Development Services Committee Minutes
April 1, 2014,
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Council Chamber
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
|
Councillor Alex Chiu
Regrets
|
Jim Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services
Ronji Borooah, City Architect
Murray Boyce, Senior Policy
Coordinator
Alan Brown, Director of Engineering
Stephen Chait, Director, Economic
Development
Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor
George Duncan, Senior Heritage
Planner
Lilli Duoba, Manager, Natural Heritage
Scott Heaslip, Senior Project
Coordinator
Richard Kendall, Manager, Central
District
Rino Mostacci, Director of Planning
and Urban Design
Stacia Muradali, Senior Planner
Marg Wouters, Senior Manager, Policy
& Research
Kitty Bavington, Council/Committee Coordinator
|
The Development Services
Committee convened at the hour of 9:07 AM in the Council Chamber with Regional
Councillor Jim Jones in the Chair. Councillor Alan Ho assumed the Chair for
Transportation item No. 10.
The Committee
recessed from 12:55 PM to 1:50 PM
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST – None Declared
1. SMART COMMUTE - MARKHAM/RICHMOND HILL
2014 BUSINESS PLAN (5.10)
Presentation
Alan Brown, Director of Engineering, gave a brief introduction to this
presentation.
Flo McLellan, Program Director, Smart Commute - Markham/Richmond Hill
Transportation Management Association (TMA), introduced the Smart Commute team
members in attendance, and gave a presentation on this matter. The presentation
discussed the purpose of the Smart Commute not-for-profit transportation
initiative, and provided program updates and highlights for 2013, as well as
the 2014 work plan. The City of Markham has been recognized for its accomplishments,
including achieving the Gold level in Workplace Designation. The Markham
business partners were listed and the project funding partners were recognized.
Ms. McLellan responded to questions and comments from the Committee
regarding the calculation of the kilometers saved, the key message of the benefits
to employees/employers and Economic Development benefits, opportunities in new
construction, and climate change issues.
Moved by: Councillor Don Hamilton
Seconded by: Councillor Valerie Burke
1) That the presentation
provided by Flo McLellan, Program Director, Smart Commute – Markham/Richmond Hill
Transportation Management Association (TMA) entitled “Smart Commute – Markham /
Richmond Hill 2014 Business Plan”, at the April 1, 2014 Development Services
Committee, be received; and,
2) That the funding
allowance for Smart Commute – Markham/Richmond Hill Transportation Management
Association (TMA) in the amount of $75,000, funded under the 2014 Capital
Account No. 640-101-5399-14053, be approved; and,
3) That the Regional
Municipality of York, the Town of Richmond Hill and Smart Commute – Markham/Richmond
Hill be advised accordingly; and,
4) That the Mayor and Clerk
be authorized to execute an amended Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to the
satisfaction of the CAO and City Solicitor; and,
5) That staff be authorized
to issue a purchase to Smart Commute – Markham/Richmond Hill in the amount of
$75,000; and further,
6) That staff be authorized
and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
2. DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- March 18, 2014 (10.0)
Minutes
Moved by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
Seconded by: Councillor Don Hamilton
That the
minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting held March 18, 2014, be
confirmed.
CARRIED
3. HERITAGE
MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES
- March 19, 2014 (16.11)
Minutes
Moved by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
Seconded by: Councillor Don Hamilton
That the minutes of the
Heritage Markham Committee meeting held March 19, 2014, be received for
information purposes.
CARRIED
4. REQUEST FOR DEMOLITION
– DETACHED ONE STOREY ACCESSORY
BUILDING/GARAGE
118 MAIN STREET, UNIONVILLE
(16.11.3)
Report
Moved by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
Seconded by: Councillor Don Hamilton
1) That the staff report entitled “Request for Demolition
–Detached One Storey Accessory Building/Garage,
118 Main Street Unionville”, dated April 1, 2014, be received; and,
2) That Council endorse the demolition of the non heritage
accessory building/garage at 118 Main Street within the Unionville Heritage
Conservation District; and further,
3) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
5. SIGN VARIANCE FOR
SCOTIABANK THORNHILL BRANCH
BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
7681 YONGE STREET
THORNHILL HERITAGE
CONSERVATION DISTRICT
(FILE NO. 14 111385 SP) (2.16)
Report
The Committee indicated support for the proposal and requested
goose-neck style lighting be used.
Nathan Dart of Pride Signs Limited, representing the applicant, agreed
to the request for goose-neck lighting.
Moved by: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
Seconded by: Councillor Don Hamilton
1)
That the deputation by Nathan
Dart of Pride Signs Limited, regarding the Sign variance for Scotiabank
Thornhill Branch, be received; and,
2) That the staff report titled “Sign Variance for Scotiabank
Thornhill Branch, Bank of Nova Scotia, 7681 Yonge Street, Thornhill Heritage
Conservation District” dated April 1, 2014, be received; and,
3) That the application for a sign variance (14 111385 SP) be
approved; and,
4) That the external lighting of all signs be downward-directed
in goose-neck style, to comply with
Markham’s dark sky friendly direction; and further,
5) That staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
6. APPLICATION FOR DEMOLITION OF BUILDING
AND
INTENTION TO DESIGNATE A
PROPERTY UNDER PART IV
OF THE ONTARIO HERITAGE ACT
CARL REESOR JAMES
HOUSE
8127 BAYVIEW AVENUE
(FILE NO. 14 109569 DP)
(16.11.3)
Report
Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services gave a brief overview of
this matter and explained the recommendations of Heritage Markham.
The Committee supported preserving the building for a tenant, and
discussed the structural integrity of the building, the potential cost of repairs,
the current use of the property, and potential uses. The Committee directed
that the letter from the City of Toronto be forwarded to the Toronto Heritage
Committee for information purposes.
Moved by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
Seconded by: Councillor Howard Shore
1) That the staff report titled “Request for Demolition of
Building and Intention to Designate a Property under the Ontario
Heritage Act, Carl Reesor James House, 8127 Bayview Avenue” dated
April 1, 2014, be received; and,
2) That as recommended by Heritage Markham, the Carl Reesor
James House – 8127 Bayview Avenue, be approved for designation under Part IV of
the Ontario Heritage Act as a property of
cultural heritage value or interest; and,
3) 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,
4) 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,
5) 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,
6) That the application to demolish the Carl Reesor James House
be denied; and,
7) That the City of Toronto be requested to re-tenant the
building, and be encouraged to work with North Toronto Cat Rescue as a
potential user for the building; and,
8) That
the letter from the City of Toronto dated March 3, 2014, be forwarded to the Toronto
Heritage Committee for information purposes, and further,
9) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
7. PRELIMINARY REPORT
MARKHAM CENTRE DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION
SOUTH-WEST CORNER OF
ENTERPRISE BOULEVARD
AND RIVIS ROAD APPLICATIONS
FOR OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT
AND REZONING TO PERMIT A
MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT
(FILES: OP 14 108661 AND ZA 14
108661) (10.3, 10.5)
Report
Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development
Services, introduced this matter and discussed the property location in
relation to the Mobility Hub, and timing options for the Public Meeting.
The Committee discussed a preference to
obtain input at the early stages, and the timing for completion of the Mobility
Hub Study, estimated to take 12 months. It was agreed that the outcome of the
Study will have an impact on this application with respect to the road pattern,
building height, etc. It was suggested that it would be helpful to know what
all the landowners in the area are proposing, in order to cohesively develop
the area with MISTA and transit facilities.
The Committee requested that connectivity
for pedestrians and cyclists, and community parking opportunities be addressed
for the Public Meeting.
Kate Cooper of Bousfields Inc.,
representing Markham Centre Development Corporation, gave a Powerpoint
presentation on the mixed-use proposal, advising that the original application
was submitted in 2007. The applicants are seeking general approval regarding
maximum units, building height, etc., with holding provisions until completion
of the Mobility Hub Study. Ms. Cooper requested the application proceed to a
Public Meeting at this time.
Sol Wassermuhl of Page + Steele/IBI Group, displayed a context plan, the proposed
road pattern, and conceptual site plans and elevations, and responded
to questions. A transportation
consultant was also in attendance to answer any questions.
The grading, parking,
Development Charges, and provision of infrastructure were also discussed. Markham
staff are working with the TRCA on the treatment of Tributary 5. The City Solicitor responded to questions
regarding timing requirements for complete applications. The Committee debated
holding a community consultation meeting or a statutory Public Meeting at this
stage, considering the numerous issues facing this development.
Charlie Moon, the property owner/applicant
addressed the Committee with respect to the development of the Markham Centre
and the Mobility Hub. A consultant with MMM Group, representing the applicant,
provided assurances on working cooperatively on the Mobility Hub; the provision
of cycling and pedestrian connections; and LEED certification of the
development.
The Committee directed that the
application proceed to a statutory Public Meeting at the first Public Meeting
in May, 2014, and noted that the Ward Councillor may wish to hold a separate
community consultation meeting.
Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Seconded by: Councillor Don Hamilton
1) That the report dated April 1, 2014 titled “Preliminary Report, Markham Centre Development Corporation,
South-west corner of Enterprise Boulevard and Rivis Road, Applications for Official Plan Amendment and
rezoning to permit a mixed-use development,” be received; and,
2) That staff continue discussions with the applicant in the
context of the Markham Centre Mobility Hub Study to address the issues outlined
in the staff report; and,
3) That staff be directed to
schedule a statutory Public Meeting on May 6, 2014, to consider the
applications; and further,
4) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
8. RECOMMENDATION REPORT
ARBOR MEMORIAL INC.
(FORMERLY MEMORIAL GARDENS
CANADA LIMITED)
OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT
APPLICATION FOR A
CHANGE IN LAND USE TO PERMIT A
CEMETERY
FUNERAL HOME AND ACCESSORY
USES AT 6278 19TH AVENUE
(FILE NO: OP 07 134061) (10.3)
Report
Jim Baird,
Commissioner of Development Services gave an overview of the application for a
cemetery, funeral home, and accessory uses, and discussed the Oak Ridges
Moraine and provincial policies that impact this proposal. Markham Staff do not
support the proposal as it does not comply with regional, provincial, and
municipal policies. An application to York Region for an amendment to the
Official Plan has been denied.
Michael Larkin of
Larkin and Associates, representing Arbor Memorial Inc., gave a presentation to
provide details of the proposal, the location, current zoning, Official Plan
designation, and the supporting documentation.
Discussions included policies of the Oak Ridges Moraine and the Green
Belt Plan.
David McKennitt,
President of the Dickson Hill Hamlet and Neighbourhood Community Association,
spoke in opposition to the proposal with respect to incompatibility with the
existing residential hamlet, the potential impacts to the local well system,
and traffic concerns. Mr. McKinnett suggested the scale of the business is not
appropriate at this location. Mr. McKennitt provided a written copy of his statement.
Dave Jones, Dickson
Hill resident, spoke in opposition to the proposal with respect to the potential
impacts on the small hamlet, economically and environmentally, and suggested
that the scale of the business is not appropriate at this location.
Mary Brawley,
Dickson Hill resident, spoke in opposition to the proposal with respect to the
potential psychological impacts of frequent funeral processions and operations
within the small neighbourhood, and negative impacts to property values. Ms.
Brawley provided a written copy of her statement.
Mr. Larkin
responded to comments, advising: according to the hydrogeological report, there
would be no impact to local wells; the cemetery does not use excessive fertilizer
for the grounds; the calculation of burials-per-day is inaccurate; processions will
be minimized by having the reception center on site; a crematorium is not
proposed; there would be no negative impacts to property values; and, the
access location.
A Committee member
indicated, on behalf of the Ward Councillor, that the application was not
supported.
Moved by: Mayor
Frank Scarpitti
Seconded by: Councillor
Carolina Moretti
1)
That the deputations by David McKennitt, President
of the Dickson Hill Hamlet and Neighbourhood Community Association, Dave Jones,
and Mary Brawley, regarding the applications by Arbor Memorial Inc., and the written
submissions by David McKennitt and Mary Brawley be received; and,
2) That the report dated April 1, 2014 titled “RECOMMENDATION
REPORT, Arbor Memorial Inc. (formerly Memorial Gardens Canada Limited),
Official Plan Amendment application for a change in land use to permit a
cemetery, funeral home and accessory
uses at 6278 19th Avenue (File No: OP 07 134061)”, be received; and,
3) That the record of the Public Meeting held on May 18th,
2010 regarding the proposed Official Plan Amendment be received; and,
4) That the application submitted by Arbor Memorial Inc.
(formerly Memorial Gardens Canada Limited) to amend the City of Markham
Official Plan for a portion of 6278 19th Avenue, be refused; and
further,
5) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
9. CITY OF MARKHAM OFFICIAL PLAN 2013
– PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS (10.0)
Report
The Committee received additional correspondence.
Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services advised
of proposed modifications to the Markham Official Plan, outlined in the
Appendix A to the staff report. The modifications will be forwarded to the Region
for consideration in the approval of Markham’s new Official Plan.
Staff reviewed each of the 18 proposed modifications
and responded to questions.
1.
Markham Airport (10953 Highway 48)
-
The site specific policy
restricting the airport use is proposed to be removed as the City has no
authority to restrict the airport operations.
The policies now recognize the airport without implying either
restrictions or Council support. The
Airport is in agreement. The Committee discussed the future development of the
airport and federal jurisdiction. Further information was requested on options
to protect the City’s interests by ensuring notification from Transport Canada
of any changes to the airport, and delineation of the lands subject to federal
regulation.
2.
Future Employment Area Lands in
Cornell Centre
-
Adds language to clarify the type
of employment designations to be applied to these lands and removes the need
for a sub-watershed study. Committee
discussed the proximity of the lands to the Rouge National Urban Park and the
potential need for non-employment uses on the lands east of Reesor Road to
serve the Park.
3.
Vegetation Protection Zones
-
Clarifies buffer requirements and
adds a site specific policy to bring forward buffer policies in certain OPA 5
Secondary Plans
4.
Permitted Uses in Countryside
-
Clarifies countryside uses
permitted in the Greenway designation
5.
Site-Specific Policy for 100 Steelcase
Road
-
Reflects existing permitted uses.
Discussions involved the definition of a “private club”
6.
Site-Specific Policy for 245
Renfrew Drive
-
Removes restrictions on the
permitted private school. Committee
discussed adding a permission for a place of worship accessory to the private
school to recognize a previous Committee of Adjustment decision, as requested
in correspondence by Ben Quan of QX4 Investments. Committee agreed with the staff suggestion
that specific reference to the Committee of Adjustment (as proposed in the
correspondence) not be included in any revised wording.
7.
Site-Specific Policy for 8651
McCowan Road
-
Recognizes the existing RONA
building
8.
Land Use at 2801 John Street
-
Recognizes a ‘Service
Employment’ designation is appropriate given the unique site specific context
of the lands
9.
Leitchcroft
- Corrects
the maximum dwelling units from 2,920 to 3,050
10. Greenway
System and Greenway boundary refinements
- Corrections
to delete a man-made irrigation pond in Mandarin Golf Course, and a portion of
a surplus school site in the Villages of Fairtree West, from the Greenway
System
11. Road
Network
- Clarifies
the Special Transportation Study Area notation on Map 10
12. Digram
Developments
- As
directed by Council
13. Upper
Unionville (OPA No. 213)
- As
directed by Council
14. Unionville Core Area Secondary Plan amendment
- As directed by Council
15. Cornell Rouge Developments
- As directed by Council
16. Mahamevna Bhavana Asapuwa Toronto
- As
directed by Council
17. TRCA Headwater Drainage Features
- As
directed by Council
18. Phasing in the north Markham Future Urban Area
- As
directed by Council
Catherine Lyons of Goodman’s LLP, representing
Minotar, reviewed the previous December 3, 2013 direction of Council regarding
endorsement of revisions to Greenbelt mapping on Map 7, and requested that Map
7 be corrected with respect to all of the parcels held by Minotar, to reflect
the map submitted on December 3, 2013.
The Committee directed that:
- the
requested revisions to Map 7, with respect to all of the parcels held by
Minotar, be endorsed
- that
modification # 6 include a place of worship as an accessory use to the private
school without linking the permission to a Committee of Adjustment decision
- that
modification # 1 be deferred to Council or Development Services Committee for
further information from staff with respect to ensuring notification from
Transport Canada of any changes to the airport, and delineation of the lands
subject to federal regulation.
Moved by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
Seconded by: Councillor Howard Shore
1) That the deputation by
Catherine Lyons of Goodman’s LLP, representing Minotar, regarding the City of
Markham Official Plan 2013 – Proposed Modifications, be received; and
2) That the written
submissions from Eileen Costello of Aird & Berlis, representing Enbridge
Gas Distribution Inc., Annik Forristal of McMillan, representing York Region
Condominium Corporation No. 890, John
Mascarin of Aird & Berlis, on behalf of Markham Airport, Maria Gatzios of
Gatzios Planning, on behalf of the Berczy Glen Landowners Group, and Ben Quan
of QX4 Investments, on behalf of Peoples Christian Academy, regarding the City
of Markham Official Plan 2013 – Proposed Modifications, be received; and
3) That the report entitled “City of Markham Official Plan 2013
– Proposed Modifications” dated April 1, 2014, be received; and,
4) That the proposed modifications to the Council adopted
Official Plan 2013, as outlined in Appendix ‘A’ of the report entitled “City
of Markham Official Plan 2013 – Proposed
Modifications” dated April 1, 2014, be adopted as further
modified:
a) Modification # 6 include a place of worship
as an accessory use to the private school;
b) Modification # 1 be deferred to Council or
Development Services Committee for further information from staff; and,
5) That Map 7 of the Council adopted Official Plan
2013 be corrected to reflect the map submitted by Catherine Lyons on behalf of
Minotar on December 3, 2013; and,
6) That the proposed modifications to the Council adopted
Official Plan 2013, as recommended in the report entitled “City of
Markham Official Plan 2013 – Proposed
Modifications” dated April 1, 2014, as amended, along with the corrected Map 7, be forwarded to the Region
of York for consideration in the approval of Markham’s new Official Plan; and,
7) That the correspondence identified in Appendix ‘B’ of the
report entitled “City of Markham Official Plan 2013 – Proposed
Modifications” dated April 1, 2014, be received; and further,
8) That staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
10. STOUFFVILLE CORRIDOR RAIL SERVICE
EXPANSION ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT (EA)
PROJECT REPORT (5.0)
Report
Alan Brown, Director of Engineering, provided a
summary of the Stouffville Corridor Rail Service Expansion Environmental
Assessment (EA) Project Report and responded to questions from the Committee
regarding P3 funding, and the best approach to expand the scope of the EA.
Staff were requested to include the Minister of Infrastructure in the distribution
of correspondence, and that the report and appendices be included.
Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Seconded by: Regional Councillor Jim Jones
1) That the April 1, 2014 report
entitled “Stouffville Corridor Rail Service Expansion Environmental Assessment
(EA) Project Report”, be received; and,
2) That GO Transit’s Environmental Project Report for the
enhanced GO Service on the Stouffville line be endorsed; and,
3) That Metrolinx be requested to commit to funding service
improvements on the Stouffville line in 2014/2015; and,
4) That GO Transit be requested to establish a joint working
group with Metrolinx, City of Markham, Region of York, City of Toronto and
other stakeholders to undertake the following;
·
Establish the ultimate transit
service improvements of the entire corridor;
·
Confirm the implementation plan
for ultimate service improvement requirements;
·
Review electrification of the
corridor including the potential for additional stations;
·
Review anti-whistling requirements
for the Hwy 7 to Major Mackenzie Drive section;
·
Review
Public Private Partnership (P3) opportunities, including but not limited to the
Canada Line in Vancouver; and,
5) That Hon. Glen Murray,
Minister, Ministry of Infrastructure, Robert Prichard, Chair of
Metrolinx, Greg Percy, President, GO Transit, Jim Bradley, Minister of the
Environment, Bill Fisch, Regional Chair, and John Livey, Deputy City Manager
Toronto, be advised accordingly and be
forwarded the Staff Report and Appendices dated April 1, 2014; and,
6) That Mayor Frank
Scarpitti, on behalf of Council, write to Hon. Glen Murray, Minister, Ministry
of Infrastructure, and Metrolinx, reinforcing the resolution of Markham Council
dated September 17, 2013, with respect to establishing the working group and
resolving Markham’s outstanding issues; and further,
7) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
11. NEW BUSINESS
SIGNS FOR T&T PROPERTY
(10.0)
A Committee member discussed issues at the T& T property at Kennedy
Road in south Unionville, relating to window signs, pylon signs, and a bus
stop. The Commissioner of Development Services will refer these matters to
appropriate staff.
12. NEW BUSINESS
YORK UNIVERSITY EXPANSION
(10.0)
The Committee requested an update on the expansion of York University
into York Region. Staff advised that a report will be coming forward shortly.
ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services
Committee meeting adjourned at 3:50 PM.
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