Mark Visser, Senior Manager, Strategy Innovation & Investments, addressed the Committee and indicated that this will be the last update prior to the public meeting and the background study proceeding to Council for approval this spring. He introduced, Kevin Ross, Manager, Development Finance & Payroll, who delivered the first section of the, “Development Charges and Community Benefits Charge”, presentation which provided an overview of the Development Charge (DC) Background Study progress update, a summary of adjustments, preliminary DC rates, area specific DCs and, the proposed policy changes. Mark Visser delivered the second section of the presentation and reviewed the framework for the Community Benefits Charge (CBC) by-law, the proposed CBC capital program and, the timelines for completion of the DC Background Study and CBC By-laws.
The Committee made the following inquiries in relations to the presentation:
- The difference between the census data and the City's data with respect to Markham's population;
- An inquiry into whether the development forecast included consideration for the intensification in the Transit Oriented Communities (TOCs);
- That there be an additional clause in the resolution to provide for an update regarding Municipal Zoning Orders (MZO) and TOCs; that there could be an update regarding MZO and TOC;
- Concerns were raised about the timing of the Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue intensification and the opening of the subway;
- That there is a need for more infrastructure to support the population projections;
- An inquiry into what will happen to the remaining funds in the reserves under section 37 in relation to public art ;
- An inquiry into whether the current allocation of $10 mil for affordable housing can be used to purchase housing for this purpose;
- That there be consideration to tree planting in open spaces to increase the tree canopy; and,
- The similarities/differences of CBCs and DCs with respect to their delivery, review cycle, and flexibility to allocate resources where they are needed.
Arvin Prasad, Commissioner, Development Services, addressed the Committee and noted that there is significant growth expected to 2051 and that the population estimates were based on the 2016 Census data. With the release of new 2021 Census data, the population estimates will have to be updated for long-term planning purposes. He also remarked that the Langstaff area is evolving and that there are further discussions with the Region and the Province underway with respect to the expected population growth in the area.
Staff advised that the purchase of social housing is at the Region level and that the City may form a partnership in this regard as one way to encourage a diversity of housing stock. It was noted that remaining funds in the reserves will roll over to the Community Benefits Charge fund and that they do not expire.
The Committee consented to support the report, and requested additional information in relation to the population projections assigned by the Region and the respected growth management implications. It was also requested that staff report back to Committee prior to the finalization of the Development Charge by-law.