M I N U T E S

GENERAL COMMITTEE

Finance & Administrative Issues                                                              Community Services Issues

Chair:                                      Councillor J. Virgilio                                    Chair:                           Councillor A. Chiu

Chair, Budget Sub-Ctte:      Councillor D. Horchik                                  Environment & Sustainability Issues

Chair: IT Sub-Ctte:               Reg. Councillor J. Jones                              Chair:                           Councillor E. Shapero

Chair: Grants Sub-Ctte:       Councillor V. Burke                                      Building and Parks Construction Issues

                                                                                                                        Chair                            Councillor C. Moretti

Attendance

The General Committee convened without quorum at 9:00 a.m. with Councillor C. Moretti in the Chair. There was quorum between 9:35 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST

None disclosed

1.         EAST MARKHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE (6.6)                                                         

            H. Tse, ext. 2208

Mr. D. Balmer, B. Arch., Associate and Mr. D. Arthurs, OAA, Partner, Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners presented detailed information regarding the East Markham Community Centre and Library project. Committee was provided with details of the programs; the proposed master plan; some of the site forces; the impact of the helipad; proposals for the link between the Community Centre and Markham Stouffville Hospital; and a review of the parking and options and concept plans.

Mr. A. Seabrooke, Commission Lead, Community and Fire Services (Markham Public Libraries, Fire & Emergency Services, Recreation Services and Culture), provided details of the project’s estimated costs through the various options such as underground parking, additional facilities or additional land purchases. It is estimated that the total cost will be about $72 million.

Committee sought clarification on a number of issues and it was noted that detailed design has not yet commenced. Current plans are designed to show only the locations of programming blocks, such as aquatics, but once detailed design is underway the specific layout of each of these blocks will be considered.

There was discussion of the benefits of co-locating with Markham Stouffville Hospital. Staff advised that benefits include additional off-peak use of the Community Centre facilities, enhanced meeting and programming space, and the ability to utilize District Energy.

There was considerable discussion concerning the helipad. Committee was provided with an overview of the aviation study that will be used to determine maximum building heights in the flight path. Additionally, there will be a no-build zone in the area immediately surrounding the helipad. It was noted that there had been plans to utilize land in the north-east of the site to create a public plaza but this will not be possible due to the current location of the helipad. The Hospital has applied for permission to relocate it but approval has not yet been received. There was brief discussion surrounding the merits of still purchasing the north-eastern parcel and banking it for future use in the event the helipad is moved.

There was discussion regarding the link between the Hospital and the Community Centre. There was agreement that the link should be as seamless as possible. It was suggested that the north-west part of the Community be shifted closer to the Hospital so the length of the link is reduced.

Also discussed was the size of the proposed library facility. Committee was advised that if the proposed library programming space was transplanted into a standalone facility, it would be at least 25,000 square feet but due to it sharing certain features and facilities with the rest of the Community Centre, its size is reduced.

Additional items discussed included the potential to link with a future school to increase the availability of outdoor sports facilities; the location of the vehicular and pedestrian entrances; the funding for the project; the use of stainless steel for the pool; options to segregate pool use during competitions; placing demarcation lines on the pool ceiling to aid competitive backstroke swimmers, and; options to discourage people utilizing the free Community Centre parking spaces to visit the Hospital.

It was noted that there will be a report to General Committee on June 16, 2008 on the pool filtration system.

There was general agreement that Option 3 is the preferred option. Additionally, Committee requested that staff report back on the following: the initial capital cost implications and potential cost savings by achieving LEED Silver or Gold certification levels; options for minimizing the use of Community Centre parking by Hospital visitors, and; options for improving the physical link between the Community Centre and the Hospital.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.