The Public Meeting this date was to consider an application submitted by Dorsay Development Corporation for an Official Plan Amendment to permit a mixed-use development consisting of two 24-storey residential buildings and a four-storey office building on the north side of Highway 7, east of Rodick Road, in Markham Centre (Ward 2) File No. PLAN 20 127887.
The Committee Clerk advised that 4,347 notices were mailed on April 7, 2021, and a Public Meeting sign was posted on April 5, 2021. There were 20 written submissions received either expressing concern or in opposition of this proposal.
Sabrina Bordone, Senior Planner, Central District gave a presentation regarding the proposal, the location, surrounding uses and outstanding issues/next steps.
Matthew Cory, Malone Given Parsons, representing the applicant provided a presentation on the development proposal.
The following deputations were made on the proposed development:
Gary Lam
- Recognized all the variables that need to be considered when reviewing a development application (i.e. various stakeholders feedback, and the impact the development will have on existing infrastructure).
William Lui
- Concerned with the height and density of the proposed development, and the impact it will have on traffic;
- Suggested more office space is not needed, as there is already many office vacancies.
Anna Wong, Chair of the Board of YRSCC 1183
- Concerned that the proposed development will block the view of the townhomes;
- Concerned with the impact the proposed development will have on the storm water management system, water pressure, hydro, school capacity, and social services;
- Noted that the area is already experiencing sewage back-up after a storm and random power outages;
- Suggested that the proposed development lacks green space for multigenerational families to enjoy;
- Suggested that the City needs to encourage employers to have their offices in Markham to ensure there are tenants to occupy office buildings.
Regina Chan
- Made an informed decision to purchase her condominium unit based on the height and density permitted in the zoning by-law for the subject lands;
- Suggested that existing zoning by-laws should be honoured;
- Concerned with the density being proposed for such a small parcel of land;
- Noted that she has also experienced sewage back-up after a heavy rain, and power outages;
- Suggested there should be a Master Plan for the area.
Teresa Liang
- Concerned with the shadow the proposed development will create over the townhomes;
- Supported the original development proposal;
- Suggested the units should be larger to accommodate families;
- Concerned with the condominium located so close to the power lines.
Committee provided the following feedback on the proposed development:
- Noted that the City cannot protect residents’ views;
- Suggested that proposed developments that cast shadows over existing homes for long periods of time should not be permitted;
- Advised that Province has designated Markham Centre for high density due to its proximity to transit, and that the density is needed to address urban sprawl, support rapid transit, and to build more environmentally sustainable communities;
- Noted that the Markham Centre Secondary Plan is in the process of being updated, but that the City has to continue to review development applications prior to its completion;
- Suggested that the applicant be mindful of the principles of a walkable community when designing the proposed development;
- Suggested adding a roof top garden to maximize the greenspace;
- Asked that staff investigate the hydro and sewage issues identified by the deputants;
- Suggested that the ground floor of the condominium be more animated and include retail units;
- Suggested that the City should consider waiving the development charges for the first floor of condominiums, as an incentive to include retail units, like the City of Toronto does;
- Concerned with the height and density of the development proposal;
- Noted that more buses will be added to the Viva Bus Rapid Transit route as the density in the area increases, and the Unionville Go train will run every 15 minutes.
Staff responded to inquiries from the public and committee. Staff cannot protect a view, but will work with developers to try to ensure that the height of buildings maintain the 45 degree angular plane from the existing townhomes to the north to minimize impacts. Staff are or will be reviewing what impacts the proposed development will have on traffic, stormwater management, hydro, and on other City services and infrastructure. The public’s concerns regarding power outages, sewage-back-up, and the lack of social services will be investigated, as part of staffs’ review of the application. Staff consider all variables when making a recommendation to the Development Services Committee on a development application (i.e. community feedback, provincial, regional and city policies, studies conducted on the lands proposed for development, the Buttonville Airport height restrictions, the transit serving the area, and the number of parking spots being proposed).
Staff further advised that the purpose of the public meeting is to obtain feedback from the community and that no decisions would be made at this public meeting. Committee referred the proposed development back to staff to prepare a final recommendation report.
Raza Mehdi, Architect, representing the applicant, displayed the shadow study conducted by the applicant and explained how the study was conducted. Mr. Mehdi advised that based on the study results, there would be no properties that experienced a shadow from the proposed development for more than three consecutive hours.
Mr. Cory responded to inquiries from the public. The applicant’s engineering team will develop a site plan that works around the power lines. The hydro and sewage issues identified by the deputants have been noted and will be brought to the attention of their engineering team. The applicant is still exploring the inclusion of affordable housing or purpose built rentals in the proposed development. The inclusion of a roof top garden and ground floor amenity space is also being considered. The applicant is trying to understand the long-term impact of the pandemic on office space.
Amanda Santo, representing the applicant, advised that the applicant has been unable to attract a seniors home as a tenant, consequently, the building is now being proposed as office space.