INTRODUCTION

On November 26, 2002, Council established the Eastern Markham Strategic Review (EMSR) Committee to coordinate and guide the activities of the Town and agencies as they relate to initiatives affecting Eastern Markham, and to undertake a strategic review of federal, provincial and other initiatives and activities. The Council resolution is found on page 2 of this Report.

The purpose of the Strategic Review is to develop a policy framework to guide Markham Council on possible future land use, environment and transportation requirements in Eastern Markham. The Strategic Review considered the many federal, provincial and other initiatives that are currently affecting the area or which may affect it in the future. It also had regard to the direction set by Council in November 2002 that the Town of Markham’s preferred land use for the provincially-owned lands in Eastern Markham is agriculture.

The EMSR Committee is comprised of Chair Councillor Jack Heath, Regional Councillors Tony Wong and Bill O’Donnell, Councillor George McKelvey and Mayor Donald Cousins ex officio.

This Draft Report describes the work carried out by the Committee including its consultation with the public. It includes the Principles and Actions recommended by the Committee to guide the future activities or decisions of Council and others as they relate to the following in Eastern Markham:

· the environmental system;

· the present and future land use;

· the present and future transportation system.

APPROACH

The EMSR Committee has met fourteen times since January 2003. It carried out its work with the assistance of Town staff and consultants specializing in facilitation, law, environment and agriculture. The consultants’ reports are included as Appendices A, B, and C. The Committee also received input from residents who attended some of the Committee meetings.

During the first three months of its mandate, the Committee focused on gaining a thorough understanding of the current environmental, land use and transportation conditions in Eastern Markham, identifying the various ongoing initiatives and activities underway in and around Eastern Markham, and understanding the implications of those initiatives and activities on the future of Eastern Markham.

With respect to current conditions, the Committee examined:

· current environmental, land use and transportation policies;

· property ownership patterns;

· environmental resources and opportunities;

· heritage resources and opportunities; and

· agriculture (scope, nature and economics).

Resolution of Council Meeting No. 20 Dated November 26, 2002

Whereas the Town of Markham has been monitoring or participating in numerous Federal, Provincial and other initiatives which have implications for lands in eastern Markham bounded by Steeles Ave, the CPR line, Reesor Road, Highway 407, the Markham Bypass, the 9^th Line, the Little Rouge River, the northern Town boundary and the eastern Town boundary;

Therefore be it resolved that an Eastern Markham Strategic Review Committee comprised of the Mayor, some members of Council, and some members of staff, be formed to, among other things, co-ordinate and guide the activities of the Town and agencies as they relate to initiatives affecting eastern Markham, and to undertake a strategic review of federal, provincial and other initiatives and activities relating to eastern Markham;

And that the Committee prepare Terms of Reference for the Eastern Markham Strategic Review;

And that the outline for the Terms of Reference included in the Staff Report dated November 19, 2002 entitled “Eastern Markham Strategic Review” be endorsed as the basis for preparation of the Terms of Reference for the Eastern Markham Strategic Review;

And that the Terms of Reference ensure that the public, including the landowners and the tenants on the Provincially-owned lands in the area identified above, have the opportunity to participate in the Strategic Review;

And that the Committee identify resource requirements to complete the Strategic Review, including budget, staffing and consulting requirements;

And that the Terms of Reference and resource requirements identified by the Committee be brought forward to Council for approval;

And that the Committee report to Development Services Committee bi-monthly and provide a final report on the Strategic Review by July 1, 2003;

And that the Province of Ontario be advised that:

·         The Town of Markham is undertaking an Eastern Markham Strategic Review, which will provide a policy framework that takes into account Federal, Provincial, and other initiatives, including transportation requirements; and,

·         The Town of Markham strongly urges the Provincial Government to retain Provincial lands in eastern Markham, except as already announced in regard to the Rouge Park North Management Plan, and except lands in connection with the tenant-purchase program, pending the outcome of the Town’s Eastern Markham Strategic Review;

·         The Town of Markham's preferred use of the Provincial lands in eastern Markham is agricultural and in order to protect these lands, the Province enact measures to ensure they remain as agricultural in perpetuity;

And that a delegation of the Mayor and Members of the Strategic Review Committee meet with Minister David Tsubouchi, MPP Markham, as soon as possible to inform the Minister of this resolution and request the assistance of his office and the Provincial Government in this initiative.

The Committee examined many external initiatives including:

· the Rouge North Management Plan including the Little Rouge Creek Corridor;

· the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan;

· the Federal Greenspace Initiative;

· the proposed airport in Pickering (including the Airport Zoning Regulations, noise contours and potential traffic impacts);

· the proposed Seaton development in Pickering;

· proposed development in Stouffville;

· planned development in Box Grove and Cornell;

· the City of Pickering Growth Management Study;

· transportation planning by the Region of York, the Region of Durham and others; and

· the disposition of Provincial lands including those subject to the Tenant Purchase Program.

Once the Committee had a preliminary understanding of the complexity and the interconnectedness of the initiatives that may influence Eastern Markham, it held a series of three workshops to present the information to the public and receive advice. The workshops were promoted by letter to residents and businesses in Eastern Markham and advertised twice in the Markham Economist and Sun. The workshops were organized thematically to address:

· environment and heritage (the afternoon of March 31);

· agriculture and rural land use (the evening of March 31); and

· transportation and the possible airport in Pickering (the evening of April 3).

The consultation elicited responses on many issues of concern, and generated many suggestions about the future of Eastern Markham. The comments made were recorded in Meeting Notes that were sent to all participants and others interested in the Strategic Review (See Appendix D). The Committee also received and considered correspondence regarding matters addressed through the review. The correspondence is included in Appendix E.

Following the workshops, the EMSR Committee began to develop Principles and Actions to guide the future activities or decisions of Council and others as they relate to Eastern Markham. Draft Principles and Actions were developed, and these were reviewed by the public at a Public Forum held on June 5, 2003 and by Development Services Committee on June 3 and June 17, 2003.

The Principles and Actions contained in this Report reflect the understanding gained by the Committee in its work, and represent its recommendations. The Principles and Actions are divided into five categories:

· Environment;

· Land Use;

· Heritage;

· Transportation; and

· Related.

The Principles and Actions should be read in conjunction with the three maps that are included in this Report: EMSR Greenspace System, EMSR Land Use, and EMSR Transportation System. The Actions (E1, L1, T1, etc.) typically relate to geographic areas that are indicated on the appropriate map. In some instances, the recommended actions are directed to specific levels of government or government agencies. A map showing the pattern of public and private land ownership within the Eastern Markham study area is also included in the Report. This map is based on currently available information regarding land ownership.

Recommendations from the Eastern Markham Strategic Review Committee for requests and advice to governments, agencies and other stakeholder interests, based on the principles and actions identified in the Report are included in Schedule B.

VISION, PRINCIPLES AND ACTIONS

VISION

The following expresses the Eastern Markham Strategic Review Committee’s vision for the future of Eastern Markham, a vision that retains and encompasses environmental, agricultural and heritage activities and features within the concept of “countryside”

Just east of Markham’s urban area, with its homes, commercial centres and high-tech industries, lies the countryside of Eastern Markham. The land here hasn’t changed significantly since it was cleared for farming in the early nineteenth century. The gently rolling landscape is dotted with heritage farmsteads and barns, and its farmers produce a wide range of traditional and specialty crops from the area’s rich soils. Eastern Markham has become a popular day trip destination for urban dwellers: They come to sample the roadside produce, stay at one of the area’s famous Bed and Breakfast establishments, pick fruit in season, or soak in Markham’s rich history in one of the area’s historic hamlets. The road system allows these visitors and others to pass through Eastern Markham on major highways while minimizing the impact of traffic on residents, farmers and visitors within the area.

The Rouge Park, which is centred on the Little Rouge Creek, is a major feature in Eastern Markham. . The Park’s woodlands and wetlands provide habitat for many species of wildlife and attract nature lovers and birdwatchers. The Park’s links and corridors allow white-tailed deer, red fox and river otter to move from the core woodlands of the Oak Ridges Moraine to the Rouge Park marshes on the shores of Lake Ontario. Walkers, cyclists and hikers access conservation areas and a variety of recreational amenities through the vast network of Rouge Park trails that connect the Little Rouge to the Moraine, the Rouge Park South, and Duffins, Majors and Petticoat Creeks. Groundwater in the area supports rural and agricultural users and sustains aquatic systems. With the removal of in-stream barriers, Atlantic salmon once again fight their way upstream from Lake Ontario to spawn in the clear waters of the Little Rouge Creek, as they have done for 10,000 years.
ENVIRONMENT – PRINCIPLES AND ACTIONS

Principle No.1 Linked Greenspace System

The Town supports the establishment of a linked greenspace system for Eastern Markham based on a central corridor extending between the Town’s northern and southern boundaries and linking the Oak Ridges Moraine to the Rouge Park south of Steeles Avenue. The actions below support this principle.

Rationale: Eastern Markham contains a variety of important natural resources, including wetlands, woodlots and stream corridors. However, these resources would benefit from being interconnected within the context of a greenspace system and from being connected to the major greenspace components to the south (the Rouge Park south of Steeles Avenue), the north (the Oak Ridges Moraine), and the east (the Petticoat Creek and Duffins Creek watersheds). The establishment of a linked greenspace system will foster physical connections among these resources and increase their ecological function.

Principle No. 2 Rouge Park

The Town supports the establishment of the Rouge Park on greenspace lands in Eastern Markham as a conservation, heritage and recreational resource in perpetuity.

Rationale: Many of the greenspace lands in Eastern Markham are appropriate for a variety of park uses, including conservation and recreational pursuits such as birdwatching, nature and heritage appreciation, picnicking, walking and cycling. The establishment of the Rouge Park will provide benefits in perpetuity to the residents of Markham. The proposal and general plan to establish the Rouge Park are now in place – the challenge is to make the park a reality.

ACTIONS

E1 Preparation of Little Rouge Creek Corridor Management Plan

The Town urges the Rouge Park Alliance to expedite the preparation of a detailed Management Plan for the Little Rouge Creek Corridor lands of the Rouge Park, in partnership with the Town of Markham and the TRCA, to ensure that Town interests are reflected in the Management Plan. The Town further requests the Rouge Park Alliance to confirm that the Town will play a leadership role in planning for the Rouge Park in Markham.

Rationale: The Rouge North Management Plan identifies the Little Rouge Creek Corridor as a Special Management Site and recommends that a detailed Management Plan be prepared for these lands. Finalizing this Management Plan is a priority for the Town of Markham as it will identify permitted uses, restoration areas, areas where forest cover will be significantly increased, and locations of interpretive centers, trails and other amenities. The Management Plan needs to recognize the role of residents, tenants, farmers and hamlets and protect heritage structures and site. Preparation of the Plan should be coordinated through the Rouge Park Alliance with leadership from the TRCA and the Town, and should be coordinated with other planning processes and influences on the lands.

E2 Transfer of Key Environmental Linkages

The Town requests the Province to transfer the parcels of land identified as “key linkage areas” to the TRCA or the Town for park, open space and environmental protection purposes complementary to the Little Rouge Creek Corridor lands of the Rouge Park.

Rationale: These provincially-owned lands have been identified as having high ecological importance. The western parcel includes woodlots and tributaries of the Little Rouge Creek, and provides linkage to the Rouge Park south of Steeles Avenue. The southeastern parcel contains the Petticoat Creek Wetland/Woodlands, which have been designated an Environmental Significant Area, and which provide links between the Little Rouge and the Petticoat Creek system. The northeastern parcel contains a woodlot and is the headwaters of both the Petticoat and Duffins Creeks.

E3 Protection of Additional Environmental Linkages

The Town requests the Province to either transfer the parcels of land identified as “potential linkage areas” to the TRCA or the Town for park, open space and environmental protection purposes complementary to the Little Rouge Creek Corridor lands of the Rouge Park. Alternatively, if the lands are transferred to other owners, the Province should be requested to ensure that the owners of land within which these parcels are located enter into conservation easements to protect the watercourses and riparian systems within these parcels.

Rationale: These provincially-owned lands have been identified as having moderate ecological importance. They are stream corridors that form tributaries of the Little Rouge, Petticoat and Majors Creek. Protection of these stream corridors may be achievable through conservation easements.

E4 Acquisition of Priority Lands for Rouge Park

The Town requests the Rouge Park Alliance to assign the highest priority for land acquisition to the identified private parcels of land (E4-1 and E4-2) to be added to the Little Rouge Creek Corridor of the Rouge Park. With respect to parcel E4-2, the Town

requests the Province to consider a land exchange for adjoining Provincial lands to the north and west.

Rationale: The Rouge North Management Plan identifies a goal of a 600 metre corridor for the Little Rouge Creek Corridor. The Province has committed to transferring its Little Rouge Creek Corridor lands between 9^th Line and Steeles to the TRCA and the Town for Rouge Park purposes. The identified privately-owned parcels of land have been determined to have very high ecological importance. Both parcels provide critical links in the Little Rouge Creek Corridor, with parcel E4-2 also providing a link to the Rouge Park south of Steeles Avenue.

E5 Little Rouge Corridor –Land Transfer from Federal Government

The Town requests the federal government to transfer the identified parcels of land at the southern end of the Federal land holdings to the TRCA or the Town in order to:

· complete the 600 metre Little Rouge Creek Corridor south of Major Mackenzie Drive consistent with the Rouge North Management Plan;

· ensure that there is consistent planning and management of the Little Rouge Creek Corridor as a whole; and

· establish a link to Majors Creek.

Rationale: Transfer of these federally-owned parcels will allow the 600 metre width of the Little Rouge Corridor of the Rouge Park to be completed. If transfer is not possible, then the federal government should be requested to turn over management of the lands to the TRCA, once the detailed Management Plan for the Little Rouge Creek Corridor lands of the Rouge Park is developed.

E6 Participation in Federal Greenspace Initiative

The Town will actively participate in the Federal Greenspace Advisory Committee in order to ensure that the management plan for the Federal Greenspace lands:

· protects the environmental features, functions and linkages;

· is coordinated with Rouge Park planning processes; and

· is consistent with the Town’s land use and transportation planning objectives.

Rationale: A number of tributaries of the Little Rouge Creek run from the Oak Ridges Moraine through the Federal Greenspace Lands. Continued participation by the Town in the Federal Greenspace Advisory Committee will allow these resources to be considered within the context of a linked greenspace system for Eastern Markham and the development of the Rouge Park. It will also allow the Town to ensure that federal initiatives are consistent with the planning framework for lands in Markham.

E7 Participation in GTAA Planning for Pickering Airport -- Environment

The Town will actively participate in the Greater Toronto Airport Authority’s planning processes in order to:

· ensure the continued protection of the environmental features, functions and linkages on the Pickering Airport Site;

· encourage the GTAA to make the airport site as environmentally friendly as possible; and

· determine if any additional lands that are deemed to be excess to the needs of the airport are suitable for greenspace uses.

Rationale: The Pickering Airport Site contains a number of tributaries of the Little Rouge and Duffins Creek. Continued participation by the Town in the GTAA’s planning processes will allow these resources to be considered within the context of a linked greenspace system for Eastern Markham and the establishment of the Rouge Park. It will also allow the Town to monitor the availability of lands that are excess to the needs of the airport and to determine if those lands are suitable for greenspace purposes. (See also L8)

E8 Adoption of Oak Ridges Moraine OPA -- Environment

The Town will prepare and adopt the Oak Ridges Moraine Official Plan Amendment for the lands within the boundaries of the Oak Ridges Moraine as defined by the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. Consistent with previous Town policy, the

Amendment will require approval of an Official Plan Amendment prior to approval of new aggregate extraction.

Rationale: The preparation of the Oak Ridges Moraine OPA is underway and is a requirement of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. The approval of a further Official Plan Amendment prior to approval of aggregate extraction is consistent with current Town-wide policy.

E9 Finalization of Little Rouge Creek Corridor Land Acquisition Strategy

The Town requests the Rouge Park Alliance to expedite the finalization of the specific details of the strategy for securing future Little Rouge Creek Corridor lands of the Rouge Park west of the 9^th Line.

Rationale: Under the Rouge North Management Plan, there is a goal to achieve a 600 metre corridor along the main branch of the Little Rouge Creek in Markham, where this is possible. In the south (between 9^th Line and Steeles Avenue), the corridor will largely be provided by the transfer of provincial lands to the TRCA and the Town. The Rouge Park Alliance has identified a list of possible means to acquire additional lands in the north (between 9^th Line and the northern boundary of Markham) that are currently in private ownership. These include land trusts and conservation easements. However, the Alliance has not yet provided a viable and sustainable strategy that indicates how the Alliance intends to acquire additional lands or support Alliance members in the process of acquiring properties.

E10 Highway 407 – Restoration and Links

The Town requests the Ministry of Transportation and the 407 ETR to work with the Rouge Park Alliance and the Town to re-naturalize disturbed lands and provide appropriate links for people and wildlife under Highway 407.

Rationale: This action recognizes the need for restoration of some lands adjacent to Highway 407 and the need to provide north/south corridors and trail links for people and wildlife.

E11 Transfer of Additional Lands for Rouge Park

The Town requests the Ontario Realty Corporation to transfer Provincial lands west of the Little Rouge creek, south of Highway 407, to the TRCA or the Town for future Rouge Park purposes. (See also L6)

Rationale: While these lands have not been identified as having a high or moderate ecological importance, they are contiguous to the Little Rouge Creek Corridor lands of the Rouge Park and have tributaries draining into the Little Rouge Creek. The tributaries are specifically addressed through Action E3. The addition of these lands would expand the Rouge Park.

E12 Adoption of Rouge Park North OPA

The Town will prepare and adopt an amendment to the Official Plan to incorporate provisions relating to planning for the Rouge Park North and the implementation of the Rouge North Management Plan and requests the support of Markham’s partners on the Rouge Alliance for this significant initiative.

Rationale: The Town of Markham is the only local municipal member of the Rouge Park Alliance that has endorsed the Rouge North Management Plan and has demonstrated support for the Plan though an amendment to its Official Plan. The Town seeks the support of its partners on the Rouge Park Alliance in establishing its Official Plan policies that relate to the Rouge Park.

E13 Protection of Water Resources

The Town will continue to work with the Region, TRCA and other partners to protect groundwater and surface water resources. This will include:

· completing the York-Peel-Durham Groundwater Strategy;

· participating in the development of the Rouge Watershed Strategy;

· completing the Small Streams Study;

· naming the tributaries of the Little Rouge Creek; and

· identifying future agricultural needs for water.

Rationale: Action by the Town in this area will help ensure that Eastern Markham’s water resources are sustainable. The above initiatives complement the existing policies of the Town.

E14 Strengthening of Tree Bylaw

As part of the development of a Tree Bylaw, the Town will:

· investigate how the Tree Bylaw can be applied to private property; and

· request the Province to strengthen the Trees Act.

Rationale: The Town is currently preparing a Tree Bylaw, but the Provincial Trees Act needs to be strengthened to allow the Bylaw to be applied more broadly and effectively.

LAND USE – PRINCIPLE AND ACTIONS

Principle No.3 Countryside

In concert with a linked greenspace system, the Town supports a balance of land uses in Eastern Markham, including agriculture and the Rouge Park, to achieve a vibrant and thriving countryside. The actions below support this principle.

Rationale: Eastern Markham has rich agricultural heritage and the potential to support agriculture over the long term with its excellent soils, long growing season and proximity to diverse markets. However, there are currently a number of significant constraints to agriculture including lack of tenure, high land prices, proximity of urban areas, and limited agricultural support services. Some of the major constraints to agriculture can be addressed through assured tenure and firm land use agricultural zoning controls. Retention of a thriving countryside in Eastern Markham will provide ongoing financial, heritage and recreational value to the Town of Markham.

ACTIONS

L1 Support for Tenant Purchase Program

The Town supports the sale to tenants of Provincial lands east of the Little Rouge Creek, except the environmental linkages identified in E2 and possibly E3, and urges the Ontario Realty Corporation to expedite the Tenant Purchase Program.

Rationale: Sustainable agriculture in Eastern Markham requires significant investment by the farmer. Such investment is facilitated by assuring tenure through ownership of the land. This action reaffirms Council’s support for the sale by the Province of agricultural land and structures and existing rural residences to tenants through the Tenant Purchase Program.

L2 Support for Agricultural Use in Perpetuity

The Town supports appropriate agricultural use in perpetuity of the Provincial lands east of the Little Rouge Creek that are subject to the Tenant Purchase Program, except the environmental linkages identified in E2 and E3.

Rationale: The current provincial ownership of these lands offers a unique opportunity to ensure that the sale of the lands to the tenants can be based on long-term agricultural use. This action affirms Council’s support for agricultural use in perpetuity for the majority of the Provincial lands east of the Little Rouge Creek.

L3 Securing Agricultural Use in Perpetuity

The Town requests the Province:

· to support agricultural use in perpetuity on the lands identified in L2;

· to immediately place a Minister’s Zoning Order on the lands and put agricultural easements on the lands when the lands are transferred (with the easements being jointly held by the Town, the Region and TRCA);

· to work cooperatively with the Town to explore other, possibly preferable options (including a plan under the Planning and Development Act, special legislation and land trusts) and agree on a mechanism for permanent protection of the lands for agricultural use; and

· to work with the Town to identify and permit an expanded range of appropriate uses for the lands (see Schedule A).

Rationale: As it currently exists, the Planning Act does not give the Town the power to protect lands for agriculture in perpetuity. Municipalities and the Ontario Municipal Board must have regard to the Provincial Policy Statement that both addresses the protection of agricultural land and provides for approval of new urban development. The use of a Minister’s Zoning Order, together with agricultural easements can provide interim protection of the lands, with the goal of developing a long-term “made in Markham” solution that fulfills the principles of “smart growth”. Allowing an expanded range of permitted uses, such as “pick-your-own” operations and farmers’ markets, will give farmers, whose lands are subject to the planning control, additional flexibility and add to the economic viability of their operations.

L4 Continuation of Uses on Privately Owned Agricultural Lands

The Town supports continuation of the agricultural use, and the existing rural residential use of the privately owned lands in Eastern Markham, and will continue the current Town Official Plan policies and zoning permissions on these lands.

Rationale: This action reaffirms the existing zoning and agricultural use of privately-owned agricultural lands in Eastern Markham.

L5 Identification of Future Study Area for Business Park Employment

The Town will identify the privately owned and Provincial lands, west of the Little Rouge Creek north of Highway 407, and contiguous to the proposed employment lands in the Cornell Planning District as a Future Study Area for business park employment.

Rationale: The eastern portion of Markham has an imbalance of jobs versus residents, with east end residential growth significantly outpacing job creation. The identified lands are tablelands that are not priorities for the Rouge Park. Their location – west of the Little Rouge Creek Corridor, close to major transportation routes, contiguous to proposed employment lands in Cornell– makes them ideal to study for future employment use. The lands have the potential to support and complement the employment lands in Cornell and Box Grove, and capitalize on the proximity to the possible future airport in Pickering. The development of an employment node at this location has the potential to support expansion of the proposed rapid transit system eastwards to the Durham border. If the Town loses the opportunity to study and confirm these lands for potential employment use, it is likely that they could be proposed for other urban uses.

L6 Adoption of Oak Ridges Moraine OPA – Permitted Land Uses

To identify permitted land uses on public and private land, the Town will prepare and adopt the Oak Ridges Moraine Official Plan Amendment for the lands within the Oak Ridges Moraine as defined by the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan.

Rationale: Permitted land uses on the Oak Ridges Moraine are set under the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, and will be reflected in the Town’s Oak Ridges Moraine Official Plan Amendment. The lands within the Oak Ridges Moraine in Eastern Markham are defined as either Natural Linkage or Countryside Areas. In the Natural Linkage Areas, only existing uses and very restricted new resource management, agricultural, low intensity recreational, home business, transportation and utility uses are allowed. In the Countryside Areas, most of the uses typically allowed in agricultural and other rural areas are allowed.

L7 Protection of Resources on Catholic Cemeteries Site

Through the planning approval process, the Town will protect the heritage and environmental features on the Catholic Cemeteries site on the north side of Steeles Avenue east of Reesor Road.

Rationale: The Province established the land use permissions on the Catholic Cemeteries site through a Minister’s Zoning Order and placed conservation easements on portions of the lands to protect heritage and environmental features. These include an aboriginal archaeological site, a woodlot, watercourses and hedgerows. Through the site plan approval process, the Town will carefully monitor the development of the site and secure continued protection of the heritage and environmental features contained on it.

L8 Participation in GTAA Planning for Pickering Airport – Land Use

The Town will actively participate in the Greater Toronto Airport Authority’s planning processes in order to understand and contribute to the determination of future land uses on the Pickering Airport Site. Until such time as future land uses are determined for the Pickering Airport Site, the Town supports the continued use of these lands for agriculture in accordance with the Official Plan and zoning.

Rationale: This action continues the Town’s participation in the Greater Toronto Airport Authority’s planning processes to address possible future use of the airport site, both inside and outside the operational area of a possible future airport. Because the development of the airport may take many years, this action recommends supporting the continued use of the Airport Site lands for agriculture in the interim. (See also E7)

L9 Identification of Future Uses on Private Lands South of CNR Line

The Town will identify the privately owned lands south of the CNR line and the hydro right-of-way as a Future Study Area for urban use.

Rationale: The lands are currently being farmed. They are bounded by the CNR line, the hydro right-of-way and Steeles Avenue, and are disconnected from other agricultural lands in Eastern Markham. This action reflects a previous approval by the Town to permit municipal services in the vicinity to be sized to serve these lands, based on the extension of services at the landowners’ expense.

L10 Provincial Consultation with the Town Prior to Disposition of Lands

In the event that the Province does not agree with the Town’s requests involving provincial lands as expressed in Actions E2, E3, E4, E11, L1, L2, L3, and L5, the Town requests the opportunity to consult further with the Province regarding the use of the lands prior to the disposition of the lands.

Rationale: If the lands identified are not to be used for greenspace or agriculture, the Town requests that it be consulted as to their future use and disposition.

HERITAGE – PRINCIPLE AND ACTIONS

Principle No. 4 Protection of Heritage Resources

The Town supports the protection of heritage resources in Eastern Markham. The actions below support this principle.

Rationale: The Town of Markham is rich in history, and in Eastern Markham much of this history remains intact and visible. The legacy of Markham’s early settlers is found not only in the classic Victorian farmhouses that remain, but also in the pattern on the land – the woodlots, farmsteads and fields bounded by fences and hedgerows. Conservation of this heritage will contribute tremendously to the countryside character of Eastern Markham.

H1 Designation of Hamlets as Heritage Conservation District Study Areas

The Town will designate the hamlets of Cedar Grove, Locust Hill and Dickson’s Hill as Heritage Conservation District Study Areas.

Rationale: This action recognizes the heritage values of structures in the hamlets, and of the hamlets themselves. Potential designation as Heritage Conservation Districts would preserve their unique heritage values and would contribute to anchoring the agricultural/countryside character of Eastern Markham.

H2 Designation and Heritage Easements on Properties

The Town will designate and pursue heritage easements for all properties of cultural heritage value or interest in Eastern Markham.

Rationale: Eastern Markham has an abundance of cultural heritage features including structures, features and archaeological resources. These heritage structures need to be upgraded and maintained at Town standards. This action affirms the Town’s commitment to preserving its history, continues its policies to preserve heritage structures and sites in the Town of Markham, and builds on the heritage initiatives already completed by Heritage Markham and Council.

H3 Achieving Protection of Heritage Structures

When participating in planning processes for the Rouge Park , the Federal Greenspace Lands and the proposed Pickering Airport, the Town will investigate ways to retain Markham’s heritage structures, including private ownership.

Rationale: Some of Eastern Markham’s heritage structures are in poor condition and need significant investment in order to reach the Town’s standards. Private ownership is an effective way of achieving this. In the Rouge Park, private ownership of heritage homes that are not needed for Park purposes could also increase safety by providing “eyes on the park”.

TRANSPORTATION - PRINCIPLE AND ACTIONS

Principle No.5 Balanced Transportation System

The Town supports the implementation of a multi-modal transportation system that serves and balances both inter-regional needs and the needs of the residents and businesses in Eastern Markham and acknowledges the need to balance the interests of “place” and “corridor”. The actions below support this principle.

Rationale: This principle recognizes the needs of both residents and employees of Eastern Markham and those traveling through the area. It recognizes that residents may need to travel to work. It recognizes that traffic needs to move in an east-west and north-south direction. It recognizes both existing traffic patterns, and the potential traffic generated from the approved Stouffville urban expansion, the proposed Seaton development in Pickering and the possible future airport in Pickering. The use of the term “multi-modal” recognizes the need to plan, not just for private vehicles, but also for transit, rail, bicycles and pedestrians.

ACTIONS

T1 Retention and Improvement of Current Transportation Routes

The Town requests the Region of York and the City of Toronto to work with Markham to retain, and provide for the improvement of current transportation routes in Eastern Markham. The Town will also request the Province to ensure that the transportation system requirements or improvements that are currently identified in the Regional Transportation Management Plan and local and regional Official Plans are addressed in the Environmental Assessment and sale of Provincial lands in Eastern Markham.

Rationale: This action speaks to the need for the Town, together with the Region and the City of Toronto, to retain and improve existing transportation routes in Eastern Markham, in accordance with the local and regional Official Plans and transportation management plans. Currently identified needs (e.g., requirements for future road widening) should be addressed by the Province in the sale of Provincial lands in Eastern Markham.

T2 Facilitating Movement of Farm Vehicles

The Town requests the Region of York to work with Markham to implement the provisions of the Official Plan to facilitate the movement of farm vehicles on rural roads in Eastern Markham (e.g., signage, shoulder improvements where feasible and practical).

Rationale: The farmers in Eastern Markham have specific transportation needs associated with the movement of farm vehicles on certain rural roads. These are acknowledged in the provisions of the Official Plan, but have not yet been implemented. Implementing these provisions will help meet the needs of farmers and provide safe movement of farm and non-farm vehicles in Eastern Markham.

T3 Participation in Transportation Planning

The Town will actively participate in ongoing and future Regional, Provincial and Federal (including GTAA) transportation planning studies, reviews and environmental assessments to ensure that the Town’s interests are addressed.

Rationale: This action acknowledges the need for the Town to provide its perspective in all pertinent transportation planning processes. Of particular concern is the potential for future road closures (in both north/south and east/west directions) within the Pickering Airport Site. The new road proposed in the Region’s Transportation Management Plan north of Major Mackenzie Drive between Highway 404 and Markham Road also has a potential impact on future access to lands in Eastern Markham. All transportation planning processes need to consider hiking trails and links.

T4 Review and Update of Transportation Management Plan

The Town reiterates its request for the Region of York to review and update its Transportation Management Plan in order to identify appropriate road network and transit improvements to accommodate transportation system requirements relating to development in Seaton and at the Pickering Airport Site. The Town will actively participate in this review.

Rationale: If Seaton is approved, there will be significant traffic associated with the 90,000 proposed residents and 45,000 proposed jobs slated for the area in the Durham Region Official Plan. Similarly, if an airport in Pickering is approved, it can be expected to generate both direct traffic (i.e., associated with the airport operations) and indirect traffic associated with induced development around the airport. This action reaffirms the Town’s previous request for the Region of York to consider the potential impacts of these initiatives through a review and update of the Regional Transportation Management Plan. A review at this time would support input to the Durham Official Plan review, the provincial and Pickering planning studies for the Seaton lands, the GTAA planning for the airport site, and the coordinated review identified in T5.

T5 Review of Transportation Impacts of Pickering Airport

Recognizing the critical nature of potential transportation impacts associated with the proposed Pickering Airport, the Town urgently requests the Province, the Region of York, the Region of Durham and the GTAA to undertake a coordinated review of transportation requirements in and around the Pickering Airport Site. The review should consider:

· strategies to minimize the transportation impacts on residents and businesses in Eastern Markham;

· retention of north-south and east-west roads in Eastern Markham;

· the retention of the Havelock rail corridor;

· the potential of using the Havelock rail line as a rail link to the airport; and

· the provision of public transit service to the airport to minimize automobile use.

Rationale: This action recognizes the urgent need for a coordinated review of transportation requirements around the Pickering Airport Site to address both direct traffic associated with the airport operations and indirect traffic associated with induced development around the airport.

T6 Directing Inter-Regional Traffic to Higher Order Roads

As part of the review identified in ActionT4, the Town will work with the Region of York and the City of Toronto to ensure that inter-regional traffic is directed to identified higher order roads and transit. Consistent with this, the Town supports:

· completion of the Markham Bypass to the south and west;

· staged improvements to Steeles Avenue to address public safety and transportation requirements;

· improvements to 14^th and 16^th Avenues;

· transit initiatives (see T10) ; and

· protecting current rail lines for future transit use.

Rationale: The Town will work with the Region of York and the City of Toronto to ensure that inter-regional traffic is directed to appropriate, higher-order roads and transit. This will reduce the traffic impacts on the countryside of Eastern Markham.

T7 Widening of Highway 7

As part of the review and updating of the Transportation Management Plan cited in Action T4, the Town requests the Region of York to study the need for widening Highway 7 east of Reesor Road. If a decision is made to widen Highway 7, then the Town requests the Region to consider a bypass for Locust Hill in the subsequent Environmental Assessment.

Rationale: This action recognizes that Highway 7 is a two-lane road east of Reesor Road, and the capacity of the road needs to be increased. It also recognizes the heritage value of Locust Hill and seeks to preserve its character as a hamlet.

T8 Transportation Planning on Federal Lands

The Town requests the federal government to recognize municipal and regional transportation plans and objectives, and consider them in the federally approved planning processes for the government’s lands in Eastern Markham.

Rationale: Existing municipal roads cross the Airport Site and provide access to and across the Site. Changes to these roads could have an impact on travel in and through this area of Markham. This action reflects the need to coordinate planning on the Federal lands and to recognize municipal transportation needs and interests.

T9 Provision of Trail Connections and Wildlife Corridors

The Town supports the provision of trail connections for walkers and cyclists and corridors for wildlife in transportation initiatives.

Rationale: This action recognizes the need to provide access and connections for non-motorized modes of transportation and for wildlife. The provision of such connections -- for example, under bridges -- will improve safety on the road system in Eastern Markham and allow for easy movement of people and wildlife.

T10 Improvements to Public Transit

The Town will work with the Region of York, the Province of Ontario and others to achieve significant improvements in public transit including:

· all-day service on the Stouffville line;

· retention of the Havelock rail corridor through the proposed Pickering Airport site;

· restoration of service on the Havelock line;

· the Highway 7 and 407 transitways;

· transit stations to service, Locust Hill and Boxgrove; and

· other transit opportunities as appropriate.

Rationale: An effective public transit system will help reduce the impacts of transportation movements associated with external development on Eastern Markham , will help reduce the environmental impacts of traffic, and will help balance the interests of “place” and “corridor”.

RELATED ACTIONS

R1 Management Agreement for Cedarena

Consistent with the conditions of transfer established by the Province, the Town requests the TRCA to enter into a management agreement for Cedarena with the Town, in consultation with the Cedar Grove Community Club.

Rationale: This action recognizes that Cedarena has long been considered a community focal point, has been designated by the Town as a heritage structure, and must continue to be managed locally for existing community purposes.

R2 Establishment of Rural Markham Liaison Committee

The Town will investigate ways of supporting the countryside/agricultural community in Eastern Markham through the creation of a rural Markham liaison committee with representatives from residents, farmers, and community associations. The committee will provide advice on such initiatives as:

· signage and other communication tools to raise awareness of countryside activities and heritage features;

· promotion of local agricultural produce through “branding”;

· community involvement in countryside/agricultural initiatives;

· events to celebrate Markham’s rich rural heritage;

· regular roadside maintenance including pickup of litter and tree maintenance;

· strategies to reduce the dumping of garbage in the areas;

· traffic enforcement;

· voluntary placement of agricultural or conservation easements on private lands; and

· opportunities to participate in initiatives such as the GTA Agriculture Action Plan.

Rationale: This action reflects the need for municipal action to support the countryside/agricultural community in Eastern Markham over the long term. It recognizes the unique needs of the community and the economic development opportunities that are found in Eastern Markham. While the focus of this action is Eastern Markham, the EMSR Committee recognizes that elements may have relevance elsewhere in Markham.

R3 Investigation of Tax Policies

The Town will investigate the relationship between tax policies and land use to identify possible ways to support the countryside/agricultural activities recommended in Eastern Markham.

Rationale: This action allows the Town to examine tax policies in order to identify ways that they might be used to ensure the economic viability of countryside/agriculture activities.

R4 Finalization of Crown Right Agreement

The Town requests the Ontario Realty Corporation to expedite finalization of a Crown Right Agreement with the Town. The Agreement should, as much as possible, reflect the Principles and Actions recommended in the Eastern Markham Strategic Review Committee Report.

Rationale: Subsequent to Provincial acquisition of lands in eastern Markham in the early 1970s, many of the former land parcels were merged with adjacent lands on Title. The Province is bound, under its Class Environmental Assessment for ORC Realty Activities, to obtain municipal approval prior to exercising Crown Right to divide the properties. In 1996-97, the Town of Markham negotiated a draft Crown Right Agreement with the Ontario Realty Corporation to allow the severance and sale of the lands to the tenants and former owners, subject to certain conditions established by the Town, including the transfer of environmentally sensitive lands and existing park lands to the Town, and the establishment of conservation easements on environmental features. The finalization of the Crown Right Agreement is required to implement the Tenant Purchase Program, and to give effect to a number of the recommendations in the Eastern Markham Strategic Review, such as:

· conservation, heritage or agricultural easements on lands to be conveyed from the Province to the private sector, and

· transfer of lands to the Town or the TRCA.

SCHEDULE A

Possible Expanded Use Permissions for Tenant Purchase Lands

NOTE: This is subject to further study.

Existing Permitted Uses (Zoning By-law 304-87 as amended):

· existing rural residential uses;

· agricultural uses (subject to minimum distance separation formulae*), including:

o production of field crops;

o animal husbandry including:

§ poultry

§ animals raised or kept for purposes other than food;

o specialty farming, including:

§ fruit farming

§ market gardening

§ organic farming

§ horticulture

§ sod farming

§ plant nurseries

§ greenhouse production

§ forestry

§ beekeeping;

· seasonal fruit or vegetable stand in the same ownership as the abutting farm lands for the sale of produce from such lands;

· public conservation projects;

· accessory uses: (means a use subordinate and naturally, customarily and normally incidental to and exclusively devoted to the main use (agricultural) of the land or building and located on the same lot), including:

o storage of farm products, animal feeds, farm machinery

o farm animal accommodation

o up to two farm residences, which may include:

§ Home occupation (up to 25% of dwelling)

§ Private home daycare

* In the future, agricultural uses may also be subject to Provincial Nutrient Management guidelines.
Examples of Possible Additional Secondary Uses (uses secondary to the main (agricultural) use of the property):

· Bed and Breakfast Establishments;

· Country Inn Establishment;

· Farm Winery or Cidery;

· Farm Vacation Establishments;

· Farm market (means a structure accessory to the principal farm operation where produce primarily from the farm is offered for retail sale on a seasonal basis);

· Farmhouse dining rooms;

· Farm-based home industries, such as carpentry, welding, blacksmith;

· Production and sale of value-added products produced from the farm operation on the property (e.g., apple cider, wool products, baked goods and preserves, herbal products and specialty maple syrup and honey products); and

· Agri-tourism (means the act of visiting a farm operation for the purpose of enjoyment, education or active involvement, where the principal activity on the property remains as farming and the products used in the activity are related to farming on the property),including:

o Hay or corn maze

o Petting zoo for farm animals

o Hay, sleigh, or carriage rides

o Farm tours

o Farm demonstrations

o Pick-your-own produce.

SCHEDULE B

Recommended Requests and Advice to Governments, Agencies and Other Stakeholder Interests

It is recommended:

1. And that the Federal Government be requested:

a) to transfer the identified lands at the southern end of the Federal land holdings to the TRCA or the Town in order to:

· complete the 600 metre Little Rouge Creek Corridor south of Major Mackenzie Drive consistent with the Rouge North Management Plan;

· ensure that there is consistent planning and management of the Little Rouge Creek Corridor as a whole; and

· establish a link to Majors Creek. (E5)

b) to recognize municipal and regional transportation plans and objectives, and consider them in the federally approved planning processes for the government’s lands in Eastern Markham. (T8)

And That the Federal Government be advised that:

c) the Town will actively participate in the Federal Greenspace Advisory Committee in order to ensure that the management plan for the Federal Greenspace lands:

· protects the environmental features and linkages;

· is coordinated with Rouge Park planning processes; and

· is consistent with the Town’s land use and transportation planning objectives. (E6)

d) the Town will actively participate in ongoing and future Regional, Provincial and Federal (including GTAA) transportation planning studies, reviews and environmental assessments to ensure that the Town’s interests are addressed. (T3)

e) the Town will designate and pursue heritage easements for all properties of cultural heritage value or interest in Eastern Markham. (H2)

f) when participating in planning processes for the Rouge Park and the Federal Greenspace Land and the proposed Pickering Airport, the Town will investigate ways to retain Markham’s heritage structures, including private ownership. (H3)

g) the Town will work with the Region of York, the Province of Ontario and others to achieve significant improvements in public transit including:

· all-day service on the Stouffville line;

· retention of the Havelock line through the proposed Pickering Airport site;

· restoration of service on the Havelock line;

· the Highway 7 and 407 transitways;

· transit stations to service Locust Hill and Boxgrove; and,

· other transit opportunities, as appropriate (T10)

And That the Federal Government be requested to respond to the foregoing and to provide any additional comments regarding other recommended actions identified in the Final Report

2. And That the Provincial Government be requested:

a) through the Ontario Realty Corporation, to transfer the parcels of land identified as “key linkage areas” to the TRCA or the Town for park, open space and environmental protection purposes complementary to the Little Rouge Creek Corridor lands of the Rouge Park. (E2)

b) through the Ontario Realty Corporation, to either transfer the parcels of land identified as “potential linkage areas” to the TRCA or the Town for park, open space and environmental protection purposes complementary to the Little Rouge Creek Corridor lands of the Rouge Park. Alternatively, if the lands are transferred to other owners, the Province is requested to ensure that the owners of land within which these parcels are located enter into conservation easements to protect the watercourses and riparian systems within these parcels. (E3)

c) through the Ontario Realty Corporation to transfer Provincial lands west of the Little Rouge Creek,south of Highway 407, to the TRCA or the Town for future Rouge Park purposes. (E11)

d) through the Ontario Realty Corporation, to ensure that the transportation system requirements or improvements that are currently identified in the Regional Transportation Management Plan and local and regional Official Plans are addressed in the Environmental Assessment and sale of Provincial lands in Eastern Markham. (T1)

e) through the Ontario Realty Corporation to expedite finalization of a Crown Right Agreement with the Town and to ensure that the Agreement, as much as possible, reflects the Principles and Actions recommended in the Eastern Markham Strategic Review Committee Report. (R4)

f) through the Ontario Realty Corporation to consider a land exchange as identified in Action E4. (E4)

g) through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, to support agricultural use in perpetuity on the lands identified in Action L2;

· to immediately place a Minister’s Zoning Order on the lands and put agricultural easements on the lands when the lands are transferred (with the easements being held by the Town, the Region and TRCA);

· to work cooperatively with the Town to explore other, possibly preferable options, and agree on a mechanism for permanent protection of the lands for agricultural use; and

· to work with the Town to identify and permit an expanded range of appropriate uses for the lands. (L3)

h) through the Ministry of Transportation, to work with the 407 Express Toll Route, Rouge Park Alliance and the Town to re-naturalize disturbed lands and provide appropriate links for people and wildlife under Highway 407. (E10)

i) through the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs to work with the Region of York, the Region of Durham and the GTAA to undertake a coordinated review of transportation requirements in and around the Pickering Airport Site. The review should consider:

· strategies to minimize the transportation impacts on residents and businesses in Eastern Markham;

· retention of north-south and east-west roads in Eastern Markham;

· the retention of the Havelock rail corridor;

· the potential of using the Havelock rail line as a rail link to the airport; and

· the provision of public transit service to the airport to minimize automobile use. (T5)

j) provide the Town with the opportunity to consult further with the Province regarding the use of the lands identified in Actions E2, E3, E4, E11, L1, L2, L3, and L5 in the event that the Province does not agree with the Town’s requests involving these lands, prior to the disposition of the lands. (L10)

And That the Provincial Government be advised that:

k) the Town supports the sale to tenants of Provincial lands east of the Little Rouge Creek, except the environmental linkages identified in Action E2 and possibly Action E3, and urges the Ontario Realty Corporation to expedite the Tenant Purchase Program. (L1)

l) the Town supports appropriate agricultural use in perpetuity of the Provincial lands east of the Little Rouge Creek that are subject to the Tenant Purchase Program, except the environmental linkages identified in Actions E2 and E3. (L2)

m) the Town will identify the privately owned and Provincial lands west of the Little Rouge north of Highway 407 and contiguous to the proposed employment lands in the Cornell Planning District as a Future Study Area for business park employment. (L5)

n) the Town will actively participate in ongoing and future Regional, Provincial and Federal (including GTAA) transportation planning studies, reviews and environmental assessments to ensure that the Town’s interests are addressed. (T3)

o) the Town will work with the Region of York, the Province of Ontario and others to achieve significant improvements in public transit including:

· all-day service on the Stouffville line;

· retention of the Havelock line through the proposed Pickering Airport site;

· restoration of service on the Havelock line;

· the Highway 7 and 407 transitways;

· transit stations to service, Locust Hill and Boxgrove; and,

· other transit opportunities, as appropriate. (T10)

p) the Town will designate the hamlets of Cedar Grove, Locust Hill and Dickson’s Hill as Heritage Conservation District Study Areas. (H1)

q) the Town will designate and pursue heritage easements for all properties of cultural heritage value or interest in Eastern Markham. (H2)

r) as part of the development of a Tree Bylaw, the Town will:

· investigate how the Tree Bylaw can be applied to private property; and

· request the Province to strengthen the Trees Act. (E14)

s) the Town supports the provision of trail connections for walkers and cyclists and corridors for wildlife in transportation initiatives. (T9)

And That the Provincial Government be requested to respond to the foregoing and to provide any additional comments regarding other recommended actions identified in the Final Report.

3. And That the Region of York be requested

a) to work with the Town and the City of Toronto to retain, and provide for the improvement of current transportation routes in Eastern Markham. (T1)

b) to work with the Town to implement the provisions of the Official Plan to facilitate the movement of farm vehicles on rural roads in Eastern Markham (e.g., signage, shoulder improvements where feasible and practical). (T2)

c) to review and update its Transportation Management Plan in order to identify appropriate road network and transit improvements to accommodate improvements relating to development in Seaton and at the Pickering Airport Site. The Town will actively participate in this review. (T4)

d) to study, as part of the review and updating of the Transportation Management Plan cited in Action T4, the need for widening Highway 7 east of Reesor Road. If a decision is made to widen Highway 7, then the Town requests the Region to consider a bypass for Locust Hill in the subsequent Environmental Assessment. (T7)

e) to work with the Province, the Region of Durham and the GTAA to undertake a coordinated review of transportation requirements in and around the Pickering Airport Site. The review should consider:

· strategies to minimize the transportation impacts on residents and businesses in Eastern Markham;

· retention of north-south and east-west roads in Eastern Markham;

· the retention of the Havelock rail corridor;

· the potential of using the Havelock rail line as a rail link to the airport, and

· the provision of public transit service to the airport to minimize automobile use. (T5)

And That the Region of York be advised that:

f) the Town will actively participate in ongoing and future Regional, Provincial and Federal (including GTAA) transportation planning studies, reviews and environmental assessments to ensure that the Town’s interests are addressed. (T3)

g) as part of the review and updating of the Transportation Management Plan cited in Action T4, the Town will work with the Region of York and the City of Toronto to ensure that inter-regional traffic is directed to identified higher order roads and transit. Consistent with this, the Town supports:

· completion of the Markham Bypass to the south and west;

· a staged widening of Steeles Avenue;

· improvements to 14^th and 16^th Avenues;

· transit initiatives (see T10) ; and

· protecting current rail lines for future transit use. (T6)

h) the Town requests the federal government to recognize municipal and regional transportation plans and objectives, and consider them in the federally approved planning processes for the government’s lands in Eastern Markham (T8)

i) the Town supports the provision of trail connections for walkers and cyclists and corridors for wildlife in transportation initiatives. (T9)

j) the Town will work with the Region of York, the Province of Ontario and others to achieve significant improvements in public transit including:

· all-day service on the Stouffville line;

· retention of the Havelock line through the proposed Pickering Airport site;

· restoration of service on the Havelock line;

· the Highway 7 and 407 transitways;

· transit stations to service Locust Hill and Boxgrove; and,

· other transit initiatives as appropriate. (T10)

k) the Town will continue to work with the Region, the TRCA and other partners to protect groundwater and surface water resources. This will include:

· completing the York-Peel-Durham Groundwater Strategy;

· participating in the development of the Rouge Watershed Strategy;

· completing the Small Streams Study;

· naming the tributaries of the Little Rouge Creek; and

· identifying future agricultural needs for water. (E13)

And That the Region of York be requested to respond to the foregoing and to provide any additional comments regarding other recommended actions identified in the Final Report.

4. And That the Region of Durham be requested:

a) to work with the Province, the Region of York and the GTAA to undertake a coordinated review of transportation requirements in and around the Pickering Airport Site. The review should consider:

· strategies to minimize the transportation impacts on residents and businesses in Eastern Markham;

· retention of north-south and east-west roads in Eastern Markham;

· the retention of the Havelock rail corridor;

· the potential of using the Havelock rail line as a rail link to the airport, and

· the provision of public transit service to the airport to minimize automobile use. (T5).

And the Region of Durham be advised that:

b) the Town will actively participate in ongoing and future Regional, Provincial and Federal (including GTAA) transportation planning studies, reviews and environmental assessments to ensure that the Town’s interests are addressed. (T3)

c) the Town will work with the Region of York, the Province of Ontario and others to achieve significant improvements in public transit including:

· all-day service on the Stouffville line;

· retention of the Havelock line through the proposed Pickering Airport site;

· restoration of service on the Havelock line;

· the Highway 7 and 407 transitways;

· transit nodes to service, Locust Hill and Boxgrove; and

· other transit opportunities as appropriate. (T10)

And That the Region of Durham be requested to respond to the foregoing and to provide any additional comments regarding other recommended actions identified in the Final Report.

5. And That the City of Toronto be requested:

a) to work with the Town and the Region of York to retain, and provide for the improvement of current transportation routes in Eastern Markham. (T1)

And That the City of Toronto be advised that:

b) as part of the review and updating of the Transportation Management Plan cited in Action T4, the Town will work with the Region of York and the City of Toronto to ensure that inter-regional traffic is directed to identified higher order roads and transit. Consistent with this, the Town supports:

· completion of the Markham Bypass to the south and west;

· a staged widening of Steeles Avenue;

· improvements to 14^th and 16^th Avenues;

· transit initiatives (see T10) ; and

· protecting current rail lines for future transit use. (T6)

And That the City of Toronto be requested to respond to the foregoing and to provide any additional comments regarding other recommended actions identified in the Final Report.

6. And That the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority be requested:

a) the Town requests TRCA to enter into a management agreement for Cedarena with the Town in consultation with the Cedargrove Community Club. (R1)

And That the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority be advised that:

b) the Town urges the Rouge Park Alliance to expedite the preparation of a detailed Management Plan for the Little Rouge Creek Corridor lands of the Rouge Park, in partnership with the Town of Markham and the TRCA, to ensure that Town interests are reflected in the Management Plan. The Town further requests the Rouge Alliance to confirm that the Town will play a leadership role in planning for the Rouge Park in Markham. (E1)

c) the Town requests the Province, through the Ontario Realty Corporation, to transfer the parcels of land identified as “key linkage areas” to the TRCA or the Town for park, open space and environmental protection purposes complementary to the Little Rouge Creek Corridor lands of the Rouge Park. (E2)

d) the Town requests the Province, through the Ontario Realty Corporation, to either transfer the parcels of land identified as “potential linkage areas” to the TRCA or the Town for park, open space and environmental protection purposes complementary to the Little Rouge Creek Corridor lands of the Rouge Park. Alternatively, if the lands are transferred to other owners, the Province is requested to ensure that the owners of land within which these parcels are located enter into conservation easements to protect the watercourses and riparian systems within these parcels. (E3)

e) the Town requests the Province, through the Ontario Realty Corporation to transfer Provincial lands west of the Little Rouge Creek, south of Highway 407, to the TRCA or the Town for future Rouge Park purposes. (E11)

f) the Town requests the federal government to transfer the identified lands at the southern end of the Federal land holdings to the TRCA or the Town in order to:

· complete the 600 metre Little Rouge Creek Corridor south of Major Mackenzie Drive consistent with the Rouge North Management Plan;

· ensure that there is consistent planning and management of the Little Rouge Creek Corridor as a whole; and

· establish a link to Majors Creek. (E5)

g) the Town requests the Rouge Park Alliance to assign the highest priority for land acquisition to the identified private parcels of land (E4-1 and E4-2) to be added to the Little Rouge Creek Corridor of the Rouge Park. With respect to parcel E4-2, the Town requests the Province to consider a land exchange for adjoining Provincial lands to the north and west. (E4)

h) the Town will continue to work with the Region, the TRCA and other partners to protect groundwater and surface water resources. This will include:

· completing the York-Peel-Durham Groundwater Strategy;

· participating in the development of the Rouge Watershed Strategy;

· completing the Small Streams Study;

· naming the tributaries of the Little Rouge Creek; and

· identifying future agricultural needs for water. (E13)

i) the Town will designate the hamlets of Cedar Grove, Locust Hill and Dickson’s Hill as Heritage Conservation District Study Areas. (H1)

j) the Town will designate and pursue heritage easements for all properties of cultural heritage value or interest in Eastern Markham. (H2)

k) when participating in planning processes for the Rouge Park and the Federal Greenspace Lands, the Town will investigate ways to retain Markham’s heritage structures, including private ownership. (H3)

And That the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority be requested to respond to the foregoing and to provide any additional comments regarding other recommended actions identified in the Final Report.

7. And that the Greater Toronto Airport Authority be requested:

a) to work with the Province, the Region of York and the Region of Durham to undertake a coordinated review of transportation requirements in and around the Pickering Airport Site. The review should consider:

· strategies to minimize the transportation impacts on residents and businesses in Eastern Markham;

· retention of north-south and east-west roads in Eastern Markham;

· the retention of the Havelock rail corridor;

· the potential of using the Havelock rail line as a rail link to the airport; and

· the provision of public transit service to the airport to minimize automobile use. (T5)

And that the Greater Toronto Airport Authority be advised that:

b) the Town will actively participate in the Greater Toronto Airport Authority’s planning processes in order to:

ensure the continued protection of the environmental features functions and linkages on the Pickering Airport Site;
encourage the GTAA to make the airport site as environmentally friendly as possible; and
determine if any additional lands that are deemed to be excess to the needs of the airport are suitable for greenspace uses. (E7)

c) the Town will actively participate in the Greater Toronto Airport Authority’s planning processes in order to understand and contribute to the determination of future land uses on the Pickering Airport Site. Until such time as future land uses are determined for the Pickering Airport Site, the Town supports the continued use of these lands for agriculture in accordance with the Official Plan and zoning. (L8)

e) the Town requests the federal government to recognize municipal and regional transportation plans and objectives, and consider them in the federally approved planning processes for the government’s lands in Eastern Markham. (T8)

f) the Town will work with the Region of York and others to achieve significant improvements in public transit including:

· all-day service on the Stouffville line;

· retention of the Havelock line through the proposed Pickering Airport site;

· restoration of service on the Havelock line;

· the Highway 7 and 407 transitways;

· transit stations to service Locust Hill and Boxgrove;and,

· other transit opportunities, as appropriate. (T10)

And That the Greater Toronto Airport Authority be requested to respond to the foregoing and to provide any additional comments regarding other recommended actions identified in the Final Report.

8. And That the 407 Express Toll Route be requested:

a) to work with the Ministry of Transportation, the Rouge Park Alliance and the Town to re-naturalize disturbed lands and provide appropriate links for people and wildlife under Highway 407. (E10)

9. And That GO Transit be advised that:

a) the Town of Markham requests the Province, the Region of York, the Region of Durham and the GTAA to undertake a coordinated review of transportation requirements in and around the Pickering Airport Site. The review should consider:

· strategies to minimize the transportation impacts on residents and businesses in Eastern Markham;

· retention of north-south and east-west roads in Eastern Markham;

· the retention of the Havelock rail corridor;

· the potential of using the Havelock rail line as a rail link to the airport; and

· the provision of public transit service to the airport to minimize automobile use. (T5)

b) the Town will work with the Region of York and others to achieve significant improvements in public transit including:

· all-day service on the Stouffville line;

· retention of the Havelock line through the proposed Pickering Airport site;

· restoration of service on the Havelock line;

· the Highway 7 and 407 transitways;

· transit stations to service Locust Hill and Boxgrove;and,

· other transit opportunities, as appropriate. (T10)

And That GO Transit be requested to respond to the foregoing and to provide any additional comments regarding other recommended actions identified in the Final Report.

10. And That the Rouge Alliance be requested:

a) to expedite the preparation of a detailed Management Plan for the Little Rouge Creek Corridor lands of the Rouge Park, in partnership with the Town of Markham and the TRCA, to ensure that Town interests are reflected in the Management Plan. The Town further requests the Rouge Alliance to confirm that the Town will play a leadership role in planning for the Rouge Park in Markham. (E1)

b) to expedite the finalization of the specific details of the strategy for securing future Little Rouge Creek Corridor lands of the Rouge Park west of the 9^th Line. (E9)

c) to support the Town in the preparation and adoption of an amendment to the Official Plan to incorporate provisions relating to planning for the Rouge Park North and the implementation of the Rouge North Management Plan (E12)

c) to assign the highest priority for land acquisition to the identified private parcels of land (E4-1 and E4-2) to be added to the Little Rouge Creek Corridor of the Rouge Park. With respect to parcel E4-2, the Town requests the Province to consider a land exchange for adjoining Provincial lands to the north and west. (E4)

And That the Rouge Alliance be advised that:

e) the Town will designate the hamlets of Cedar Grove, Locust Hill and Dickson’s Hill as Heritage Conservation District Study Areas. (H1)

f) the Town will designate and pursue heritage easements for all properties of cultural heritage value or interest in Eastern Markham. (H2)

g) when participating in planning processes for the Rouge Park and the Federal Greenspace Lands, the Town will investigate ways to retain Markham’s heritage structures, including private ownership. (H3)

And That the Rouge Alliance be requested to respond to the foregoing and to provide any additional comments regarding other recommended actions identified in the Final Report.