Development Services Committee Minutes

January 29, 2018, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Council Chamber

All Members of Council

Development Services Issues

Chair:                      Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Vice-Chair:              Councillor Don Hamilton

 

Economic Growth, Culture & Entrepreneurship Issues

Chair:                      Councillor Alex Chiu

Vice-Chair:              Councillor Alan Ho

 

Transportation and Engineering Capital Projects Issues

Chair:                      Regional Councillor Joe Li

Vice-Chair:              Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

 

 

Attendance

Mayor Frank Scarpitti Deputy Mayor Jack Heath Regional Councillor Joe Li Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong Councillor Valerie Burke Councillor Alan Ho Councillor Don Hamilton Councillor Karen Rea Councillor Colin Campbell Councillor Amanda Collucci Councillor Logan Kanapathi   Regrets Regional Councillor Jim Jones Councillor Alex Chiu

Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer Biju Karumanchery, Acting Commissioner of     Development Services Trinela Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire             Services Ron Blake, Acting Director of Planning and Urban             Design Stephen Chait, Director of Economic Growth, Culture &             Entrepreneurship Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor and Acting Director of             Human Resources Brian Lee, Director of Engineering Scott Heaslip, Senior Project Coordinator, Central             District Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff Sandra Tam, Senior Business Development Officer Alida Tari, Council/Committee Coordinator

 

 

The Development Services Committee convened at the hour of 9:06 a.m. in the Council Chamber with Councillor Don Hamilton in the Chair.  Councillor Alan Ho assumed the Chair for Economic Growth, Culture & Entrepreneurship items, Nos.5, 15 & 16. Regional Councillor Joe Li assumed the Chair for Transportation and Engineering Capital Projects items, No.17.

 

Development Services Committee and everyone in the Council Chamber observed a moment of silence for all the victims and their families on this one year anniversary of the Quebec City mosque shooting.

 

Development Services Committee recessed at 11:16 am and reconvened at 11:30 am.  Development Services Committee recessed at 12:30 pm and reconvened at 1:22 pm.

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

 

None disclosed.

 

 

1.         DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- December 5, 2017 and December 11, 2017 (10.0)

            Dec. 5   Dec. 11

 

Michael Gannon, Unionville Ratepayers Association addressed the Committee regarding the Sixteenth Land Holdings Inc. 4134 16^th Avenue (York Downs Golf Course), and spoke on three matters that include traffic issues, built form and massing and availability of staff reports to the public.

 

Staff confirmed that a fourth Unionville Subcommittee meeting is anticipated to take place in the next couple of months.  It was noted that staff and the applicant are working through the various concerns and issues raised at the previous Unionville Subcommittee meetings. 

 

Peter Miasek addressed the Committee regarding the Sixteenth Land Holdings Inc. 4134 16^th Avenue application enquiring what the process will be for the public to have access to the staff reports.

 

Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor advised that a staff report with factual information only will be available.

 

The Committee suggested that the City Solicitor provide a process that protects the interest of the City of Markham at an Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) Hearing, and further explanation on what reports can be made public.

 

Moved by Councillor Karen Rea

Seconded by Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

 

1)         That a fourth Unionville Subcommittee meeting be scheduled to consider built form and massing relative to the Sixteenth Land Holdings Inc. 4134 16^th Avenue application; and,

 

2)         That a staff report with factual information only be made available at the same time or in advance of the recommendation report to Council.

Carried

 

 

Councillor Alan Ho requested a status update on the Charity sculpture.  Staff advised that a technical review of the three priority sites has began.  It was noted that an informal meeting has taken place with the artist of the sculpture, and that the City will likely contract the artist for advice on how to relocate the sculpture.  Staff indicated that they are awaiting acknowledgement from the donor that the sculpture can be moved to one of the three priority sites.  Staff pointed out that there are issues with moving the sculpture during the winter months.  Staff suggested that further details on this matter should be dealt with in confidential session.

 

Moved by Councillor Alan Ho

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meetings held December 5, 2017 and December 11, 2017, be confirmed.

Carried

 

 

2.         DEVELOPMENT SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
- December 5, 2017 (10.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Alan Ho

Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke

 

That the minutes of the Development Services Public Meeting held December 5, 2017, be confirmed.

Carried

 

 

3.         MARKHAM FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES
            CADET PROGRAM (12.2.6)

 

Adam Grant, Deputy Fire Chief addressed the Committee and provided some opening remarks relative to the Markham Fire & Emergency Services Cadet Program.

 

The Markham Fire & Emergency Services CADET Program has focused its public education efforts on meeting the needs of our very diverse community.  One of the communities that may get overlooked is those living with a development disability.  This program was created to give individuals who are not able to be employed as a firefighter the opportunity to experience all aspects and roles within the fire service.

 

Mayor Frank Scarpitti, and Deputy Fire Chief, Adam Grant, presented a plaque to the following recipients:

 

            Ben Eisenberg

            Ari Roz

            Liam McBoyle

 

4.         PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS (12.2.6)

 

City of Markham Staff:

 

Linda Irvine, Manager, Parks & Open Space Development, Planning & Design, 20 years

Lesley Turba, Alarm Room Operator, Fire Services, 20 years

Sugun Rao, Manager, Technology, Information Technology Services, 15 years

Donna Harris, Supervisor, Administrative Support, Commissioner's Office, 15 years

Tina Roberge, Administrative Assistant, Planning & Design, 15 years

Marina Haufschild, Senior Planner, Urban Design, Planning & Design, 10 years

Anthony Canto, Facility Operator II, Milliken Mills C.C., Recreation Services, 5 years

Ralph Mione, Fitness Counsellor, Pan Am Centre, Recreation Services, 5 years

 

 

 

5.         MARKHAM 2017 BUSINESS & INVESTMENT
            MISSION TO JAPAN: NOVEMBER 24 TO DECEMBER 2, 2017
            REPORT ON OUTCOMES AND ACTIVITIES (10.16)

            Presentation

 

Stephen Chait, Director of Economic Growth, Culture & Entrepreneurship delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the outcomes and activities relative to the Markham 2017 Business & Investment Mission to Japan:  November 24 to December 2, 2017.

 

There was brief discussion regarding the potential to investigate “heat pump systems” through our District Energy.

 

There was discussion regarding the ability to build on relationships with Japanese businesses here, and strengthen relationships at these business missions. 

 

Moved by Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

 

That the presentation provided by Stephen Chait, Director of Economic Growth, Culture & Entrepreneurship entitled “Markham 2017 Business & Investment Mission to Japan: November 24 to December 2, 2017 Report on Outcomes and Activities” be received.

Carried

 

 

 

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

 

6.         REQUEST FOR PARKLAND DEDICATION RELIEF
            FOR THE AFFORDABLE SENIORS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
            AT 4300 HIGHWAY 7 (6.3)

            Correspondence

 

Staff briefly summarized the details of the correspondence, and confirmed that this matter was raised during the discussions of the Unionville Home Society and staff have committed to report back.

 

Councillor Karen Rea requested if the application on Water Street can receive the same relief for parkland dedication.  Staff advised that each application is considered on its own merits.

 

Councillor Karen Rea requested that staff investigate if York Region can pay the municipality the development charges with the Federal and Provincial funding they will receive for the application on Water Street.  Staff will report back.

 

Moved by Councillor Karen Rea

Seconded by Councillor Logan Kanapathi

 

That the correspondence dated January 24^th, 2018 from Katherine Chislett, President, Housing York Inc. entitled “Request for Parkland Dedication Relief for the Affordable Seniors Housing Development at 4300 Highway 7” be received and referred to staff.

Carried

 

 

PETITIONS

 

There were no petitions.

 

 

7.         HERITAGE MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES
            - December 13, 2017 and January 10, 2018 (16.11)

            Dec. 13   Jan. 10

 

Moved by Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

That the minutes of the Heritage Markham Committee meetings held December 13, 2017 and January 10, 2018, be received for information purposes.

Carried

 

 

8.         CYCLING AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY
            COMMITTEE (CPAC) MINUTES
            -November 16, 2017 and December 14, 2017 (16.34)

            Nov. 16  Dec. 14

 

Moved by Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

That the minutes of the Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CPAC) meetings held November 16, 2017 and December 14, 2017, be received for information purposes.

Carried

 

 

 

9.         HISTORIC UNIONVILLE COMMUNITY
            VISION COMMITTEE MINUTES
            - September 20, 2017 and October 18, 2017 (10.0)

            Sept. 20   Oct. 18

 

There was discussion regarding the parking consultant that is going to be retained to perform a parking study for Main Street Unionville, and Councillor Karen Rea inquired if Main Street Markham could be included in that study.  Staff advised that an overall parking strategy is underway, and it may be possible to include the Main Street Markham portion into the overall parking strategy.  Staff will have further discussions with Councillor Rea regarding Main Street Markham parking.

 

Moved by Councillor Karen Rea

Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho

 

That the minutes of the Historic Unionville Community Vision Committee meeting held September 20, 2017 and October 18, 2017, be received for information purposes.

Carried

 

 

10.       MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES
            - September 20, 2017 (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

That the minutes of the Main Street Markham Committee meeting held September 20, 2017, be received for information purposes.

Carried

 

 

 

 

 

11.       VARLEY-MCKAY ART FOUNDATION
OF MARKHAM MINUTES
- September 11, 2017 (16.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

That the minutes of the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham meeting held

September 11, 2017, be received for information purposes.

Carried

 

 

12.       FLATO MARKHAM THEATRE
ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES
- September 25, 2017 and October 23, 2017 (16.0)

            Sept. 25   Oct. 23

 

There was discussion regarding proposed use of $50,000 from the Endowment Fund, and staff confirmed that there will not be any money to fund the start up and staffing of a new Theatre Foundation from the Endowment fund.

 

Moved by Councillor Karen Rea

Seconded by Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

 

That the minutes of the Flato Markham Theatre Advisory Board meeting held

September 25, 2017 and October 23, 2017, be received for information purposes.

Carried

 

 

13.       INFORMATION REPORT
            2017 FOURTH QUARTER UPDATE OF THE
            STREET AND PARK NAME RESERVE LIST (10.14, 6.3)

            Report

 

Moved by Councillor Valerie Burke

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That the report titled ‘Information Report 2017 Fourth Quarter Update of the Street and Park Name Reserve List’, be received; and,

 

2)         That Council approve the revised Street and Park Name Reserve List set out in Appendix ‘A’ attached to this report.

 

Carried

 

14.       RECOMMENDATION REPORT
            UNIONVILLE HOME SOCIETY
            REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK AND MINTO COMMUNITIES
            4300 HIGHWAY 7
            NORTH SIDE OF HIGHWAY 7 BETWEEN THE GO TRANSIT RAIL
            LINE AND SCIBERRAS ROAD, WARD 3
            APPLICATIONS FOR OFFICIAL PLAN AND ZONING BY-LAW
            AMENDMENTS AND SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR RESIDENTIAL
            AND INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
            FILES: OP 17 178335, ZA 17 178335 AND SC 17 178335 (10.3, 10.5 & 10.6)

            Report

 

Scott Heaslip, Senior Project Coordinator, Central District addressed the Committee and provided some brief opening remarks relative to the applications for the Unionville Home Society.

 

Lauren Capilongo, Malone Given Parsons delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Unionville Home Society Redevelopment.

 

Bojano Ivanova, Rafael Bigauskas Architects presented the York Region ground floor plan, elevations and shadow study.

 

Josh Scholten, York Region was in attendance to respond to various questions from the Committee.

 

Mayor Frank Scarpitti on behalf of all Members of Council thanked York Region staff for coming forward with this application.

 

The Committee discussed and suggested the following relative to the Unionville Home Society Regional Municipality of York and Minto Communities:

·        Enhance the landscape for Wyndham residents that will provide greater visual relief from the south parking lot

·        Consider less glass on the proposed building elevations

·        Ensure proper security measures are in place from the elevators in the garage area

·        Potential services that will be offered in the senior hub, and the proposed programing for the community centre

·        How will the community centre be programmed

·        Ensure the sustainability initiatives include bird friendly guidelines; consider installing a pollinator garden; dark sky, electric car charging stations, etc

·        Incorporate more greenspace in the UHS parking controlled access lot

·        Consider incorporating bicycle paths in the design

·        Any considerations made to incorporating public art?

·        Consider presenting the proposals to the Markham and York Region Accessibility Committees for their input

 

The Committee suggested that staff report back on potential parking improvements for the Wyndham Garden and Unionville Home Society prior to the final approval of the site plan application.  The Committee also suggested that staff report back at the earliest opportunity on potentially expanding Anna Russell Parkette.

 

Harry Eaglesham addressed the Committee regarding the application for Unionville Home Society Regional Municipality of York and Minto Communities and spoke in support.  He stated a couple of concerns including the planning for the recreation centre, and the request for the relief of parkland dedication.

 

The Committee consented to place this recommendation on the January 30, 2017 Council agenda for consideration.

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

 

1)         That the report dated January 29, 2018 titled “RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Unionville Home Society, Regional Municipality of York and Minto Communities, 4300 Highway 7, North side of Highway 7 between the GO Transit rail line and Sciberras Road, Ward 3, Applications for Official Plan and zoning by-law amendments and site plan approval for residential and institutional developments, Files OP 17 178335, ZA 17 178335 and SC 17 178335;” be received; and,

 

2)         That Official Plan and Zoning by-law amendments (OP/ZA 17 178335) be finalized and forwarded to Council for adoption/approval; and,

 

3)         That the presentation by the architect for the York Region affordable rental apartment building (SC 17 178335), be received; and,

 

4)         That the site plan application for the York Region affordable rental apartment building (SC 17 178335), be endorsed in principle; and,

 

5)         That final site plan approval for the York Region affordable rental apartment building (SC 17 178335),  be delegated to the Director of Planning and Urban Design, or his designate, to be issued (Site Plan Approval is issued only when the Director or his designate has signed the site plan “approved”) when the following conditions have been met:

 

·  The Owner has entered into a site plan agreement with the City agreeing to construct the development in accordance with plans approved by the City and in accordance with the requirements of the City and public agencies as outlined in Appendix ‘A’; and,

·  Staff has reported back to Development Services Committee on parking improvements for the Wyndham Garden and Unionville Home Society developments; and,

 

6)         That site plan endorsement shall lapse after a period of three (3) years from the date of endorsement in the event the site plan agreement is not executed within that period; and,

 

7)         That staff be directed to report back at the earliest opportunity on potential expansion of the Anna Russell Parkette; and,

 

8)         That the correspondence dated January 28, 2018 from Ian Free, Christiane Bergauer-Free, Tristan Bergauer-Free in opposition be received; and further,

 

9)         That staff be authorized to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

 

Carried

 

 

 

15.       OUTCOMES OF MARKHAM’S PARTICIPATION
            IN THE 29^TH WORLD HAKKA CONFERENCE, HONG KONG
            OCTOBER 12-15, 2017 (10.16)

            Memo

 

Sandra Tam, Senior Business Development Officer addressed the Committee and provided a verbal presentation regarding the 29^th World Hakka Conference, Hong Kong, October 12-15, 2017.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Joe Li

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

That the memorandum dated December 12, 2017 entitled “Outcomes of Markham’s Participation in the 29^th World Hakka Conference, Hong Kong, October 12-15, 2017” be received.

Carried

 

 

 

16.       WUHAN, CHINA
            INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY CITIES SEMINAR
            APRIL 8-14, 2018 (10.16)

            Report

 

Sandra Tam, Senior Business Development Officer summarized the details outlined in the report.

 

Moved by Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong

Seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

 

1)         That the report dated January 29, 2018 entitled “Wuhan, China International Friendly Cities Seminar, April 8-14, 2018” be received; and,

 

2)         That the City of Markham be represented by Senior Business Development Officer, Sandra Tam; and,

 

 

3)         That the total cost of the seminar to a maximum amount of $3,300.00 be funded from the 2018 Operating budget account #610-998-5201 “Business Travel”, and further,

 

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

 

Carried

 

 

17.       RE-ROUTING OF RAIL FREIGHT TRAFFIC
            - MISSING RAIL LINK UPDATE (5.0)

            Report

 

Staff summarized the details outlined in the report.

 

The Committee discussed their concerns with the potential increase of dangerous and hazardous good being transported through York Region.

 

The Committee suggested that staff include a clause stating that Markham Council is generally supportive of Metrolinx’s transit improvements, but opposed to this initiative due to increase rail freight traffic in Markham and have this clause added when this item goes to Council on February 13, 2018.

 

Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

 

1)         That the staff report entitled “Re-routing of Rail Freight Traffic - Missing Rail Link Update” dated January 29, 2018 be received; and,

 

2)         Metrolinx be advised that the City strongly objects to the Missing Rail Link proposal; and,

 

3)         Metrolinx be requested to consult with York Region, the Cities of Markham and Vaughan and the Town of Richmond Hill as part of their Freight By-Pass environmental assessment study; and,

 

4)         That the Prime Minister, the Premier, Federal and Provincial Transportation Ministers, Metrolinx, York Region, City of Vaughan and Town of Richmond Hill be so advised by written letter through the Office of the Mayor; and further,

 

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

 

Carried

 

MOTIONS

 

There were no motions.

 

NOTICES OF MOTION

 

There were no notices of motions.

 

NEW/OTHER BUSINESS

 

 

18.       NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
            HERITAGE ESTATES (16.11)

 

Councillor Karen Rea requested that staff review the entrance into Heritage Estates off of 16^th Avenue to ensure that there are no safety concerns for residents.

 

19.       NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
            FUNDING FOR MAIN STREETS (7.0)

 

Councillor Karen Rea advised that she received an email from Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) on funding for Main Streets.  The information was forwarded to staff to investigate the criteria required to receive the funding.

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

20.       ANNOUNCEMENTS
            CANADIAN MARKHAM RESIDENTS OF SCOTTISH DECENT (12.2.6)

 

Councillor Valerie Burke wished all Canadian Markham residents of Scottish decent a belated Happy Robert Burns Day.

 

 

21.       CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS

 

 

Moved by Councillor Alan Ho

Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea

 

That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, General Committee resolve into a confidential session to discuss the following matters (3:10 PM):

 

(1)        ADVICE THAT IS SUBJECT TO SOLICITOR-CLIENT PRIVILEGE, INCLUDING COMMUNICATIONS NECESSARY FOR THAT PURPOSE (6.0)

            [Section 239 (2) (f)]

 

Development Services Committee received a verbal update.

Carried

 

 

Moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Seconded by Regional Councillor Colin Campbell

 

That the Development Services Committee rise from the confidential session 3:33 PM.

 

Carried

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at 3:34 PM.