M I N U T E S

ENVIRONMENT & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

2002-01-28

 

Attendance

 

Chair:                  Councillor J. Virgilio Vice Chair, Transportation:                             Reg. Councillor G.     Landon Vice Chair, Environment:                            Reg. Councillor T. Wong Members:            Councillor G. McKelvey                            Councillor A. Chiu                            Councillor E. Shapero Others:                Reg. Councillor F. Scarpitti                            Councillor S. Daurio                            Councillor J. Heath                            Councillor D. Horchik

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer M. F. Turner, Commissioner of Development             Services A. Brown, Director of Engineering P. Loukes, Director of Street Services S. Bertoia, Director of Environmental Services A. Mukherjee, Manager, Transportation M. Ingwersen, Manager, Parks Construction &             Maintenance R. Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning L. Duoba, Project Coordinator K. Boniface, Parks Planner K. Bavington, Committee Clerk

 

 

The Environment & Transportation Committee convened at the hour of 1:00 p.m. with Councillor J. Virgilio in the Chair.

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST - none

 

 

 

1.         REGION OF YORK CAPITAL BUDGET
            (2001, 2002 AND 10 YEAR) (5.10 & 7.5 & 10.0)

 

Mr. Paul May, Director of Transportation Planning for York Region and Mr. Kees Schipper, Commissioner of Transportation and Works for York Region, made a presentation regarding highlights of the Regional 2002 Capital Budget.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That it be recommended to Council that the York Region and Town of Markham's Engineering Department's presentation on the Region 2001, 2002 and 10-year Capital Budget be received;

 

And that the Region of York be requested to:

 

• Advance Markham By-Pass construction (16th to Major Mackenzie) to 2002/2003
• Advance Major Mackenzie construction from Woodbine Avenue to Kennedy Road from 2005 to 2003 to coincide with Community Centre opening
• Adjust the construction schedule of the Markham By-Pass from 407 to 9th/Steeles to coincide with Box Grove Secondary Plan (2009/2010 to 2003/2004) and to coincide with the completion of the interchange at Highway 407 and the Markham By-pass;
• Review with Markham Engineering Department an alternative road capital program (i.e. Warden Avenue and Kennedy Road from Steeles to Denison, Leslie Street from Steeles to Green Lane, Hwy 404 mid block crossings, etc.)
• Make other adjustments to the Capital program as may be identified by staff and Markham Council
• Prepare with Markham Engineering Department a detailed intersection implement/signalization plan
• Victoria Square By-Pass

 

And that the Region of York be requested to move forward with negotiations regarding the widening of Steeles Avenue;

 

And that the 407 ETR be requested to provide a full interchange at the Markham By-pass by 2004, if not earlier;

 

And that the Director of Engineering report back as to the water capital requirement and phasing to accommodate future growth;

 

And further that the Engineering Department report back as to the proposed revisions to the Region Capital Budget.

CARRIED

 

 

 

2.         TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
DISCUSSION PAPER  (5.10 & 10.0)

 

The Commissioner of Development Services and the Director of Engineering made a 5-minute presentation on the Transportation Management Association Discussion Paper.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That it be recommended to Council that the Discussion Paper on Transportation Management Association be received;

 

And that the Engineering Department report back with a detailed work program and resource requirements (i.e. consultant/contract staff) to implement the work program outlined in the Discussion Paper;

 

And that the Engineering Department be authorized to arrange a stakeholder meeting with property owners/tenants to review the work program;

 

And that two Staff Members be authorized to attend the First National Canadian T.D.M. Conference March 6-8, 2002 in Vancouver;

 

And that the cost of the conference be expensed to the existing Travel Demand Management Study Account (Project #3776. Capital Account # 083 5399 3776 005);

 

And further that Councillors with an interest in the Conference be authorized to attend.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

3.         REQUEST FOR ALL-WAY STOP SIGN CONTROL AT RODICK
ROAD/ROSEPORT INVESTMENTS LIMITED DRIVEWAY
AND YORKTECH DRIVE/IBM TEMPORARY DRIVEWAY (5.12.3)

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That it be recommended to Council that the report entitled "Request for All-Way Stop Sign Control at Rodick Road/Roseport Investments Ltd. Driveway and Yorktech Drive/IBM Temporary Driveway", dated January 28, 2002 be received;

 

And that all-way stop sign control be installed at the intersection of Rodick Road/Roseport Investments Ltd. driveway and Yorktech Drive/IBM temporary driveway;

 

And that the attached by-law to amend Schedule 12 of By-law 106-71, by including compulsory stops on Rodick Road/Roseport Investments Ltd. driveway and Yorktech Drive/IBM temporary driveway, be approved;

 

And further that the owners of IBM be requested to obtain the necessary utility clearances and install the stop signs.

 

CARRIED

 

 

4.         PETER STREET PARKING PROHIBITIONS (5.12.4)

 

The Committee reviewed the residents' concerns, and discussed the options of prohibiting parking on one side or both sides of Peter Street.

 

Mr. Brian Pike, 24 Peter Street, requested that Springdale Avenue be included in the parking prohibition, and that the GO signs on Peter Street be removed.

 

*RECOMMENDATION:

 

That it be recommended to Council that the by-law to amend Schedule 2 of By-law 366-88, by including a "No Parking, Mon. - Fri. (6:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.)" restriction on the east side of Peter Street from Beech Street to David Street, and on Springdale Avenue, be approved;

 

And that, 60 days after the Mount Joy GO Station opens, staff provide a report on whether it is necessary to continue the No Parking restrictions;

 

And further that, GO Transit be requested to provide improved pedestrian walkways to the GO Station at Beech Street.

CARRIED

 

______________________________________________________________________________

 

* Council, at its meeting held on February 12, 2002, agreed to amend paragraph 3, as follows:

 

"And further that, GO Transit be requested to provide improved pedestrian walkways from the parking lot to the platform at the Markham GO Station."

(By-law 2002-23)

 

 

 

5.         REVIEW OF PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF SMALL
STREAMS AND INTERMITTENT WATERCOURSES (5.7 & 10.0)

 

Committee members advised that the public information meeting held on November 19, 2001 regarding stream management had been well attended. Discussions included whether a watercourse policy or a guideline is required, and that it should not be attached as an addendum to the Town's Stormwater Management Guidelines.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That it be recommended to Council that the report entitled "Review of Protection and Management of Small Streams and Intermittent Watercourses", be received;

 

And that the Town approve the Work Program for the preparation of a revised Policy, together with implementing "Guidelines for the Protection and Management of Small Streams and Intermittent Watercourses";

 

And further that staff report back to Committee with recommendations on a consultant team and proposed budget.

CARRIED

 

 

 

6.         REQUEST FOR BOULEVARD TREE REMOVALS
12 EMELINE CRESCENT (5.7 & 2.21)

 

Ms. Judy Lamb, 43 Emeline Crescent, spoke to the Committee in objection to the removal of healthy trees on Emeline Crescent. Ms. Lamb presented a petition of 17 signatures, advising that more names will be added. Her concern is that the 20-year-old trees are an important community and environmental element, and she does not believe the roots are creating a problem.

 

The Committee discussed the characteristics of Silver Maple trees. It was suggested that a long-term solution to the sewer pipe problem is required, rather than a quick fix of tree removal.

Staff advised a report would be presented to the Committee next month regarding the problems caused by tree roots in the sewer pipes. 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That it be recommended to Council that the matter of the request for boulevard tree removals at 12 Emeline Crescent be deferred to a future meeting of the Environment & Transportation Committee, to allow the Ward Councillor to meet with residents and report back;

 

And that staff review By-law 68-92, the Tree By-law, with respect removal of trees from the road allowance by the Parks Department;

 

And that no healthy trees be removed until the staff review of By-law 68-92 is completed.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

7.         REGION OF YORK TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN (5.10)

 

Mr. Paul May, Director of Transportation Planning for York Region, Mr. Kees Schipper, Commissioner of Transportation and Works for York Region, and Mr. Dick Gordon of Cansult, were in attendance with respect to the Region of York's Transportation Master Plan. They described the long-term transportation vision, which provides a framework for all major transportation decisions to 2031. Committee received the Draft Overview (December 2001) and the Draft Final Report (January 2002) of the York Region Transportation Master Plan.

Discussions included the priorities of the transit network, including 2 new GO Stations in Markham, the Markham by-pass, and long-term improvements throughout the Region. Funding sources were reviewed. Comments from the Committee included the possible use of electric buses, the staging for the LRT system, and Federal/Provincial gas tax or employee tax revenues.

 

The next steps will be agency/municipal review, further public consultation, and presentation of a final document for approval by the Region, in April, 2002. It was noted that regardless of funding available at this time, the review process would proceed.

Staff advised a further report is scheduled to be presented to the Committee on February 25, 2002, and that Committee's comments and questions are welcome, for inclusion in the report.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the Region of York presentation and their Transportation Master Plan be received;

 

And that the Director of Engineering report back at the February 25, 2002 Environment & Transportation Committee with a report on the Region of York Transportation Master Plan.

 

CARRIED

 

 

8.         RAPID TRANSIT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
FOR A PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNER (5.14.7)

 

The Commissioner of Development Services and Director of Engineering made a brief presentation with respect to a Request for Proposal process for rapid transit, and advised a communications binder would be provided to Committee members.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the Commissioner of Development Services and Director of Engineering's presentation on the Rapid Transit request for Proposal process be received;

 

 

 

And that the Development Services Commission continue to update Committee on the progress of this project.

CARRIED

 

 

 

9.         STATUS OF MILLIKEN GO STATION  (5.10 & 5.14)

 

The Director of Engineering made a brief presentation regarding the status of the Milliken Mills GO Station. The Committee discussed options for overflow parking.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the Director of Engineering's verbal report on the status of the Milliken GO Station be received;

 

And that the Engineering Department report back as to interim and long term options for the Milliken GO Station.

CARRIED

 

 

 

10.       PARKING AUTHORITIES DISCUSSION PAPER (2.17 & 5.10)

 

The Commissioner of Development Services and the Director of Engineering made a brief presentation regarding the Parking Authorities Discussion Paper.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the Discussion Paper on Parking Authorities be received;

 

And that Development Services Commission staff report back with a detailed work program and resource requirements (i.e. consultant/contract staff) to implement the program.

CARRIED

 

 

 

11.       WOODBINE AVE/HWY 407 INTERCHANGE (13.4 & 5.12)

 

The Director of Engineering advised that the meeting between the Town, Region, MTO, 407 ETR and SLF, scheduled for January 15, 2002, had been postponed, and that an update will be provided to the Committee after the meeting has been held. A Committee member noted the urgent concern of residents regarding this matter.

 

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the presentation by the Director of Engineering with respect to the Woodbine Avenue/Highway 407 Interchange, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

12.       UNIONVILLE LIONS CLUB PROPOSAL AT THE
UNIONVILLE LIBRARY LANDS (3.0 & 3.19)

 

The Committee reviewed the public consultation and notification for the Unionville Lions Club proposal at the Unionville Library lands, and the lengthy process for this proposal since it had been submitted in October 1999. Staff advised that the TRCA would not approve the alternate proposed Arch location within the hydraulic flood plains.

 

Mr. Del Maize, representing the Unionville Lions Club, reviewed the support received for the proposal from the Unionville Ratepayers Association and a petition with 78 signatures. He advised a further time extension had been obtained from the Trillium Foundation, and he requested the Committee provide direction with respect to time frame, and alternate locations - "would a location within the same park be considered?" Mr. Maize suggested the Arch should be located fronting on a street.

 

Committee questioned if other parks named for the Lions Club are owned by the Club, and Mr. Maize was requested to provide information in that regard. The Committee received correspondence from:

1.     Karen Chadwick of the Unionville BIA Membership, dated November 27, 2001, with concerns regarding the arch;

    2.     Richard Talbot, President of the Village of Unionville Property Owners Association

dated January 25, 2002, in opposition to the arch and renaming of the park;

    3.     Doug Worsley, Vice President of the Unionville Villagers Association, dated January 24,

in opposition to the proposal.   

 

Mr. Richard Talbot, President of the Village of Unionville Property Owners Association, was in attendance to review the concerns of the Association.

 

Mr. Peter Hadas, of the Unionville Villagers Association, advised that he was not supportive of the proposal from a Heritage perspective.

 

Alternate locations for the arch were considered, and Mr. Maize advised that the Lions Club would consider another location outside of the southwest quadrant of the Unionville Library lands.

 

The Committee expressed appreciation to the Lions Club for their efforts in the community.

 

It was agreed that the following Committee resolution be forwarded to the Council Meeting scheduled for January 29, 2002, for consideration:

 

*RECOMMENDATION:

 

That it be recommended to Council that correspondence be received from:

 

   1.      Karen Chadwick of the Unionville BIA Membership, dated November 27, 2001,

with concerns regarding the arch;

    2.     Richard Talbot, President of the Village of Unionville Property Owners

Association, dated January 25, 2002, in opposition to the arch and renaming of

the park;

    3.     Doug Worsley, Vice President of the Unionville Villagers Association, dated

January 24, in opposition to the proposal.

 

And that the staff report dated January 28, 2002 entitled "Unionville Lions Club Proposal at the Unionville Library Lands", be received;

 

And that the proposed Unionville Lions Club Arch not be permitted within the southwest quadrant of the Unionville Library lands;

 

And that the Unionville Library lands not be named for the Unionville Lions Club;

 

And further that the Unionville Lions Club be advised to continue to work with Town staff to investigate alternative locations for their proposal, within the remaining 3 quadrants of the Unionville Library lands, or at another park, over the next 6 to 8 weeks.

CARRIED

 

______________________________________________________________________________

 

*          Amended by Council at its meeting held on January 29, 2002 to amend the last paragraph, as follows:

 

"And further that the Unionville Lions Club be advised to continue to work with Town staff and the community to investigate alternative locations for their proposal, within the remaining 3 quadrants of the Unionville Library lands, or at another park, over the next 6 to 8 weeks."

 

            And to add the following paragraph:

 

"And further that the Town of Markham does not object to the Lions Club name and logo on the arch subject to approval of the final location and design."

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.       LIGHT POLLUTION - INTERIM REPORT (5.7)

 

Staff advised that the report scheduled to be presented to the Committee in May/June 2002 would establish standards as guidelines. Committee requested further information regarding standards for single residences, and the extent of shielding along Highway 48. Councillor Daurio indicated an interest in participating in discussions.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the report by Technical Service Department entitled "Light Pollution - Interim Report" be received;

 

And further that a report dealing with lighting in new subdivision/site plans, commercial plazas and sport fields, and retrofitting of existing lighting systems be submitted in May/June, 2002.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

14.       RESOLUTION - MARKHAM CONSERVATION
COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 8, 2001
YEARLY RESTORATION PROGRAM (16.28 & 5.7 & 7.6)

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the following resolution of the Markham Conservation Committee from its meeting on November 8, 2001, be referred to the Environmental Sustainability Fund process:

 

         "Whereas the Town of Markham has supported conservation and restoration projects on public lands, and

 

         Whereas a number of citizen groups in the Town have shown initiative in undertaking and assisting such projects, and

 

         Whereas one of the mandates of the Markham Conservation Committee is to provide a coordinating role with which to assist the Town of Markham in planning and implementing restoration work

 

         Now therefore the Markham Conservation Committee recommends to the Council of the Town of Markham that:

 

·        Council appropriate to the Markham Conservation Committee the sum of $4000 per annum for conservation and restoration projects initiated by citizen groups.

 

 

 

 

·        The Markham Conservation Committee will advertise grants of up to $500 for any group undertaking such a project, will adjudicate project proposals and will review progress made by successful grant holders

 

·        Council provide funds in fiscal 2002 so that the Committee can announce a competition for the coming year."

CARRIED

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

That the Environment and Transportation Committee receive the following communications:

 

 

 

15.       CN - ENGINEERING SERVICES (5.13)

 

Advising of their plans for grade crossing maintenance at Green Lane Road -

Town of Markham - MI. 16.50 Bala Subdivision. (January 10, 2002)

 

The correspondence was received. Councillor Heath noted an article in the Toronto Star, January 26, 2002. Staff was requested to provide a review and report.

 

 

 

16.       ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF ONTARIO (13.12.2 & 5.3)

 

Member communication indicating that the Walkerton Inquiry Report, with respect

to the circumstances leading to the contamination of Walkerton's water supply in

May 2000, has been released, and that AMO will be holding seminars on "The Standard

of Care for Municipal Water Delivery" in April. (January 18, 2002)

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Environment and Transportation Committee meeting adjourned at the hour of 5:15 p.m.