MINUTES

APRIL 14, 2009 - 9:00 a.m.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

All Members of Council

Development Services                                                                 Economic Development

Chair:              Councillor J. Webster                                                                             Chair:              Regional Councillor T. Wong

Vice-Chair:      Councillor D. Horchik                                                                            Transportation Issues

                                                                                                                                        Chair:          Regional Councillor G. Landon

 

 

PART A

Presentations, Major Studies, and Issues Agenda

9:00 a.m. – Canada Room

 

 

Attendance

Mayor F. Scarpitti Deputy Mayor J. Heath Regional Councillor J. Jones Regional Councillor G. Landon Councillor V. Burke Councillor C. Moretti Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik Councillor L. Kanapathi Councillor A. Chiu   Regrets Regional Councillor T. Wong Councillor E. Shapero Councillor J. Virgilio

J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services A. Brown, Director of Engineering S. Chait, Director, Economic Development C. Conrad, Town Solicitor B. Karumanchery, Senior Development Manager V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design A. Tari, Committee Clerk

 

The Development Services Committee convened at 9:00 AM in the Canada Room with Councillor J. Webster in the Chair.  Regional Councillor G. Landon assumed the Chair for Transportation item, No.4.

 

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

 

None disclosed.

 

 

1.         DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- March 31, 2009, Part A (10.0)

            Minutes 

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

 

That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting, Part A, held March 31, 2009, be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

2.         IN CAMERA ITEM (8.0)

 

Moved by Councillor C. Moretti

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

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

(10:54 AM):

 

(1)        Solicitor - Client Privilege - Appeal Vaughan OPA 669, 7584-7616 Yonge Street,

14 Arnold Avenue, Vaughan

CARRIED

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

 

That the Committee rise from the in-camera session (11:18 AM)

CARRIED

 

 

3.         MARKHAM BUILT FORM
            MASSING AND HEIGHT STUDY (10.0)

            Presentation 

 

Mr. Mark Sterling, Sterling & Company delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding Markham’s built form, massing and height study. 

 

The Committee inquired if Highway 48 was included as part of this study.  Staff advised that there will be guidelines and principles outlined for all major corridors within Markham and Highway 48 is a major corridor.  The Committee discussed the need for design variety and was advised that this might be achieved through measure such as employing multiple architects or the establishment of a “design review panel”.  The Committee also discussed the need for planned public realm (Libraries, community facilities etc.) integrated within high density projects throughout Markham.

 

The Committee suggested incorporating a unique architectural feature on buildings that will identify the buildings as “Markham” buildings.

 

Moved by Councillor V. Burke

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

That the presentation provided Mr. Mark Sterling, Sterling & Company regarding Markham Built Form, Massing and Height Study, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

4.         REGIONAL ROAD ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS (5.7)

 

Mr. Alan Brown, Director of Engineering, reminded the Committee that in January 2008 the Town of Markham Council passed a resolution requesting that the Region of York pause the Environmental Assessments (EA) that were underway for 5 roads within Markham. 

 

Mr. Steve Collins, Manager, Engineering Capital Delivery, Regional Municipality of York delivered a PowerPoint presentation outlining the background, study, consultation program and schedule for the Regional Road EA’s that have been paused.  He confirmed that the EA’s for McCowan Road (Steeles Avenue to 16^th Avenue); Kennedy Road (Steeles Avenue to 16^th Avenue); Leslie Street (Steeles Avenue to Major Mackenzie Drive); Bayview Avenue (John Street to Major Mackenzie Drive) and 16^th Avenue (Yonge Street to York/Durham Line) are currently on hold. 

 

There was discussion regarding the Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group – FASTC and that there needs to be a balanced representation that includes residents in support and in opposition to the Regional Road EA’s.  The Committee discussed the importance of having representatives from Markham Council on the Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group – FASTC.  The Committee requested that that the following be appointed members of FASTC:

• Regional Councillor Gord Landon
• Regional Councillor Jim Jones
• Representative from the Bayview Glen Residents Association
• Representative from the Ward One South Thornhill Resident’s Inc.

 

Mr. Collins advised the Committee that the “corresponding” members include all Ratepayer Association representatives and they will receive all materials at the same time that the “attendee” members of FASTC receive them.  He also advised that the Neighbourhood Sessions would involve the Local Ward Council. 

 

Ms. Marion Matthias, 33 Colbourne Street, addressed the Committee regarding the Regional Road EA’s that have been put on hold.  She is in support of the study.  Ms. Matthias wanted confirmation that there will not be an EA for the south section of Bayview Avenue (Highway 7 to Steeles Avenue).

 

Mr. Brown advised the Committee that Markham’s staff will work with Regional staff to finalize the attendee list for FASTC and e-mail it to the Members of Council.  He also advised that Leslie Street transit EA will start up shortly.

 

Moved by Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

 

That the presentation provided by Mr. Steve Collins, Manager, Engineering Capital Delivery, Regional Municipality of York regarding Regional Road Environmental Assessment, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

5.         UPDATE TO POLICY ESTABLISHING
            TELECOMMUNICATIO TOWER/ANTENNA
            FACILITIES (10.0)

            Presentation  Policy June 2002  Policy April 2009

 

Mr. Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services, advised the Committee that staff will be following up with a written report at a future Development Services Committee meeting.

 

Mr. Jamie Bosomworth, Manager, Strategy and Innovation, delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the update to policy establishing telecommunication tower/antenna facilities within Markham.

 

In response to a question Mr. Bosomworth advised that the current protocol for notices within the rural areas is 250 metres from the tower base and that staff are not proposing to have that changed.  There was discussion regarding more public consultation for proposed tower/antenna facilities and concern for public health in relation to these facilities.  Staff advised that the Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) is governed by Health Canada.

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon

 

That the presentation provided by Mr. Jamie Bosomworth, Manager, Strategy and Innovation regarding the Update to Policy Establishing Telecommunication Tower/Antenna Facilities, be received.

CARRIED

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

There was no new business.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at 11:57 AM.