MINUTES
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE
2007-04-24 - 9:00 a.m.
Meeting No. 13
All
Members of Council
Development
Services Economic
Development
Chair: Regional Councillor J. Jones Chair: Regional Councillor T. Wong
Vice-Chair: Councillor J. Webster
PART A
Presentations,
Major Studies, and Issues Agenda
9:00 a.m. – Canada Room
Attendance
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J. Livey, Chief Administrative
Officer
J. Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services
A. Brown, Director of Engineering
C. Conrad, Town Solicitor
S. Chait, Director, Economic
Development
S. Marsh, Senior Planner, Urban
Design
V. Shuttleworth, Director of
Planning and Urban Design
S. Sito, Environmental Engineer
C. Raynor, Committee Clerk
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The Development Services
Committee convened at the hour of 9:03 a.m. in the Canada Room with Deputy
Mayor J. Jones in the Chair. Regional
Councillor T. Wong assumed the Chair for Economic Development item, No. 1.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
None disclosed
1. DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- April 10, 2007 Part A (10.0)
Minutes
Moved by
Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded
by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the
minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting, Part A, held April 10,
2007, be confirmed.
CARRIED
2. TORONTO REGION RESEARCH ALLIANCE
(10.16)
Presentation
Mr. M. Williams, Senior Vice President, Toronto Region Research
Alliance (TRRA), presented information on the TRRA’s mission and vision,
background, operations, regional branding and messaging, and the benefits to
the Town of Markham.
It was noted that the TRRA focuses on collaboration and has developed
an extensive network. It was suggested that the TRRA’s regional advocacy
approach will help to increase investment in the Town by bringing in key
businesses to the region as a whole.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
That the presentation from Mr. S. Chait, Director, Economic
Development, regarding the Toronto Region Research Alliance be received.
CARRIED
3. PATHWAYS AND TRAILS MASTER PLAN
STUDY UPDATE (6.3)
Presentation
Ms. S. Marsh, Senior Planner, Urban Design and Mr. K. Okimie, Marshall
Macklin Monahan presented an overview of the Pathways and Trails Master Plan
vision and goals. Additionally, Committee was provided with the proposed trails
system, including phasing and estimated costs. Priority trails such as along
the east-west and north-south hydro corridors and from Main
Street Markham to Milne
Park were identified. It is
estimated that the full 175km trail system will cost around $63.5 million over
fifty (50) years
There was discussion surrounding public consultation options. Staff
agreed to hold separate public meetings for each of the four (4) communities
and to first meet with Ward Councillors to discuss specific issues in each
area. It was also suggested that staff present the proposed Cycle Path Master
Plan along with the Pathways and Trails Master Plan and that the Chair of the
Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee be invited to attend the public
meetings.
The Committee requested that the user pay principle be dropped as a
potential funding option.
Staff also agreed to bring back information on the “Adopt-a-Path”
program.
Moved by Mayor Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero
That the presentation from Ms. S. Marsh, Senior Planner, Urban Design,
providing an update on the Pathways and Trails Master Plan Study, be received.
CARRIED
4. POMONA MILLS CREEK EROSION
RESTORATION AND HABITAT
ENHANCEMENT STUDY (5.7)
Presentation
Mr. T. Gold, Chair, Pomona Mills Creek Task Force and Mr. D. Maunder,
Aquafor Beech Limited, presented an overview of the work of the Task Force and
the objectives of the study. Committee was presented with information on the
current issues in the Creek including collapsing weirs, increased runoff from
developments and water course erosion.
The Committee was advised that the study will be subject to the
Environmental Assessment (EA) process and that four (4) different options will
be considered ranging from doing nothing to a full restructuring of the Creek
to restore it to its original state. The various options will be presented to
the public, including the financial implications.
There was discussion on the possible additional funding sources. The
Committee emphasized the need to engage the Toronto Region Conservation
Authority (TRCA) as well as the other upstream municipalities and it was
suggested that a report on funding be produced prior to any public
consultation. The Committee also requested that the Pomona Mills
Conservationists be consulted. It was noted that an implementation strategy
will need to be developed.
The Committee advised that residents are keen to learn how they might
help reduce flooding issues in the area and requested that staff provide
education on the subject. It was also noted that care should be taken when
dealing with other watercourses to ensure adequate precautions are in place
upfront so that the need for future restorative work is minimized.
Staff agreed to consider the effectiveness of all four (4) options
based on whether the other regional municipalities do nothing, do some of the
things or do everything that is required of them. Staff will also report back
in June 2007 with details of the overall stormwater strategy for the Town. An
update on the downspout disconnection program, including public consultation,
will also be forthcoming.
Staff advised that work is still underway on a strategy to tackle the
problems highlighted during the August, 2005 storm event and a report with
details of the overall stormwater strategy for the Town will be forthcoming.
The Committee requested that the downspout disconnection program also
include an education element highlighting such things as permeable pavers and
tree planting.
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor J. Virgilio
That the presentation by Mr. S. Sito, Environmental Engineer, regarding
the Pomona Mills Creek Erosion Restoration and Habitat Enhancement Study be
received.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services
Committee meeting adjourned at the hour of 10:50 a.m.