DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE
	TO:	Mayor and Members of Council
	FROM:	Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services Valerie Shuttleworth, Director of Planning & Urban Design
	PREPARED BY:	Elizabeth Wimmer, Senior Planner, Urban Design
	DATE OF MEETING:	2004-Sep-07
	SUBJECT:	Main Street Unionville (South) / Highway 7 Streetscape Study Terms of Reference

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Main Street Unionville (South)/ Highway Streetscape Study– Terms of Reference, dated September 7, 2004 be endorsed;

AND THAT staff be authorized to proceed with consultant selection and awarding of the study, in accordance with provisions of the Purchasing By-law 143-2000, with consultant fees to an uspset limit of $53,610.00 (exclusive of GST) to be paid from Capital Budget Account No. 80-5399-3520-005.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to recommend the terms of reference for the preparation of a streetscape plan for the portion of Main Street, Unionville, south of Highway 7 to the southerly limits of the heritage district (bridge over the Rouge Valley system) and to prepare a streetscape plan and urban design guidelines for the section of Highway 7 which falls within the boundaries of the Unionville Heritage District (defined by the GO rail line to the west and the Rouge Valley system to the east). The study encompasses two components: an enhanced streetscape design for Main Street Unionville (South) that implements the recommendations of the environmental assessment process to determine the role and cross section of the Main Street right-of-way and a streetscape plan and urban design guidelines for the section of the Highway 7 corridor within the Unionville Heritage District.

The terms of reference attached to this report as Appendix “A” will be used by the Purchasing Department to issue a “Request for Proposal” to firms with demonstrated qualifications and expertise in urban and streetscape design, planning for heritage areas, façade improvement/revitalization and with expertise in public process consultation and facilitation. The first component of this study will be designed to involve those interested individuals which have been involved in the Main Street (South ) Environmental Assessment Public Consultative Centre and wish to contribute to the preparation of a streetscape plan. The streetscape plan will serve as the basis for the final detailed design and reconstruction of Main Street (South) scheduled in 2006 in conjunction with the construction of the ultimate Enterprise Blvd. alignment. The second component of the study will focus on Highway 7 through the Unionville Heritage District.

BACKGROUND:

Main Street (South)

The Main Street area of Unionville south of Highway 7 is an area in transition. The street is comprised of a mixture of heritage dwellings, post war housing and recently has become a focus for new infill housing consisting of heritage character, single detached and townhouse development. Markham Centre, a new downtown for Markham is evolving to the south and along Highway 7 to the west. The Unionville core and commercial district of “Old Main Street” sits to the north of the study area and is defined by unique architecture, two lanes of traffic, on-street parking, street tree planting , flower baskets, and decorative street lighting and street furniture which all contribute to a distinctive and unique street character. Main Street, south of Highway 7 currently consists of four lanes of traffic with very little boulevard to accommodate street tree planting or decorative streetscape elements. This portion of Main Street is included in the Unionville Heritage District, but does not currently possess the same visual character as Main Street, north of Highway 7. The intended up coming changes to the road cross section of Main Street South, arising from an Environmental Assessment process create the opportunity for streetscape improvements.

Highway Seven Corridor

The Highway Seven corridor in the heritage district features a concentration of older, strip, commercial plazas, and some heritage structures, and with parking areas primarily located to the front of the properties. The egress/access to these sites from Highway 7 can be problematic in combination with randomly placed internally illuminated signs, parked cars and electrical poles and other above grade utilities. The character is not in keeping with the unique quality of Unionville Main Street or the Heritage District in general.

The Highway Seven Corridor Study

The Policy and Research Division of the Planning Department is preparing a strategy for the Highway 7 Corridor. The strategy will incorporate several components addressing matters such as land use policies, development and design standards, transportation requirements, complementary and supporting infrastructure and financial arrangements. The outcome will consist of a high level policy framework. Emerging streetscape policies for the Highway 7 Corridor are recommending that streetscapes create interesting and safe environments for pedestrians and transit riders and provide for efficient passenger movement between transit vehicles and buildings. These principles will be included in the terms of reference for the Main Street (South)/Highway 7 streetscape study.

Engineering Studies/Capital Works

The 2001 Development Services Commission Capital budget originally included $77,300.00 for the purposes of preparing a streetscape study including a component of transportation analysis. A component of the work has already been completed in conjunction with environmental assessment works discussed below.

The Engineering Department initiated an Environmental Assessment for the proposed Enterprise Blvd. in the Markham Centre District. Upon reviewing the scope of work for the Enterprise Blvd. EA, it appeared prudent to add Main Street South to the work being undertaken for Markham Centre. The consultants expanded their scope of services to include a traffic analysis for Main Street South and $23, 600.00 of the original budget was allocated to the Engineering Department for the completion of the Main Street (South) portion of the work.

The Enterprise Blvd. Environmental Assessment has now been completed and work on an “EA” for Main Street (South) is underway. Through public consultation with local residents and in conjunction with the consultation process undertaken with the Unionville Coalition, a preferred cross-section has been identified. The new cross-section recommends the reduction of four traffic lanes to two, with the provision of on-street parking on both sides of the road with a provision for upgraded streetscape. The public consultation undertaken as part of the EA process and the finalization of this work has settled the major issues regarding the role and cross section of the street. In this context the urban design study can focus on determining appropriate streetscape treatments for public discussion and finalization.

OPTIONS/DISCUSSION:

A Streetscape Plan and Urban Design Study is required

Staff recommends that consultants now be retained to undertake a Streetscape Plan for Main Street (South) and an associated Streetscape Plan and Urban Design Guidelines for Highway 7. The Streetscape Plan will provide detailed design direction for the implementation of an enhanced streetscape along Main Street (South) and along the Highway 7 corridor in the Unionville Heritage District. The Highway 7 streetscape plan/urban design study will also include design recommendations for the consolidation of egress/access points along the road right of way; examine the existing facades of the commercial buildings and recommend revitalization strategies for the north and south sides of Highway 7; make recommendations for the creation of a safe pedestrian environment with consideration of future transit riders; and provide a detailed design for streetscape improvements for both public and private properties.

The intent of this document is to strengthen the sense of place, improve the physical image of this portion of Unionville and to visually connect these areas with the remainder of the Unionville Heritage District. The document will provide guidance for the future redevelopment of these areas.

A terms of reference has been prepared

A terms of reference for the Main Street (South)/Highway 7 Streetscape Study is attached as appendix “A” to this report.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

The study will have a maximum budget of $53,610.00 exclusive of GST.

Funds to retain the consultant to undertake the Main Street (South) Streetscape Study and the Highway Seven Urban Design Guidelines are included in the 2004 Development Services Commission Capital Budget Account No. 80-5399-3520-005.

ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

The project guidelines will respect accessibility requirements.

ENGAGE 21^ST CONSIDERATIONS:

This project aligns with the corporate goal of achieving a Quality Community through recognizing, promoting and strengthening a sense of community.

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Staff in the Development Services Commission will consult with the appropriate internal and external departments and agencies throughout the study process.

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix “A” Terms of Reference – Main Street (South) Streetscape Study and Highway Seven Urban Design Study.

Appendix “B” Map of Study Area

Valerie Shuttleworth, M.C.I.P., R.P.P. Director of Planning & Urban Design

Jim Baird, M.C.I.P., R.P.P. Commissioner of Development Services

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