Markham public meetings in 2023
35 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Race Relations Committee
The Committee appointed Danielle Russell as Chair and Jas Atwal as Vice-Chair. Members discussed the recruitment of three new members and the deferral of a recommendation to return to monthly meetings.
- Appointed Danielle Russell as Chair (Carried)
- Appointed Jas Atwal as Vice-Chair (Carried)
- Adopted September 11, 2023 agenda (Carried)
- Adopted June 6, 2023 minutes (Carried)
Development Services Committee Meeting
The Committee approved the intent to designate several properties under the Ontario Heritage Act, though two designations were deferred. It also authorized parkland dedication exemptions for three specific sites and requested traffic signals at Highway 7 East and Mayor Roman Drive.
- Affirmed intent to designate 5474 19th Avenue, 7822 Highway 7 East, and 53 Dickson Hill Road
- Affirmed intent to designate 2 Legacy Drive, 81 Dickson Hill Road, 4130 Nineteenth Avenue, 4159 Nineteenth Avenue, 6772 Fourteenth Avenue, 7880 Highway 7, 10159 McCowan Road, and 10387 McCowan Road
- Deferred designation of 2972 Elgin Mills Rd to October 17, 2023
- Deferred designation of 10224 Hwy 48 to January 2024
- Approved parkland dedication exemptions for 45 Sciberras Road, 50 & 52 Nelson Road, and 10988 & 10990 Warden Avenue
- Requested York Region approve traffic signals at Highway 7 East and Mayor Roman Drive at the owner's expense
- Confirmed previous meeting minutes from June 13, June 26, June 27, and July 5, 2023
Development Services Public Meeting
The Committee approved two zoning by-law amendments for a food manufacturing facility and a temporary soil remediation system. A proposal for a large mixed-use development was referred back to staff for further reporting.
- Approved zoning amendment for food manufacturing and meat processing at 555 Alden Road (Carried)
- Approved zoning amendment for temporary multiphase extraction remedial system at 2 Ovida Boulevard (Carried)
- Directed staff to facilitate a meeting between Parsons Inc., Ministry of the Environment, and residents regarding 2 Ovida Boulevard (Carried)
- Referred mixed-use development application at 6950 Highway 7 East back to staff for report and recommendation (Carried)
Heritage Markham Committee
The committee approved a site visit and a structural peer review by a heritage expert for eight buildings proposed for demolition by Parks Canada. The committee also processed several heritage permits and a designation by-law amendment.
- Endorsed site visit and peer review by a structural engineer for 8 buildings in Rouge National Urban Park
- Approved designation by-law amendment for 9392 Kennedy Road to correct legal description and Statement of Significance
- No comment provided on variance application for rear sunroom addition at 370 Main Street North
- Received information on heritage permits for 107 Main St, 33 Colborne St, 27 Victoria Ave, 24 Maple Lane, and 2 Aileen Lewis Court
- Received information on demolition, building, and sign permits for 10 Ruggles Ave, 7 Washington St, 237 Main St, and 14 Eckardt Ave
- Adopted minutes from July 12, 2023 meeting
- Approved August 9, 2023 agenda
Markham Accessibility Advisory Committee
The Committee reviewed a draft of the Annual Accessibility Status Report due to the Province of Ontario. Members provided recommendations regarding the report's language, content, and examples of City achievements. No formal vote of approval was recorded in the minutes.
- Recommended using plain language (grade 3 to 5 level) and font size 12 in the status report
- Recommended adding specific success examples, including the Aaniin Community Centre and online building permit submissions
- Recommended including a link to the AODA and IASR in the report introduction
- Agreed to meet next on October 2, 2023
Varley McKay Art Foundation of Markham
The meeting was held without a quorum, resulting in unofficial discussions only. The Board discussed plans for a Fall Exhibition event and decided against a major presence at the Markham Jazz Festival.
- Tabled approval of June 12, 2023 minutes to the next agenda
- Agreed a major presence at the Markham Jazz Festival is not necessary or viable
- Agreed to prepare the Fall brochure draft for review
Heritage Markham Committee
The Committee deferred a decision on the demolition of eight buildings in Rouge National Urban Park to August and established an Architectural Review Sub-committee to evaluate the properties. Several heritage permit applications for residential and commercial properties were approved, while a coach house proposal at 86 John Street was deferred to September.
- Deferred Rouge National Urban Park demolition feedback to August meeting
- Established Architectural Review Sub-committee for Parks Canada demolition matter
- Approved architectural design for new dwelling at 31 Parkway Avenue
- Approved recladding of Unionville Curling Club at 257 Carlton Road
- Approved expansion of place of worship at 313 Main Street North
- No comment/no objection to sunroom addition at 370 Main Street North
- Deferred coach house application at 86 John Street to September meeting
- Received information on delegated heritage permits for 288 Main St N, 77 John St, and 7 Town Crier Lane
Special Development Services Committee Meeting
The Development Services Committee received presentations on the recommended development concept, Smart Cities strategy, and Community Energy Plan for the Markham Centre Secondary Plan. Staff will report back to the committee in September.
- Received communications regarding Markham Centre Secondary Plan from TRCA, Infrastructure Ontario, and other developers
- Received presentation on Markham Centre Secondary Plan Recommended Development concept
- Received presentations on Markham Centre Secondary Plan Community Energy Plan and Smart Cities strategy
- Received deputations from Randy Peddigrew and Maria Gatzios
- Directed Staff to report back to the Development Services Committee in September
Council Meeting
Council approved Official Plan and Zoning amendments for 174 townhouse units at Victoria Square Boulevard. The city also authorized a $2,074,763 contract with Compucom Canada Co. for computing devices and monitors. Additionally, Council moved to finalize several by-law amendments in response to provincial Bills 109 and 23.
- Approved Official Plan and Zoning amendments for 174 townhouse units at 10978, 10988, and 11030 Victoria Square Boulevard
- Approved $2,074,763 purchase of computing devices and monitors from Compucom Canada Co.
- Approved finalizing Draft Official Plan, Municipal Servicing, Pre-Application Consultation, and Development Fee by-law amendments regarding Bill 109 and Bill 23
- Approved new proclamations for Plastic Free July and National Day of the Republic of Indonesia
- Approved processing of Municipal Information Form for Azyun Restaurant liquor licence application
- Adopted Council meeting minutes from June 14, 2023
Development Services Committee Meeting
The Development Services Committee approved zoning and official plan amendments for a mixed-use development on Main Street Unionville and a five-unit residential project on Woodbine Avenue. The committee also approved $30,000 in heritage property grants and endorsed a 5-year term for a commercial golf facility.
- Approved $30,000 in Designated Heritage Property Grants for 8 properties
- Denied grant request for re-painting at 15 Colborne Street, Thornhill
- Endorsed 5-year term for commercial golf facility at 150 Burncrest Road
- Approved zoning amendment for 5-unit residential development at 8985 Woodbine Avenue
- Approved demolition of non-heritage accessory building and commercial addition at 8985 Woodbine Avenue
- Approved Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments for mixed-use development at 160-186 Main Street Unionville
- Approved future demolition of non-heritage additions to 174 and 183 Main Street and complete demolition of 186 Main Street
Development Services Committee Meeting
The Development Services Committee approved several development charge credits and reimbursements for infrastructure projects in Ward 3 and Ward 6. The committee also authorized funding for the 2023 Economic Developers Association of Canada Conference.
- Approved up to $5,000 for the 2023 Economic Developers Association of Canada Conference
- Authorized $2,767,576 credit/reimbursement to Remington Group Inc. for Verdale Crossing extension property costs
- Authorized up to $210,217 credit/reimbursement to Remington Group Inc. for Verdale Crossing 4th lane construction
- Authorized up to $807,998 credit/reimbursement to Remington Group Inc. for Verdale Crossing and Birchmount Road intersection
- Authorized up to $444,999 credit/reimbursement to KM (AG SOUTH VILLAGE) LTD. for trunk sanitary sewer design and construction
- Authorized up to $1,952,274 credit/reimbursement to KM (AG SOUTH VILLAGE) LTD. for trunk sanitary sewer construction
- Authorized up to $5,850,273 credit/reimbursement to KM (AG SOUTH VILLAGE) LTD. and Metropia Minto (Sixteenth) Holdings Inc. for YDSS connection
- Authorized up to $11,710,430 credit/reimbursement to KM (AG SOUTH VILLAGE) LTD. and Metropia Minto (Sixteenth) Holdings Inc. for Bruce Creek Crossing
Markham Public Library Board
The board elected its leadership for the term ending January 2024 and approved several internal monitoring reports. The CEO provided updates on the Markham Centre Secondary Plan and the potential for a central library.
- Elected Margaret McGrory as Chair (Carried)
- Elected Raymond Chan as Vice-Chair (Carried)
- Approved minutes from May 29, 2023 meeting (Carried)
- Approved Consent Agenda items 2.2 to 2.4.1 (Carried)
- Received CEO's Highlights June 2023 report (Carried)
- Received Markham Centre Update, June 2023 report (Carried)
- Received Internal Monitoring Reports for EL-2c, EL-2h, EL-2i, and EL-2j (Carried)
- Received Strategic Plan Update report (Carried)
General Committee Meeting
The General Committee approved several procurement contracts for IT equipment, library automation, and playground upgrades. The committee also established the 2024 budget and water/wastewater rate schedules.
- Approved $2,074,763.00 for computing devices and monitors from Compucom Canada Co. (Carried)
- Approved $385,730.58 contract to Bibliotheca Canada Inc. for library automated material handling equipment (Carried)
- Approved $1,392,225.93 contract to Forest Ridge Landscaping Inc. for AODA Playground Refurbishments (Carried)
- Approved 2024 Budget Schedule with final Council decision set for December 13, 2023 (Carried)
- Approved 2024 Water & Wastewater Rate schedule with final Council decision set for November 29, 2023 (Carried)
- Confirmed minutes of the May 23, 2023 General Committee meeting (Carried)
- Received April 24, 2023 Markham Public Library Board meeting minutes for information (Carried)
Development Services Public Meeting
The committee held public meetings for two development proposals in Ward 8. Both applications were referred back to staff for further reports and recommendations.
- Referred application for 6-storey commercial self-storage facility at 191 McNabb Street back to staff for report and recommendation (Carried)
- Referred application for 35-storey mixed-use development at 8435 Woodbine Ave back to staff for report and recommendation (Carried)
Special General Committee Meeting
The Committee decided to keep existing winter maintenance service levels and set a four-hour completion window for senior windrow clearing. Additionally, the Committee moved to request that the Regional Municipality of York assume winter maintenance of sidewalks and active transportation infrastructure on regional roads.
- Maintained current winter maintenance service levels (Carried)
- Set Senior Windrow completion time to four hours (Carried)
- Requested York Region assume winter maintenance of sidewalks and active transportation infrastructure on Regional roads (Carried)
- Requested York Region outline total costs and tax implications for the transfer of maintenance responsibilities (Carried)
- Authorized a Maintenance Agreement between York Region and the City of Markham subject to City satisfaction (Carried)
- Received communications from Eraste Nkundumukiza and Dennis Fortnum (Carried)
Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
The Committee approved the formal minutes from February 16, 2023, with one correction. Members received updates on active transportation projects and the 2023 Markham Cycling Day event. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved February 16, 2023 meeting minutes as amended (Carried)
Compliance Audit Committee Meeting
The Joint Compliance Audit Committee reviewed several cases of apparent campaign contribution limit violations from the 2022 Markham municipal election. In all cases presented, the Committee decided not to commence legal proceedings, citing reasons such as written contrition, first-time offenses, or the presence of representatives.
- Decided not to commence legal proceedings against Najmus Saqib Agar (3-2)
- Decided not to commence legal proceedings against Herman Grad
- Decided not to commence legal proceedings against Rajinder Minhas
- Decided not to commence legal proceedings against Zara Sajid (3-2)
- Decided not to commence legal proceedings against Sakina Najmus Saqib
- Received written correspondence from Najmus Saqib Agar
- Received written correspondence from Herman Grad
- Received written correspondence from Rajinder Minhas
Council Meeting
Council awarded a contract to Canada Construction Limited for tank repair and tile replacement at Thornlea Pool. The city also approved several capital project closures and fund transfers, and stated its intention to designate five properties as priority heritage sites.
- Awarded $832,905.60 contract to Canada Construction Limited for Thornlea Pool repairs
- Approved $995,568.96 total funding for Thornlea Pool project including contingency and tile
- Approved closure of capital projects and transfer of $3,986,605 and $128,329 to original funding sources
- Topped up four capital contingency projects with a combined $1,541,318
- Approved $50,000 for emergency repairs at Cornell Pool
- Approved $121,105 for Development Fee and Building Bylaw Review
- Recognized Markham Fair as an event of 'Municipal Significance' for a Special Occasion Permit
- Stated intention to designate five properties under the Ontario Heritage Act
Heritage Markham Committee
The Committee approved the designation of several priority properties under the Ontario Heritage Act and a streamlined consultation process for future designations. It also approved eight heritage property grants totaling $30,000. Additionally, the Committee reviewed and had no objections to three specific heritage permit and site plan applications.
- Supported designation of 81 Dickson Hill Road, 2972 Elgin Mills Road, 7880 Highway 7, 10159 McCowan Road, 4130 Nineteenth Avenue, and 4159 Nineteenth Avenue
- Approved streamlined consultation process for properties in the Evaluation Report for Part IV designation
- Approved $30,000 in funding for 8 grant applications (6 & 12 Alexander Hunter Pl, 16 George St, 32 & 36 Washington St, 36 & 53 Church St, 33 Colborne St)
- Denied grant application for 15 Colborne Street
- No objection to Major Heritage Permit for 40 Rouge Street (one-storey addition with carport)
- No objection to Site Plan Control application for 27 Main Street North (façade alterations)
- No objection to Major Heritage Permit for 237 Main St, Unionville (one-storey rear addition)
- Adopted minutes from May 10 and May 17, 2023 meetings
Friends of the Markham Museum Board
The Board approved the formation of a Communications Committee to manage social media, the website, and advertising. The Treasurer reported a bank balance of $65,602.19 as of the end of May.
- Approved the June 14, 2023 agenda
- Approved May 10, 2023 meeting minutes
- Approved formation of a Communications Committee for social media, website, and advertising
Development Services Committee Meeting
The Development Services Committee approved the intention to designate five properties as priority heritage sites. It also authorized a $627,300 budget increase for sanitary sewer and watermain improvements on Victoria Square Boulevard.
- Approved intention to designate 5474 19th Avenue, 7822 Highway 7 East, 53 Dickson Hill Road, 14 Heritage Corners Lane, and 10729 Victoria Square Blvd as priority heritage properties
- Deferred heritage designation of 10737 Victoria Square Blvd to a future meeting
- Approved $627,300 increase to Engineering Capital account 23113 for Victoria Square Boulevard sewer and watermain work
- Authorized recovery of $627,300 from 17 benefitting property owners
- Authorized agreement with owner of 3009 Elgin Mills Rd for $77,000 payment for additional services
- Deferred zoning by-law amendment application for 162 Main Street North to a future meeting
- Confirmed Development Services Committee minutes from May 30, 2023
- Confirmed Development Services Public Meeting minutes from May 9 and May 23, 2023
Special Development Services Committee Meeting
The Committee approved the finalization of a new Comprehensive Zoning By-law to be brought to Council on June 28. Staff were directed to meet with deputants and provide a memorandum addressing specific concerns before the by-law proceeds. Additionally, the Committee received a review of residential infill development service delivery.
- Approved finalization of Draft Zoning By-law for June 28 Council meeting
- Directed staff to meet with deputants and issue a memorandum on issues raised June 12
- Received report 'Summary of Findings - Residential infill Development Service Delivery Review'
- Directed staff to evaluate residential infill study findings and report back with options
- Received communications from 13 organizations regarding the Comprehensive Zoning By-law project
Varley McKay Art Foundation of Markham
The Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham approved its 2022 audited financial statements and a grant application for the Varley Art Gallery. The Board also authorized attendance at upcoming local festivals for fundraising and scheduled a review of the Foundation Charter.
- Approved May 8, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
- Approved Varley Art Gallery’s 2023 Ontario Art Gallery’s Grant Application (Carried)
- Approved 2022 Audited Financial Statement (Carried)
- Approved sending signed 2022 Audited Financial Statement to Council (Carried)
- Approved attending TD Markham Jazz Festival (Aug 19, 2023) and Markham Fair (Sept 28 – Oct 1, 2023) (Carried)
- Approved unofficial Board meeting on June 26, 2023 to discuss the proposed Charter (Carried)
- Set June 27, 2023 deadline for written feedback on the Charter (Carried)
- Scheduled final draft of the Charter for consideration at July 20, 2023 meeting (Carried)
Compliance Audit Committee Meeting
The Joint Compliance Audit Committee reviewed four cases of apparent contribution limit contraventions from the 2022 municipal election. The Committee voted to commence legal proceedings against three individuals and declined to prosecute one individual who provided written correspondence.
- Approved commencing legal proceedings against Roshan Anandappa (Carried)
- Approved commencing legal proceedings against Harpreet Bal (Carried)
- Approved not commencing legal proceedings against Daniel Ciccone (Carried)
- Approved commencing legal proceedings against Sandra DeZilwa (Carried)
- Received written correspondence from Daniel Ciccone (Carried)
- Received the City Clerk's reports in all matters (Carried)
Special Development Services Committee Meeting
The Development Services Committee received a project update from Metrolinx regarding the Yonge North Subway Extension. The session included a presentation on tunneling timelines, property impacts, and funding. No legislative changes or contracts were approved during the meeting.
- Received Metrolinx presentation on Yonge North Subway Extension project update (Carried)
General Committee Meeting
The General Committee approved a contract for tank repair and waterproofing at Thornlea Pool and authorized several capital project fund transfers. The committee also requested an implementation plan for by-law enforcement service delivery by Fall 2023.
- Awarded $832,905.60 contract to Canada Construction Limited for Thornlea Pool repairs
- Allocated $79,372.80 for Thornlea Pool tile purchase
- Approved $3,986,605 transfer of surplus funds from completed capital projects to original sources
- Approved $128,329 transfer of funds from closed or non-initiated projects to original sources
- Topped up Non-Development Charge Capital Contingency by $758,809
- Topped up Engineering Capital Contingency by $156,827
- Topped up Design Capital Contingency by $47,912
- Topped up Waterworks Capital Contingency by $148,680
Development Services Public Meeting
The committee held public meetings for two proposed residential developments in Ward 1. Both applications were referred back to staff for future recommendation reports.
- Referred application for 36-storey mixed-use building at 7115 Yonge Street and 8-14 Grandview Avenue back to staff (Carried)
- Referred application for 33-storey residential building at 17, 19, 21, and 23 Morgan Avenue back to staff (Carried)
Race Relations Committee
The Committee approved a resolution condemning racism and calling for transparency, an equity audit, and key performance indicators for the City's Diversity Action Plan and Anti-Black Racism Strategy. This follows an incident involving a City Director using a racial slur. The resolution will be forwarded to the General Committee for consideration.
- Adopted June 5, 2023 agenda (Carried)
- Adopted March 6, 2023 minutes (Carried)
- Approved resolution condemning racism and requesting a third-party Equity Audit (Carried)
- Approved resolution requesting KPIs and regular reporting for Diversity Action Plan and Anti-Black Racism Strategy (Carried)
- Approved resolution requesting a clause in exit documents to ensure networking sites reflect employment status (Carried)
Council Meeting
Council passed a by-law for the 2023 property tax levy and approved operating budgets for the Unionville and Markham Village Business Improvement Areas. Other actions included adopting a new Development Charge Interest Policy and endorsing a pop-up off-leash dog area pilot program.
- Approved 2023 Tax Rates and Levy By-law totaling $814,035,928 (Carried)
- Approved $450,000 operating budget for Unionville BIA (Carried)
- Approved $334,034 operating budget for Markham Village BIA (Carried)
- Adopted revised Development Charge Interest Policy (Carried)
- Approved $287,334 from Development Charges for Pop-up Off-Leash Dog Area Pilot Program (Carried)
- Approved Red Line Revision Application by Condor Properties Ltd. for Plan of Subdivision 19TM-18006 (Carried)
- Approved 2023 Audit Plan (Carried)
- Authorized tax adjustments totaling approximately $175,191 (Carried)
Development Services Committee Meeting
The Committee approved a pilot program for off-leash dog areas in each ward and established a corresponding budget. It also received the draft policy framework for the Milliken Centre Secondary Plan and authorized a statutory public meeting for Fall 2023. A draft plan approval for Stateview Homes was deferred.
- Approved 2023 Pop-up Off-Leash Dog Area Pilot Program locations
- Established $287,334 Urban Design Capital Budget for dog pilot program
- Authorized statutory public meeting for Milliken Centre Secondary Plan Draft Policies
- Deferred Stateview Homes draft plan approval (19TM-22011) to a future meeting
- Received Planning and Urban Design Department 2023 Work Plan
- Confirmed minutes of May 16, 2023 Development Services Committee meeting
- Received Heritage Markham Committee minutes from May 10, 2023
Markham Accessibility Advisory Committee
The Committee approved the February 27, 2023 minutes and recommended that deceased volunteer members be recognized at future recognition events. Members expressed concerns regarding the shift to quarterly meetings and a lack of consultation on the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.
- Approved February 27, 2023 meeting minutes
- Requested written responses from Main Street Unionville Revitalization Project Team regarding parking and washrooms
- Invited Main Street Unionville Revitalization Project Team to the September meeting
- Recommended to Council that deceased volunteer members and their families be recognized at volunteer recognition events
Markham Public Library Board
The Board approved the 2023 Capital Budget and Operating Budget for audit purposes. It also approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022, which were reported as clean with no deficiencies.
- Approved 2023 Capital Budget of $3,146,000
- Approved 2023 Operating Budget with $1,147,120 in income and $15,572,985 in expenditures
- Approved 2022 City of Markham Grant of $14,425,865
- Approved Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022
- Confirmed minutes of the April 24, 2023 meeting
- Approved Consent Agenda items 2.2 to 2.4.3
Environmental Advisory Committee
The Committee heard presentations from Hand in Hand and the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project regarding human rights and environmental concerns tied to the retailer Shein. The Committee decided to inform Council of these issues and request that Council consider signing a federal petition. No other substantive policy decisions were made.
- Approved request for Council to consider signing federal petition e-4456 regarding Shein (Carried)
- Adopted minutes from February 23, 2023 meeting (Carried)
- Tabled election of Committee Vice Chair until new members are recruited
- Deferred discussion of 2023 MEAC focus to a future meeting
Development Services Public Meeting
The Committee heard three public meeting reports regarding zoning and official plan amendments. Two applications were referred back to staff for further reports and recommendations. The meeting also heard deputations regarding a proposed Bahá’í National Centre.
- Referred Zoning By-law Amendment for 44 Riviera Drive (ammunition sales/storage) back to staff for report and recommendation
- Referred Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments for 77 Anderson Avenue (45-storey mixed-use building) back to staff for report and recommendation
General Committee Meeting
The General Committee approved the 2023 Tax Rates and Levy By-law and the operating budgets for the Unionville and Markham Village Business Improvement Areas. Council also adopted a revised Development Charge Interest Policy and approved various tax adjustments. A new registration and facility booking system was presented for a planned August launch.
- Approved 2023 property tax levy totaling $814,035,928
- Approved $450,000 operating budget for Unionville Business Improvement Area
- Approved $334,034 operating budget for Markham Village Business Improvement Area
- Adopted revised Development Charge Interest Policy
- Approved tax adjustments totaling approximately $175,191
- Confirmed minutes of the May 9, 2023 meeting
- Endorsed 2022 Wastewater Collection Performance Report
- Received Auditor General Update Presentation