Site Analysis
Site/Base Map
PLE655
Winter
20
Circulation
Circulation Flow surrounding Site
The site sits on a transportation corridor that meets between two significant arterials, and a major highway, accessibility via automobile is exceptional. In terms of transit, the site, as referenced in the circulation diagram, is serviced by Viva and YRT bus lines, making it accessible by public transit. The site does provide a good amount of cyclist infrastructure; however, the site most lacks in walkability. The nearest amenities and shopping centers are not within general walking distance of the site, typical of suburban communities.
Surrounding Built Form, Land uses and density
The 25.76-hectare Subject Site is located South-West corner of the Donald Cousens Pkwy in the City of Markham under the York Region. The site has two heritage buildings on the lands: 7625 Highway 7 – Abraham Reesor Farmhouse and 7323 Highway 7 – Frank Albert Reesor House. These properties are listed in the Markham Inventory of Heritage Buildings. A woodlot occupies the primarily agricultural site.
Density and Land uses
Land uses surrounding the site and subject lands include Highway 407 and an existing stormwater management pond that sits under an already developed and established low-density residential community to the West. To the north past, Highway 7 are vacant lands that are currently undergoing significant residential development with further proposals of commercial retail and residential uses, office development and higher density mixeduse developments being proposed even further north of the site. East of the site, across Donald Cousens Pkwy, are vacant lands designated for Employment/Business uses, Markham has stated explicit interest in protecting employment lands. To the South on Highway 407 lies, existing supermarkets, banks, schools, and well-established suburban residential communities. The site falls under Cornell Secondary Plan boundaries. The lands surrounding the site can primarily be characterized by the changing land uses interests with significant residential and employment development interests at play. Our site sits on a regional corridor and center as zoned by the City of Markham, on the edge of the city and among the last pieces of land that are seeing strong development interests.The planning is in various stages, and some developments have been approved and granted for mixeduse communities.
Drainage
Stormwater management facilities will likely be required on-site as the gradient will pool water together to the south of the site. Stormwater management ponds already exist east of the site and serve the already existing neighbourhood there.
Community Amenities
The Community of Cornell is adequately serviced municipally. Fire stations, police stations and Markham-Stoufville hospital are within walking distance of the site. The school board adequately services the surrounding communities, there exist five schools within a 500m radius of the site. The site is in near proximity to many drugstores, banks, clinics and grocery/shopping facilities, however, they are not within a short walking distance. For example, the nearest shopping center is across a busy highway south of the site.
View of Site NW from Highway 407
WINTER Local Amenity Context
20
RYERSON UNIVERSIT Y || THE HOSSAIN SCHOOL KAZI MUSADDIQUE - 500833906 OF URBAN AND REGIONALPROFESSOR: PLANNING RON KEEBLE