THE THIRD MEETING OF THE

THORNHILL SUBCOMMITTEE IN 2004

TOWN OF MARKHAM

Canada Room, Markham Civic Centre

April 6, 2004

MINUTES

Attendance

Thornhill Subcommittee

Councillor E. Shapero (Chair)

Deputy Mayor F. Scarpitti

Regional Councillor J. Jones

Regional Councillor B. O'Donnell

Councillor S. Daurio

Other Council Members

Councillor D. Horchik

Staff

J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer

J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services

A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services

B. Cribbett, Treasurer

R. Blake, Senior Project Coordinator

K. Bavington, Committee Clerk

Applicants, representing 1107656 Ontario Inc.

Ira Kagan of Kagan Shastri

Paul DeMelo of Kagan Shastri

Jim Kirk of Malone Given Parsons

John Jennest of Malone Given Parsons

Lee Parsons of Malone Given Parsons

Hashem Ghadaki, owner

The Thornhill Subcommittee convened at 9:10 a.m. with Councillor E. Shapero in the Chair.

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)

1. Times Group Project Overview

At the direction of the Development Services Committee and Council, the Thornhill Subcommittee met on February 2 and March 22, 2004, in an effort to resolve issues regarding applications by 1107656 Ontario Inc. in Leitchcroft. The Subcommittee determined that additional meetings were required. The Committee had before it the minutes of the March 22, 2004 Thornhill Subcommittee meeting.

Staff provided a memo dated March 24, 2004, summarizing the land areas, floor area and residential units associated with the development, as well as a comparison with the numbers presented in the December 9, 2003 staff report.

The Applicant's representatives made a presentation to explain the existing and proposed zoning of the subject lands. Discussions included issues relating to transportation, infrastructure services, market assessment, density, floor space index, height restrictions due to Buttonville Airport, loss of employment lands, and possible third party review of studies submitted. This application involves a total of 18.8 hectares of land to be redesignated and rezoned, including 8.3 hectares being converted from employment to residential use.

2. Parkland Issues

The Applicant's representatives advised they are flexible with respect to size and use of parkland, but they prefer Block 49 to be designated for parkland. They also advised that demographics indicate a baseball diamond is not feasible. The applicant indicated that the proposed plan will require an additional 20.7 acres of parkland, leaving a shortfall of 10 acres, which can be provided by cash-in-lieu. Concerns that the park location proposed by the applicant would fragment the existing employment lands along the 407 frontage were also discussed.

3. Fiscal Impact Study

The Applicant provided a draft report entitled "Fiscal Impacts of Land Use Alternatives for Blocks 45, 49 and 50, Leitchcroft District", prepared by Malone Given Parsons, April 2004.

The objectives of the study are to quantify the fiscal impact to the Town on a comparative basis; to quantify Development Charges reserves; to compare the Master Plan to alternatives; and to focus on results vs. assumptions. In the applicant's opinion, there would be no adverse effect on the tax rate. Committee suggested that Regional figures and impacts also be included in the analysis. It was agreed that fiscal impacts should be considered, but that there are other issues. Town staff were directed to review the study, and to consider operating costs as well. Legal staff was directed to review the weight generally given to financial issues by the OMB.

Committee discussed the comparison of sprawl vs. intensification, and residential vs. commercial development with respect to this proposal.

Staff was directed to review the study and provide comments at the next Thornhill Subcommittee meeting, including a comparison of IBM and Motorola revenues, and to provide better mapping and a presentation on industrial/business lands in Markham.

4. Next Meeting - To be arranged.

ADJOURNMENT

The Thornhill Subcommittee adjourned at 11:00 a.m.