MARCH
22, 2011 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Council
Chamber
MINUTES
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE
Meeting No. 9
All
Members of Council
Development
Services Economic
Development
Chair: Regional Councillor Jim
Jones Chair: Councillor Carolina
Moretti
Vice-Chair: Councillor Don Hamilton Vice-Chair:
Councillor Alex Chiu
Transportation Issues
Chair: Regional Councillor Gord
Landon
Vice-Chair:
Councillor Alan Ho
PART A
Presentations, Major Studies, and Issues Agenda
9:00 a.m. – Council Chamber
Attendance
|
Councillor Alex Chiu
Regrets
|
Jim Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services
Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of
Community Services
Andy Taylor, Commissioner of
Corporate Services
Alan Brown, Director of Engineering
Catherine Conrad, Town Solicitor
George Duncan, Heritage Planner
Lilli Duoba, Project Coordinator
Regan Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage
Planning
Biju Karumanchery, Senior
Development Manager
Kitty Bavington, Council/Committee
Coordinator
|
The Development Services
Committee convened at the hour of 9:10 a.m. in the Council Chamber with Regional
Councillor Jim Jones in the Chair. Regional Councillor Gord Landon assumed the Chair for
Transportation item No. 5.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST – None Declared
1. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- March 1, 2011, Part A (10.0)
Minutes
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Don Hamilton
That the
minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting, Part A, held March 1, 2011,
be confirmed.
CARRIED
2. MEASURING
SUCCESS ON THE
OAK RIDGES MORAINE (10.0)
Presentation
Lilli Duoba, Project Coordinator gave a brief
introductory presentation to refresh the Committee members on the background of
the Oak Ridges Moraine.
Kim Gavine, Executive Director, Oak Ridges Moraine
Foundation gave a presentation entitled “Measuring Success on the Oak Ridges
Moraine”. Ms. Gavine started with a brief overview of the legislation,
successes to date, and key findings from the stakeholder survey.
A tremendous amount of effort has been expended by municipalities
and others to ensure their respective policies, procedural and regulatory
documents address the requirements of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan
(ORMCP). Funding priorities involve land securement, public education, and land
restoration.
Ms. Gavine described Foundation projects such as tree planting, wetland
creation, habitat management, research and education, securement and
stewardship, and improvements to the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail. There are still provincial
obligations to be met and work to be done. The Foundation is requesting the
Province continue supporting the programs, until the scheduled review of the ORMCP
in 2015, namely: policy and monitoring ($4 million); land restoration ($3
million); land securement ($2 million); and, education and outreach ($2
million).
The Committee noted the benefits from the Moraine such as fresh water
resources, and discussed the continued grandfathering of development that was approved
prior to enactment of the Oak Ridges Moraine Act. Staff advised that transition
development issues are being addressed, and further advised that the policy for
land severance in the Moraine is restrictive.
Moved by: Councillor Valerie Burke
Seconded by: Councillor Don Hamilton
That the presentation provided by Ms. Kim Gavine,
Executive Director, Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation regarding Measuring Success
on the Oak Ridges Moraine be received.
CARRIED
3. SOUTH
YONGE STREET CORRIDOR
STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN (10.0)
Presentation
Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services, introduced this matter
and provided a brief history of the project with respect to the past
initiatives of the municipalities involved. The study was initiated by the
Region at the request of Markham, Vaughan and Richmond Hill, to address a
common boundary.
Irene McNeil and Angela Gibson, Policy and Planning, Region of York,
and Bruce Cudmore, EDA Collaborative Inc. gave a presentation regarding the
South Yonge Street Corridor Streetscape Master Plan. The presenters outlined
the study area, key objectives, study components, and the collaborative
approach of the study.
Mr. Cudmore reviewed opportunities and challenges identified; the
Vision statement; the principles and objectives developed in stakeholder
workshops; and the draft Master Plan with preliminary concepts. The next steps
will involve preparation of detailed design guidelines and standards, and an
implementation strategy. A public information session is anticipated in the
fall of 2011 followed by a final presentation to Regional and Municipal
Councils.
The Committee expressed concern that despite numerous studies little
has occurred to date. Comments included the following:
-
on-street parking opportunities
were requested in heritage areas
-
incentives are needed to encourage
property owners to maintain their properties in view of the impending
redevelopment of the area
-
restaurants are finding it
difficult to get permission for outdoor seating
-
Yonge Street is an historically
significant street and should be identified as such in the presentation.
The Committee discussed the safety of cycle paths at length. Although
the Town has made its preference for separated cycle paths known, the majority
of Regional Council has not supported the separation of all cycle paths. With respect to the ability to provide
protected bicycle paths, it was acknowledged that some sections of the paths
contain obstacles
that cannot be overcome.
With respect to the role of Toronto, the Committee was advised that the
city has participated and is supportive of the proposal which includes the
integration of the south side of Steeles Avenue with the area to the north. Toronto has
acknowledged the subway extension; however, it may take ten years to be built.
In response to questions, the Committee was advised that funding for
construction will occur from capital dollars established at local and regional
levels.
Moved by: Councillor Valerie Burke
Seconded by: Councillor Don Hamilton
That the presentation provided by Ms. Irene McNeil, Ms. Angela Gibson,
Policy and Planning, Region of York and Mr. Bruce Cudmore, EDA Collaborative
Inc. regarding South Yonge Street Corridor Streetscape Master Plan be received;
and,
That the Region be advised that the
Town of Markham requests the South Yonge Street Corridor Streetscape Master
Plan incorporate on-street parking in heritage areas, and protected cycle paths
along the entire corridor, where possible.
CARRIED
4. BUTTONVILLE
HERITAGE CONSERVATION
DISTRICT PLAN 2011 (16.11)
Presentation
Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services, gave a brief
introduction. This has been a long-term project and is now moving forward for
public consultation.
George Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner gave a presentation regarding
the Buttonville Heritage Conservation District Plan 2011, explaining the
boundaries of the study area, the historic significance of the community, and
the definition of a Heritage Conservation District.
The draft Heritage Conservation District Plan prepared in 1988 had not
been implemented due to the widening of Woodbine Avenue. Council authorized an
updated study in 2004. An Advisory Committee was established, a consultant team
was hired, public consultation took place, and the district boundary was
approved by Council in 2006. It is centered on the original mill village and
adjoining valleylands, and includes 31 properties and 20 heritage buildings.
The draft plan was completed in the fall of 2010 after consultation with
Heritage Markham, the Buttonville Advisory Committee, and Town Departments.
The purpose of the designation is to guide change so that it
contributes to, and does not detract from, the district’s unique character, by preserving
and enhancing significant heritage buildings and natural features and the
valued aspects of the community’s character. Staff reviewed policies and sample
illustrations contained in the guidelines of the plan.
The next steps involve public consultation on the draft plan, and
revising the plan based on any public comments. Staff will be reporting to
Development Services to adopt the District Plan and complete the heritage
designation process for the new Buttonville Heritage Conservation District in
June, 2011.
The Committee noted appreciation for the inclusion of natural heritage
features and discussed the challenge of building height. Staff advised that
current policies and guidelines recognize height issues and have incorporated
strategies to deal with it.
It was noted that two houses are in close proximity to Woodbine Avenue.
Staff responded that the road is a little narrow in that section but it does
not create a bottleneck and if necessary at some time in the future, the
buildings could be moved back slightly. The Committee also discussed the cost
of heritage preservation, incentives and programs to assist heritage property
owners, and the challenges involved for Town-owned properties.
Discussions included the ownership and preservation of the valleylands
on the west side of Woodbine Avenue (Markham Golf Course) as a natural heritage
feature that includes the old Mill foundations. The Committee requested that
owner be invited to attend a Part A session to discuss incorporating the
Town-owned valleylands on the north side of 16th Avenue.
Moved by: Councillor Alan Ho
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
That the presentation provided by Mr. George Duncan, Senior Heritage
Planner regarding Buttonville Heritage Conservation District Plan 2011 be
received.
CARRIED
5. MARKHAM
TRANSPORTATION
STRATEGIC PLAN (MSTP) (5.0)
Presentation
Alan Brown, Director of Engineering introduced this item and advised
that the purpose today is to provide an update to the Committee and to seek
feedback. A further presentation regarding road improvements will be made, and
a parking workshop will be held, in April, 2011. The Committee requested that a
presentation scheduled for April 5, 2011 be rescheduled to accommodate the
absence of some members.
Mr. Brian Hollingworth, Director, IBI Group gave a presentation
regarding the Markham Transportation Strategic Plan (MSTP). Markham is
anticipating significant growth and a need for transportation improvements.
Daily auto trips are projected to increase by 60% compared to today, and
transit trips will triple by 2031 if existing trends continue.
Mr. Hollingworth described the evolution of the MTSP with respect to
various Planning initiatives such as Places to Grow, Markham Growth Management
Strategy (GMS), and Markham Official Plan. The presentation included the MTSP
process and timelines, a recap of interim findings, an overview of the Draft
MTSP, future strategic policy directions, strategic plan elements, area
specific plans, and implementation.
The next steps will be to revise recommendations based on
Transportation Committee feedback and to hold a third Steering Committee
meeting to review key issues. The draft MTSP will be presented to Development
Services Committee in April /May 2011 and a final report will be presented to
Council. The recommendations will then be incorporated into the new Official Plan.
Concern was expressed for managing traffic around schools. Town staff
have established a program reaching out to the public in this regard, and the
Committee was requested to advise staff of any particular schools of concern.
Discussions included accommodations for disabled persons and it was
noted that the Markham Accessibility Advisory Committee would be willing to get
involved.
Other suggestions and comments from the Committee were:
-
Smart shuttle and reduced fares
were supported
-
The Greenprint plan should be the
base plan, not just a component
-
Individual household plans seem
impractical (slide 20)
-
A second Viva line through
Unionville would balance the proposed detour south of Highway 7 through Markham
Centre
-
Regional roads should not be
widened beyond four lanes to minimize pedestrian risk and increased storm water
runoff
-
Flyovers were suggested for busy
intersections with higher accident levels
-
Pedestrian-friendly building
entrances facing roadways would encourage transit users
-
Parking fees may have to be
increased to offset transit fare decreases
-
Some intersections should restrict
truck-turning
-
Traffic cameras could be used to
gather data for broadcasting traffic conditions to multi-media devises/websites
-
The use of red light cameras was
encouraged
-
The free use
of Hwy 407 as an emergency route for Hwy 7
The Committee discussed safe cycle paths at length, suggesting that
cycle paths should only be located on major arterial roads if they can be
protected. Although the Town has made its preference for separated cycle paths
known, the majority of Regional Council has not supported the separation of all
cycle paths. It was acknowledged that there are some sections of the paths with
obstacles that cannot be overcome; however, the Region can be requested to
accommodate Markham where it is possible, and new developments should include
consideration of bike paths. Regional Councillors agreed to reiterate Markham’s
concerns to the Regional Transportation Committee.
Moved by: Councillor Carolina Moretti
Seconded by: Regional Councillor Jim Jones
That the presentation provided by Mr. Brian Hollingworth, Director, IBI
Group regarding Markham Transportation Strategic Plan (MSTP) be received.
CARRIED
6. REQUEST FOR DEMOLITION OF DWELLINGS
9100 WOODBINE AVENUE AND 9084
WOODBINE AVENUE
(FILES 11 111533 AND 11
111534) (10.13, 16.11)
Report Attachment
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Carolina Moretti
1) That the staff report titled “Request for Demolition of
Dwellings, 9100 Woodbine Avenue and 9084 Woodbine Avenue, ” dated March 22,
2011, be received; and,
2) That Council has no objection to the demolition of the
identified dwellings at 9100 and 9084 Woodbine Avenue; and,
3) That in future, demolition permits for non-designated
properties listed on the Markham Register of Property of Cultural Heritage
Value or Interest that have been reviewed by Heritage Markham and Heritage
Section staff, and have been determined by both not to be of cultural heritage
significance will not require Council review and approval, and the Chief
Building Official is delegated authority to issue such permits; and,
4) That this resolution be sent to the Council meeting of March
22, 2011; and further,
5) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
7. REQUEST
FOR DEMOLITION
OF DWELLING (11-111855 DP)
7218 REESOR ROAD, ROUGE PARK
THE DAVID WHALEY HOUSE
(TANGLEWOOD)
TORONTO AND REGION
CONSERVATION AUTHORITY (10.13, 16.11)
Report Attachment
Staff explained the deteriorated condition of the isolated building,
the many alterations that have occurred to the building stock over the years,
the lack of access due to the condition of the bridge and that any monies would
be better spend by the TRCA on maintaining and restoring other heritage
buildings in Rouge Park. The Committee expressed regret that this building
cannot be preserved, and requested that this item be deferred to the next
Development Services Committee meeting to allow the Deputy Mayor to speak to
the TRCA about options. Staff was asked to contact the TRCA regarding
attending the next meeting.
Moved by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
Seconded by: Councillor Valerie Burke
That the Request for Demolition of Dwelling, 7218
Reesor Road, be deferred to the Development Services Committee meeting on March
29, 2011.
CARRIED
8. IN-CAMERA MATTER (10.12, 8.7)
Moved by: Councillor Carolina Moretti
Seconded by: Councillor Valerie Burke
That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) (e & c)
of the Municipal Act, Development Services
Committee resolve into an in-camera session to discuss the following
confidential matter:
1) Litigation or potential litigation -
Consent and Minor Variance Appeals - 8 Grandview Boulevard
2) Acquisition/disposition of land - Parkland Contribution
Settlement - 58 Main Street Markham
CARRIED
Moved by: Councillor Carolina Moretti
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
That the
Committee rise from the in-camera session (12:50 PM).
CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
9. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS (16.24)
The Committee enquired about the timing for Councillor
appointments to advisory committees and was advised that the appointments
should occur shortly.
ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services
Committee meeting adjourned at 12:50 PM.
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