DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
September 20, 2011,
9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Canada Room
All
Members of Council
Development
Services Economic
Development
Chair: Regional Councillor Jim
Jones Chair: Councillor Carolina
Moretti
Vice-Chair: Councillor Don Hamilton Vice-Chair:
Councillor Alex Chiu
Transportation Issues
Chair: Regional Councillor Gord
Landon
Vice-Chair:
Councillor Alan Ho
PART A
Presentations, Major Studies, and Issues Agenda
9:00 a.m. – Canada Room
Attendance
|
Councillor Alex Chiu
|
Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative
Officer
Jim Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services
Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of
Community & Fire Services
Stephen Chait, Director, Economic
Development
Catherine Conrad, Town Solicitor
Huyen Hare, Senior Business
Development Officer
Christina Kakaflikas, Manager,
Special Projects
Kitty Bavington, Council/Committee
Coordinator
|
The Development Services
Committee convened at the hour of 9:12 a.m. in the Canada Room with Regional
Councillor Jim Jones in the Chair. Councillor
Carolina Moretti assumed the Chair for Economic Development items, Nos. 1 and 2.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST –
none declared
1. MARKHAM ISRAEL BUSINESS MISSION:
REPORT ON OUTCOMES AND
ACTIVITIES (10.16)
Presentation
Stephen Chait, Director of Economic Development, welcomed
and introduced the members of the Israel Business Mission in attendance: Lou
Milrad, Alan Litwack, Martin Rochwerg, and Daniel Rothberg of Miller Thompson
LLP, Leo Grunwald of Grunwald and Company, and Robert Unterman of York Region.
Mr. Chait outlined the highlights of the successful mission. A brochure
entitled “Partners in Innovation” was provided to the Committee.
Councillor Carolina Moretti spoke a few words about
the experience and the impact of the mission.
Christina Kakaflikas, Manager, Special Projects, gave
a presentation regarding the Markham Israel Business Mission (May 20-29, 2011):
Report on Outcomes and Activities. The presentation outlined the mission
objectives, mission partners and delegates, the itinerary, feedback, outcomes
and follow-up activities. The purpose was to strengthen ties between Markham,
York Region, and Israel.
Lou Milrad spoke of the collaborative effort by Markham
Council and staff, the mission leaders, and the delegation members to ensure
the endeavor was a success.
Leo Grunwald thanked the organizers and participants,
and stated that from an entrepreneurial standpoint, there is a great deal of
opportunity in Markham. Mr. Grunwald provided an explanation of the “incubator”
business model.
Mayor Frank Scarpitti thanked Town and Regional staff
and our private sector partner, Miller Thompson, for organizing the successful
mission, and expressed appreciation to the participants for their valuable
contributions. The Mayor noted that this has been one of the most significant
business missions the Town has ever been involved in. Councillor Carolina
Moretti echoed congratulations to all involved and commented on relationships
built. Councillor Howard Shore spoke of upcoming opportunities as a result of
the mission.
Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Seconded by: Councillor Howard Shore
That the presentation provided by Ms. Christina
Kakaflikas, Manager, Special Projects regarding Markham Israel Business
Mission: Report on Outcomes and Activities be received.
CARRIED
2. YORK REGION EMPLOYMENT
AND INDUSTRY 2010 (10.0)
Presentation
Stephen Chait, Director of Economic Development, introduced
this matter and described the partnership between the Region o f York and local
municipalities to monitor employment trends.
Huyen Hare, Senior Business Development Officer, gave
a brief presentation regarding the process and benefits of the project.
Paul Bottomley of the Region of York, gave a
presentation regarding the results of the York Region Employment and Industry
2010 survey. The presentation detailed the economic information obtained,
advising that: total employment in York Region grew by 1.9% last year and 2.7%
annually since 2001, outpacing Ontario and Canada; the number of businesses has
increased by 25%; and, non-residential construction increased by 50% since
2009. Employment by municipality and by industry was noted. The fastest growing
sectors are business services, personal services, and health care and social
assistance. The results from the 2011 review are being compiled and will be
presented at a future time.
In response to questions, Mr. Bottomley advised that sufficient
jobs are available within York Region to accommodate a favourable live/work
ratio. It was emphasized that the number of available jobs in Markham and York
Region has improved, whereas the majority of the country has declined. It will
be a challenge to ensure that sufficient land and infrastructure is in place to
ensure that Official Plan job targets to 2031 can be met.
The Committee questioned employment for disabled, immigrant,
and diversified sectors, and attracting foreign businesses to Markham. Staff
advised of initiatives by the Region for these sectors, and Mr. Bottomley agreed
to include disability information in future presentations.
The Committee thanked Mr. Bottomley for his
informative presentation.
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Regional Councillor Jim Jones
That the presentation provided by Mr. Paul Bottomley,
Region of York regarding York Region Employment and Industry 2010 be received.
CARRIED
3. MCDONALD'S RESTAURANTS OF CANADA
LIMITED
MILLIKEN MILLS COMMUNITY
CENTRE
7600 KENNEDY ROAD (10.0)
Presentation
The Commissioner of Development Services introduced the
proposal by McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada Limited to renovate the restaurant
facility within the town-owned Milliken Mills Community Centre.
Tony Withall of IBI Group, and Patricia Simiele of
McDonald’s, both representing the applicant, gave a presentation to explain the
rebranding of the franchise and the proposed updating of the restaurant at the
subject site. It was confirmed that the restaurant premises will not be
expanded, however, the community centre may expand in future with respect to
the library and other public uses. Mr. Withall displayed the existing site plan
and elevations, as well as renderings of proposed design and colour changes.
Ms. Sinelli discussed the lease options and franchise
investment opportunities for the interior and exterior of the restaurant. In response to questions, the representatives
advised that the landscaping and grounds will be restored to the current condition
following the renovations.
The Committee suggested that the proponent could
consider providing WiFi connectivity to the entire complex rather than just for
the restaurant. The Committee requested further clarification and details of
the proposed exterior elevation changes including design, materials, and
colours. Staff will provide a memo to a future Development Services Committee
meeting in this regard.
Staff were also requested to include planned changes
to the Millikan Mills Community Centre complex at the upcoming Strategic Planning
session of Council.
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
That the presentation provided by Mr. Tony Withall,
IBI Group, and Patricia Simiele of McDonald’s, regarding McDonald's Restaurants
of Canada Limited – Milliken Mills Community Centre, 7600 Kennedy Road be
received;
And that staff provide a memo to Development
Services Committee in approximately two weeks, outlining details of the
proposed exterior elevation changes.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services
Committee meeting adjourned at 11:04 AM.
Alternate formats for this document
are available upon request.