APRIL 28, 2009 - 9:00 a.m.

MINUTES

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

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

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

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services M. Boyce, Senior Policy Coordinator A. Brown, Director of Engineering C. Conrad, Town Solicitor B. Karumanchery, Senior Development Manager V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design D. Miller, Sr. Project Coordinator G. Dick, Chief Fire Prevention Officer B. Wiles, Manager, By-law Enforcement & Licensing D. Flaherty, Manager, Strategic Communications A. Tari, Committee Clerk

 

The Development Services Committee convened 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
            - April 14, 2009, Part A (10.0)

            Minutes

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

 

That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting, Part A, held April 14, 2009, be confirmed.

CARRIED

 

 

 

2.         16^TH AVENUE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
            DONALD COUSENS PARKWAY TO
            YORK-DURHAM LINE
            (5.10)

 

Mr. Alan Brown, Director of Engineering advised the Committee that the Region has completed an Environmental Assessment (EA) for a section of 16^th Avenue (from Donald Cousens Parkway to York-Durham Line separated from the main Class EA for 16^th Avenue from Yonge to YDL) primarily for safety and operational purposes.  He also advised that there will be a formal staff report to the Development Services Committee prior to the summer recess regarding this matter.

 

Ms. Cynthia Martin, Project Manager, Region of York, delivered a PowerPoint presentation with respect to the 16^th Avenue EA from Donald Cousens Parkway to York-Durham Line. 

 

There was discussion regarding the urban nature of the proposed 4-way intersection with turning lanes at 16^th Avenue and Reesor Road.  Issues involved the appropriate level of road improvements having regard for Rouge Park context and the need to maintain rural character of the area; the need to accommodate increasing traffic in the area; and safety considerations.  Ms. Martin confirmed that the wild life can pass under the proposed bridge structure and that it will be set higher than the current bridge.  Staff advised that they will work through the details of that intersection with the Region of York.  The Committee suggested that the following be considered during those discussions:

• Need to make that intersection safe
• Look at option of 4-way stop
• The need for proper turning movements
• Ensure that the details of the design, including landscaping, fit in to the area (acknowledgment of the park context)

 

Staff advised that they will be submitting a letter with today’s comments and/or suggestions prior to the May 4, 2009 deadline.  

 

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

 

That the presentation provided by Ms. Cynthia Martin, Project Manager, Region of York regarding 16^th Avenue Environmental Assessment Donald Cousens Parkway to York-Durham Line, be received.

CARRIED

 

 

 

3.         EXTENDED DRIVEWAYS ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
            APRIL 2007 - APRIL 2009
            (10.0)

            Presentation 

 

Mr. Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services advised the Committee that from a staff point of view the enforcement program has been very effective.

 

Mr. Bill Wiles, Manager, Enforcement and Licensing, delivered a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Extended Driveway enforcement program.  

 

There was discussion regarding the incentive rebate program for minor variance applications.  Mr. Wiles confirmed that to date Council has approved rebate for applications pertaining to existing construction only. 

 

Mr. Dave Miller, Sr. Project Coordinator, addressed the Committee to summarize the Extended Driveway By-law and further explained the driveway regulations.

 

The Committee discussed enforcement practices.  The enforcement program has been effective in achieving compliance with where vehicles may park on site.  Only “worst offenders” (parking area exceeds 80% of front yard) have been required to remove hard surfaces.

 

Mr. Francois Wong, 292 Ridgecrest Road, addressed the Committee regarding the Extended Driveway By-law suggesting that there is a flaw in the regulations because the By-law does not consider the depth of the driveway (from the stairs of the house to the sidewalk). Mr. Wong would like to extend his driveway by three feet to enable him to park his van diagonally in his front yard, because the distance from his front door to the sidewalk is not sufficient space to fit his van on the driveway perpendicular to the sidewalk.

 

Staff advised that this scenario was considered by the Extended Driveway Committee and that they did not want a By-law that allows citizens to park diagonally.  Staff advised that there is a report on the May 5, 2009 Development Services Committee agenda that outlines options and includes sketches.  The Committee suggested that at the May 5, 2009 Development Services Committee meeting, staff provide photographs depicting the scenario at Mr. Wong’s place front yard.

 

Moved by Councillor C. Moretti

Seconded by Councillor V. Burke     

 

That the presentation provided by Mr. Bill Wiles, Manager, Enforcement and Licensing regarding Extended Driveways Enforcement Program April 2007 - April 2009, be received.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

4.         MARKHAM'S PROPOSED POLICY
            FOR SECOND SUITES
            (10.0)

            Presentation 

 

There was a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation regarding Markham’s Proposed Policy for Second Suites by: Mr. Murray Boyce, Senior Policy Coordinator; Mr. Glenn Dick, Chief Fire Prevention Officer; Mr. Dave Miller, Sr. Project Coordinator; Mr. Bill Wiles, Manager, By-law Enforcement & Licensing and Mr. Dennis Flaherty, Manager, Strategic Communications.

 

The Committee discussed some of the benefits associated with legalizing second suites such as:

• Ensuring that the suite meets all required fire (life safety), building and housing standards
• Clear regulations and accountability
• Increasing the affordable rental stock
• Supplementing income
• Providing a sense of security, particularly for seniors

 

The Committee inquired if second suites could be permitted in sections of the Town rather than Town wide.  Staff advised that it would have to be tied into the Zoning By-laws and permitting second suites in specific areas would be a very complicated process to administer, and issues of fairness and equity would arise.  The Sub-committee of Council and staff feel that any new regulations should be consistently applied Town wide.  The Staff confirmed that it would be very difficult to regulate second suites if it is not Zoned as a permitted use. 

 

Staff indicated that the proposed Policy for Second Suites does not require additional parking spaces in order to accommodate a second suite.  The Town’s normal front yard parking restrictions would apply.  Those who wish to have second suites but have insufficient parking on site would have to seek out tenants without cars.

 

The Committee stated the following concerns if second suites are permitted:

• Potentially add to property standards issues
• Very difficult to enforce
• Will not solve the affordable housing issue
• Uncertain whether permitting the use will lead to people following the procedures

 

There was considerable discussion regarding whether to proceed with a Public Information Meeting or to refer the matter to a future Council meeting.

 

Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath

 

That the presentation provided by Mr. Murray Boyce, Senior Policy Coordinator regarding Markham's Proposed Policy for Second Suites, be received; and,

 

That no further action be taken by staff with respect to Second Suites; and further,

 

That Markham’s Proposed Policy for Second Suites be referred to the May 12, 2009 Council meeting.

 

Note:  At the May 12, 2009 Council meeting the following resolution was added.

 

1)      That the presentation provided by Mr. Murray Boyce, Senior Policy Coordinator at the April 28, 2009 Development Services Committee meeting regarding Markham's Proposed Policy for Second Suites, be received; and,

 

2)         That staff continue with the current enforcement strategy with respect to illegal second suites; and that staff take additional steps to educate Markham residents on the Town’s current regulations regarding second suites; and further,

 

3)         That no further action be taken by staff with respect to Second Suites.

 

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

There was no new business.

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at 12:50 PM.