DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE
2001-05-01
Meeting No. 9
PART
A
Attendance
|
Councillor A. Chiu
|
J. Livey,
Chief Administrative Officer
M.F. Turner,
Commissioner of Development
Services
R.
Robinson, Town Solicitor
J.
Baird, Director of Planning
A.
Brown, Director of Engineering
S.
Chait, Director of Corporate Quality and
Effectiveness
B.
Wiles, Manager, Administration and Customer
Services
L.
Irvine, Manager, Urban Design
T.
Lambe, Manager, Policy Planning
D.
Clark, Town Architect
L.
Duoba, Project Co-ordinator
M.
Urquhart, Senior Planner
K.
Bavington, Committee Clerk
|
The
Development Services Committee convened at the hour of 11:35 a.m. in the Canada
Room with Councillor G. McKelvey in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE
OF INTEREST - none declared
1. BUSINESS CORRIDOR USES WORK SESSION,
FILE: 10.0
Staff
advised of ongoing work on proposals targeting employment areas, and advised a
staff presentation to the Committee is tentatively scheduled for the end of
June, if sufficient progress is made.
……………………………
The
Committee recessed into Development Services Committee "In-camera" to
discuss a confidential legal matter, at 11:40 a.m.
The
Committee rose from "In-camera" and reported, at 12:10 p.m.
RECOMMENDATION:
That
the verbal update by the Mayor and C.A.O. regarding Hydro matters, be received.
………………………….
2. MARKHAM CENTRE TOUR PRESENTATION, FILE:
10.0
The
Committee viewed a video, Smart Growth, prepared by the Urban Land
Institute. The Commissioner of Development Services discussed the objective of
successful growth while enhancing the quality of life, and advised that a
presentation on this subject is scheduled for the next Development Services
Committee meeting.
Lilli
Duoba, Project Co-ordinator, and David Clark, Town Architect, gave a slide
presentation of the recent study tours to North American cities by Council members
and staff. The tours researched communities, town centres, buildings, parking
garages, parklands, and transit stations with respect to appropriate
development for Markham. Emphasis was placed on attention to detail, including
landscaping, wide sidewalks, street furniture, public art, and heritage
details.
……………………………
The
Development Services Committee recessed at 1:05 p.m. and re-convened at the
hour of
1:10
p.m. in the Council Chambers.
………………………………
PART
B
Attendance
|
Councillor A. Chiu
|
M.F. Turner,
Commissioner of Development
Services
J.
Baird, Director of Planning
A.
Brown, Director of Engineering
I.
Jones, Director of Economic Development
R.
Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning
M.
Seaman, Planner, Heritage & Conservation
L.
Duoba, Project Co-ordinator
M.
Urquhart, Senior Planner
K.
Bavington, Committee Clerk
|
|
J. Livey,
Chief Administrative Officer
M.F. Turner,
Commissioner of Development
Services
J. Baird,
Director of Planning
A. Brown,
Director of Engineering
T. Lambe,
Manager, Policy Planning
G. McKnight,
Senior Planner
E. Valente,
Zoning Supervisor
K.
Bavington, Committee Clerk
|
The
Development Services Committee convened at the hour of 1:10 p.m. in the Council
Chambers with Councillor G. McKelvey in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE
OF INTEREST -none declared
REQUESTS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF DEPUTATIONS
REGARDING MATTERS ON THIS AGENDA
3. JOINT MARKETING TELEVISION ADVERTISING,
FILE 10.16
RECOMMENDATION:
That
staff provide the audited reports regarding broadcast advertising, and provide
the Council recommendation endorsing private sponsorship, for Council's
information at its meeting scheduled for May 8, 2001;
And that the
Director of Economic Development be authorized to purchase up to $60,000.00
(plus applicable taxes) of television advertising on CFTO Nightbeat News and
that this advertising be funded by $40,000.00 of private sector monies that
have been deposited in a special revenues account # 31-2220028 and by $20,000.00
from the 2001 Business Development account # 610 9985 808.
4. ONTREA INC., 5000 HWY # 7, MARKVILLE
MALL
APPLICATIONS FOR SIGN
VARIANCES, (01-103898, 01-103902,
01-103904, 01-103905,
01-103906, 01-103907), FILE: 2.16.2
RECOMMENDATION:
That the applications file numbers 01-103898,
01-103902, 01-103904, 01-103905, 01-103906 and 01-103907 submitted by Ontrea
Inc. for wall sign variances for 5000 Highway 7 to permit an increase in the
maximum sign area per sign to 44.13m2 and to permit standard
non-accessory signs (third party advertising) be approved subject to the
following conditions:
- That the variance be limited to three
years;
- And that an amendment to the site plan
agreement be required to provide a mechanism for exercising some control
relating to the format and content of the advertising.
5. DOWN UNDER, 5221 HWY. # 7
APPLICATION FOR WALL SIGN
VARIANCE (01-101932), FILE: 2.16.2
RECOMMENDATION:
That application file number 01-101932
submitted by Down Under for wall sign variances for 5221 Highway 7 to permit an
increase in maximum sign area to 9.65 m2 and to permit a second sign
be approved.
(3) DOWN
UNDER, 5221 HWY. # 7
APPLICATION FOR WALL SIGN VARIANCE (01-101932) (2.16.2)
THAT application file number
01-101932 submitted by Down Under for wall sign variances for 5221 Highway 7 to
permit an increase in maximum sign area to 9.65 m2 and to permit a
second sign be approved.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Amended
by Council at its meeting held May 8, 2001 to refer this matter to staff for
further communication with the applicant/landlord and report back to the next
Development Services Committee.
6. VINEYARD CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, 7775
YONGE ST.
REZONING AND SITE PLAN
APPROVAL APPLICATIONS TO PERMIT
A PLACE OF WORSHIP
(ZO.00-2421166, SC.01-104422), FILES: 10.5, 10.6
Correspondence
was received from R.W. Archer of CIBC, and Pastor Dale Bolton of Thornhill
Christian Vineyard Fellowship, dated April 18, 2001, regarding a parking
agreement.
Staff
reviewed the proposal for a place of worship and retail use, the surrounding
uses, and concerns that have been
identified.
The
following people spoke in opposition to the proposal:
-Joan
Chesley, 7811 Yonge Street, # 401, Thornhill L3T 4S3, submitted letter
-Jack
Cooper, 7811 Yonge Street, # 103, Thornhill, L3T 4S3
-Patricia
Davis, 28 Confederation Way, Markham, L3T 5R5
-Douglas
Jacobson, 68 Coral Harbour Crescent, Markham L3T 2Z7
-Bill
Wylie, 148 John Street, Thornhill, L3T 1Y7, President of the Society for the
preservation of Historic Thornhill, submitted letter
-Marion
Mathias, 33 Colborne Street, Thornhill L3T 1Z4, representing the Ward 1 (south)
Thornhill residents Inc.
Their
concerns included parking and traffic congestion, keeping fire lanes clear,
more landscaping is needed, loss of property values, Heritage conservation for
Thornhill Village and for the site at 7771A Yonge Street, late night noise,
that this proposal would set undesirable precedents, and that the applicant had
requested deferral of part of the Development Charges.
The
following people spoke in support of the proposal:
-David
Molyneux, 2005 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, M2J 5B4, architect for the
proposal
-Linda
Bolton, 6 Delair Crescent, Thornhill L3T 2M4, submitted pictures
-John
Holborn, 441 Easy Street, Richmond Hill L4C 3Z5
-Connie
Nichols, agent for Mark-Land Enterprises, 78 Brentwood Road S., Toronto, M8Z
3N5
-Dale
Bolton, 6 Delair Crescent, Thornhill L3T 2M4, submitted letter
Their
arguments included building, landscaping and storm drainage enhancements, it is
a family-oriented use, community involvement benefits, and commercial viability
of the property. They contended that
parking requirements have been exceeded, and a reciprocal parking agreement
will alleviate problems in the area.
Mr.
Bolton, Pastor of the Church, indicated the congregation would not exceed 150
members, as that is considered the most effective size. He advised that
alternative uses may include a thrift shop, outreach program, or continued
vacancy. The applicants requested that the "Holding" provisions not
be utilized, as it would require an additional process.
The
Committee discussed at great length concerns that had been identified, mitigating
measures, potential impacts and benefits. Staff confirmed that the
"Holding" provision is the usual practice, and is more enforceable.
Staff also advised the building referred to as 'Heritage' is not currently
recognized.
The
Chair announced that the recommendation of this Committee will be presented to
Council for endorsement, on Tuesday, May 8, 2001, at 7:00 p.m.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the
application by Vineyard Christian Fellowship for Zoning By-law Amendment (ZO.
00-2421166) to permit a place of worship at 7775 Yonge Street, Thornhill, be
approved and the implementing by-law
adopted;
And
that the corresponding application for Site Plan Approval (SC.01-104422)
relating to the proposed site improvements for the proposed place of worship,
including the laying out of a paved parking lot, be approved subject to the
following conditions:
1.
That the Owner enter into a site plan agreement with the
Town;
2. That
site plan approval lapse after a period of three (3) years, commencing May lst,
2001, in the event that a site plan agreement is not executed within that
period;
3. That the site plan agreement
contain provision for the payment by the applicant of all applicable fees, recoveries and
development charges;
4. That the owner agrees to pave
the proposed parking area, and service the site with storm sewers, to the
satisfaction of the Director of Engineering;
5. That the owner agree to
provide a new landscape planter across the front of the building, a strip of
decorative concrete lockstone at the
north-front edge of the property adjacent to the main building entrance, and a
new wood picket fence along the south property line, to the satisfaction
of the Commissioner of Development Services.
6. That the site plan agreement contain provisions for the Owner to
comply with all requirements of the Town and authorized public agencies, to the
satisfaction of the Commissioner of Development Services;
7. That prior to execution of the
site plan agreement, the owner shall submit final site plan, elevations and landscape
drawings, complying with all requirements of the Town and authorized public
agencies, prepared to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Development
Services.
8. That the owner agree in the
site plan agreement to allow their parking lot to be available for general
overflow parking in the area, when not in use for church services.
7. REGION OF YORK AND MCNALLY
INTERNATIONAL INC.
16TH AVENUE SEWER
CONTRACT, APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION
TO NOISE CONTROL BY-LAW
218-89, FILE: 5.10
The
Committee received a Memorandum from Alan Brown, Director of Engineering,
regarding the Public Information Meeting held on April 27, 2001.
The
Committee directed additional conditions be included. The ward councillor
advised discussions with staff and the applicant are ongoing, and another
condition may be presented for consideration at the Council meeting scheduled
for May 8, 2001.
RECOMMENDATION:
That
an exemption to the Town's Noise Control By-law 218-89 to extend the hours of
work be granted to McNally International Inc. for the construction of the 16th
Avenue Sewer from approximately 9th Line to Stone Mason Drive,
detailed as follows, and subject to the conditions as follows:
Monday
to Saturday:
I. Tunnel 1900
to 700 hours
II. Shafts 9th
Line & 16th Ave (C4) -
September 2001 - October 2002
- 1900 - 2400 hours to permit 2 shifts for
tunnelling
- 2400 - 0700 hours for maintenance
purposes
Brother Andre (C7) - June 2001 to December 2001
- 1900 - 2300 hours to permit 2 shifts for
shaft excavation
Stone Mason (C8) - September 2001 - March 2002
- 1900 - 2300 hours to permit 2 shifts
for
shaft excavation
9th Line at Delmark Boulevard (C1)
- May 2001 - October 2001 2300 hours to 2400 hours to permit
2 shifts
- 0500 hours to 0700 hours for maintenance
purposes
Subject
to the following conditions:
- noise levels emitting
from the shaft meet Ministry of the Environment Guidelines and Town By-law
218-89 (maximum 85 decibels)
- heavy truck access to shaft access be
prohibited from 1900 hours to 700 hours
- shaft areas be enclosed on all sides
by a minimum 2.4m high insulated hoarding
- follow-up noise monitoring be
undertaken as required by the Town
- all
shaft areas be enclosed on all sides by a minimum 2.4 m high insulated hoarding
and that the height of the insulated hoarding be increased to 3.7 metres on all
sides of the shafts adjacent to residential or school areas
-
Region of York and
McNally monitor the impact on existing residents in the vicinity of the shafts
and address any concerns
- McNally
address water concerns to the satisfaction of the Region of York and Ministry
of the Environment
- the
Town has the right to rescind the exemption if McNally fails to comply with the
above conditions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Amended
by Council at its meeting held May 8, 2001 to add the following conditions:
- McNally
prepare a public notice for distribution to the affected residents to explain
the project, the status of construction and to provide a public relations
contact and 24 hour contact number for resident
- McNally
post a highly visible, 24 hour contact number on the hoarding at each shaft
location
- For the period of the
Noise By-law exemption, McNally will participate in a committee with local
residents which will provide a forum to update residents on the status of the
project and to address concerns related to construction. Town staf will assist in the formation of
this committee.
- McNally
refrain from working on Saturdays except as required for maintenance and
special circumstances.
8. HOOP REALTY, 3760 & 3762 14TH
AVENUE
REZONING APPLICATION TO PERMIT
A RESTAURANT (ZA.00-239339)
FILE: 10.5
Correspondence
from Nick Givalas, dated April 26, 2001, was received. David Rubens,
representing the applicant, was in attendance.
The
Committee noted that Mr. Papademus, who had also requested deferral of this
matter from the April 17, 2001 Development Services Committee meeting, was not
in attendance, and received confirmation from the Clerk that Mr. Papademus had
been notified of this meeting.
RECOMMENDATION:
That rezoning application (ZA 00-239339) to
amend By-law 108-81, as amended, submitted by Hoop Realty to permit a
restaurant at 3760 and 3762 14th Avenue, be approved and the
amending Zoning By-law be enacted after the site plan agreement with the Town
has been amended to include the following:
1. Provision for the property owner to
direct employees to park underground so as to free up more surface parking for
visitors at 3760 and 3762 14th Avenue, to the satisfaction of the
Town;
2. Provisions requiring the owner of 3760
and 3762 14th Avenue to implement, to the satisfaction of the Town
in consultation with the Owner of the adjacent property to the east,
appropriate measures to ensure that the 33 surface parking spaces reserved for
use by the adjacent property (3780 14th Avenue) are available for
use by the employees of that property if required; and
3. Provision
requiring internal garbage storage for the proposed restaurant.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Amended
by Council at its meeting held May 8, 2001 that this matter be deferred and
referred back to staff for
report to the next Development Services Committee and immediately following to
Council.
9. WOODBINE CORRIDOR URBAN DESIGN STUDY
AND RECOMMENDATIONS, FILE:
10.0
RECOMMENDATION:
That staff be directed to request the consultant clarify the report entitled "Woodbine Corridor
Urban Design Study" prepared by Brook McIlroy Inc., regarding the three
issues discussed by the Development Services Committee, as follows:
1) Fig. 19 - four-storey
parking structure appears contrary to maximum height regulations illustrated in
Fig. 10.
2) Fig. 20 - the one
storey restaurant adjacent to a residence does not contribute to the desired
"gateway" effect;
3) Fig. 22 - the store on
the corner does not comply with desired built form.
And
that the following motion be referred directly to Council for consideration:
That the
consultant's report entitles "Woodbine Corridor Urban Design Study"
prepared by Brook McIlroy Inc. and dated December 2000 attached hereto, be
received and endorsed;
And that the Woodbine Corridor Urban Design
Study be used as a guideline in the review of development applications within
the Study area.
(7) WOODBINE
CORRIDOR URBAN DESIGN STUDY
AND RECOMMENDATIONS (10.0)
That the ‘Woodbine Corridor Urban Design Study and Recommendations’
report from the Development Services Committee dated May 1, 2001, be received
and amended to add the following:
Background (Paragraph
to follow "The Woodbine Study was expanded ….")
Re-development
scenarios for the Knob Hill property were used to determine and evaluate the
urban design objectives.
The consultant
developed a series of scenarios for the Knob Hill property in order to test
various developments that might be put forward for the site. The scenarios were used as a means to test
how each of the scenarios achieved certain intensification objectives including
appropriate use, building, location, massing, access, internal circulation and
built from relationship to the street edge and the abutting community. The results of the analysis were summarized
in land use and urban design recommendations as set out in Section 2.5 of the
consultant's report including a setback diagram and maximum build-to
envelope. The scenarios shown as
Figures 19-22 inclusive in Section 5.0 of the Woodbine Corridor Study document
do not represent preferred land use or development recommendations; the
recommendations and diagrams contained within Sections 1-4 inclusive are the
operative guidelines for development on the Knob Hill property.
And That the consultant's report entitled "Woodbine Corridor Urban
Design Study" prepared by Brook McIlroy Inc. and dated December 2000 be
received and endorsed, as amended to add the following:
And that the
Woodbine Corridor Urban Design Study be used as a guideline in the review of
development applications within the Study area.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Amended
by Council at its meeting held May 8, 2001 to add paragraph 1 and revision to paragraph 2 as follows:
That the
‘Woodbine Corridor Urban Design Study and Recommendations’ report from the
Development Services Committee dated May 1, 2001, be received and amended to add
the following:
Background (Paragraph
to follow "The Woodbine Study was expanded ….")
Re-development
scenarios for the Knob Hill property were used to determine and evaluate the
urban design objectives.
The consultant
developed a series of scenarios for the Knob Hill property in order to test
various developments that might be put forward for the site. The scenarios were used as a means to test
how each of the scenarios achieved certain intensification objectives including
appropriate use, building, location, massing, access, internal circulation and
built from relationship to the street edge and the abutting community. The results of the analysis were summarized
in land use and urban design recommendations as set out in Section 2.5 of the
consultant's report including a setback diagram and maximum build-to
envelope. The scenarios shown as
Figures 19-22 inclusive in Section 5.0 of the Woodbine Corridor Study document
do not represent preferred land use or development recommendations; the
recommendations and diagrams contained within Sections 1-4 inclusive are the
operative guidelines for development on the Knob Hill property.
And That the
consultant's report entitled "Woodbine Corridor Urban Design Study"
prepared by Brook McIlroy Inc. and dated December 2000 be received and
endorsed, as amended to add the following:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. PRESENTATION (10.0)
Councillor
McKelvey, Chair of Development Services Committee, and Mary-Francis Turner,
Commissioner of Development Services, presented flowers to Lilli Duoba, David
Clark, Chris Wilson, and Kathryn Webber, in appreciation for their efforts
towards the successful study tours of North American Cities.
11. ACURA DEALERSHIP, SITE PLAN UPDATE
ANNABEL NURSERY SITE, FILE:
10.6
Dave
Matthews of Patrick Sweet & Associates, made a presentation regarding an
application for an Acura Dealership on the former Annabel Nursery Site,
advising the proposed site plan will be almost identical to the previous site
plan approved for this property.
RECOMMENDATION:
That
the presentation by Dave Matthews of Patrick Sweet & Associates, regarding
the proposed site plan for an Acura dealership on the former Annabel Nursery
site, be received.
12. CNU IX, CONGRESS FOR THE NEW URBANISM
ANNUAL MEETING, JUNE 7-10,
2001, FILE: 10.0
RECOMMENDATION:
13. CORNELL/NEW URBANISM
INFORMATION REGARDING UPCOMING
WORK SESSION, FILE: 10.0
14. HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE
MINUTES, APRIL 11, 2001, FILE:
16.11
RECOMMENDATION:
That
the Heritage Markham Committee minutes, April 11, 2001, be received.
15. MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE
MINUTES, MARCH 21, 2001,
FILE: 16.39
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Main
Street Markham Committee minutes, March 21, 2001, be received.
16. DI IORIO, 6650 16TH AVENUE
ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT AND
PLAN OF SUBDIVISION
APPLICATIONS (ZA.00 246516,
SU.00 246509), FILES: 10.5, 10.7
John
Williams, 14 Sandpiper Way, representing the Swan Lake Village Neighbourhoods
of Greensborough Committee, asked for deferral of the Public Meeting until the
issues of landscape screening, sidewalks, and traffic controls are resolved. He
requested a meeting with the Chair of the Development Services Committee,
staff, and landscape architects, and he also requested a deputation to the
Transportation Committee meeting scheduled for May 14, 2001.
The
Chair and staff were agreeable to meeting with Mr. Williams. The Committee
stated the Public Meeting should proceed to be scheduled, in order to meet
Planning Act requirements, and to obtain input from all impacted members of the
public.
RECOMMENDATION:
That
a Public Meeting be scheduled to consider applications SU 00 246509 and ZA 00
246516 by Alex, Jerry and Angelo Di Iorio for draft plan of subdivision and
amendments to zoning By-laws 304-87 and 177-96 at 6650 16th Avenue.
17. SCIBERRAS ROAD SOUTH PRECINCT PLAN
SOUTH SIDE OF HWY # 7,
OPPOSITE SCIBERRAS ROAD, FROM
SHERIDAN NURSERIES TO THE
C.N.R., FILE: 5:10
Correspondence
was received from Paul William Young, M.F. Hull of Lonsmount Construction, and
Elio Antonel of Antonel Holdings Inc.
Staff gave a
presentation of the background for the plan and progress to date. It was
explained that the consultant had identified a 15 metre setback from the top of
bank limit, as identified in the proposed Precinct Plan subject to confirmation
from the TRCA. The 15 metres would
comprise an approximate 5 metre erosion control setback, (which is to be
confirmed) plus the standard 10 metre setback requirement from the then
established stable top of bank.
Councillor
Virgilio requested alternative road patterns be presented prior to being
forwarded to the Public Information Meeting.
Neil Craik, of
Cassels Brock & Blackwell, representing a property owner within the
Sciberras Road Plan, expressed appreciation for progress on this matter.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the
“Sciberras Road South Precinct Plan” (Appendix “A”), the accompanying General
Principles, attached to the May 1, 2001, Development Services Report, and the
“Sciberras Road Extension and Riverside Drive Needs and Justification and
Evaluation of Alternative Alignments Report” prepared by iTrans, Consulting
Inc. (December 2000), be deferred to the Council meeting scheduled for May 22,
2001;
And that staff be directed to provide
information regarding alternative road patterns, and to meet with Councillor
Virgilio prior to May 22, 2001 in this regard;
And that the
letters from Lind Urban Land Management on behalf of Sheridan Nurseries
(Appendix “B”), Mr. Murphy Hull (Appendix “C”) and Mr. James Harlow (Appendix
“D”), be received.
………………………………
The
Development Services Committee recessed at the hour of 5:00 p.m. and reconvened
at the hour of 7:05 p.m.
………………………………
Public Meeting
Attendance
|
|
M.F. Turner,
Commissioner of Development
Services
J.
Baird, Director of Planning
V.
Shuttleworth, Project Co-ordinator
R.
Blake, Senior Planner
K.
Bavington, Committee Clerk
|
|
|
The
Development Services Committee convened at the hour of 7:05 p.m. in the Council
Chambers with Councillor G. McKelvey in the Chair.
18. 300
JOHN ST. AND PROPERTIES CAD-COR INC.
THORNHILL SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE
APPLICATIONS FOR OFFICIAL PLAN AND ZONING BY-LAW
AMENDMENTS TO PERMIT FREE-STANDING LARGE
FORMAT RETAIL OUTLET (OP.00 240517, ZA.00 235300), FILES 10.5, 10.6
Councillor
Usman disclosed an interest with respect to the proposed development of
Thornhill Square, by nature of his wife being a tenant in Thornhill Square, and
did not take part in the consideration or discussion of or vote on the question
of the approval of such matter.
The Chair
advised that the subject of the Public Meeting this date was to consider
applications submitted by 300 John St. and Properties Cad-Cor Inc., for
proposed Official Plan and zoning by-law amendments to permit a free-standing
large format retail outlet at Thornhill Square Shopping Centre.
Committee was
advised that 1597 notices were mailed on April 11, 2001 and a public meeting
sign was posted April 3, 2001.
Twenty-one written submissions were received.
RECOMMENDATION:
That correspondence regarding proposed
Official Plan and zoning By-law amendments OP.00 240517, ZA.00 235300, from
Glynwood Retirement Residence, Rob Dlouhy, E. Ellison and D. O'Neal, Martha
Jarrell, Green Lane Activity Group, John and Mathilde Cassir, E. Ellison, Linda
and Lloyd Mather, Hannah Manilla, Julie Kirkby and Roman Bruchkowsky, John
Brancati, Randa Kakish, John and Gill Leonard, Shelagh O'Brien, Bob Appel,
Linda-Jane France, Ivan Pong, Chang Hong Chi, Bill Mackenzie, Sung-ae Yoon, and
Elizabeth Schreurs, be received.
Ron Blake, Senior Planner, gave a presentation
of the proposed office and retail development, explaining the surrounding uses,
and concerns that had been identified. He advised that a formal site plan
application had not been received to date.
Steven Waqué, Solicitor with Borden, Ladner, Gervais; Douglas Annand of Pricewaterhouse Coopers;
and Michael Kirkland, architect, were in attendance representing the applicant.
They reviewed site plan details such as access, parking structures, pedestrian
walkways, the John Street ramp, and landscaping, advising that the site plan
application is intended to be submitted to the Town this week. The traffic
report and the market study prepared by the applicant, were also discussed. The
consultants indicated that truck traffic would enter from Green Lane and
proceed to the loading area to the east of the property, adjacent to the
railway. The proposed retail uses for the redeveloped shopping centre were
reviewed.
The following people spoke in opposition to
the proposal:
- Colin Morris, 7905 Bayview Avenue, Ste.
812, Thornhill, L3T 7N3, submitted letter
President of Landmark Condominium Complex, representing 2,000 residents
- Marmel Robuck, 89 Bowman Way, Thornhill,
L3T 4Z6
- Charles Newman, 7825 Bayview Avenue, # 816, Thornhill, L3T 7N2
- Lloyd Mather, 9 Cypress Point Court,
Thornhill L3T 1V6
- Evelin Ellison, 48 Julia Street, Thornhill
L3T 4R9
- Rev. William Burns, 39 Green Lane,
Thornhill L3T 6K5
- Marion Mathias, 33 Colborne Street,
Thornhill L3T 1Z4
- Schilhab Hilde, 74 Julia Street, Thornhill
L3T 4R9
- Neil Graham, 313 Green Lane, Thornhill L3T
7A6
Their concerns included increased noise and
car and truck traffic on Green Lane and John Street.
It
was stated that the close proximity of diverse shopping and community amenities
is important to the seniors and residents. The convenient ramps and accessible
retail are also important to the members of St. Luke's Church and Lodge who use
wheelchairs. The consensus among those who spoke in opposition was that Big Box retail is not needed. Suggestions
were made for alternative uses, such as senior care facilities. A request was
made for deferral, to allow residents to review the traffic and market studies.
The
Commissioner of Development Services reviewed staff concerns regarding the
Town's commitment to Urban Renewal, and that the Big Box format is not
appropriate at this location.
The
Committee discussed the concerns identified and reviewed the numerous meetings
held with the applicant, with no significant improvement to the proposal. The
Committee encouraged the applicant to continue working with staff and the
Committee, towards appropriate development of the property.
The
Chair announced that the recommendation of this Committee will be presented to
Council for endorsement, on Tuesday, May 8, 2001, at 7:00 p.m.
RECOMMENDATION:
That
the Record of the Public Meeting held on May 1, 2001, with respect to
applications for Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments, Files OP.00 240517
and ZA.00 235300, submitted by 300 John St. and Properties Cad-Cor Inc., to
permit a free-standing large format retail outlet at Thornhill Square Shopping
Centre, be received;
And that the Development Services Commission
Report entitled “300 John Street Limited and Proprietes Cad-Cor Inc.,
applications for Official Plan and zoning by-law amendments to permit a
large-format retail development at Thornhill Square Shopping Centre”, dated
September 19, 2000, be received as the report of record;
And that the applications for Official Plan
amendment and zoning by-law amendment, Files OP.00 240517 and ZA.00 235300, as
currently proposed, be denied;
And further that the town and the applicant
enter into a community consultation process to identify and assess alternative
redevelopment schemes for the Thornhill Square Shopping Centre.
ADJOURNMENT