Development Services Committee Minutes
November 30, 2015,
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Council Chamber
All
Members of Council
Development
Services Economic
Development
Chair: Regional Councillor Jim
Jones Chair: Councillor Alex Chiu
Vice-Chair: Councillor Don Hamilton Vice-Chair:
Councillor Alan Ho
Transportation Issues
Chair: Regional Councillor Joe Li
Vice-Chair: Regional Councillor Nirmala
Armstrong
Attendance
|
Councillor Alex Chiu
Regrets
|
Jim Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services
Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of
Community & Fire Services
Sabrina Bordone, Senior Planner
Ronji Borooah, City Architect
Alan Brown, Director of Engineering
Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor
Biju Karumanchery, Director of
Planning and Urban Design
Brian Lee, Deputy Director of
Engineering
Michael Sraga, Streetscape Coordinator
Andrea Wilson-Peebles,
Assistant City Solicitor
Kitty Bavington, Council/Committee Coordinator
|
The Development Services
Committee convened at the hour of 9:07 a.m. in the Council Chamber with Regional
Councillor Jim Jones in the Chair. Councillor
Alex Chiu assumed the Chair for Economic Development item No. 1.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST – None Declared
Presentation
Glenn Miller and Iain Dobson of the Strategic Regional
Research Alliance gave a presentation entitled "SRRA Markham
Renewal". The presentation reviewed the projects undertaken over the past
year, with Markham’s support:
-
Produce The
Nodal Study
- Review
the Growth Plan in detail
-
Commence new research regarding transit and
intensifying employment lands
- Attract more
support, new partners from province and private sector
Discussions with
the Committee included:
- Identifying
and labeling the region and area
- Ensuring
established policies are followed
- First
and last mile transit factors and solutions
- Residential
intensification to support transit
- Affordable
and accessible transit, encouraging commuters to get out of their cars
- Potential
private bus and Uber-type services as transit solutions
- Potential
tolls (congestion fees) for regional roads
- Getting
involved in Toronto’s SmartTrack project – this might be accomplished by
approaching the City of Toronto
- Council
members and City staff attending SRRA meetings were requested to provide
updates to the Committee
- The
projected increase in office employment jobs and the impact on existing
industrial employment lands - the existing uses are critical to incubate new
businesses and job growth
- Locating
industrial and office buildings in areas that have the appropriate
transportation support systems (truck corridors vs. public mass transit)
- SRRA
is a not-for-profit organization, funded equally by its partners
The SRRA is
requesting $30,000 from Markham in funding support for research projects in 2016 that include: a regional overview report on
the GTHA, aggregated from many sources similar to the recent assessment of the infrastructure
and transportation in the London, U.K. region for the next 50 years.
Moved by: Regional
Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by: Councillor
Logan Kanapathi
1) That the presentation provided by Glenn
Miller and Iain Dobson of the Strategic Regional Research Alliance entitled
"SRRA Markham Renewal" be received; and,
2) That the request by Strategic Regional Research
Alliance for $30,000 in funding for research projects in 2016 be referred to
the Budget Sub-Committee.
CARRIED
Minutes
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
That the
minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting held November 16, 2015,
be confirmed.
CARRIED
Minutes
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
That the
minutes of the Development Services Public Meeting held November 16, 2015, be
confirmed.
CARRIED
4. HERITAGE
MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES
- November 11, 2015 (16.11)
Minutes
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
That the minutes of the
Heritage Markham Committee meeting held November 11, 2015, be received for
information purposes.
CARRIED
5. CYCLING
AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY
COMMITTEE (CPAC) MINUTES
- October 15, 2015 (16.34)
Minutes
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
That the minutes of the Cycling and Pedestrian
Advisory Committee (CPAC) meeting held October 15, 2015, be received for
information purposes.
CARRIED
Minutes
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
That the minutes of the Main
Street Markham Committee meeting held October 21, 2015, be received for
information purposes.
CARRIED
7. INTENTION TO DESIGNATE A PROPERTY UNDER
PART IV OF THE ONTARIO
HERITAGE ACT
NAME: WILLIAM MERGEN HOUSE
ADDRESS: 10855 KENNEDY ROAD
(16.11.3)
Report
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
1) That as recommended by Heritage Markham, the William Mergen
House at 10855 Kennedy Road be approved for designation under Part IV of the Ontario
Heritage Act as a property of cultural heritage value or interest; and,
2) That the Clerk’s Department
be authorized to publish and serve Council’s Notice of Intention to Designate
as per the requirements of the Ontario Heritage Act; and,
3) That if there are no objections to the designation in
accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be
authorized to place a designation by-law before Council for adoption; and,
4) That if there are any objections in accordance with the
provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be directed to refer
the proposed designation to the Ontario Conservation Review Board; and further,
5) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
8. REQUEST FOR DEMOLITION
DETACHED ACCESSORY BUILDING
329 MAIN ST. N., MARKHAM
VILLAGE (16.11, 10.13)
Report
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
1)
That the staff report entitled
“Request for Demolition –Detached Accessory Building, 329 Main Street North”,
dated November 30, 2015 be received; and,
2)
That Council endorse the
demolition of the detached accessory building at 329 Main Street North located
within the Markham Village Heritage Conservation District, subject to the
support of Heritage Markham and the applicant advertising the building for
relocation or salvage in the local newspapers for two weeks; and further,
3)
That Staff be authorized and
directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution;
CARRIED
9. REQUEST FOR DEMOLITION
SINGLE DETACHED DWELLING
41 DEANBANK DRIVE, THORNHILL
(16.11, 10.13)
Report
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
1) That the staff report entitled “Request for Demolition –
Single Detached Dwelling, 41 Deanbank Drive, Thornhill ”, dated November 30,
2015 be received; and,
2) That Council endorse the demolition of the non heritage
dwelling at 41 Deanbank Drive located within the Thornhill Village Heritage
Conservation District; and further,
3) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
Report
The application for 73 Main Street
S. was corrected to a proposal for 14 townhomes. The application for 123 Main Street N. was
corrected to 123 Main Street S.
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
1) That Committee receive the report
entitled “Report on Incoming Planning Applications for the period of September
2, 2015 to November 1, 2015” and direct staff to process the applications in
accordance with the approval route outlined in the report; and,
2) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
Memo
On November 16, 2015, Development Services Committee requested staff
report back to the meeting this date regarding tree issues for the development
at 20 Fred Varley Drive. A Staff Memorandum dated November 30, 2015, was
provided.
Biju Karumanchery, Director of Planning and Urban Design, gave an
overview of the proposal and revisions to the site plan with respect to tree
issues identified at the November 16, 2015 Development Services Committee meeting.
There are concerns with the potential impact of the underground garage on privately-owned
trees on adjacent properties, and discussions have been ongoing to find a
solution between the applicant and the residents. Staff advised that the trees
on the Tribute site will be removed and replaced, and that the revised proposal
is in compliance with the OMB approved zoning.
Residents in attendance displayed
photos of the affected residences and trees. The Committee also viewed the site
on Google Earth.
Maria Gatzios of Gatzios Planning and Development
Consultants Inc., representing the applicant, displayed a site plan and
identified the underground garage wall that has been re-located closer to the
property line, and the trees and drainage swale along the southerly property
line. The proposed tree replacement plan was outlined. Private trees would not
be removed due to the drainage swale, however, in light of the concern for
damage that may occur as a result of construction, the applicant will be
meeting with the residents to discuss a tree protection and potential replacement
plan. The replacement trees would be guaranteed for a period of time and would
be chosen in consultation with a qualified arborist. Ms. Gatzios explained the
raised planter system.
The City Solicitor provided legal advice and referred to the OMB ruling
with respect to the minimum setback standards. The City Solicitor confirmed
there is a regulation for the south wall of building above grade, but not for
the underground garage. However, if the City has a significant objective, it
can request the wall to be moved as a condition of site plan approval. This
would need to be negotiated with the applicant and is subject to appeal to the
OMB. Conditions pertaining to tree protection can also be incorporated into the
site plan.
Reid McAlpine, representing the Unionville Ratepayers
Association, the Unionville Villagers Association, and the Unionville BIA,
displayed the cross-section drawing from the staff memorandum dated November
30, 2016, and discussed the buffers between the properties. Mr. McAlpine recommended
that the City’s tree preservation policies be strengthened and that the new Comprehensive
Zoning By-law review the ability to build to the underground lot line.
Charles Deacon, representing the Unionville Ratepayers Association and
the Unionville Villagers Association, discussed the recent revisions to the approved
conceptual site plan approved by the OMB. Mr. Deacon recommended that the Hold
provisions remain in effect until the tree issue can be resolved, and suggested
that the underground parking be moved forward to the north instead of to the south,
to save the existing swale and trees, the pending cost of tree replacement, and
the impacts to adjacent properties. Mr. Deacon questioned the location of the swale,
which appears to end on private property; how soon the replacement trees must
be planted; and how the new trees will survive above the parking garage.
City staff explained the function of landscaping planted over the parking
garage, and the engineered swale path.
Ms. Gatzios responded that subsequent to the conceptual plans submitted
to the OMB, detailed site plan and engineering drawings have been submitted and
reviewed by City staff. The underground parking garage is permitted to extend
to the lot line on three sides, but is not permitted at the lot line adjacent
to the park as a condition of the TRCA. Due to the requirements of the TRCA
regarding the underground parking, refinements were made in consultation with
the City to accommodate as many parking spaces as possible on one level,
instead of two, which expanded the underground parking garage further south.
Andy Langer, property owner, spoke of the impacts to trees on private
properties, including his cedar trees which have not been specifically
identified in the arborists report, and the impact of the removal of trees on
the Tribute property with respect to the residents’ view, privacy, and noise
mitigation. Mr. Langer questioned the need for more underground parking spots
than required and suggested that long-term impacts need to be addressed. With
respect to the proposed fencing, Mr. Langer requested that a higher fence than
permitted by by-law be installed; however, he preferred to retain his existing
fence rather than have it replaced by Tribute. Staff advised that it would be his
choice which fence he would have.
Robert Fleischacker, representing the
Unionville Ratepayers Association and the Unionville Villagers Association, discussed
the subjective description of “fair to poor” condition of the trees, and requested
consideration for a higher fence, possibly with a jog to save some of the
trees. He also suggested that Section 37 funds could be used for plantings on additional
private properties besides those directly adjacent to the Tribute property.
The Committee questioned the stated condition of the
private trees and suggested that the impacts to the trees and the residents’
properties should be minimized by site plan revisions, if possible. Staff
confirmed that the City’s Tree Preservation Technician has reviewed and
confirmed the applicant’s Arborist’s report.
Ms. Gatzios summarized that the Zoning By-law permits the underground
south wall setback, and that the site plan has been endorsed in principle.
Although the By-law requires a minimum number of parking spaces, the market
demand requires more. There is an issue of timing, as the hydrovac process has
to occur before frost, and construction is scheduled to start in January.
Staff advised that further negotiations will be taking
place before a final decision is made. Some Committee members expressed an
interest in participating in the discussions. Ms. Gatzios indicated agreement
with continued negotiations. The Committee requested a verbal update at next General
Committee meeting.
Moved by: Councillor Don Hamilton
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
1) That the staff Memorandum
dated November 30, 2015, entitled “Tribute (Unionville) Limited”, be received;
and,
2) That the deputations by Reid
McAlpine, Charles Deacon, Andy Langer, and Robert Fleischacker regarding the application
by Tribute (Unionville) Limited, be received; and,
3) That the Site Plan
application by Tribute (Unionville) Limited at 20 Fred Varley Drive, File No.
SC 13 109695, be referred back to staff for continued negotiations with the
applicant, Deputy Mayor Jack Heath, Councillor Don Hamilton, any other
interested Committee members, and as many affected property owners as possible;
and further,
4) That
staff provide a verbal update at the next General Committee meeting.
CARRIED
This item was rescheduled to the General Committee
meeting on December 8, 2015.
13. NEW
BUSINESS
INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS
MCCOWAN ROAD, SOUTH OF HIGHWAY
7 (5.10, 13.4)
The Committee noted ongoing safety concerns at the access point from
McCowan Road, south of Highway 7 into the plaza on the south-west corner on
McCowan Road and Highway 7. The Committee directed that York Region be
requested to review solutions and report back on this issue.
Moved by: Councillor Karen Rea
Seconded by: Councillor Don Hamilton
That York Region be requested to review the issues and solutions, and
report back with respect to safety concerns regarding the accesses on McCowan
Road, south of Highway 7.
CARRIED
14. NEW BUSINESS
CEDARENA ICE SURFACE AND
LOCUST HILL SCHOOL (10.0)
The Committee was advised that the Cedarena ice
surface will not be opening to the public this year. The TRCA has ownership of
Cedarena and Locust Hill school house, and has been requested to consider
giving Markham management rights. Funding and operating cost discussions are ongoing.
This update was for information purposes.
Moved by: Councillor Valerie Burke
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal
Act, Development Services Committee resolve into an in-camera session to
discuss the following confidential matters:
(1) DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES COMMITTEE IN-CAMERA MINUTES
- November 16, 2015 (10.0)
[Section 239 (2) (e)]
(2) LITIGATION
OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION, INCLUDING MATTERS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS,
AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD (ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD APPEAL - 3
TREELINE COURT -WARD 7) (8.0)
[Section 239 (2) (e)]
(3) LITIGATION
OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION, INCLUDING MATTERS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS,
AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD - ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD APPEAL - 160
SHERWOOD FOREST DRIVE - WARD 4) (8.0)
[Section 239 (2) (e)]
CARRIED
Moved by: Councillor Valerie Burke
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
That the
Development Services Committee rise and report from the in-camera session 1:18
PM.
CARRIED
The following in-camera items were approved by Development Services
Committee as follows:
(1) DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
COMMITTEE IN-CAMERA MINUTES
- November 16, 2015 (10.0)
[Section 239 (2) (e)]
Moved by: Councillor Karen Rea
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
That the
minutes of the Development Services Committee in-camera meeting, held November
16, 2015, be confirmed.
CARRIED
(2) LITIGATION OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION,
INCLUDING MATTERS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS, AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY
OR LOCAL BOARD (ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD APPEAL - 3 TREELINE COURT -WARD 7)
(8.0)
[Section 239 (2) (e)]
This item has been
forwarded to the December 15, 2015 Council meeting.
(3) LITIGATION OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION,
INCLUDING MATTERS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS, AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY
OR LOCAL BOARD - ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD APPEAL - 160 SHERWOOD FOREST DRIVE -
WARD 4) (8.0)
[Section 239 (2) (e)]
This item has been
forwarded to the December 15, 2015 Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services
Committee meeting adjourned at 1:18 PM.
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