THE SECOND MEETING OF THE

THORNHILL SUBCOMMITTEE IN 2004

TOWN OF MARKHAM

York Room, Markham Civic Centre

March 22, 2004

MINUTES

Attendance

Thornhill Subcommittee

Councillor E. Shapero (Chair)

Mayor D. Cousens

Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti

Regional Councillor J. Jones

Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell

Councillor S. Daurio

Other Council Members

Councillor G. McKelvey

Staff

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer

J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services

V. Shuttleworth, Director of Planning and Urban Design

B. Cribbett, Treasurer

R. Blake, Senior Project Coordinator

K. Bavington, Committee Clerk

Applicants, representing 1107656 Ontario Inc.

Paul DeMelo of Kagan Shastri

Jim Kirk of Malone Given Parsons

John Jennest of Malone Given Parsons

Hashem Ghadaki, owner

The Thornhill Subcommittee convened at 10:35 a.m. with Councillor E. Shapero 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 met on February 2, 2004. On February 24, 2004, Council referred the applications back to the Thornhill Subcommittee to permit staff and the applicant an opportunity to resolve outstanding issues.

The Subcommittee had before it:

- Staff report, dated December 9, 2003;

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

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

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

- Minutes of Thornhill Subcommittee meeting held February 2, 2004;

- Staff presentation from February 2, 2004;

- Correspondence from Ira T. Kagan dated February 18, 2004;

- Council resolution dated February 24, 2004;

- Correspondence from Ira T. Kagan dated March 5, 2004;

- Council resolution dated March 9, 2004.

Staff reviewed the background of this evolving development and summarized that there is less than a three year supply of employment lands available in Markham. Committee requested a map indicating all employment lands available within Markham, including lands currently without servicing allocation.

With respect to the Provincial freeze on a Block 46, a 14-acre parcel within the development, discussion took place as to whether that portion should be included in the application. Staff agreed to work with the applicant to find uses for this parcel that would be acceptable to the Province.

Discussions included the urban design standards, the influence of the 400 series highways on employment land patterns, and the potential precedent for other development.

In response to financial rational submitted by the applicant, the Treasurer made a presentation on a comparison of residential and commercial/industrial growth related revenues and expenditures for the Leitchcroft Planning District. The presentation summarized that the residential assessment growth will result in a net shortfall. The Committee suggested a cost analysis of sprawl versus compact design would be beneficial, and requested information on the tax revenues to the Town from IBM.

Staff explained that Development Charges are updated and adjusted every five years, and are designed to cover the cost of new growth, and do not provide a "windfall" revenue.

Jim Kirk, representing the applicant, gave a brief description of the proposal, outlining proposed changes. He advised that several reports are ready to be submitted to the Town.

Committee agreed to hold further Subcommittee meetings to continue discussions. It was agreed that an agenda would be prepared, starting with the applicant's presentation and fiscal analysis/impacts.

ADJOURNMENT

The Thornhill Subcommittee adjourned at 12:30 p.m.