MAY 11, 2010 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

**COUNCIL CHAMBER**

A G E N D A

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 A and PART B

Presentations, Major Studies, Issues and Report Agenda

**9:00 a.m. – Council Chamber**

 

 

Attendance

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

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services B. Librecz, Commission of Community & Fire Services C. Conrad, Town Solicitor A. Brown, Director of Engineering B. Karumanchery, Senior Development Manager M. Boyce, Senior Policy Coordinator A. Tari, Committee Clerk

 

The Development Services Committee convened at 9:06 AM in the Council Chamber with Councillor J. Webster in the Chair.  Regional Councillor G. Landon assumed the Chair for Transportation items, Nos.2 & 3 and 7 & 8.

 

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

 

None disclosed

 

 

 

 

1.         DOWNTOWN MARKHAM RETAIL
            PRECINCT PLAN - REMINGTON GROUP (10.0)

            Presentation

 

Mr. Randy Peddigrew, Vice-President of Development, Remington Group addressed the Committee advising that the purpose of today’s presentation is to present the first phase of the retail plan.

 

Mr. Sheldon Levitt, Quadrangle Architects Limited and Mr. Peter Calthorpe, Calthorpe & Associates delivered a PowerPoint presentation describing the evolution of the retail concept and providing an update for the overall master plan with respect to Remington’s Downtown Markham.

 

There was discussion regarding the proposed block sizes and how significant the proposed changes are to the overall plan.  Staff advised that the phase one of the retail component is consistent with the currently approved plan of subdivision for the first two blocks.  Staff also advised that Calthorpe & Associates is reviewing the entire lands (250 acres) and considering new alternatives for the routing to and location of the VIVA and 407 Transitway stations.

 

There was discussion regarding whether parallel parking on both sides of Enterprise Drive and segregated bicycle lanes should be pursued.  

 

The Committee thanked the Remington Group for continued efforts in working with the existing community and look forward to continuing working together.

 

Regional Councillor Jim Jones suggested that Remington look at a study performed by Cornell University called “Shoot and Root Growth of Three Tree Species in Sidewalks” that grew mature trees in a span of 3-5 years.

 

There was brief discussion with respect to the future success of Simcoe Promenade.

 

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor D. Hamilton

 

That the presentation provided by Mr. Sheldon Levitt, Quadrangle Architects Limited and Mr. Peter Calthorpe, Calthorpe & Associates regarding the Downtown Markham Retail Precinct Plan, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.         CARLTON ROAD AND VILLAGE PARKWAY
            TRAFFIC CALMING RESULTS (5.12)

            Presentation 

 

Mr. Alan Brown, Director of Engineering, delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing an update on the work and modifications completed to-date with respect to the Carlton Road and Village Parkway traffic calming.  The presentation also included the results of the Town’s survey of area residents with regard to traffic calming measures.

 

Mr. Dave Gibbons, on behalf of the three Unionville Associations (URA, UVA, UBIA) addressed the Committee with respect to the traffic calming measures and requested that all traffic calming measures be removed from Carlton Road.  He believes that what was implemented is unsafe for cyclists.

 

Mr. Bill Flint, Carlton Road resident, addressed the Committee regarding the traffic calming measures on Carlton Road.  He stated his disappointment that the Town’s survey results indicate that many residents are in support of removing all traffic calming measures on Carlton Road.  Mr. Flint believes that the current traffic calming measures should only be removed if it is replaced with another form of traffic calming.

 

Ms. Tracy MacKinnon, Unionville resident, addressed the Committee with respect to the traffic calming measures on Carlton Road and suggested that it be replaced with the same traffic calming measures used on Main Street Unionville South (south of the tracks).

 

The Ward Councillor indicated that he has requested that raised intersections (similar to Main Street Unionville South) be used to replace the current traffic calming measures on Carlton Road.  Staff pointed out that approximately 5 years ago York Region Transit, and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) advised that they would remove their services from any collector roads that install vertical traffic calming measures moving forward, and as a result, Council adopted a policy precluding the installation of any new vertical traffic calming measures throughout the Town.  Staff advised that they have also consulted with the Fire Department and other emergency agencies who have also stated their concern with respect to delay in response times in areas with vertical traffic calming measures.

 

The Committee suggested that the staff report back on the following:

·        Written statement from York Region Transit and TTC stating that they do not accept vertical traffic calming measures (raised intersections)

·        Meet with the various agencies to determine what would be an acceptable solution

·        Look at the traffic calming measures used on Willowbrooke Road in Thornhill and whether that would be a viable solution

·        Look at solutions that will fix pinch points

·        Include comments from Berczy School

 

 

 

 

Moved by Councillor D. Hamilton

Seconded by Regional Councillor J. Virgilio

 

1)             That the presentation provided by Mr. Alan Brown, Director of Engineering regarding the Carlton Road and Village Parkway Traffic Calming Results, be received; and,

 

2)             That staff report back on replacing the current traffic calming measures on Carlton Road with the raised intersections similar to Main Street Unionville South (south of the tracks).

CARRIED

 

 

 

3.         ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
CAPITAL PROGRAM UPDATE (5.10)

            Presentation

 

Mr. Brown delivered a brief PowerPoint presentation providing an update with respect to the

Engineering Department capital program.

 

The Committee inquired about the feasibility of combining projects such as Rodick Road and Birchmount Road.  Staff indicated that there is the issue of Canadian Rail (CN) resources that they will not commit to the grade separation.  Staff also indicated that these two projects have different complex issues that would not be workable to combine. 

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

Seconded by Councillor J. Webster

 

That the presentation provided by Mr. Alan Brown, Director of Engineering regarding the Engineering Department Capital Program Update, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.         REQUEST BY 1691126 ONTARIO LTD.
(LIBERTY DEVELOPMENT INC.)
FOR TOWN TO RELEASE THE PORTION
OF THE “NO PRE-SALE AGREEMENT”
APPLYING TO TOWER A2 PROPOSED AT THE
NORTH EAST CORNER OF YONGE STREET AND
MEADOWVIEW AVENUE, 7171 YONGE STREET
(SC 08 106782) (10.6)

            Memo

 

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

 

1)         That the memo entitled “Request by 1691126 Ontario Ltd. (Liberty Development Inc.) for Town to release the portion of the “No Pre-Sale Agreement” applying to Tower A2, proposed at the north east corner of Yonge Street and Meadowview Avenue, 7171 Yonge Street (File SC 08 106782)”, be received; and,

 

2)         That staff be directed to revise the existing “No Pre-Sale Agreement” to delete the requirements of Clause 1 relating to restrictions on the sale of units within Tower A2.

CARRIED

 

 

5.         RELEASE AND ABANDONMENT OF EASEMENT
            – PART OF LOT 3, CONCESSION 7, DESIGNATED AS
            PARTS 1 AND 3, PLAN 65R-6657 - ARMADALE COMMUNITY (8.1)

            Report  Attachment

 

Note:   This item was dealt with at the Development Services Committee meeting on

            May 4, 2010.

 

 

 

6.         RECOMMENDED SECTION 37
            OFFICIAL PLAN POLICIES AND
            GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION (10.0)

            Report  Attachment

 

Mr. Murray Boyce, Senior Policy Coordinator delivered a PowerPoint presentation with respect to the proposed Section 37 Official Plan Policies and Guidelines for Implementation. 

 

There was discussion regarding how to determine what the value or benefit received should be when negotiating with developers.  Mr. John Gladki, Principal Consultant, GHK International (Canada) Ltd. advised that each situation has different circumstances and benefits.  He noted that in the City of Toronto the value of the developers’ increased benefits, such as density increase, is often determined through an appraisal in order to assist with the discussion/negotiation regarding the appropriate benefit to the City.  He indicated that the Town’s protocol will require a financial report.

 

Ms. Eileen Liasi, German Mills Residents Association, addressed the Committee regarding the recommended Section 37 Official Plan Policies and Guidelines for Implementation providing some comments and concerns. 

 

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

 

1)         That the Report dated May 4, 2010 entitled “Recommended Section 37 Official Plan Policies and Guidelines for Implementation” be received, and be posted on the Town website and circulated to those members of the public requesting further notification and information on the item; and,

 

2)         That the draft Official Plan Amendment and the draft Guidelines for Implementation of Section 37 Benefits be forwarded to the next Developers’ Roundtable meeting and anyone requesting notice for review and comment; and,

 

3)         That following the Developers’ Roundtable meeting, Staff report back to the Development Services Committee with final recommendations on the draft Official Plan Amendment and the Guidelines for Implementation of Section 37; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

 

7.         TOWN OF MARKHAM FIVE YEAR
            SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION AND
            ILLUMINATION INSTALLATION PROGRAM 2010-2014 (5.10)

             Report  Attach A  Attach B  Attach C  Attach D

 

Mr. Brown provided the Committee with a brief overview of the details in the report.

 

The Committee inquired why a Regional Road such as Donald Cousens Parkway is scheduled to be completed early on in the five year plan.  Staff advised that it is more economical to try to coordinate their capital work with the Regional construction schedule when achievable.

 

The Committee suggested that staff report back on the following:

·        Sidewalks on 14^th Avenue

·        Sidewalks in Thornhill (Ward 1 area)

·        Sidewalks in Cachet area (Ward 6)

·        Whether the Town has a policy on when sidewalks are subject to local improvement charges or constructed as part of capital program for sidewalk construction projects

 

 

 

 

Moved by Councillor J. Webster

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

 

1)         That the report entitled “Town of Markham Five Year Sidewalk Construction and Illumination Installation Program 2010-2014” be received; and,

 

2)         That the 2010 Capital Program for Sidewalk Construction Projects be endorsed; and,

 

3)         That the Five Year Sidewalk Construction program (2010-2014) be endorsed in principle and that staff report back regarding the proposed infill areas in Thornhill (Ward 1) and Cachet area (Ward 6) and updated on an annual basis; and,

 

4)         That the 2010 Capital Program for Illumination Installation Projects be endorsed; and,

 

5)         That the Five Year Illumination Installation program (2010-2014) be endorsed and updated on an annual basis; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

 

8.         YORK REGION RAPID TRANSIT
            CORPORATION (YRRTC) (5.10)

            Memo

 

Regional Councillor Jim Jones advised that the main purpose of this motion is to obtain a new opinion with respect to the transit connectivity within the Langstaff Gateway and Richmond Hill Centre.

 

The Committee pointed out that the Mayor of Richmond Hill has submitted a letter advising that he is not interested in participating with the proposed recommendation and suggested removing the references to the Town of Richmond Hill in clauses 1 and 4.  The Committee suggested including a clause indicating that funding for the consultant be received from the Langstaff Developers Group prior to signing any contract.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor J. Jones

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

 

Whereas the Region of York created York Region Rapid Transit Corporation (YRRTC) to design, build and operate a rapid transit system on Highway 7 and Yonge Street; and,

 

Whereas the YRRTC caused to be carried out an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the operation of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and/or a Light Rail Transit (LRT), along with stations and terminal on the Richmond Hill Centre; and,

 

Whereas as a result of “MoveOntario 2020”, the YRRTC caused to be carried out an EA on the extension of the TTC Subway from Finch Avenue to Richmond Hill Centre, and the YRRTC determined that the terminus of the subway should be in the same location on the Richmond Hill Centre as determined in the BRT/LRT Environmental Assessment; and,

 

Whereas the Environmental Assessment now underway by the Minister of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) may join the BRT/YRT and TTC subway station in the northerly area of the Richmond Hill/Langstaff Gateway Growth Center; and,

 

Whereas a study is underway for a storage location for between 14 and 26 trains on the Richmond Hill Center; and,

 

Whereas the Town of Markham and the Town of Richmond Hill have carried out independent studies to create transit dependent development which far exceeds the targets in the “Provincial Growth Plan” which may not be achievable under the present configuration and location of stations;

 

Now therefore be it resolved:

 

1)         That the Town of Markham work to engage world class transportation engineers and urban designers to provide a study and comment on the York Region Rapid Transit Corporation designs and develop solutions that assist in achieving the planned densities, connectivity, and increased ridership, and creates the most efficient, seamless and timely transit experience for riders, and ensures that the transit plan is not adding unnecessary cost to the taxpayers; and,

 

2)         That the study look at methods to bring the subway stations to the front door of the Langstaff Gateway and the Richmond Hill Centre, including a maximum access to the Highway 7 and Yonge Street Bus Rapid Transit/Light Rail Transit and the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario 407 Transitway; and,

 

3)         That the study examine the storage of subway cars and subway construction staging areas under the hydro lines which will free up more land for transit dependent development; and,

 

4)         That if the study finds better solutions for the Langstaff Gateway and the Richmond Hill Centre, the Town of Markham request Metrolinx to examine these solutions and modify the environmental assessments to implement any of these solutions as appropriate; and further,

 

5)         That proceeding with the engagement of the consultant be subject to receiving the funding in advance from the Langstaff Developers Group.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

9.         AUTHORIZATION TO CALL PUBLIC MEETINGS
FOR APPLICATIONS INVOLVING THE WYKLAND
ESTATES SUBDIVISION IN CORNELL, FOR A PROPOSED
DAYCARE/PRE-SCHOOL AT 50 ANDERSON AVENUE
(N/E CORNER OF HWY. 48 & BUR OAK AVENUE)
AND FOR SUNRISE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
AT 180 AMBER STREET (14TH AND DENISON) (10.7, 10.5)

            Memo

 

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

 

1)         That Public Meetings be scheduled for June 1, 2010 for the subdivision and rezoning applications by Wykland Estates to permit a residential subdivision in Cornell, west of Cornell Centre Blvd., south of 16^th Avenue, and for the rezoning application by Kimberly Balouchi to permit a daycare/pre-school at 50 Anderson Avenue at the northeast corner of Hwy. 48 & Bur Oak Avenue; and,

 

2)         That a Public Meeting be scheduled for June 15, 2010 for the rezoning application by Sunrise Montessori to permit a Montessori school at 180 Amber Street (14^th and Denison).

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at 12:19 PM.