Mayor Scarpitti noted that this was the last Council meeting of the 2018-2022 Council term. Some of the collective achievements of Council included: updating Markham’s Strategic Plan, Building Markham’s Future Together, continued financial stewardship and a property tax freeze during the Covid-19 pandemic, the introduction of new technology, continued support for sustainability and recycling efforts, and the planting of almost 9,000 trees. The Mayor also noted that the City initiated Markham’s Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy and secured five transit stations in the City of Markham on the Yonge Subway Extension, in addition to celebrating the commencement of construction of the York University Markham Campus. He further indicated that the City launched the Diversity Action Plan Update, the Eliminating Anti-Black Racism Action Plan, updated the Integrated Leisure Master Plan and launched Destination Markham.
The Mayor extended appreciation to ELT, Directors and all front-line City staff. He provided special thanks to staff working on the successful 2022 Markham Municipal Election.
Mayor Scarpitti congratulated all Members of Council who were re-elected and the Councillors elect.
On behalf of Council he also paid tribute to departing Council Members, Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton, Regional Councillor Jack Heath and Councillor Khalid Usman.
Regional Councillor Jack Heath and Councillor Khalid Usman addressed Members of Council to thank them and Markham residents for the opportunity to serve the City.