ENVIRONMENT & TRANSPORTATION
COMMITTEE
2001-06-18
Meeting No. 6
Attendance
|
|
A. Wolfe,
Commissioner of Community Services
A. Brown,
Director of Engineering
S. Bertoia,
Director, Environmental Services
P. Loukes,
Director of Street Services
C. Bartlett,
Manager, Waste Management
P. Ingham,
Manager of Roads Operations and
Infrastructure
A.
Mukherjee, Manager, Transportation
J. Kee,
Committee Clerk
|
The
Environment & Transportation Committee convened at the hour of 1:00 p.m.
with Councillor J. Virgilio in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE
OF INTEREST
REQUESTS
FOR IDENTIFICATION OF DEPUTATIONS
REGARDING
MATTERS ON THIS AGENDA
That
the following recommendations be referred to Council for approval.
1. REQUEST
FOR REMOVAL OF BOULEVARD TREES
MR. VITO BIGIONI, 19 GRANDVIEW
BOULEVARD
MARKHAM (5.0 & 6.3)
Mr. Vito
Bigioni, 19 Grandview Boulevard, was in attendance to speak to Committee
regarding his request to remove four boulevard trees, which are on Town
property. He presented a petition
signed by surrounding residents indicating that they are not in opposition to
the removal of the four pine trees.
RECOMMENDATION:
That it be
recommended to Council that permission be granted to Mr. Vito Bigioni, 19
Grandview Boulevard, Markham, to remove four coniferous trees on the Town's
boulevard property, but not until such time as the building permit is issued by
the Town for the construction of the new home which is to be built by the
current owner on such property;
And that the
four (4) coniferous trees be replaced by Mr. Bigioni with four deciduous street
tree variety trees, which are to be a minimum of three (3) inches in diameter;
And further
that staff be requested to consider the planting of native trees, if at all
possible.
CARRIED
2. REGION
OF YORK ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
WARDEN AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS -
STEELES
AVENUE TO MAJOR MACKENZIE
DRIVE (5.10 & 13.4)
Members
agreed that the first phase of the project to widen Warden Avenue should
include the area from Steeles Avenue up to Apple Creek Boulevard in the year
2002.
RECOMMENDATION
That it be recommended to Council that the
Region of York’s Environmental Assessment for the Warden Avenue Improvements
from Steeles Avenue to Major MacKenzie Drive be endorsed, subject to the following
conditions:
South
Section - Steeles Avenue to Apple Creek Boulevard
·
The feasibility of
reducing the number of proposed through traffic lanes in the section of Warden
Avenue between Steeles Avenue and Denison Street be reviewed in consultation
with the Town during the detailed design phase of the project
·
the Region of York be
requested to fund the construction of raised, landscaped center medians
throughout the project where feasible and that the location and extent of these
medians be determined in consultation with the Town during the detailed design
phase of the project
·
the installation of
gateway features and the enhanced landscaping of boulevards be incorporated
into the design of the project and that further consultation with the Town’s
Urban Design Group regarding streetscape design be carried out during the
detailed design of the project
·
the feasibility of
providing pedestrian cross-overs with median refuge islands be reviewed in
consultation with the Town during the detailed design phase of the project.
·
the impact of the
proposed construction on the Rouge River, including opportunities for
continuous pedestrian pathway systems be reviewed in greater detail and that
measures to minimize these impacts be incorporated into the detailed designs
for the project
·
the detailed design for
the project incorporate continuous sidewalks on both sides of the road and
enhanced illumination to the satisfaction of the Town.
·
final design drawings
and specifications be submitted to the Town for review prior to the tender of
the project including engineering design drawings, traffic management plans to
deal with the impacts of construction traffic and construction detours, tree
preservation plans to address tree removals and protection, stormwater
management plans to address stormwater quality and quantity controls and
erosion and sediment control plans
·
the Region conduct
public meetings prior to the start of construction to provide residents and
adjacent businesses with details of the proposed construction activities,
project schedule and mitigating measures to be implemented.
·
all construction
activities comply with all relevant Town by-laws, including hours of operation
unless otherwise approved by Markham Council
North Section – 16th Avenue to Major MacKenzie Drive
·
The need and
justification for the construction of a continuous center left turn lane
between Glenbourne Park Drive and Major MacKenzie Drive be reviewed in
consultation with the Town during the detailed design phase of the project and
that this review include a detailed risk assessment
·
the impact of the
proposed construction on the Warden Hemlock Woods, Berczy Creek and Carlton
Creek be reviewed in greater detail and that measures to minimize these impacts
be incorporated into the detailed designs for the project, including
opportunities for continuous pedestrian pathway systems.
·
the Region of York be
requested to fund the construction of raised, landscaped center medians
throughout the project where feasible and that the location and extent of these
medians be determined in consultation with the Town during the detailed design
phase of the project
·
the installation of
gateway features and the enhanced landscaping of boulevards be incorporated
into the design of the project and that further consultation with the Town’s
Urban Design Group regarding streetscape design be carried out during the
detailed design of the project
·
the detailed design for
the project provide for the future installation of a continuous sidewalk on the east side of the road from 16th
Avenue to Major MacKenzie Drive and on the west side of the road from 16th
Avenue to Calvert Road and from Cachet Parkway to Major MacKenzie Drive only.
·
final design drawings
and specifications be submitted to the Town for review prior to the tender of
the project including engineering design drawings, traffic management plans to
deal with the impacts of construction traffic and construction detours, tree
preservation plans to address tree removals and protection, stormwater
management plans to address stormwater quality and quantity controls and
erosion and sediment control plans
·
the Region conduct
public meetings prior to the start of construction to provide residents with
details of the proposed construction activities, project schedule and mitigating
measures to be implemented.
·
all construction
activities must comply with all relevant Town by-laws, including hours of
operation unless otherwise approved by Markham Council
And
that the first phase of the project to widen Warden Avenue should
include the area from Steeles Avenue up to Apple Creek Boulevard in the year
2002;
And further that Kees Schipper,
Commissioner of Transportation and Works for the Region of York be advised
accordingly.
CARRIED
3. LUNAR
CRESCENT CLOSURE (5.17)
Committee
requested that a temporary "break-away" barrier be installed, in the
interim, for ease of access by emergency service vehicles.
RECOMMENDATION:
That it be recommended to Council that Lunar
Crescent be closed north of Highway 7;
And that the Clerk’s Department be authorized
to initiate the administrative process to stop up and close Lunar Crescent
north of Highway 7;
And that the Engineering Department in consultation with the Roads
Department initiate a temporary closure of Lunar Crescent;
And that the timing of the permanent closure of Lunar Crescent be
finalized in consultation with the Director of Engineering, Director of Street
Services, the local ward Councillor and availability of funds from adjacent
developers;
And further that the Region of York be
requested to install a no U-turn restriction for eastbound motorists at the
Montgomery Court/Highway 7 intersection;
CARRIED
4. OLD
KENNEDY ROAD PARKING RESTRICTIONS (5.12.4)
A report
reviewing the impact of parking on Old Kennedy Road in the vicinity of
Aldergrove Drive was considered.
Councillor
Alex Chiu requested that parking not be allowed at any time on the east side of
Old Kennedy Road near Aldergrove Drive.
RECOMMENDATION:
That a by-law
be enacted to prohibit parking on the east side of Old Kennedy Road, between
Steeles Avenue and Denison Street;
And further
that York Regional Police and the Parking Control Division of the By-law
Enforcement and Licensing Department be requested to enforce the parking
restriction upon installation of the signs.
CARRIED
5. GO TRANSIT PARKING AT
CENTENNIAL COMMUNITY CENTRE (5.14.2 & 5.12.4 & 6.6)
RECOMMENDATION:
That it be
recommended to Council that the Town of Markham approve GO Transit commuter
parking at the Centennial Community Centre subject to the following:
1. That Phase 1 shall be for the use of approximately 267 parking
spaces for GO Transit use as shown on Schedule “A”, Phase 1 Option B and to
include a new access from Bullock Drive, pedestrian access from McCowan Road
and the construction of 23 additional parking spaces at the south-west portion
of the Community Centre for Town use.
2. That all Phase 1 costs be paid by GO Transit.
3. That GO Transit enter into an agreement for the Phase 1 plan with
the Town to include the following items to the satisfaction of the Chief
Administrative Officer and Town Solicitor:
a)
Term – up to 5 years
b)
Construction costs – all
costs to be borne by GO Transit
c)
Lease cost – no lease
cost
d)
Compliance – GO Transit
to assist in providing monitoring and enforcement of parking
e)
Fire access – to be
maintained
f)
Hours of operation of GO
Transit parking – Monday to Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. All other times, spaces will revert to Town
use
g)
Park storage building –
GO Transit be permitted to place addition to building for their electrical
control
h) Parking
fees – GO Transit will not charge parking fee
i) Tree removals – GO Transit to obtain
Town approval for any tree removal and be required to relocate or replace any
tree removed
j) Construction schedule to be submitted
to Town
k) Insurance – Town to be indemnified
against all claims
4. That
GO Transit further develop the feasibility study for the expansion of the
parking lot as shown on Schedule “C” – Phase 2 to create approximately 653
parking spaces, including a new access to be provided from McCowan Road. This shall include a traffic study to
address any impacts on Bullock Drive and McCowan Road
5.
That GO Transit be
required to hold a public meeting to present the GO Transit proposed parking
options and phases on July 4, 2001
6.
That the Chief
Administrative Officer be authorized to negotiate the terms of agreement for
the Phase 1 plan.
7. That
a further report be submitted on the Phase 2 plan for Council’s consideration.
CARRIED
Due to time
restrictions, it was agreed that the Public Information Meeting could not be
held prior to June 30, and the date of Wednesday, July 4, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. was
confirmed. Staff was requested to
confirm location, place advertisements in the local newspaper, place notices at
Centennial Community Centre, and to notify surrounding residents and businesses
individually by flyer.
6. UPDATE
ON THE REGION OF YORK'S LONG-TERM
WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
(5.1)
RECOMMENDATION:
That it
be recommended to Council that Council authorize Waste Management staff to
continue working with the Region of York to further evaluate the collection
costs and the total system cost implications of implementing the recently
approved 3-stream waste management collection and processing system;
And
that Council provide written notice to the Region of York indicating the Town's
opposition to any request for the Town to partially fund the capital costs of
the proposed 3-stream processing and transfer facilities;
And
further that Council authorize Waste Management staff to fully participate with
the Region of York to develop an effective and consistent promotion and
education program to ensure a successful implementation of the 3-stream waste
management system.
CARRIED
7. "MARKHAM'S
ON A ROLL" PILOT PROJECT UPDATE (5.1)
RECOMMENDATION:
That it
be recommended to Council that the "Markham's On a Roll" pilot
project be extended for a further six months at an estimated total cost of
$133,000 subject to a resident survey supporting the extension;
And
that Council approve using the $100,000 grant,
recently awarded from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM),
Green Municipal Enabling Fund (GMEF), for the six month extension of the pilot
project;
And
that the Region of York be requested to endorse the six-month extension of the
pilot and co-funding in the amount of $16,500;
And
further that the Town's portion of $16,500 be funded from the CSR Partnership
funding and other partnership funding opportunities.
CARRIED
8. 2000
WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM YEAR END REVIEW (5.1)
RECOMMENDATION:
That it
be recommended to Council that Council reaffirm its commitment to the Three-Bag
Limit and the continuing efforts to promote this program through a
comprehensive public education and communication program;
And
that the residents of Markham be notified in our annual Waste Management
Communication Package of the waste reduction and diversion achievements that
were realized in 2000 due to their participation in this program.
CARRIED
9. RESPONSE TO TORONTO ENVIRONMENTAL
ALLIANCE REGARDING THEIR PROMOTION OF
"BRING BACK THE BOTTLE" (5.1)
RECOMMENDATION:
That it
be recommended to Council that Council authorize Waste Management staff to
prepare a response to the letter dated April 6, 2001, received from Lois
Corbett, Executive Director of the Toronto Environmental Alliance, requesting
municipal support for a "Bring Back the Bottle" campaign for a
deposit return to retail for LCBO containers;
And
that the response to the Toronto Environmental Alliance outlines the Town of
Markham's support for the following:
1. Having
the Minister of the Environment act immediately on the announcement to bring
forward legislation prior to the summer recess of the Legislature to
permanently create the Waste Diversion Organization of Ontario
2. Implementing
the recommendations from the Waste Diversion Organization (WDO) so that
Ontario's municipalities obtain industry funding for 50% of municipally
operated recycling and special waste programs
3. The
governance of the Waste Diversion Organization of Ontario to be equally
balanced between municipal and industry representatives;
And
that copies of the Town's support for this resolution be forwarded to: the
Premier of Ontario, the Minister of the Environment, the Association of
Municipalities of Ontario, and Corporations Supporting Recycling;
And
further that Committee and Council reconsider support for an industry wide
return for deposit system if the recommendation for the creation and governance
of a permanent Waste Diversion Organization fail to be legislated in 2001.
CARRIED
10. RESOLUTION FROM MARKHAM CONSERVATION
COMMITTEE MEETING OF MAY 24, 2001
RE: WASTE MANAGEMENT (16.28 & 5.1)
RECOMMENDATION:
It be
recommended to Council that the following resolution of the Markham
Conservation Committee, passed at its meeting of May 24, 2001, be endorsed:
"Whereas the Town of Markham has not
been able to achieve its goal of 70% waste diversion; and
Whereas it is necessary to adhere to the
hierarchy of goals of which Reduce being the foremost goal, Reuse being second in the goal hierarchy, Recycle being the third goal; and
Whereas Markham still lacks a fully effective
and fully inclusive waste diversion program for its residents, including,
especially apartments and condominiums, and small businesses; and
Whereas the goal of effective waste
management will only be achieved through the use of dedication, education,
imagination and co-operation of staff, residents, contractors and businesses:
Now therefore the Markham Conservation
Committee recommends to the Council of the Town of Markham that:
·
The mandate of the
Markham Conservation Committee be revised to provide input into the Town's
Waste Management Policy;
·
The Markham Conservation
Committee meet with Waste Management Staff on a quarterly basis, or as
required, to discuss Waste Management Policy;
·
Staff continue to find
creative ways to ensure compliance of the three bag limit;
·
The Waste Management
staff continue to communicate and educate residents to reinforce and promote
adherence to the 3Rs goals hierarchy;
The Recycling Depots be acknowledged as the
ongoing point of contact between Waste Management and its customers and that
the staff of these depots be encouraged, empowered and instructed in
appropriate methods to transmit information, public education and supportive
philosophy to achieve the goals hierarchy."
CARRIED
11. REQUEST
FOR TRAFFIC SIGNALS AT VERCLAIRE GATE
AND HIGHWAY #7 (5.12.1)
RECOMMENDATION:
Whereas
several requests have been received to install traffic lights at the Verclaire
Gate/Highway 7 intersection; and
Whereas
there are concerns regarding safety of motorists at this intersection; and
Whereas
increasing congestion on Highway 7 results in long delays for motorists to exit
from Verclaire Gate onto Highway7;
Therefore,
be it resolved that the Town of Markham requests the Region of York to install
traffic signals at the Verclaire Gate/Highway 7 intersection at their earliest
opportunity.
CARRIED
________________________________________
12. CRITERIA FOR BOULEVARD TREE
REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT (16.0)
RECOMMENDATION:
That Community
Services Commission staff be requested to develop criteria regarding the
removal of boulevard trees.
CARRIED
13. INTRODUCTION TO SPECIAL ENVIRONMENT
& TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING
JUNE 26, 2001 (16.0)
Alan Brown,
Director of Engineering, presented a brief overview of the transportation
strategy that will be presented to Committee at its meeting to be held on June
26, 2001. Members requested that copies
of the presentation be made available in advance of the meeting.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the brief
overview made by the Director of Engineering with respect to the transportation
strategy to be presented to the Environment & Transportation Committee
meeting to be held on June 26, 2001, be received.
CARRIED
14. 2001
CAPITAL PROJECTS (5.10 & 7.5)
Copies of the
document entitled "2001 Capital Projects Reference Guide" were
distributed. Alan Brown, Director of
Engineering, and Peter Loukes, Director of Street Services, were in attendance
and advised that the document is a summary of all public works projects, (Town,
Region and Province), to be undertaken within the Town during 2001, and it was
hoped that Councillors and their assistants would find it a useful tool.
RECOMMENDATION
That the
document entitled: "2001 Capital Projects Reference Guide" be
received;
And that
Development Services Commission staff and Community Services staff be
congratulated for their work.
CARRIED
15. ANGUS
GLEN GOLF TOURNAMENT
ROAD CLOSURES - (5.17 & 12.2.6)
Mr.
Alan Wolfe, Commissioner of Community Services, and Mr. Nick Poulos, Poulos and
Chung, Consultants, were in attendance and advised that discussions are taking
place with staff of the Region of York and representatives of Angus Glen Golf
Club regarding the establishment of a traffic control plan that may include
traffic restrictions and road closures within the next two years.
Members
were advised that no parking problems are anticipated with the tournaments
during 2001, but it is expected that certain parking restrictions and special
signage will be required for the events to be held in the year 2002.
It was
suggested that staff prepare a draft by-law that would include no parking in
local residential streets and prohibit road parking lots on farm
properties. It was also suggested that
the feasibility of temporary parking passes for residents in the area be
considered.
RECOMMENDATION:
That
staff be authorized to prepare a draft by-law with respect to parking
restrictions, relating to the golf tournaments scheduled for 2002 to be held at
Angus Glen Golf Club, in the area described as: north of 16th Avenue; east of
Warden Avenue, and west of Kennedy Road.
CARRIED
16. PAVEMENT
MANAGEMENT AND REHABILITATION (5.10)
RECOMMENDATION:
That the matter relating to
pavement management and rehabilitation be deferred to the fall of 2001.
CARRIED
17. PROGRESS
OF 3-HOUR LIMIT PARKING SIGNS (5.12.4)
Mr.
Peter Loukes, Director of Street Services, updated Committee with respect to
action being taken by staff to resolve the concern of Councillor Chiu that
signage had not been amended to concur with amendments to the parking by-law
relating to three-hour parking restrictions.
Implementation has now been completed.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the information presented
by the Director of Street Services with respect to the progress of 3-hour limit
parking signs, be received.
CARRIED
18. MINUTES
- MARKHAM CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
MARCH 22, 2001 AND APRIL 19,
2001 (16.28)
RECOMMENDATION:
That the
minutes of the Markham Conservation Committee meetings held on March 22 and
April 19, 2001
be received.
CARRIED
19. RECYCLING
IN PUBLIC PLACES (5.2)
Mr.
Stan Bertoia, Director of Environmental Services, distributed copies of a
memorandum updating Members on the status of the "Recycling in Public
Places Pilot". A further report
will be presented in the fall of 2001.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the
report presented by the Director of Environmental Services, with respect to the
recycling in public places pilot project, be received.
CARRIED
20. 2000
RECYCLING COUNCIL OF ONTARIO WASTE
MINIMIZATION SILVER AWARD
(5.1)
That it
be recommended to Council that Council recognize the Waste Management staff for
their efforts that resulted in the Town receiving the 2000 Recycling Council of
Ontario Waste Minimization Silver Award;
And
that staff be invited to attend a future meeting of Council for such
recognition and congratulations.
CARRIED
21. LISA
ZIONS, 251 CHURCH STREET - UPDATE
ON REQUEST TO REMOVE TREES
(5.0 & 6.3)
Regional
Councillor Gordon Landon reported that Councillor Jack Heath and staff have met
with Mr. & Mrs. Zions, 251 Church Street, with respect to their request to
remove trees from the boulevard in front of their property, and a solution has
been reached.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the
verbal report of Regional Councillor Gordon Landon with respect to the request
for removal of trees from the boulevard at 251 Church Street, be received.
CARRIED
22. LIGHT POLLUTION (5.7)
Councillor
Stan Daurio commented on correspondence received from staff at York University
with respect to their concerns with light pollution.
Staff
was requested to make reference to a staff report on light pollution considered
by Council in 1998 by the Town Clerk.
RECOMMENDATION:
That
Community Services Commission staff be requested to review the correspondence
dated May 18, 2001 from York University staff P. A. Delaney and J. G.
Laframboise with respect to light pollution concerns;
And
also that a review be made of the Light Pollution By-law of the Town of
Richmond Hill;
And
that consideration be given to lighting in new subdivisions, refitting of
existing lighting in residential areas, plazas and tennis courts;
And
further that following such review, a report be presented to the Environment
& Transportation Committee in the fall of 2001.
CARRIED
23. TRAFFIC
STUDY - E. T. CROWLE PUBLIC SCHOOL
(5.12)
RECOMMENDATION:
That
correspondence dated June 12, 2001 from the Co-Chair of the E. T. Crowle Public
School Council, with respect to the results of a survey conducted regarding
traffic and safety issues around E. T. Crowle Public School, be referred to
staff for review and report to the Environment & Transportation Committee.
CARRIED
24. TORONTO
SMOG SUMMIT - JUNE 11-21, 2001 (5.7)
Members
were advised that the Toronto Smog Summit is taking place in the City of Toronto
from June 11 to 21, and Councillor Erin Shapero had attended, on behalf of the
Town of Markham on June 11th, at which time Toronto 2001 Inter-Governmental
Declaration on Clean Air had been signed.
It was
requested that Mr. Bob Nicholson, Manager of Capital Assets, prepare an
information report for a future meeting of the Environment & Transportation
Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
The Environment and Transportation Committee
meeting adjourned at the hour of 2:35 p.m.