Front Yard Parking Working Group

 

Terms of Reference

 

Background

Many homeowners in the Town of Markham have been widening their driveways to accommodate additional front and exterior side yard parking.  At Council’s request, a strategy has been developed to deal with concerns about the widths of parking areas (driveways and parking pads) on residential lots and the impact front and exterior yard parking potentially has on the character of a dwelling and neighbourhood.

 

The draft strategy to regulate private property parking in front and exterior side yards was discussed at a Public Meeting on November 22, 2005 and at a Development Services Committee meeting on April 18, 2006.  A staff recommendation report was considered by Markham Council on April 25, 2006.  Council gave two readings to a zoning By-law amendment, and called for additional public consultation (including formation of a Working Group with a community representative from each ward and further public information meetings) prior to any final enactment of a new By-law.  A copy of the draft By-law given two readings by Council is attached.  A third reading is required in order for Council to pass the By-law.

 

The strategy presented at the April 25th, 2006 Council meeting was comprised of four parts. 

 

  1. Proposed amendments to the Town’s zoning By-laws;
  2. a public communication component;
  3. an on-street overnight parking program; and
  4. an enforcement program.

 

A number of issues were raised at the April 25th, 2006 Council meeting, requiring further public input and consultation.

 

Purpose of the Working Group

The purpose of the Working Group is to facilitate further community consultation on the front yard parking issue.  It is intended that the Working Group members will provide additional information and advice to Council from a community perspective about an appropriate standard for front yard parking.  The members will also participate in broader community dialogue on the parking issue through the proposed public info sessions in each community, and consider this public input in formulating the Working Group’s recommendations to Council.

 

Composition of the Working Group

A maximum of 8 representatives will be invited to sit on the Working Group.  The Working Group will consist of one representative from each of the eight municipal electoral wards.  Each Ward Councillor will nominate one person to represent their Ward.  Members of Council are welcome to attend the workshop meetings, which will be open to public observers.

 

Role and Responsibilities

The role of the Working Group is to provide community input to the Town regarding an appropriate regulation of parking in residential areas.  The responsibility of each member will be to participate at Working Group meetings by:

 

·        becoming familiar with parking issues and paving practices in the community, and the impacts on community character;

·        becoming familiar with the Town’s draft strategy to manage parking in residential areas;

·        becoming familiar with public views and concerns regarding the draft strategy

·        becoming familiar with the implementation issues;

·        participating in workshops and public events related to the proposed parking strategy;

·        providing community input on issues and options relating to front yard parking;

·        providing comments and recommendations to the Development Services Committee;

·        contributing to the development of implementation tools, including the draft zoning By-law; and

·        communicating with the community and with Council in regard to initiatives and recommendations related to the study.

 

Staff Support

Staff from the Planning and Urban Design Department, the Clerks Department and  the By-law Enforcement Division will attend the  Working Group meetings to provide technical advice and administrative support.  Staff will also provide relevant background materials including, staff reports, Council minutes and resolutions, photos and sketches, and survey information.

 

Reporting Procedure

Minutes of the Working Group meetings and public information meetings will be taken, and will be provided to Development Service Committee and Council, along with any reports or recommendations produced by the Working Group.

 

Remuneration

None.

 

Meeting Frequency

A number of evening workshop meetings will be held, between 7 and 9 p.m..  The first will be on Thursday May 11th, 2006 and the second on Thursday May 18th, 2006.  Four evening public information meeting  will also be held May 29th to June 1st, 2006, inclusive, commencing at 7 p.m..  (The Working Group members will be expected to attend the community meeting for their Ward, and will be welcome to attend all four.)  There will be at least one additional evening Working Group meeting on June 8th, 2006, and additional meetings will be scheduled if required.  The Working Group members will also be invited to attend at least one evening Council meeting to present their recommendations, tentatively scheduled for June 13th, 2006.

 

Duration of Appointment

End of June 2006

 

Facilitator/Chair

The Town will appoint a facilitator who will act as chair.

 

 

 

 

May  2006