Report to: Committee of the Whole Date of Meeting: 2006-09-26

SUBJECT: Wedding Photos – Unionville Main Street

PREPARED BY: Sheila Birrell, Town Clerk, Extension 4729

RECOMMENDATION:

That a public meeting be held to gather input on the Town’s intent to licence owners and drivers of wedding limos/buses or to require permits and to implement a permitting system for wedding photographers and wedding planners providing services to residents within the boundaries of Markham.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Not applicable

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Not applicable

On August 18^th, staff was notified of problems associated with wedding photos taken along Main Street and on Station Lane. The concerns pertain to

· over zealous photographers and wedding planners,

· trespassing on private property

· inappropriate and abusive behaviour

· alcohol consumption

· large stretch limos and wedding buses parking on the street, across driveways idling vehicles up to two hours at a time,

· overloading the train station parking lot

Staff met with the Ward Councillor and the local residents at the Unionville Train Station. Residents from the area advise that the number of photo sessions has increased significantly over the years, interfering with the enjoyment of their properties. This situation requires a compound response that will require until approximately June of 2007 to finalize. (Please see Schedule “A”) However, there are two immediate steps that have been taken. The first, is the Enforcement presence on weekends. Staff attended at the location on Saturdays every weekend since the beginning of September. The second is the installation of a sign prohibiting the parking of buses and limos on the Train Station

OPTIONS/DICUSSION: (cont’d.)

property. Both of these steps should provide some relief for the residents. (See Schedule “B”)

The Enforcement presence has been somewhat effective and has been appreciated by area residents. However, in the absence of regulations, other than the anti-idling by-law and the parking by-law, staff’s effectiveness is restricted. Staff believe that the concerns brought forward by the residents from the area may be addressed by an enhancement of the current Wedding Services Program, together with Enforcement presence on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer months, the licensing or permitting of wedding limos/buses, and the implementation of a permitting system for wedding photographers and wedding planners who provide services within the Town of Markham. Schedule “A” illustrates the concerns, provides possible solutions and a proposed schedule for resolving the issue.

Staff anticipate securing off-site parking for wedding limos/buses. Two sites have been identified, i.e. Wm. Berczy Public School and the Unionville Go Transit Parking Lot. Staff will be contacting both the York Region District Public School Board and Go Transit in that regard. In the meantime, parking of wedding limos and buses will be prohibited on the Train Station property.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

The reduction in idling of vehicles is consistent with the Town’s environmental policies.

ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

Not applicable

ENGAGE 21^ST CONSIDERATIONS:

Engage 21^st organizational values and service principles include innovation…continually striving to develop and apply new ideas, products and services, technologies and skills.

Engage 21^st also identifies the Town’s Corporate goals of organizational excellence in managing and delivering quality services through quality people.

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

Community Services Commission

RECOMMENDED

BY:

________________________ ________________________

Sheila Birrell Andy Taylor,

Town Clerk Commissioner of Corporate

Services