Development Services Committee Minutes
June 2, 2015, 9:00
AM to 3:00 PM
Council Chamber
All
Members of Council
Development
Services Economic
Development
Chair: Regional Councillor Jim
Jones Chair: Councillor Alex Chiu
Vice-Chair: Councillor Don Hamilton Vice-Chair:
Councillor Alan Ho
Transportation Issues
Chair: Regional Councillor Joe Li
Vice-Chair: Regional Councillor Nirmala
Armstrong
Attendance
Councillor Alex Chiu
Regrets
|
Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative
Officer
Jim Baird, Commissioner of
Development Services
Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of
Community and Fire Services
Ronji Borooah, City Architect
Alan Brown, Director of Engineering
Sally
Campbell, Acting Manager, East District
Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor
Biju Karumanchery, Acting Director
of Planning and Urban Design
Richard Kendall, Manager, Central
District
Brian Lee, Deputy Director of
Engineering
Kevin Ross, Manager, Development
Finance
Bill Snowball, Fire Chief
Sara Tam, Manager, Business Planning
and Innovation
Tom Villella, Manager, Zoning and
Special Projects
Kitty Bavington, Council/Committee Coordinator
|
The Development Services
Committee convened at the hour of 9:06 a.m. in the Council Chamber with Regional
Councillor Jim Jones in the Chair. Regional Councillor Joe Li assumed the Chair for
Transportation item, No. 2.
The Committee recessed from 1:15 to 2:05 p.m.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest
Councillor Valerie Burke disclosed an interest with respect to Item #
8, Thornhill Revitalization, by nature of having a family business in the area,
and did not take part in the discussion of or vote on the question of the
approval of this matter.
1. MARKHAM
FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES
CADET PROGRAM (12.2.6)
The Markham Fire & Emergency Services CADET Program has focused its
public education efforts on meeting the needs of our very diverse community. One of the areas of diversity that often gets
forgotten are those with developmental delays. This program was created to give individuals
who would not be able to be hired as a firefighter the chance to experience all
aspects and roles within the fire service.
Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services,
Brenda Librecz and Fire Chief, Bill Snowball presented plaques to the following
recipients:
Jordan Lyn-Whittaker
Tarique Walker
Douglas Tam
2. HIGHWAY 7
TOWN CENTRE BLVD. TO SCIBERRAS
ROAD
HYDRO UNDERGROUNDING (5.10)
Presentation
This matter was deferred
from the May 19, 2015, Development Services Committee meeting.
Alan Brown, Director of Engineering, gave a presentation on hydro
undergrounding, providing background on the discussions since 2012, and
information on key issues: technical, costs, funding, and schedule. The total
updated cost is estimated at $19.4m. Funding options include PowerStream, the
tax base, Section 37, Development Charges, gas tax, developer funding, and
joint funding. The Highway 7 reconstruction could be delayed for a minimum of
two years if undergrounding proceeds. Staff recommend not proceeding with Hydro
undergrounding on Highway 7.
The Committee discussed developer responsibilities, future
opportunities, and the benefits of undergrounding hydro lines such as safety
factors and the recent ice storm. It was suggested that Powerstream be
approached regarding the aesthetic impact of the hydro poles being used.
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Councillor Amanda Collucci
1) That the May 19, 2015 presentation
entitled “Highway 7, Town Centre Blvd. to Sciberras Road Hydro Undergrounding,”
be received; and,
2) That hydro undergrounding on Highway 7
(Town Centre Blvd. to Sciberras Road) not proceed; and,
3) That the Region of York be requested to
proceed with the reconstruction of Highway 7; and further,
4) That PowerStream and Region be
requested to ensure all future hydro and utility service connections for
development north and south of Highway 7 be undergrounded and any
transformers/switchgears be on private property.
CARRIED
3. BILL 73 - SMART GROWTH
FOR OUR COMMUNITIES ACT, 2015
(10.0)
Presentation
This matter was deferred
from the May 19, 2015, Development Services Committee meeting.
The presentation on Bill
73 – Smart Growth for our Communities Act, 2015, relates to agenda item # 7,
the staff report entitled “Bill 73 – Smart Growth For Our Communities Act,
Proposed Amendments to the Development Charges Act, 1997 and the Planning Act”.
Tom Villella gave a presentation regarding proposed
reforms to Land Use Planning legislation. Following consultation throughout
Ontario by the provincial government, the intention of the reforms is to ensure
that the Planning process is transparent, cost effective, and responsive to the
needs of communities. Mr. Villella reviewed specific key proposals and the
staff recommendations for each: moratoriums on certain development
applications; limitations on appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board;
requirements for public consultation; parkland dedication; and additional Bill
73 changes.
Kevin Ross gave a presentation regarding proposed
reforms to Development Charges legislation.
Mr. Ross reviewed
specific key proposals and the staff recommendations for each: expansion
of services eligible for DCs; increased emphasis on area-specific DCs;
developments requiring multiple Building Permits; service level calculation;
transit recovery; requirement to adopt an Asset Management Plan; voluntary
payments; improved reporting requirements; and other issues not addressed by
Bill 73.
Staff responded to questions from the Committee
regarding construction indexing of Development Charges; minor variances; and moratoriums
on development applications. The Committee directed that the following
statement for recommendation 5.b) regarding prescribed criteria for minor variances,
be amended as follows: “….“minor” cannot be
determined solely through mathematical means, since, for example, a 10% variance may be inappropriate in certain circumstances
but perfectly acceptable in others.”
Next steps were reviewed. Staff will submit comments
to the Province, and will report back to the Committee as updates are available
on Bill 73. Staff will also report back on the Parkland Dedication By-law
review.
Moved by: Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong
Seconded by: Councillor Valerie Burke
That the
presentation provided by Tom Villella, Manager, Zoning & Special Projects
and Kevin
Ross, Manager,
Development Finance entitled "Bill 73 - Smart Growth for our Communities
Act, 2015",
be received.
CARRIED
4. DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
- May 19, 2015 (10.0)
Minutes
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
That the
minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting held May 19, 2015, be
confirmed.
CARRIED
5. DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
- May 19, 2015 (10.0)
Minutes
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
That the
minutes of the Development Services Public Meeting held May 19, 2015, be
confirmed.
CARRIED
6. MAIN
STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE MINUTES
- April 15, 2015 (16.0)
Minutes
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
That the minutes of the Main
Street Markham Committee meeting held April 15, 2015, be received for
information purposes.
CARRIED
Report
Appendix
3 - Full copy of Bill 73 available
on-line only.
This matter was deferred
from the May 19, 2015, Development Services Committee meeting.
This report relates to agenda item # 3, the presentation entitled
"Bill 73 - Smart Growth for our Communities Act, 2015".
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
1) That the report entitled “Bill 73 – Smart Growth For Our
Communities Act, Proposed Amendments to the Development Charges Act, 1997 and
the Planning Act” be received; and,
2) That a copy of this report be forwarded to the Ministry of
Municipal Affairs and Housing and York Region, along with a covering letter
highlighting Markham’s outstanding concerns from the 2014 public consultation
process, and summarizing Markham’s comments on Bill 73; and,
3) That the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing be
requested to allow Markham to participate in any working groups formulated to
review Bill 73; and further,
4) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary
to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
8. STATUS UPDATE
THORNHILL REVITALIZATION AREA
LAND USE
INTENSIFICATION STUDY TERMS OF
REFERENCE
DISCUSSIONS WITH METROLINX,
PROJECT PR 14 126187 (10.0)
Memo
Councillor Valerie Burke disclosed an interest with respect to Item #
8, Thornhill Revitalization, by nature of having a family business in the area,
and did not take part in the discussion of or vote on the question of the
approval of this matter.
Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services discussed the Metrolinx
Rapid Express Rail (RER) project and clarified the time frame and collaborative
benefits.
Arnie Rose, area resident, suggested the regional rail
lines would not be available for community service in the near future, and
requested enforcement of the Zoning and Property Standards By-laws.
Brian Gordon, area resident, questioned the status of
the Thornhill Revitalization Working Group and endorsed enforcement of Zoning
and Property Standards By-laws. Mr. Gordon suggested the time line for the
Metrolinx initiative is lengthy, and did not support the staff recommendation.
Susan Eaton, area business owner, stated that the business
community is working with the City and By-law Enforcement to resolve issues,
and they are moving forward. Ms. Eaton suggested the Working Group is not
required.
The Committee briefly discussed the development of the
transit system and the status of the Thornhill Revitalization Working Group.
The Committee requested a memo regarding the Working Group in the fall.
Moved by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
Seconded by: Councillor Amanda Collucci
1) That the deputations by
Arnie Rose, Brian Gordon, and Susan Eaton, regarding Thornhill Revitalization,
be received; and
2) That the memorandum titled: “Thornhill Revitalization Area
Land Use Intensification Study Terms of Reference Discussions with Metrolinx,
Project PR 14 126187” be received; and further,
3) That staff continue to monitor the progress of Metrolinx’s
Regional Express Rail (RER) study and provide Development Services Committee
with further updates to the status of a potential John Street GO station on the
Richmond Hill line as key RER reports are released.
CARRIED
9. PRELIMINARY REPORT
1038715 ONTARIO LTD.
UNIONVILLE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
9286 KENNEDY ROAD
WEST SIDE OF KENNEDY ROAD,
NORTH OF 16TH AVENUE
APPLICATIONS FOR A ZONING
BY-LAW AMENDMENT
TO PERMIT A TEMPORARY PORTABLE
AND SITE PLAN
APPROVAL FOR THE PORTABLE
FILE NO.: ZA/SC 14 125142 (10.5, 10.6)
Report
Moved by: Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
1) That the report dated
June 2, 2015 entitled “PRELIMINARY REPORT, 1038715 Ontario Ltd., Unionville Montessori School, 9286
Kennedy Road, Applications for a
Zoning By-law Amendment to permit a temporary portable and site plan approval
for the portable, File No.: ZA/SC 14
125142” be received.
CARRIED
Report
On May 19, 2015,
Development Services Committee deferred consideration of the above subject
matter to the meeting this date to allow continued discussions between the
applicant and a neighbour.
John Wannop, representing Cindy Dernynck, applicant, discussed the
deferral of the application with respect to a tree permit impacting the
adjacent property, and advised that matters are ready to proceed once the
demolition is approved. Mr. Wannop confirmed that that tree will be removed
following the house demolition.
Moved by: Councillor
Colin Campbell
Seconded by: Councillor
Karen Rea
1)
That the
deputation by John Wannop, representing Cindy Dernynck, applicant, regarding the
demolition of 10 Albert Street, be received; and,
2)
That Council endorse the
demolition of the non-heritage dwelling at 10 Albert Street located within the
Markham Village Heritage Conservation District; and further,
3) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
Letter
On May 19, 2015, Development Services Committee deferred consideration
of the above subject matter to the meeting this date. A letter dated May 15,
2015 from the Region of York, was provided.
The Committee discussed
the proposed use and questioned if a works yard or storage of household
hazardous goods are appropriate uses. Staff advised that the proposed uses are
permitted under the Public Use provisions of the Zoning By-law. The proposal is
subject to approval by the City. It was suggested that the concerns being
expressed by Markham Council Members will require further discussion at Regional
Council.
Moved by: Councillor Don
Hamilton
Seconded by: Regional
Councillor Joe Li
1)
That the letter dated May 15, 2015
from Daniel Kostopoulos, Commissioner, Transportation Services, Region of York,
providing information regarding 350 Yorktech Drive be received; and,
2) That
the Region of York be advised that the City of Markham does not support the
proposed use as a works yard and for storage of household hazardous goods.
CARRIED
12. RECOMMENDATION REPORT
TRIBUTE (UNIONVILLE) LIMITED
SITE PLAN APPLICATION TO
PERMIT A
MIXED-USE,
COMMERCIAL-RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
AT 20 FRED VARLEY DRIVE
FILE NO. SC 13 109695 (10.6)
Report
Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services
provided a chronology of the development approvals for this site, and advised
that the site plan proposal meets zoning requirements as approved by the OMB.
Murray White of Tribute, and the project architect,
were in attendance representing the applicant. They gave a presentation
regarding site plan details, elevations, and landscaping. Discussions included
the underground parking and unit count.
The Committee noted that Tribute is making
improvements to the adjacent parkette and is working with the TRCA for permits.
The applicant was asked to review construction traffic via Eureka Street to
avoid pedestrians and traffic generated by the nearby school. Staff will review
the traffic issue.
Moved by: Councillor Don Hamilton
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor Jack Heath
1) That the report dated June 2, 2015 titled “RECOMMENDATION
REPORT, Tribute (Unionville) Limited, site plan application to permit a
mixed-use, commercial-residential building at 20 Fred Varley Drive,” be
received; and,
2) That the application for site plan approval (SC 13 109695)
be endorsed in principle subject to the conditions attached as Appendix ‘A’ and
Appendix ’B’; and,
3) That site plan approval be delegated to the Director of
Planning and Urban Design, or his designate, to be issued following execution
of a site plan agreement. Site plan
approval is issued only when the Director or his designate has signed the
plans; and,
4) That Council grant servicing allocation for the 113
residential units within this development; and,
5) That the City reserves the right to revoke or reallocate
servicing allocation should the development not proceed in a timely manner;
and,
6) That the Owner provide the City with the required 60%
processing fee in accordance with the City’s applicable Fee By-law; and,
7) That this endorsement shall lapse after a period of three
(3) years from the date of endorsement in the event that a site plan agreement
is not executed within that period; and,
8) That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a Section
37 Agreement with the Owner; and,
9) That Council authorize the enactment of a by-law to remove
the Hold (H) provision on the subject lands once the conditions of hold removal
have been met, including but not limited to, the execution of a site plan
agreement and execution of a Section 37 Agreement, to the satisfaction of the
Commissioner of Development Services and the City Solicitor; and further,
10) That Staff be authorized and directed to
do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
13. RECOMMENDATION REPORT
LINDVEST PROPERTIES (CORNELL)
LIMITED
SITE PLAN APPLICATION TO
PERMIT
192 STACKED TOWNHOUSE UNITS
AT 6937 HIGHWAY 7 EAST
FILE NUMBER SC 15-129363
(10.6)
Report
Councillor Colin Campbell requested deferral of this
application to the June 16, 2015, Development Services Committee meeting, to
allow the applicant and residents to resolve issues.
Moved by: Councillor Colin Campbell
Seconded by: Regional Councillor Nirmala Armstrong
1) That the report titled “Recommendation Report, Site Plan
Application to permit 192 stacked townhouse units at 6937 Highway 7 East, File
Number SC 15 129363”, be deferred to the June 16,
2015, Development Services Committee meeting.
CARRIED
14. RECOMMENDATION REPORT
2391004 ONTARIO LTD. (BELLPORT
HOMES)
OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT,
ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT
AND DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION
TO PERMIT THE
DEVELOPMENT OF 3 SINGLE
DETACHED AND 38 TOWNHOUSE
DWELLINGS AT 6845 - 6853, 6869 AND 6889 14TH AVENUE
FILES: ZA 14
137887, SU 14 137887 & OP 14 137887 (10.3, 10.5 & 10.7)
Report
Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services, provided an overview
of the proposal.
Mike Larkin of Larkin Land Use Planners, representing the applicant, gave
a presentation to review amendments to the application resulting from input at
the Public Meeting and consultation with staff. Elevations and site plan
drawings were displayed. If required, the extension of Barter Street could be
for emergency access only, using bollards to limit access.
Wendy Pan, area resident, spoke of the concerns of the residents, and
the increase of units from 35 to 38. Ms. Pan suggested the builder should
comply with existing zoning by-laws.
Max Wang, area resident, spoke of comments from the Public Meeting
regarding concerns for safety and compliance with the zoning by-laws. Mr. Wang
suggested the builder should comply with the existing by-laws.
Staff reviewed and explained the amendments to the Official Plan and
Zoning By-law, as requested by the applicant, with respect to the current and
new Official Plans, the unit count, and zoning standards. Staff recommend that
Barter Street be opened as a public street for vehicular and pedestrian connectivity
and emergency access.
The Committee discussed the concerns identified: the extension of
Barter Street, emergency access, the traffic study, the 4-way stop at 9th
Line, provision of parkland instead of cash-in-lieu, and the building count and
size.
The applicant and consultants were in attendance. A representative of
the applicant indicated they are willing to reduce the unit count by two units
backing onto Germain Crescent.
A Motion to defer this matter to the next Development Services
Committee was defeated.
Moved by: Councillor Colin Campbell
Seconded by: Councillor Amanda Collucci
1) That correspondence from Amber Burke, Wendy Pan, Ken Rahl of Legacy
Community Ratepayers Association, and Max Wang, regarding the application by
2391004 Ontario Ltd. (Bellport Homes), presented at the June 2, 2015
Development Services Committee meeting, be received; and,
2) That the deputations by Wendy Pan and Max Wang regarding the
application by 2391004 Ontario Ltd. (Bellport Homes), provided at the June 2,
2015 Development Services Committee meeting, be received; and,
3)** That the
deputations by Michael Larkin, Ricky Tsui, Yan Wang, Trish Vrotsos, Max Wang,
Wendy Pan and Amber Burke regarding the application by 2391004 Ontario Ltd.
(Bellport Homes), provided at the June 15, 2015 Council meeting, be received;
and,
4) That
the report titled “RECOMMENDATION REPORT, 2391004 Ontario Ltd. (Bellport
Homes), Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft Plan of
Subdivision to permit the development of 3 single detached and 38 townhouse
dwellings at 6845-6853, 6869 and 6889 14th Avenue, Files ZA 14
137887, SU 14 137887 & OP 14 137887”, be received; and,
5) That
the record of the Public Meetings held on March 24, 2015, regarding the
applications for approval of a Draft Plan of Subdivision, Zoning By-law
Amendment and Official Plan Amendment, be received; and,
6)** That the
Official Plan Amendment application submitted by 2391004 Ontario Ltd. (Bellport
Homes), to amend the Box Grove Secondary Plan to allow a combined net site
density of 39 units per ha (15.8 units per ac) be approved, and that the draft
Official Plan Amendment as amended by Council on June 15, 2015 attached as
Appendix ‘A’ be finalized and enacted without further notice; and,
7) That
the Official Plan Amendment application submitted by 2391004 Ontario Ltd.
(Bellport Homes), to amend the 2014 Official Plan (not yet in force) to allow
townhouses that do not front a public street be approved, and that the Official
Plan Amendment attached as Appendix ‘B’ be finalized and enacted without
further notice; and,
8)** That the
Zoning By-law Amendment application submitted by 2391004 Ontario Ltd. (Bellport
Homes), to remove the properties from the Rural Residential Zoning categories
of By-law 194-82, as amended, and incorporate them into a Residential Two (R2)
zone category under By-law 177-96, as amended, be approved, and that the draft
by-law attached as Appendix ‘C’ be revised as follows:
i) To permit townhouse dwellings on Block A
with a minimum width of 6.8 metres and maximum height of 2 stories fronting the
south side of the private street;
ii)
To permit townhouse dwellings on Block
A with a minimum width of 7.0 metres and maximum height of 2.5 stories adjacent
to the south side of 14th Avenue; and
iii) To exempt visitor parking from being
required for block townhouse units that provide three or more parking spaces;
and,
9)** That the
revised Zoning By-law Amendment be finalized and enacted without further
notice; and
10) That Draft Plan of Subdivision 19TM-14005
submitted by 2391004 Ontario Ltd. (Bellport Homes), be draft approved subject
to the conditions outlined in Appendix ‘D’; and,
11) That the Director of Planning and Urban
Design, or his designate be delegated authority to issue draft approval,
subject to the conditions set out in Appendix ‘D’ as may be amended by the
Director of Planning and Urban Design; and,
12) That the draft plan approval for Plan of
Subdivision 19TM-14005 will lapse after a period of three (3) years from the
date of Council approval in the event that a subdivision agreement is not
executed within that period; and further,
13) That Staff be authorized and directed to
do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
**Amended by
Council on June 15 & 16, 2015, to add/amend Clauses 3, 6, 8, and 9.
Report Attachment
Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community and Fire
Services, described the funding program, the criteria for eligibility, and the
top five projects being recommended for submission. The Committee discussed
several projects and indicated support for three projects:
-
Markham Village Library Square
Rehabilitation and New Cenotaph – Phase 1
-
Bronze Monument to Benjamin Thorne
and onsite Amenities
-
Stiver Mill Expansion – Phase 2
A suggestion was made to re-name the Markham Village
Library Square to Veterans Square.
Moved by: Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Seconded by: Councillor Colin Campbell
1) That the report, “Canada 150 Community Infrastructure
Program - Grant Application”, be received; and,
2)
That the Commissioner of Community
and Fire Services be authorized to submit applications to the Canada 150
Community Infrastructure Program for the following
projects:
-
Markham
Village Library Square (to be renamed to Veterans Square)
Rehabilitation and New Cenotaph – Phase 1
-
Bronze
Monument to Benjamin Thorne and onsite Amenities
-
Stiver Mill
Expansion – Phase 2; and,
3) That staff report back on appropriate funding sources should
Markham be successful in obtaining one or more grants; and further,
4) That staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
The Development Services
Committee meeting adjourned at 3:30 PM.
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