Development Services Committee Meeting Minutes

Meeting Number: 7

Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 9:30 A.m. - 3:00 P.m.

Live streamed

Roll Call

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

Staff

• Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer
• Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services
• Trinela Cane, Commissioner, Corporate Services
• Morgan Jones, Commissioner, Community Services
• Claudia Storto, City Solicitor and Director of Human Resources
• Bryan Frois, Manager of Executive Operations & Strategic Initiatives
• Darryl Lyons, Deputy Director, Planning & Urban Design
• Frank Clarizio, Director, Engineering
• Stephanie DiPerna, Director, Building Standards
• Chris Rickett, Director, Economic Development, Culture and Entrepreneurship
• Stephen Lue, Senior Manager, Development
• Regan Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage
• Loy Cheah, Senior Manager, Transportation
• Brashanthe Manoharan, Planner II, East District
• Erica Alligood, Election / Committee Coordinator
• Rajeeth Arulanantham, Assistant to Council / Committee
• Evan Manning, Senior Planner, Heritage

​Alternate formats for this document are available upon request

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

The Development Services Committee was called to order at 9:34 AM with Regional Councillor Jim Jones in the Chair.

Councillor Amanda Collucci arrived at 9:53 AM.

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

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - FEBRUARY 20, 2024 (10.0)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Joe Li
  Seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes
  1. That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting held on February 20, 2024, be confirmed.
  Carried

4.

DEPUTATIONS

Brian Rowsell, Paul Ciccini, and Heather Cook delivered deputations on Item 10.1 as detailed with the particular item. 

5.

COMMUNICATIONS

5.1

COMMUNICATION - RECOMMENDATION REPORT, ULTRASTOR INC. AT 7528, 7530, AND 7550 WOODBINE AVENUE, ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATION TO PERMIT THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMERCIAL SELF-STORAGE FACILITY AT

THE NORTH END OF 7528, 7530, AND 7550 WOODBINE AVENUE (WARD 8) FILE PLAN 23 117840 (10.5)

Note: Please refer to item 8.3 for staff report.

• Moved by Councillor Isa Lee
  Seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci
  1. That the communications submitted by Warren Gonsalves providing comments regarding the above subject matter be received.
  Carried

6.

PETITIONS

There were no petitions.

7.

CONSENT REPORTS - DEVELOPMENT AND POLICY MATTERS

7.1

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES – FEBRUARY 13, 2024 (10.0)

• Moved by Councillor Juanita Nathan
  Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea
  1. That the minutes of the Development Services Public Meeting held February 13, 2024, be confirmed.
  Carried

7.2

2023 BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY REPORT (10.13)

The Committee sought clarification on the financial considerations section of the report, asking if the money referenced was the funding recently received by the City. Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services, clarified that the fund referenced in the report, the Building Faster Fund, is money received from the Province to assist in achieving housing targets. 

The Committee asked for data related to illegal basement suites and commented that an incentivized program to legalize existing basement suites could be considered as there are typically costs associated with registering secondary suites. Stephanie DiPerna, Chief Building Official, advised that there is not fulsome data on illegal basement suites as they are unregistered and any record of these suites are complaint driven. Ms. DiPerna noted that variances are not required for the legalization of basement suites but confirmed that other conditions must be met.

• Moved by Councillor Karen Rea
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
  1. That the report dated March 26, 2024 entitled "2023 Building Permit Activity” be received; and further,
  2. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution. 
  Carried

7.3

RECOMMENDATION REPORT - DESIGNATION OF PRIORITY PROPERTIES - PHASE VIII (16.11.3)

Note: Report was revised to remove 9418 Kennedy Road as part of this phase.

• Moved by Councillor Juanita Nathan
  Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea
  1. That the Staff report, dated March 26, 2024, titled, "RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Designation of Priority Properties – Phase VIII”, be received; and,
  2. That the June 14, 2023, recommendation from the Heritage Markham Committee, in support of the designation of the following properties under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act (in accordance with Appendix ‘B’), be received as information:
     • 10982 Highway 48 (Ward 6): “Joseph and Frances Hoover House”; and,
     • 11287 McCowan Road (Ward 6): “Abraham and Veronica Lehman House”; and,
     • 7801 Ninth Line (Ward 7): “Watson and Jane Collinson House”; and,
     • 7871 Ninth Line (Ward 7): “Henry and Agnes Rowed House”; and,
     • 6742 Steeles Avenue East (Ward 7): “Isaac and Emma Reesor House”; and,
  3. That Council state its intention to designate 10982 Highway 48 (Ward 6) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance; and,
  4. That Council state its intention to designate 11287 McCowan Road (Ward 6) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance; and,
  5. That Council state its intention to designate 7801 Ninth Line (Ward 7) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance; and,
  6. That Council state its intention to designate 7871 Ninth Line (Ward 7) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance; and,
  7. That Council state its intention to designate 6742 Steeles Avenue East (Ward 7) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance; and,
  8. That if there are no objections to the designation in accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk’s Department be authorized to place a designation by-law before Council for adoption; and,
  9. That if there are any objections in accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act, the matter return to Council for further consideration; and further,
  10. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

7.4

RECOMMENDATION REPORT - OBJECTIONS TO NOTICES OF INTENTION TO DESIGNATE - PHASE V PROPERTIES (16.11.3)

• Moved by Councillor Juanita Nathan
  Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea
  1. That the Staff report, dated March 26, 2024, titled "RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Objections to Notices of Intention to Designate – Phase V Properties”, be received; and,
  2. That the written objection to designation under the Ontario Heritage Act as submitted on behalf of the property owner of 11120 Highway 48 (Ward 6), be received as information; and,
  3. That the written objection to designation under the Ontario Heritage Act as submitted on behalf of the property owner of 11274 Highway 48 (Ward 6), be received as information; and,
  4. That Council affirm its intention to designate 11120 Highway 48 (Ward 6) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance; and,
  5. That Council affirm its intention to designate 11274 Highway 48 (Ward 6) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance; and,
  6. That the Clerk’s Department be authorized to place designation by-laws before Council for adoption; and,
  7. That the Clerk’s Department be authorized to publish and serve notices of Council’s adoption of the designation by-laws as per the requirements of the Ontario Heritage Act; and further,
  8. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

7.5

RECOMMENDATION REPORT, REQUEST FOR DEMOLITION – 50 TO 52 NELSON STREET, MARKHAM VILLAGE HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT (WARD 4) (16.11)

• Moved by Councillor Juanita Nathan
  Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea
  1. That the March 26, 2024, report titled “RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Request for Demolition – 50 to 52 Nelson Street, Markham Village Heritage Conservation District (Ward 4)”, be received; and,
  2. That Council supports the proposed demolition of the non-heritage dwelling at 50 to 52 Nelson Street, as per Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act; and further,
  3. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

      

  Carried

8.

REGULAR REPORTS - DEVELOPMENT AND POLICY MATTERS

8.1

RECOMMENDATION REPORT 404 MAJOR MAC WEST DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED AT MARKLAND STREET, ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATION TO PERMIT A MOTOR VEHICLE SALES AND REPAIR ESTABLISHMENT ON THE WEST SIDE OF MARKLAND STREET, 

NORTH OF MAJOR MACKENZIE DRIVE (WARD 2) FILE PLAN 23 116352 (10.5)

Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services, introduced this item as a recommendation report related to a Zoning By-law Amendment application at the West side of Markland Street, located at Highway 404, to permit a motor vehicle sales and repair establishment. Commissioner Prasad confirmed that Staff are recommending approval of this application as the proposed motor vehicle sales would be complimentary to the broad range of service uses in the surrounding area. Commissioner Prasad introduced Nick Pileggi to deliver a presentation. 

Nick Pileggi, Principal Planner, Macaulay Shiomi Howson Ltd., delivered a presentation.

The Committee provided the following feedback:

• Asked about tree removal and tree compensation for trees removed on the site. Giulio Cescato, Director, Planning & Urban Design, advised that one of the outstanding issues with the application is the number of trees to be removed and the compensation and funds to replant additional trees. Mr. Pileggi further clarified that the Applicant is looking at the left side of the future on-ramp as a suggested compensation piece and for opportunities for off-site compensation. 
• Asked about timing for the site plan and road improvements in the area. Mr. Pileggi advised that the Applicant is looking at proposing a four-way access to Markland Street and Russell Dawson Road where there is currently a three-way intersection. Mr. Pileggi noted that they will likely be ahead of the timing for the on-ramp itself. Frank Clarizio, Director, Engineering, advised that the City has retained a consultant to undertake an amendment for the EA for the Markland Street extension which should be completed by the end of this year. Director Clarizio detailed that following the consulting period, a budget request would be submitted in 2025 or 2026 for detailed design work, and a budget request for construction submitted in 2028 or 2029.
• Asked if the proposed four-way stop would see increased traffic at the Markland Street and Russell Dawson Road intersection, noting that traffic is already quite heavy in this area and possible need to upgrade to a traffic signal. Loy Cheah, Senior Manager, Transportation, advised that the operational aspects of that intersection and traffic control measures will ideally be provided through the site plan application and accompanying traffic analysis.

• Moved by Councillor Ritch Lau
  Seconded by Deputy Mayor Michael Chan
  1. That the report dated March 26, 2024, titled “RECOMMENDATION REPORT, 404 Major Mac West Developments Limited, Zoning By-law Amendment Application to permit a motor vehicle sales and repair establishment on the west side of Markland Street, north of Major Mackenzie Drive (Ward 2), File PLAN 23 116352”, be received; and,
  2. That the amendment to Zoning By-law 177-96, as amended, be approved and the draft implementing Zoning By-law, attached as Appendix ‘A’, be finalized and enacted, without further notice; and further,
  3. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

8.2

RECOMMENDATION REPORT, 2814712 ONTARIO LTD. (VICTOR HUANG) C/O MALONE GIVEN PARSONS. LTD. AT 347 MAIN STREET N, APPLICATION FOR DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION TO CREATE ONE DEVELOPMENT BLOCK AND ONE DAYLIGHT TRIANGLE BLOCK

TO FACILITATE 14 TOWNHOUSE DWELLINGS AT 347 MAIN STREET N, MARKHAM VILLAGE (WARD 5) FILE PLAN 21 140439 (RELATED FILE PLAN 19 123553) (10.7)

Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, introduced this item, advising that it is related to the recommendation report for a Draft Plan of Subdivision application for one development block and one daylight triangle to facilitate 14 townhouse dwellings at 347 Main Street North. Commissioner Prasad advised that Staff are supportive of this application and recommend approval. Commissioner Prasad introduced Jack Wong of Malone Given Parsons to deliver a presentation. 

Jack Wong, Principal, Malone Given Parsons delivered a presentation. 

The Committee provided the following feedback:

• Asked about possible contamination of the site, considering it was once a gas station. Mr. Wong advised that the site is currently occupied by a car dealership, noting that any mitigation would have been done when the dealership was approved and built. Mr. Wong confirmed that testing of the site has been done and was submitted as a Phase 1 ESA report, advising that no issues were identified.  
• Expressed support for the inclusion of a statement within the condominium documents related to the need for a heritage permit when any work is done to the outside of the dwelling. Giulio Cescato, Director, Planning & Urban Design, confirmed that the wording within the condominium documents would be looked at once the condominium application is filed. 

• Moved by Councillor Karen Rea
  Seconded by Councillor Juanita Nathan
  1. That the report dated March 26, 2024, 2023 titled, “RECOMMENDATION REPORT, 2814712 Ontario Ltd. (Victor Huang) c/o Malone Given Parsons. Ltd., Application for Draft Plan of Subdivision to create one development block and one daylight triangle block to facilitate 14 townhouse dwellings at 347 Main Street N, Markham Village (Ward 5) File PLAN 21 140439 (Related File Plan 19 123553)”, be received; and,
  2. That the Condominium Declaration include a clause to advise any future owner that the Subject Lands are within a Heritage Conservation District, and that any exterior alternations to the dwelling would require a Heritage Permit; and,
  3. That the Draft Plan of Subdivision 19TM-21013 application be approved in principle subject to conditions attached hereto as Appendix ‘A’; and,
  4. That the Director of Planning and Urban Design or designate, be the delegated authority to issue Draft Plan Approval, subject to the conditions set out in Appendix ‘A’, as may be amended by the Director of Planning and Urban Design or designate; and,
  5. That Draft Plan approval for Draft Plan of Subdivision 19TM-21013 application lapse after a period of three (3) years from the date of Council approval in the event that a Subdivision Agreement is not executed within that period; and,
  6. That servicing allocation for a maximum of 14 units be assigned to Draft Plan of Subdivision 19TM-21013; and,
  7. That the City reserves the right to revoke or reallocate servicing allocation should the proposed development not proceed in a timely manner; and further,
  8. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

8.3

RECOMMENDATION REPORT, ULTRASTOR INC. AT 7528, 7530, AND 7550 WOODBINE AVENUE, ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATION TO PERMIT THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMERCIAL SELF-STORAGE FACILITY AT THE NORTH END OF 7528, 7530, AND 7550 WOODBINE AVENUE

(WARD 8) FILE PLAN 23 117840 (10.5)

Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services, introduced this item advising that it is related to a recommendation report for a Zoning By-law amendment at 7528, 7530, and 7550 Woodbine Avenue to permit a standalone commercial self-storage facility. Commissioner Prasad advised that Staff are recommending approval of the application as it would be complimentary to the broad use of employment and service uses along this corridor. Commissioner Prasad noted that the resolution includes a provision that monitoring occur on a weekly basis to ensure that adjacent properties are not impacted by development activity. Commissioner Prasad introduced Jim Levac of Glenn Schnarr and Associates to provide a presentation. 

Jim Levac, Partner, Glenn Schnarr and Associates, delivered a presentation.

The Committee provided the following feedback:

• Asked if there is a required setback for the building from the CN tracks. Mr. Levac advised that there is no setback required for this type of use, only for residential uses. Giulio Cescato, Director, Planning & Urban Design, further confirmed that there are not specified setbacks for non-sensitive land uses such as warehousing. 
• Asked about the material on the outside of the building. Mr. Levac advised that the white section of the exterior are painted metal panels.

• Moved by Councillor Isa Lee
  Seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci
  1. That the report. dated March 26, 2024, titled “RECOMMENDATION REPORT, UltraStor Inc., Zoning By-law Amendment Application to permit the development of a commercial self-storage facility at the north end of 7528, 7530, and 7550 Woodbine Avenue (Ward 8). File PLAN 23 117840”, be received; and,
  2. That the amendment to Zoning By-law 108-81, as amended, be approved and the draft implementing Zoning By-law, attached as Appendix ‘A’, be finalized and brought to a future Council meeting for enactment without further notice; and,
  3. That the Owner shall continue to conduct the monitoring of site conditions including all of the City approved erosion and sediment control measures, on a weekly basis, to ensure are that adjacent properties are not adversely impacted by development activity on the Subject Lands; and further,
  4. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

9.

REGULAR REPORTS - TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE MATTERS

9.1

BILL 131, GO TRANSIT STATION FUNDING ACT, 2023 (CITY-WIDE) (5.14)

Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services, introduced this item as a report providing an overview of the GO Transit Station Funding Act, Bill 131, and identifying key areas of the act requiring clarification. Commissioner Prasad explained that the bill which came into effect on December 3, 2023, provides for station contribution fees to be collected on developments surrounding GO Stations. Commissioner Prasad advised that Staff will be submitting questions and seeking clarification on how the act will be applied and a number of other areas, with a commenting deadline to the Ministry of Transportation of March 29, 2024. 

The Committee provided the following feedback:

• Expressed support for the Act being applied not only to new GO Stations but also to existing stations requiring significant upgrades, particularly in areas with the potential for future development. Commissioner Prasad confirmed that this question could be posed as the legislation seems to only refer to new stations, noting that there are many existing stations where the surrounding lands are undeveloped. 
• Asked if this means that the municipality is now responsible for GO Stations. Commissioner Prasad advised that the report references the downloading of responsibility to municipalities, noting that the thought behind the legislation is that the value of the surrounding lands increases when a GO Station is brought forward, requiring a contribution from those developments. 
• Asked if the City would be responsible for building the station or would be passing the money on to Metrolinx. Frank Clarizio, Director, Engineering, advised that those are some of the details that Staff are trying to obtain from the Province, noting that any collection fee introduced by the City must be offset by other fees. Commissioner Prasad noted that the cash flow aspect would be critical to this process if the City would need to front-end the cost of these fees.
• Asked about the Unionville GO Station which is being converted from a GO Station to a mobility hub, asking if this would be considered a new station. Director Clarizio advised that his guess would be that this would not be considered a new station. Loy Cheah, Senior Manager, Transportation, advised that Metrolinx has a program for improving existing stations based on expansion of services, noting that Metrolinx would likely fund these improvements. 
• Asked why the City would be involved in the collection of this fee when the Province has the authority to collect fees and GO Stations are under Provincial jurisdiction. Director Clarizio advised that this approach is to have municipalities collect fees where multiple developers are being considered for an area that would benefit from the construction of a GO Station, which would help with their cost recovery. 
• Asked if this could be applied to the Yonge North Subway Expansion. Director Clarizio clarified that this program is only for GO Stations, not for subway stations. 
• Inquired if Metrolinx has done research in other jurisdictions to establish best practices. Director Clarizio confirmed that there are a number of jurisdictions that charge a transit construction fee but noted that he is unaware if Metrolinx or the Province have undertaken research related to this. 
• Asked if there is a subway related fee for the condo towers built along Yonge Street. Director Clarizio confirmed that Metrolinx and the Province have developed partnerships with developers in certain areas of the Yonge North Subway Extension project, noting that the municipalities have not been involved in those processes. 
• Asked if the new fee is designed to cover only the construction of the new station or also the connections to that station. Commissioner Prasad confirmed that Staff will take the position that this strategy should not be one dimensional considering that the City is consistently focused on integrated transit. Director Clarizio advised that in the legislation there is a requirement for a study to be undertaken to determine the parameters of the area, noting that there is not a standard radius. 
• Expressed concerns that, while the legislation is notionally a good idea, it may have detrimental implications to the municipality, with some concerns that it could result in municipalities having to incur debt. 

• Moved by Councillor Andrew Keyes
  Seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  1. That the staff report titled “Bill 131, GO Transit Station Funding Act, 2023 (City-wide)” be received; and,
  2. That Council request the Province to allow municipalities to calculate their Station Contribution Fee in a similar manner to Hard Development Charges and align the eligible capital costs to the Development Charge regime, specifically including land and study-related costs; and,
  3. That Council request the Province to provide clarification on the following matters:
     1. Whether there will be a mechanism for municipalities to collect Station Contribution Fees, or similar contributions, from benefiting developers in advance of their developments occurring, to reduce cash flow risks; and,
     2. How future GO Transit stations will be funded if a municipality does not use the new Station Contribution Fee and if this represents a shift in responsibility for funding GO Transit stations, from the Province to municipalities; and,
     3. Whether developers have an ability to ‘opt out’ of participation, once a municipality is prescribed, and the background study process is undertaken; and,
     4. Whether the new Station Contribution Fee may be levied either on a municipal-wide or area-specific basis; and,
     5. With the type of development costs or charge reductions that municipalities will be required to provide to developers to offset the new Station Contribution Fee,
        1. whether the quantum of those offsets must be commensurate/equal to additional costs associated with the new fee; and,
        2. in a two-tier municipal jurisdictional structure where the upper-tier municipality levies the fee, whether a local municipal offset would satisfy this requirement; and,
        3. if the offset is increased development density, how would it apply if the increased density has already been granted; and,
     6. Whether a Station Contribution Fee can be levied for a GO station that has yet to be supported by Metrolinx or an existing station that requires upgrades; and,
  4. That this resolution be forwarded by the City Clerk to the Ministry of Infrastructure and York Region; and further,
  5. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution. 
  Carried

10.

REGULAR REPORTS - CULTURE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MATTERS

10.1

CELEBRATE MARKHAM GRANT PROGRAM 2024-2025 – APRIL 1, 2024 – MARCH 31, 2025 – FUNDING APPROVALS (10.16)

Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services, introduced this item as requesting approval of the annual Celebrate Markham Grant Program recipients, advising that the grant program is focused on supporting community events and festivals.  

Brian Rowsell, deputant, secretary of Markham Village BIA and owner of the It's the Cats Meow Cafe, expressed concerns with the increased difficulty conducting events. Mr. Rowsell advised that there is an annual Markham Village Farmers Market which opens Mother's Day weekend and remains open each Saturday for 23 weeks. Mr. Rowsell expressed the need for funding from the Celebrate Markham Grant Program to cover road closure costs and be able to operate in 2024. Mr. Rowsell advised that the requirement of York Region Police presence at the event for road closures carries the cost of $23,842.

Paul Ciccini, deputant, expressed that the Markham Village is in jeopardy of not operating in 2024 due to increased costs and echoed the ask for funding through the Celebrate Markham Grant Program to operate this year. Mr. Ciccini expressed concern for other events that could be impacted by changes to the requirements of operating events in the City, including the Santa Claus Parade. 

Heather Cook, deputant representing the Markham Village BIA, requested continued support of the Markham Village Farmers Market, advising that the farmers market is a social hub which enhances the community and supports the local economy. 

The Committee noted that members of the Markham Village BIA would like to receive Book 7 Training for Temporary Traffic Control, which they understood would prevent the need to hire contractor for road closures. The Committee advised that the BIA requires some funding particularly for road closure related costs including for York Region police as booths have been booked for this year. The Committee noted that it may not be sustainable to request sponsors to cover the cost of road closures or security. The Committee also noted that while security costs have increased, the budget for the Celebrate Markham Grant Program has not increased in many years.

Chris Rickett, Director, Economic Development, advised that the Markham Village Farmers Market did not apply for funding this year, but noted that there is a surplus to be carried forward to next year of which a portion could be allocated to the Farmers Market.

Morgan Jones, Commissioner, Community Services, commented on road closure and security costs, advising that the costs are a result of the risk to the City and are bound by the Highway Traffic Act and the Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) for Uniform Traffic Control. Commissioner Jones noted that the departments involved can take a look at the associated costs but confirmed that a traffic closure at signalized intersection does require a York Region Police Officer.

The Committee agreed that safety was the priority, but asked if the barricade before Water Street could still be done by the BIA or City Staff. Commissioner Jones advised that based on the interpretation from Legal and risk experts is that would not be permissible.

Alice Lam, Director, Operations, advised that Operations and Special Events have met with various event organizers and have heard requests for consistency. Director Lam advised that in accordance with the City's Road Occupancy By-law, the setup of barricades must be done by an experienced contractor or by York Region Police. Director Lam noted that at times, volunteers and or security do not remain situated with the barriers but confirmed that the City and York Region Police continue to work with each special event organizer to fine tune requirements, while respecting the Highway Traffic Act and OTM book 7.

The Committee asked how the Celebrate Markham Grant Program is calculated. Director Rickett advised that it is calculated as one dollar per person in the City, noting that a review of the program and a comparison with other municipalities has been directed through the budget process and will be brought to Council in 2024. 

Mayor Scarpitti provided additional background that initially a consultant was retained to review the support of special events in the City, and the approved funding rate was higher than what was recommended by the consultant. Council agreed at that time that the formula would not change until the population caught up to the consultant's original recommendation. 

• Moved by Councillor Karen Rea
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine

  That Item 10.1 be moved forward to be heard prior to the Regular section of the agenda. 

  Carried
• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li
  1. That this be referred back to Staff for further discussion of options for the Markham Village Farmer's Market, including considering relocating the Farmer's Market; and,
  2. That the deputations made by Brian Rowsell, Paul Ciccini, and Heather Cook made to Development Services Committee on  March 26, 2024 be received. 
  Carried
• The Committee had before them this original recommendation which was not voted on at this time:​​

  1. That the report titled, “​Celebrate Markham Grant Program 2024-2025 – April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025 – Funding Approvals” be received; and, 
  2. That Council approve the recommendations of the Interdepartmental Staff Review Committee in Attachment 1, which includes 67 Celebrate Markham applicants for community-led events and programs, totaling $236,000 conditional on applicants adhering to the Celebrate Markham Guidelines; and,
  3. That Council approve $84,000 for City led events and programs; and,
  4. That Council approve $30,000 for the Markham Arts Council annual programs and activities conditional on receiving and approving 2023/2024 audited financial statements; and,
  5. That Council approve $50,000 in additional funding support for Major Community Festivals that meet the criteria set out in this report; and,
  6. That Council approve $11,975 to be allocated to cover the 2023 Canada Day budget deficit; and,
  7. That the unallocated Celebrate Markham Community Grant Program funding of $42,300 be carried forward to the 2025-26 Celebrate Markham funding stream; and,
  8. That any unallocated Celebrate Markham Community Grant Program funding from 2023-24 be carried forward to the 2025-26 Celebrate Markham funding stream; and further,
  9. ​That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.​

11.

MOTIONS

There were no motions.

12.

NOTICES OF MOTION

There were no notices of motion.

13.

NEW/OTHER BUSINESS

There was no new business. 

14.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

There were no announcements. 

15.

ADJOURNMENT

• Moved by Regional Councillor Joe Li
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee

  That the Development Services Committee adjourn at 11:49 AM.

  Carried