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Development Services Committee Minutes

May 24, 2016, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Council Chamber

Meeting No. 8

All Members of Council

Development Services                                               Economic Development

Chair:                      Regional Councillor Jim Jones                                Chair:                      Councillor Alex Chiu

Vice-Chair:              Councillor Don Hamilton                                       Vice-Chair:              Councillor Alan Ho

 

Transportation Issues

Chair:                      Regional Councillor Joe Li

Vice-Chair:              Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

 

 

Attendance

Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Regional Councillor Joe Li

Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

Councillor Valerie Burke

Councillor Alan Ho

Councillor Don Hamilton

Councillor Karen Rea

Councillor Colin Campbell

Councillor Amanda Collucci

Councillor Logan Kanapathi

Councillor Alex Chiu

 

Regrets

Regional Councillor Jim Jones

 

Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer

Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services

Alan Brown, Director of Engineering

Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor

George Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner

Scott Heaslip, Senior Project Coordinator

Biju Karumanchery, Director of Planning and    Urban Design

Brian Lee, Deputy Director of Engineering

Peter Wokral, Heritage Planner

Kitty Bavington, Council/Committee Coordinator

 

 

 

The Development Services Committee convened at the hour of 9:07 a.m. in the Council Chamber with Councillor Don Hamilton in the Chair.  Regional Councillor Joe Li assumed the Chair for Transportation items, Nos. 14, 15, 16, 17.

 

The Committee recessed from 12:18 p.m. to 1:12 p.m.

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

 

None Declared

 

 

 

1.         PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS (12.2.6)

 

City of Markham Staff:

 

Robert Cinq-Mars, Survey Crew Leader, Asset Management, 40 years

Matthew Miller, GIS Analyst 1, Information Technology Services, 15 years

Jason Tsien, Community Manager, Recreation Services, 10 years

Maria Cufre, Customer Service Representative, Recreation Services, 10 years

Stephen Corr, Planner II, Planning & Urban Design, 10 years

Jeannette Morrison, Building Inspector II, Building Standards, 10 years

Rob Bassie, Maintenance Assistant, Asset Management, 10 years

Heather Kazan, Pool Supervisor, Recreation Services, 5 years

Carissa Boyko, Provincial Offences Officer I, Legislative Services, 5 years

Matthew Wright, Visitor Service Coordinator, Culture, 5 years

Kristen Levy, Community Program Co-ordinator, Recreation Services, 5 years

Sridhar Lam, Process Management Coordinator, Development Services

            Commissioner's Office, 5 years

Stephen Dearborn, Asset Management Technician, Asset Management, 5 years

Sally Campbell, Manager, Planning & Urban Design, 5 years

Richard Ehrlund, Provincial Offences Officer II, Legislative Services, 5 years

Ivan Kholodkov, Provincial Offences Officer II, Legislative Services, 5 years

Gary Feng, Provincial Offences Officer II, Legislative Services, 5 years

 

 

 

2.         DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- May 9, 2016 (10.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by: Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by: Councillor Alan Ho

 

That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting held May 9, 2016, be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

3.         HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES
            - May 11, 2016 (16.11)

            Minutes

 

Moved by: Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by: Councillor Alan Ho

 

That the minutes of the Heritage Markham Committee meeting held May 11, 2016, be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

4.         THORNHILL SUB-COMMITTEE MINUTES
            (SECTION 37 - GRANDVIEW PARK)
            - May 3, 2016 (10.0)

            Minutes

 

The Committee requested clarification of Mr. Mashregi’s presentation, and referred the minutes back to staff.

 

Moved by: Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by: Councillor Alex Chiu

 

That the minutes of the Thornhill Sub-Committee (Section 37 - Grandview Park) meeting held May 3, 2016, be referred back to staff for clarification.

CARRIED

 

 

5.         MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES
            - March 16, 2016 (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by: Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by: Councillor Alan Ho

 

That the minutes of the Main Street Markham Committee meeting held March 16, 2016, be received for information purposes.

CARRIED

 

 

6.         PRELIMINARY REPORT
            APPLICATION BY GENNARO BRUNO
            FOR ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT
            TO FACILITATE THE SEVERANCE OF
            22 AND 24 RIVER BEND ROAD TO CREATE
            TWO ADDITIONAL BUILDING LOTS
            FILE NO: ZA 15 244809 (10.5)

            Report

 

Moved by: Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by: Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the report dated May 24, 2016 titled “PRELIMINARY REPORT, Application by Gennaro Bruno for Zoning By-law Amendment to facilitate the severance of 22 and 24 River Bend Road to create two additional building lots”, be received; and,  

 

2)         That a Public Meeting be held to consider the application.

CARRIED

 

 

7.         PRELIMINARY REPORT
            APPLICATIONS FOR A DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION
            AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT BY
            1696913 ONTARIO INC. TO FACILITATE THE
            CREATION OF 25 SINGLE DETACHED LOTS AND
            1 PART LOT FOR THE SUBJECT PROPERTY KNOWN
            LEGALLY AS BLOCK 79, PLAN 65M-4033
            FILE NO’S.: SU/ZA 16 177627 (10.7, 10.5)

            Report

 

Sandra Wiles, agent for the applicant, provided a written submission and reviewed the proposal. Ms. Wiles explained that applications for the adjacent lands to the south remain to be submitted  and although it would be advantageous for both developments to proceed concurrently, they are requesting that the Public Meeting for this application not be delayed.

 

Staff are seeking authorization to hold a Public Meeting at this time, and advise that the southerly property could proceed in an integrated manner with the subject lands if an application is received in time. Staff’s preference is to hold one Public Meeting for both sites.

 

Discussions included the overall size of the property and coordination of adjacent developments. Ms. Wiles displayed concept plans to indicate the size of the subject development, proposed lot sizes and road widths; and concept plans for the lands to the south submitted by KLM Planning, indicating the street network.

 

Arthur Ren, of Pantheon Group, representing the developer of the lands to the south, submitted correspondence from KLM Planning, and stated that they will continue to work with the subject developer in a coordinated manner.

 

Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Seconded by: Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

 

1)         That correspondence from Sandra Wiles, on behalf of 1696913 Ontario Inc., and from KLM Planning on behalf of Pantheon Group, regarding applications by 1696913 Ontario Inc., be received; and,

 

2)         That deputations by Sandra Wiles, representing 1696913 Ontario Inc., and Arthur Ren of Pantheon Group representing the developer of the lands to the south regarding applications by 1696913 Ontario Inc., be received; and,

 

3)         That the report dated May 24, 2016 titled “PRELIMINARY REPORT, Applications for a Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment by 1696913 Ontario Inc. to facilitate the creation of 25 single detached lots and 1 part lot for the subject property known legally as Block 79, Plan 65M-4033”, be received; and,

 

4)         That staff be authorized to hold a Public Meeting to consider the proposed Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law amendment applications; and,

 

5)         That, if possible, the Public Meetings for both the subject and southerly developments be held concurrently; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

 

8.         PRELIMINARY REPORT
P.A.R.C.E.L. INC.
ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATION TO
PERMIT A MEDICAL OFFICE AND PHARMACY
ON A TEMPORARY BASIS AT
28 LANGSTAFF ROAD EAST
FILE NO. ZA 15 156923 (10.5)

            Report

 

The Committee discussed the next steps after a temporary by-law expires, and noted that this business has been operating in contravention of the Zoning By-law for a while. Staff were requested to hold the Public Meeting at the earliest opportunity.

 

Moved by: Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

Seconded by: Councillor Karen Rea

 

1)         That the report titled “Preliminary Report, P.A.R.C.E.L. Inc., Zoning By-law Amendment Application to permit a medical office and pharmacy on a temporary basis at 28 Langstaff Road East, File No. ZA 15 156923” dated May 24, 2016, be received; and,

 

2)         That a Public Meeting be held to consider the Zoning By-law Amendment application to permit a medical office and pharmacy on the subject lands; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

 

9.         PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO
            PROVINCIAL PLANS (10.0)

            Memo

 

The Committee expressed concern with the time frame for commenting to the province, and directed staff to request an extension. Staff clarified several points in the report, confirming that the Region is now planning an increase in intensification by 2041, from 40% to 60%.

 

 

The Committee requested that the staff report address an agreement for green space with regards to Rouge National Urban Park.

 

It was noted that during discussions the Province referred to certain modifications specifically to address concerns raised by Markham related to uncoupling of the ‘persons per hectare’ requirements and that staff request clarification from the Ministry regarding this matter.

 

Discussions included intensification efforts and impacts in Markham. It was requested that time be set aside at a Development Services Committee meeting in September for an in-depth review of the implications. A bus tour or individual walk-abouts were suggested to better understand the impacts of intensification – what works and what doesn’t.

 

Moved by: Councillor Karen Rea

Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That the memorandum entitled “Proposed Amendments to Provincial Plans” dated May 24, 2016 be received; and,

 

2)         That the City requests that the province extend the commenting deadline for 30 days; and further,

 

3)         That staff arrange a bus tour for Council Members to better understand intensification impacts.

CARRIED

 

 

 

10.       RECOMMENDATION REPORT
            SCARDRED 7 COMPANY LIMITED – 2124123 ONTARIO LIMITED
            3940 HIGHWAY 7 (NORTH SIDE, WEST OF VILLAGE PARKWAY)
            APPLICATIONS FOR OFFICIAL PLAN AND ZONING BY-LAW
            AMENDMENTS TO PERMIT A TOWNHOUSE DEVELOPMENT
            FILE NOS.:  OP/ZA 15 128977 (10.3, 10.5)

            Applicant Presentation  Report  Communications

 

Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services, provided an overview of the OMB negotiated settlement for this development, in 2013. Staff are recommending that the current ‘down zoning’ proposal not be supported as it is not in keeping with policy objectives for the Highway 7 intensification corridor. This is consistent with recommendations for similar proposals in the area.

 

Jeffrey Streisfield, representing the applicant, noted the correct name of the applicant as 2124123 Ontario Limited. Mr. Steisfield reviewed the application status and the revised proposal, requesting approval. He noted that a density of 80 persons per hectare will be achieved.

 

The Committee discussed the proposed 5-storey townhouses, intensification, the site plan, Section 37 commitment, and other area developments that are proposing density transfers.  The OMB has approved 228 units comprising of a maximum of 19 townhouses and 209 apartments, and the revised proposal is for 47 townhouses and no apartments.

 

David McBeth spoke in support of the staff recommendation, in the interest of maintaining consistent height with adjacent developments.

 

A motion to approve the application was LOST.

 

Moved by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by: Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the written submission from Ken Wrightman regarding the application by Scardred 7 Company Limited / 2124123 Ontario Limited, 3940 Highway 7, be received; and,

 

2)         That the presentation by Jeffrey Streisfield, representing the applicant, 2124123 Ontario Limited, regarding Scardred 7 Company Limited / 2124123 Ontario Limited, 3940 Highway 7, be received; and,

 

3)         That the deputation by David McBeth regarding Scardred 7 Company Limited / 2124123 Ontario Limited, 3940 Highway 7, be received; and,

 

4)         That the staff report dated May 24, 2016, titled “RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Scardred 7 Company Limited, 3940 Highway 7 (north side, west of Village Parkway), Applications for Official Plan and zoning by-law amendments to permit a townhouse development,” be received; and, 

 

5)         That the applications be denied; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 


 

11.       RECOMMENDATION REPORT
            1820266 ONTARIO INC. (TIMES GROUP INC.)
            BLOCK 3, PLAN 65M-4464
            4002/4022 HIGHWAY 7
            NORTH-EAST CORNER OF HIGHWAY 7
            AND VILLAGE PARKWAY
            APPLICATION FOR SITE PLAN APPROVAL
            FOR A TOWNHOUSE DEVELOPMENT
            FILE NO.:  SC 15 161056 (10.6)

            Report

 

Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services reviewed this development and introduced the site plan application.

 

Lincoln Lo of Malone Given Parsons, representing the applicant, supported the staff recommendation and displayed elevations and provided additional details.

 

Moved by: Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

Seconded by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti

 

1)         That the staff report dated May 24, 2016, titled “RECOMMENDATION  REPORT, 1820266 Ontario Inc. (Times Group Inc.), Block 3, Plan 65M-4464, 4002/4022 Highway 7, north-east corner of Highway 7 and Village Parkway, Application for site plan approval for a townhouse development,” be received; and, 

 

2)         That the application be endorsed, in principle; and,

 

3)         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 plan “approved”) when the following conditions have been met:

 

·     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’.

·     The holding provision has been removed from the zoning of the lands in accordance with the provisions of the by-law; and,  

 

4)         That the Owner provide the City with the required payment of 60% planning processing fees in accordance with the City’s applicable Fee By-law; and,

 

5)         That Council authorize servicing allocation for 53 townhouse units (152 persons); and,


 

6)         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,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

 

12.       REQUEST TO DEMOLISH
            SINGLE DETACHED DWELLING
            DEMOLITION PERMIT DP 16 115753
            38 JOHN STREET
            THORNHILL HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT (16.11)

            Report

 

Marion Matthias spoke in opposition to the demolition request with respect to the impact on the Thornhill core, and noted the Heritage Markham Committee’s opposition to the demolition.

 

Ken Webster spoke in opposition to the demolition request with respect to the proposed concept plans for the replacement dwelling, and referred to discussions at Heritage Markham.

 

Barry Nelson, representing the Executive of the Society for Preservation of Historic Thornhill (SPOHT) gave a PowerPoint presentation to identify the Society and its goals, heritage development policies and examples in Thornhill, and a streetscape including 38 John Street.

 

Diane Berwick spoke in opposition to demolition in the Thornhill core area.

 

Anthony Farr spoke in opposition to the demolition request, and in support of the Heritage Markham Committee recommendation to deny the application.

 

Olana Alcock spoke in opposition to the demolition request and in support of preserving the heritage centre of Thornhill.

 

Staff responded to comments regarding the Class C building which is a modern house with no historical value, and is not a heritage building. Staff have researched the building and determined that it is a Group 3 building, the least of heritage significance. Although the policies encourage improving the building, the owner does not wish to do so, and has indicated to staff through his agent that revised house plans would not be prepared until the issue of demolition has been settled.


 

Some Committee members supported denial of the demolition permit for several reasons: the Ward Councillor has not been consulted; the existing dwelling tells a story in the small, sensitive heritage core; there are other opportunities for developers to demolish and rebuild; this could set a precedent for the area; the character of the community could be lost; this is an area that the community cherishes; ‘modern’ emerging heritage is just as valuable as older heritage buildings; and, the existing structure could be remodeled and added to, similar to other examples in the community. Comments were also made regarding concern for the size of the proposed replacement building, and in opposition to any minor variances that may be required.   

 

Some Committee members supported approval of the demolition permit, stating that many heritage style houses have been successfully built, and a spectacular replacement house could be achieved if the applicant worked with their designer and staff; and that the dwelling has no heritage significance.

 

Staff explained that the staff recommendation differs from the Heritage Markham Committee recommendation, as staff have determined that the building does not have significant heritage value and the owner was not interested in an addition instead; however, staff are recommending that demolition be conditional on receiving site plan approval for a new house, in appropriate style, materials, size and scale. It was confirmed that Heritage Markham received the same report information presented today. It was noted that Heritage Markham recommended that the first 20 feet of the existing dwelling remain as a distinct component in any proposed renovation and addition.

 

Staff provided clarification on potential appeal to the OMB, and noted the 90-day decision timeframe. Staff were requested to contact the applicant with respect to consenting to extend the deadline to allow them to submit revised house plans.

 

The Committee consented to go in-camera to receive Solicitor-Client advice.

 

Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Seconded by: Councillor Valerie Burke

 

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)        ADVICE THAT IS SUBJECT TO SOLICITOR-CLIENT PRIVILEGE, INCLUDING COMMUNICATIONS NECESSARY FOR THAT PURPOSE

            [Section 239 (2) (f)]

 

Moved by: Councillor Valerie Burke  

Seconded by: Councillor Alan Ho  

 

That the Development Services Committee rise from the in-camera session at 2:42 PM.

 

CARRIED

 

Moved by: Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti

 

1)                  That the written submissions from Ken Webster, Rob Armstrong, Diane Berwick, and A. Farr,  regarding Demolition Permit for 38 John Street, Thornhill, be received; and,

 

2)                  That the deputations by Marion Matthias, Ken Webster, Barry Nelson, representing the Executive of the Society for Preservation of Historic Thornhill (SPOHT), Diane Berwick, Anthony Farr, and Olana Alcock, regarding Demolition Permit for 38 John Street, Thornhill, be received; and,

 

3)         That the report entitled “Request to Demolish Single Detached Dwelling, Demolition Permit DP 16 115753, 38 John Street, Thornhill Heritage Conservation District”, dated May 24, 2016, be received; and,

 

4)         That Council does not support the demolition but is prepared to consider an application that incorporates the first 20 feet of the existing dwelling as a distinct component and an addition that complies with the polices and guidelines of the Thornhill Heritage District Plan; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

13.       REVISION TO THE GUIDELINES FOR THE
            IMPLEMENTATION OF SECTION 37 BENEFITS (10.0)

            Report

 

This matter was referred from the May 17th, 2016 Council meeting for further information and discussion. Committee members were satisfied with the information received.

 

Moved by: Councillor Karen Rea

Seconded by: Councillor Valerie Burke

 

1)         That the report entitled “Revision to the Guidelines for the Implementation of Section 37 Benefits” be received; and,

 

2)         That the Guidelines for the Implementation of Section 37 Benefits be amended to allow for the collection of Section 37 contributions through the approval of developments under four storeys in height, for the sole purpose of funding public art; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

14.       MARKHAM CENTRE JOINT
            MOBILITY HUB STUDY (5.10)

            Report

 

Alan Brown gave a brief overview on this matter and explained the recommendation. The Committee requested an introduction to the consultant and an update early in the process to allow for comments. Staff confirmed that Regional Councillor Jim Jones has been briefed on this matter and has indicated support.

 

Moved by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti

 

1)         That the May 24, 2016 Report entitled “Markham Centre Joint Mobility Hub Study” be received; and,

 

2)         That the Markham Centre Joint Mobility Hub Study (Phase 1), to be led by Metrolinx, be endorsed; and,

 

3)         That staff be authorized to finalize the Phase 1 Study Terms of Reference, and cost sharing with Metrolinx; and,

 

4)         That the CAO and Commissioner of Development Services be authorized to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Metrolinx and York Region Rapid Transit Corporation/York Region for the Markham Centre Joint Mobility Hub Study Phase 1 and cost sharing; and,

 

5)         That Markham’s share of the Phase 1 Mobility Hub Study at $71,232 (inclusive of HST) be finalized by the Commissioner of Development Services and funded under the Planning Capital Account # 640-101- 5699-10577 (Mobility Hub Study); and,

 

6)         That the consulting assignment and purchase orders PD11314 and PD11315 for Arup Canada Inc. for the Mobility Hub Study be closed; and,

 

7)         That staff be authorized to retain on a sole source basis an architect to a maximum amount of $101,760 (inclusive of HST Impact) in accordance with the Purchasing By-Law 2004-341, Part II, Section 7 Non Competitive Procurement Item: Item (h) where it is necessary or in the best interests of the City to acquire non-standard items or Consulting and Professional Services from a preferred supplier or from a supplier who has a proven track record with the City in terms of pricing, quality and service and funded from the Planning Capital Account # 640-101- 5699-10577 (Mobility Hub Study); and,

 

8)         That a $50,880 (inclusive of HST Impact) allowance for the Transportation and Servicing analysis be provided and funded from Account # 640-101-5699-10577, as part of the Phase 1 Study; and,

 

 

9)         That a 10% contingency be established in the amount of $22,387.20 (inclusive of HST), to cover any additional costs related to the Joint Study, Architect Fee Allowance and Transportation & Servicing Studies, funded from Planning Capital Account #640-101-5699-10577 (Mobility Hub Study); and,

 

10)       That a Staff Recovery in the amount of $9,000 be funded from Planning Capital Account #640-101-5699-10577 (Mobility Hub Study); and,

 

11)       That staff update Council throughout the study process; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

15.       BOX GROVE COMMUNITY
            INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS (6.3)

            Report

 

Nimisha Patel representing the Box Grove Community Association, made a deputation and read letters from Tom Farrar and Angelica Gutierrez regarding concerns for the Box Grove Community Infrastructure Improvements, and requested deferral of this matter for consultation with the residents. Ms. Patel commented on the need for parks in the north end of Box Grove.

 

Staff provided clarification on the budget and discussions with the residents. It was noted that consensus could not be achieved on proposed sewer improvements, and staff suggested further public consultation could be held to determine how the funds are to be spent. Ms. Patel supported a meeting with residents prior to this matter returning to the Committee.

 

The Committee requested a break-down on costs for street lighting and other proposals.

 

Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti

 Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi

 

1)                  That the deputation by Nimisha Patel, Box Grove Community Association, regarding the Box Grove Community Infrastructure Improvements, be received; and,

 

2)                  That correspondence from Tom Farrar, Kevin Wong, Nimisha Patel, Angelica Gutierrez, and Ricky Tsui, regarding the Box Grove Community Infrastructure Improvements, be received; and further,

 

3)                  That the Box Grove Community Infrastructure Improvements be deferred to a Development Services Committee meeting in June, 2016, to allow a community meeting on this matter.

CARRIED

16.       WHISTLE CESSATION ON STOUFFVILLE GO LINE
             – PROGRESS UPDATE (5.12)

            Report

 

The Committee commented on the significant progress on this matter.

 

Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Seconded by: Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong 

 

1)         That the May 24, 2016 report “Whistle Cessation on Stouffville Go Line – Progress Update” be received; and,

 

2)         That York Region be requested to implement a 24-hour anti-whistling by-law for their 6 Regional road grade crossings on the Stouffville GO Line from Kennedy Road (South) to Major Mackenzie Drive East; and,

 

3)         That York Region be requested to budget $2.20M in their 2017 budget year for their assessed cost of crossing upgrades for anti-whistling on the Stouffville Line, and,

 

4)         That Metrolinx be requested to budget $1.94M in their 2017 budget year for their share of grade crossing upgrades on the Stouffville Line; and, 

 

5)         That Staff provide a further progress update in Fall 2016; and further,

 

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

 

CARRIED

 

 

17.       NINTH LINE TRUCK RESTRICTION (5.10)

            Presentation

 

Brian Titherington, Director, Roads and Traffic Operations, Region of York, gave a presentation entitled "Ninth Line Truck Restriction". The presentation provided background and context on this issue, and the Region’s assessment and conclusion. In September 2015, Regional Council adopted the following:

1. A truck restriction not be implemented on Ninth Line between Highway 7 and Highway 407;

2. The existing truck restriction on Ninth Line between 16th Avenue and Highway 7 be rescinded;

3. The existing “Truck Route” signs on Donald Cousens Parkway be removed. 

 

In addition, future improvements to the left turn lane Ninth Line at Fincham Avenue and Ninth Line at White’s Hill Road were outlined.

 

The Committee discussed noise barriers, enforcement of restrictions, and the accident rate at Tiers Gate, which does not warrant improvements. There were lengthy discussions on regional policies and the consultation process, and the intended purpose of the Donald Cousens Parkway to divert all traffic from Main Street Markham, not just truck traffic. When truck route signs are removed, it means the burden of track traffic is shared with all roads.

 

Moved by: Councillor Karen Rea

Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell  

 

1)         That the written submissions from Eira Keay, Norm and Dianne Pemberton, Jamie Taylor, Joanne Jackson, and Phil Diamond, regarding Ninth Line Truck Restrictions, be received; and,

 

2)         That the presentation provided by Brian Titherington, Director, Roads and Traffic Operations, Region of York entitled "Ninth Line Truck Restriction" be received; and,

 

3)         That the truck ban from Highway 7 and 16th Avenue be re-instated and the section of Ninth Line between Highway 7 and Highway 407 also include a truck ban; and,

 

4)         That any signs that have been removed stating truck route be re-installed; and,

 

5)         That any future development along Donald Cousens Parkway require that developers  include a clause of caution of possible noise and heavy volume of traffic in their purchase agreements; and,

 

6)         That the Markham’s Regional Councillors bring this back to the region and support the truck ban on Ninth Line and re-iterate that the Donald Cousens Parkway is Markham’s  by-pass, and it should be used for what it was intended for.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at 4:20 PM.

 

 

 

 

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