Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting Number: 24
-
Live streamed
Roll Call
  • Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  • Deputy Mayor Michael Chan
  • Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  • Regional Councillor Joe Li
  • Regional Councillor Alan Ho
  • Councillor Keith Irish
  • Councillor Ritch Lau
  • Councillor Reid McAlpine
  • Councillor Andrew Keyes
  • Councillor Juanita Nathan
  • Councillor Isa Lee
Regrets
  • Councillor Karen Rea
  • Councillor Amanda Collucci
Staff
  • Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer
  • Trinela Cane, Commissioner, Corporate Services
  • Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services
  • Claudia Storto, City Solicitor and Director of Human Resources
  • Bryan Frois, Manager, Executive Operations & Strategic Initiatives
  • Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk
  • Frank Clarizio, Director, Engineering
  • Giulio Cescato, Director of Panning & Urban Design
  • Mark Visser, Senior Manager Financial Strategy & Investments
  • Martha Pettit, Deputy City Clerk
  • John Wong, Technology Support Specialist II
  • Hristina Giantsopoulos, Election/Council & Committee Coordinator
  • Maggie Cheung-Madar, Assistant City Solicitor
  • Darryl Lyons, Deputy Director, Planning & Urban Design
  • Morgan Jones, Commissioner, Community Services
  • Joseph Silva, Treasurer
  • Peter Wokral, Senior Planner II, Planning & Urban Design
  • Alice Lam, Director, Operations
  • Evan Manning, Senior Planner, Planning & Urban Design
  • Duran Wedderburn, Manager, Planning and Urban Design
  • Rob Tadmore, Coordinator, Geomatics/GIS Advocate, Planning & Urban Design

Alternate formats for this document are available upon request


The meeting of Council convened at 1:08 PM on October 18, 2023. Mayor Frank Scarpitti presided.

Council observed a moment of silence in recognition of the tragic loss of life in the hospital bombing that occurred in the Gaza City earlier this week.

INDIGENOUS LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We begin today by acknowledging the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples and their commitment to stewardship of the land. We acknowledge the communities in circle. The North, West, South and Eastern directions, and Haudenosaunee, Huron- Wendat, Anishnabeg, Seneca, Chippewa, and the Mississaugas of the Credit peoples. We share the responsibility with the caretakers of this land to ensure the dish is never empty and to restore relationships that are based on peace, friendship, and trust. We are committed to reconciliation, partnership and enhanced understanding.

 There were no disclosures of Pecuniary Interest.

  • Moved byCouncillor Juanita Nathan
    Seconded byCouncillor Andrew Keyes
    1. That the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on September 27, 2023, be adopted.
    Carried

There were no presentations.​​

  • Moved byDeputy Mayor Michael Chan
    Seconded byCouncillor Reid McAlpine
    1. That the deputation from Thanh Nguyen be received.
    Carried
  • (See Item 8.2.1 Report No. 36 for Council’s decision on this matter.)

  • Moved byCouncillor Andrew Keyes
    Seconded byCouncillor Keith Irish
    1. That the request for the City of Markham to complete the Municipal Information Form be received for information and be processed accordingly.
    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Isa Lee
    Seconded byCouncillor Ritch Lau
    1. That the following proclamations, issued by the City Clerk in accordance with the City of Markham Proclamation Policy, be received for information purposes:
      1. WORLD POLIO DAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023.
      2. TURKISH REPUBLIC DAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023.
    2. That the following requests for flag to be raised at the Anthony Roman Markham Civic Centre flagpole, approved by the City Clerk in accordance with the City of Markham Community Flag Raisings & Flag Protocol Policy, be received for information purposes:

      1. WORLD POLIO DAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023 (Organized by Markham-Unionville Rotary Club).
      2. TURKISH REPUBLIC DAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2023 (Organized by the Turkish Federation Community Foundation).  
    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Keith Irish
    Seconded byDeputy Mayor Michael Chan

    That the report of the General Committee be received & adopted. (Item 1):

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Keith Irish
    Seconded byDeputy Mayor Michael Chan
    1. That the report entitled “208-T-23 Main Streets – Snow Load and Haul” be received; and,
    2. That contract 208-T-23 Main Streets – Snow Load and Haul be awarded to the lowest priced bidder, 1611974 Ontario Ltd. o/a Brinks Property Services Ltd., for one (1) winter term (November 1, 2023 – April 30, 2024), in the amount of $231,788.93, inclusive of HST, with the option to renew the contract for three (3) additional, separate terms from November 1 to April 30 of the renewal period at the same itemized pricing, for a total contract amount of $927,155.72, inclusive of HST; and,
    3. That the award in the amount of $231,788.93 be funded from operating budget 700-504-5416 Snow Hauling Main Street with a budget of $193,344.00; and,
    4. That the budget shortfall in the amount of $38,444.93 ($231,788.93 - $193,344.00) be included as part of funding requested in the 2024 operating budget; and further,
    5. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Joe Li
    Seconded byCouncillor Keith Irish

    That the report of the Development Services Committee be received & adopted save and except Items 8.2.1 and 8.2.7.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Andrew Keyes
    Seconded byCouncillor Juanita Nathan
    1. That the Staff report, dated October 17, 2023, titled, "RECOMMENDATION REPORT - Designation of Priority Properties – Phase III”, be received; and,
    2. That the written communication from Paul Oberst be received October 14, 2023; and, 
    3. That the June 14, 2023, recommendation from the Heritage Markham Committee, in support of the designation of the following properties under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act (in accordance with Appendix ‘B’), be received as information:
      1. 4 Homestead Court (Ward 4); and,
      2. 99 Dickson Hill Road (Ward 5); and,
      3. 234 Steeles Avenue East (Ward 1); and,
      4. 6470 Steeles Avenue East (Ward 7); and,
      5. 10690 McCowan Road (Ward 6); and,
      6. 10748 Victoria Square Blvd (Ward 2); and, 
      7. 11584 York-Durham Line (Ward 5); and,
      8. 2972 Elgin Mills Road East (Ward 2); and,
    4. That Council state its intention to designate 4 Homestead Court (Ward 4) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance; and,
    5. That Council state its intention to designate 99 Dickson Hill Road (Ward 5) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance; and,
    6. That Council state its intention to designate 234 Steeles Avenue East (Ward 1) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance; and,
    7. That Council state its intention to designate 4044 Elgin Mills Road East (Ward 6) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance; and,
    8. That Council state its intention to designate 6470 Steeles Avenue East (Ward 7) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance; and,
    9. That Council state its intention to designate 7482 Highway 7 (Ward 5) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance; and,
    10. That Council state its intention to designate 10690 McCowan Road (Ward 6) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance; and,
    11. That Council state its intention to designate 10748 Victoria Square Blvd (Ward 2) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance; and,
    12. That Council state its intention to designate 11482 McCowan Road (Ward 6) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance; and,
    13. That Council state its intention to designate 11584 York-Durham Line (Ward 5) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance; and,
    14. That Council state its intention to designate 2972 Elgin Mill Road East (Ward 2) under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act in recognition of its cultural heritage significance; and,
    15. That the Clerk’s Department be authorized to publish and serve Council’s Notice of Intention to Designate as per the requirements of the Ontario Heritage Act; and,
    16. That if there are no objections to the designation in accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act, the Clerk’s Department be authorized to place a designation by-law before Council for adoption; and,
    17. That if there are any objections in accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act, the matter return to Council for further consideration; and further,
    18. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
    Carried as Amended
  • (See below for Amendment)

    Council consented to remove the intent to designate on the following properties at this time and consider them at a future date:

    • 4044 Elgin Mills Road East (Ward 6)
    • 7482 Highway 7 (Ward 5)
    • 11482 McCowan Road (Ward 6)
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Joe Li
    Seconded byCouncillor Keith Irish
    1. That Council approve the proposed street names “Pomona Drive” and “Creek Street” for a plan of subdivision located at 25 Langstaff Road, and “Forestville Boulevard” for a plan of subdivision on the west side of Highway 48, north of 19th Avenue; and further,
    2. That Staff be directed to add the street names listed above to the City’s Street and Park Name Reserve List.
    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Joe Li
    Seconded byCouncillor Keith Irish
    1. That the report entitled “Traffic Control Bylaw Amendments (City-wide) & Fraser Street Parking Restriction Removal (Ward 1)”, be received; and,
    2. That Schedule 19 of Traffic By-Law 106-71, pertaining to “Traffic Control Signals”, be amended by including the following intersections:
      • Bur Oak Avenue at Alfred Paterson Drive; and,
      • Bur Oak Avenue at Hammersly Boulevard; and,

    3. That Schedule 18 of Traffic By-Law 106-71, pertaining to “Pedestrian Crossovers”, be amended by including the following locations:
      • Aldergrove Drive & Chichester Road (North Leg); and,
      • Aldergrove Drive & Hendon Road (Southeast Leg); and,
      • Bay Thorn Drive at a point 175m east of Normark Drive; and,
      • Beckett Avenue & Harbord Street (All Approaches); and,
      • Beckett Avenue & William Berczy Boulevard (All Approaches); and,
      • Boxwood Crescent & Havelock Gate (Northwest Leg); and,
      • Calvert Road & Chant Crescent East (East Leg); and,
      • Calvert Road & Townson Road (East Leg); and,
      • Castlemore Avenue & Glenbrook Drive (West Leg); and,
      • Central Park Drive & Havagal Crescent North (South Leg); and,
      • Coppard Avenue & Goodwood Drive (North Leg); and,
      • Coppard Avenue at a point 20m north of Walford Road; and,
      • Copper Creek Drive & Boswell Road (East Leg); and,
      • Copper Creek Drive & Rizal Avenue (East Leg); and,
      • Copper Creek Drive at a point 120m west of Stonechurch Crescent; and,
      • Country Glen Road & Cornell Common Road (North Leg); and,
      • Coxworth Avenue & Fairty Drive (South Leg); and,
      • Elgin Street at a point 265m east of Alcaine Court; and,
      • Esna Park Drive at a point 90m north of Steeles Avenue; and,
      • Fairway Heights Drive at a point 135m north of Steeles Avenue; and,
      • Fairway Heights Drive at a point 210m north of Steeles Avenue; and,
      • Fonda Road & Mindy Crescent (South Leg); and,
      • Grandview Avenue at a point 85m west of Highland Park Boulevard; and,
      • Highglen Avenue & Cornell Crescent West (East Leg); and,
      • Hollingham Road & Coledale Road/Calderbridge Crescent (South Leg); and,
      • John Button Boulevard & Captain Francis Drive (West Leg); and,
      • Kirk Drive at a point 40m north of Banquo Road; and,
      • Kreghoff Avenue at a point 100m east of Village Parkway; and,
      • Larkin Drive & Heisey Drive (West Leg); and,
      • Randall Avenue & Silverthorne Road (East Leg); and,
      • Riverlands Avenue & Crossbrooks Street (West Leg); and,
      • Rizal Avenue & Oakborough Drive (North Leg); and,
      • Simonston Boulevard at a point 15m south of Bucks Green Road; and,
      • Village Parkway & Frank Charlton Avenue & Fitzgerald Avenue (All Approaches); and,
      • Village Parkway & Landmark Court & Amberwood Court (North Leg); and,
      • Wilclay Avenue & Beckwith Crescent West (East Leg); and,
      • Wilfred Murison Avenue & Harbord Street (All Approaches); and,
      • Wilfred Murison Avenue & William Berczy Avenue (All Approaches); and,
      • Williamson Road & Swan Park Road (South Leg); and,
      • Willowbrook Road & Trimble Court (North Leg); and,
      • Wootten Way & Senator Reesor’s Drive North (North Leg); and,
      • Wootten Way & Senator Reesor’s Drive South (South Leg); and,
      • Wootten Way & Sir Tristram Place South (South Leg); and,
    4. That Schedule “C” of Parking By-Law 2005-188, pertaining to “Prohibited Parking”, be amended by removing the existing parking restriction on Fraser Street; and,
    5. That the amended by-laws shall come into force and effect when the authorized traffic control signals have been energized; and,
    6. That York Region Police be requested to enforce the traffic signals and pedestrian cross-overs upon passing of the By-law; and further,
    7. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Joe Li
    Seconded byCouncillor Keith Irish
    1. That the Staff report, dated October 17, 2023, titled, “Revision to a Legal Description of a Designation By-law, 8303 Warden Ave (“The Sheridan-Paterson House”), Ward 3”, be received; and,
    2. That the legal description, as contained within the previously approved Heritage Designation By-law 2004-213, be amended to reflect the property’s current legal description, and that By-law 2004-213 be amended to ensure conformance with the Ontario Heritage Act, as amended; and further,
    3. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Joe Li
    Seconded byCouncillor Keith Irish
    1. That the report titled, “Recommendation Report, City Park (Town Crier) Homes Inc., Zoning By-law Amendment application for 25 detached lots, previously addressed 7 Town Crier Lane, north of Highway 7 and east of Main Street Markham (Ward 4), PLAN ZA 23 131107”, be received; and,  
    2. That the written submission from Grant and Jill McBain dated October 13, 2023 be received; and,
    3. That the deputations from Leo Longo and Doug Denby be received; and, 
    4. That the record of the Public Meeting held on September 19, 2023, regarding the application for approval of a Zoning By-law Amendment, be received; and,
    5. That the following recommendation from Heritage Markham Committee on September 13, 2023, be received as information:
      1. That Heritage Markham opposes the Zoning By-law amendment based on the proposed massing, density, and height of the conceptual development; and,
      2. That the height of any building in the development should be limited to reflect the character and two storey built form of adjacent homes; and,
    6. That the Zoning By-law Amendment application submitted by City Park (Town Crier) Homes Inc., to amend Zoning By-law 1229, as amended, be approved and that the draft By-law, attached as Appendix ‘B’, be finalized and enacted without further notice; and further,
    7. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Joe Li
    Seconded byCouncillor Keith Irish
    1. That the report and presentation dated October 17, 2023 titled “Comments on Bill 134 – Affordable Homes and Good Jobs Act, 2023” be received; and,
    2. That the City not support the proposed changes to the definition of Affordable Residential Unit in the Development Charges Act; and,
    3. That this report be forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing as the City of Markham’s comments on Bill 134; and,
    4. That this report be forwarded to the Region of York; and further,
    5. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Joe Li
    Seconded byCouncillor Keith Irish
    1. That the report and presentation dated October 17, 2023 titled “Provincial Building Faster Fund and Development Tracking” be received; and,
    2. That the City participate in the Building Faster Fund to seek available funding and continue to implement changes identified through the City’s several streamlining initiatives, such as the Lean Review of the Development Process, to facilitate meeting the housing targets to be assigned by the Province from 2023 to 2025; and,
    3. That the Province be requested to establish 2023 municipal housing targets using a proportionate share of the Provincial new housing starts target of 110,000 units (Markham’s target would be 3,226 units) and establish 2024 and 2025 municipal housing targets; and,
    4. That the Province confirm the appropriate activity to track new housing starts performance giving consideration to the issuance of a building permit; and,
    5. That the City of Markham continue to request funding from the Province in order to keep the City of Markham whole in relation to Development Charges and Cash in Lieu of Parkland fees; and, 
    6. That staff be directed to continue discussions with the Province to determine the appropriate 2023 new housing starts target to use and the measurement to track performance under the Building Faster Fund and report back to Development Services Committee once it is confirmed the amount of funding Markham is eligible to receive; and,
    7. That this report be forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Region of York; and further,
    8. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
    Carried as Amended
  • (See below for Amendment)

    Council consented to add the following clause to the recommendation:
    That the City of Markham continue to request funding from the Province in order to keep the City of Markham whole in relation to Development Charges and Cash in Lieu of Parkland fees; 

​There were no motions.

​​There were no notices of motions.

There were no new / other business items.

There were no announcements.​​

  • Moved byCouncillor Ritch Lau
    Seconded byCouncillor Isa Lee

    That By-law 2023-144 to 2023-145 be given three readings and enacted.

    Carried
Three Readings

The proposed by-law amendment applies to one block of land located west of Eureka Street, generally north of Highway 7 East. The subject lands are zoned Residential Three *594 (Hold) [R3*594(H)] by By-Law 177-96, as amended by site specific By-Law 2018-7.  This By-law will remove the Hold (H) provision from the zoning of the subject lands to permit a townhouse development comprised of 119 residential units (81 traditional townhouses and 38 back-to-back townhouse units).

  • Carried

The proposed by-law amendment applies to City Park (Town Crier) Homes Inc. 7 Town Crier Lane.  The effect of this By-law is to permit the development of a common elements condominium containing up to 25 single detached dwellings that will front upon and access a private condominium road which is an extension of Town Crier Lane.

(Item 8.2.5)

  • Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Reid McAlpine
    Seconded byCouncillor Isa Lee

    That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, Council resolve into a private session to discuss the following confidential matters (1:29 PM):

    Carried
  • Council resumed in open session at 1:43 PM and passed the following resolutions:

14.1
COUNCIL

 

14.1.1
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS/ COMMITTEES (16.24)

 
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Alan Ho
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Joe Li

    1. Doors Open Markham Committee: 

    That the following individuals be appointed to the Doors Open Markham Committee with a term of expiry noted:

    Jude Najm Mouselli                    November 30, 2025
    Bowie Leung                               November 30, 2026

    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Alan Ho
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Joe Li

    2. Cycling & Pedestrian Advisory Committee:

    That the following individual be appointed to the Cycling & Pedestrian Advisory Committee with a term of expiry noted:

    Joseph Lisi                 November 30, 2025

    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Alan Ho
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Joe Li

    3. Flato Markham Theatre Advisory Board:

    That the following individuals be appointed to the Flato Markham Theatre Advisory Board with a term of expiry noted:

    Ronald Minken           November 30, 2025
    Justin Reid                 November 30, 2026
    Srinka Wallia              November 30, 2026
    Anne Gilligan             November 30, 2025
    Diane Lai                   November 30, 2026 
    Sophia Sun                November 30, 2025
    Ken MacDonald         November 30, 2025
    Larry Matthews          November 30, 2027
    Brent Matthews          November 30, 2027
    Brad Fletcher             November 30, 2027
    Rose Pelliccione        November 30, 2027
    Richard Morales         November 30, 2027
    Sarah Micallef            November 30, 2026
    Dawn Donaldson        November 30,2026  

    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Alan Ho
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Joe Li

    4. Heintzman House Community Centre Board:

    That the following individuals be appointed to the Heintzman House Community Centre Board with a term of expiry noted:

    Arian Shojaei      November 30, 2027
    Diane Ross         November 30, 2027
    Alex Satchi          November 30, 2027   

    Carried

14.2
GENERAL COMMITTEE (OCTOBER 10, 2023)

 

14.2.1
REPORTING OUT OF REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION – 5836 16TH AVENUE (WARD 4) 

 

There was no discussion on this matter during the confidential session.

  • Moved byCouncillor Juanita Nathan
    Seconded byDeputy Mayor Michael Chan
    1. That the confidential report entitled “Reporting Out of Real Property Acquisition – 5836 16th Avenue” be received; and,
    2. That Staff be authorized and directed to take the actions set out in this report; and further,
    3. That the report entitled “Reporting Out of Real Property Acquisitions – 5836 16th Avenue” and the foregoing resolutions be reported out at the next public Council meeting.
    Carried

14.2.2
ONTARIO LAND TRIBUNAL APPEAL - 11172 WARDEN AVE REGARDING CONDITIONS TO PERMIT DEMOLITION

 
  • Moved byCouncillor Keith Irish
    Seconded byCouncillor Isa Lee
    1. That the report titled “Confidential Report - Request for Directions, Ontario Land Tribunal Appeal of the demolition permit and the terms and conditions at 11172 Warden Avenue (Ward 2) be received; and,
    2. That Staff proceed as directed.  
    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Juanita Nathan
    Seconded byDeputy Mayor Michael Chan
    1. That the confidential report entitled “Reporting Out of Real Property Acquisition – 5836 16th Avenue” be received; and,
    2. That Staff be authorized and directed to take the actions set out in this report; and further,
    3. That the report entitled “Reporting Out of Real Property Acquisitions – 5836 16th Avenue” and the foregoing resolutions be reported out at the next public Council meeting.
    Carried
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Alan Ho
    Seconded byCouncillor Juanita Nathan

    That By-law 2023-143 be given three readings and enacted.

    Three Readings

    BY-LAW 2023-143 A BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 18, 2023.

    Carried

That the Council meeting be adjourned at 1:46 PM.

  • Moved byCouncillor Isa Lee
    Seconded byCouncillor Keith Irish

    That the Council meeting be adjourned at 1:46 PM.

    Carried