MINUTES FROM THE SIXTH MEETING OF THE

The Committee raised concerns for the following reasons:

- Approval of this proposal would eliminate the opportunity for high density residential with mixed use at this site, which is in close proximity to the GO station

- The proposal may set an undesirable precedent for the area, which could influence the willingness of other property owners to develop their properties at higher densities and could potentially have a long-term impact on the Town’s ability to implement the Highway 48 Urban Design vision

- The proposal is a car-oriented use that is not transit supportive and does not promote pedestrian movement or street related activities along Bur Oak avenue

- Te location and massing of the proposed buildings, particularly the single-storey con car wash located along the north property, does not provide for a consistent and animated street edge along Bur Oak Avenue and is consistent with the Highway 48 Urban Design guidelines.

Mr. Surti presented information concerning a re-zoning application for 9390 and 9404 Hwy 48, for a mix of retail restaurant usage. The current zoning does not permit any commercial development. The re-zoning application will only be considered after a site plan has been completed. The Committee asked that the application be forwarded to both the Markham Museum Board and Heritage Markham.

At the suggestion of the Committee, Councillor Webster will request that future minutes of the Development Services Committee be forwarded to the Heritage Committee for review and comment.

The Chair will direct the Clerk’s Department to put future applications for Main Street area on the agenda, but that the Committee would decide when and if they would need staff to present the information.

m. Composition of the Committee

In response to a query, the Chair commented that the Main Street Markham Committee should be made up of no less than seven public representatives and two Ward Councillors. An indeterminate term of office has been established and the mandate is to develop vision through public participation. It was agreed that Councillor Webster would send out a copy of the composition of the Committee with the minutes or by E-mail.

n. Trees on Private Property

It was agreed that Ms Sukul-Chan would work over the summer months to try and get the trees ordered from the existing budget.

CARRIED

2. UPDATES

a) Incoming Planning Applications

The Committee was advised that two new applications would be presented in October.

The Committee was also advised that the Town’s Development Services Committee approved the application to establish a coin car wash and quick lube facility at 77 Anderson Avenue, with some design modifications from the first drafts. The approval was granted although Town staff had made a strong recommendation against the proposal. Councillor J. Webster advised there was strong support for the proposal and he had also voted in favour of it.

The Committee expressed concern that approval of this application would have an adverse effect on the application and enforcement of the urban design guidelines developed by Town staff, since it was the first application following establishment of the guidelines and it appeared that the guidelines were ignored. Committee members were advised the matter would be voted on by Town Council at its meeting on September 26, 2006 and that they could attend the Town Council as individuals to voice their opinions.

THE MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

That the Committee be represented at the town Council meeting on September 26, 2006.

CARRIED

b) Highway 48 Transfer of Jurisdiction Discussions

The Committee was advised that the transfer has not yet taken place. Traffic change initiatives on 16^th Avenue and Highway 48 will be voted on at the Town Council meeting on September 26, 2006. The contractor is ready to begin work once approval has been granted, with completion scheduled for July 2007.

c) Environmental Assessment – Highway 48

There was no update on this matter.

Councillor G. McKelvey will follow up with Town staff regarding having the Terms of Reference for the Environmental Assessment emailed to the Committee for review.

d) Master Plan Environmental Sub-Committee

It was reported that there would be a Public Meeting on October 22, 2006 at the Town Centre regarding the Master Plan for Public Trails. The Master Plan will have a “phased in” approach and a lengthy period will be needed for full implementation. Priority will be given to implementation of trails along the Rouge to Milne Park and on to the library at the corner of Highways 7 and 48.

f) Promotion of Main Street Sub-Committee

Ms. E. Plashkes reported that there might be an opportunity to use a portion of the WNED video “Our Town”, to promote Main Street Markham. Ms. M. Sukul-Chan contributed video footage and will ask for its return so it may be used. Ms. Plashkes, Ms. D. More and Ms. M. Sukul-Chan will work to incorporate the video footage as part of the presentation to local groups.

Mr. J. Mingay reported that the benches for Main Street Markham have not yet been delivered.

Ms. M. Sukul-Chan was congratulated for the effort she put into the Farmer’s Market event, with great results.

Mr. D. Black volunteered the use of vacant stores on Main Street for display purposes to promote the Main Street Markham vision. Ms. M. Sukul-Chan will follow up with Mr. Black regarding installing the display unit there. Local community centres are also willing to feature the display unit.

The Committee discussed a number of other promotional ideas including working closely with the BIA to create positive messages, and having a link to the Main Street Markham vision on the Town of Markham website. Councillor G. McKelvey will follow up with Town staff about the latter suggestion.

THE MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

That the Committee encourage the Promotion Sub-Committee to develop ways to promote the Main Street Markham Committee within the existing budget and advise if more funds are required.

CARRIED

f) Tannery Pond

Glen Herrington has been unable to provide the original plans for Tannery Pond. Plans for signage are moving ahead; this is part of the phasing and budget for the meandering project. Councillor G. McKelvey will follow up with Town staff about this.

g) Official Plan and Zoning Sub-Committee

Mr. P. Ross reported that the work of the Subcommittee is close to completion but needs some additional input from Regan Hutcheson of the Town’s Heritage Department. Mr. Ross will follow up with Mr. Hutcheson.

h) Update on Bypass Signage

Ms. E. Plashkes volunteered to take pictures of any signage that has been installed on 16^th Avenue north of Major MacKenzie Drive. Addendum: The pictures were forwarded via email to Committee members on September 21, 2006.

Councillor G. McKelvey will follow up with Town staff to have the project plan, including Steeles Avenue, made available to Committee members.

i) Merge Lane on Main Street South

Mr. P. Ross reported that there is insufficient signage northbound on Highway 48, south of Highway 7; this has led to a number of accidents. Regional Municipality of York staff had suggested implementing raised white lines, the installation of overhead lane signs, and having staff record situations with a video gun.

THE MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

That Mr. P. Ross contact Mr. Al Brown of the Town of Markham staff and Mr. Bill O’Donnell, Chair of the Regional Municipality of York Works Committee, to explain the issues and that the problem is continuing. Mr. Ross will also request resolution of the problem by having staff record situations with a video gun and by requesting the installation of overhead lane signs and other signage.

CARRIED

j) Budget Update

The Committee was advised of funds contained in the Town of Markham budget for Main Street Markham Committee capital projects; the Committee itself does not have an operating budget. Councilor G. McKelvey will meet with Town staff to determine the current status of budget funds for Main Street Markham Committee projects, including the Town Square Feasibility Study, and will report the results at the next meeting.

The Committee was advised that the Budget Sub-committee should continue its work, and should begin preparations for making recommendations for the 2007 budget.

It was considered important for the Town Square Feasibility Study to take place prior to the Environmental Assessment. Ms. E. Plashkes will draft a letter for review by the Committee asking the Town to participate and requesting a commitment to fund the study. Ms. E. Plashkes and Ms. D. More will also approach the BIA and Old Markham Village Ratepayers Association to request their involvement, and will report the results at the next meeting.

k) Newspaper boxes on Main Street

There was no update on this matter.

l) Trees on Private Property

The Committee was advised that the BIA would receive a grant from the Town to plant the trees. Ms. M. Sukul-Chan will contact Steve Logan of Town staff regarding ordering the trees and having the expense considered as part of the existing budget.

3. NEW BUSINESS

a) Mural

Ms. M. Sukul-Chan will discuss the possibility of creating a mural on the blank wall at 107 Main St. with Regan Hutcheson of Town staff.

b) New Members for the Main Street Markham Committee

The Committee was advised there is a formal application process for membership to any Town of Markham Committee, and that the Town will not likely make any appointments until the new council is in place to approve them.

c) Joseph St. Parkette

Councillor J. Webster will follow up with Town staff on changing signs as appropriate.

d) Councillor G. McKelvey

Mr. D. Black thanked Councillor G. McKelvey for his many years of service to the Town of Markham.

e) Committee Chair

The Committee was advised it could consider a Councillor or Committee member to be Chair of the Committee when the new term begins in the new year.

4. NEXT MEETING

The next scheduled meeting of the Main Street Markham Committee is October 18, 2006.

5. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting of the Main Street Markham Committee adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Staff

c) Environmental Assessment – Highway 48