Development Services Committee Minutes
February 17, 2015,
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Council Chamber
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
|
Councillor Alex Chiu
|
Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative
Officer
Jim Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services
Trinela Cane, Commissioner of
Corporate Services
Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of
Community & Fire Services
Ronji Borooah, City Architect
Alan Brown, Director of Engineering
Daniel Brutto, Planner I
Alain Cachola, Senior Manager,
Infrastructure and Capital
Projects
Sally
Campbell, Acting Manager, East District
Stephen Chait, Director, Economic
Development
Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor
Lilli Duoba, Manager, Natural Heritage
Marina Haufschild, Senior Planner, Urban Design
Linda Irvine, Manager, Parks and
Open Space Development
Biju Karumanchery, Acting Director
of Planning and Urban Design
Sepideh Majdi, Senior Development
Engineer
David Pearce, Manager, Real Property
Gary Sellars, Senior Planner
Marg Wouters, Senior Manager, Policy
& Research
Kitty Bavington, Council/Committee Coordinator
|
The Development Services
Committee convened at the hour of 9:04 a.m. in the Council Chamber with Regional
Councillor Jim Jones in the Chair. Regional Councillor Joe Li assumed the Chair for
Transportation items, Nos. 2 and 3.
The Committee recessed from 12:10 p.m. to 1:07 p.m.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest – None Declared
City of Markham Staff:
Robert Jones, Maintenance Assistant, Asset
Management, 35 years
Chee Tung, Building Engineer, Building
Standards, 35 years
Renata Keranovic, Geomatics Technician,
Planning & Urban Design, 35 years
David Martin, Fitness Counsellor, Markham
Centennial Centre, Recreation Services, 30 years
Anthony Boyko, Manager, Building
Inspections, Building Standards, 30 years
Scott Heaslip, Senior Project Coordinator,
Central, Planning & Urban Design, 30 years
Kenneth Robertson, Platoon Chief, Fire
& Emergency Services, 30 years
Mark Forrester, Captain, Fire &
Emergency Services, 30 years
James Scrymgeour, 1st Class Firefighter,
Fire & Emergency Services, 30 years
David Scott, 1st Class Firefighter, Fire
& Emergency Services, 30 years
Peter Johnson, Captain, Fire &
Emergency Services, 30 years
Ernest Elliott, Captain, Fire &
Emergency Services, 30 years
Mark Pehlemann, Captain, Fire &
Emergency Services, 30 years
Peter Jennings, 1st Class Firefighter,
Fire & Emergency Services, 30 years
2. HIGHWAY 7 - WARDEN TO SCIBERRAS
STREETSCAPING PLAN UPDATE
(5.10)
Presentation
The presentation was distributed separately.
Alan Brown,
Director of Engineering, introduced this matter. On January 27, 2015,
Development Services Committee requested a presentation on an alternate
streetscape concept and a review of on-street parking for Highway 7 from Town Centre
Boulevard to Sciberras Road.
Salim Alibhai from
the Region of York gave a presentation entitled "Highway 7 - Warden to
Sciberras Streetscaping Plan Update". The presentation included the
background and approved streetscape design endorsed by Markham in the fall of
2014. The design phase will be completed in March 2015, and construction will
begin in the spring of 2015.
The Committee discussed tree plantings and questioned
the height of the trees beneath hydro lines, considering the impacts of the ice
storm and the need for frequent trimming. Mr. Alibhai advised that lesson
learned, species selected in the future will not grow as high. Discussions
included a possible second row of trees to be planted on private property, and
the width of the sidewalk to adequately accommodate the bicycle lane and
plantings. The Committee requested a review of the feasibility of a second row
of trees for a more consistent urban landscape. It was noted that the
renderings should reflect the actual streetscape plan.
Further discussions included the undergrounding of
hydro lines, on-street parking, HOV/Viva lanes, staggered plantings and street
furniture. The Committee was advised that: undergrounding is not feasible due
to funding issues, and redesigning at this stage would delay the project up to
two years; parking on Highway 7 is not recommended due to safety issues and the
HOV/Viva lanes but could be revisited in the future and easily implemented; and,
regional policies regarding HOV/Viva lanes. The Committee requested further
information on achieving the Viva service as soon as possible, and requested
renderings of the streetscape and plantings depicting the winter season.
Elizabeth Tan, representing the Cycling and Pedestrian
Advisory Committee, recommended a bike lane width of 1.8m, and supports
concrete material for the bike lanes, and supports undergrounding the hydro
lines but only if it does not cause a delay. Ms. Tan did not support on-street
parking, and noted that street lighting should be placed appropriately for
pedestrians on the sidewalk. Ms. Tan requested a presentation to CPAC on the
issues discussed.
David McBeth suggested that the peak traffic numbers provided
do not reflect the built-out capacity of Markham Centre and the traffic impact
of the HOV lanes. Mr. McBeth suggested that a second row of trees on commercial
properties would not be supported by the owners, and he also suggested that the
hydro lines should be undergrounded at this stage rather than later.
The Committee directed that a meeting be held as soon
as possible with staff, the Region, stakeholders, and interested Council
members, regarding the cost of undergrounding hydro lines, and the feasibility
of a second row of trees. Possible funding options were requested for both
aspects. Further information was requested on the enhanced soil structure
requirements for the second row of trees. Pending the outcome of the meeting, staff
will bring forward a resolution to the Committee if necessary. It was agreed
that the parking issue could be reviewed at a later date.
Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Seconded by: Regional Councillor Jim Jones
1) That the presentation provided by Salim Alibhai from the
Region of York entitled "Highway 7 - Warden to Sciberras Streetscaping
Plan Update" be received; and,
2) That the deputations by Elizabeth
Tan, representing the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and David
McBeth, regarding the Highway 7 streetscape, be received.
CARRIED
3. MID-BLOCK ROAD CROSSING OF HIGHWAY 404
BETWEEN 16TH AVENUE AND MAJOR
MACKENZIE DRIVE (5.10)
Presentation
Alan Brown, Director of Engineering introduced this
matter and advised that staff will be reporting back further on outstanding
issues relating to this project.
Salim Alibhai from the Region of York was in attendance to provide a
presentation on the mid-block road crossing of Highway 404, between 16th Avenue
and Major Mackenzie Drive. The presentation identified the crossing and
reviewed City and regional policies, the feasibility study, the study area, the
five proposed alternate routes, environmental considerations, the consultation
program, and the final recommendation for the south alignment from Orlando
Avenue to Markland Street.
The estimated construction cost is between $35 to $40 million excluding
property acquisition and utility relocation. The plan is in the region’s
capital budget for construction within six to ten years.
The Ward Councillor requested that property sales brochures alert
future purchasers in the area to the pending impacts from the road construction
and traffic.
The Committee discussed the intersection at Markland Street and traffic
volumes. Mr. Alibhai advised there would be more east-west traffic than
north-south. Staff was requested to report on advancing the design and
construction of the section of road and the bridge over the Rouge River, west
of Markland Street to Cachet Woods Court so that that connection can be accommodated.
The Committee
considered the impacts of urban sprawl, and questioned the protection of
wildlife, the Redside Dace
habitat, and the Rouge River, as well as compensation
for trees that will be removed. Mr. Alibhai advised that TRCA and the Ministry
of Environment are consulted.
The Committee noted
that the ownership of the valleylands must be retained by the City of Markham.
Discussions included prioritizing spending, maximizing traffic flow by using
round-abouts, and installing a median in the by-pass road for safety.
Elizabeth Tan, representing the Cycling and Pedestrian
Advisory Committee, discussed the bike lanes, and Mr. Alibhai confirmed they will be on the
boulevard. Ms. Tan supported the use of round-abouts.
Moved by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
Seconded by: Councillor Alan Ho
1) That the February 17, 2015 presentation
by the Region of York be received; and,
2) That the deputation by
Elizabeth Tan, representing the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
regarding the mid-block crossing of Highway 404 north of 16th Avenue, be
received; and,
3) That the preferred alignment for the
Mid-Block Crossing of Highway 404 North of 16th Avenue be endorsed; and,
4) That staff report back to Committee on
outstanding matters related to this project, future jurisdiction over the road
(local vs regional), operation and maintenance issues, property impact and cost
sharing; and,
5) That staff report back on
advancing the design and construction of the section of road and the bridge
over the Rouge River, west of Markland Street to Cachet Woods Court; and
further,
6) That staff be authorized and directed
to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution:
CARRIED
4. PARK DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTS
FOR PARKLANDS ADJACENT TO
MARKHAM MUSEUM (6.3)
Presentation
Linda Irvine,
Manager, Parks and Open Space Development, gave a presentation entitled
"Park Development Concepts for parklands adjacent to Markham Museum".
At a recent Budget Sub-Committee Meeting,
staff were requested to give a presentation on the park concepts for the new
park lands at 9390 and 9404 Highway 48, immediately north of the Markham
Museum. These two properties were conveyed to the City in 2012 to satisfy
parkland dedication requirements associated with a residential development on Main
Street Markham.
The presentation detailed
the location of the subject lands, the area context, and the proposed park
programme. Two options for the park concept plans were displayed. The heritage house on the site was relocated on an
interim basis pending park development and Council’s decision on the future use
of the building.
The
Committee discussed the inclusion of a water play area, provision of change
room facilities, potential uses of the existing house, connection to the
museum, buffering from adjacent uses, the adjacent storm water management pond,
and interior walkways/roadways.
The next steps include a community
consultation meeting on February 25, 2015, followed by a report to Council on
the future use and location of the
heritage house, and detailed designs of the park. Construction is targeted to
begin in the fall of 2015, pending budget approval.
Moved
by: Councillor Karen Rea
Seconded
by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
That the presentation provided by Linda Irvine, Manager,
Parks and Open Space Development entitled "Park Development Concepts for parklands
adjacent to Markham Museum" be received.
CARRIED
5. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- February 3, 2015 (10.0)
Minutes
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
That the minutes of the Development Services Committee
meeting held February 3, 2015, be confirmed.
CARRIED
6. MAIN
STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES
- October 15, 2014
- November 19, 2014 (16.0)
Oct.
15 Nov.
19
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
That the minutes of the Main
Street Markham Committee meetings held October 15, 2014 and November 19, 2014,
be received for information purposes.
CARRIED
7. PRELIMINARY REPORT
APPLICATION BY GAETANO MOLINARO
FOR ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT TO
FACILITATE SEVERANCE OF 9
SABISTON DRIVE
TO CREATE ONE ADDITIONAL
BUILDING LOT
FILE NO: ZA 14 117820 (10.5)
Report
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
1) That the report dated February 17, 2015 titled “PRELIMINARY
REPORT, application by Gaetano Molinaro for Zoning By-law Amendment to
facilitate severance of 9 Sabiston Drive to create one additional building lot
(File No. ZA 14 117820)”, be received; and,
2) That a Public Meeting be held to consider the application; and
further,
3) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
8. REPORT
ON INCOMING PLANNING APPLICATIONS
FOR THE PERIOD OF DECEMBER 13, 2014 TO JANUARY 9, 2015 (10.0)
Report
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
1) That Committee receive
the report entitled “Report on Incoming Planning Applications for the period of
December 13, 2014 to January 9, 2015” and direct staff to process the
applications in accordance with the approval route outlined in the report; and,
2) That Staff be
authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
CARRIED
9. CORNELL CENTRE SECONDARY PLAN
- DRAFT LAND USE CONCEPT (10.4)
Report
Marg Wouters, Senior Manager, Policy & Research, presented the
draft land use concept as part of the updated Cornell Centre Secondary Plan, as
required by the new Official Plan. The presentation reviewed matters to be
addressed in the Secondary Plan, the background of work done to date,
discussions with stakeholders to date, and the precinct plan. Staff advised
that the 2008 Vision for Cornell Centre is still relevant and the guiding
principles will be updated to align with the Secondary Plan.
The draft land use concept has been presented to the Cornell Advisory
Group. Next steps include circulation to various agencies for comment, and an
Open House for public comment, followed by the preparation of the Cornell
Secondary Plan for public consultation. Staff will continue to work with
landowners and stakeholders to refine the concept.
As requested by the Budget Sub-committee, staff provided the Secondary
Plan Work Program, outlining the time frames for the various Secondary Plans
through 2017. The Committee had several questions regarding time frames.
The Committee discussed the Box Grove Secondary Plan in relation to
Cornell Centre, outreach to the public, Rouge National Urban Park with respect
to commercial uses and gateway locations, density build-out and traffic demand
management, improved transit routes, townhouse products, pathway and wildlife
corridors to connect the woodlots, identification and protection of wetlands,
and development of side streets along Bur Oak for a pedestrian/commercial
shopping area. Both support and opposition were expressed by the Committee for stacked
and lane based townhouses.
The Committee directed that options for gateway locations and
commercial opportunities in Rouge National Urban Park, east of Donald Cousens
Parkway, be referred to a Markham Sub-committee meeting with staff and
landowners.
Moved by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
1) That the report entitled “Cornell Centre Secondary Plan - Draft
Land Use Concept” dated February 17, 2015 be received; and,
2) That the Cornell Centre Draft Land Use Concept be released for
public comment; and,
3) That options for gateway
locations and commercial opportunities in Rouge National Urban Park, east of
Donald Cousens Parkway, be referred to a Markham Sub-committee meeting with
staff and landowners; and further,
4) That staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
10. 2014 CITY OF MARKHAM OFFICIAL PLAN
PART 1 – PROPOSED
MODIFICATIONS TO
SPECIAL POLICY AREA AND
RELATED POLICIES (10.0)
Report
Jim Baird,
Commissioner of Development Services, introduced this matter and advised that Policy
staff have been in extensive discussions with the province regarding amendments
to Special Policy Areas of Markham's new Official Plan. Prior to submission to
the Region, the amendments are being presented to Committee.
Lilli Duoba, Manager, Natural Heritage gave a
presentation entitled “2014 City of Markham Official Plan, Part 1– Proposed
Modifications to Special Policy Area and related policies”. Markham’s new Official Plan was
approved by Regional Council in June, 2014, subject to a number of
modifications and deferrals. In particular, Regional Council withheld its
decision on the proposed Special Policy Area policies contained in Section
3.4.1 of the Plan and specific land use designations on Map 3 – Land Use, that
apply to the Unionville SPA identified in Map 8.
The proposed modifications
were described as minor wording amendments and policy changes, not mapping
changes.
Staff recommend
Council adoption of the modifications so that they may be forwarded to the
Province for Ministerial approval and to the OMB for consideration in the
approval of Markham’s Official Plan. The Ministry of
Municipal Affairs and Housing is the approval authority for Special Policy
Areas.
Moved by: Deputy
Mayor Jack Heath
Seconded by: Regional
Councillor Nirmala Armstrong
1) That the report entitled “2014
City of Markham Official Plan, Part 1– Proposed Modifications to Special Policy
Area and related policies” dated February 17, 2015, be received; and,
2) That the proposed modifications to the
2014 City of Markham Official Plan Part 1, as recommended in Appendix ‘A’ of
the report entitled “2014 City of Markham Official Plan, Part 1 – Proposed
Modifications to Special Policy Area and related policies” dated February 17,
2015, be adopted and forwarded to:
a) York
Region and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority for endorsement; and,
b) The
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for Ministerial approval; and,
3) That subsequent to receiving
Ministerial approval, the proposed modifications to the Special Policy Area and
related policies of the 2014 City of Markham Official Plan, Part 1, be
forwarded to the Ontario Municipal Board for consideration in the approval of
Markham’s Official Plan; and further,
4) That staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services
Committee meeting adjourned at 2:55 PM.
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are available upon request.