The Public Meeting for this date was to consider an application submitted by 4551 Elgin Mills Developments Ltd., Major Kennedy Developments Ltd., and Major Kennedy South Developments Ltd for a Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment to facilitate the creation of approximately 2,305 ground oriented dwelling units, and future mixed use and residential development blocks at 4551 Elgin Mills Road East, 10225 – 10227 Kennedy Road and 4638 Major Mackenzie Drive East (Ward 6) File: PLAN 20 113780.
The Committee Clerk advised that 541 notices were mailed on September 16, 2020, and a Public Meeting sign was posted on September 11, 2020. There were 4 written submissions received regarding this application.
Daniel Brutto, Senior Planner, North District, delivered a presentation on the development application, providing an overview of the area context, applicable policy and zoning context, outstanding issues, and next steps in the application process.
Emily Grant, Malone Given Parsons, consultant to the applicant, delivered a presentation on the development proposal, providing an overview of the area context, proposed draft plan of subdivision, and community design attributes.
Ankur Jain, resident, addressed the Committee and expressed concerns regarding potential front yard maintenance challenges for the proposed townhouses fronting Major Mackenzie Drive. Mr. Jain also inquired as to potential improvements to street lighting and road capacity on Elgin Mills Road required to facilitate the proposal. Staff advised that matters related to appropriate road infrastructure will be addressed through the ongoing Elgin Mills Road Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study and detailed design work being conducted by the City of Markham.
Safaa Botros, resident, addressed the Committee and expressed concerns with the proposal, including those related to the capacity of existing road infrastructure and potential impacts to local traffic resulting from the proposed increases in residential density. Staff advised that these matters will be addressed through the determination of appropriate development phasing and draft plan conditions linked to specific improvements to local transportation infrastructure.
The Committee discussed the following relative to the development application:
- Aligning the timing of development phasing with improvements to transportation infrastructure required to accommodate the proposed subdivision;
- Concerns regarding the proposed decked townhouses fronting Major Mackenzie Drive, including those related to the proposed unit widths and potential front yard maintenance issues;
- Consideration of mid-rise development along the frontage of Major Mackenzie Drive in place of the future high-rise and proposed townhouses;
- Feasibility of incorporating infrastructure for an automatic waste collection system as part of the community waste management plan;
- Consideration of options to facilitate the implementation of purpose built second suites;
- Exploring potential opportunities to partner with York Region on the provision of subdivision units toward affordable purpose-built rental housing;
- Providing appropriate soft landscaping and amenity space for residents of the proposed future subdivision;
- Ensuring appropriate community stormwater management solutions to mitigate potential flood risks to existing neighbouring properties;
- Avoiding the use of retaining walls along arterial roads, where feasible;
- Phasing development of the north block with the development of intervening lands to the south and ensuring the appropriate timing of parks delivery;
- Exploring opportunities to further reduce backlotting onto the greenway system and to maximize public access to parks and green space;
- Ensuring appropriate connectivity between the proposed subdivision, future neighbouring subdivisions, and greenway system through the trail network;
- Expectation that the greenway lands be conveyed to the City; and,
- Feasibility of relocating the stormwater management facilities proposed along Major Mackenzie Drive to achieve built form consistency and/or active public space.