MINUTES FROM THE FIFTH MEETING OF THE

MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE IN 2005

Town of Markham

York Room - Civic Centre

 

June 15, 2005 - 6:30 P.M.

 

 

Members

Regrets

Dave Adams

Jonathan Mingay

Mark Champion

Dianne More

Keith Thirgood

Helen Walter

Frankie Rose

Michelle Sukul-Chan

Peter Ross

Elizabeth Plashkes

Councillor G. McKelvey

 

Councillor J. Webster

Absent

 

David Black

 

Iggy Natoli

 

Corina Sallaberger

 

Morley Lem

 

Amy Pialagitis

                                                 

Staff

Scott Heaslip, Senior Project Coordinator

Chris Raynor, Committee Clerk

 

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 FOURTH 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 May 18, 2005, be adopted.

CARRIED

 

2.         UPDATES:

 

a)         Update on Greenbelt

 

Mr. S. Heaslip advised the developer has been asked to repair sidewalks and clean up the boulevard. The parkland is the responsibility of the Town. The Committee requested that staff ensure the banks are sufficiently stabilized to prevent erosion until the final park design work is completed.

 

b)         Wismer Commercial Design Guidelines

 

Councillor G. McKelvey advised that a public meeting on the Town’s commercial policy was held on June 13, 2005. There was considerable discussion surrounding big box stores and the alternative design concepts.

 

Whereas the Main Street Markham Committee is opposed in principle to big box developments in the Major Mackenzie Drive/Highway 48 area due to traffic, economic and other impacts, the Main Street Markham Committee recommends:

 

That the Main Street Markham Committee supports the continued consideration of alternative commercial designs that incorporate the fundamental concepts of lifestyle centres.

CARRIED

 

c)         Highway 48 Transfer of Jurisdiction Discussions

 

Councillor G. McKelvey advised that talks are ongoing and that a resolution may be possible in 2006.

 

d)         Environmental Assessment – Highway 48

 

Mr. Heaslip advised that Terms of Reference for the project are being prepared. Two (2) Advisory Committees will be established – a Technical and a Public Advisory Committee.

 

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

 

Councillor G. McKelvey briefly updated the Committee on progress so far. It was noted that the preferred alignment of the by-pass cuts through Parkview Golf Course and opposition has been received. The Committee requested a copy of the final report from York Region once completed.

 

f)          Main Street Bumpouts – Phase 3

 

The Committee requested that staff be invited to the September meeting to provide further information.

 

g)         Master Plan Environmental Sub-Committee

           

There was considerable discussion surrounding the possibility of subsidizing tree planting on private property using the Committee’s budget. Councillor G. McKelvey agreed to follow up.

 

h)         Tannery Pond

 

Councillor G. McKelvey agreed to follow up with staff on the signage proposed for the area. The Committee requested to see the designs before installation of the signs.

 

i)          Official Plan and Zoning Sub-Committee

 

Mr. P. Ross agreed to provide an update at the September meeting.

 

j)          Canadian Municipal Incentive Program

 

The Committee requested an update from staff.

 

k)         Update on Bypass

 

Mr. Heaslip advised that work on connecting the existing section of the By-pass with Highway 407 is likely to commence in 2005 and be completed sometime in 2006. There was discussion about the lack of signage on Highway 48 directing drivers to the By-pass. The Committee was advised that no signs are permitted without the approval of the Ministry of Highways.

 

l)          Merge Lane on Main Street South

 

Councillor G. McKelvey advised that staff are considering the possibility of removing the “No right turn on Princess Street” at the point where the lane merges since it seems to cause confusion amongst drivers.

 

m)        Budget Update

 

            This matter was considered during discussion of Item g).

 

 

4.         NEW BUSINESS

 

a)         Resurfacing of Main Street

 

There was discussion surrounding the disturbance caused by trucks passing over the uneven parts of Main Street. Councillor G. McKelvey agreed to follow up with staff.

 

 

5.         ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting of the Main Street Markham Committee adjourned at 8.45 p.m.