MARKHAM CENTRE STEERING COMMITTEE

TOWN OF MARKHAM

Canada Room, Markham Civic Centre

September 13, 2004

MINUTES

Steering Committee Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti Regional Councillor J. Jones Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor A. Chiu

Staff J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services B. Cribbett, Treasurer D. Clark, Town Architect R. Kendall, Senior Project Coordinator M. Vissar, Financial Analyst K. Webber, Administrative Assistant B. Labelle, Committee Clerk K. Bavington, Committee Clerk

The Markham Centre Steering Committee convened at 3:35 p.m. with Councillor J. Jones in the Chair.

1. Parking Strategy

Staff gave a presentation on the Parking Opportunity Business Strategy - Phase 2, and reviewed the proposed work plan. Discussions included the timing for consultation with land owners, BIA, and the public, and the strategy to determine the level of support for paid parking initiatives. It was suggested that a pilot project in a selected area be considered, and that local councillors hold initial meetings with small groups including the BIA.

Moved by: Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by: Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti

That the presentation regarding the Markham Centre Parking Strategy, be received.

CARRIED

2. Financial Strategy

Staff advised that the Town is in the process of implementing the CommunityViz software program, to develop a Financial Analysis Model for Markham Centre.

Staff provided an update on the TIF legislation and the importance of being able to capture the Provincial portion of the property tax base. David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, will be visiting Markham Town Hall on September 22, 2004, to get to know Markham and it’s plans. The Ministry appears to be receptive to Markham as a potential TIF pilot project, and following the meeting, a report will be presented to Council with respect to submission of a formal request. The Region has indicated it is receptive to being a partner in a pilot project.

Moved by: Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by: Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti

That the presentation regarding the Markham Centre Financial Strategy, be received.

CARRIED

3. Engineering Update

Committee was provided with a map and the work schedule for Markham Centre's

10-year infrastructure programme, and an update on the Quick Start transit project. Discussions included the timing of the road improvement projects in order to minimize the impacts to residents. A Public Information Centre on the York Rapid Transit Plan will be held in Markville Mall on September 17, 2004.

Moved by: Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by: Councillor A. Chiu

That the presentation regarding the Markham Centre Engineering update, be received.

CARRIED

4. Planning Updates

Remington: The zoning By-law was approved in July, 2004, and no appeals have been received. The applicant is preparing a visualization centre for the site, anticipated to be opening in the spring of 2005. Site grading and construction of Enterprise Boulevard has commenced.

East Precinct: Work on a Precinct Plan for the 50 ha East Precinct, east of the Go Line, west of Kennedy Road, north of Highway 407 and South of the Rouge River is on-going. The plan will identify density distribution, potential land uses as well as block and lot patterns. Staff intend to begin a consultation process with property owners within the next few weeks.

Sciberras Road Precinct Plan: This Plan was initiated in 2000. The Unionville Traffic Management Plan has now been completed, and a report was presented in June, resulting in approval of the road alignments. The plan is being updated to reflect the work of the Unionville Coalition and TRCA changes to mapping. A report to finalize the Precinct Plan will be forthcoming.

Liberty: The zoning By-law was approved in July, 2004, and no appeals have been received. A first phase site plan application is anticipated to be submitted soon. The sales centre should be completed this fall. Staff will review with Liberty the types of Markham Centre material which should be included in the sales centre.

Stringbridge: A zoning amendment to increase the density across the site has been recently submitted. The site plan application for approximately 400 residential units is in circulation and adjustments to the Precinct Plan will be required in conjunction with the processing of these two applications. A preliminary report on the Stringbridge applications will be presented to Development Services Committee shortly.

Hilton Suites: A Public Meeting is scheduled for September 21, 2004, for the seniors condominium proposal on the south side of the Hilton Suites Hotel property.

Moved by: Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by: Councillor J. Virgilio

That the presentation regarding the Markham Centre Planning updates, be received.

CARRIED

5. Communications

The Committee viewed the Rogers video clip of the Markham Centre Park unveiling, and was advised that Markham Centre promotional DVDs are now available.

The Liberty sales centre will be open this fall, and the Remington visualization centre will be open in the spring. The Town will be involved in both, to ensure the Markham Centre community and messaging is promoted.

A Public Meeting is scheduled for September 21, 2004, for proposed amendments to the Sign By-law for the enhanced hoarding programme.

Moved by: Councillor J. Virgilio

Seconded by: Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti

That the presentation regarding Markham Centre Communications, be received.

CARRIED

6. Other Business

Developers Group Status: There has been good attendance at the meetings, and progress has been made. It is hoped that an agreement will be signed soon.

The Committee requested the Markham Centre Steering Committee meetings be held at a different time, rather than following Community Services meetings. It was suggested that they be held prior to Development Services meetings. Staff will work on this request.

7. Next Steps:

Markham Centre Advisory Group meeting is scheduled for September 16.

The next Markham Centre Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for October 4, pending rescheduling as requested by the Committee.

Adjournment

The Markham Centre Steering Committee adjourned at 4:35 p.m.