted that Staff are looking for a new alignment to show what has changed from previous analysis.
- Inquired about the proposed elementary schools on the North-side of Highway 7 up to Village Parkway, noting that the proposed 7 schools may be too few if they are expected to be the size of typical elementary schools. Commissioner Prasad explainedthere is a greater movement of school boards toward urban format schools and noted that Provincial involvement may allow school boards to move toward less land intensive schools.
- Asked if a broad report would be brought to Council on the impact of Bill 23 on park acquisition and strategy. Commissioner Prasad advised that within the Markham Centre Secondary Plan process, some larger developers have agreed that parkland must be provided for Markham Centre to work. Commissioner Prasad confirmed that Staff continues to look at parkland acquisition and strategy which will be shared with Council.
- Asked about approvals of developments prior to the Secondary Plan being finalized and if the expected population will change based on development approvals. Mr. Lue confirmed that the Secondary Plan may need to be re-evaluated when it is looked at again in 5 to 10 years, particularly with regards to population considering development approvals both through the City and the OLT.
- Inquired about possible relocation of the Markham Museum. Commissioner Prasad confirmed that this is not something being explored through the Secondary Plan.
- Asked if Automated Vacuum Collection systems were being looked at for inclusion in the policy. Mr. Davidge confirmed AVAC considerations could be included in the policy depending on Council direction.
- Asked about proposed parkland at Rodick Road. Mr. Davidge advised that this was identified as parkland because the intensity of planned development is low, and it is accessible to the rest of the area.
- Inquired about bus service and terminals throughout Markham Centre. Mr. Davidge confirmed that Unionville GO Station will be further developed and will continue to evolve.
- Asked if there were still considerations around constructing a square similar to Nathan Phillips Square. Mr. Davidge confirmed that Markham Civic Square is still being considered for Markham Centre.
- Stressed the importance of wide boulevards with proper enhancements such as tree planting, to create vibrant and inviting communal spaces throughout Markham Centre.
- Asked how the City can ensure that the area maintains balance with a mix of commercial, employment, and residential uses. Mr. Davidge explained that a mixed-use office priority section is being considered within the Secondary Plan which would require 50% of the ground floor area be employment and office uses, providing greater connection of residential and employment. Mr. Davidge also indicated the areas within the Secondary Plan which are protected for employment uses.
- Asked for the rationale on limiting floor space index on non-residential uses. Mr. Davidge confirmed that this will be taken back for consideration, noting that there are municipalities that did not include restrictions.
Randy Peddigrew, Deputant, expressed concerns with the non-residential uses in the plan, noting that flexibility will be required to move quickly on proposed developments if there is a desirable use, noting the competition surrounding non-residential uses. Mr. Peddigrew encouraged the City to look at the benefits associated with cost-sharing and landowner groups.
Maria Gatzios, Deputant, provided comments on behalf of five landowners within Markham Centre, generally in support of the draft concept layout, while expressing concerns that the proposed density is not consistent with the surrounding area. Ms. Gatzios expressed support of more density being strategically placed for First Markham Place.
Smart Cities:
Sumon Acharjee, Chief Information Officer, provided an introduction to another element of the Markham Centre Secondary Plan update, noting that it is related to the Smart Cities strategy and roadmap. Mr. Acharjee advised that this strategy will identify dimensions for a scalable Smart City approach, identify preliminary opportunities for Markham Centre, and provide recommendations for short, medium, and long-term elements of implementation. Mr. Acharjee introduced Rick Huijbregts, Stantec, to deliver a presentation.
Rick Huijbregts, Global Lead, Smart Cities, Stantec, delivered a presentation.
The Committee provided the following feedback:
- Asked about the use of digital twins. Mr. Huijbregts advised that digital twins are an evolution of 3D modelling and GIS, and a way to use real-time data to enrich existing tools.
- Inquired about the possibility of establishing a data centre to investigate data collected through sensor driven operations. Mr. Huijbregts agreed that there may be partnerships available in this realm and noted the opportunity in the Secondary Plan to dictate a path forward.
- Expressed concerns related to the end-goal and how that could be achieved through partnerships. Mr. Huijbregts confirmed that a road map is in development to break down components, noting that the goal of the Secondary Plan is not to design a completed network but to develop recommendations on how to operationalize with policies and language consistent with the overall vision. Mr. Acharjee further explained that some next steps within the Smart City planning component may come through grants as it is a unique process, explaining that Staff will be looking to cities like Boston and Cleveland to see how Smart City elements have been realized.
- Asked when the Committee can expect further details. Trinela Cane, Commissioner, Corporate Services, advised that Staff will first undertake priority items within the City's purview and then establish priorities for earlier action. Commissioner Cane advised that Staff will look to underground infrastructure to lay the groundwork for future implementation.
- Asked about progress on an autonomous vehicle pilot. Commissioner Cane advised that the pilot would be conducted by the Region as it is difficult to conduct a pilot with vehicles crossing municipal borders. Director Clarizio further confirmed that Engineering Staff plan to report back in September in conjunction with Economic Development to introduce information related to a Micro-mobility Strategy.
Community Energy Plan:
Trinela Cane, Commissioner, Corporate Services, provided a brief introduction reminding Committee that the City has committed to net zero emissions by 2050 and have established a community energy plan. Commissioner Cane advised that the Community Energy Plan for Markham Centre will go hand in hand with the principles and strategies within the secondary plan. Commissioner Cane introduced Jennifer Wong to provide further remarks.
Jennifer Wong, Manager, Sustainability, provided brief introductory remarks and introduced Yuill Herbert to deliver a presentation.
Yuill Herbert, Director, Sustainability Solutions Group (SSG), delivered a presentation.
The Committee provided the following feedback:
- Questioned if solar on windows or geothermal considerations are being made through this process. Mr. Herbert confirmed that the City of Edmonton did this with a new convention centre and noted that these examples will be used to make requirements within the secondary plan.
- Asked if solar panels can be produced in Canada. Mr. Herbert commented that domestic production is feasible as the energy resulting from the panel recovers the manufacturing costs in one year.
- Asked if the existing sustainability metrics are sufficient considering the net zero by 2050 goal. Ms. Wong confirmed that this in an ongoing conversation with the Technical Advisory Committee which includes developers, representatives from the transportation sector, City staff and other stakeholders.