M I N U T E S

PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING

2005-04-18

Attendance

Regional Councillor J. Heath Councillor A. Chiu

S. Birrell, Town Clerk F. Edwards, Manager, Administration C. Raynor, Committee Clerk

The public information meeting, dealing with proposed changes to the Ward boundaries in Markham, convened at 7.25 p.m.

Ms. S. Birrell, Town Clerk, introduced staff members and briefly outlined the purpose of the meeting, which was to share information in order to gather input on the proposed changes to the Ward boundaries in Markham. Ms. Birrell noted that public notice for the meeting was placed in the Thornhill Liberal and Markham Economist and Sun for four (4) consecutive weeks from April 5, 2005. There will be a further public information meeting on the matter on May 2, 2005 at Markville Secondary School.

Ms. Birrell presented an outline of two (2) proposed options for changing the Ward boundaries in Markham. It was noted that the changes are proposed in order to ensure that the comparative populations of the Wards remains close in the future. Population projections suggest that, if no changes are made, the populations in Wards 4 and 5 will increase significantly compared to the other Wards. Option A provides for the inclusion of land from McCowan Road to Highway 48 from Highway 7 to the 407ETR in Ward 4, whereas Option B includes this land as part of Ward 3. Ms. Birrell noted that both options correspond with the criteria used by the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) and that the supported option will take effect at the 2006 election. Ms. Birrell advised that there is a third option of remaining at status quo until further review.

RESIDENTS’ COMMENTS

There was a suggestion that Wards 1 and 2 might be extended but staff noted that the OMB considers Highway 404 to be a natural boundary. It was suggested that, depending on population growth, it may be appropriate to merge Wards 1 and 2 in the future.

Responding to a query from the public, staff advised that Council has directed that eight (8) Wards be retained to allow for two (2) Councillors per community.

Staff noted that the methodology used to establish the projected population statistics will be included in the final report.

RESOLUTION

There will be a further public information meeting on May 2, 2005, following which staff will present a final report to Council. This is expected to be in June 2005.

ADJOURNMENT

The public information meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.