MINUTES

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE

2007-10-09

All Members of Council

Development Services                                                                 Economic Development

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

Vice-Chair:      Councillor J. Webster                                                                             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. Jones Regional Councillor J. Heath Regional Councillor T. Wong Regional Councillor G. Landon Councillor V. Burke Councillor E. Shapero Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor C. Moretti Councillor J. Webster Councillor D. Horchik Councillor L. Kanapathi Councillor A. Chiu

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services A. Brown, Director of Engineering C. Conrad, Town Solicitor B. Cribbett, Treasurer T. Lambe, Manager, Policy and Research V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design C. Raynor, Committee Clerk

 

The Development Services Committee convened at the hour of 9:05 a.m. in the Canada Room with Deputy Mayor J. Jones in the Chair.  

 

 

 

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

None disclosed

 

 

1.         MAKE IT HAPPEN TASK FORCE (10.0)

            Presentation  Report  Attachment

 

Councillor D. Horchik thanked staff, the development industry representatives and Council members of the Make it Happen Task Force for their work over the summer.

 

 

Mr. J. Baird, Commissioner, Development Services, presented the findings and recommendations from each of the Task Force’s six working groups which tackled Timelines for Approvals and Reporting of KPIs; Communications, Client Support and Team Building; Streamlining of the Legal Agreement Process; Letters of Credit; Development Application Software/Automating User Interface; and, Complete Application Submission and Pre-Consultation Requirements.

 

Committee was advised that the findings will be presented to the Developers’ Roundtable on October 25, 2007, following which a detailed report will be forthcoming to Development Services Committee. It was suggested that industry representatives also be invited to a future Part A session in order to ensure that their comments have been recognized. It was also suggested that a demonstration of the capabilities of the AMANDA 5 software application be held.

 

Moved by Councillor D. Horchik

Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu

 

That the presentation from Mr. J. Baird and Councillor D. Horchik regarding the Make it Happen Task Force be received.

CARRIED

 

 

2.         GROWTH PLAN FOR THE
GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE (10.0)

            Presentation

 

Ms. H. Evans, Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal, presented information relating to the provincial Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Committee was advised of key policies such as liveable communities, intensification targets and the protection of employment areas. Complementary provincial initiatives such as Planning Act reforms and Greenbelt and Brownfield reform were also discussed.

 

There was detailed discussion regarding Cornell Centre and whether or not it will be included within Markham’s built boundary or considered as an urban growth centre. Committee suggested that it will be harder to meet intensification targets if parts of Cornell Centre are excluded.

 

It was noted that the province may need to develop better indicators for intensification beyond the 40% intensification target. There was brief discussion surrounding the review and amendment process for the Plan.

 

Committee noted the importance of transit in relation to intensification and suggested that the province assist in ensuring decisions of the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority are based on servicing intensification requirements. Ms. Evans advised that a suggestion to convene a group to help municipalities with issues related to the Growth Plan will be part of an information package to the new Minister.

 

 

The Committee suggested that redevelopment of the urban area should be encouraged before expansion into the whitebelt. The Committee also noted that details on the preservation of built heritage are lacking from the Plan.

 

Moved by Councillor A. Chiu

Seconded by Councillor V. Burke

 

That the presentation from H. Evans and B. Westfall, Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal, regarding the province’s Places to Grow initiative, be received

CARRIED

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Development Services Committee meeting adjourned at the hour of 11:05 a.m.