Report to: Committee of the Whole Date of Meeting: 2006-10-10

SUBJECT: Extended Driveways Communications Plan

PREPARED BY: Sheila Birrell, Town Clerk, Extension 4729

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Extended Driveways Communications Plan outlined in Schedule “A” be approved for implementation.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

When Council approved the new legislation, an amount of $25,000 was included to assist with the Communications Plan.

1. Purpose 2. Background 3. Discussion 4. Financial

5. Others (Environmental, Accessibility, Engage 21st, Affected Units) 6. Attachment(s)

PURPOSE:

As directed by Council, facilitate the implementation of an Education and Communications Plan for Extended Driveways legislation.

BACKGROUND:

On June 27^th, Council approved a Zoning By-Law amendment respecting expanded driveways in Markham. At that time, Council endorsed the following actions to be undertaken by the Town in relation to by-law implementation, administration and enforcement practices:

· Accept the principle of the Working Group for an amnesty on enforcement of the new standards on existing driveways, except for the worst offenders and implement a grace period for worst offenders to be brought into compliance;

· Begin immediate enforcement of the new standards on new or modified construction;

· Report to Council in September 2006 recommending the licensing of all contractors who provide paving/interlocking services in the Town of Markham;

· Prepare a communications/education plan to be implemented on January 1, 2007;

· Concentrate on education and communications in 2007

· Report on a program of incentives to be offered to encourage voluntary compliance with the regulations, in existing built up areas to be presented to Council at the end of 2006.

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

A Working Group, composed of residents from each ward, was established for the purpose of commenting upon and refining the proposal for dealing with front and exterior parking in residential areas. Council directed the Working Group to undertake the following public consultation process:

· · Two Working Group Workshops, chaired by a Facilitator

· · Four Public Information Sessions in each of the four sections of Markham

· · Additional Working Group meetings, as required

· · Special Development Services Committee Meeting Presentation

At that time, staff communicated in writing to all residents who requested notification and to residents involved in all of the outstanding investigations. They arranged for notices in the local papers and on the Town website. In addition, notices were published on the Community Centre marquees. The new legislation respecting the expansion of driveways culminated from this extensive public consultation process.

Over the summer months, staff contacted all Commissions with a request for suggestions for inclusion in the resident handbook. Staff in Corporate Communications, in consultation with the Clerk’s Department and Enforcement Division, prepared a Communications Plan for implementation in January 2007.

FINANCIAL TEMPLATE:

Not applicable

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Removal of asphalt paving and replacement with soft landscaping will have a positive impact on the environment.

ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

Not applicable

ENGAGE 21^ST CONSIDERATIONS:

Not applicable

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Corporate Communications – preparation of the plan

All Commissions

RECOMMENDED

BY: ________________________ ________________________

Sheila Birrell, Andy Taylor,

Town Clerk. Commissioner of Corporate

Services

ATTACHMENTS:

Schedule “A” – Extended Driveways Communications Plan