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DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES

OCTOBER 1, 2013, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Council Chamber

Meeting No. 14

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

 

Attendance

Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Deputy Mayor Jack Heath

Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Regional Councillor Gord Landon

Regional Councillor Joe Li

Councillor Valerie Burke

Councillor Howard Shore

Councillor Don Hamilton

Councillor Carolina Moretti

Councillor Colin Campbell

Councillor Alan Ho

Councillor Logan Kanapathi

Councillor Alex Chiu

Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer

Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services

Alan Brown, Director of Engineering

Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor

Biju Karumanchery, Senior Development Manager

Brian Lee, Senior Manager, Development Engineering &             Transportation

Rino Mostacci, Director of Planning and Urban Design

Gary Sellars, Senior Planner

Richard Vandezande, Manager, Growth, Policy and  

             Research

Marg Wouters, Senior Manager, Policy and Research

Kitty Bavington, Council/Committee Coordinator

 

 

The Development Services Committee convened at the hour of 9:07 a.m. in the Council Chamber with Regional Councillor Jim Jones in the Chair. Regional Councillor Gord Landon assumed the Chair for Transportation items, Nos. 1, 4 and 5.

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST – None Declared

 

 

1.         YORK REGION TRANSIT (YRT/VIVA)
            2014 ANNUAL SERVICE PLAN (5.14)

            Presentation

 

Adrian Kawun, Manager of Service Planning, Region of York, gave a presentation entitled "York Region Transit (YRT/Viva) 2014 Annual Service Plan". The presentation included the YRT/Viva system overview, the 2014 Annual Service Plan goals, objectives, the planning and consultation processes, service initiatives, and the proposed 2017 Viva system plan.

 

 

The Committee had comments regarding:

-         the increase in fares, and better fare opportunities such as double trips or all-day passes

-         streamlining processes by using technology for fare payments

-         discontinued and reduced routes due to low ridership, particularly route 2 in Milliken

-         wait times and easier ticket purchase processes for mobility buses

-         phasing and timing of the Rapidway completion, from 2014 to 2017

-         traffic delays due to construction

-         developing a strategy to review shuttle routes

-         faster, more reliable service is needed to gain customer confidence

-         detailed project costs should be easier to obtain

-         proposed 2017 system should be reviewed, i.e. Yonge Street and along Highway 7

-         due to congestion on Church Street, it was requested that idle busses be parked at another location

 

Staff advised that a future presentation will be made by Viva that will address construction and other concerns.

 

The Committee thanked Adrian Kawun for the presentation, and thanked Sharon Doyle for mobility and accessibility initiatives.

 

Moved by: Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Seconded by: Councillor Don Hamilton

 

That the presentation provided by Adrian Kawun, Manager of Service Planning, Region of York entitled "York Region Transit (YRT/Viva) 2014 Annual Service Plan" be received.

CARRIED

 

 

2.         PLANNING MARKHAM'S FUTURE WORK PROGRAM:
            PLANNING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE
            NORTH MARKHAM FUTURE URBAN AREA (10.0)

            Presentation

 

Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services gave a brief overview of the Planning Markham’s Future Work Program, commencing with subwatershed studies. Rino Mostacci, Director of Planning and Urban Design, introduced the staff on this project and advised that this is a priority initiative for the City and is a collaborative effort with the land owners.

 

Richard Vandezande, Manager, Growth, Policy and Research, described the focus of the project and outlined the components for future development in order of progression: Subwatershed Studies; Conceptual Master Plan/Master Transportation and Servicing Studies; Secondary Plans/MESPs; Plans of Subdivision and Building Permits. The urban expansion for the North Markham land is consistent with the York Region Official Plan Amendment 3, which is currently before the Ontario Municipal Board; two other areas in Cornell and at Steeles Ave. near the 9th Line have been identified as urban expansion areas but they will be developed through a different process.

 

 

Staff reports are being presented today (Agenda items 4 and 5) regarding the commencement of the Subwatershed Studies and Servicing Studies for the North Markham urban expansion area. The presentation included the project timing with completion in late 2015, the coordination of the studies, public engagement, and committee reporting structure.

 

A Committee member expressed concern for the impact of development on the subwatersheds. Comments included the need for long term road networks and transit hubs planning beyond the Future Urban Area, to Highway 48. Staff confirmed that the project is being initiated on an environment-first basis with the protection of the subwatershed as a priority, and that the transportation network would be part of the overall strategy.

 

Moved by: Councillor Colin Campbell

Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi

 

That the presentation provided by Richard Vandezande, Manager, Growth Policy and Research entitled "Planning Markham's Future Work Program: Planning for the Development of the North Markham Future Urban Area" be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

3.         RECOMMENDATION REPORT
            UPPER UNIONVILLE INC.
            FUTURE DEVELOPMENT BLOCK 992, PLAN 19TM – 10003
            NORTHEAST CORNER OF 16TH AVENUE AND KENNEDY ROAD
            APPLICATIONS FOR OFFICIAL PLAN/SECONDARY PLAN
            AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENTS AND
            DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION
            (OP/ZA/SU 12 110185) (10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.7)

            Report

 

Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services gave an overview of the phased development and the specific proposal for the corner block at 16th Avenue and Kennedy Road.

 

The Committee expressed appreciation for the quality of the design and cooperation with the City to commemorate the early Berczy settlers.

 

David Stewart, representing the applicant, Upper Unionville Inc., displayed renderings and site plans, and gave a brief presentation of the block, identifying the parkett, public square and public art components, protection of the significant oak tree, treatment of the storm water management pond, pedestrian-oriented live-work concept, road extensions, and the residential component compatible with adjacent development.


 

Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Seconded by: Councillor Carolina Moretti

 

1)         That the report dated October 1, 2013 and entitled “RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Upper Unionville Inc., Future Development Block 992, Plan 19TM – 10003, Northeast corner of 16th Avenue and Kennedy Road, Applications for Official Plan/Secondary Plan and Zoning By-law amendments and Draft Plan of Subdivision, File No.: OP/ZA/SU 12 110185”, be received; and,

 

2)         That the application submitted by Upper Unionville Inc. to amend the Official Plan, and the Berczy Village Secondary Plan be approved and that the draft Official Plan Amendment attached as Appendix “A”, be finalized and adopted without further notice; and,

 

3)         That the notice of adoption of the Official Plan/Secondary Plan Amendment be forwarded to the Region of York; and,

 

4)         That the application submitted by Upper Unionville Inc. to amend Zoning By-laws 304-87, as amended and 177-96, as amended, be approved and the draft Zoning By-law amendment attached as Appendix “B”, be finalized and enacted without further notice; and,

 

5)         That draft plan of subdivision 19TM-12012 submitted by Upper Unionville Inc., be draft approved subject to the conditions outlined in Appendix “C”; and,

 

6)         That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into a No Presale Agreement with the Owner of Plan 19TM-12012 which agreement shall be registered on title, committing the Owner to:

 

                  Not enter into any agreements of purchase and sale with end users for the lands, until such time as:

 

a.   the City of Markham approves a transfer of servicing allocation to this development that is not dependent upon the construction of infrastructure;

 

or,

 

b.   i.       York Region has advised in writing that it is no earlier than twelve (12) months prior to the expected completion of all water and wastewater infrastructure required to support the Region’s capacity assignment pertaining to the City of Markham allocation used for the subject development and,

 

      ii.       The Council of the City of Markham has allocated, within the limit of the Regional capacity assignment, adequate available water and waste water servicing capacities to the subject development;

 

 

or,

 

      c.   the Regional Commissioner of Environmental Services and the City of Markham confirm servicing capacity for this development by a suitable alternative method and the City of Markham allocates the capacity to this development.

 

AND

 

Not enter into any agreements of purchase and sale with non end users for the subject lands unless the agreement of purchase and sale contains a condition that requires the purchaser and any subsequent purchasers to enter into a separate agreement with the City of Markham. This agreement shall be registered on title, committing the new Owner to the same terms as set out in items a, b and c above; and,

 

7)         That the Owner enter into an indemnity agreement with the Region of York.  The agreement shall save harmless the Region from any claim or action as a result of the Region releasing conditions and pre-conditions of draft approval and shall be  registered on title; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

4.         FUTURE URBAN AREA SUBWATERSHED STUDIES (5.0)

            Report

 

The Committee had received a presentation earlier in the meeting (Agenda item # 2) by the Manager, Growth, Policy and Research, regarding Planning Markham's Future Work Program. Alan Brown, Director of Engineering, briefly discussed the studies required to commence the Planning for the development of the North Markham Future Urban Area, noting that the studies will be funded by the developers and managed by the City. The qualifications of the proposed preferred supplier, AMEC Environment & Infrastructure were reviewed.

 

The Committee questioned the status of other Don Watershed projects, and discussed the coordination of subwatershed studies and transportation network in this project. Discussions included the finite limit of available land for grade-related development, and the long-term planning process required for future urban expansion. It was noted that Markham is one of the most desirable building markets.

 

Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Seconded by: Councillor Howard Shore

 

1)         That the report entitled “Future Urban Area Subwatershed Studies” dated October 1, 2013, be received; and,

 

 

2)         That the tendering process for the Future Urban Area Subwatershed Studies and the terrestrial environment advisor be waived in accordance with Purchasing By-Law 2004-341, Part II, Section 7 (1) (h) in order to expedite the completion of the Subwatershed Studies; and,

 

3)         That the Future Urban Area Subwatershed Studies be awarded to AMEC Environment & Infrastructure at a cost of $2,016,165.00 (including 10% contingency and HST impact) subject to confirmation of funding by the Future Urban Area landowners; and,

 

4)         That the terrestrial environment advisory assignment be awarded to North South Environmental at an upset limit of $61,056.00 (including HST impact) subject to confirmation of funding by the Future Urban Area landowners; and,

 

5)         That the final cost of the subwatershed studies and the terrestrial environment advisory assignment be included in a future Area Specific Development Charges by-law for the Future Urban Area and the appropriate development charges credit be provided to the upfronting landowners; and,

 

6)         That a new capital project be created in the Engineering Department in the amount of  $2,077,221.00 to be funded by the Future Urban Area landowners; and,

 

7)         That staff report back on a Future Urban Area landowners funding agreement, to be executed prior to the commencement of any work; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

5.         FUTURE URBAN AREA SERVICING STUDIES (5.0)

            Report

 

The Committee had received a presentation earlier in the meeting (Agenda item # 2) by the Manager, Growth, Policy and Research, regarding Planning Markham's Future Work Program. Alan Brown, Director of Engineering, briefly discussed the studies required to commence the Planning for the development of the North Markham Future Urban Area, noting that the project is funded by the developers and managed by the City. The qualifications of the proposed preferred suppliers, Genivar Consultants and XCG Consultants were reviewed.

 

Moved by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi

Seconded by: Councillor Alan Ho

 

1)         That the report entitled “Future Urban Area Servicing Studies” dated October 1, 2013, be received; and,

 

 

 

2)         That the tendering process for the Future Urban Area Servicing Studies be waived in accordance with Purchasing By-Law 2004-341, Part II, Section 7 (1) (h) in order to expedite the completion of the Servicing Studies; and,

 

3)         That the Water Servicing Study for the Future Urban Area be awarded to Genivar Consultants at a cost of $96,419.43 including HST impact subject to confirmation of funding by the Future Urban Area landowners; and,

 

4)         That the Wastewater Servicing Study for the Future Urban Area be awarded to XCG Consultants at a cost of $134,538.12 including HST impact subject to confirmation of funding by the Future Urban Area landowners; and,

 

5)         That the Environmental Assessment Coordination Study for the Future Urban Area be awarded to Amos Environment + Planning at a cost of $94,423.61 including HST impact subject to confirmation of funding by the Future Urban Area landowners; and,

 

6)         That the final cost of the studies be included in a future Area Specific Development Charges by-law for the Future Urban Area and the appropriate development charges credit be provided to the upfronting landowners; and,

 

7)         That three new projects be created in the Engineering Department 2013 Capital Budget for the above 3 projects to be funded by the Future Urban Area landowners; and,

 

8)         That staff report back on a Future Urban Area landowners funding agreement, to be executed prior to the commencement of any work; and further,

 

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

CARRIED

 

 

6.         NEW BUSINESS
            SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING (16.0)

 

The Committee consented to new business regarding a Special Council meeting.

 

Councillor Valerie Burke made suggestions for the Special Council meeting(s) being scheduled at the direction of Council on September 23, 2013, regarding the Markham Sports, Entertainment and Cultural Centre. The Committee discussed potential venues, dates, start and finish times, streamlining deputations, qualifications for deputants, limiting Council members’ speeches, providing presentations and information for the public, audio-streaming the event, and whether one night or two nights are required. It was generally agreed that transparency and democracy are important issues and that completion within one evening if possible, is preferred.

 

The directions of Council on September 23 were reviewed, and the Committee was advised of the arrangements made by the City Clerk. The Committee further requested information regarding the cost of the Special Meetings.

 

 

7.         NEW BUSINESS
            TELECOMMUNICATION TOWER (10.6)

 

The Committee consented to new business regarding a proposed telecommunications tower.

 

Councillor Don Hamilton advised the Committee of a proposed telecommunications tower at 100 Carlton Road and of the concerns by numerous residents. A formal application has not been submitted yet.  The Committee recommended the applicant or the Ward Councillor hold community consultation on this matter.

 

 

8.         NEW BUSINESS
            MARKHAM BY-PASS (13.4)

 

The Committee consented to new business regarding signage for the Markham By-pass.

 

Councillor Carolina Moretti presented a draft motion requesting the Region of York add the name “Markham By-pass” on all signage for the Donald Cousens Parkway, to ensure that all residents and commuters are aware that it is a by-pass route.

 

The Committee supported the request and suggested the draft motion be referred to staff to bring final wording to the next Development Services Committee meeting.

 

Moved by: Councillor Carolina Moretti

Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell

 

That staff be directed to bring forward the final wording to the next Development Services Committee meeting:

“That the City of Markham requests that the Region of York add the name “Markham By-pass” on all signage for the Donald Cousens Parkway, to ensure that all residents and commuters are aware that it is a by-pass route.”

CARRIED

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at 12:15 PM.

 

 

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