Reid McAlpine

Councillor Unionville Ward 3

…for a better Markham!

March 2025

Dear Neighbour,

Spring is around the corner, believe it or not, after one of the more challenging months we’ve had for snow in several years. In Markham this situation was exacerbated by a new city-wide snow plowing contractor, Crupi, who still seem to be finding their legs in meeting city snow clearing standards. City staff are working closely with Crupi to address the deficiencies reported by concerned residents.

I also received a number of complaints, as I do after every significant snow fall, about “windrows”, the piles of snow left across the foot of most driveways. Markham council has twice addressed this issue quite seriously over the past 5 years. There is not room here to rehash the complete debate or to repeat the long conversations I had with some residents on the topic. I think it is fair to say that council has decided not to provide the service primarily because of the cost (= 2%+ tax increase), which includes the very significant cost of repairs to damage caused by the specialized plows that would be required to do the work. The experience of other municipalities who do provide the service is not encouraging. That said, I certainly do empathize with the challenge of removing the windrows after a big snowfall. I have no doubt the issue will eventually come to council again. I look forward to another robust debate and perhaps new information that might sway council’s mind. Please remember that a windrow removal service is available to most people over 60 years of age or with disabilities. Please click here to apply for this service.

Finally, with respect to snow, I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the number of compliments I received for the work done by the plow drivers in trying circumstances. Thank you to those who shared their positive thoughts. All were passed along to the city’s winter maintenance team.

In February two particularly contentious planning proposals were dealt with. First, a statutory public meeting was held to consider three mid-rise purpose-built rental apartment buildings on 14th Avenue, including one building to be built by the Markham Inter-Church Committee for Affordable Housing (MICAH). The council chamber was packed with people for and against, and a number of thoughtful deputations were presented. The meeting was primarily an information gathering exercise and no decision to approve the application has been made yet. However, the controversy is a good illustration of the competing forces we all face in Markham with respect to the national housing crisis.

Second, this past week council made a decision to approve zoning and official plan amendments required to permit the new Baha’i national temple in Thornhill on land adjacent to the German Mills Meadow. This was an illustration of how council if often required to make a yes/no decision, after a good deal of negotiation and consultation, and yet where a community consensus remains elusive, and there remain valid concerns on both sides of the issue.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity wish our local Muslim community Ramadan Mubarak! Friday evening was the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. In these difficult times this month is an example to everyone of the value of taking take time to reflect and, for those who do, to pray.

Reid