Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services, introduced the item and provided members of Development Services Committee with an overview of the staff report.
Darryl Lyons, Manager, Policy, delivered a presentation on the draft MTSAs identified in Markham as well as staff's recommended revisions to the proposed mapping and minimum density targets provided by York Region. Key objectives and Council priorities reflected in staff's comments to York Region were noted.
The Committee reviewed the proposed mapping for each of the draft MTSAs in detail and discussed the following relative to the staff report:
- Ensuring appropriate transitioning and mitigating potential impacts of intensification in MTSAs on adjacent stable residential neighbourhoods and road networks, including those surrounding McCowan BRT Station and Mount Joy GO Station;
- Seeking information and clarification from York Region on plans for the extension of transit infrastructure along the Highway 7 Rapidway corridor from Town Centre Boulevard to Cornell;
- Continued consideration of appropriate development and transportation planning for MTSAs located within or adjacent to Markham Centre through the Markham Centre Secondary Plan Update;
- Ensuring appropriate planning in areas adjacent to designated MTSAs;
- Establishing appropriate pedestrian and cycling connections throughout Markham Centre with the Unionville GO Station;
- Ensuring an appropriate location for the Enterprise BRT Station relative to community facilities and amenities;
- Potential timelines for implementation of transit initiatives in Cornell; and,
- Continuing to explore opportunities to secure an MTSA at Denison Street.
In addition, the Committee discussed and requested that staff report back to Development Services Committee with a memo providing further information on the following matters:
- Potential impact of the Province's recently announced Proposed Amendment 1 to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe on the draft MTSA mapping;
- Status and potential impact of Metrolinx's proposed changes to the Yonge North Subway Extension alignment on the proposed Longbridge / Langstaff Subway Station MTSA;
- Implications of applying an expanded radius of 800 metres on certain draft MTSA boundaries;
- Exploring the feasibility and appropriateness of additional MTSAs such as John Street and Centennial GO Station;
- Potential relocation and / or expansion of the proposed centre point for the Milliken GO Station MTSA north of Steeles Avenue; and,
- Potential relocation and / or expansion of the proposed centre point for the Unionville GO Station MTSA further south to capture lands abutting the future Highway 407 Transitway.
It was also requested that staff provide Development Services Committee with an update on the existing road conditions and future road network in Markham Centre at a future meeting.