Whereas the Province of Ontario has made it a priority to tackle the housing crisis with various measures including streamlining of development approvals; and,
Whereas the Province has approved the 2019 Growth Plan which allows for 40 ha urban boundary expansions outside the Municipal Comprehensive Review process subject to Regional approval; and,
Whereas the Town of Whitchurch Stouffville has initiated a visioning exercise for its lands within the Hwy. 48 corridor including lands within Markham at the City/Town boundary; and,
Whereas the Minister of Municipal Affairs has requested comments on an Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) application by Flato Developments Inc. for lands at the Town of Whitchurch Stouffville and City of Markham boundary at Hwy 48; and,
Whereas the Flato Development Inc. lands subject to the MZO consists of 3.5 ha parcel proposed for a minimum of 120 purpose built rental seniors units and 34 market ownership townhouse units with aging in place ground floor units; and,
Whereas there have been no rental seniors developments constructed in the City of Markham or any proposals currently with the City; and,
Whereas the Flato Development Inc. proposal would bring benefits to the City of Markham including rental development, seniors housing, and servicing to the Dickson Hill Hamlet, if required; and,
Whereas, should the MZO be approved, the developer would be required to obtain full site plan approval and payment of all development application fees;
Therefore now it be resolved:
- That Council supports the application by Flato Development Inc, for a MZO for its 3.5 ha parcel within the City of Markham; and,
- That Staff be directed to bring back a benefits package clearly articulating the benefits to be derived should this proposal be approved, in discussions with the landowner, for Council approval.