JUNE 1, 2010 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

MINUTES

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

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

Deputy Mayor J. Heath Regional Councillor J. Jones Regional Councillor G. Landon Regional Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor D. Hamilton Councillor C. Moretti Councillor D. Horchik Councillor L. Kanapathi   Regrets Mayor F. Scarpitti Councillor V. Burke Councillor E. Shapero Councillor J. Webster Councillor A. Chiu

J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services R. Borooah, Town Architect A. Brown, Director of Engineering C. Conrad, Town Solicitor L. Duoba, Project Coordinator B. Karumanchery, Senior Development Manager M. Wouters, Manager, East District R. Hutcheson, Manager Heritage A. Tari, Committee Clerk

 

The Development Services Committee convened at 9:03 AM in the Council Chamber with Councillor D. Horchik in the Chair.  Regional Councillor G. Landon assumed the Chair for Transportation items, Nos. 10 to 15.

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

 

None disclosed.

 

 

 

1.         PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS (12.2.6)

 

Philip Eades, Firefighter, Fire & Emergency Services, 20 years

Stephan Belisle, Firefighter, Fire & Emergency Services, 15 years

Stephen Chait, Director, Economic Development, Economic Development, 15 years

Jim Jones, Regional Councillor, Mayor & Council, 15 years

Dennis Keenan, Firefighter, Fire & Emergency Services, 15 years

John Kennelly, Firefighter, Fire & Emergency Services, 15 years

Tom Kirkpatrick, Firefighter, Fire & Emergency Services, 15 years

Randy Kitchener, Firefighter, Fire & Emergency Services, 15 years

Douglas McKnight, Firefighter, Fire & Emergency Services, 15 years

Christopher Nearing, Firefighter, Fire & Emergency Services, 15 years

Aisha Ravalia, Tax Adjustments Clerk, Financial Services, 15 years

Michael Smallwood, Firefighter, Fire & Emergency Services, 15 years

Mark Smith, Firefighter, Fire & Emergency Services, 15 years

John Toon, Firefighter, Fire & Emergency Services, 15 years

Nanthee Vellupillai, Building Inspector II, Building Standards, 15 years

Doriana Cabeceiras, Administrative Assistant, Art Gallery, Culture, 10 years

Stephen Geyer, GIS Analyst I, Information Technology Services, 10 years

Chitra Jayakrishnan, Communications Clerk, Clerk's, 10 years

Dana Kearns, Alarm Room Operator, Fire & Emergency Services, 10 years

Sheri Krauss, Aquatic Coordinator, Thornlea Pool, Recreation Services, 10 years

Cheryl Parker, Accounts Payable Clerk, Financial Services, 10 years

Donna Saumier, Alarm Room Operator, Fire & Emergency Services, 10 years

Greg Cookson, Application Support Specialist, Information Technology Services, 5 years

Jun Li, Graphics Coordinator, Communications & Community Relations, 5 years

Carol Manning, Recreation Supervisor, Fitness, Recreation Services, 5 years

Ronji Borooah, Town Architect, Planning & Urban Design, 3 years

Patricia Luis, Building Inspector I , Building Standards, 3 years

Khaled Mamun, Development Engineer, Engineering, 3 years

 

 

2.         MOUNT JOY GO STATION
            GREEN PARKING AND SITE DEVELOPMENT STUDY (10.0)

            Presentation  GO Transit Presentation 

 

Ms. Marg Wouters, Manager East District delivered a brief PowerPoint presentation regarding the Mount Joy GO Station providing some background information.

 

Mr. Dave Kesler, RJ Burnside & Associates on behalf of GO Transit delivered a PowerPoint presentation with respect to the Mount Joy GO Station providing an overview of the surface parking lot expansion.

 

Mr. Mark Sterling, Principle, AndCo. delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Mount Joy GO Station and provided an overview of the objectives related to green parking and site development study.

 

The Committee discussed the importance of increasing the modal split and what is GO Transit doing to accomplish a higher modal split.  Mr. Bob Boyle, Director of Multi-Modal Facilities, Go Transit addressed the Committee advising that GO Transit is very active in attempting to increase the modal split at their stations (such as supplying bicycle racks, improved pedestrian access to the station).  He also advised that GO continues to have on-going discussions with the Municipal planning staff.  Staff indicated that the challenge of increasing the modal split is a Greater Toronto Area (GTA) issue and the greatest challenge is getting people out of their cars.

 

The Committee inquired when this station is intended to provide all day service.  Mr. Boyle advised that there are significant road crossing issues to be resolved first, and that the all day service will be part of the 5 to 10 year plan.

 

The Committee inquired about potential redevelopment of this site.  Staff advised that they did present conceptual redevelopment plans to Council that were also presented to Metrolinx and GO Transit for potential future redevelopment of this site.  Staff indicated that there are future opportunities on this site for redevelopment and that presently GO is looking at increasing the surface parking in the interim, and that staff are ensuring that it is developed in the most sustainable way possible.  Staff pointed out that they have advised GO that in the future (following all day service) GO should only construct structured parking.

 

The Committee requested that GO forward to the Town their customer survey results for all of their stations within Markham.

 

There was brief discussion regarding future paid parking at the GO Stations.  Mr. Boyle advised that paid parking has been discussed in the past but is not contemplated at this time.

 

Moved by Councillor C. Moretti

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

 

That the presentation provided by Ms. Marg Wouters, Manager East District, Mr. Dave Kesler, RJ  Burnside & Associates GO Transit and Mr. Mark Sterling, Principle, AndCo., regarding the Mount Joy Go Station - Green Parking and Site Development Study, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

3.         DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- May 18, 2010, Part B (10.0)

            Minutes 

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Secconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon

 

That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting, Part B, held May 18, 2010, be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

4.         DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
- May 18, 2010 (10.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Secconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon

 

That the minutes of the Development Services Public Meeting, held May 18, 2010, be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

 

5.         HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES
            - May 12, 2010 (16.11)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Secconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon

 

That the minutes of the Heritage Markham Committee meeting held May 12, 2010, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

6.         IN-FILL HOUSING - UNIONVILLE (10.0)

            Memo May 25  Memo June 1  

 

Mr. Biju Karumanchery, Senior Development Manager summarized for Committee the key points outlined in the staff memo dated June 1, 2010 regarding Infill Development in the Varley Village Area in Unionville.

 

Mr. Harry Eaglesham, President, Unionville Ratepayers Association addressed the Committee regarding the In-fill Development in Unionville and thanked staff for following up in a timely manner.  He stated concern with the potential risk of the Committee of Adjustment approving non-minor variance applications.  Mr. Eaglesham advised that they would like to see the notification circulation area extended to 120 metres for minor variance applications received within the Varley Village area.

 

Moved by Councillor D. Hamilton

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

 

1)         That the Unionville Subcommittee and Town staff establish a process of consultation with representatives of the Unionville Ratepayers Association and other stakeholders to consider the scope and possible merit of an Infill Housing By-law for the Varley Village area; and,

 

2)         That the Unionville Subcommittee report back to the Development Services Committee in the Fall 2010, at which time the Development Services Committee may provide direction on whether to authorize staff to prepare a draft by-law and schedule a Public Meeting; and,

 

3)         That the Committee of Adjustment expand the circulation area for notices (for applications received in the Varley Village) to 120 metres until the Unionville Subcommittee reports back to the Development Services Committee in the Fall 2010; and further,

 

4)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

 

7.         LANGSTAFF GATEWAY
            PROPOSED OFFICIAL PLAN AND
            SECONDARY PLAN AMENDMENTS
            RECOMMENDATION REPORT (10.0)

            Report  Figures 1 and 2  Appendix A  Appendix B  Appendix C

             Appendix D  Appendix E

 

Mr. Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services pointed out that this is a critical step, but not the final step for the Langstaff Gateway.  He advised the Committee that the Official Plan Amendment is subject to approval by the Region of York.

 

The Committee discussed the Phasing Plan proposed in the report.  Staff advised that although Phasing Plans are not statutory requirements, they are translated into conditions of approval for draft plan of subdivision and as conditions of hold removals within zoning by-law amendments.

 

There was discussion with respect to the on-going discussions between staff and the Holy Cross Cemetery representatives regarding access to the Langstaff lands from Bayview Avenue.

 

Mr. Roger Beaman, Thomson Rogers addressed the Committee regarding the proposed Official Plan and Secondary Plan for the Langstaff Gateway stating concern about the new provision in the plan related to phasing.  He would like an opportunity to further discuss the phasing plan with staff to ensure it provides the correct balance between getting started with the development and not taking it too far without the delivery of infrastructure.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon

 

1)         That the report entitled “Langstaff Gateway Proposed Official Plan and Secondary Plan Amendments Recommendation Report” be received; and,

 

 

2)         That the Official Plan amendments and new Secondary Plan for the Langstaff Gateway Planning District (attached as Appendix ‘A’) be finalized and adopted, and forwarded to York Region for approval; and,

 

3)         That the Langstaff Gateway Urban Design and Streetscape Guidelines (attached as Appendix ‘E’) be finalized and approved; and,

 

4)         That the Town continue to work collaboratively with staff from York Region, Richmond Hill and Vaughan on the Regional Planning and Co-ordination process; and,

 

5)         That a request be sent to the Minister of Municipal Affairs to amend the Parkway Belt West Plan to either:

 

a)       delete lands, at the south-east corner of Highway 407 and Yonge Street, from the Parkway Belt West Plan; or

b)      to amend the Parkway Belt West Plan to clarify that the policies of the Growth Plan prevail; and further,

 

6)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

NOTE:  At the June 8, 2010 Council meeting the following clause was added to the above resolution:

 

2)         That the Official Plan amendment and new Secondary Plan for the Langstaff Gateway Planning District (attached as Appendix ‘A’) be amended to delete the following from Section 11.6.3 – Zoning By-law Holding Provisions:

 

“These Holding provisions may include, amongst other provisions, conditions limiting Phase I development, as described in Section 11.5.2 and as shown on Schedule ‘II’, until funding to complete construction of the proposed Yonge subway extension has been confirmed, to the satisfaction of the Town.”; and,

 

 

8.         REVIEW OF HERITAGE FINANCIAL
            ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (7.0, 16.11)

            Report  Attachment 

 

The Committee discussed the Heritage Property Tax Reduction Program and the Heritage Preservation Program.

 

The Committee inquired whether the plaque program should be under the “Heritage Preservation Reserve” or a separate funding program.  Staff suggested that Deputy Mayor Jack Heath set up a meeting with Heritage staff and finance staff to further discuss this issue.

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

 

1)         That the staff report dated June 1, 2010 entitled “Review of Heritage Financial Assistance Programs”, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

9.         MARKHAM AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
            REVISED TERMS OF REFERENCE (10.0)

            Report  Attachment 

 

The Committee suggested that staff provide a memo outlining the following:

·        Who will make up the selection committee

·        How will it be advertised and for how long

·        What is the term of the Committee (when will it begin after the October Municipal elections or will it be prior to, and if prior, will the term be extended beyond the Council term)

 

The Committee suggested that the following amendments be made to Appendix A & B:

·        Under “Communications/outreach/Education” point #2 (Appendix A) remove the word “local” it would read “……..community supported agriculture and other food and rural issues.”

·        Appendix B point 2 “Agricultural Expertise and Knowledge” first bullet remove the word “with” and replace “issue” with “issues” and the last bullet should read “Knowledge of properties, farm operations within Markham, the market for agricultural products including environmentally-friendly products.”

 

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

 

1)         That the staff report entitled “Markham Agricultural Advisory Committee Revised Terms of Reference be received; and,

 

2)         That Council approve the revised Terms of Reference for the Markham Agricultural Advisory Committee (Appendix A) and revised membership eligibility criteria (Appendix B)as amended at the June 1, 2010 Development Services Committee meeting; and,

 

3)         That Regional Councillor Gord Landon and Councillor Carolina Moretti be appointed to the Markham Agricultural Advisory Committee for the term ending November 30, 2010; and further,

 

4)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

10.       WARDEN AVENUE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
            16^TH AVENUE TO MAJOR MACKENZIE DRIVE
            PROJECT UPDATE (5.10)

            Presentation

 

Mr. Peter Cholewa, Senior Project Manager, Regional Municipality of York delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing a project update for the Warden Avenue improvements from 16^th Avenue to Major Mackenzie Drive.

 

The Committee inquired whether the multi-use pathway is segregated.  Mr. Cholewa advised that the multi-use pathway is on the east side of Warden Avenue and will be segregated from the road.

 

There was discussion regarding the materials used for the noise barrier.

 

The Committee advised that they are in support of closing the road during construction if it will assist in expediting the completion of the project.

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

 

1)         That the presentation provided by Mr. Peter Cholewa, Senior Project Manager, Regional Municipality of York regarding Warden Avenue Road Improvements 16^th Avenue to Major MacKenzie Drive Project Update, be received; and,

 

2)         That the Town of Markham support in principle the proposed road closure to assist in expediting the completion of the project and that Engineering staff report back to Development Services Committee regarding the road closure.

CARRIED

 

 

 

11.       PARKING MANAGEMENT BACKGROUND
            AND GOVERNANCE (5.10)

            Presentation

 

Mr. Lorenzo Mele, TDM Coordinator delivered a PowerPoint presentation with respect to the Markham Transportation Strategy Plan.

 

There was discussion with respect to the current governance model and whether there should be an independent model.  Staff advised that there will be a presentation at the June 8, 2010 Development Services Committee regarding Markham’s Parking Strategy.  Staff also advised that they will present the business plan in the Fall 2010 and suggested that Committee defer the governance issue until that time.

 

The Committee briefly discussed current parking metres throughout the Town.

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

 

That the presentation provided by Mr. Lorenzo Mele, TDM Coordinator, regarding Parking Management Background and Governance, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

12.       DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO RELEASE
            PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY EASEMENT
            AND PARTIAL RELEASE OF EASEMENT
            – PART OF LOT 23, CONCESSION 3
            DESIGNATED AS PART 2, PLAN 65R-32322
            WEST CATHEDRAL COMMUNITY (8.1)

            Report  Attachment 

 

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

 

1)         That the report entitled “Delegation of Authority to Release Permanent and Temporary Easement, and Partial Release of Easement – Part of Lot 23, Concession 3, designated as Part 2, Plan 65R-32322, West Cathedral Community”, be received; and,

 

2)         That By-law 4-2000 be amended to delegate the release of easements to the Chief Administrative Officer; and,

 

3)         That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized and directed to execute a partial release of easement over Part of Lot 23, Concession 3, designated as Part 2, Plan 65R-32322, and any other documents required to give effect thereto; and further,

 

4)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

13.       PROPOSED ALL-WAY STOP CONTROL
            AT ROYAL ORCHARD BOULEVARD & THE
            SOUTHBOUND RAMP TO BAYVIEW AVENUE (5.12.3)

            Report  Attachment A  Attachment B 

 

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Jones

 

1)         That the report entitled “Proposed All-way Stop Control at Royal Orchard Boulevard & the Southbound Ramp to Bayview Avenue”, be received; and,

 

2)         That Schedule 12 of Traffic By-law 106-71 for All-way stop Control be amended to include the intersection of Royal Orchard Boulevard and the southbound ramp to Bayview Avenue; and,

 

3)         That the Operations Department be directed to install the appropriate signs and pavement markings at the subject locations, funded through the Operations Department account # 083-5399-8402-005; and,

 

4)         That the Operations Department be directed to maintain the signs at the subject locations; and,

 

5)         That York Regional Police be requested to enforce the all-way stop control upon installation of these signs and passing of the By-law; and further,

 

6)         That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

 

14.       TRAIN ANTI-WHISTLING AT
            RAIL CROSSINGS/UXBRIDGE SUBDIVISION
            RAIL STATUS UPDATE (5.12)

            Report  Attachment 

 

Mr. Alan Brown, Director of Engineering summarized the details outlined in the report.  He highlighting the proposed schedule and indicated that it is a lengthy process.

 

There was discussion regarding the future Public Meeting and the pedestrian study.

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

 

1)         That the report dated June 1, 2010, entitled “Train Anti-Whistling at Rail Crossings/Uxbridge Subdivision Rail Status Update” be received; and,

 

2)         That staff report back to Council in Fall 2010 to provide a status update on the cost of works to be completed, status of the insurance and indemnification agreements, Agency approvals, Region of York funding agreement and project schedules.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15.       WARDEN AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION FROM
            16TH AVE. TO MAJOR MACKENZIE DRIVE BY
            THE REGION OF YORK (5.10)

            Report  Attachment 

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

 

1)         Report entitled “Warden Avenue reconstruction from 16^th Ave. to Major Mackenzie Drive” by the Region of York be received; and,

 

2)         That the final detailed design for the reconstruction of Warden Avenue from 16^th Avenue to Major Mackenzie Drive by the Region of York be endorsed, as outlined in this report; and,

 

3)         That the following works and funding be approved;

 

• The installation of a 2.5m wide concrete Multi Use Pathway (MUP) in the east boulevard from 16^th Avenue to Major Mackenzie Drive at an estimated cost of $461,700 to be funded from Town account 83-5350-8114-005.
• The installation of 1.5m wide concrete sidewalk in the west boulevard from 16^th Avenue to Calvert Road and from Cachet Parkway to Major Mackenzie Drive at an estimated cost of $322,000 to be funded from Town Account 83-5350-9302-005.
• The installation of streetlights on both sides of the road at an estimated cost of $588,600, funded from Town Account 83-5350-9301-005; and,

 

4)         That a new 2010 Capital project be created within the Operations Department to include $156,600 for the diversion of existing storm flow from an existing culvert at 14 Cachet Parkway to the sewers on Warden Avenue, to be funded from the Life Cycle Replacement Capital Reserve; and,

 

5)         That the streetscape design “Option B” prepared by the Region of York be endorsed; and,

 

6)         That staff be authorized to submit an application to the Municipal Streetscape Partnership Program offered by Region of York and that the Town allocate  funding of  $65,000 from Town account 640-101-5699-7076 towards the installation of enhanced streetscape planting for this area; and,

 

7)         That the Director of Engineering and the Director of Planning and Urban Design be authorized to finalize any future revisions to the streetscape plans as prepared by the Region of York; and further,

 

8)         That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

CARRIED

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

 

16.       NEW DIRECTOR OF BUILDING STANDARDS (11.2)

 

Commissioner Baird introduced Mr. Tim Moore, the new Director of Building Standards to the Committee.  He provided the Committee with a synopsis of his past experience and education. 

 

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at 1:20 PM.