Growth and Development in Markham

The growth of residential development in Ward 3 is remarkable. As the local Councillor, I meet regularly with developers to better understand their plans and to ensure that we are building complete walkable communities with all the amenities that residents need.

The GTA is among the fastest growing regions in the western world. Unless we are to sprawl into the protected Greenbelt, most of this growth must be accommodated within our current communities, ideally near good public transit facilities. Markham is taking on its share of that growth.

Of course, the transition from a low-density suburban development model to one that emphasizes high density, and often high buildings, presents significant challenges, particularly for long-time residents. The change is often uncomfortable.

Markham Centre

In Ward 3 this is the area roughly between Warden Avenue and Kennedy Road, south of Highway 7 and north of Highway 407. It also includes the west end of South Unionville, around the Volkswagen, BMW and Nissan dealerships, and Markham Town Square (the No Frills plaza). In Wards 2 and 8 it also extends west of Warden Avenue and north of Highway 7 to about Rodick Road, including the Civic Centre. Much of the land, particularly in Ward 3, is still empty.

Planning ahead for growth in this area is critical to building successful communities. A “Secondary Plan” (Official Plan Amendment 21) was approved for Markham Centre in the 1997 based on approximately 20,000 new residents and 20,000 jobs. However, as a result of Provincial policies beginning in 2006, greater-than-anticipated residential and employment growth has since been assigned to Markham Centre. The Secondary Plan should have been revised over ten years ago to account for that change. In the meantime, much of the development in Ward 3 has been haphazard. Over 10,000 people already live in Markham Centre.

In 2020 the City finally began a new Secondary Plan revision process. As Councillor I have ensured that the residents of Markham Centre and surrounding communities have had the opportunity to be in the planning process. Issues to be resolved include public transportation and the role of Unionville GO Station, the road grid, the capacity of roads in and around Markham Centre, walkability, a new civic square, parks, the Rouge Valley Trail, community centres, a new fire station, new schools and much more.

Times Group

Markham Centre includes the south side of Highway 7 east of Warden Avenue. The City negotiated with Times Group at the Local Planning Appeals Tribunal (LPAT, now called the Ontario Land Tribunal) relative to the plan for their final phases at the western limit of the property, on the corner of Warden Ave and Highway 7. This is probably the most high-profile site in Markham and deserves careful attention, along with proposals to redevelop the Hilton Hotel site, while leaving the hotel in place, and the No Frills Plaza.

In late July 2020, the City, York Region District School Board and Times arrived at an agreement that will provide for and elementary school, 60 units of affordable housing, a small community space, and 20,000 square feet of office space (i.e. employment) among the final units to accommodate a total of 6100 units across the complete development from Whole Foods to Warden Avenue. While height and density will be high, substantial community enhancements have been achieved. Recently the Ontario Ministry of Education and the York Region District School Board announced funding for a new elementary school on the Times lands.

Kingdom Developments – Sheridan

The City is also dealing with proposals further east. The approved phase 1 of the redevelopment of the Sheridan Nurseries site is of a similar scale along Highway 7 as the Times buildings further west. Proposed buildings for later phases, on the southern portion of the property include buildings over 40 stories high!  The Secondary Plan needs to address what density is appropriate in this area, particularly relative to the capacity of the roads and public transit (YRT/Viva) and convenient access to the Unionville GO station.

Unionville GO Station — “The Mobility Hub”

The centre of growth in Markham Centre is Unionville Station. It is because of the station that the province has identified Markham Centre for intensification. It has also been identified by the province and York Region as a Major Transit Station Area (MTSA), where intensification is to be encouraged within 500 to 800 m of the station.

While there are some renovations currently underway to accommodate much more frequent GO train service, the new Secondary Plan is based on a much more thorough reconstruction of the station and the building of a high-density community where residents can typically walk to the station, shops, parks, restaurants and entertainment. The hub itself will bring together GO, VIVA, YRT, and 407 Transitway services so that transferring from one service to another is seamless. While this seems to be the right place for high-density development, without the guidance of the secondary plan, the right level of density is not yet clear. Getting the road network serving the area right is critical.

28 Main Street

In July 2020 Council rejected the One Piece (now called LeBlanc) phase 1 development proposal for land just north of the Pan Am Centre, including a 47-story residential tower, with 9 stories of above-ground parking . LeBlanc appealed that decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal where they are currently negotiating a complete solution for both phases of the development. The rumour is that it will include up to 40% more units than originally proposed, in three buildings. This is not a good outcome, but the city’s legal team’s hands were tied by their inability to find any professional planners to support council’s decision. Staff planners had recommended in favour of the original One Piece proposal.

Markham Town Square/No Frills Plaza

The mall at the northeast corner of Highway 7 and Warden Avenue, managed by Smart Centres, is slated for redevelopment. Unfortunately, after consulting the Integrity Commissioner, I have been forced to declare a “conflict of interest” and will be unable to represent the community as this project moves forward. Of course, Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton, the previous Ward 3 Councillor, will take a close interest, as will all of council relative to such a high-profile site. Reid has been active in making sure residents of Ward 3 have opportunities to have their say on this project.

Highway 7 North Side

While this area is not officially part of Markham Centre, east of Markham Town Square to Sciberras Road, it is just across the road and is really part of the same development area.

A number of different developments are complete, under construction or planned for the north side of Highway 7 between Warden Avenue and Sciberras Road. In April 2022 council approved rezoning for a large seniors’ residence, including affordable units. While the project is taller than most would prefer (up to 14 stories), the provision of over 1,000 new and very much needed seniors units tipped the balance in favour of approval.

A smaller 8-story condominium, is also approved for the site between the Ellington condo and St Justin Martyr Church, currently a Montessori school.

The Scardred development on the Canada Computers site is approved for 20 single homes and a new condo is being considered for the balance of the site closest to Highway 7.

Main Street Unionville

In 2014, after an extensive public engagement process, Markham Council approved a new Vision Plan for Main Street Unionville. Among other things, it anticipated development of 3-story condominium buildings on the west side, behind the heritage buildings. As a result, one new 4-story building was built at 206 and a second, even larger development is anticipated a bit further south. I am committed to ensuring that the new development is sympathetic to the unique collection of 19th century buildings that line Main Street.

South Unionville

South Unionville is a very successful and relatively new community. However, the southwest corner of the community, at Kennedy Road and Highway 407 is still to be completed. Some of the land is owned by developers and of course there are three car dealerships there. The Government of Ontario (Infrastructure Ontario) even owns a piece of the land. I have managed to have this area included in the new Secondary Plan for Markham Centre.  Community engagement will be key to ensure this area it developed properly.

Building 8-story condominium buildings right next to single-family homes is not acceptable. And Infrastructure Ontario needs to be encouraged to hand over its holdings, to be leveraged for affordable housing, and to allow for a complete plan for the precinct.