MINUTES

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

2008-03-25 - 9:00 a.m.

All Members of Council

Development Services                                                                 Economic Development

Chair:              Councillor J. Webster                                                                             Chair:              Regional Councillor T. Wong

Vice-Chair:      Councillor D. Horchik                                                                            Transportation Issues

                                                                                                                                        Chair:          Regional Councillor G. Landon

 

 

PART A

Presentations, Major Studies, and Issues Agenda

9:00 a.m. – Canada Room

 

Attendance

Deputy Mayor J. Heath Regional Councillor J. Jones Regional Councillor T. Wong Regional Councillor G. Landon Councillor V. Burke Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor C. Moretti Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik Councillor L. Kanapathi   Regrets Mayor F. Scarpitti Councillor E. Shapero Councillor A. Chiu

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services R. Blake, Manager, West District C. Conrad, Town Solicitor L. Duoba, Project Coordinator T. Lambe, Manager, Policy and Research V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design J. Bosomworth, Manager Strategy and Innovation A. Tari, Committee Clerk

 

 

 

The Development Services Committee convened at the hour of 9:00 AM in the Canada Room with Councillor J. Webster in the Chair.  

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST - None disclosed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.         DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- March 4, 2008, Part A (10.0)

            Minutes  

 

Moved by Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

 

That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting, Part A, held March 4, 2008, be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

 

2.         IN CAMERA ITEM (10.0)

 

Moved by Regional Councillor G. Landon

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

 

That Development Services Committee resolve into an in camera session to discuss the following confidential matters (9:02 AM):

 

 

(1)   OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT 140

(2)   LITIGATION MATTER REGARDING COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT DECISION

 

Moved by Councillor V. Burke

Seconded by Councillor L. Kanapathi

 

That the Committee rise (9:30 AM)

CARRIED

 

 

 

3.         MAKE IT HAPPEN TASK FORCE (10.0)

            Presentation

 

Jamie Bosomworth, Manager Strategy and Innovation, delivered a PowerPoint presentation providing an update regarding the Make It Happen Task Force.

 

The Committee received a sample of “Site Plan Approval Process” and “Draft Plan of Subdivision Approval Process” brochures that will be used at the Development Services counter primarily to assist smaller developers.

 

Staff advised that the Region of York is reluctant to give up any of their jurisdiction with respect to site plans at this time.  Staff advised they are meeting again with representatives of the Region to further discuss the matter.

 

 

Moved by Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by Councillor D. Horchik

 

That the presentation by staff regarding the Make It Happen Task Force, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

4.         WOODBINE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE
            CORPORATION & WOODBINE INTERNATIONAL HOTEL (10.0)

            Presentation

 

Ron Blake, Manager, West District, provided a brief presentation on the planning context of the proposed Woodbine International Centre.

 

Mr. Peter Smith, Bousfields Inc., also provided a brief contextual introduction regarding the proposed Woodbine International Centre.

 

Mr. Sol Wassermuhl, Page & Steele Inc., delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the proposed Woodbine International Centre advising the project will be striving for LEED certification.  He also advised the proposal will include a hotel, conference facility that can accommodate up to 1500 people, retail, winter garden, roof garden approximately 3.5 acres, and below grade parking.

 

In response to a question, staff advised that the proposed hotel would be more compatible and supportive of this proposal than residential uses.  The Committee suggested the applicant work together with staff on various issues, including bird friendly guidelines for the buildings, light pollution mitigation and pedestrian access for residents in the abutting neighborhoods.

 

 Mr. Dave Richardson, MMM Group, delivered a PowerPoint presentation outlining the site’s transportation demand management, generated traffic and traffic conditions.

 

The Committee suggested that the traffic presentation be amended to indicate that Markland Street has been completed.  The Committee also requested Mr. Richardson clarify with the Region of York the status of the EA’s for both 16^th Avenue and Woodbine Avenue prior to presenting this to the Community Information meeting.

 

The Committee discussed the level of demand for larger conference centres in Markham and suggested the applicant consider including break-out rooms within the facility.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moved by Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by Councillor C. Moretti

 

That the presentation by staff, Mr. Peter Smith, Bousfields Inc., Mr. Sol Wassermuhl, Page & Steele Inc. and  Mr. Dave Richardson, MMM Group regarding the Woodbine International Centre Corporation and Woodbine International Hotel, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at the hour of 11:20 AM.