Development Services Committee Minutes
January 21, 2014,
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Council Chamber
All
Members of Council
Development
Services Economic
Development
Chair: Regional Councillor Jim
Jones Chair: Councillor Carolina
Moretti
Vice-Chair: Councillor Don Hamilton Vice-Chair:
Councillor Alex Chiu
Transportation Issues
Chair: Regional Councillor Gord
Landon
Vice-Chair:
Councillor Alan Ho
Attendance
|
Councillor Alex Chiu
Regrets
|
Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative
Officer
Jim Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services
Ronji Borooah, City Architect
Stephen Chait, Director, Economic
Development
Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor
Don De Los Santos, Manager, Markham
Small Business
Centre
Scott Heaslip, Senior Project
Coordinator
Richard Kendall, Manager, Central
District
Brian Lee, Senior Manager, Special
Projects
Sepideh Majdi, Senior Development
Engineer
Rino Mostacci, Director of Planning
and Urban Design
Kitty Bavington, Council/Committee Coordinator
|
The Development Services
Committee convened at the hour of 9:06 a.m. in the Council Chamber with Regional
Councillor Jim Jones in the Chair. Councillor
Carolina Moretti assumed the Chair for Economic Development item, No. 5.
Regional Councillor
Gord Landon assumed the Chair for Transportation item, No. 1.
The Committee welcomed visiting Grade 5 students from Wismer Public
School.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest – None Declared
Presentation
Trevor Anderson, Manager, Environmental Assessment, GO
Transit, a Division of Metrolinx, introduced his team members in attendance,
and gave a presentation entitled "Stouffville Corridor Rail Service
Expansion". The presentation included a problem statement, an outline of
the study purpose, a corridor overview, the scope of the proposed expansion,
corridor opportunities, the GO Transit Class EA, public and municipal
consultation, and feedback.
Mr. Anderson explained the environmental studies and
key findings. Peak AM ridership is anticipated to be over 11,000 by 2025, and
the train volume for this peak time will increase from the current number of
15, to 52, with additional track segments between Scarborough Junction to
Unionville GO station, and station improvements to existing stations. Next
steps include holding Public Information Centers No. 2 in January, and an
Environmental Study Report will be filed in the next few months. Implementation
of this project is contingent on dedicated funding tools and Metrolinx
investment strategy.
Peter Miasek, representing Transport Action Ontario
(TAO), identified several comments and recommendations that are being submitted
to GO:
-
Extend study area to Major
Mackenzie
-
Electrification
-
Additional stations should be
considered
-
Road-rail grade separations should
be studied for arterial roads
-
Rail-rail grade separation at
Scarborough Junction
The Committee discussed the TAO ‘subway’ approach and
options for the subway/downtown relief line, and requested Mr. Miasek provide a
written statement with details and impacts of the points that relate to
Markham.
With respect to the recent presentation from the
development community, Mr. Anderson confirmed that GO is working with the
landowners group. Mr. Anderson also commented on the deputation from TAO and
questions from the Committee:
-
subsidies from the province and
maximizing revenue opportunities to reduce the subsidies
-
accommodating increased traffic
and getting riders to the stations with other modes of transportation
-
structured parking and aerial
rights
-
anticipated capital costs
-
timeline for the project to
commence within 7 to 10 years
-
affordability and increasing
ridership
-
whistle cessation
-
potential Parking Authority
-
potential 407 overpass from the
Unionville station
-
connecting to the Lakeshore and
other lines
-
installing intelligent tracks and
intelligent systems for faster, more frequent service
-
consideration of land use planning
issues
-
constraints from residential
developments and Rouge National Urban Park
Staff commented on previous reports and workshops on
this issue, and advised that an update staff report will be presented in the
near future, and will include any additional response submissions from TAO.
Moved by: Councillor Colin Campbell
Seconded by: Councillor Alan Ho
1)
That the
deputation and written submission by Peter Miasek, representing Transport
Action Ontario, with comments regarding the Stouffville Corridor Rail Service
Expansion, be received; and,
2)
That the presentation provided by Mr.
Trevor Anderson, Manager, Environmental Assessment, GO Transit a Division of Metrolinx
entitled "Stouffville Corridor Rail Service Expansion" be received.
CARRIED
Report
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Regional Councillor Gord Landon
1) That the report entitled “Heritage Week
2014, February 16-22, 2014” dated January 21, 2014, be received; and,
2) That the week of February 16-22, 2014
be proclaimed as Heritage Week in the City of Markham; and further,
3) That Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution, including the community outreach measures outlined in the report.
CARRIED
Report Site
Plan - Renderings
Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services, gave a brief
introduction of this matter, advising of the recent OMB hearing decision, and
that staff consider the proposal to be acceptable.
Jeff Green of Malone Givens Parsons, representing Times Group Inc.,
displayed site plans and renderings of the proposed buildings.
The Committee discussed the connection of Fitzgerald Road to Village
Parkway, the round-about, and mitigating traffic impacts. Staff will review the
traffic figures and potential traffic calming strategies. A collaboration between
the three developers was recommended, as well as consideration for seniors’
needs and creating a more pedestrian friendly design. It was confirmed that
interlocking brick will be used instead of asphalt in front of the units.
Moved by: Councillor Don Hamilton
Seconded by: Councillor Carolina Moretti
1)
That the staff report dated
January 21, 2014 titled “1820266 Ontario Inc. (Times Group Inc.), 4002/4022
Highway 7 (east side of Village Parkway, north of Highway 7), Applications for
site plan approval for two adjoining residential developments” be received;
and,
2)
That servicing be allocated to the
developments, as follows:
·
67.7 townhouses from the
pre-2011/12 allocation
·
4.3 townhouses from the 2011/12
allocation
·
23 apartments from the 2013
allocation
·
232 apartments from the 2015
allocation
in accordance with the
Region of York’s “Sustainable Development Though LEED” program; and,
That the Region of York
be advised of the servicing allocation for these developments; and,
3)
That site plan application SC 13
126372 (apartment/townhouse development at the north-east corner of Highway 7
and Village Parkway) be endorsed, in principle, and that site plan approval be
delegated to the Director of Planning and Urban Design, or his designate, to be
issued (Site Plan Approval is issued only when the Director or his designate
has signed the site plans “approved”) when the following conditions have been
met:
i.
Plan of subdivision 19T-93010 has
been registered.
ii.
The Owner has entered into a site
plan agreement with the City and the Region of York containing all standard and
special provisions and requirements of the City and public agencies and the
provisions outlined in Appendix ‘A’ to the January 21, 2014 staff report.
iii.
The Owner has provided the City
with the required payment of 60% planning processing fees and 40% engineering
processing fees in accordance with the City’s applicable Fee By-law.
iv.
The holding provision has been
removed from the zoning of the lands in accordance with the provisions of the
by-law; and,
That site plan
endorsement shall lapse after a period of three (3) years from the date of
endorsement in the event that the site plan agreement is not executed within
that period; and,
4)
That site plan application SC 13
134515 (townhouse development on the east side of Village Parkway, one block
north of Highway 7) be endorsed, in principle, and that site plan approval be
delegated to the Director of Planning and Urban Design, or his designate, to be
issued (Site Plan Approval is issued only when the Director or his designate
has signed the signed the site plans “approved”) when the following conditions
have been met:
i.
Plan of subdivision 19T-93010 has
been registered.
ii.
The Owner has entered into a site
plan agreement with the City containing all standard and special provisions and
requirements of the City and public agencies and the provisions outlined in
Appendix ‘B’ to the January 21, 2014 staff report.
iii.
That the Owner provide the City
with the required payment of 60% planning processing fees and 40% engineering
processing fees in accordance with the City’s applicable Fee By-law.
iv.
The holding provision has been
removed from the zoning of the lands in accordance with the provisions of the
by-law; and,
That site plan
endorsement shall lapse after a period of three (3) years from the date of
endorsement in the event that the site plan agreement is not executed within
that period; and further,
5)
That Staff be authorized and
directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
Report
Attachment
Appendix
A Appendix
B Appendix
C Precinct
Plan
Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services, provided a brief
introduction for this development consisting of 1225 residential units,
commercial uses, two park blocks, and valley lands. The overall height and
density is deemed to be acceptable by staff in the context of the Markham
Centre Secondary Plan and the new Official Plan. Development will occur over
several years. The Plan of Subdivision and Zoning are being considered at this
time, and additional approval for site plans will be required at a later stage.
Traffic studies have been done.
Mr. Victor Lind of Lind Land Management, representing Sheridan
Nurseries Limited, gave an overview presentation of the Precinct Plan and
responded to questions. Several consultant representatives of the applicant
were in attendance.
The Committee discussed the concerns identified in correspondence
received from adjacent land owners, and staff will review these issues. Comments
were provided regarding building orientation, shadowing, the valley lands, and
on-boulevard cycling, for consideration at the site plan stage.
Staff provided an update on the Highway 7 traffic
lights at this location. Regional representatives were requested to pursue the operations
of the traffic lights on Highway 7 as soon as possible.
Moved by: Councillor Don Hamilton
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
1)
That the written submissions by Paul William Young and Mohamed Maherali
regarding the application by Sheridan Nurseries Limited, 4077/4101 Highway 7,
be received; and,
2) That the report dated January 21, 2014 titled “Recommendation
Report, Sheridan Nurseries Limited, 4077/4101 Highway 7, Applications for draft
plan of subdivision and rezoning to permit a mixed-use development,” be
received; and,
3) That the record of the Public Meeting held on May 21, 2013
regarding the applications for approval of Draft Plan of Subdivision and
implementing Zoning By-law be received; and,
4) That Council endorse the precinct plan, dated August 2013,
prepared by Lind Urban Land Management and others for the Sheridan Nurseries
lands, attached as Appendix ‘A’; and,
5) That the application submitted by Sheridan Nurseries Limited
to amend Zoning By-law 304-87 and By-law
2004-196, as amended, be approved and the draft by-laws attached as Appendix
’B’ be finalized and enacted without further notice; and,
6) That the modeling forecasts for Markham Centre be updated to
reflect the increased residential unit count resulting from the approval of the
proposed development; and,
7) That the draft plan of subdivision 19TM-12008 submitted by
Sheridan Nurseries Limited, be draft approved subject to the conditions
outlined in Appendix ‘C’; and,
8) That the Director of Planning and Urban Design, or his
designate, be delegated authority to issue draft plan approval, subject to the
conditions set out in Appendix ‘C’ as may be amended by the Director of
Planning and Urban Design; and,
9) That draft plan approval for plan of subdivision 19TM-12008
will lapse after a period of three (3) years from the date of issuance in the
event that a subdivision agreement is not executed within that period; and,
10) That the name “Sheridan Street” be
reserved for the north-south local road running along the west side of the
property; and further,
11) That Staff be authorized and directed to
do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
Report
Don De Los Santos, Manager, Markham
Small Business Centre, explained the initiatives being proposed for the new
Youth Program at the MSBC. As part of the
2013 Provincial budget, funds are being provided for a Youth Jobs Strategy
aimed at addressing the high rate of unemployment among youth in Ontario.
Markham will be receiving a one-time grant of $95,000 to fund additional
program staffing at MSBC.
Staff responded to question regarding promotion of the
program, eligibility, and other similar programs. Outreach opportunities were
discussed.
Moved by: Councillor Howard Shore
Seconded by: Regional Councillor Jim Jones
1) That the report entitled “2013-15 Ontario Youth Jobs
Strategy Entrepreneurship Program Funding for New Youth Program at MSBC” be
received and endorsed; and,
2) That MSBC hire a 2-year contract staff to be funded by the
Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment Youth Jobs Strategy
Program in the total amount of $95,000, subject to execution of the Agreement
noted below; and,
3) That the City of Markham enter into an Agreement with the
Province pertaining to funding arrangements, roles, responsibilities and
commitments under this program; and further,
4) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
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
- DECEMBER 3, 2013 (10.0)
[Section 239 (2) ((e,
e, (e,f), (e,f), b, f)] e)]
(2) LITIGATION
OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION, INCLUDING MATTERS BEFORE
ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS, AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY
OR LOCAL BOARD [Section 239 (2) (e)]
ADVICE THAT IS SUBJECT TO
SOLICITOR-CLIENT PRIVILEGE, INCLUDING COMMUNICATIONS
NECESSARY FOR THAT PURPOSE [Section 239 (2) (f)] (CRB - Ward 1 (10.13, 16.11))
CARRIED
Moved by: Regional Councillor Joe Li
Seconded by: Councillor Don Hamilton
That the Development Services Committee rise from in-camera at 12:34 PM
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services
Committee meeting adjourned at 12:34 PM.
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