Development Services Committee Minutes
February 26, 2018,
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Council Chamber
All
Members of Council
Development
Services Issues
Chair: Regional Councillor Jim
Jones
Vice-Chair: Councillor Don Hamilton
Economic
Growth, Culture & Entrepreneurship Issues
Chair: Councillor Alex Chiu
Vice-Chair: Councillor Alan Ho
Transportation and Engineering
Capital Projects Issues
Chair: Regional Councillor Joe Li
Vice-Chair: Regional Councillor Nirmala
Armstrong
Attendance
|
Councillor Alex Chiu
|
Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative
Officer
Biju Karumanchery, Acting
Commissioner of Development Services
Trinela Cane, Commissioner of
Corporate Services
Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of
Community & Fire Services
Ron Blake, Acting Director of
Planning and Urban Design
Daniel Brutto, Planner 1, North
District
Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor and
Acting Director of Human
Resources
Brian Lee, Director of Engineering
Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff
Chris Alexander, Acting Manager of Regulatory
Services
Adam Grant, Deputy Fire Chief
Chris Neering, Deputy Fire Chief
Robert Tadmore, Coordinator of Geomatics/GIS
Bradley Roberts, Manager, Zoning & Special
Projects
Laura Gold, Council/Committee Coordinator
|
The Development Services
Committee convened at the hour of 9:02 a.m. in the Council Chamber with Regional
Councillor Jim Jones in the Chair.
Development Services Committee recessed at 11:15 am and reconvened at
11:30 am.
Development Services Committee recessed at 12:30 pm and reconvened at
1:30 pm.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
1. DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- February 12, 2018 (10.0)
Minutes
Moved by Regional
Councillor Joe Li
Seconded
by Councillor Alex Chiu
That
the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting held February 12, 2018,
be confirmed.
Carried
2. DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
- February 6, 2018 (10.0)
Minutes
Moved by
Regional Councillor Joe Li
Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu
That
the minutes of the Development Services Public Meeting held February 6, 2018,
be confirmed.
Carried
3. PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS (12.26)
City of Markham Staff:
Roger Pantin, Waterworks Operator II, Environmental Services, 30 years
Martin Barrow, Rec Coordinator Facilities and Allocations, Recreation Services.
20 years
Lily Ng, Cashier, Financial Services, 15 years
Jeremy Acton, Captain, Fire & Emergency Services, 15 years
Jeff Rahim, Provincial Offences Officer II, Legislative Services, 15 years
Wayne Webster, Firefighter, Fire & Emergency Services, 15 years
Kent Mortson, District Chief, Fire & Emergency Services, 15 years
Brad Evans, Captain, Fire & Emergency Services,15 years
Glen Lindensmith, Captain, Fire & Emergency Services, 15 years
Jason Britton, Group Leader, Operations - Parks, 10 years
Aaron Gelling, Group Leader, Operations - Parks, 5 years
Chair: Regional Councillor Jim Jones
Vice-Chair: Councillor Don Hamilton
4. ACTIVE
DEVELOPMENT
APPLICATION DATABASE (10.0)
Robert Tadmore, Coordinator
of Geomatics/GIS was in attendance to provide a presentation on this matter.
Committee congratulated
staff on the creation of the database and requested that the Rouge National
Park be added to the map,
Staff advised they will
update the map.
Moved by Regional Councillor Armstrong
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
That the presentation on
the “Active Development Application Database” be received.
Carried
DEPUTATIONS
Deputations were made for the following Agenda Items:
#6. Comprehensive Interim Report - Update on
Phase 3a of Markham’s New Comprehensive Zoning By-Law Project Rooming Houses,
Short-Term Accommodations
#7. Recommendation Report Times Group
Corporation, South Of Highway 7, East of Bayview Avenue, Block 45, Plan
65m-3226, Ward No. 8, Applications For Official Plan and Zoning By-Law
Amendments and Site Plan Approval to Permit Two Condominium Apartment Buildings
(37 And 34 Storeys), File No.’S: Op 13 131100, Za 14 131100 And Sc 17 137260
(10.3, 10.5 & 10.6)
Refer to the individual
items for the deputation details.
COMMUNICATIONS
There were no communications.
PETITIONS
There were no petitions.
5. CYCLING AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY
COMMITTEE (CPAC) MINUTES
-January 18, 2018 (16.34)
Minutes
Councillor Don Hamilton
spoke about the Vision Zero Principles and recommended that staff investigate
and report back on the program.
Moved by Councillor Don Hamilton
Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu
That the minutes of the
Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CPAC) meeting held January 18, 2018,
be received for information purposes.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Hamilton
Seconded by Councillor Alex Chiu
That the Development
Services Committee agree with zero fatalities in the Vision Zero principles,
and that staff be requested to investigate, in partnership with York Region,
the adoption of the Vision Zero principles at the City level or jointly with
York Region; and,
That Staff report back on
its findings in early 2019.
Carried
6. COMPREHENSIVE INTERIM REPORT
UPDATE ON PHASE 3A OF
MARKHAM’S
NEW COMPREHENSIVE ZONING
BY-LAW PROJECT
ROOMING HOUSES, SHORT-TERM
ACCOMMODATIONS
AND SECONDARY SUITES
FILE NO. PR 13 128340 (10.5)
Presentation
- Appendix 3 Report Appendix
1 Appendix
2
John Gladki,
President, Gladki Planning Associates, was in attendance to provide a
presentation on this matter.
Committee
requested that a chart displaying the different types of housing being proposed
(rooming houses, short term accommodations, and secondary suites) with all
potential housing scenarios be presented at a future Development Services
Committee (e.g. single detached home with a second suite, or single detached
home with a second suite and two lodgers).
Rooming
Houses
Committee
asked for clarification on how many lodgers could stay in a homeowner’s home
without be considered a rooming house.
Mr. Gladki
advised that residents would be permitted to have up to two lodgers staying at
their home without being considered a rooming home, as long as the lodgers do
not have a kitchen in their rooms. The homeowner would also be permitted to
have one second suite in addition to the two lodgers without being considered a
rooming house.
Committee
asked for clarification regarding where rooming houses will be permitted.
Mr. Gladki
advised that rooming houses will not be permitted by zoning, and that rezoning
applications to permit the use would have to be consistent with the City’s
Official Plan, Staff are recommending that when considering an amendment to
permit rooming houses that they only be permitted on arterial roads, which are
major roads like Woodbine or Warden Avenue.
Committee
suggested that there should be additional criteria with respect to where
rooming houses can be located, like limiting the number of rooming houses
within a certain proximity and not permitting them near schools. It also suggested that the wording in the
by-law should clearly specify that rooming houses are only permitted on the
properties fronting (not backing onto) the arterial road.
Mr. Gladki advised
that staff have looked at the criteria for rooming houses, but decided not to
add additional criteria,)as people’s human rights have to be considered when
restricting where people can live. Staff agreed to review the criteria again
and report back at a future Development Services Committee meeting. They also
agreed to consider updating the wording in the by-law so that it is clear that the
frontage of a rooming house must be on the arterial road.
A Committee
Member asked if rooming houses could be licensed.
Mr. Gladki
advised that Staff are recommending that rooming houses be prohibited, unless a
resident submits a request for a zoning change, which would require Council
approval. Therefore, rooming houses do
not need to be licenced, as they will be
prohibited unless there is site specific zoning.
Committee
wanted to ensure that the change in zoning required to permit a rooming house
would not be considered a minor variance, as it did not want the Committee of
Adjustment approving variances that contradict Council’s direction provided for
in the Official Plan.
Staff agreed
to look into this inquiry and report back at a future Development Services
Committee meeting. They also noted that
Council could approve the use on a temporary basis to see how the rooming house
integrates into the neighbourhood prior to
permanently approving the use.
Committee
noted the importance of enforcing the by-law (if approved) to ensure illegal
second suites and rooming houses are not occurring.
Short Term Accommodation
A Committee Member asked
if short term accommodations can be licensed.
Mr.
Gladki advised that Staff are recommending that short term
accommodation be prohibited, unless a rezoning application is processed and
approved. Therefore, there is no need to
license these types of accommodations, as they will be prohibited unless there
is site specific zoning.
A Committee Member
inquired what will happen to existing AIRBNB rentals and how the City will prevent
a legally permitted short term accommodations from being used as a party house.
Mr.
Gladki advised that under the proposed by-law the owner can be
charged if Council has not approved the operation of the unit as a short term
accommodation. Council can also add restrictions or approve it as a temporary
use when approving the use of the unit for short term accommodations.
Committee questioned if
approving one short term accommodation will make it difficult to refuse another
short term accommodation. It asked Staff to look into this and report back at a
future Development Services Committee.
Committee suggested possibly
adding criteria in regards to where the short term accommodations can be
located. A Committee Member suggested only permitting them in “tourist” areas.
A Committee Member
suggested that the City should try to make the short term accommodations legal
in a manner that is acceptable to Council.
Committee inquired what
the difference is between short term accommodations and bed and
breakfasts.
Staff advised that bed and
breakfasts are legally permitted on heritage main streets in the commercial
zone. In contrast, short term
accommodations are still being legally addressed, but it is being recommended
that the City prohibit short term accommodations anywhere in Markham, unless rezoning
approval is granted by Council.
Secondary Suites
Committee asked for
clarification on where second suites will be permitted.
Mr. Gladki advised that
second suites are currently only permitted in coach houses and in Markham
Centre. Staff are recommending permitting second suites in all areas, except
special policy areas. Permitting second suites will allow for a maximum of two dwellings
per lot, for an example a home owner could not have a second suite in their
coach house and in their basement.
Committee questioned how
parking and expansion of driveways will be controlled if the City permits
second suites.
Staff advised that homeowners
may not widen their driveways without approval under the existing bylaw and
that parking will only be available to the tenant if there is enough parking
available on the property.
A Committee Member
suggested permitting more duplexes, and semis in both new and established areas
as an alternative to second suites. He also suggested that if second suites are
legalized it should be done on a cost recovery basis.
A Committee Member
suggested that the wording in the proposed by-law regarding second suites in
coach houses should be stated in a positive rather than in a negative voice.
Next Steps
Staff advised that the
next step is to present the Comprehensive Zoning By-Law Project – Rooming
Houses, Short-Term Accommodations, and Secondary Suites at an evening Development
Services Committee meeting being held on March 27, 2018. The final report on
the matter will then be presented to the Development Services Committee on
April 30, 2018.
Committee noted that it
would like to see the financial report on the Comprehensive Zoning By-Law
Project – Rooming Houses, Short-Term Accommodations, and Secondary Suites prior
to the March 27, 2018 meeting. The Clerk’s Office was requested to look into the
possibility of scheduling a workshop to discuss the matter prior to the March
27 meeting if time permits.
Deputations
Deputation 1
Huga Barnsley spoke in favour of permitting second
suites. He made the following points:
·
There was a desperate need for
more affordable housing in Markham and that the City cannot stagnate and accept
the status quo;
·
Need to permit second suites to
provide more affordable housing;
·
Need to start approving a greater
variety of housing types in both existing areas and in new developments by
accepting modified lot sizes (e.g. duplexes and semis);
·
Need housing for different
economic classes in Markham;
·
Need rules and standards to ensure
second suites are safe;
·
Having the homeowner live in or
nearby their rental property helps ensure property standards are met, but noted
this may not always be possible.
Deputation 2
Geoff Pyne, Unionville
Ratepayer Association (URA) provided a deputation on the URA’s position on
rooming houses, short term accommodations, and second suites. He made the
following points:
Rooming Houses
·
Supported staff’s recommendation
regarding rooming houses, but thought they should be permitted in
intensification areas on arterial roads, rather than requiring applicant to
apply for re-zoning;
·
Rooming houses should be
restricted to owner occupied buildings to reduce the risk of poor maintenance
and appearance;
·
Suggested that illegal rooming
houses still need to be addressed;
Short Term Accommodations
·
Questioned enforceability of short
term accommodations;
·
Recommended permitting short term
accommodations in owner occupied residences;
·
Suggested that no more than two
rooms should be permitted to be used for short term accommodations;
Second Suites
·
Supported second suites, but
suggested that parking requirements should be considered when approving second
suites;
·
Suggested that the process to
legalize second suites needs to expedited.
Deputation 3
Christine Beagauer-Free
made a deputation on rooming houses, short term accommodation, and second
suites. She made the following points:
·
Suggested that there are already
rooming houses and second suites in Markham;
·
Suggested that many of the new
homes in her area are being built so that they can be split into three living
units;
·
Thought that parking should be
considered prior to permitting second suites;
·
Suggested that houses with deep
basements should not be permitted in areas that are at risk of flooding;
·
Suggested that legalizing second
suites would increase the number of second suites.
Staff advised that there
is no evidence that there will be a surge of second suites if legalized.
Deputations 4
Alan Adams made a deputation on second suites. He made
the following points:
·
The City should permit second
suites;
·
The City must regulate second
suites;
·
Suggested that homeowners with
second suites should pay higher property taxes;
·
Suggested there should be a fine
for homeowners with illegal second suites.
Moved by Councillor Rea
Seconded by Councillor Burke
1) That the report dated February 26, 2018
titled, “comprehensive inTERIM REPORT:
Update on Phase 3A of Markham’s New Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw Project –
Rooming Houses and Short-Term Accommodations and Secondary Suites – File No. PR
13 128340” be received; and,
2) That the presentation titled, “Interim Report
Rooming Houses, Short Term Accommodations and Secondary Suites” be
received.
Carried
7. RECOMMENDATION REPORT
TIMES GROUP CORPORATION
SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 7, EAST OF
BAYVIEW AVENUE
BLOCK 45, PLAN 65M-3226
WARD NO. 8
APPLICATIONS FOR OFFICIAL PLAN
AND
ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENTS AND
SITE PLAN APPROVAL TO PERMIT
TWO
CONDOMINIUM APARTMENT
BUILDINGS (37 AND 34 STOREYS)
FILE NO.’S: OP
13 131100, ZA 14 131100 AND SC 17 137260 (10.3, 10.5 & 10.6)
Report
Lincoln Lo of Malone Given Parsons
representing the owner provided a presentation on the site plan for two
condominium apartment building.
It was noted that there has been
extensive public consultation on the development and that both the Ward
Councillor and staff are satisfied that the site plan being presented addresses
the public feedback.
Discussion
A Committee Member asked if the wind and
shadow studies had been reviewed.
Staff advised that the wind study is
in the process of being reviewed and that no issues have been identified to
date. The shadow study results showed
that the configuration of the buildings did not create shadows/darkness.
Committee asked
for more detail on a potential pedestrian underpass in the valley under Highway
407.
Staff advised that
they would report back to Council with more detail on the pedestrian underpass.
Committee ask if
the condominiums had any sustainability features.
Staff advised that
the Times Corporation was aiming to achieve LEED Gold standard for the project.
A Committee Member
asked if there was an opportunity to put a small library in the podium of the
condominium.
Staff advised that
this opportunity was explored, but it was determined that it was not an
appropriate location to put a public library due to security and cleaning
concerns. The condominium will have a private library for its residents. Staff
are also exploring the possibility of putting a small public library in the
plaza across the street or in the local school being built.
Committee asked
how the condominiums will impact traffic on Highway 7.
Staff advised that
this development is located on Highway 7 and is well served by the VIVA bus rapid
transit, which makes transit more appealing for residents to take. A Committee Member mentioned that some of the
traffic congestion on Highway 7 near Highway 404 will be relieved with the
future Highway 404 mid-block flyover just north of Highway 7.
A Committee Member
asked if the Times Corporation would consider donating one of the condominium units
to 360 kids, which provides homeless youth with shelter.
Deputation
Fredrick Woo,
spoke in favour of the site plan being proposed by the Times Group Corporation.
Moved by Councillor Alex
Chi
Second by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
1) That the Staff report dated February
26, 2018 entitled “RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Times Group Corporation, South of
Highway 7, east of Bayview Avenue, Block
45, Plan 65M-3226, Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment and
site plan approval applications to permit two apartment buildings (37 and 34
storeys)” be received; and,
2) That Staff be authorized and directed
to finalize for adoption by Council an amendment to the 2014 Official Plan to
provide for two apartment buildings with maximum heights of 37 and 34 storeys
respectively and a 7.65 Floor Space Index (FSI), and to secure a public
elementary school site in the Leitchcroft community; and,
3) That Staff be authorized and directed
to finalize for approval by Council an amendment to Zoning By-law 177-96, as
amended, to permit the proposed apartment buildings; and,
4) That servicing allocation for 769
apartment units be assigned for the proposed apartment buildings; and,
5) That the City reserves the right to
revoke or reallocate the servicing allocation should the development not
proceed in a timely manner; and,
6) That the Region of York be advised that
servicing allocation for 769 apartment units has been confirmed; and,
7) That the proposed development concept
plan be endorsed in principle and site plan endorsement and final approval be
delegated to the Director of Planning and Urban Design; and,
8) That no further Public Meetings be
required for the Official Plan and Zoning By-law applications; and further,
9) That Staff be authorized and directed
to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Carried
MOTIONS
There were no motions.
NOTICES OF MOTION
There were no notices of motion.
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
8. NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
STOP SIGN – SOUTHDALE DRIVE
(5.12)
Councillor Karen Rea asked if
an additional stop sign could be added on Southdale Drive near McCowan and
Conservation due to a speeding issue.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no announcements.
9. CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS
Moved by Councillor Valerie Burke
Seconded by Councillor Don Hamilton
That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal
Act, Development Services Committee resolve into a confidential session to
discuss the following matters (2:55 pm):
(1) DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
COMMITTEE CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES
- February 12, 2018 (10.0)
[Section 239 (2) (f) (e)
(f) (e) (e) (e) (e) (e) (f) (f) (f) (e) and (e)]
Development Services
Committee confirmed the February 12, 2018, Confidential, meeting minutes.
(2) LITIGATION OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION,
INCLUDING MATTERS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS, AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY
OR LOCAL BOARD – MINOR VARIANCE APPEAL, 8 TUSCAY COURT (WARD 3) (8.0)
[Section 239 (2) (e)]
Development Services Committee consented to having this item place on
the March 20, 2018 Council meeting.
(3) LITIGATION OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION,
INCLUDING MATTERS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS, AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY
OR LOCAL BOARD – MINOR VARIANCE APPEAL, 2815 14TH AVENUE (WARD 8)
(8.0)
[Section 239 (2) (e)]
Development Services Committee consented to having this item place on
the March 20, 2018 Council meeting.
Moved by Councillor Valerie Burke
Seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci
That the Development Services Committee rise from the
confidential session at 3:22 pm.
ADJOURNMENT
ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services Committee
meeting adjourned at 3:23 PM.
Alternate formats for this document
are available upon request.