1. That the presentation provided by the Members of the Committee for an Age-Friendly Markham (Regional Councillor Jack Heath, Andy Langer, Gail Leet, Christl Reeh and Diane Gabay) entitled "Recommendations for an Age-Friendly Community", be received; and,
2. That the deputations by Elisabeth Tan, Anthony Ko, and Lucy Giammarco regarding the Recommendations for an Age-Friendly Community be received; and,
3. That staff be directed to report back to Development Services Committee on the following recommendations for an Age-Friendly Markham by November 2019:
a. That all future single, semi and townhome developments approved in Markham contain a minimum number of Always Homes, those which allow owners the option of aging longer in their home, considering:
§ 10% of new home developments be Always Homes and built on grade with no basement thus ensuring greater affordability and accessibility; and,
§ 10% of new home developments be Always Homes and built on grade with a full basement; and,
§ 10% of new condo units being developed meet the Always guidelines as well; and,
b. That the City develop standards for Always Homes and units for implementation as soon as possible in all new developments, having consideration for:
§ wheelchair accessibility including hallway widths
§ better kitchen and bathroom design
§ a shower on the main floor
§ proper door handles
§ a location for short-term sleeping quarters on the main floor
§ no steps from grade to the front door, and to the main floor inside
§ railing and ramp locations for future installation if required; and,
c. That, to improve mobility for seniors and others within their own homes thus allowing them to remain in them longer, the City require that all new singles, semis and townhouses being built in Markham include space and structural supports for future installation of home elevators and chair lifts if needed; and,
d. That, to improve mobility for seniors and others within their own homes for those living in the City's existing homes, Markham and York Region conduct a pilot retrofit home elevator and chair lift program for different types of existing homes to determine the best ways to retrofit them; and,
e. That, since the cost and availability of land are the largest impediments to significantly increasing the supply of affordable housing for seniors and others, land presently being used for surface parking be obtained at no cost in exchange for underground parking and/or structured spaces within new developments for the purpose of building affordable townhouses, condo apartments and purpose built rentals, with particular consideration to parking lots found at:
§ public utility companies;
§ school boards;
§ hospitals;
§ public transportation agencies;
§ governments at all levels; and,
§ places of worship; and,
f. That the City, in order to reduce the requirement for automobiles, concentrate on finding location opportunities for Recommendation (e) above near:
§ good transit;
§ important services such as medical and dental; and,
§ amenities such as grocery stores, pharmacies and other retail shops; and,
g. That the City implement an inclusionary zoning policy for Markham so that all future apartment developments, and other types of housing if possible, contain a reasonable percentage of affordable housing developments, as determined by Council through input by the public and stakeholders; and,
h. That future developments in the City include increased allotments for live/work opportunities for neighbourhood services and residential areas in order that nearby residents, especially seniors, can walk to local services, and that the City look for opportunities to increase live/work opportunities within its existing urban boundary; and,
i. That, if the City does not provide a city-wide windrow clearing service in the near future, Markham improve the current service for seniors by making it quicker; and,
j. That, in order to provide a safe environment for seniors and others wishing to walk for exercise and/or walk to services, the City target the "Finish-Date" of its Sidewalk Completion Program for Arterial and Collector Roads by 2026 or earlier; and,
k. That City staff suggest an appropriate organization or organizations to oversee some of the projects envisioned above, such as:
§ an independent non-profit agency;
§ a current or new City/Regional agency; or,
§ a special section within the Development Services Commission; and further,
l. That Markham's Future Urban Area being developed in the Woodbine, Warden, and Kennedy areas north of Major Mackenzie, be designed with the above recommendations in mind.