Whereas, Provincial Growth Plan does not identify the lands described as 1577-1621 Major Mackenzie Drive East (the “subject lands”) as Provincially Significant Employment Lands; and
Whereas, the City of Richmond Hill Council at its meeting of September 18, 2019 approved a Member Motion supporting a concept plan that proposed residential uses on the subject lands; and
Whereas, the City of Richmond Hill Council at its meeting of February 26, 2020 recommended to the Region of York its support of an Employment Lands conversion for the subject lands; and
Whereas, The Region of York Council at its meeting of October 22, 2020 approved an Employment Lands conversion for the subject lands; and
Whereas, Treasure Hill, on behalf of Rice Commercial Group Ltd., has submitted a new concept plan prepared by Malone Given Parsons dated October 17, 2020 (the “plan”) and a draft Ministers Zoning Order for the subject lands; and
Whereas, the concept plan submitted by Treasure Hill, on behalf of Rice Commercial Group Ltd., fulfills City objectives including delivery of critical infrastructure and bringing natural heritage lands into public ownership; and
Whereas, new Long-Term Care facilities are needed in the Region of York and the City of Richmond Hill; and
Whereas, the concept plan proposes a new large Long-Term Care facility; and
Whereas, as a result of the global pandemic, the economy of the City of Richmond Hill and the Region of York has suffered; and
Whereas, the Province of Ontario has encouraged municipalities to plan for the economic recovery including getting projects shovel ready, see attached news release titled Ontario Rebuilding and Recovery Act, 2020 - Accelerating Infrastructure Projects dated Oct 22; and
Whereas, the proposed development will create significant short term and permanent jobs for the City and Region; and
Whereas, the proposed development will generate significant Regional and City Development Charge revenue and significant long-term property tax revenue;
Now Therefore Be It Resolved:
That the Council of the City of Richmond Hill has considered and approves the concept plan and draft Ministers Zoning Order submitted by Treasure Hill on behalf of Rice Commercial Group Ltd.; and
That the City formally request the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to issue a Minister’s Zoning Order, substantially in the form attached, to implement the proposed development; and
That the City Clerk be directed to, forthwith, forward a copy of this resolution to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing as a statement of Council’s request; and
That the City Clerk be directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Region of York for their information.