MINUTES OF THE THIRD MEETING OF THE

MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE

York Room - Civic Centre

MARCH 17, 2004 - 6:30 P.M.

Members Regrets

Dave Adams David Black

Peter Ross Frankie Rose

Keith Thirgood Marie Jones

Helen Walter Morley Lem

Jonathan Mingay Iggy Natoli

Amy Pialagitis Elizabeth Plashkes

Dianne More Corina Sallaberger

Mark Champion

Councillor John Webster

Councillor George McKelvey

Staff

Yvonne Hurst, Committee Clerk

Stan Lau, Senior Project Manager

Also Present

Regional Councillor Jack Heath

Niki Burns, Manager, Markham BIA

The meeting convened at the hour of 6:35 p.m. with Councillor George McKelvey in the Chair.

1. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF THE FIRST MEETING OF THE MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE HELD ON JANUARY 21, 2004 AND THE NOTES OF THE SECOND MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE, HELD WITHOUT QUORUM FEBRUARY 18, 2004

THE MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

THAT the minutes of the First Meeting of the Main Street Markham Committee held on January 21, 2004 be received and adopted;

AND THAT the Notes of the Main Street Markham Committee meeting held without quorum on February 18, 2004, be ratified and adopted.

CARRIED.

2. UPDATES:

a) Wismer Commercial Design Guidelines

Information with regard to the Wismer Commercial Design Guidelines was not

available. The item will be placed on the April agenda for discussion.

b) Public Space Recycling Containers On Main Street Markham

The issue of Public Space Recycling Containers on Main Street, Markham is pending the adoption, by the Town, of a three-stream program based on the Region of York’s position. Councillor G. McKelvey asked the Committee what type of containers they would prefer for Main Street? It was noted that the type and design of containers is outlined in the guidelines for the Main Street. The budget provides for six (6) heritage garbage containers and six (6) heritage recycling containers.

The Committee was not enthusiastic with regard to the large containers previously shown to them – the ‘mega monster recycling bins’. However, there are currently no public recycling containers on Main Street and the large bins were thought to be necessary. It was noted that the small blue boxes are picked up on Main Street. It is anticipated that the three-stream garbage program will be in place by September 17 for Wards 5 and 7. These wards have a high density of residential dwellings and are a good choice for the pilot project. It was also noted that some Friday pick ups are being moved to Thursday to even out the number of garbage trucks used on each day.

c) Main Street Markham Traffic Management & Streetscape Study (bump-outs)

Stan Lau was in attendance to provide an update regarding the work to be done at Highway 7 and Highway 48 (Phase 5 outlined in the study).

Mr. Lau circulated a copy of a letter received by the Clerk, Sheila Birrell, from Bruce McCuaig, Ministry of Transportation. He noted that the letter outlined the funding commitment of the MTO with regard to Stage 1, Phase 1 of the Main Street Markham Streetscape and Traffic Management Study. Funding commitments will be finalized when Markham has submitted the final design, contract package, cost estimates and permit application. Mr. Lau indicated that, until the project is tendered, the exact costs will not be known. He also pointed out that the MTO section of Highway 48 is minimal.

Mr. Lau indicated that consultants have been hired for the design work for Markham Road and Sixteenth Avenue intersection improvements. Staff are hoping to tender the project in June/July with construction during the summer.

The Highway 7 and Highway 48 intersection is Phase 5. Funding approval for the design work was contained in the 2003 capital budget. Proposals for a detailed design will be sought from consultants in May. When the cost of intersection improvements is determined a report will be taken to Council for approval. An amount of $70,000 is presently in the budget, however, Mr. Lau indicated that additional funds may be required if site supervision and contract administration are also included. He noted that $100,000 in engineering fees would be required to fully complete the project.

Mr. Lau noted that the York Region Rapid Transit program is being implemented in two stages. Stage One is the Quick Start segment and impacts the Highway 7 and Markham Road intersection where a bus bay has been included for the south/east corner. The committee indicated that this location may not be the most appropriate due to its proximity to the library access. It was suggested that a better location might be near Washington Street.

Other comments provided by Mr. Lau were: A second public information meeting is to be held by the Region of York. The Full System along Highway 7 has been delayed. A centre bus lane will be included along Highway 7 west of Highway 48. An Environmental Assessment study is being undertaken for the Full System.

THE MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

THAT the Region of York be requested to include in the transit study being undertaken for the York Region Transit Quick Start bus lay-by, a study on how pedestrians will cross the road at the intersection of Highways 7 and 48;

AND THAT the Region of York be advised that the proposal contained in the York Region Transit Quick Start Program to include a bus lay-by in front of the library is too close to the corner.

CARRIED.

d) Master Plan Environmental Sub-Committee

Regional Councillor J. Heath noted that the Environmental Sub-Committee has met and looked at the aesthetic appeal of Main Street. Consideration was given to public property, not private. A study of trees and benches on Main Street was completed and a diagram of proposed locations for both was included with the recommendations provided to committee members. The area covered with respect to new trees and benches was from Highway 7 to the Village Lanes. No new tree plantings were completed in 2003 and no benches were replaced leaving an amount of $25,000 for trees and $20,000 for benches from the 2003 budget.

There was concern expressed with respect to the type of trees being planted. For the calliper normally purchased by the Town the cost would be approximately $250 plus the cost of planting. The trees in front of the Bank of Nova Scotia, in special soil, cost $10,000 in total (the special soil was to help the trees stay healthy in the Main Street environment). It was suggested that a larger number of trees at a lower cost was preferable to give a ‘green’ appearance to Main Street. Further, in ten (10) years (the proposed lifespan of a lower cost tree on Main Street) there may be bump outs installed necessitating the removal of the trees. Planting a larger number of trees at a lower cost would give the plantings a ‘robust’ appearance.

Councillor McKelvey will advise Town staff of the committee’s determination with respect to tree plantings.

The committee also noted concerns with respect to garden plantings in the parkettes. The type of flora was thought to be uninteresting and perhaps could be improved by a different choice of plants and colour. It was also suggested that more colour be included in the hanging baskets along Main Street. The committee agreed that Town staff be requested to include more colour in the Main Street plants for 2004. The B.I.A. representative concurred that Main Street flowers need improvement.

Councillor McKelvey, Amy Pialagitis, Niki Burns, Councillor Webster and Jonathan Mingay will meet with the Town’s head gardener with respect to the plantings in parkettes and the flowers on Main Street.

It was suggested that ‘trash’ and ‘recycling’ be added to the mandate of the committee.

Concerns relating to the posting of bills on Main Street was also discussed. It was noted that this is difficult to control, however, taking the bills down immediately might make it a waste of money for people wanting to advertise this way.

It was noted that fifteen (15) new benches have been included on the site plan provided to members of the committee. The $20,000 in the 2003 budget will not cover the full cost of the benches. It was suggested that benches for the new locations be purchased first, however, it was preferable that all benches be installed in 2004.

THE MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

THAT the report of the Environmental Subcommittee with regard to tree plantings on Main Street and installation of new benches be received and the recommended actions therein supported.

CARRIED.

e) Master Plan Sub-Committee

Councillor Heath reviewed the items included in the proposed 2004 budget. The items discussed by the Committee were:

1) Robinson Creek Study and Pathway Connections – suggested $15,000 to complete this study;

2) Heritage Garbage Cans – six (6) heritage garbage cans and six (6) recycling cans - $7,500;

3) Benches – approximately $32,500 required to install all benches ($20,000 from 2003 budget) and $12,500 in 2004 budget;

4) Recommend only $5,000 for model trees – funds remaining in 2004 budget;

5) Water fountain in Joseph Street Parkette - $10,000.

THE MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

THAT the budget as presented to the Main Street Markham Committee on March 17, 2004 be accepted as amended.

CARRIED.

f) Mural - 107 Main Street

No update provided.

g) Tannery Pond

It was noted that there are funds available to complete the signage at the Tannery Pond but no funds are available for the ‘meander’.

h) Official Plan and Zoning Review Subcommittee

No update was provided.

i) Farmers’ Market

It was noted, with pride, that the farmer’s market won the “Foodland Ontario and Farmers Market Award” for Market of the Year.

j) Expansion of the Markham Community Library and

Development of Lands to the South of the Library

The expansion of the Markham Community Library and development of lands to the south of the library to be discussed on March 22^nd at the Finance and Administration Committee. The item will proceed to Council on March 30^th, 2004.

k) Trees

The planting of trees was discussed during consideration of Item 2 (c ) the report of the Environmental Sub-Committee.

l) Property on Main Street Markham North – 9404 Highway 48

Councillor McKelvey advised that the Town has designated 9404 Highway 48 as a heritage structure. The owner has appealed this designation.

m) Heritage Signs

Councillor Heath and Councillor Webster have spoken to the Manager, Heritage Planning, who outlined why the signage has not been installed to date. It was noted that it would be preferable to put emphasis on the installation of the large gateway signs that denote entrance to the heritage areas.

THE MAIN STREET MARKHAM COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

THAT Town staff be requested to move forward on installation of the large gateway heritage signs as soon as possible.

CARRIED.

The committee also reviewed the location of the sign at Vinegar Hill and the service group signs. It was noted that the service group signage is included in the ‘vision’ but will not be dealt with until the street signs and entrance signs are installed.

n) Morgan Park

Councillor Heath noted that there was no information to add at this time.

m) Markham GO Train Station Parking Lot Improvement Project

Main Street North

It was noted that Town staff provided input to GO Transit with respect to the newspaper boxes on Main Street and Robinson Street, however, GO Transit did not concur with the Town’s recommendations.

o) Markham Museum Reception Centre

Councillor McKelvey noted that the plans for the Markham Museum Reception Centre have been approved by Council and form part of the long term plan (vision) for the museum. The tender will be let when the visioning exercise is complete.

p) Signage on Main Street from the 407 to James Scott Road/Princess Street

It was noted that Vinegar Hill residents have forward a resolution to Council indicating that the signage in this location is confusing and there is not enough space for vehicles to safely merge.

Regional Councillor Heath will provide an up-date at the April meeting.

4. NEW BUSINESS

Update on Greenbelt

Peter Ross requested that an up-date on the greenbelt between the library and

bridge be placed on the April agenda. It was suggested that Linda Irvine, Manager, Parks & Open Space Planning, Town of Markham, to be requested to attend the April meeting to provide this update.

Peter Ross outlined a number of concerns regarding the greenbelt area including: lack of maintenance, changes to vegetation and failing erosion control. It was pointed out that the greenbelt is currently owned by the developer and will be handed over to the Town at some point in the future. The 2005 budget is expected to include an amount for extensive landscaping (approximately $85,000 per acre). While the greenbelt will be a new parkland area there are obligations to be met first by the developer before the Town will take ownership.

Councillor Webster indicated that he would arrange a meeting with the Environmental Sub-Committee to discuss the greenbelt issues (perhaps on-site).

Proposed New Building for Robinson Street

The Committee discussed a number of concerns relating to the proposed new building for Robinson Street. It was suggested that the building, although heritage in design (old woollen mill), is very large and will cause a tremendous change to the core area. Neighbours in the adjacent residential homes are not supportive of the size of the proposed structure. It was noted that the design has been approved by Heritage Markham due to the fact that it reflects the old woollen mill once located in this area. The proposed parking for twenty-nine (29) cars will cause traffic problems for the village. It was noted that the proposed building meets all zoning and building requirements and that the only issue being reviewed by the Committee of Adjustment is the proposed tower. It was suggested that a residential building would be more appropriate for this area. If the proposed building meets all zoning and building requirements then it is not considered by Council.

5. NEXT MEETING

The Committee were asked if a 7:00 p.m. start for the meeting would be more appropriate. The response was that the start time should remain at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting of the Markham Main Street Committee is scheduled for 21 April, 2004.