Electronic Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting No. 11

Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at 1:00 P.m. - 4:30 P.m.

Live streamed

Roll Call

• Mayor Frank Scarpitti
• Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
• Regional Councillor Jack Heath
• Regional Councillor Joe Li
• Regional Councillor Jim Jones
• Councillor Alan Ho
• Councillor Reid McAlpine
• Councillor Karen Rea
• Councillor Andrew Keyes
• Councillor Amanda Collucci
• Councillor Khalid Usman
• Councillor Isa Lee

Regrets

• Councillor Keith Irish

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
• Biju Karumanchery, Director, Planning ＆ Urban Design
• Joel Lustig, Treasurer
• Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff
• Meg West, Manager of Business Planning and Projects
• Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk
• Martha Pettit, Deputy City Clerk
• Christina Kakaflikas, Acting Director, Economic Growth, Culture & Entreprenuership
• John Wong, Technology Support Specialist II
• Hristina Giantsopoulos, Election/Council & Committee Coordinator
• Frank Clarizio, Director, Engineering
• Alice Lam, Director, Operations
• Shane Manson, Senior Manager, Revenue & Property Taxation
• Darryl Lyons, Manager, Policy

​Alternate formats for this document are available upon request

---

1.

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting of Council convened at  1:07 PM on July 14, 2021. Mayor Frank Scarpitti presided.

INDIGENOUS LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We begin today by acknowledging that we walk upon the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples and we recognize their history, spirituality, culture, and stewardship of the land. We are grateful to all Indigenous groups for their commitment to protect the land and its resources and we are committed to reconciliation, partnership and enhanced understanding.

On behalf of Council, Mayor Frank Scarpitti recognized the recent passing of Marion Matthias, long term Thornhill resident and Heritage advocate for the City of Markham. A moment of silence was observed and flags at the Civic Centre and the Thornhill Community Centre were lowered in her honour.

Mayor Scarpitti announced the recent election of a new Chief and Council for Eabametoong First Nation – Chief Soloman Atlookan, and elected Council Members: Louie Sugarhead, Charlie Okeese, Josie Sugarhead, Fred Meeseetawageesic & Donald Meeseetawageesic. He also noted the tragic discovery of more Indigenous remains in another mass grave in British Columbia, in the province's Southern Gulf Islands, once home to the Kuper Island Residential School. Flags were also lowered in their honour.

Mayor Scarpitti extended congratulations to the Tampa Bay Lightning for winning the 2021 Stanley Cup, and noted that Steven Stamkos, team captain, is a former Markham resident. He also extended congratulations to the Italian community on Italy’s victory at the Euro 2020 soccer championships.

Mayor Scarpitti advised that Markham will be well represented at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics by the following Markham natives – Michelle Li (Badminton), Jason Ho-Shue (Badminton), Andre De Grasse (Athletics), Joshua Liendo (Swimming), Andrew Coe (Rugby) & Gabrielle Smith (Rowing), and offered best wishes to the Olympians.

On behalf of the City of Markham, Mayor Scarpitti offered best wishes to the national badminton team who completed their pre-Olympic training at the Markham Pan Am Centre and other Tokyo-bound athletes - Rachel Honderich (Badminton); Joshua Hulrburt-Yu (Badminton); Nyl Yakura (Badminton); Brian Yang (Badminton); Jayde Riviere (Soccer); Jeremy Hazin (Table Tennis); Javier Acevedo (Swimming); Tessa Cieplucha (Swimming) and Kayla Sanchez (Swimming). On behalf of the City of Markham, Mayor Scarpitti extended best wishes to all Canadian athletes heading to Tokyo for the Olympics.

2.

DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST

Councillor Reid McAlpine declared a conflict of interest with respect to Item 8.3.1 "Recommendation Report Official Plan and Zoning By-Law Amendment Applications Submitted Boxgrove Commercial East Inc. c/o Smartcentres Reit To Permit A Commercial Self-Storage Warehouse Facility At 500 Copper Creek Drive", as a good friend works for Smart Centres. Councillor McAlpine did not participate in the discussion.

3.

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

3.1

COUNCIL MINUTES - JUNE 29, 2021

• Moved by Councillor Alan Ho
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  1. That the Minutes of the Council Meeting held on June 29, 2021, be adopted.
  Carried

4.

PRESENTATIONS

There were no presentations.

5.

DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations.​​

6.

COMMUNICATIONS

6.1

10-2021 - MEMORANDUM - NEST (VS) GP INC.,  APPLICATIONS FOR ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT AND DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISION TO PERMIT 12 TOWNHOUSES AT 10165 VICTORIA SQUARE BLVD (WARD 2), FILE NOS. ZA 19 179145, SU 19 179147 (10.5)

• Moved by Councillor Alan Ho
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  1. That the memorandum titled “Applications for Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft Plan of Subdivision to permit 12 townhouses at 10165 Victoria Square Blvd (Ward 2)” be received; and,
  2. That the draft Zoning By-law attached as Appendix ‘A’ to this memorandum be approved and enacted without further notice; and,
  3. That in accordance with the provisions of subsections 45 (1.4) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13, as amended, the Owners shall through this Resolution, be permitted to apply to the Committee of Adjustment for a variance from the provisions of the accompanying Zoning By-law, before the second anniversary of the day on which the by-law was approved by Council; and,
  4. That Staff be authorized to do all things necessary to give effect to the resolution.

  (By-law 2021-60)

  Carried

6.2

11-2021 COMMUNICATIONS - VACANT HOUSING TAX (7.0)

• Moved by Councillor Karen Rea
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine

  That the following communications providing comments regarding Vacant Housing Tax be received for information purposes:

  1. David Smith
  2. Heather Davidson
  3. Naxin Pan
  4. Beverly O’Hara
  5. Bob & Marilyn Tufford
  6. Brian Mackenzie
  7. Larkin Hinder
  8. Tom and Norma Luks
  9. Paul Naish
  10. Beverley Baird and Clive Moorman
  11. Elizabeth Brown
  12. Shelley Payne-Renaud
  13. Donna Dougan
  14. Brenda Swenor
  15. Andres Rojas
  16. Dan Johnstone
  17. Scott F. Mustard
  18. Steve Lusk
  19. Timothy Schnarr
  20. Mike Gannon, President URA
  21. André Marcil
  22. Valerie and Dave Burke
  23. Nancy W. Walton
  24. Josie Giuseppina Zappulla
  25. Robert A Noble
  26. Janaki Nagulan 
  27. Clint Marcham
  28. Ann Cape
  29. Nesta Morris
  30. Carole Noble
  31. Gerry Pierce
  32. Jessica Page Filgiano 
  33. Arun Gupta
  34. Brett Bergmann
  35. Liza Lyon
  36. Jean Stewart
  37. Ardathe Reid
  38. Frances Olive
  39. Debbie Burton
  40. Jean Gagnon
  41. Art & Laurie Hale
  42. Richard Jacobs
  43. Loraine & Rand Dawson
  44. Kevin Terry
  45. Angie Karas
  46. Marcia Archer
  47. Surjit Sachdev
  48. Ann Li
  49. Clovis Grant
  50. Terry and Daryn De Maeyer
  51. Tupper Wheatley
  52. Carole Wilson
  53. Sharon McIntyre
  54. Norine Graham-Robinson
  55. Alexis Whalen
  56. Elisabeth Tan
  57. Ellen Leong
  58. Don Chen
  59. Elizabeth Blakley
  60. Mike Clare, President, Markham Inter-Church Committee For Affordable Housing (MICAH)
  61. Rick Darche
  62. Alfred Chalk
  63. Patrick King
  64. Lorraine Fish
  65. Carmela Petsinis
  66. Niranjan Balachandran
  67. Mario Crespi
  68. E. (Reg) Pembleton  
  69. Bob Baird
  70. Rich Coram
  71. Sandra Karda
  72. Victoria Tomev
  73. Marg Ferguson
  74. Carol Retter
  75. David Smith
  76. Craig Rowland
  77. Marlene Paige
  78. Rose Marie
  79. Thomas Poulis
  80. Bell
  81. Joseph Um
  82. Jesse Gamble
  83. Gerri Storr
  84. Shobha Mathur
  85. Margaret and Michael Brackley
  86. Allman
  87. Carolyn Johnston-Turcotte and Claude Turcotte
  88. Keith Johnson
  89. Nadine M. Ellul
  90. Jeff Chomyn
  91. Joan Breckenridge
  92. Jean Stewart
  93. Michael Chiang
  94. Alan Caulfeild-Browne
  95. Yvonne Shek and Ron Oliva
  96. Doug Crocker
  Carried

6.3

12-2021 HOUSING CHOICES: MARKHAM’S AFFORDABLE AND RENTAL HOUSING STRATEGY (10.0)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Jack Heath
  1. That the communication from Astra Rose providing comments on this matter, be received for information and referred to Development Services planning staff.
  Carried

7.

PROCLAMATIONS

7.1

PROCLAMATION AND FLAG RAISING REQUESTS (3.4)

• Moved by Councillor Khalid Usman
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  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. Flight of The Monarch Day - August 21, 2021

     2. World Alzheimer’s Day - September 21, 2021

     3. Caribbean Heritage Month - October 2021

  Carried

8.

REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE

8.1

REPORT NO. 22 - DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE (JUNE 22, 2021)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li

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

  Carried

8.1.1

HOUSING CHOICES: MARKHAM’S AFFORDABLE AND RENTAL HOUSING STRATEGY (10.0)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li
  1. That the report and presentation dated June 22, 2021 entitled "Housing Choices: Markham’s Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy" be received; and,
  2. That “Housing Choices: Markham’s Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy” attached as Appendix A to the report dated June 22, 2021 entitled "Housing Choices: Markham’s Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy" be adopted; and,
  3. That staff be directed to address the York Region February 25, 2021 Council resolution requesting lower tier municipalities to support, in principle, the provision of two acres of land by each municipality, either directly or through partnership for affordable housing over the next five years through implementation of Action 10 of Housing Choices: Markham’s Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy and report back to Development Services Committee; and,
  4. That staff be directed to assess the York Region February 25, 2021 Council resolution requesting lower tier municipalities amend their parkland dedication by-law to exempt Housing York Inc. from being required to pay parkland fees through implementation of Action 14 in Housing Choices: Markham’s Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy and report back to Development Services Committee; and, 
  5. That the Committee supports the establishment of a Sub-Committee to support the progress of the Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy and regular status reporting; and further,
  6. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

  Carried by Recorded Vote (12-0)

  (See following Recorded Vote)
• Recorded Vote (12-0)
  YEAS:  Councillor Alan Ho, Councillor Reid McAlpine, Councillor Karen Rea, Regional Councillor Jim Jones, Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Regional Councillor Jack Heath, Regional Councillor Joe Li, Councillor Andrew Keyes, Councillor Amanda Collucci, Councillor Khalid Usman, Councillor Isa Lee (12)
  
  

  ABSENT: Councillor Keith Irish (1)

   

8.2

REPORT NO. 24 - DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE (JULY 8, 2021)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Councillor Khalid Usman

  That the report of the Development Services Committee be received & adopted, save and except for Item No. 8.2.1:

  Carried

8.2.1

CITY OF MARKHAM COMMENTS TO THE PROVINCE ON A MINISTER’S ZONING ORDER (MZO) REQUEST BY TUNG KEE INVESTMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP REPRESENTING SOW CAPITAL LIMITED (“THE OWNER”) TO THE MINISTER OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING (“MMAH”) TO PERMIT 

A 332,149.85M2 EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT AT 3143 19TH AVENUE (WARD 2) FILE NO.: MZO 21 121854 (10.5)

• Moved by Councillor Alan Ho
  Seconded by Councillor Khalid Usman
  1. That the report titled, “City of Markham Comments to the Province on a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) request by Tung Kee Investment Limited Partnership representing SOW Capital Limited (“the Owner”) to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (“MMAH”) to permit a 332,149.85m2 employment development at 3143 19th Avenue (Ward 2), File No.: MZO 21 121854”, dated July 8, 2021, be received; and,
  2. That the City of Markham supports the proposed project by SOW Capital Limited to permit employment development at 3143 19th Avenue (Ward 2); and,
  3. That the City of Markham supports the Minister’s Zoning Order request, by Tung Kee Investment Limited Partnership representing SOW Capital Limited, subject to the recommended revisions to the Order, attached in Appendix ‘B’ to this Staff report; and,
  4. That this report be forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, as the City of Markham’s comments on the MZO request by Tung Kee Investment Limited Partnership representing SOW Capital Limited for the lands at 3143 19th Avenue; and further,
  5. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

  Carried by Recorded Vote (9-3)

  (See following Recorded Vote)
• Council consented to separate Clause #2 and vote on the motion separately.

  [Recorded vote for Main Motion only (clause #2 not included) (9-3)]

  YEAS:           Councillor Alan Ho, Regional Councillor Jim Jones, Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Regional Councillor Joe Li, Councillor Andrew Keyes, Councillor Amanda Collucci, Councillor Khalid Usman, Councillor Isa Lee (9)

  NAYS:           Councillor Reid McAlpine, Councillor Karen Rea, Regional Councillor Jack Heath (3)

  ABSENT:       Councillor Keith Irish (1)

   
• [Recorded vote for clause #2 only) (12-0)]

  YEAS:             Councillor Alan Ho, Councillor Reid McAlpine, Councillor Karen Rea, Regional Councillor Jim Jones, Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Regional Councillor Jack Heath, Regional Councillor Joe Li, Councillor Andrew Keyes, Councillor Amanda Collucci, Councillor Khalid Usman, Councillor Isa Lee (12)

  ABSENT:       Councillor Keith Irish (1)

8.2.2

SCHOOL ZONE TRAFFIC SAFETY UPDATE (ALL WARDS) (5.12)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Councillor Khalid Usman
  1. That the memorandum dated June 21, 2021 entitled “School Zone Traffic Safety Update (All Wards), be received, and,
  2. That the deputations by Amit Arora and Nimisha Patel on the “School Zone Traffic Safety Update (All Wards)”, be received, and,
  3. That the Region be requested to assess the impact of its new school zone traffic safety measure and report back on the assessment to local municipalities, and,
  4. That the City of Markham endorses York Region’s request to the Ministry of Transportation for the inclusion of flashing lights/beacons to the new school zone maximum speed limit signs, and,
  5. That this resolution be forwarded to York Region and the Ministry of Transportation, and further,
  6. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

8.2.3

COPPER CREEK DRIVE TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT UPDATE (WARD 7) (5.12)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Councillor Khalid Usman
  1. That the Deputation by Nimisha Patel regarding the “Copper Creek Drive Traffic Calming Demonstration Project Update (Ward 7)” be received, and,
  2. That the Communications by Raymond Wong, Legacy Community Ratepayers Association, Katherine and Dave Kalmbach, Community Letters submitted on behalf of Nimisha Patel (letters by  an engineer, Juanita Nathan, York Region District School Board Trustee, Paul Calandra, MPP, James Ecker, former York Catholic District School Board Trustee,  Dawn Adam, Senior Manager, Planning & Property Development Services, York Region District School Board and Joachim Tsui, Manager, Planning Services, Planning & Operations, York Catholic District School Board), regarding the “Copper Creek Drive Traffic Calming Demonstration Project Update (Ward 7) “ be received, and,
  3. That the community petition submitted by Nimisha Patel regarding the Copper Creek Drive Traffic Calming  Project Update (Ward 7) “ be received, and,
  4. That the information memorandum entitled, “Copper Creek Drive Traffic Calming  Demonstration Project Update (Ward 7)” be received; and
  5. That the Copper Creek Traffic Calming Demonstration Project construction proceed to completion as scheduled; and
  6. That staff monitor the performance and effectiveness following project completion to ensure satisfactory mitigation of traffic speeds and improved opportunities for safe pedestrian crossings; and
  7. That staff implement intersection traffic control measures, such as all-way stops and traffic signals, subject to meeting Provincial warrant criteria prescribed by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario; and
  8. That Staff install PXOs (pedestrian crossovers) at Copper Creek / Boswell, and at Copper Creek/ Rizal as soon as budget allocation is approved and design and construction can be procured; and,
  9. That City of Markham write a letter to the York Region District School Board and the York Region Catholic District School Board requesting that school bus pick-up and drop-off stops on Copper Creek Drive be removed from the bus route where the school children have to cross the street; and further,
  10. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

8.2.4

RECOMMENDATION REPORT APPLICATION FOR SITE PLAN APPROVAL SUBMITTED BY LIVANTE HOLDINGS (BG PHASE V) INC. ON BLOCK 94, REGISTERED PLAN 65M-4328 (NORTH SIDE OF VETMAR AVENUE, WEST OF VICTORIA SQUARE BOULEVARD AND SOUTH OF WOODBINE AVENUE)

TO FACILITATE A MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT (WARD 2) FILE NO. SPC 19 114746 (10.6)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Councillor Khalid Usman
  1. That the report titled “Application for Site Plan Approval submitted by Livante Holdings (BG Phase V) Inc. on Block 94, Registered Plan 65M-4328 (north side of Vetmar Avenue, west of Victoria Square Boulevard and south of Woodbine Avenue) to facilitate a mixed use development (Ward 2)” be received; and,
  2. That the Site Plan application (SPC 19 114746) submitted by Livante Holdings (BG Phase V) Inc., to facilitate the development of an 8 storey building and 3 storey stacked townhouses with a total of 224 residential units and 1680 m² of commercial space (Ward 2) be endorsed in principle, subject to the conditions in Appendix ‘A’, and that Site Plan Approval be delegated to the Director of Planning and Urban Design or designate; and,
  3. That Site Plan Endorsement shall lapse and site plan approval will not be issued, after a period of three (3) years from the date of endorsement in the event that the site plan agreement is not executed within that time period; and,
  4. That Council assign servicing allocation for a maximum of 224 dwelling units; and further,
  5. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

8.3

REPORT NO. 25 - DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE (JULY 12, 2021)

8.3.1

RECOMMENDATION REPORT OFFICIAL PLAN AND ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED BOXGROVE COMMERCIAL EAST INC. C/O SMARTCENTRES REIT TO PERMIT A COMMERCIAL SELF-STORAGE WAREHOUSE FACILITY AT 500 COPPER CREEK DRIVE

(WARD 7) FILE PLAN 20 120313 (10.3, 10.5)

Councillor Reid McAlpine disclosed an interest and advised that a good friend works for Smart Centres. Councillor McAlpine did not take part in the discussion or vote on this matter.

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
  Seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
  1. That the report dated June 22nd, 2021 and titled “RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment Applications submitted by Boxgrove Commercial East Inc. c/o SmartCentres REIT to permit a commercial self-storage warehouse facility at 500 Copper Creek Drive (Ward 7)”, be received; and,
  2. That the Official Plan Amendment Application (PLN 20120313) submitted by Boxgrove Commercial East c/o SmartCentres REIT to allow a commercial self-storage warehouse facility at 500 Copper Creek Drive be approved by Council at a later date; once a satisfactory site plan application has been submitted and reviewed; and,
  3. That the Zoning By-law Amendment application (PLN 20 134853) submitted by Boxgrove Commercial East Inc. c/o Smart Centre REIT to permit a commercial self-storage warehouse facility at 500 Copper Creek Drive be approved and enacted by Council at a later date; once a satisfactory site plan application has been submitted and reviewed; and further,
  4. That Staff be authorized to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

  Carried by Recorded Vote (10-1)

  [See following Recorded Vote]
• [Recorded Vote (10-1)]

  YEAS:             Councillor Alan Ho, Councillor Karen Rea, Regional Councillor Jim Jones, Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Regional Councillor Jack Heath, Regional Councillor Joe Li, Councillor Andrew Keyes, Councillor Amanda Collucci, Councillor Isa Lee (10)

  NAYS:           Councillor Khalid Usman (1)

  ABSENT:       Councillor Keith Irish (1)

  CONFLICT:   Councillor Reid McAlpine (1)

8.3.2

MiX INNOVATION DISTRICT: WHERE INNOVATION IS REALIZED (10.0)

• Moved by Councillor Alan Ho
  Seconded by Councillor Khalid Usman
  1. That the presentation entitled “MiX Innovation District:  Where Innovation is realized,” dated July 12, 2021 be received; and,
  2. That staff be directed to report back to Development Services Committee outlining the next steps in the Fall 2021; and further,
  3. That the guiding principles outlined in the presentation be endorsed in principle.

  Carried Unanimously by Recorded Vote (12-0)

  (See following Recorded Vote)
• [Recorded Vote (12-0)]

  YEAS:  Councillor Alan Ho, Councillor Reid McAlpine, Councillor Karen Rea, Regional Councillor Jim Jones, Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Regional Councillor Jack Heath, Regional Councillor Joe Li, Councillor Andrew Keyes, Councillor Amanda Collucci, Councillor Khalid Usman, Councillor Isa Lee (12)

  ABSENT:  Councillor Keith Irish (1)

8.4

REPORT NO. 26 - GENERAL COMMITTEE (JULY 13, 2021)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jack Heath
  Seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes

  That the report of the General Committee be received & adopted. (Items 1 to 3):

  Carried

8.4.1

ALECTRA ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING PARTNERSHIP - MULTIPLE CITY SITES (5.0)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jack Heath
  Seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes
  1. That the report entitled, “Alectra Electric Vehicle Charging Partnership – Multiple City Sites” be received; and,
  2. That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement, including any amendments to the agreement, between the City of Markham (“City”) and Alectra Energy Services Inc. (“Alectra”) for the installation, operation, maintenance and repair of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment at Markham community facilities for public use, provided the form of such agreement is satisfactory to the Commissioner of Corporate Services and the City Solicitor; and further,
  3. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

8.4.2

LYMANTRIA DISPAR DISPAR (LDD) FOLLOW UP (5.0)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jack Heath
  Seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes
  1. That the memorandum and presentation “LDD (Lymantria Dispar Dispar) ” dated on July 13th, 2021 be received; and,
  2. That staff recommends continuation of the public outreach initiative encouraging resident participation including instructional videos and documents, dedicated website updates and frequent updates on growth cycle to manage expectations on various social media platforms; and
  3. That staff recommends continuation of tracking through monitoring service requests, follow up patrols to understand defoliation results and information gathering to inform collaborative efforts with Region of York and municipal counterparts; and,
  4. That staff recommends continuation of egg mass removal program beginning in October 2021 onward utilizing 6 additional seasonal staff at a cost of approximately $156,000.00 annually until the end of the infestation to be funded through the existing 2021 Parks part-time personnel budget; and, 
  5. That staff provide an additional update in the late fall with information on the current stage, City actions and what other jurisdictions are doing to address the LDD infestation; and further,
  6. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution
  Carried

8.4.3

CELEBRATE MARKHAM GRANT PROGRAM - APRIL 1, 2021 - MARCH 31, 2022 (2021-2022) - FUNDING APPROVALS AND ANNUAL PROGRAM REVIEW (7.6)

• Moved by Regional Councillor Jack Heath
  Seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes
  1. That the report titled, “Celebrate Markham Grant Program – April 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022 (2021-22) - Funding Approvals and Annual Program Review” be received; and,
  2. That Council receive the recommendations of the Interdepartmental Staff Review Committee in Attachment 1, which includes 63 Celebrate Markham applicants, totaling $221,000; and,
  3. That Council approve the revised recommendations based on the Resolution of Council dated April 6, 2021 which includes 35 applicants to be funded totaling $48,575 for virtual programming/events for this funding cycle and identified in Attachments 2, 3, 4 and 5; and,
  4. That Council authorize a one-time carry forward of unused Community Events monies in the amount of $207,425 to the 2022-2023 Community Events funding envelope; and,
  5. That Council authorize 26 postponed applications to be carried forward in the amount of $84,500 to be considered for funding in the 2022-2023 funding cycle; and,
  6. That Council authorize funding for Kindred Spirits Orchestra (KSO) in the amount of $5,000 based on the original Interdepartmental Staff Review Committee recommendation and conditional on receiving documents outlined in the Resolution of Council dated April 20, 2021; and,
  7. That if a sporting event is permitted to proceed as a live event in accordance with Provincial guidelines, that the original recommended funding be applied as indicated by the interdepartmental review committee, and further,
  8. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
  Carried

9.

MOTIONS

There were no motions.

10.

NOTICE OF MOTION TO RECONSIDER

There were no notices of motions to reconsider.

11.

NEW/OTHER BUSINESS

11.1

VACANT HOUSING TAX (7.0)

• Moved by Councillor Karen Rea
  Seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine

  Whereas housing prices have seen a significant increase in the past couple of years; and

  Whereas residents, especially young residents are experiencing difficulty entering the housing market due to a lack of affordable homes; and

  Whereas there has been an increase in buyers purchasing properties and upon closing, many of these homes remain unoccupied; and

  Whereas some absentee homeowners are not maintaining their properties; and

  Whereas implementing a residential vacant unit tax will encourage homeowners to maintain, occupy or rent their properties which will help increase the housing supply; and

  Whereas the Province of Ontario has announced a new tax authority on vacant homes that will give Toronto and other interested municipalities the power to impose such a tax to encourage owners to sell or rent such spaces;

  Now therefore be it resolved:

  1. That staff be directed to investigate and report back in Q42021 on options related to a vacant home tax and that this report include an assessment of the effectiveness of vacant home taxes in other municipalities, the impact of a vacant home tax on affordable housing supply and the resources required to implement a vacant home tax.

  Carried as Amended by Recorded Vote (8-4)

  (See following Recorded Vote)
• [Recorded Vote (8-4)]

  YEAS: Councillor Alan Ho, Councillor Reid McAlpine, Councillor Karen Rea, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Regional Councillor Jack Heath, Councillor Amanda Collucci, Councillor Khalid Usman, Councillor Isa Lee (8)
  
  NAYS:  Regional Councillor Jim Jones, Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton, Regional Councillor Joe Li, Councillor Andrew Keyes (4)

  ABSENT:  Councillor Keith Irish (1)
• Council consented to amend the resolution from:

  1. That staff be directed to investigate options for imposing a vacant home tax on the assessment of vacant residential units under the new provincial initiative and report back with recommendations in Q4 2021 for Council’s consideration.

  to:  

  1. That staff be directed to investigate and report back in Q4 2021 on options related to a vacant home tax and that this report include an assessment of the effectiveness of vacant home taxes in other municipalities, the impact of a vacant home tax on affordable housing supply and the resources required to implement a vacant home tax.

12.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

There were no announcements.

13.

BY-LAWS - THREE READINGS

• Moved by Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton
  Seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li

  That By-laws 2021-54 to 2021-60 be given three readings and enacted.

  Carried

Three Readings

13.1

BY-LAW 2021-54 HEBRIDES STRUCTURES DESIGN (BT) LTD., PART LOT CONTROL EXEMPTION BY-LAW

A by-law to designate part of a certain plan of subdivision not subject to Part Lot Control, Part of Block 1, Registered Plan 65M-4618 designated as Parts 1 to 9 (inclusive), 17 to 22 (inclusive), 44 to 58 (inclusive), 154 to 164 (inclusive), 172 to 174 (inclusive), and 195 to 205 (inclusive) on Reference Plan 65R-38662 and Part of Block 2, Registered Plan 65M-4618 designated as Parts 93 to 98 (inclusive), 104 to 109 (inclusive), 124 to 129 (inclusive), 138 to 143 (inclusive), 243 to 246 (inclusive), 251 to 258 (inclusive), 273, 274, 283, and 284 on Reference Plan 65R-38662, located on the east side of McCowan Road and north of 16th Avenue.

• Carried

13.2

BY-LAW 2021-55 LAMPONE INVESTMENTS INC., PART LOT CONTROL EXEMPTION BY-LAW

A by-law to designate part of a certain plan of subdivision not subject to Part Lot Control, Lots 5, 6, 17, 18, 19, 28, 29, 30, 42, 43, 44, 49, 50 and 51, Registered Plan 65M-4573 designated as Parts 1 to 28 on Reference Plan 65R-39463 and Lots 62, 63, 64, 71, 72 and 73, Registered Plan 65M-4573 and designated as Parts 1 to 12, on Reference Plan 65R-39462, located east of McCowan Road and south of Major Mackenzie Drive.

• Carried

13.3

BY-LAW 2021-56 PRIMONT (CORNELL 2) INC., PART LOT CONTROL BY-LAW

A by-law to designate part of a certain plan of subdivision not subject to Part Lot Control, Block 9 on Registered Plan 65M-4656, designated as Parts 1 to 15 (inclusive) on Reference Plan 65R-39340 and Block 11 on Registered Plan 65M-4656, designated as Parts 1 to 15 (inclusive) on Reference Plan 65R-39341, located on the west side of Cornell Rouge Boulevard, east of Donald Cousens Parkway and north of Hwy 7 E in the Cornell Community.

• Carried

13.4

BY-LAW 2021-57  ROAD DEDICATION BY-LAW (COLLIER CRESCENT, HAMMERSLY BOULEVARD AND TITUS STREET)

A by-law to dedicate certain lands as part of the highways of the City of Markham:

Reserve Block 40, Plan 65M-4468 - Collier Crescent
Reserve Blocks 41, 42 and 43, Plan 65M-4468 - Hammersly Boulevard
Reserve Block 44, Plan 65M-4468 - Titus Street

• Carried

13.5

BY-LAW 2021-58 CULTURAL HERITAGE BY-LAW (JOSEPH & LEAH PIPHER HOUSE)

A by-law to designate a property as being of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest - Joseph & Leah Pipher House.

(Item No. 11.1, New/ Other Business, July 14, 2020 Council meeting)

• Carried

13.6

BY-LAW 2021-59 CULTURAL HERITAGE BY-LAW (GEORGE AND ISABELLA PEACH FARMHOUSE)

A by-law to designate a property as being of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest - George and Isabella Peach Farmhouse.

• Carried

13.7

BY-LAW 2021-60 NEST (VS) GP INC., NEST (VS) GP INC., TECHNICAL ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT

A By-law to amend By-law 177-96, as amended, which were included in the by-law in error.

(Item 6.1, Communications)

• Carried

14.

CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS

There were no confidential items for this meeting.

 

15.

CONFIRMATORY BY-LAW - THREE READINGS

• Moved by Councillor Andrew Keyes
  Seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci

  That By-law 2021-61 be given three readings and enacted.

  Three Readings

  BY-LAW 2021-61 A BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 14, 2021.
  No attachment

  Carried

16.

ADJOURNMENT

• Moved by Councillor Isa Lee
  Seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci

  That the Council meeting be adjourned at 3:17 p.m.

  Carried