Development Services Committee Minutes
September 8, 2015,
9:00 AM to 12:00 NOON
Council Chamber
All
Members of Council
Development
Services Economic
Development
Chair: Regional Councillor Jim
Jones Chair: Councillor Alex Chiu
Vice-Chair: Councillor Don Hamilton Vice-Chair:
Councillor Alan Ho
Transportation Issues
Chair: Regional Councillor Joe Li
Vice-Chair: Regional Councillor Nirmala
Armstrong
Attendance
|
Councillor Alex Chiu
Regrets
|
Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative
Officer
Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of
Community & Fire Services
Ronji Borooah, City Architect
Alan Brown, Director of Engineering
Stephen Chait, Director, Economic
Development
Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor
George Duncan, Senior Heritage
Planner
Huyen Hare, Senior Business
Development Officer
Christina Kakaflikas, Manager,
Special Projects
Biju Karumanchery, Director of
Planning and Urban Design
Brian Lee, Deputy Director of
Engineering
Sandra Tam, Senior Business
Development Officer
Tom Villella, Manager, Zoning and
Special Projects
Kitty Bavington, Council/Committee Coordinator
|
The Development Services
Committee convened at the hour of 9:06 a.m. in the Council Chamber with Regional
Councillor Jim Jones in the Chair. Councillor
Alex Chiu assumed the Chair for Economic Development items, Nos. 2 and 14.
Regional Councillor Joe
Li assumed the Chair for Transportation item, No. 1. Councillor Don Hamilton
assumed the Chair for item No. 17.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST – None Declared
1. DRAFT YONGE AND STEELES AREA
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION STUDY
(5.10)
Presentation
Alan Brown, Director of Engineering, introduced the presentation regarding
the Draft Regional Transportation Study for the Yonge and Steeles area.
Richard Hui, Transportation Manager, Region of York and his team, and Brian
Hollingworth, Director, IBI Group, were in attendance to provide a presentation on this
matter.
The presentation outlined the study area south of Highway 7 to Finch
Avenue, and from Bayview Avenue to Bathurst Street, involving four municipal
and regional jurisdictions. The area is identified in Metrolinx’s Big Move as a
Gateway Hub. Study characteristics, study objectives, municipal studies
(Markham’s on-going Yonge-Steeles Corridor Transportation Study), 2031 land use
forecasts, key transportation improvements, and 2031 projected traffic
conditions, were outlined.
The key study recommendations include:
- Proposed
cap on corridor development;
- Implement the
infrastructure improvements and transportation demand
management measures
recommended in the study;
- Adopt the proposed
residential development phasing for pre-subway and post-subway
scenarios;
- Review each
application with individual Traffic Impact Study and on a site-by site basis;
- Implement
consistent TDM Strategy in all jurisdictions (parking rates, active
transportation,
transit incentives, etc…);
- Ensure that fine
grid road network and necessary pedestrian and cycling infrastructure is in
place.
Next
steps will include finalizing and distributing the transportation study report;
reporting to York Region’s Committee of the Whole (Fall 2015); and, incorporating
the proposed population and employment forecasts into the Region’s Municipal
Comprehensive Review.
The Ward Councillor expressed concern for the impact
of development on traffic issues. Staff outlined the collaborative, phasing
approach being implemented by the four jurisdictions.
The Committee had questions regarding several
improvement options and the potential timing of the Yonge subway extension. Subway
funding discussions are ongoing and York Region continues to advocate for this
project. It was suggested that the development community get involved in promoting
and funding the subway; and that other transit lines could be improved as an
alternative, as the traffic congestion is generated by outlying growth as well
as development within the corridor.
Discussions involved the framework of development and transportation
improvements that have been managed to date, and the evolution of the area
going forward in a collaborative manner.
Moved by: Councillor Valerie Burke
Seconded by: Regional
Councillor Jim Jones
1) That the presentation by York Region transportation staff
entitled “Draft Yonge and Steeles Area Regional Transportation Study” dated
September 8, 2015, be received; and,
2) That York Region transportation staff be requested to
forward a final version of the Yonge and Steeles Area Regional Transportation
Study to:
a) the City of Markham’s Director of Engineering for consideration in
finalizing the City’s Yonge-Steeles Corridor Transportation Study; and further,
b) the City of Markham’s Director of Planning and Urban Design for
consideration in responding to future development proposals in the Yonge-Steeles
Corridor and the preparation of the Yonge-Steeles Corridor Secondary Plan.
CARRIED
2. MARKHAM 2020: SUCCESS BY DESIGN
A PERFORMANCE REVIEW OF THE
CITY'S
10-YEAR ECONOMIC STRATEGY (10.16)
Presentation
Stephen Chait, Director of Economic Development, gave a presentation
entitled "Markham 2020:
Success By Design, A Performance Review of the City's 10-Year Economic Strategy".
Markham staff Sandra Tam, Senior Business Development Officer, Huyen Hare,
Senior Business Development Officer, and Christina Kakaflikas, Manager, Special
Projects were in attendance. Doug Lindeblom, Director
of Economic Strategy, York Region,
was also in attendance.
The City’s
10 Year Economic Strategy, Markham 2020, adopted by Council in 2008, is up for
review. Markham 2020 has been a successful blueprint for guiding the City’s
economic development program, and it is time to evaluate the strategy
performance and to adjust the program for implementation to 2020 and beyond. Strategy
results and “Success by Design” achievements, as well as key metrics, were reviewed.
The evaluation will engage the
community and stakeholders in a 4-phase process, and will provide the framework
to pre-plan for the development of a new 10-Year Strategy in 2019, “Markham
2030”.
The Committee discussed Markham’s international recognition as the “High
Tech Capital”, achieved through a pro-active approach. It was suggested that
the economy and types of jobs are prime indicators of economic health, as well
as the commercial/industrial split. Discussions included business exit
analysis, the impact of York University, affordability for small businesses,
promotion of green initiatives and fair work conditions, and diversity of
commercial/industrial uses.
The Committee congratulated the Economic Development team on its
successes.
Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
That the presentation provided by Stephen Chait,
Director of Economic Development entitled "Markham 2020: Success By Design, A Performance Review of the
City's 10-Year Economic Strategy" be received.
CARRIED
3. DESIGN
REVIEW PANEL UPDATE (10.0)
Ronji Boroorah, City Architect, gave a brief presentation
entitled "Design Review Panel Update" to provide information about
the composition and schedule of the Panel, a technical advisory committee that assists
staff on application design issues. It was noted that the final decisions on
applications will be made by Council.
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Don Hamilton
That the presentation by Ronji Boroorah, City
Architect entitled "Design Review Panel Update" be received.
CARRIED
4. DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- June 23, 2015
- June 29, 2015 (10.0)
June
23 June
29
Moved by: Councillor Amanda
Collucci
Seconded by: Councillor
Valerie Burke
That the
minutes of the Development Services Committee meetings held June 23, 2015 and
June 29, 2015,
be confirmed.
CARRIED
5. HERITAGE
MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES
- July 8, 2015
- August 12, 2015(16.11)
July
8 August
12
Moved by: Councillor Amanda
Collucci
Seconded by: Councillor
Valerie Burke
That the minutes of the
Heritage Markham Committee meetings held July 8, 2015, and August 12, 2015, be
received for information purposes.
CARRIED
6. MARKHAM
SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING NOTES
- June 23, 2015 (10.0)
Notes
Moved by: Councillor Amanda
Collucci
Seconded by: Councillor
Valerie Burke
That the notes of the Markham Sub-Committee meeting held
June 23, 2015, be received for information purposes.
CARRIED
7. MAIN
STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES
- June 17, 2015 (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by: Councillor Amanda
Collucci
Seconded by: Councillor
Valerie Burke
That the minutes of the Main
Street Markham Committee meeting held June 17, 2015, be received for
information purposes.
CARRIED
8. MARKHAM
CENTRE SUB-COMMITTEE MINUTES
(MOBILITY HUB AND COMMUNITY PLAN STUDY)
- July 7, 2015 (10.0)
Minutes
Moved by: Councillor Amanda
Collucci
Seconded by: Councillor
Valerie Burke
1) That the minutes of the Markham Centre Sub-Committee
(Mobility Hub and Community Plan Study) meeting held July 7, 2015, be received
for information purposes; and;
2) That the following recommendation from
the July 7, 2015 Markham Centre Sub-Committee (Mobility Hub and Community Plan
Study) meeting be endorsed:
"That the Staff presentation up-dating the
Sub-committee on the status of the Markham Centre Mobility Hub and Community
Plan Study and Metrolinx initiatives, be received; and,
That the presentation by VIVA regarding potential
changes to their approved EA alignment through Markham Centre be received; and,
That the Markham Centre Mobility Hub and Community
Plan Study and consultants be put on hold pending completion of the VIVA study
to review their alignment through Markham Centre; and,
That Planning, Engineering and Urban Design staff be
authorized and directed to provide the necessary support to the VIVA study;
and,
That staff report back on the VIVA study and
sustainable infrastructure requirements; and,
That staff report back on the scope of work and
appropriate consulting team for completion of the Markham Centre Mobility Hub
Study following completion of the Viva EA update by the Region; and further,
That staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution."
CARRIED
9. PRELIMINARY REPORT
CORNELL ROUGE DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION
& AURIGA DEVELOPMENTS INC.
OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT
APPLICATION
TO PERMIT RESIDENTIAL USES, IN
ADDITION TO
OFFICE EMPLOYMENT AND RETAIL
USES, WITHIN A
PROPOSED MIXED-USE BUILDING AT
THE
NORTHWEST CORNER OF HIGHWAY 7
EAST
AND DONALD COUSENS PARKWAY
FILES OP 13 128934 & OP 13
137282 (10.3)
Report
Moved by: Councillor Amanda
Collucci
Seconded by: Councillor
Valerie Burke
1) That the report titled, “PRELIMINARY REPORT, Cornell Rouge
Development Corporation & Auriga Developments Inc., Official Plan Amendment
application to permit residential uses, in addition to office employment and
retail uses, within a proposed mixed-use building at the northwest corner of
Highway 7 East and Donald Cousens Parkway, Files OP 13 128934 & OP 13
137282”, be received; and,
2) That staff be authorized to schedule a statutory Public
Meeting to consider the applications to amend the Official Plan; and further,
3) That staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
10. PRELIMINARY REPORT
APPLICATIONS FOR DRAFT PLAN OF
SUBDIVISION
AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT,
SUBMITTED BY
LIVANTE HOLDINGS, 2271850
ONTARIO LTD., AND VETMAR LTD.,
ON THE LANDS KNOWN MUNICIPALLY
AS
10978, 10988, 11030 WOODBINE
AVENUE
FILE NO. SU/ZA
15 129978 (10.7, 105)
Report
Moved by: Councillor Amanda
Collucci
Seconded by: Councillor
Valerie Burke
1) That the Staff report entitled “Preliminary Report -
Applications for Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment,
submitted by Livante Holdings, 2271850 Ontario Ltd., and Vetmar Ltd., on the
lands known municipally as 10978, 10988, 11030 Woodbine Avenue File No’s. SU/ZA
15 129978”, be received; and,
2) That a Public Meeting be held to consider the applications
for Zoning By-law amendment and Draft Plan of Subdivision; and further,
3) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
11. PRELIMINARY REPORT
PROPOSED GENERAL
“HOUSEKEEPING”
ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENTS 2015
(PR-13-128740) (10.5)
Report Appendix
1
The Committee requested a
presentation/work session prior to the Public Meeting.
Moved by: Councillor
Karen Rea
Seconded by: Councillor
Don Hamilton
1) That the report dated September 8, 2015 entitled
“PRELIMINARY REPORT – Proposed General “Housekeeping” Zoning By-law Amendments
(PR-13-128740)”, be received; and,
2) That the report dated August 7, 2015 by Meridian Planning
entitled “ANALYSIS OF PROPOSED “HOUSEKEEPING” CHANGES TO VARIOUS CITY OF
MARKHAM BY-LAWS” attached as “Appendix 1” to this report, be received; and,
3) That a Public Meeting be held to receive comments from the
public, internal and external agencies, and other stakeholders with respect to
proposed amendments to the zoning
by-laws; and,
4) That a presentation or work session be
held for the Committee, prior to the Public Meeting; and further,
5) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
12. REPORT ON INCOMING PLANNING APPLICATIONS
FOR THE PERIOD OF APRIL 18,
2015 TO JULY 24, 2015 (10.0)
Report
A Committee member questioned
the application for 162 Main Street. Staff will provide clarification to the
Committee member.
Moved by: Councillor Amanda
Collucci
Seconded by: Councillor
Valerie Burke
1) That Committee receive the report
entitled “Report on Incoming Planning Applications for the period of April 18,
2015 to July 24, 2015” and direct staff to process the applications in
accordance with the approval route outlined in the report; and,
2) That Staff be authorized and directed
to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
13. REQUEST FOR DEMOLITION AND
INTENTION TO DESIGNATE A
PROPERTY UNDER
PART IV OF THE ONTARIO
HERITAGE ACT
NAME: JOHN EBY
REESOR HOUSE
ADDRESS: 8402 STEELES AVENUE
OWNER: INFRASTRUCTURE ONTARIO
(10.13 & 16.11.3)
Report
Staff advised that the province has withdrawn the
Demolition Permit Application. The Committee expressed appreciation to the
province.
George Duncan, Senior Heritage Planner, provided
background information on the significance of the John Eby House.
This matter relates to communications listed under
Agenda Item # 15.
Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
1) That the information
update regarding the withdrawal of the “Request for Demolition” of the John Eby
Reesor House and its associated accessory buildings at 8402 Steeles Avenue, be
received; and
2) That Infrastructure
Ontario be advised that the City of Markham appreciates the withdrawal of the “Request
for Demolition”; and,
3) That as recommended by Heritage
Markham, the John Eby Reesor House at 8402 Steeles Avenue be approved for
designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act as a property of
cultural heritage value or interest; and,
4) That the Clerk’s Department
be authorized to publish and serve Council’s Notice of Intention to Designate
as per the requirements of the Ontario Heritage Act; and,
5) That if there are no objections to the
designation in accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act,
the Clerk be authorized to place a designation by-law before Council for
adoption; and,
6) That if there are any objections in
accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk be
directed to refer the proposed designation to the Ontario Conservation Review
Board; and further,
7) That Staff be authorized and directed
to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
14. INFORMATION REPORT
MARKHAM’S PARTICIPATION IN THE
CONFEDERATION OF GREATER
TORONTO
CHINESE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
(CGTCBA)
2015 CHINA TRADE MISSION
(10.16)
Report
Sandra Tam, Senior Business Development Officer, gave a presentation
regarding Markham’s participation in the Confederation of Greater Toronto
Chinese Business Association (CGTCBA) 2015 China Trade Mission. Markham will be
represented by a four-person delegation composed of the Mayor, Vice Chair of
the Economic Development Committee, Director of the Economic Development
Department, and one Senior Business Development Officer, from November 21 to
December 4, 2015, at a total cost not to exceed $42,520.00.
Although staff and the Committee were aware of the proposed mission
earlier this year, it is a private-sector driven project, so a final
determination based on confirmed costs could not be made until recently.
Discussions included the benefits of the initiative, and the number of people
participating.
Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Seconded by: Regional Councillor Jim Jones
1) That the Information Report dated July 7, 2015 entitled
“Markham’s Participation in the Confederation of Greater Toronto Chinese
Business Association (CGTCBA) 2015 China Trade Mission” be received; and,
2) That the City of Markham be represented by a four-person
delegation composed of the Mayor, Vice Chair of the Economic Development
Committee, Director of the Economic Development Department, and one Senior
Business Development Officer; and,
3) That the total cost of the mission not exceed $42,520.00 and
be expensed from within the 2015 International Investment Attraction account
610-998-5811; and further,
4) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
15. HERITAGE DESIGNATED PROPERTY OF
JOHN EBY REESOR HOUSE
8402 STEELES AVENUE EAST MARKHAM
(10.16 & 16.11.3)
Correspondence
The correspondence relates to Agenda Item # 13.
Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
That the correspondence date August 26, 2015 from the
Reesor family providing comments on the above subject matter be received.
CARRIED
16. NEW BUSINESS
MEETING AGENDAS (16.0)
The Committee had suggestions regarding meeting agendas, to ensure a
smoother meeting process.
That staff be requested to make the following changes to agenda and
meeting processes:
-
Allow appropriate discussion time for
presentations so that the meeting does not get behind schedule
-
List presentations later in the
agenda so that regular business matters and members of the public can be dealt
with expeditiously
-
Provide staff and public
presentations electronically only, not paper copies.
CARRIED
17. NEW BUSINESS
NOTICE OF MOTION
PROPOSED RE-DEVELOPMENT OF THE
UNIONVILLA AREA (10.0)
Regional Councillor Jim Jones presented a Notice of Motion for
consideration at the next Development Services Committee meeting.
Moved by: Regional Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by: Regional Councillor Nirmala
Armstrong
Whereas the new ”provincial growth plan”
has mandated that the Region of York will provide for additional growth from
its 2014 population of 1,133,000 to a 2041 population of 1,790,000; and,
Whereas that is an increase of more than
650,000 people; and,
Whereas the present population of the city
of Markham is about 350,000 people; and,
Whereas the Region of York has indicated
that Markham will grow to a population of between 536,500 (no urban expansion)
and 541,500; and,
Whereas this is an increased population of
over 190,000 new residents over the next 25 years; and,
Whereas if this increased
population is housed in low density, ground related housing, we could see
an additional 100,000 plus automobiles on our streets; and,
Whereas Markham is the leader in York
Region in Transit Supported and Transit Dependent Development (TDD); and,
Whereas any new development proposal
adjacent to Bus and Rail Transit should develop at Transit Dependent Densities;
and,
Whereas the Unionvilla Site is served by
YRT transit today and Provincial and Regional initiatives will improve the
service in the future if the densities exist to support additional transit; and,
Whereas the proposed Unionvilla
development of additional townhouses and stacked townhouses just adds to low
density on a major transit supportive route and a potential Smart Track rail
transit stop at Highway 7; and,
Whereas these lands have always functioned
as a seniors style campus, adjacent to walk-able Main Street Unionville, with
low auto usage and “Life Stages and Aging in Place Planning” so that
residents of this special area who desire to downsize can remain within the
community and stay close to their village; and,
Whereas there is a tremendous opportunity
to study lands bounded by Highway 7, Main Street Unionville, Fred Varley Drive,
and the western boundary of Unionvilla Homes Society lands, Highway 7 to
Sciberras Drive, south to Rouge Valleyland and then east to Stouffville Go
railway tracks; and,
Whereas knowing that we are faced with unprecedented growth in actual
numbers, including growth in the number of elderly residents, it is our duty to
ensure that future development is transit supportive and also supportive of
this growing segment of the population;
Now therefore be it resolved:
That staff prepare a report for council to consider how the Unionvilla
lands in the study area can be developed as an Elder Friendly Community, fully
integrated with Main Street Unionville, Highway 7, with an increase in density
so it can help to support a Smart Track enhanced transit station stop at
Highway 7 to serve this new community and the larger area.
18. IN-CAMERA MATTERS (10.0, 8.0)
That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal
Act, Development Services Committee resolve into an in-camera session to
discuss the following confidential matters:
(1) DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE IN-CAMERA
MINUTES
- June 23, 2015 (10.0)
[Section 239 (2) (c,
e, e, e)]
(2) LITIGATION OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION,
INCLUDING MATTERS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS, AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY
OR LOCAL BOARD (ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD - 27 VALLONCLIFFE ROAD - WARD 1) (8.0)
[Section 239 (2) (e)]
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
That the
Development Services Committee rise and report from the in-camera session 12:11
PM.
CARRIED
The following
in-camera items were approved by Development Services Committee as follows:
(1) DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES COMMITTEE
IN-CAMERA MINUTES
- June 23, 2015 (10.0)
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
That the
minutes of the Development Services Committee in-camera meeting, held
June 23,
2015, be confirmed.
CARRIED
(2) LITIGATION OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION,
INCLUDING MATTERS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS, AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY
OR LOCAL BOARD (ONTARIO MUNICIPAL BOARD - 27 VALLONCLIFFE ROAD - WARD 1) (8.0)
[Section 239 (2) (e)]
This item has been
forwarded to the September 28, 2015 Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services
Committee meeting adjourned at 12:11 PM.
Alternate formats for this document
are available upon request.