Eric Casper, Resident
- Spoke in regards to advancing the flood remediation program in the areas of Green Lane, Henricks Road, Holm Cres., Braeburn and Tamarack Drive in Thornhill;
- Advised that in 2005 and in 2017 many residents experienced extensive flooding;
- Displayed two videos showing the flooding of: 1) local roads in the area; and 2) a resident’s basement.
Staff advised that the City's Flood Remediation Program is being implemented in order of priority, as there are several areas in Markham experiencing flooding. The program started in Thornhill, as it determined to be the highest priority area.
The program will overtime re-mediate the stormwater sewers for all Markham areas experiencing flooding. Staff advised of the City’s Plumbing Protection Rebate Program to assist residents in reducing the risk of basement flooding.
Diane Gabay, Age Friendly Markham Committee
- Inquired if there are funds being put aside in the 2020 budget for hospices;
- Inquired when staff will be reporting back on the presentation provided in March to the Committee.
Staff advised that there is no funding in the 2020 Budget for hospices, as the responsibility of housing fall under York Region. Staff advised that they are currently working on a report based on the presentation in March and the report will be brought back to Development Services Committee.
It was advised that Markham Stouffville Hospital, Saint Elizabeth Healthcare, and Evergreen Hospice are working together to possibly create a hospice in Markham, and that a Housing Summit will be held in 2020 to try and address issues with housing, including age friendly housing.
Andy Langer, Age Friendly Markham Committee
- Inquired if there are any specific provisions in the 2020 budget that underline Markham’s support for a hospice;
- Indicated that Markham’s senior population is currently 21% going to 25% of the overall population of the City in 10 years;
- Inquired how Markham's Older Adult Strategy is funded.
Staff advised that it is not the responsibility of the City to fund a hospice in Markham, but that the City is working with partners responsible for this type of an initiative to start a hospice in Markham.
Staff advised that a report card is being created for the City's Older Adults Strategy and that each initiative under the strategy has a funding source. Staff are reviewing long term (10 years) goals for the strategy. The City has also added funds to the City's seniors' programs, dedicated significant areas of the Milliken Mills Community Centre expansion for seniors programs, and continues to apply for and receive government grants for seniors clubs. Staff advised that seniors programs are 60-70% subsidized by the City while programs for children are 30-40%.
Sean Tsao, Resident
- Inquired if the funds from the Life Cycle Reserve Fund can be used to relocate Percy Reesor Park;
- Requested that the park be relocated and replaced with a larger park;
- Concerned that the location of the park impacts the safety of the neighbourhood;
- Advised that the public was not notified in regards to the location of the park.
Staff advised that the Life Cycle Reserve Fund is used to replace existing assets at the end of their life cycle. The reserve balance is reviewed each year to ensure there are sufficient funds for the replacement of the City’s assets for the next 25 years. The funds in the reserve can only be used for this purpose.
It was advised that the section of the Planning Act the resident quoted was more applicable on zoning by-law amendments which don’t apply in this instance.
The resident was advised to meet with their local Councillor.
A staff report will be brought forward to the Development Services Committee on Percy Reesor Park following a public consultation survey that was requested to be conducted at the September 9th, 2019 Development Services Committee meeting.
Committee thanked the Public for their feedback on the 2020 Budget.
The Mayor advised that while staff were requested by Budget Committee to bring the 2020 tax rate increase of 2.20% down to be in line with inflation of 2.0%, he would meet with staff to discuss options to bring the tax rate increase below the rate of inflation.
Staff advised that the Budget will be brought forward to Council for approval at the December 10, 2019 Council meeting.