MINUTES FROM THE FIRST MEETING OF THE

MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE IN 2006

Town of Markham

York Room - Civic Centre

 

January 18 - 6:30 P.M.

 

 

Members

Regrets

Jonathan Mingay

Councillor G. McKelvey

Helen Walter

Dave Adams

Keith Thirgood

Mark Champion

Frankie Rose

 

Peter Ross

 

Councillor J. Webster

 

Michelle Sukul-Chan

 

Dianne More

 

                                               

Staff

R. Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning

Chris Raynor, Committee Clerk

 

The meeting of the Main Street Markham Committee meeting convened at the hour of 6:35 p.m. with Councillor J. Webster in the Chair.

 

 

1.                  ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF THE NINTH MEETING OF THE MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE IN 2005

 

THE MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

 

That the minutes of the Main Street Markham Committee meeting held on November 16, 2005, be adopted.

CARRIED

 

2.         PRESENTATION

 

            Mr. L. Ford and Mr. R. McKeown provided information relating to the Great Markham Rodeo scheduled for May 2006. The event will include a large parade on Main Street as well as the rodeo event at the Markham Fairgrounds. It is hoped that the event will help promote Main Street retailers and a building a the Fairgrounds will be available for Main Street retailers to use on the day of the rodeo. It is hoped that some spin-off events, such as a recurring dinner theatre night, might be established.

 

 

 

3.         UPDATES

 

a)         Wismer Commercial Design Guidelines

 

There was no update on this matter and it was suggested that the item be renamed as “Incoming Applications”.

 

b)         Highway 48 Transfer of Jurisdiction Discussions

 

There was no update on this matter.

 

c)         Environmental Assessment – Highway 48

 

The Committee was provided with a copy of a letter summarizing the Main Street Markham improvements.

 

d)         Environmental Assessment – Markham By-pass south of Steeles Avenue

 

There was brief discussion of this matter and it was noted that Mr. D. Adams is following up on it.

 

e)         Main Street Bumpouts – Phase 3

 

The Committee was advised that the streetscape improvements are part of the overall Environmental Assessment for the area and consequently, work is unlikely to commence before 2008. There was discussion of how to encourage new residents to the north of Main Street to visit the retailers. It was suggested that the circulation of the Village Voice publication might be increased to capture that area, and that a column containing information relating to the work of the Main Street Markham Committee might be included. Mr. Thirgood and Ms. Sukul-Chan agreed to look into the financial implications of increasing the circulation of the Village Voice and Councillor J. Webster agreed to consider whether the Committee may be able to help fund the additional cost.

 

f)          Master Plan Environmental Sub-Committee

           

The Committee was advised of a Council resolution granting $5,000 to the Markham BIA for tree-planting. It is estimated that the trees will be around $300 each, allowing for 16 trees in total. Mr. Mingay, Mr. Thirgood and Ms. Sukul-Chan will meet to consider potential locations for the new trees.

 

g)         Tannery Pond

 

Mr. Thirgood stated that until further information relating to the Pond is forthcoming, the interpretive signs can not be produced.

 

h)         Official Plan and Zoning Sub-Committee

 

There was no update on this matter.

 

i)          Update on Bypass

 

There was no update on this matter.

 

j)          Merge Lane on Main Street South

 

The Committee was provided with a brief update and it was noted that an advance left signal is to be installed from Highway 48 southbound onto James Scott Road.

 

k)         Budget Update

 

There was no update on this matter.

 

l)          Resurfacing of Main Street

           

It was agreed to remove this matter from the agenda.

 

m)        Newspaper boxes on Main Street

 

            The Committee was advised that unauthorized newspaper boxes are still present on Main Street. Councillor J. Webster agreed to follow up with By-law Enforcement staff.

 

n)         Researching Main Street history

 

            The Committee was advised that the research project is underway but that the researcher is also performing other duties at the Museum. The Committee requested that samples of the work to date be presented at a future meeting so that members can view the product.

 

o)         Posting of flyers on Main Street

 

            The Committee was advised that Councillor S. Daurio has a task force in his ward and that he may be able to provide additional advice to members on how to deal with the problem.

 

p)         Sign Replacement Program

 

Mr. R. Hutcheson, Manager, Heritage Planning, agreed to email to Ms. Sukul-Chan the necessary information and application forms relating to the Sign Replacement Program so she can distribute it to the BIA members.

 

 

4.         NEW BUSINESS

 

a)         Signage for Rouge River Tributary Crossings

 

The Committee was provided with an example of the signage that will be used to identify the various Rouge River tributary crossings. It was noted that Robinson Creek will be the first to receive such signage.

 

THE MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

 

That the design for the signs to identify the various Rouge River tributary crossings be endorsed;

 

And that the signs be mounted with supports or posts appropriate to the heritage design concepts in the area.

CARRIED

 

b)         Parking Signage on Main Street

           

The Committee expressed concern that there is insufficient signage to redirect motorists when they enter a parking lot that is full. It was suggested that better signage directing such motorists to alternative parking facilities may benefit the street.

 

c)         New Applications

Mr. Hutcheson reported that the Planning Department has received a rezoning application for 23 Water Street to permit four (4) new single detached dwellings. It was also reported that Heritage Section staff have undertaken a review of the heritage classification of all the properties within the Markham Village Heritage Conservation District. Approximately 20% of the classifications have been changed and Council approved these reclassifications on January 17, 2006.

 

d)         29 James Walker Court (49 Main Street South)

Councillor J. Webster reported that the owner has recently submitted a new concept plan that would keep the existing heritage building on its original site and be used for a commercial office use. This would involve maintaining the driveway access onto Main Street South and having a small parking lot behind the building. The Committee also discussed the adjacent walkway and access to the Rouge Park.

 

THE MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

That the Main Street Markham Committee supports the current proposal for 29 James Walker Court that would see the heritage building remain on its existing site and be used for a low intensity commercial office use.

CARRIED

 

 

5.         ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting of the Main Street Markham Committee adjourned at 9.10 p.m.