Development Services Committee Minutes
April 24, 2017,
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Council Chamber
All
Members of Council
Development
Services Issues Culture
and Economic Development Issues
Chair: Regional Councillor Jim
Jones Chair: Councillor Alex Chiu
Vice-Chair: Councillor Don Hamilton Vice-Chair: Councillor Alan Ho
Transportation and Engineering
Capital Projects Issues
Chair: Regional Councillor Joe Li
Vice-Chair: Regional Councillor Nirmala
Armstrong
Attendance
|
Councillor Alex Chiu
|
Jim Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services
Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of
Community & Fire Services
Chris Bird, Director of Building
Stephen Chait, Director, Culture and
Economic Development
Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor and
Acting Director of Human
Resources
George Duncan, Senior Heritage
Planner
Lilli Duoba, Manager, Natural Heritage
Biju Karumanchery, Director of
Planning and Urban Design
Richard Kendall, Manager, Central
District
Brian Lee, Director of Engineering
Bradley Roberts, Supervisor, Zoning
Peter Wokral, Heritage Planner
Kitty Bavington, Council/Committee Coordinator
|
The Development Services
Committee convened at the hour of 9:04 a.m. in the Council Chamber with Regional
Councillor Jim Jones in the Chair. Regional
Councillor Joe Li
assumed the Chair for Transportation and Engineering Capital Projects items,
Nos. 3 and 14.
The Committee recessed from
11:24 a.m. to 11:37 a.m.; and from 1:06 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
-
None Declared
1. DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- April 10, 2017 (10.0)
Minutes
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
That the
minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting held April 10, 2017, be
confirmed.
CARRIED
2. DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
- April 5, 2017, April 10, 2017 and April 12, 2017 (10.0)
April
5 April
10 April
12
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
That the
minutes of the Development Services Public Meetings held April 5, 2017, April
10, 2017 and April 12, 2017, be confirmed.
CARRIED
3. CREATING CONNECTIONS IN
THE CITY OF MARKHAM
(METROLINX REGIONAL EXPRESS
RAIL PROGRAM UPDATE) (5.10)
Presentation
Mohamed Alkoka, Director,
Corridor Infrastructure – Metrolinx, and Erin Moroz, Director, Communications
and Community Relations – Metrolinx, and members of their team, were in
attendance to provide a presentation titled “Creating Connections in the
City of Markham”.
The presentation discussed the cost of gridlock on the
economy, regional transformation including the GO expansion program, and
investments in the City of Markham. Upgrades on the Markham rail
infrastructure, level crossings and grade separations, and train anti-whistling
initiatives were outlined.
With respect
to community engagement, Metrolinx recognizes that with new infrastructure and
construction comes impacts to the community that must be worked through with
residents, businesses, and their elected officials. The Metrolinx Community
Charter process was outlined.
The presenters and City staff responded to questions
and comments from the Committee:
-
Providing a parking garage in
addition to parking lots at the Unionville GO station. It is not warranted at
this time; however the parking strategy will be regularly updated.
-
Details and description of
paralleling stations were requested.
-
The impact on road traffic while
the train is in the station and the gates are down at McCowan Road. An update
on options being considered will be provided.
-
A copy of the survey statistics
for residents using cars to access GO stations in York Region will be provided.
-
Metrolinx has approved four new
stations on the Stouffville Line that will be funded by the City of Toronto as
part of their SmartTrack plan. Funding for other stations outside of the
SmartTrack plan will be negotiated with the municipalities.
-
The Unionville GO station will
require additional property for the two new tracks and platform expansion.
-
Details were requested on the
location of 300 new parking spaces at Unionville Station.
-
Markham has submitted
correspondence regarding the Milliken GO station as part of the Steeles Avenue
EA, and a response is requested.
-
Concern about the potential of
re-routing freight traffic onto the York Subdivision, and what is Metrolinx’s
position on the “Missing Link”.
-
Rail electrification is expected
between 2021-2024, which will require new locomotives and should provide faster
service. The speed of the new service has to be balanced with the addition of
new stations. More frequent service will allow the trains to be shorter.
-
All day/weekend service will be
phased, as determined by the Province.
-
Stations should have a
bird-friendly design, and mobility-challenged persons should be included in the
renderings.
-
Improvements to the Markham GO
Station track were considered in an EA, but the focus of improvements is south
of that area, and that EA has been put on hold.
-
The Mobility Hub study should be
coordinated with York University. A presentation by Metrolinx at a future York
University Markham Campus Committee meeting is recommended.
-
More frequent updates from
Metrolinx are required.
-
A Memorandum of Understanding for
anti-whistling is being prepared to identify the respective responsibilities of
Metrolinx, York Region and Markham.
-
Suggested a new rail-integrated
committee be formed to deal with Stouffville, Richmond Hill, and Havelock
lines.
-
SmartTrack should extend further
into Markham.
-
14th Avenue is already
grade separated – what are the challenges of a future station at this location?
-
Metrolinx informed that the
estimated cost for Steeles Avenue grade separation will be $122m – what are the
costs for the other grade separations north of Finch Avenue, as opposed to
elevations?
-
100,000 new residents will need to
be accommodated. Areas of significant population increase in Markham will
require upgrades and last mile strategies.
-
Markham Centre and Steeles Avenue
are priority areas for improvements.
-
It was suggested that the 407
transitway alignment should stay on the south side closer to the 407ETR.
It was noted that Metrolinx is now leading Phase 1
Mobility Hub Study.
The Committee requested that staff report back at the next
Development Services Committee meeting on items raised, including the
suggestion to form a new committee.
Moved by: Regional Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by: Councillor Alan Ho
1) That the April 24, 2017 presentation titled “Creating
Connections in the City of Markham” by Metrolinx, dated April 24, 2017 be
received; and,
2) That Council authorize closure of existing Turff Avenue at
Steeles Avenue intersection and direct staff to bring forward the necessary
bylaw at the appropriate time; and,
3) That Council authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute
agreement(s) with Metrolinx, the City of Toronto, adjacent land owners, and
other parties having jurisdiction, in a form satisfactory to the Chief
Administrative Officer and the City Solicitor for implementation of the Regional
Express Rail program and the Steeles Avenue East grade separation; and further,
4) That staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
4. HISTORIC UNIONVILLE COMMUNITY
VISION COMMITTEE MINUTES
- January 18, 2017 (10.0)
Minutes
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Regional Councillor Joe Li
That the minutes of the Historic Unionville Community
Vision Committee meeting held
January 18, 2017, be received for information
purposes.
CARRIED
5. INFORMATION REPORT
UPDATE ON NEW COMPREHENSIVE
ZONING BY-LAW PROJECT -
INITIATION OF
PHASE 3B & PROPOSED PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION PLAN
PR 13 128340 (10.5)
Report
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Regional Councillor Joe Li
1) That the report entitled, “INFORMATION REPORT: Update on New
Comprehensive Zoning By-law Project – Initiation of Phase 3B & Proposed
Public Participation Plan” be received; and,
2) That the attached Public Participation Plan for Phase 3B
(Appendix “B”), be received.
CARRIED
6. SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
1771107 ONTARIO INC. (TIMES
GROUP INC.)
SOUTH SIDE OF HIGHWAY 7, EAST
OF WARDEN AVENUE
APPLICATION FOR ZONING BY-LAW
AMENDMENT
TO PERMIT AN INCREASE IN THE
MAXIMUM PERMITTED NUMBER
OF DWELLING UNITS AND MAXIMUM
PERMITTED BUILDING HEIGHT
IN THE TIMES GROUP’S UPTOWN
MARKHAM DEVELOPMENT. (WARD 3)
FILE NO. ZA 16 164154 (10.5)
Report
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Regional Councillor Joe Li
1) That the staff report dated April 24, 2017, titled
“SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT, 1771107 Ontario
Inc. (Times Group Inc.), South side of Highway 7, east of Warden Avenue,
Application for zoning by-law amendment to permit an increase in the maximum
permitted number of dwelling units and maximum permitted building height in the
Times Group’s Uptown Markham development, File No. ZA 16 164154;” be received.
CARRIED
7. PRELIMINARY REPORT
IDEAL (MS) DEVELOPMENTS INC.
APPLICATION FOR ZONING BY-LAW
AMENDMENT
TO PERMIT A HIGH DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL
MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT ON THE
NORTH SIDE OF ENTERPRISE
BOULEVARD
WEST OF MAIN STREET UNIONVILLE
28 MAIN STREET UNIONVILLE
MARKHAM CENTRE (WARD 3)
FILE NO. ZA 16 119946 (10.5)
Report
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Regional Councillor Joe Li
1) That the report titled “PRELIMINARY REPORT, Ideal (MS)
Developments Inc., Application for Zoning By-law Amendment to permit a high
density residential mixed-use development on the north side of Enterprise
Boulevard, west of Main Street
Unionville, File No. ZA 16 119946” be received.
CARRIED
8. INFORMATION REPORT
2017 FIRST QUARTER UPDATE OF
THE STREET
AND PARK NAME RESERVE LIST
(10.14)
Report
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Regional Councillor Joe Li
1) That the report titled
‘Information Report 2017 First Quarter Update of the Street and Park Name
Reserve List’, be received; and,
2) That Council approve the
revised Street and Park Name Reserve List set out in Appendix ‘A’ attached to
this report.
CARRIED
9. SUPPORT FOR MARKHAM’S FOOD
AND AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY
(10.0)
Report
Councillor Valerie Burke
expressed appreciation to staff for preparing this report.
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Regional Councillor Joe Li
1) That the report dated April 24th entitled
“Support for Markham’s Food and Agricultural Industry” be received as
information.
CARRIED
10. AUTHORIZATION TO HOLD A PUBLIC MEETING
ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE
CITY’S SIGN BY-LAW (2.16)
Report
Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services introduced this matter.
Martin Rendl of Martin Rendl
and Associates provided a presentation regarding the review of the City’s Sign
By-law. He reviewed the scope of the project and provided a detailed overview of
electronic signs, new development signs, institutional signs, window signs, Markham
Centre special sign district, and Sign By-law enforcement. The Public Meeting
for this matter is scheduled for June 6, 2017.
The Committee had comments regarding:
concerns relating to Yonge Street, which is impacted by the City of Vaughan and
York Region regulations; signs on CN Rail bridges; signs displayed on trucks;
controlling luminescence levels; Markham’s sustainability strategy that reduces
light pollution; shutting off institutional lights at night; ineffective
readograph signs; seeking input from the Public Realm Committee; the reasons
for the numerous amendments to the current Sign By-law; possible enforcement
through the AMPS program; the scope of the Sign By-law review and potential
future expansion of the study; increasing the penalty fine amount; proliferation
of small signs on corners, such as real estate “Open House” signs; and, clarifying
flashing/animated electronic signs. Mr. Rendl and City staff responded to
questions.
Moved by: Councillor Logan
Kanapathi
Seconded by: Councillor Alan
Ho
1) That the report dated April 24, 2017 entitled,
“Authorization to hold a Public Meeting on proposed amendments to the City’s
Sign By-law” be received; and,
2) That the presentation by Martin Rendl and Associates on the
Sign By-law, be received; and,
3) That staff be authorized to hold a Public Meeting to
consider preliminary recommendations made by Martin Rendl and Associates, to
amend the City’s Sign By-law as summarized in this report; and further,
4) That staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
11. CORNELL ROUGE NATIONAL
URBAN PARK GATEWAY - REPORT ON
DESIGN CHARRETTE AND NEXT
STEPS (10.0)
Report
Moved by: Councillor Colin
Campbell
Seconded by: Councillor Don
Hamilton
That this matter and the
following resolution be postponed to the May 8, 2017 Development Services
Committee meeting:
1) That the report entitled “Cornell Rouge
National Urban Park Gateway - Report on Design Charrette and Next Steps” dated
April 24, 2017 be received; and,
2) That the staff presentation on the Cornell
Rouge National Urban Park Gateway be received; and,
3) That a Gateway Advisory Committee be
established to assist in the review of Terms of Reference for the preparation
of a Cornell Rouge National Urban Park Gateway Vision and Implementation Plan
under the direction of the Markham Subcommittee; and,
4) That consultants be retained through a
competitive bid process to prepare the Cornell Rouge National Urban Park
Gateway Vision and Implementation Plan; and,
5) That the Cornell Rouge National Urban Park
Gateway Vision and Implementation Plan be funded through the existing approved
Cornell Secondary Plan Capital Budget 15025; and further,
6) That staff be authorized and directed to do
all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
12. RULAND PROPERTIES INC.
(THE REMINGTON GROUP)
APPLICATION FOR SITE PLAN
CONTROL APPROVAL
PROPOSED MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT
(HS1)
EAST SIDE OF BIRCHMOUNT RD.
NORTH OF ENTERPRISE BLVD.
FILE NO. SC 16 116738 (WARD 3)
(10.6)
Report
Jim Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services introduced this matter.
Sheldon Levitt of Quadrangle
Architects, representing the applicant, gave a presentation to provide details
of the application. The presentation displayed the area context, massing model,
site plan overview, transportation circulation, cycling routes, pedestrian
ways, floor plans, retail and landscaping inspirations, underground parking,
retail, residential, public spaces and amenity components, concept elevations,
sustainability features, and LEED v4 certification. Committee members requested a copy of the
presentation.
Randy Peddigrew of the Remington Group, representing the applicant, was in
attendance to answer questions. The Committee had questions and comments regarding
provision of parking for nearby sites including the theatre, and evolving Viva
routes. This proposal will be presented to the Markham Centre Advisory
Committee in June, 2017.
There were lengthy discussions
regarding the potential inclusion of the Automated Vacuum Collection system, if
it is available within a reasonable timeframe. This will be included in the
conditions of approval.
Moved by: Regional Councillor
Nirmala Armstrong
Seconded by: Councillor Don
Hamilton
1) That the April 24, 2017 report titled Ruland Properties Inc.
(The Remington Group), Application for Site Plan Control Approval, Proposed
Mixed-use Development (HS1), File No. SC 16 116738 be received; and.
2) That the application by Ruland Properties Inc. (The
Remington Group) for Site Plan Control Approval be
endorsed in principle subject to the conditions attached as Appendix A; and,
3) That Site Plan Control Approval for
a proposed mixed-use development (HS1) be delegated to the Director of Planning
and Urban Design, or their designate, to be issued following execution of a
Site Plan Control Agreement. Site Plan
Control Approval is issued when the Director has signed the site plan; and,
4) That 620 units of servicing allocation be assigned to this
project, subject to receiving a letter from the Trustee for the Landowner’s
Group confirming the applicant is in good standing; and,
5) That the City reserves the right to revoke or reallocate
servicing allocation should this development not proceed in a timely manner;
and,
6) That a by-law to remove the Hold (H) provisions on the
subject lands be enacted upon execution of the Site Plan Agreement to the
satisfaction of the Commissioner of Development Services; and,
7) 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,
8) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
13. REQUEST TO DEMOLISH- SINGLE DETACHED
DWELLING
DEMOLITION PERMIT APPLICATION
DP 16135847
27 CHURCH STREET
MARKHAM VILLAGE HERITAGE
CONSERVATION DISTRICT (16.11)
Report
Jim Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services provided a brief overview of this application and the
staff recommendation to deny the demolition permit.
Peter Wokral, Heritage
Planner, gave a presentation to explain similar demolition requests and
redevelopment projects, and answered questions from the Committee. Discussions
included the lengthy deliberations of the Heritage Markham Committee, Heritage
policies, the building classification, and concerns for setting a precedent. It
was clarified that the Heritage Committee cannot be delegated as approval
authority for all heritage matters, particularly demolition applications.
It was noted that any
demolition approval would be conditional on receiving approval for an acceptable,
compatible building plan that conforms to the Heritage guidelines.
Ms. Dibi, applicant, stated
that she has been working with an engineer and Heritage staff, and will
continue to work towards achieving an acceptable proposal.
A Motion to deny the
demolition application was LOST.
Moved by: Councillor Colin Campbell
Seconded by: Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong
1) That the staff memo and presentation dated April 24th,
2017 regarding a demolition permit application for 27 Church Street, Markham
Village, be received; and,
2)
That the demolition permit
application for the existing dwelling at 27 Church Street in Markham Village be
approved, subject to the applicant obtaining
site plan approval for a new detached dwelling designed to comply with the
policies and guidelines of the Markham Village Heritage Conservation District
Plan, to the satisfaction of City staff; and further,
3) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all thing
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
14. 14TH AVENUE & 9TH
LINE TRAFFIC SIGNALS (5.12)
Memo
Brian Lee, Director of Engineering, introduced this matter and provided
an update.
Moved by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
Seconded by: Regional Councillor Jim Jones
1) That the staff memo dated April 24, 2017 entitled "14th
Avenue & 9th Line Traffic Signals" be received.
CARRIED
15. NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
MAIN STREET MARKHAM
RECONSTRUCTION (5.10)
1) That the repair of the
cobblestones on Main Street Markham be referred back to staff for an update at
the May 8, 2017 Development Services Committee meeting.
CARRIED
16. NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
COMPREHENSIVE ZONING BY-LAW
PROCESS (10.5)
The Committee enquired about the process for the Comprehensive Zoning
By-law project. Staff provided a status update and advised that a report will
be coming forward before the summer break. Workshop sessions are being scheduled
over the summer on some aspects of the zoning by-law.
17. NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
ENVELOPE STAMP (12.0)
A Committee member noted receipt of a letter from the City of Toronto
that was stamped with the phrase “Your opinion is valued” and requested that a
similar stamp be considered in Markham, to engage residents.
18. CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS
Moved by: Councillor Karen Rea
Seconded by: Councillor Valerie Burke
That the following confidential items be postponed to
the May 8, 2017 Development Services Committee meeting:
(1) DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
COMMITTEE CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES
- April 10, 2017 (10.0)
[Section 239 (2) (e)
(c)]
(2) LITIGATION OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION,
INCLUDING MATTERS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS, AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY
OR LOCAL BOARD - ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD - VALLEYMEDE BUILDING AMA CORPORATION
(WARD 8) (8.0)
[Section 239 (2) (e)]
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services
Committee meeting adjourned at 3:40 PM.
Alternate formats for this document
are available upon request.