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Development Services Committee Minutes

January 13, 2015, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Council Chamber

Meeting No. 2

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

Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Regional Councillor Joe Li

Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

Councillor Valerie Burke

Councillor Alan Ho

Councillor Don Hamilton

Councillor Karen Rea

Councillor Colin Campbell

Councillor Amanda Collucci

Councillor Logan Kanapathi

Councillor Alex Chiu

 

Regrets

Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer

Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services

Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire             Services

Murray Boyce, Senior Policy Coordinator

Alain Cachola, Senior Manager, Infrastructure and             Capital Projects

Stephen Chait, Director, Economic Development

Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor

Geoff Day, Senior Planner, Zoning & Special Projects

Regan Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning

Biju Karumanchery, Acting Director of Planning and             Urban Design

Brian Lee, Deputy Director of Engineering

Gary Sellars, Senior Planner

Sandra Tam, Senior Business Development Officer

Marg Wouters, Senior Manager, Policy & Research

Kitty Bavington, Council/Committee Coordinator

 

 

The Development Services Committee convened at the hour of 9:02 a.m. with Regional Councillor Jim Jones in the Chair.  

 

 

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

 

Valerie Burke disclosed an interest with respect to Item # 9, 2013 City of Markham Official Plan relating to 360 John Street, by nature of owning a family business in the Thornhill area, and did not take part in the discussion of or vote on the question of the approval of this matter.


 

1.         DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- December 9, 2014 (10.0)

            Minutes

 

The Committee discussed Item # 5, Planning for the Future Urban Area in North Markham, with respect to the build-out areas throughout Markham, the relevance of the build-out areas to the approved Official Plan and the city-wide forecast, and the growth requirements of the Regional Official Plan. Staff will have regard to these matters when they report back to the Committee

 

Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell

 

That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting held December 9, 2014, be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

 

2.         DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
- December 9, 2014 (10.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell

 

That the minutes of the Development Services Public Meeting held December 9, 2014, be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

 

3.         HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES
            - December 10, 2014 (16.11)

            Minutes

 

Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell

 

That the minutes of the Heritage Markham Committee meeting held December 10, 2014, be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

 

 


 

 

4.         CYCLING AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY
            COMMITTEE (CPAC) MINUTES
            - November 20, 2014 (16.34)

            Minutes

 

Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell

 

That the minutes of the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CPAC) meeting held November 20, 2014, be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

 

 

5.         PRELIMINARY REPORT
            SARENA PROPERTIES LTD.
            197 AND 199 LANGSTAFF ROAD EAST
            APPLICATION FOR A ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT
            TO PERMIT TEMPORARY OUTDOOR STORAGE OF NEW VEHICLES
            FILE NO.:  ZA 13 117272 (10.5)

            Report

 

Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell

 

1)         That the report dated January 13, 2015 entitled “PRELIMINARY REPORT, Sarena Properties Ltd., 197 and 199 Langstaff Road East, Application for a Zoning By-law Amendment to permit temporary outdoor storage of new vehicles, File No.:  ZA 13 117272” be received; and,

 

2)         That a Public Meeting be held to consider the application submitted by Sarena Properties Ltd. for a Zoning By-law amendment; and further,

 

3)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED


 

 

6.         EXTENSION OF SITE PLAN ENDORSEMENT
            PROPOSED 15,970 M2 (171,909 FT2)
            8 STOREY OFFICE BUILDING
            80 MINTHORN BOULEVARD
            WEMAT FOUR LIMITED
            FILE NO:  SC 05 016629 (10.6)

            Memo

 

Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell

 

1)         That the Staff memorandum dated January 13, 2015, entitled “Extension of Site Plan Endorsement - Proposed 15,970 m2 (171,909 ft2) eight storey office building, 80 Minthorn Boulevard - Wemat Four Limited, File No:  SC 05 016629”, be received; and,

 

2)         That the request for an extension of Site Plan Endorsement by Wemat Four Limited be granted to February 3, 2018, subject to conditions as outlined in Appendix ‘B’; and further,

 

3)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

7.         RECOMMENDATION REPORT
            MAHAMEVNAWA BHAVANA ASAPUWA TORONTO
            SITE PLAN CONTROL APPLICATION TO PERMIT
            A PLACE OF WORSHIP AT 11175 KENNEDY ROAD
            FILE NO. SC 13 132040 (10.6)

            Report

 

Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services gave a brief introduction to this matter.

 

Randal Dickie and Roshan Miskin, representing the applicant, were in attendance to give a Powerpoint presentation regarding the details of the application and the practices of the Place of Worship.

 

Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell  

 

1)         That the report titled “RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Mahamevnawa Bhavana Asapuwa Toronto Site Plan Control Application to permit a Place of Worship at 11175 Kennedy Road, SC 13 132040” and dated January 13, 2015, be received; and,

 

2)         That the Site Plan Control application by Mahamevnawa Bhavana Asapuwa Toronto to permit a Place of Worship at 11175 Kennedy Road be endorsed in principle, subject to the conditions set out in Appendix ‘A’ to this report; and,

 

3)         That Site Plan Approval is delegated to the Director of Planning and Urban Design or his designate, to be issued following execution of a site plan agreement.  Site Plan approval is issued only when the Director or his designate has signed the site plan; and further,

 

4)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

8.         MAIN STREET UNIONVILLE
            COMMUNITY VISION PLAN - 2014 (10.0)

            Staff Presentation  Report  App A  App B  App C  App D  App E

 

            Vision Plan - Section A  Section B  Section C  Section D  Section E

            Main Street Unionville Community Vision Plan is available on-line only.

            Addendum documents provided:

-       Heritage Markham Extract, November 17, 2014 (Appendix C)

-       Correspondence from the Unionville Ratepayers Association

·        Addendum Attachments

 

Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services provided an overview of this project and the extensive work involved.

 

Regan Hutcheson, Manager of Heritage Planning, gave a Powerpoint presentation outlining the background of the Master Plan study initiated in 2013, including the consultant analysis, public consultation and feedback, the land area and context, highlights of the proposed Community Vision Plan, and staff recommendations. Key recommendations are: to endorse the Vision Plan in principle, to be used as a guideline for a future Secondary Plan; to prepare a new Secondary Plan; and, to prepare a new mandate and composition for the Main Street Unionville Committee to assist with overseeing and implementing the Vision Plan. The project has an estimated 30-year implementation timeline.

 

The Committee reviewed the staff recommendations and discussed the following:

-       funding options for a Development Coordinator or agent/trustee to facilitate cooperative efforts concerning joint parking and development opportunities with the land owners in the commercial core area

-       working with School Board to provide a vehicular connection to Fonthill Drive and special event parking 

-       including elected officials/Board members/Trustees in discussions with the TRCA and School Board

-       zoning amendments regarding restaurant restrictions have been implemented

-       potential for secondary retail/office space off the Main Street frontage in the commercial core area

-       identify components that are the responsibility of the City; i.e. public washrooms and streetscape improvements

-       achieving the Vision will depend on the commitment of the land owners

-       recognizing and preserving the character of Main Street is vital

-       previous attempts to revitalize Main Street Unionville and to resolve parking issues

-       concern about loss of green space

-       minor adjustments may become major issues and would be incorporated into the development of the Secondary Plan 

 

Reid McAlpine, representing the Unionville Ratepayers Association, spoke of building on the success of Main Street and the challenges involved. Concerns include: the Hwy 7 and GO crossing; future 15 minute GO service across Main Street; micro-managing the Stiver House Inn; traffic management; and TRCA approval and cost for the parking structure. Mr. McAlpine emphasized that an implementation plan is important – phasing, prioritization of projects, multi-year funding plan, tax relief, and governance (roles and responsibilities for Steering Committee, trustee/project coordinator, Heritage Architectural Review Committee, residential community, developers, and commercial property owners). The Vision should be reviewed every three years and Heritage preservation should be a priority.

 

Mr. McAlpine urged the City to move forward by including the public washrooms in the 2015 budget and taking other immediate steps, rather than waiting for the Secondary Plan to be developed. He suggested that while the community has a certain amount of responsibility, the funding should primarily be provided by the City.

 

Doug Denby, resident of Unionville, spoke of the being “trapped by inclusion” in the proposal, and expressed concern for the potential failure of the initiative due to numerous issues such as   parking, the floodplain constraints, and the Plan’s focus on businesses. Mr. Denby requested to be included in ongoing consultation.

 

Christine Bergauer-Free, area resident, discussed the value of preserving the quaint character of Main Street and suggested an anchor store and projected infill would not be practical. Ms. Bergauer-Free suggested that the proposed parking structure would replace existing green space, and be subject to flooding.    

 

The Committee encouraged further consultation with the commercial property owners to gauge their acceptance of the study findings and willingness to fund the development facilitator position/contract. Staff advised of the active participation by the land owners during the study process and noted the staff recommendation regarding BIA consultation with land owners. Discussions also included the grade separation at the Highway 7-railway interface.

 

The Committee expressed appreciation to staff, the consultants, and the public participants for their work on this initiative.


 

Moved by: Councillor Don Hamilton

Seconded by: Councillor Alex Chiu

 

1)         That correspondence from Reid McAlpine representing the Unionville Ratepayers Association regarding the Main Street Unionville Community Vision Plan-2014 be received; and,

 

2)         That deputations by Reid McAlpine representing the Unionville Ratepayers Association, Doug Denby, and Christiane Bergauer-Free regarding the Main Street Unionville Community Vision Plan-2014 be received; and,

 

3)         That the Staff report titled “Main Street Unionville Community Vision Plan-2014”, dated January 13, 2015, be received; and,

 

4)         That the Main Street Unionville Community Vision Plan be endorsed in principle (subject to modifications in Appendix ‘D’ to this report) as a guideline for a future Secondary Plan for the area and that the City and other affected parties/ stakeholders be guided by the general direction of the Vision Plan when initiating or reviewing proposed changes in both the public and private realms of the Unionville Heritage Conservation District; and,

 

5)         That staff be authorized to undertake the preparation of a new Secondary Plan for the Unionville Heritage Conservation District as is recommended in the new Official Plan, and the preparation of a Pattern Book to help guide the overall design of new multi-storey development specifically for the Hwy 7 and Village Core/ Crosby Arena focus areas; and,

 

6)         That as part of the Secondary Plan exercise, staff explore opportunities for the focus areas and the parking optimization recommendations from the Vision Plan as well as take into account the staff and agency comments provided in Appendices ‘A’ and ‘C’ to this report; and,

 

7)         That the Development Services Commission staff and Markham Council members be authorized to initiate discussions with senior staff and Board members at the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to determine the feasibility of introducing a parking platform in part of the floodplain lands east of Main Street, including the type of studies and analysis required to appropriately explore the concept, and initiate discussions with senior staff and Trustees at the School Board on options for opening the connection  between the school property and Fonthill Lane as required for special events parking access; and,

 

8)*       That York Region be requested to work with the City of Markham and Metrolinx to investigate options to eliminate the need for a grade separation at the Highway 7-railway interface while protecting the functions of Highway 7 and the Stouffville corridor GO rail service expansion plan, as a grade separation at this location would have detrimental impacts on the local community from an economic, heritage conservation and aesthetic perspective; and,

 

9)         That the Commissioner of Development Services provide an update Memo to the Committee regarding the proposed role, responsibilities and funding options, for a trustee or Property Development Coordinator to work with the Unionville BIA and local commercial property owners to implement the Vision Plan; and,

 

10)**   That the Unionville Sub-Committee meet with the Unionville BIA and property owners to discuss the Vision Plan and funding of the Property Development Coordinator position; and,

 

11)       That staff be directed to prepare a new mandate and suggested member composition for the Main Street Unionville Committee (as described in this report) which would be re-constituted as an advisory committee with the objective of overseeing and assisting in the implementation of the Vision Plan; and,

 

12)       That installation of Public Washrooms on Main Street Unionville be referred to the 2015 Budget process; and further,

 

13)       That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

Clauses 8 and 10 amended by Council on January 13, 2015, to read as follows:

 

*   8)    That the following Resolution No. 8 be referred to staff for additional information to be brought back to the Development Services Committee:

 

That York Region be requested to work with the City of Markham and Metrolinx to investigate options to eliminate the need for a grade separation at the Highway 7-railway interface while protecting the functions of Highway 7 and the Stouffville corridor GO rail service expansion plan, as a grade separation at this location would have detrimental impacts on the local community from an economic, heritage conservation and aesthetic perspective."; and,

 

** 10)  That the local Councillor, Mayor, Regional Councillor Jim Jones and any other interested Councillors meet with the Unionville BIA and commercial property owners to discuss the Vision Plan and funding of the Property Development Coordinator position; and,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

9.         2013 CITY OF MARKHAM OFFICIAL PLAN
            PART I – YORK REGION NOTICE OF DECISION
            AND APPEALS TO THE ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD
            REGIONAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE
            MARKHAM OFFICIAL PLAN 2014 (10.0)

            Staff Presentation  Report  Appendix A  Appendix B  Appendix C

 

Valerie Burke disclosed an interest with respect to Item # 9, 2013 City of Markham Official Plan relating to 360 John Street, by nature of owning a family business in the Thornhill area, and did not take part in the discussion of or vote on the question of the approval of this matter.

 

Murray Boyce, Senior Policy Coordinator, gave a presentation to update the Committee on the 2013 City of Markham Official Plan Part 1, with respect to key modifications and deferrals made by Regional Council in approving the Plan and appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board.

 

The Committee consented to separate matters relating to 360 John Street.

 

Moved by: Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by: Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

 

1)         That the report entitled “2013 City of Markham Official Plan, Part I – York Region Notice of Decision and Appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board” dated January 13, 2015, be received; and,

 

2)         That Council endorse the modifications and deferrals to the Council adopted Official Plan 2013 approved by York Region on June 12, 2014, as outlined in Appendix ‘A’ of the report entitled “2013 City of Markham Official Plan, Part I – York Region Notice of Decision and Appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board” dated January 13, 2015, save and except matters relating to 360 John Street, Markham; and,

 

1)                 That Council endorse the modifications and deferrals to the Council adopted Official Plan 2013 approved by York Region on June 12, 2014, as outlined in Appendix ‘A’ of the report entitled “2013 City of Markham Official Plan, Part I – York Region Notice of Decision and Appeals to the Ontario Municipal  Board” dated January 13, 2015, specifically matters relating to 360 John Street, Markham; and further,

 

4)         That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jim Robb, representing Friends of the Rouge Watershed, made a deputation and provided a handout outlining concerns regarding watershed management.

 

Moved by: Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by: Regional Councillor Joe Li

 

5)         That the deputation and submission by Jim Robb, representing Friends of the Rouge Watershed, regarding the 2013 City of Markham Official Plan be received and referred to staff.

CARRIED

 

 

 

10.       NEW BUSINESS
            HIGHWAY 7 STREETSCAPE (5.10, 13.4)

 

The Committee reviewed renderings of the approved and alternate streetscape cross-sections for Highway 7 between Warden Avenue and Sciberras Road. It was suggested that the transit right-of-way be utilized for on-street parking during off-peak hours. Staff was requested to review and report back on both these aspects, as soon as possible.

 

Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu

Seconded by: Regional Councillor Joe Li

 

That staff be directed to review the alternate streetscape and on-street parking during off-peak hours for Highway 7 between Warden Avenue and Sciberras Road, and report back to Development Services Committee.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at 12:42 PM.

 

 

 

Alternate formats for this document are available upon request.

 

 

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