Council Meeting
Agenda

C#11-22
-
Council Chambers
225 East Beaver Creek Road
Richmond Hill, Ontario

Mayor David West

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

City facilities are open to the public to attend Council and Committee meetings beginning on March 22, 2022. The public can observe meetings of Council and Committees by attending in-person or by viewing the livestream of the open session part of these meetings which can be accessed on the City’s website (Richmondhill.ca) or on the City’s YouTube page (linked from the City’s homepage).


Public Comments: The public may submit written correspondence regarding agenda items by email to [email protected]. Written correspondence must be submitted by 12 p.m. (noon) on the day before the meeting. Comments submitted will be provided to all Members of Council, are considered as public information and will be included on the public agenda posted to the City’s website.


Delegations: Any person who wishes to speak to Council on agenda items must pre-register with the Office of the Clerk by 12 p.m. (noon) the day before the meeting. Applications to appear as a delegation can be submitted by email to [email protected] or by using the on-line application form found on Richmondhill.ca. Delegations can be in given in-person, or electronically by video conference or telephone. The Office of the Clerk will provide instructions on appearing as a delegation. 


Public Forum: Any person who wishes to speak to Council on a matter not on the agenda must pre-register with the Office of the Clerk by 12 p.m. (noon) the day before the meeting. Persons wanting to address Council during the Public Forum portion of the meeting must register by sending an email to [email protected] or by using the on-line form found on Richmondhill.ca. Public Forum participation can be in-person, or electronically by video conference or telephone. A maximum of five persons will be allowed to register for the Public Forum on a first come first serve basis.


  • a) That taxes amounting to $21,169.04 be written off pursuant to the provisions of Section 357 of the Municipal Act, 2001;

    b) That taxes amounting to $2,076.89 be written off pursuant to the provisions of Section 358 of the Municipal Act, 2001;

    c) That applicable penalty and interest be adjusted accordingly; and

    d) That the Treasurer be directed to adjust the accounts receivable accordingly.

  • a) That staff report SRPI.22.028 be received for information purposes;

    b) That the Ontario Land Tribunal be advised as follows:

    i) that Council supports the revised Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment Applications as outlined in staff report SRPI.22.028, subject to the following:

    (a) that the OLT be requested to withhold the issuance of its Final Order with respect to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications until such time as the City advises the Tribunal that:

        1. that the Official Plan Amendment has been finalized to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Planning and Infrastructure;
        2. that the Zoning By-law Amendment has been finalized to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Planning and Infrastructure, inclusive of a satisfactory Section 37 Community Benefits Package; and
        3. that the related Site Plan application for the development has been finalized to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Planning and Infrastructure.

    c) That upon the recommendation of the Commissioner of Planning and Infrastructure, the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to enter into Minutes of Settlement and any further agreements or documentation as necessary to implement the revised development proposal and secure a Section 37 Community Benefits Package;

    d) That upon the recommendation of the Commissioner of Planning and Infrastructure, the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to enter into Minutes of Settlement and any further agreements or documentation as necessary to implement the revised development proposal and secure a Section 37 Community Benefits Package;

    e) That Council authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute an agreement and/or authorize any further agreements or documentation as necessary with the owner, to enable the applicant to qualify for the Regional incentive program for purpose built rental housing;

    f) That the authority to assign servicing allocation to the proposed development on the subject lands be delegated to the Commissioner of Planning and Infrastructure subject to the criteria in the City’s Interim Growth Management Strategy, and that the assigned servicing allocation be released in accordance with the provisions of By-law 109-11, as amended; and

    g) That appropriate City staff be directed to appear at the OLT as necessary in support of Council’s position concerning the subject applications.

  • a) That staff report SRPI.22.030 be received for information purposes;

    b) That the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) be advised that Council supports the proposed development as illustrated on Maps 2, 3 and 4 of staff report SRPI.22.030; 

    c) That appropriate City staff be directed to appear at the Ontario Land Tribunal as necessary in support of Council’s position concerning the subject Site Plan application.

  • a) That Council receive staff report SRPI.22.036 regarding the Region of York’s Draft Official Plan;

    b) That City Council endorse the comments on the Region of York’s Draft Official Plan set out in SRPI.22.036, and in doing so, Council requests that prior to adoption, the Region:

    1. Amend Map 10 Rapid Transit Network by removing the proposed GO Station at Bayview and 19th Avenue and adding a proposed GO Station at Elgin Mills and Newkirk, to service residents and business along the Yonge Corridor, the Yonge and Bernard Key Development Area, and the Newkirk Business Park; and
    2. Amend Draft ROP policy 2.3.2.3 to require a minimum of 35% of residential units in each new development application located within a Regional Centre or MTSA to be affordable, in response to the Region’s declared affordable housing crisis and to ensure that the Region’s target is achieved through the approval of applicable applications.

    c) That York Region be advised of City Council’s support for the recommendations set out in Attachment A to staff report SRPI.22.036; and

    d) That City Clerk forward a copy of this report and its attachment to York Region and to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing as input to the Region’s Municipal Comprehensive Review.

City Files D02-17014 and D03-17004 (Related Files D05-17002 and D06-17039)

  • a) That the revised Zoning By-law Amendment and draft Plan of Subdivision applications submitted by 8608415 Canada Inc. JV c/o Metropole Developments Inc. for lands known as Lots L and N, and Part of Lots H, J and K, Plan 1916 (Municipal Addresses: 25, 45 and 61 Harris Avenue), City Files D02-17014 and D03-17004, be approved, subject to the following:

    1. that the subject lands be rezoned from Urban (UR) Zone under By-law 128-04, as amended, to Multiple Residential One (RM1) Zone under By-law 235-97, as amended, and that the amending Zoning By-law establish site specific development standards as outlined in Staff Report SRPI.22.039;
    2. that the draft amending Zoning By-law as set out in Appendix “B” be finalized to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Planning and Infrastructure;
    3. that pursuant to Section 34(17) of the Planning Act, Council deem that no further notice be required with respect to any necessary modifications to the draft amending Zoning By-law to implement the proposed development on the subject lands;
    4. that prior to the final amending Zoning By-law being brought forward to Council for consideration and enactment, the applicant’s Site Plan application (City File D06-17039) be substantially completed to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Planning and Infrastructure and confirmation be received that the applicant has registered restrictions over the subject lands under Section 118 of the Land Titles Act;
    5. that the Plan of Subdivision as depicted on Map 6 to Staff Report SRPI.22.039 be draft approved, subject to the conditions of draft approval as set out in Appendix “C”;
    6. that prior to draft approval being granted, the applicant pay the applicable processing fees in accordance with the City’s Tariff of Fees By-law 68-21, as amended;

    b) That the authority to assign 131.56 persons equivalent of servicing allocation to the proposed development to be constructed on the subject lands be delegated to the Commissioner of Planning and Infrastructure subject to the City’s Interim Growth Management Strategy, and that the assigned servicing allocation be released in accordance with By-law 109-11, as amended; and,

    c) That all comments concerning the applicant’s related Site Plan Application (City File D06-17039) be referred back to staff.

  • a) That staff report SRPI.22.040 regarding Request for Approval of a revised Street Naming Application submitted by Leslie Richmond Developments Ltd. for the lands known as Part of Lot 30, Concession 3, E.Y.S. (municipal address 1521 19th Avenue) be approved subject to the following:

    1. That the proposed private street name Violettes Lane (P) be approved in accordance with staff report SRPI.22.040; and,
    2. That staff be directed to bring forward a by-law to a regularly scheduled Council meeting to implement the approval of the additional private street name in conjunction with the street names previously approved for the lands upon finalization of the development applications for the proposed residential development.
  • a) That Council endorse the City’s submission of an application to the Federal Ministry of Infrastructure and Communities Active Transportation Fund for the David Dunlap Observatory Park Pedestrian/Cyclist Bridge and Recreation Trails;

    b) That, should the grant application be successful, Council approve the City’s allocation of 40% ($2.12 million) of the $5.3 million eligible project cost, as well as $800,000 in ineligible costs, for a total City contribution of $2.92 million to be funded from the Parks and Recreation Development Charges Reserve Fund and Cash-in-lieu of Parkland Reserve Fund between 2022-2026, with in-year funding values to be determined.

Moved by:  Councillor Muench

  • Whereas, the protection of the Oak Ridges Moraine buffer areas & the Greenbelt are very important long term priorities for the people and Council of Richmond Hill requiring action;

    Whereas, Richmond Hill Council passed a motion on April 14, 2021 to review the opportunity to expand walking trails in Richmond Hill, while supporting expanding farming and Agriculture as part of the York Region’s Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) process; and

    Whereas, Richmond Hill Council’s approved April 14 2021 motion was intended to achieve more walkable trails for Richmond Hill and was approved in a pandemic period which had residents utilizing walking and trails more; and

    Whereas, York Region has a deadline for comments to its 30 year draft MCR by March 31, 2022, (plan until 2051) making this a time sensitive motion; and

    Whereas, the City of Richmond Hill strives in its official and working plans to create walkable, complete, connected, culturally vibrant neighbourhoods, and have directed staff on its March 9, 2022 parks key direction plan to expand active and passive recreation; and

    Whereas, unofficial digital apps have been created directing people on their cell phones to the Jefferson Forest Trail without qualified trail validation, which has led to injuries requiring emergency services support on the Jefferson trail over the past year; and

    Whereas, the Town of Whitchurch – Stouffville has passed motions for reclassification of lands to allow for urban municipal planning along the 404 corridor which is adjacent to the City of Richmond Hill, and;

    Whereas, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food on August 22, 1994 advised in a letter to York Region noting

    “York Region has a diverse agriculture character that putting all the lands that are shown as agriculture into the same designation could water down the strength of the policies’; and

    Whereas, the Resources Management Branch – Agricultural Land Use unit of the Provincial Governments, Ministry of Agriculture and Food on July 24, 2002 advised in a letter to York Region

    “No provincially significant agricultural areas were identified within the Town Richmond Hill, Newmarket and Aurora”; and

    Whereas, large production / “traditional” farming of the area is no longer viable due to the decline of the rural character of the area, the closing of the CASE dealer in Whitchurch - Stouffville, the excessive cost to transport the agricultural products to silos in communities like Guelph due to the silo discontinuation in Bradford, and the higher water table makes the yield of production farming low, and impossible to support; and

    Whereas, Richmond Hill Staff did not execute, provide any information or engage local stakeholder farmers directly and exclusively on this topic as directed by the April 14, 2021 motion; and

    Whereas, submissions received to both York Region and the City of Richmond Hill MCR processes, it has been stated that land fragmentation has broken down the intended transition, buffer areas and the land no longer supports the Countryside designation; and

    THEREFORE BE RESOLVED that the City of Richmond Hill;

    1.  Reinstates on its City Plan 2041 Proposed Urban Structure Figure 2. 1-2 the area previously identified as “Request expansion of the City’s urban boundary to include lands designated ORM Countryside south of Bethesda Road” as originally proposed in 2020; and

    2.  Requests York Region provide a wholesome approach in its 30 year MCR to provide a passive and active recreation and parks plan which should include the allowance of an expansion of walkable and integrated trails, where feasible within the lands in the Gormley Go Station area. This would include amending where appropriate Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) designations prior to adoption of the York Region Official Plan (City Plan 2041); and

    3.  Requests York Region during its 30 year MCR plan provide for parks, transit and growth needs of the Gormley Go Station area and where possible enhance Natural Linkage and Natural Core of the environment; and

    4.  Requests, the Province of Ontario to assist wherever possible to link designations and consider collaborative approaches including creating a provincial park and all assistance to create a linear park system within the Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt using all Provincial Assets where feasible and appropriate which could include;

      1. Metrolinx lands
      2. York Region lands
      3. Toronto Regional Conversation Lands (TRCA)
      4. York Region School Boards (YRDSB and YRCDSB); and
      5. City of Richmond Hill lands; and 

    5.  Requests, the Province of Ontario to take the input from the City of Richmond Hill and York Region MCR’s and carry out an evaluation of the Greenbelt, and Oak Ridges Moraine policies to ensure strong, consistent and updated approaches assuring the long term commitment in its plans to enhance and protect Natural Linkage and Natural Core classifications in the Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine policies going forward consistent with all Provincial policies; and

    6. Submit a request to the Minister of Municipal Affairs to re-designate the subject lands through an amendment to the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan from “Countryside” to “Settlement” in order to provide for the applicable Official Plan Amendments to occur at the local municipal (City of Richmond Hill) and Region of York level through their respective Municipal Comprehensive Reviews (MCR’s).

    7. Send a copy of this resolution to

    1. York Regional Council,
    2. Members of Provincial Parliament (M.P.P.s),
    3. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing,
    4. Ministry of Agriculture,
    5. Ministry of the Environment,
    6. Ministry of Finance, and
    7. the Ministry of Transportation

Moved by: Councillor Muench 

  • Whereas, the City of Richmond Hill has the most restrictive open house sign bylaw, according to the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) ; and

    Whereas, the City of Richmond Hill By-Law 37-21 allows a maximum of one (1) Real Estate open house sign to be displayed on each street frontage of the property, and shall be displayed only on the day of an open house; and

    Whereas, open house signs attract buyers and creates awareness of the property; and

    Whereas, the City of Richmond Hill prohibits a photo or information of the real state and brokerage on the display sign, and

    Whereas, the City of Richmond Hill limits open house signs to have the municipal address, date and time of the open house; and

    Whereas, the Real Estate and Business Broker Act (2002), and the associated Ontario Regulation 580/05 (Code of Ethics) requires realtor and real estate brokers to display the name of the brokerage, and the name of the sales agent on all the advisements displayed ; and

     SO 2002, c 30, Sch C | Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, 2002 | CanLII

    Whereas, TREB, which represents over 54,000 realtors in the GTA, issued a press release on November 6, 2019 calling on Richmond Hill Council to put in place a regular by-law by removing controversial restrictions on the content of open house signs; and

    Whereas, the City of Vaughan Real Estate open house signs (By-law 140-2018) are permitted to three (3) signs per open house and signs shall be displayed for a maximum of 72 hours; and

    Whereas, the City of Markham Real Estate open house signs (By-Law 2002-94) has no limit on the number of sign, and maximum of two (2) sings per intersection; and

    Whereas, restricting identification information on open house signs makes it much more difficult for municipal by-law enforcement staff to identify the owner of a sign, and thereby prosecute offenders who may infringe on other by-law requirements; and

    Whereas, a practical/fair regulation that is consistent between municipalities is a sign of a good governance, and assists compliance; and  

    Whereas, real estate signs are generic in nature and do not identify a brokerage or salesperson and simply provide an arrow that point in the direction of an open house;

    THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Richmond Hill;

    1.    Amend its Real Estate open house sign by law to require real estate open house signs

    1. Be permitted ONLY for dwellings that are presently for sale, rent or lease;
    2. Be allowed for a maximum of five (5) Real Estate open house signs per “registered” dwelling;
    3. To be erected a maximum of 6 hours prior to the open house, and are to be collected within 2 hours of open house completion as “registered”;
    4. Are NOT to exceed 0.5 m2 in sign area and 1.2 metres in height, (which is consistent with the City of Markham sign bylaw);
    5. ALL Real Estate open houses that wish to have signage must place a communication to “register” to appropriate city staff within 48 hours of the open house outlining:

    the Open house address        the listing agent        the brokerage

    the Open house times            the Open house dates  

    the full contact information of the broker (including phone & email address)

    2.    Any illegal signs observed will be collected by the appropriate staff, and the agent will be contacted and issued a warning for a first offence. Subsequent instances of the same offence by a previously warned owner will be ticketed a substantial fine ($ 1,000) for each infraction to the real estate broker and a letter is to be sent to the brokerage advising of the infraction;

    3.    The brokerage receive a $ 5,000 fine should the brokerage agents within their brokerage have more than 5 infractions in a calendar year;

    4.    That the Richmond Hill Sign By-law permits the erection of a real estate sign on a property that is being offered for sale, rent or lease;

    5.    The appropriate city staff of the City of Richmond Hill send a list of registered open house signs to members of Council on a weekly basis prior to the open house;

    6.    A copy of the revised by-law be sent to TREB and every Richmond Hill real estate brokerage office.

16.

Explanation: Approved by Council at the July 7, 2021 Council meeting (Staff Report SRPI.21.070)

  • That Council move into closed session:

    a) To consider personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees, and matters regarding labour relations or employee negotiations, with respect to the appointment of a Treasurer, pursuant to Sections 239(2)(b) and (d) of the Municipal Act, 2001.

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