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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 25, 2004Executive Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 25, 2004 7:30 PM Chair: Councillor Pickles PRESENT: Mayor Dave Ryan COUNCILLORS: K. Ashe M. Brenner M. Holland R. Johnson B. McLean D. Pickles ALSO PRESENT: E. Buntsma N. Carroll G. Paterson B. Taylor T. Melymuk C. Rose - Director, Operations & Emergency Services - Director, Planning & Development - Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer - City Clerk - Manager, Corporate Projects & Policy - Manager, Policy G. McGregor- Principal Planner, Policy ii) ADOPTION OF MINUTES Meeting of May 10, 2004 (11) 1. MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT REPORT PD 22-04 GROVVTH MANAGEMENT STUDY: PHASE 2 (RECOMMENDED STRUCTURE PLAN) RECOMMENDATIONS Councillor Ashe noted that he did not participate in any discussion or vote on this matter. REFERRED AS NOTED BELOW: -1- Executive Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 25, 2004 7:30 PM Chair: Councillor Pickles That Report PD 22-04 on the City's Growth Management Study. Phase 2 (Recommended Structure Plan) be referred no later then the last meeting before summer recess to allow additional opportunity for those interested in the process to review the staff report, particularly with respect to consultations with First Nations representatives; and That staff be requested to prepare a subsequent report for Council's consideration on the official plan and other amendments, and the related processes required to implement the Structure Plan for the Growth Management Study Area, taking into consideration the matters outlined in Appendix II; and That staff in discussion with the Consulting Team, be requested to examine the work program for the Phase 3 - Neighbourhood Plans of the Growth Management Study, and make whatever modifications are necessary to ensure the program supports and is consistent with the City's application to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities "Green Municipal Enabling Fund" for the preparation of a Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan, and that staff and the Consulting Team then be authorized to commence Phase 3; and That the following individuals be requested to consider Phase 2 of the Growth Management Study as applicable, in undertaking their respective activities and initiatives: a) The Minister of Municipal Affairs in completing a development plan under The Ontario Planning and Development Act for lands in Pickering; and b) The Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal in completing a Growth Management Plan for the Golden Horseshoe area; and c) The Chair and members of the provincial Greenbelt Task Force when making recommendations on a permanent greenbelt in the Golden Horseshoe; and d) The Chair and members of Regional Council when making amendments to the Durham Regional Official Plan, and that Regional Council direct the Commissioner of Planning to incorporate the City's Growth Management Study findings into the Durham Regional Official Plan Review; and -2- Executive Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 25, 2004 7:30 PM Chair: Councillor Pickles e) The Minister of the Environment and the President and CEO of the Ontario Realty Corporation in completing the environmental assessment for lands in Pickering; and f) The Minister of Transportation, and the President and CEO of the 407 ETR in finalizing the freeway interchange locations on Highway 407 in Pickering; and g) The President and CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority in completing the draft Master Plan for the Pickering Airport Lands; and That the City Clerk be requested to forward a copy of Report PD 22-04, together with Council's resolution on the matter, to the individuals listed in Recommendation 5, as well as the City of Toronto, the Town of Markham, the Town of Ajax, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, the Rouge Park Alliance, the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Wayne Arthurs-MPP Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge, Dan McTeague-MP Pickering-Ajax-Uxbridge, and any other interested groups, agencies, or individuals for their information and/or action. DELEGATIONS RESPECTING THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT STUDY: David Steele, 966 Timmins Gardens, representing PACT, congratulated staff and consultant and advised that PACT supports the Report to date. The environment came first, community impact was sought and heritage issues were considered for the first time. Cold water streams in Seaton are well known and aquifers and woodlots are sensitive. The envelope for future development is good and PACT asks that surface and ground water be studied when development is implemented. The 1997 Van Nostram Report did not consider surface and ground water runoff. The Provincial Government is considering high density for the Seaton lands. They are disappointed that some people and agencies, such as the Region, have advocated too much population for the Seaton area. The only opposition to the Study is the Region of Durham and some residents. Sandy Rider, representing Whitevale & District Residents Association, requested Council hold off endorsing the Study. There is a division within the community who are concerned about the Agricultural Preserve. -3- Executive Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 25, 2004 7:30 PM Chair: Councillor Pickles o Sylvia Holloway, 4th Concession, expressed her support of the Study and feels that the Report is balanced. She bought her property on full market value with full knowledge of the Agricultural Easement. Tom Thompson, 3181 Byron Street, Whitevale, stated his opposition to the Study and development on the Agricultural Preserve. Minister Gerretsen has suggested that Duffins Heights be developed now and the City should pursue this. The Phase 2 study does not state what will happen to present tenants in the Seaton area. Isobel Thompson, 3181 Byron Street, Whitevale, asked Mayor Ryan to act as mediator with the Ontario Realty Corporation in selling housing back to tenants. She noted that two-thirds of the people did not support the Study because of development on the Agricultural Preserve. This Study is premature particularly since the Minister has stated that the Agricultural Preserve will be protected. The public must be heard and Phase 3 should be postponed. Mike Belfour, 2 Jomar Ave., representing the Cherrywood Residents Association, advised that most people in Cherrywood support the preservation of the land. The Ontario Government had ownership of the lands and sold those lands with easements. The integrity of the Study is questionable, the credibility of the plan is questionable, the work of the developers and City is too close because the developers have funded the Study. The report is short sighted and alternatives should be considered. Michael Williams, 2200 Whites Road, has farmed the land since the 1970's, planted over 15,000 trees and has spent over $1,500,000 in improvements. When he bought the land in 2000, he entered into an agreement whereby the tenants were to be given first right of refusal and the owners would abide by the City's decision on the use of the land. Harvey Kirsh, 1975 Memory Lane, advised that he has no problem with the boundaries of the Study but is concerned with what is happening within the boundaries. Grasslands and wetlands will be destroyed by developers and buffers of at least 500 metres are needed to protect wildlife. Greenspace protection will have to be improved by Province. The word 'significant' must be removed for First Nations heritage areas. The report states that growth is needed to ease taxes but this has not been proven and in fact, the opposite is true. Funding of the Report by -4- Executive Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 25, 2004 7:30 PM Chair: Councillor Pickles 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15 developers is a conflict of interest because the developers will benefit from it. Gord Willson, Whitevale Road, advised that he has submitted comments. He suggested that all citizens should oppose the Study because it reflects profits for developers who funded the Study. The Study ignores the Seaton area and the Agricultural Easements were supported by Province, Region and municipality to preserve lands as agricultural for perpetuity. The Province has reiterated its intent to protect the Agricultural Preserve. Rob Lyon, 4th Concession, bought land at fair market value of $30,000 per acre with the understanding that the City holds the easements and can remove them at their will. The original owners had the right to purchase their land back and the Province is only asking for comments on Greenbelt Policy. The Study is appropriate and he asked Council to endorse the Study because it has been an open process and development is needed. He further noted that the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority supports Option 3. John Newell, 529 Steeple Hill, asked if Council has checked to see if the environmental study in the Report is correct. He advised that he met with staff but his comments are not included. The Study states that soil for agriculture is marginally suitable. He stated that the land is well suited for organic farming and the employment area along Highway #7 is the location of the headwaters of many springs. Ron Halliday, 427 Taunton Road, Ajax, stated that he has listened to people make statements about developers but studies of this nature are traditionally paid for by benefiting landowners. Don Harvey, 470 Conc. 3, stated that the easements were meant to be in perpetuity and we are all subject to rules and regulations on property. Jim Thompson, 437 Churchwin Street, stated that this issue is too decisive to make a decision in the near future and the referral should be to an indefinite period. Bonnie Littley, 1499 Sandhurst Cres., stated that the developers in the Agricultural Preserve have little respect for the land and the easements. We are loosing too much land to urban development and the Agricultural -5- Executive Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 25, 2004 7:30 PM Chair: Councillor Pickles 16. 17. Preserve is the choice of the majority to preserve land. Opposition to the Study is underestimated and no legitimate environmental group supports the Study. There are other alternatives for the Agricultural Preserve. Phil McMullen, 516 Kingston Road West, Ajax, stated that it is precedent law that land cannot be tied up for perpetuity. Angelo Franchelli, 861 Darwin Drive, questioned that if this Study is not approved, is there a plan to increase the tax base some other way. CORPORATE SERVICES REPORT CS 08-04 2003 PRE-AUDIT BALANCES OF RESERVES AND RESERVE FUNDS ADDroved See Recommendation #1 CORPORATE SERVICES REPORT CS 10-04 FORMAL QUOTATIONS - QUARTERLY REPORT FOR INFORMATION - JANUARY - MARCH, 2004 Approved See Recommendation #2 CORPORATE SERVICES REPORT CS 12-04 CASH POSITION REPORT AS AT MARCH 31, 2004 ADDroved See Recommendation #3 PROCLAMATION "HEALTH BEFORE PREGNANCY MONTH" Approved (111) ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:56 pm. See Recommendation #4 -6- Appendix I Executive Committee Report EC 2004-10 That the Executive Committee of the City of Pickering having met on May 25, 2004, presents its tenth report to Council and recommends: CORPORATE SERVICES REPORT CS 08-04 2003 PRE-AUDIT BALANCES OF RESERVES AND RESERVE FUNDS That Report CS 08-04 concerning 2003 Pre-Audit Balances of Reserves & Reserve Funds, from the Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer, be received; and That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary actions to give effect thereto. CORPORATE SERVICES REPORT CS 10-04 FORMAL QUOTATIONS - QUARTERLY REPORT FOR INFORMATION - JANUARY - MARCH,.2004 1. That Report CS 10-04, concerning Formal Quotations - Quarterly Report for Information, January - March, 2004, from the Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer, be received and forwarded to Council for information. CORPORATE SERVICES REPORT CS 12-04 CASH POSITION REPORT AS AT MARCH 31, 2004 That Report CS 12-04 concerning Cash Position Report as at March 31, 2004 from the Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer, be received for information. PROCLAMATION "HEALTH BEFORE PREGNANCY MONTH" That Mayor Ryan be authorized to make the following proclamation: "Health Before Pregnancy Month"- June, 2004 -7- Appendix I Executive Committee Report EC 2004-10 That the Executive Committee of the City of Pickering having met on May 25, 2004, presents its tenth report to Council and recommends: CORPORATE SERVICES REPORT CS 08-04 2003 PRE-AUDIT BALANCES OF RESERVES AND RESERVE FUNDS That Report CS 08-04 concerning 2003 Pre-Audit Balances of Reserves & Reserve Funds, from the Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer, be received; and That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary actions to give effect thereto. CORPORATE SERVICES REPORT CS 10-04 FORMAL QUOTATIONS - QUARTERLY REPORT FOR INFORMATION - JANUARY - MARCH, 2004 That Report CS 10-04, concerning Formal Quotations - Quarterly Report for Information, January - March, 2004, from the Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer, be received and forwarded to Council for information. CORPORATE SERVICES REPORT CS 12-04 CASH POSITION REPORT AS AT MARCH 31, 2.004 1. That Report CS 12-04 concerning Cash Position Report as at March 31, 2004 from the Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer, be received for information. PROCLAMATION "HEALTH BEFORE PREGNANCY MONTH" That Mayor Ryan be authorized to make the following proclamation: "Health Before Pregnancy Month"- June, 2004 -8-