Development Services Committee Meeting Minutes

Meeting Number: 17

Tuesday, December 09, 2025 at 9:00 A.m. - 4:30 P.m.

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 Karen Rea
• Councillor Andrew Keyes
• Councillor Amanda Collucci
• Councillor Nimisha Patel

Regrets

• Councillor Isa Lee

Staff

• Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer
• Trinela Cane, Commissioner, Corporate Services
• Morgan Jones, Commissioner, Community Services
• Claudia Storto, City Solicitor and Director of Human Resources
• Joseph Silva, Treasurer
• Bryan Frois, Senior Manager, Executive Operations & Strategic Initiatives
• Chris Nearing, Fire Chief
• Giulio Cescato, Director, Planning & Urban Design
• Frank Clarizio, Director, Engineering
• John Yeh, Manager, Strategy & Innovation
• John Wong, Technology Support Coordinator
• Hristina Giantsopoulos, Election & Committee Coordinator
• Anushrut Bharadwaj, Assistant to Council & Committee
• Eric Chan, Sr. Manager, Engineering

​Alternate formats for this document are available upon request

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

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.

Development Services Committee convened at 9:11 AM.  Regional Councillor Jim Jones presided as Chair.

The Committee recessed for lunch at 12:35 PM and reconvened at 1:37 PM. 

2.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest.

3.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

3.1

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES - NOVEMBER 10, 2025 (10.0)

• Moved by Councillor Nimisha Patel
  Seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes
  1. That the minutes of the Development Services Committee meeting held on November 10, 2025, be confirmed.
  Carried

4.

PRESENTATIONS

4.1

PRESENTATION OF SERVICE AWARDS (12.2.6)

Mayor Scarpitti, Andy Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer, Claudia Storto, City Solicitor, Morgan Jones, Commissioner of Community Services, Trinela Cane, Commissioner, Corporate Services and Interim Commissioner of Development Services, recognized the following staff members who have achieved service milestones and thanked them for their years of service.  The City's new hires, transfers and retirees were also acknowledged.

Chief Administrative Office - Fire & Emergency Services

Mitchell Brown, Firefighter, 5 years
Alexander Gill, Firefighter, 5 years
Kyle Guy, Firefighter, 5 years
Heidi Jaaskelainen, On-Shift Trainer, 5 years
Godwin Lee, Firefighter, 5 years
Kalvin Nham, Firefighter, 5 years
Horatiu Pantea, Firefighter, 5 years
Daniel Williams, Firefighter, 5 years

Community Services Commission

Rachel Shumski, Gardener, Operations, 25 years
Tyler Burns, Supervisor, Parks Operations, Operations, 15 years
David Plant, Sr. Mgr, Parks, Horticulture & Forestry, Operations, 10 years
Sasha Sadaka, Supervisor, Community Program, Recreation Services, 10 years
Michael Manserra, Engineer, Project, Environmental Services, 5 years

Corporate Services Commission

Freda Mo, IT Solutions Specialist, Information Technology Services, 25 years
Jason Ramsaran, Facility Assets Coordinator, Sustainability & Asset Management, 15 years
Robert Cole, Senior Manager, Enterprise Solutions, Information Technology Services, 10 years
Milad Hamzavi, Municipal Law Enforcement Officer II, By-law & Regulatory Services, 5 years
Salim Habib, Help Desk Support Specialist, Information Technology Services, 5 years

Development Services Commission

Teresa Cabral, Technical & Regulatory Specialist, Building Standards, 20 years
Stephanie Di Perna, Director, Building Standards, Building Standards, 20 years
Anik Glaude, Curator and Program Co-ordinator, Economic Growth, Culture & Entrepreneurship, 15 years
Christopher Ulcar, Parks Development Coordinator, Planning & Urban Design, 5 years

4.2

RECOGNITION- STANDING IN THE DOORWAY EXHIBITION

The team behind the "Standing in the Doorway Exhibition" were recognized by the Mayor for their efforts and contribution. The exhibition has gained national attention, including being awarded the Governor General’s Award for Excellence in Community Programming.   

The following members were recognized:

• Ron Lynn, Chair, York Region District School Board
• Janet Reid, City of Markham
• Ed Law, York Region District School Board
• Michael Chen, York Region District School Board
• Rebekah Mitchell, York Region District School Board
• Gillian Gibbons, York Region District School Board
• Kevin Lo, York Region District School Board
• Christina Blake, York Region District School Board, and,
• Andrea Carpenter, Markham Museum

4.3

YONGE NORTH SUBWAY EXTENSION – PROJECT UPDATE (FROM METROLINX) (13.0)

Frank Clarizio, Director of Engineering, provided opening remarks and introduced Stephen Collins, Executive Vice President, Subway Extensions, Metrolinx, who provided an update on the progress of the Yonge North Subway Extension (YNSE) project.

The Committee discussed the following matters in relation to the presentation:

• The updated project completion date;
• The revised cost estimate;
• Funding commitments from all levels of government;
• Assurances in place to ensure the project is not significantly delayed or exceeds the approved budget;
• Sources of best-practice learning, both locally and internationally;
• Provisions being implemented to promote Buy Canadian procurement; and,
• The establishment of underground pedestrian links and station connections to improve access on both the Markham and Vaughan sides of the project.

Stephen Collins and Zach Potashner, Director Third-Party Coordination, Yonge North Subway Extension of Metrolinx, provided additional context, advising that new contracting models are being adopted in alignment with industry best practices. These models are intended to improve coordination across the supply chain and foster a more collaborative project delivery approach. As a result, they will help minimize disruptions, reduce the risk of delays, and accelerate construction and overall project completion. It was further noted that the sequencing of station and tunnel construction is being optimized to accelerate delivery timelines and bring construction activities forward where possible. This approach is expected to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and support the timely completion of the project.

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Councillor Keith Irish
  1. That the December 9, 2025 presentation titled “Yonge North Subway Extension- Project Update” by Metrolinx, be received. 
  Carried

4.4

VANCOUVER PLANNING AND TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT – BEST PRACTICES (10.0)

Giulio Cescato, Director, Planning and Urban Design, John Yeh, Senior Manager, Policy & Research, Eric Chan, Manager, Engineering, presented a detailed overview of the best practices and key insights related to planning and transit-oriented development (TOD) that were observed during the recent study trip to Vancouver attended by Members of Council and staff. The presentation highlighted Vancouver’s approach to achieving high-quality, transit-supportive communities through strategic density, mixed-use development, and strong integration with rapid transit infrastructure.  Staff outlined how these observations may inform future planning work and TOD initiatives in Markham.

The Committee thanked staff for organizing the Vancouver tour, noting that it was very informative. They highlighted the importance of urban design and emphasized the need to integrate transit stations seamlessly into the surrounding community to support transit-oriented development. The Committee also suggested that a similar initiative be planned with Montreal to learn how they manage transit in challenging weather and suggested that current and future developments incorporate additional transit-oriented design considerations.  

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
  1. That the presentation dated December 9, 2025, entitled “Vancouver Planning and Transit- Oriented Development – Best Practices”, be received; and further,
  2. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

5.

DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations.

6.

COMMUNICATIONS

6.1

COMMUNICATIONS, ONTARIO LAND TRIBUNAL APPEAL OF APPLICATIONS FOR CONSENT AND MINOR VARIANCES AT 44 ROUGE STREET (WARD 4)

• Moved by Councillor Karen Rea
  Seconded by Councillor Nimisha Patel
  1. That the written submissions from Edgar De Souza, Stephen Kertesz, and Stephen Reid providing comments regarding the above subject matter be received.
  Carried

7.

PETITIONS

There were no petitions.

8.

CONSENT REPORTS - DEVELOPMENT AND POLICY MATTERS

8.1

RECOMMENDATION REPORT, DEMOLITION REQUEST FOR AN ACCESSORY BUILDING WITHIN THE THORNHILL HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT, 86 JOHN STREET, (WARD 1) (16.11.3)

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea
  1. That the report entitled “Demolition Request for an Accessory Building within the Thornhill Heritage Conservation District, 86 John Street, (Ward 1)” dated December 9, 2025, be received; and,
  2. That the recommendation from the Heritage Markham Committee to not object to removal of the accessory building to accommodate a proposed rear yard addition be received as information; and,
  3. That Council supports the proposed demolition of the existing accessory building at 86 John Street within the Thornhill Heritage Conservation District; and further,
  4. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

8.2

RECOMMENDATION REPORT, DEMOLITION REQUEST FOR A FIRE-DAMAGED DETACHED DWELLING WITHIN THE THORNHILL HERITAGE CONSERVATION DISTRICT, 16 JOHN ST. (WARD 1) FILE HE 25 140685 (16.11.3)

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Karen Rea
  1. That the report entitled “Demolition Request for a Fire-Damaged Detached Dwelling within the Thornhill Heritage Conservation District, 16 John Street, (Ward 1)” dated December 9, 2025, be received; and,
  2. That Council approves the proposed demolition of the fire-damaged dwelling at 16 John St. in the Thornhill Heritage Conservation District on the condition that the owner constructs a historically accurate replica of the heritage portion of the house, in the same general location on the property, based on measured drawings and archival photographs, using brick salvaged from the existing dwelling as recommended by the Heritage Markham Committee on November 12, 2025; and further,
  3. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

8.3

COMMENTS ON BILL 60 – FIGHTING DELAYS, BUILDING FASTER ACT, 2025 (13.2)

There was an inquiry in relation to the staff recommendation to not support an external agency for water and waste water and what  impact Bill 60 may have on secondary plans.  

• Moved by Councillor Karen Rea
  Seconded by Councillor Keith Irish

  
  1)    That the report dated December 9, 2025 entitled “Comments on Bill 60 – Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025” be received; and,

  Amendments to the Planning Act 
  
  2)    That Council not support the change granting the Minister authority to set prescribed percentages, permitting as-of-right variances; and,
  3)    That the Province add a provision to prohibit as-of-right variances in zones designated for environmental protection and natural hazards; and,
  4)    That the Province consider authorization of as-of-right variances to be granted at the municipal-staff level for detailed technical review prior to the approval of the minor variance; and,
  5)    That Council not support the change that would allow the Minister to override key policy direction outlined in the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024; and,
  6)    That Council recommend for municipalities to be granted a formal opportunity to consult with the Minister on Minister‘s Zoning Order agreements; and,
  7)    That Council requests the Province to consider implementing a mediation conflict resolution process to resolve disagreements prior to the Minister referring to the Ontario Land Tribunal; and,
  8)    That Council not support the requirement for Ministerial approval of official plan amendments that permit residential uses on all lands within Protected Major Transit Station Areas be removed; and further,
  9)    That Council support the expansion of Community Improvement Plans to include all upper-tier municipalities;
   
  Consultation on simplifying and standardizing official plans
  
  10)    That Council not support the proposal to standardize and simplify official plans across the province; and,
  11)    That the Province continue to allow secondary plans and site-specific policies as part of official plans; and,
  12)    That the Province issue supporting regulation to operationalize conditional zoning under the Planning Act; and,
  13)    That the Province undertake further consultation with municipalities on the proposal to streamline Official Plans; and,
  14)     That if implemented, the Province add “Urban Design” as a key policy heading to the proposed standard chapters for official plans; and,
  15)    That if implemented, the Province will provide municipalities with clear direction on how to proceed with these initiatives and clarify whether any previous Provincial directives on development standards would be withdrawn; and,
  16)    That the Province undertake further consultation with municipalities on the proposed standardized designations, to further refine the criteria for each designation; and,
  17)    That the Province provide timely guidance materials to municipalities on the implementation/transition process; and further,
  18)    That Council support the change to submit official plan information and documents be moved to an online portal;

  Harmonization of road construction standards
  
  19)    That the Province provide additional funding to municipalities if harmonized construction standards result in higher costs compared to current municipal standards; and,
  20)    That the Province further consult and/or collaborate with municipalities in establishing contracts between municipalities and third-party contractors that does not conflict with local municipal authority and decision-making; and,
  21)    That the Province provide clarity on if the Minister would be allowed to make a regulation to govern contracts pertaining to road and bridge construction beyond the technical aspects; and,
  22)    That the Province conduct training sessions for municipal staff or provide municipalities with extra funding for training for municipal staff, regarding the new standards and protocols; and,
  23)    That Council not support change to allow Provincial involvement in a municipality’s decision-making to need an exemption from a standard; and,
  24)    That the Province alternatively considers implementing a yearly audit to ensure municipal compliance with harmonized standards, investigating logged exemptions; and further,
  25)    That the Province further consult and work closely with municipalities to establish a process of requesting an exemption to ensure timely approvals;  

  Amendments to the Highway Traffic Act (Bill 60, Schedule 5)
  
  26)    That the Province consult with municipalities and other stakeholders on what “any other prescribed purpose” entails and scenarios in which an exemption from this change may be necessary; and further,
  27)    That the Province further consult and/or collaborate with municipalities to develop criteria for when vehicle traffic lanes can or cannot be reduced to ensure road safety measures are adhered to.

  Consultation on Enhanced Development Standards- Lot Level (outside of buildings)
  
  28)    That Council not support the change to limit or remove the requirement to meet enhanced development standards; and,
  29)    That the Province provide guidance in consultation with municipalities to promote consistency across municipalities rather than removing enhanced development standards; and further,
  30)    That the Province alternatively provide a clear definition for “enhanced development standards” for municipalities to align their respective plans, polices and guideline accordingly;

  Consultation Minimum Lot Sizes
  
  31)    That Council not support the reduction or removal of minimum lot size requirements; and further,
  32)    That the Province alternatively consider standardized zoning options and definitions that municipalities can adopt without being subject to appeal;

  Water and Wastewater Public Corporations Act, 2025
  
  33)    That Council does not support the implementation of a new legislative framework to authorize the establishment of water and wastewater public corporations; and,
  34)    That if implemented, the Province establish clear governance frameworks ensuring municipal participation and ratepayer oversight in water and wastewater public corporation decision making; and,
  35)    That if implemented, the Province add explicit ratepayer affordability protections for low-and-moderate income households, local oversight mechanisms, and safeguards to prevent excessive or sudden rate increases; and,
  36)    That the Province further consult with municipalities to ensure financial neutrality between water and wastewater public corporation -serviced and non- water and wastewater public corporation serviced municipalities; and,
  37)    That the Province add a provision for water and wastewater public corporation investment plans be mandated to integrate with municipal and regional master plans, to ensure aligned priorities between growth planning and infrastructure delivery; and,
  38)    That the Province include an additional provision be added to require joint servicing investment frameworks reviewed by municipalities and the Province; and,
  39)    That the Province include a provision in the Water and Wastewater Public Corporations Act to define accountability in relation to infrastructure delivery when rate revenues are insufficient; and,
  40)    That Council not support the proposal that would allow the Minister to use broad discretion to approve, reject or modify water and wastewater public corporation rate plans; and,
  41)    That the Province establish independent oversight or audit mechanisms to prevent infrastructure deferral, ensure proper maintenance, infrastructure replacement or fiscal responsibilities of water and wastewater public corporations; and,
  42)    That if implemented, the Province will ensure that funding for growth-related water and wastewater infrastructure to avoid placing undue financial burden on existing ratepayers; and further
  43)    That if implemented, the Province include provisions to protect high-performing municipalities from being required to subsidize underperforming municipalities or share debt and reserves in a manner that penalizes fiscal prudence and operational efficiency;

  Amendments to the Development Charges Act, 1997

  44)    That the Province provide more clarity to municipalities on how development charges recovery under the new land service category will operate; and, 
  45)    That Council support the introduction of mandatory local service policies; and,
  46)    That Council support the provision of the background study and by-laws to be submitted to the Minister upon request; and,
  47)    That the Province should preserve municipal flexibility to allocate projects based on service categories rather than requiring project-specific allocations; and,
  48)    That this report be forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Ministry of Transportation, as the City of Markham comments on Bill 60 - Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025 and the associated Registry Postings; and further,
  49)    That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

   

  Carried

8.4

PROPOSED REGULATIONS TO ENABLE THE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES ACT, 2025 AND SPECIES CONSERVATION ACT, 2025 (13.2)

The Committee inquired about the impact on partnerships and consultations on the regulations. The Committee also requested to consult with Eabametoong First Nation on special economic zones.

• Moved by Councillor Reid McAlpine
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li
  1. That the report dated December 9, 2025, entitled “Proposed Regulations to Enable the Special Economic Zones Act, 2025 and Species Conservation Act, 2025”, be received; and further,
  2. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

   

  Carried

8.5

COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED CONSOLIDATION OF CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES AND CREATION OF THE ONTARIO PROVINCIAL CONSERVATION AGENCY (13.2)

• Moved by Councillor Keith Irish
  Seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci
  1. That the report dated December 9, 2025, entitled “Comments on the Proposed Consolidation of Conservation Authorities and Creation of the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency”, be received; and,
  2. That this report be forwarded to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks as the City of Markham comments on the ERO posting of the “Proposed boundaries for the regional consolidation of Ontario’s conservation authorities” (ERO 025-1257); and,
  3. That Council support the recommendation that the existing boundaries for the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (proposed to be renamed to the Central Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority) be maintained; and,
  4. That Council support the recommendation that legislative changes not reduce conservation authority board and municipal autonomy over non-mandatory local programming and services delivered by the new regional conservation authorities; and,
  5. That Council support the recommendation that the governance structure for the new Central Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority Board maintain the current representation and one-member appointment allocated to the City of Markham; and,
  6. That Council support the recommendation that the Province retain the current minimum consultation requirements in the Conservation Authority Act and regulations for the review and approval of conservation authority budgets and not limit the ability for the regional conservation authorities to modify or tailor their budget consultations with member municipalities; and,
  7. That Council support the recommendation that the Province undertake further consultation with municipalities and conservation authorities if specific changes are being considered for the conservation authority budget process as currently required under the CA Act; and,
  8. That Council support the recommendation that the Province fully fund the establishment and operation of the new Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency, at no additional cost to  municipalities; and further,
  9. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

9.

REGULAR REPORTS - DEVELOPMENT AND POLICY MATTERS

9.1

CITYWIDE PARKING STRATEGY (10.0)

Frank Clarizio, Director of Engineering, provided opening remarks and introduced Eric Chan, Senior Manager, Transportation, who presented an overview of the City’s Parking Strategy. The presentation outlined the creation of a policy framework to guide parking across the City, informed by a series of workshops, open houses, public engagement activities, and governance and financial principles previously presented to the Development Services Committee. The purpose of the report was to present the final study recommendations.

Mr. Chan, congratulated staff and the consultant team, including Sarah Stirling, Fanny Chan, and WSP, for the work completed to date and thanked all those involved in the initiative.

The Committee thanked staff and the consultant and made the following inquiries and comments:

•    How zoning for parking will be determined;
•    Places where on-street parking will be permitted;
•    The importance of providing using user-friendly, proven parking applications;
•    The need for a clear parking zone map and policies moving forward;
•    Concerns that the report did not include more immediate solutions;
•    Concerns that there is no support for paid parking along Markham Main Street;
•    Consideration that vacant or private properties (e.g. churches) be used for paid parking;
•    The manner in which front-yard parking and driveway extensions will be addressed through policy;
•    The need for policies to address parking for multi-generational homes; and,
•    Whether there are plans to build a multi-level or municipal parking garage, including considerations for                   incorporation into future developments.

The Committee suggested that more work is needed to address specific issues and requested more specific information and policies.  

• Moved by Councillor Reid McAlpine
  Seconded by Councillor Keith Irish
  1. That the report titled “Citywide Parking Strategy – Final Report” and the presentation titled ”Citywide Parking Strategy Final Study Recommendations ” be received; and,
  2. That parking and associated paid parking initiatives in Unionville be moved from a long-term objective to a short-term objective; and, 
  3. That Council endorse the Citywide Parking Strategy (CWPS) as outlined in this report and detailed in the attachment; and further,
  4. That Staff be directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried
• Moved by Councillor Nimisha Patel
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li

  That this item, 9.1 be moved forward on the agenda for consideration after item 4.3.

  Carried

9.2

CMHC HOUSING ACCELERATOR FUND UPDATE (10.0)

Audrey Farias, Manager, Planning and Urban Design, delivered a presentation providing an update on the CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) milestones and their current status. She outlined a high-level timeline of key milestones achieved to date and highlighted upcoming initiatives related to the program. Ms. Farias noted that delays in meeting project milestones could have implications for future funding allocations from CMHC.

A brief discussion followed, focusing on the following matters:

• The total funding allocated through the Housing Accelerator Fund and how the budget is being distributed to support housing initiatives and partnerships;
• Whether there have been any significant changes to the program since its inception in 2021;
• Consideration of adjusting completion dates to better reflect the current status of the initiatives;
• How initiatives are identified and whether they are predetermined by the federal government or established by the City;
• Whether there are opportunities to request amendments to certain initiative agreements;
• Updates related to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM);
• Lessons learned from other municipalities; and,
• The positive impact of Housing Accelerator Fund investments on the delivery of new housing units.

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Councillor Keith Irish
  1. That the report dated December 9, 2025, titled “CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund Update”, be received; and,
  2. That the Housing Needs Assessment report dated March 2025, be received; and further,
  3. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

10.

MOTIONS

10.1

STAFF REPORT ON INFILL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT APPLICATIONS (10.0)

The Committee suggested that development standards items that can be enhanced be brought back to Committee in 2026.

• Moved by Councillor Karen Rea
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine

  WHEREAS, new infill development standards were introduced to guide appropriate growth, maintain neighbourhood character, comply with the City of Markham’s Official Plan and reduce the number of variances being requested through the Committee of Adjustment; and,

  WHEREAS, it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of these standards in achieving their intended objectives; and,

  WHEREAS, tracking applications to the Committee of Adjustment can provide valuable insight into trends, challenges, and potential areas for improvement in the infill development review process; and,

  WHEREAS, staff will be bringing forward housekeeping amendments to the Comprehensive Zoning By-law in the new year, providing an opportunity to incorporate any necessary minor adjustments to the infill development standards;

  Therefore be it resolved:

  1. That staff be directed to prepare a report on the implementation and effectiveness of the new infill development standards, including any observed impacts on development applications and neighbourhood compatibility; and,
  2. That staff include in the report an analysis of Committee of Adjustment applications submitted since the introduction of these standards, identifying key trends, common variances requested, and any emerging issues that could inform the upcoming housekeeping amendments to the zoning standards; and further,
  3. That Staff be directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

10.2

VETERANS CROSSWALK (10.0)

The Committee suggested that staff consider reviewing the long-term effects of implementing a commemorative crosswalk and that alternative initiatives for reflection be included in the staff report.

Staff responded that they do not support this type of installation at this time, citing the lack of established design guidelines and potential maintenance challenges. Staff indicated that they will review the matter further and provide detailed information in a report back to the Development Services Committee.

• Moved by Councillor Karen Rea
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Alan Ho

  WHEREAS, the City of Markham recognizes and honours the service and sacrifice of veterans and active members of the Canadian Armed Forces; and,
  WHEREAS, many municipalities across Canada have introduced veterans-themed crosswalks as a visible symbol of gratitude and remembrance within their communities; and,
  WHEREAS, such a crosswalk would provide a meaningful way to engage residents, promote awareness, and demonstrate the City’s continued commitment to supporting those who have served our country;
  
  Therefore be it resolved:

  1. That Staff be directed to investigate the feasibility of installing a Veterans Crosswalk, and provide alternative commemoration initiatives at a suitable location within the City of Markham, in consultation with relevant stakeholders; and,
  2. That Staff report back to Council with potential design options, locations, cost estimates, and implementation timelines for consideration; and further, 
  3. That Staff be directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

   

  Carried

11.

NOTICES OF MOTION

There were no notices of motion.

12.

NEW/OTHER BUSINESS

There was no new or other business.

13.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Regional Councillor Li invited all to attend the Christian Heritage Month celebration on Saturday, December 13, in the Council Chambers.

14.

CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS

The Committee resolved into confidential session at 2:56 PM.

• Moved by Councillor Nimisha Patel
  Seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci

  That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, Development Services Committee resolve into a confidential session to discuss the following matters:

  Carried

14.1

DEVELOPMENT AND POLICY MATTERS

14.1.1

ONTARIO LAND TRIBUNAL APPEAL OF APPLICATIONS FOR CONSENT AND MINOR VARIANCES AT 44 ROUGE STREET (WARD 4)

(LITIGATION OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION, INCLUDING MATTERS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS, AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD;) [MUNICIPAL ACT, 2001, SECTION 239 (2) (e)] (10.0)

The Committee consented to place this matter on the December 16, 2025, Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.

14.1.2

OLT APPEAL BY SUNFIELD GLEN CAMERON DEVELOPMENTS LP OF THE OFFICIAL PLAN AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATIONS

(LITIGATION OR POTENTIAL LITIGATION, INCLUDING MATTERS BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS, AFFECTING THE MUNICIPALITY OR LOCAL BOARD;) [MUNICIPAL ACT, 2001, SECTION 239 (2) (e)] (10.3, 10.5)

The Committee consented to place this matter on the December 16, 2025, Council Meeting Agenda for consideration.

15.

ADJOURNMENT

The committee provided direction to staff on the items in closed session. Items 8.1, 8.2  8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2, 14.1.1, 14.1.2 will be placed on the December 16, Council Meeting agenda.

• Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
  Seconded by Councillor Nimisha Patel

  That the Development Services Meeting adjourn at 3:38 PM.  

  Carried