THE FIRST MEETING OF THE

THORNHILL SUBCOMMITTEE IN 2004

TOWN OF MARKHAM

York Room, Markham Civic Centre

February 2, 2004

MINUTES

Attendance

Thornhill Subcommittee

Councillor S. Daurio (Chair)

Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti

Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell

Other Council Members

Regional Councillor J. Jones

Councillor G. McKelvey

Staff

J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services

V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design

R. Blake, Senior Project Coordinator

K. Bavington, Committee Clerk

Applicants, representing 1107656 Ontario Inc.

Paul DeMelo of Kagan Shastri

Lee Parsons of Malone Given Parsons

Jim Kirk of Malone Given Parsons

Paul Nodwell of Malone Given Parsons

Hashem Ghadaki, owner

Saeid Aghaei, owner

The Thornhill Subcommittee convened at the hour of 10:15 a.m. with Councillor S. Daurio in the Chair.

1. 1107656 Ontario Inc. (Times Group) - Leitchcroft

Dwelling units, park, and commercial uses

Blocks 45, 46, 49, 50 Reg. Plan 65M-3226 (OP 03 116474, ZA 03 116428)
- And-

Apartment buildings fronting onto Saddlecreek Dr. and South Park Rd.,

and townhouse blocks fronting Times Ave. (OP 03 116476, ZA 03 116428)

(10.3, 10.5)

On December 9, 2003, the Development Services Committee referred this proposal to the Thornhill Subcommittee for further discussions.

The Subcommittee had before it:

- Extract from Development Services Committee, December 9, 2003;

- Staff report, dated December 9, 2003;

- Correspondence from Ira T. Kagan, representing 1107656 Ontario Inc., dated Dec. 15, 2003;

- Correspondence from York Region, dated January 13, 2004.

Staff reviewed the background of this evolving development, and concluded that the remaining land in Leitchcroft is integral to the Town's strategic supply of business park land, and should not be lost to incompatible development.

Representatives of the applicant summarized that an additional 1800 residential units is being proposed, and requested the matter be considered in the larger area context, not just within Leitchcroft, and:

- that this matter proceed to a Public Meeting, to demonstrate public support

- that staff work with the applicant on revisions, and

- that Blocks 41, 42, and 43 be dealt with in a separate staff report

Discussions included:

- the impacts of the Minister's Zoning Orders on the westerly portion of the Leitchcroft Planning District

- Bill 27, the Greenbelt Protection Act 2003

- fiscal impacts (Development Charges, tax revenues and assessed value)

- shortfall of park lands

- urban design and streetscape issues

The Committee indicated support in principle for more residential use, but questioned how the reduced business park lands would be replaced, indicated that further work would be needed on urban design and streetscape design, and directed that the fiscal information provided by the applicant, be verified by staff.

Moved by: Regional Councillor F. Scarpitti

Seconded by: Regional Councillor J. Jones

That additional medium and high density residential uses in Leitchcroft be supported in principle;

And that the Thornhill Subcommittee continue to work with the applicant to include appropriate revisions to the applicant’s plan to address urban design details and increased parkland dedication;

And that, after working with the Thornhill Subcommittee, staff call a Public Meeting.

ADJOURNMENT

The Thornhill Subcommittee adjourned at 11:30 a.m.