Meeting No. 2

Attendance

Acting Chair: J. Sales, Commissioner, Community and Fire Services

Members: Regional Councillor J. Heath

Regional Councillor J. Jones

Councillor G. McKelvey

Councillor A. Chiu

S. Andrews, Director, Asset Management

L. Irvine, Manager, Parks and Open Space Planning

T. Murphy, Special Events Coordinator

M. Shatil, Project Manager

S. Sydij, Financial Planning

G. Taylor, Manager, Community Centre Operations

A. Wolfe, Project Consultant

C. Raynor, Committee Clerk

The Building and Parks Construction Committee convened at the hour of 9:10 a.m. with Mr. J. Sales, Commissioner, Community and Fires Services, in the Chair.

1. MINUTES OF FIRST BUILDING AND PARKS CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE MEETING IN 2006 HELD ON JANUARY 20, 2006

It was agreed that the minutes of the Building and Parks Construction Committee meeting held on January 20, 2006, be adopted.

2. PARKS

a) Update

Ms. L. Irvine, Manager, Parks and Open Space Planning, provided an update on park construction in 2006. Detailed information was provided regarding the proposed Unionville Maze in the Fred Varley Park. The Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has advised that the project can be tendered but that it should not be awarded until final approval for the project has been granted by the TRCA. It is hoped that the Maze will be completed by August 2006.

3. EVENTS

a) Update

Ms. T. Murphy, Special Events Coordinator advised there was a successful event for the Thornhill Community Centre expansion held on January 7, 2006. The Committee was advised that Ward Councillors will be contacted regarding planned events for new parks in their Wards in 2006. A further update will be provided at the next meeting.

4. FIRE

a) Land Acquisitions – Cathedral and Cornell

Ms. S. Andrews, Director, Asset Management, advised that staff are awaiting site plans before specific parcels of land are identified. The Committee suggested that staff should move forward with the Cathedral land regardless of any delay with the Cornell land.

5. RECREATION AND CULTURE

a) Cornell Community Centre

Mr. J. Sales, Commissioner, Community and Fire Services, advised that staff are working with Markham Stouffville Hospital to complete a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be presented to Council. Following approval of the MOU concept designs will be developed.

b) Angus Glen Community Centre and Library

There was a brief update on this matter

c) Markham Little Theatre Rehearsal Hall

Mr. A. Wolfe, Project Consultant, provided an update on the financials of the Rehearsal Hall project, including fundraising undertaken by the Little Theatre.

d) Centennial Community Centre Expansion

Mr. M. Shatil, Project Consultant, provided a brief update on progress and showed photographs.

e) Thornhill Phase 2

Mr. Andrews advised that the remaining deficiencies are being resolved and that the duct heating unit was installed. Additionally, a traffic study is being undertaken to improve the traffic flow at the facility. The Committee expressed concern with the transition between the old and new parts of the facility. Staff advised that a consultant has been retained to examine this as well as other improvements, including to accessibility and signage. A report will be forthcoming.

6. LIBRARY

a) Markham Village Library

Mr. Shatil showed photographs detailing progress and advised that the relocation of the trees is almost complete, demolition is ongoing and that excavation should commence in February 2006.

Staff also provided a report on the contingency fund (attached to the minutes).

ADJOURNMENT

The Building and Parks Construction Committee meeting adjourned at the hour of 9:50 a.m.