NOVEMBER
17, 2009 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
MINUTES
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE
Meeting No. 33
All
Members of Council
Development
Services Economic
Development
Chair: Councillor J. Webster Chair:
Vice-Chair: Councillor D. Horchik Transportation Issues
Chair: Regional Councillor G. Landon
PART B
Report Agenda
9:00 a.m. – Council Chamber
Attendance
|
Councillor A. Chiu
Regrets
|
J. Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services
B. Librecz, Commissioner of
Community & Fire Services
A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate
Services
A. Brown, Director of Engineering
C. Conrad, Town Solicitor
B. Karumanchery, Senior Development
Manager
T. Lambe, Manager, Policy and
Research
V. Shuttleworth, Director of
Planning and Urban Design
A. Tari, Committee Clerk
|
The Development Services
Committee convened at 9:00 AM in the Council Chamber with Councillor
J. Webster in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
None disclosed.
1. MARKHAM'S BUILDING EXCELLENCE AWARDS
(12.2.6)
That Council presents the following recipients with
the 2009 Markham's
Building Excellence Awards to homebuilders that demonstrate compliance with the
Building Code Regulations and the Building Code Act through obtaining
the necessary permits and inspections.
Homebuilders are selected from two categories, small volume (5 to 24
dwelling units) and large volume (greater than 24 units).
Small Volume (5 to 24 dwelling units):
- Broadmoor
Homes (555174 Ontario Limited)
- Laurier Homes
(Windsong) Limited
- Laurier Homes
(Windsong North) Inc.
Large Volume (greater than 24 units):
- Desert Fox
Properties Inc.
- Ponziane Home
Corp
- Wismer Homes
(National Homes (Markham 5) Inc.)
- Cornell
(Mattamy (Wykland) Ltd.)
- Yorkwood
Homes Windsong Limited
- Cathedral
Town (Majorwood Developments Inc.)
- Kylemore
Communities (West Village) Ltd.
2. DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- November 3, 2009, Part B (10.0)
Minutes
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded Councillor C. Moretti
That the
minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting, Part B, held
November 3, 2009, be
confirmed.
CARRIED
3. DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
- November 3, 2009 (10.0)
Minutes
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded Councillor C. Moretti
That the
minutes of the Development Services Public Meeting, held November 3, 2009, be confirmed.
CARRIED
4. MAIN
STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES
- October 21, 2009 (16.39)
Minutes
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded Councillor C. Moretti
That the minutes of the Main Street Markham Committee meeting held October
21, 2009,
be received.
CARRIED
5. MARKHAM
CENTRE SUB-COMMITTEE MINUTES
- October 27, 2009 (10.0)
Minutes
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded Councillor C. Moretti
That the minutes of the
Markham Centre Sub-Committee meeting held October
27, 2009,
be received.
CARRIED
6. INTENTION
TO DESIGNATE UNDER
PART IV OF THE ONTARIO
HERITAGE ACT
AND HERITAGE EASEMENT
AGREEMENTS
NICHOLS FARMHOUSE & LOUIS
NICHOLS HOUSE
10519 & 10521 WOODBINE
AVENUE
EMK CONSTRUCTION/TREELAWN
CONSTRUCTION (16.11)
Report Attachment
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded Councillor C. Moretti
1) That as recommended by Heritage
Markham, the Nichols Farmhouse and the Louis Nichols House – 10519 and 10521
Woodbine Avenue be approved for designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage
Act as properties of cultural heritage value or interest; and,
2) That the Clerk’s Department
be authorized to publish and serve Council’s Notice of Intention to Designate as
per the requirements of the Ontario Heritage Act; and,
3) That if there are no objections to the
designation in accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act,
the Clerk be authorized to place a designation by-law before Council for
adoption; and,
4) That if there are any objections in
accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Heritage
Act, the Clerk be directed to refer the proposed designation to the Ontario
Conservation Review Board; and,
5) That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized
to enter into Heritage
Conservations Easements with the property owner for 10519 and 10521 Woodbine
Avenue; and further,
6) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
7. HERITAGE
EASEMENT AGREEMENTS FOR
HERITAGE PROPERTY TAX
REDUCTION PROGRAM (16.11)
Report Attachment
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded Councillor C. Moretti
1) That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute Heritage
Easement Agreements with the property owners identified on Schedule “A”
attached to the report dated November 17th, 2009, and any other documents
required to give effect thereto, in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor;
and,
2) That Staff be authorized
and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
8. 1039954
ONTARIO LIMITED
SOUTHWEST CORNER OF MAJOR
MACKENZIE DRIVE
& RALPH CHALMERS AVENUE
WISMER COMMONS COMMUNITY
- PROPOSED PLAN OF SUBDIVISION
AND
IMPLEMENTING ZONING BY-LAW
AMENDMENTS
(SU 02-118676 (19TM-02016 –
PHASE 4 AND 5) AND ZA 09-122509) (10.7, 10.5)
Report Attachment
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded Councillor C. Moretti
1) That the report dated November 17, 2009 entitled
“Preliminary Report, 1039954 Ontario Limited, Southwest corner of Major
Mackenzie Drive & Ralph Chalmers Avenue, Wismer Commons Community –
Proposed plan of subdivision and implementing zoning by-law amendments, File
Numbers SU 02-118676 (19TM-02016-Phase 4 and 5) and ZA 09-122509; and,
2) That Staff be authorized to schedule a statutory Public
Meeting to consider the proposed Draft Plan of Subdivision and 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
9. AGRICULTURAL
ASSESSMENT STUDY
FINAL REPORT AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
(10.0)
Memo Map Report Appendix
A Appendix
B
There was considerable discussion
regarding the long term future of the “white belt” lands in Markham and whether something needs to be
done to permanently protect those lands for agricultural uses. The Committee inquired about what is considered
a viable farming community. Staff pointed
out that a viable farming community is not solely based on acreage or number of
farms available. There are many factors
that dictate whether land will be farmed.
There was discussion with
respect to “white belt” lands being identified by the Province as future
development area. The Committee
discussed whether the Town’s proposed Greenway System should be included into
the Provincial Greenbelt Plan. Staff
indicated that a request to include additional lands into the Provincial
Greenbelt Plan needs to be made through the Region of York to the Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Housing. The
Committee suggested that staff report back on what the process is to include additional
lands within Markham in the Greenbelt Plan.
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
1) That the staff report entitled “Agricultural Assessment
Study Final Report and Recommendations” dated November 3, 2009 be received;
and,
2) That the staff recommendation contained therein (Appendix
‘A’ enclosed in the Memorandum dated November 17, 2009) be endorsed; and,
3) That staff
undertake pre-consultations with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
and Region of York staff to discuss a potential municipal request to Grow the
Greenbelt in Markham, which would include lands contained in the proposed
Greenway System including the enhancement lands forming the east-west linkage,
as discussed by Development Services Committee on November 3 and November 17,
2009 and that the results of the Town of Markham agriculture
assessment study be shared with the Province and options to permanently protect
the remaining farmland within the “white belt” after the Town of Markham has
endorsed their Growth Management Strategy also be explored; and,
4) That staff
report back to Development Services Committee on this matter; and,
5) That the Town of Markham
hold a Public Meeting to discuss the agricultural assessment study and the
Rouge Park agricultural land and transition plan on Tuesday January 12, 2010 ,
and further,
6) That the Town invite staff from the Provincial Ministry of
Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to a Part A session of Development Services
Committee in early 2010 to present
applicable Provincial programs and opportunities that the Town and its
agricultural partners could consider.
** Note: amended at the December
1, 2009
Council meeting
10. PREFERRED
MARKHAM GROWTH
ALTERNATIVE TO 2031 (10.0)
Report Attachment
Presentation
Mr. Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services
emphasized that this is not the final recommendation on the overall Growth
Management Strategy rather it is a preferred growth alternative to provide
input to ongoing studies and to form the basis for further public consultation.
Ms. Valerie Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and
Urban Design, delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing a high level
overview that focused on the process and next steps with respect to the Growth
Management Strategy, in the context of the overall Building Markham’s Future
Together program.
The Committee suggested that at any future public consultation
meetings staff must clearly point out that the difference between the proposed
residential growth target and what the current Regional Official Plan forecasts
is a difference of 34,000 more people to 2031.
The Committee discussed the possibility of the
population growing larger than forecasted.
Staff advised that Town will need to monitor growth rates and the
provision of infrastructure to keep pace with growth and that policies and
phasing plans can assist Staff pointed
out that the majority of residential intensification will be placed along the
transit corridors. The Committee
suggested that staff provide multi year data on the increase in population
growth compared with the forecasted numbers of previous Official Plans.
Mr. Peter Miasek, 34 Normandale, addressed the
Committee with respect to the Preferred Markham Growth Alternative and stated
his support with the 2031 forecasted employment land strategy. He would like more information regarding the
risk assessment associated with the proposed forecasted residential growth to
2031.
Staff explained that municipal compliance with the
forecasted population and employment growth is legislated through the
Province. Local municipalities are
required to comply with Regional and Provincial plans and policy
direction. Staff advised that the Region
of York has completed a detailed financial analysis that concluded with a
residential intensification target of 40% across the Region and 52% for Markham
specifically. The Town of Markham
has also initiated its own financial study.
There was considerable discussion regarding a
residential intensification target of 52% or 60% for Markham
and how each relates to housing stock, persons per unit by dwelling type, and
development within the “white belt”.
Mr. Tim Lambe, Manager, Policy and
Research, addressed the Committee regarding the difference in the housing stock
between the residential intensification target of 52% compared to 60%.
The Committee suggested that this
report only be received at this time and used to hold another Public
Consultation session. The Committee
discussed the importance of the delivery of rapid transit in order for any of
these forecasted residential projections to work.
Mr. Harry Eaglesham, addressed the Committee regarding
the Preferred Markham Growth Alternation and spoke in support. He believes that the Markham Council should
endorse a residential intensification target and bring that forward to the
Public Consultation.
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero
1) That the Report entitled Preferred
Markham Growth Alternative to 2031 dated November 17, 2009 be received; and,
2) That the staff recommended
growth alternative outlined in the report incorporating the following:
·
a 2031 population of 423,500 and
employment of 240,800, as provided for in the draft Regional Official Plan,
·
the proposed Town greenway system,
addressed in a report dated June 16,
2009,
·
development of vacant lands within
the current settlement area, consistent with
land use designations and in support of the preferred growth alternative,
·
a Town intensification strategy,
as addressed in a report dated April 7
2009, and based on:
o an
hierarchy of preferred intensification locations, served by higher order
transit, as identified in the Town’s intensification strategy,
o the
exclusion of significant intensification from stable, low density residential
areas,
o intensification
of designated employment lands, in accordance with current policies, or
policies intended to preserve lands for employment, consistent with
accommodating forecast employment growth;
·
a residential intensification
target of 60% within the built boundary, based on reports dated April
7 2009 and June 23, 2009,
·
an employment intensification
target of 67% within the built boundary, based on a report dated June 16, 2009,
·
an extension to the current
settlement area to accommodate approximately 12,800 units and 14,000 jobs, and
having a gross land area of approximately 900 hectares,
·
a strategy for supporting
continued agricultural activity on farmlands, as addressed in a report dated
November 3, 2009, and,
·
the phased development of land
within intensification areas, and in an extension of the current settlement
area, reflecting requirements to be identified for transportation, servicing
and community infrastructure,
be received as input for a Public
Consultation Session (including other growth options as well) to be held in the
evening of Tuesday January 26, 2010; and,
3) That Staff report back following further
public consultation, providing a final recommended Growth Management Strategy,
refined in response to public comment and input from other applicable Town
studies, for approval by Council as input to the Region of York Official Plan
and preparation of a new Town Official Plan, commencing in the 2010; and
further,
4) That Staff be authorized and directed to
do all things necessary to give effect to
this resolution.
CARRIED
11. DOORS
OPEN MARKHAM COMMITTEE (16.11)
Report Attachment
The Committee suggested that a representative from
Thornhill Heritage also be included.
Councillor Valerie Burke thanked everyone involved for
all their hard work in bringing this forward.
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti
1) That the report dated November 17, 2009 entitled “Doors Open Markham
Committee”, be received; and,
2) That the Doors Open Markham Committee be established as a
Town of Markham committee to assist in the planning and implementation of the
annual Doors Open Markham event; and,
3) That the Manager, Heritage Planning and the Manager,
Community Relations or their designates, be assigned as staff resources for the
Committee; and,
4) That Councillor D. Hamilton be appointed to the Committee;
and,
5) That the Friends of the Markham
Museum appoint a representative
(staff or volunteer member) to the Committee; and,
6) That Heritage Markham
appoint up to two members to the Committee; and,
7) That the Unionville BIA and Markham BIA each appoint a
member to the Committee; and,
8) That a representative from the Thornhill Heritage
Conservation District be appointed; and,
9) That the Clerks
Department be directed to advertise for appointments from the public or other
organizations to the Committee; and,
10) That staff be authorized to submit the
Doors Open registration forms and fee to the Ontario Heritage Trust on behalf
of the Town; and further,
11) That Staff be authorized and directed to
do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
12. YONGE
SUBWAY EXTENSION TO
RICHMOND HILL CENTRE/LANGSTAFF
GATEWAY
URBAN GROWTH CENTRE (5.10)
Report Figure
1 Attachment
Mr. Baird advised that the staff comments with respect to the motion
that was tabled by Regional Councillor Jim Jones regarding the alignment of the
Yonge Subway are similar to the comments provided in the previous memo
presented to Committee. He pointed out
that in terms of the funding Metrolinx are currently undertaking a benefit case
analysis that is anticipated to be completed by end of 2009 or early 2010. Mr. Baird is suggesting that Markham
not provide any further detailed comments on funding options until the analysis
by Metrolinx is completed. He indicated
that recently a Council resolution was passed requesting the Federal Government
to provide more funding for the rapid transit.
There was brief discussion regarding the 407 Transitway remaining in it
own right of way and that the GO station should also remain where it is.
Mr. Alan Brown, Director of Engineering advised the Committee that the
Ministry of Transportation has requested an opportunity to come and present to the
Development Services Committee their alignment and mobility hubs and will
demonstrate what they are trying to achieve.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
1) That the report entitled “Yonge Subway Extension to Richmond
Hill Centre/Langstaff Gateway Urban Growth
Centre”, dated November 17th be received; and,
2) That the report and attachments be forwarded to the Town of
Richmond Hill and the Region of York as Markham’s submission with respect to
the “Richmond Hill Regional Centre Preferred Concept Report”, dated September
9, 2009; and further,
3) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
**Note: amended at the December 1, 2009 Council
meeting
13. HIGHWAYS
404 & 407 FLYOVER WORKING GROUP (5.10)
Report
The Committee indicated that Markham Council has
already taken a position with respect to the flyover in Cathedral
Town. Staff confirmed that they will continue to
support Markham’s position. Staff will report back to Committee with
respect to the Working Group discussions.
Moved by Councillor D. Horchik
Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi
1) That the report entitled, “Highways 404 & 407 Flyover
Working Group”, dated November 17, 2009, be received; and,
2) That staff be authorized to participate in a Working Group
with the Region of York and Town of Richmond Hill to develop a framework to
protect, fund and construct mid-block crossings of Highway 404 and Highway 407;
and,
3) That the Working Group’s scope of work be expanded to
include the Highway 404 interchange at 19th Avenue; and,
4) That Staff report back to Council on the findings and
recommendations of the Working Group for consideration and approval; and,
5) That the Regional Municipality of York and the Town of
Richmond Hill be again informed of the Town of Markham Council’s decision to
not support any flyover in the Cathedral Community immediately north of Major
Mackenzie Drive; and further,
6) That staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
14. REGIONAL
OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT
AND GROWTH PLANS
- COMMUNICATION FROM JIM ROBB
(10.17)
Letter
The Committee discussed a recent information meeting held by Mr. Jim
Robb, in Markham. It was suggested that the Markham Regional
Councillors make it clear at the Region that the comments from Mr. Jim Robb are
not necessarily supported unanimously by Markham
residents. The Committee reiterated that
the forecasted population growth for Markham
is only 34,000 additional residents than the currently approved Regional
Official Plan.
Mr. Peter Miasek addressed the Committee advising he was in attendance
at the meeting held by Mr. Jim Robb and confirmed that the comments from that
meeting were made by individual residents in Markham
and not by official representatives of ratepayer associations.
NEW BUSINESS
15. BRANDING OF UNIONVILLE (9.0)
Regional Councillor Joseph Virgilio advised the Committee that
residents in Unionville are concerned with the branding of Unionville and the
loss of the postal district. He also
indicated that mapping within “google” does not recognize Unionville. The Committee suggested that staff put
together a resolution requesting Canada Post to recognize Unionville as a distinct
postal district.
The Committee suggested that this be dealt with at the November 30, 2009 General Committee
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services Committee
meeting adjourned at 12:35 PM.