Councillor Karen Rea - Ward 4 November update

Dear Residents,

Firstly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all the support I have received over the past four years and during the election this year. It is a privilege and an honour to be re-elected for another term to represent your interests. Welcome to the new subscribers that will be receiving this e-newsletter for the first time.

I would like to welcome three new members to council: Regional Councillor-Elect Michael Chan, Ward 7 Councillor-Elect Juanita Nathan, Ward 2 Councillor-Elect Ritch Lau and recognize Regional Councillor-Elect Alan Ho who moved from Ward 2. Congratulations also to Mayor Scarpitti, along with our current incumbant Regional and Ward Councillors who were successful. Our inauguration is scheduled for November 15th at 7pm. This year we will be livestreaming the event so that you are able to watch from the City website.

It is with sadness to say that we have lost from Council Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton who decided to take a run for the Mayor's seat. Also no longer with Council going forward is Regional Councillor Jack Heath who after 25 years of service decided that it was time to retire and Councillor Khalid Usman who is also retiring. I will miss the friendship and support of each of them over the past few years, and hope that we will continue to see them around the city.

I thought things couldn't get any worse after the Province imposed an EMZO (Enhanced Ministers Zoning Order) earlier this year which will make the Langstaff area the second most densely populated area on earth. For those that are not aware of this, I have information about this in a previous newsletter HERE and some existing Langstaff area residents have some information on their website at abettergta.com.

One day after the election and before any councils are sworn in, the Province is yet again making drastic changes and overruling every Municipalities' ability to plan their own communities with "Bill 23 - More Homes Built Faster Act". We are all aware and can agree that we have a housing affordability issue, and affordability is the key word. Allowing investors / developers to build more housing with limited input from the city and residents and with less fees will not translate into lower prices. Housing is sold at market value. What it does mean is that YOU the taxpayer may be on the hook for the reduced tax revenue that the city requires to build necessary infrastructure and to maintain city services.

A recent York Region article has a reasonable summary HERE.

I also thought this was a good article to read: Why Bankers shouldn't plan our communities.

Why isn't the Province implementing a vacant homes tax (with exemptions for cottages / seasonal homes / renovations / estates etc.)? This would encourage landowners with empty homes to either rent or sell their property which would increase the housing supply immediately. This is an idea also supported by the Toronto Real Estate Board. Why are they not looking at options to curb domestic and foreign speculation? This speculation is creating a demand on supply and causing our housing to be used as a commodity. This is termed the financialization of housing.

Additionally, how about putting in legislation to stop developers from selling land once they have received their approvals. In these situations, the approvals themselves create a greater value in the land itself and the next owner needs to ask for even higher density (normally increased number of storeys) in order to recoup the higher land costs. The approval process starts all over again, further delaying the building of homes. York Region has 50,000 units already approved but none of these units have yet to be built.

Toronto Star Article

It does not matter which party you support, everyone should be concerned with the proposed changes. This bill results in lower revenue collected from developers, which means necessary infrastructure to support the additional units is going to be put on the backs of existing taxpayers. This is unacceptable coming from any party.

Municipalities and residents have been given a very short time frame in which to respond with comments and concerns. While our city staff are working feverishly to put together our comments in time for the deadline, we also need your help. We cannot do this alone. Residents need to be involved and I urge everyone to contact the Premiers office, Minister Clark and our local MPP (links below). Residents can also send in written comments to the provincial committee by November 17th (link here): Have your Say (article with submission links).

I have also included my own survey on 3 questions related to the proposed changes and media / newspaper / housing advocate articles are included further in the newsletter. The media links are being provided solely to help you understand Bill 23.

On another topic, please fill out the city bylaw survey which is below, on your experience with complaints / issues filed. The survey also includes questions about residential infill development and the disruption that it causes. Please fill this out, as this will be the start of a guide to help with any policy changes that require updating or to be changed.

I will be reporting back on the 144 Main St concerns and the proposal on Hwy # 7 (Old Wellington) in the next e-newsletter.

Regards,

Karen Rea

Provincial Changes - "Bill 23 - More Homes Built Faster Act"

Based on preliminary analysis, city staff have determined that the proposed changes will have a significant impact on the planning and development approval system. The city will also receive less revenue from developement that pays for necessary infrastructure.

Municipalities across Ontario, community groups and housing advocates are worried.

Some of the proposed changes include:

Overriding zoning bylaws to allow As-of-Right Zoning to permit up to three residential units per lot and no collection of DC or parkland dedication fees - leaving the burden with the city and taxpayers.

Reduction in the amount of DC a municipality can collect and how funds can be applied again leaving the burden with the city and taxpayers.

Reduction in parkland requirements and fees.

Removing the ability of municipalities to regulate exterior architectural details and landscape design.

Eliminate third-party appeals to the OLT (Community groups and neighbours).

Changes to the Ontario Heritage Act.

Possibility of building on wetlands.

Reduced planning roles for Conservation Authorities - a move away from enviromental protections.

Removing protection from parts of the Greenbelt.

Media Articles

AMO - Association of Municipalities Ontario Comments on Bill 23

Province to allow up to 3 units on residential lots CP24

Province is setting a housing affordabilty trap

Removal of lands from the Greenbelt

Housing Plan could lead to Tax hikes CBC report

Bill 23 is the wrong way to build more homes

Bill 23 Background from Canadian Centre for Housing Rights - includes a link for a letter that can be sent to the Province

Bill 23 - bad for tenants ACTO.CA

Hamilton Housing and Advocates

Resident letter to the Star not yet published Letter

Article from Waterloo

Contact information for our MPP and Premier:

Minister Steven Clark

Premier Doug Ford

Paul Calandra

Survey on Bill 23

347 Main St N - November 9th Heritage Meeting 7pm

A proposal has been submitted to build 14 three story townhomes at this location.

If you would like to attend this virtual meeting on Nov 9th at 7pm. Please email lgold@markham.ca.

November 9th Heritage Agenda HERE

Applicants Proposal

Report from Heritage Markham Committee Agenda

Original Proposal with previous landowner HERE

Bylaw and Infill Survey

Our bylaw department is conducting a survey to obtain feedback on our bylaw enforcement services and residential infill development. The survey is open until November 15th.

Click HERE to access Survey.

Please be advised that our Keep Markham Beautiful bylaw prohibits anyone from blowing and leaving leaves on City property including our roads. Leaves can be mulched, composted or placed in yard waste bags for pick up. Please help and remove leaves from drains in order to allow proper drainage and prevent your street from flooding. If you have a lawn contractor please ensure they abide by the city rules.

Responsibilities of our By-Law Department HERE.

Let's all work to keep our children safe at all times - see attached Flyer on school zone parking safety.

NO RIGHT ON RED (NROR)

York Region implemented safety measures in 2019 at four signalized intersections. Data was collected before and after this implementation and Staff found that overall the total number of collisions was reduced by more than 60% and angle collisions by 75%. Given the success in reducing collisions and conflicts, more intersections were added in 2022. York region staff are studying intersections where the NROR measures are implemented and are exploring options to reduce delay for motorists while continuing to protect pedestrians and cyclists. The studies include observation and assessment of any road user conflicts, compliance concerns, and assessment of further improvement measures.

Aggressive driving continues to be a concern in the ward and across the entire GTA. Moving violations are under the jurisdiction of YRP and reports can be filed through RoadWatch. For general concerns you can use the community concerns online reporting HERE. It is time for everyone to slow down and have some respect for where we live. It is up to each of us to keep our roads safe for all users.

In partnership with the Rotary Club of Markham Sunrise Inc and Markham-Unionville Rotary Club, our Santa Claus Parade will be back on Main St. Markham Saturday November 26th starting at 11am.

Markham Festival of Lights will be held Friday November 25th - final details are still being worked out.

The playground structure at Bruce Boyd Park is being replaced. Construction for this project is scheduled to begin this week and should be completed within four weeks pending favorable weather. As well as a new playground structure, the sand will be replaced with EWF (engineered wood fiber) and ramps will be added to the playground pit ensuring it is AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) compliant.

The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Markham Unionville branch is a voluntary, not for profit, non-partisan organization of over 150 women who are committed to advocating for improvement in the status of women and human rights, who support the education of individuals locally and internationally, and who are looking for friendship and personal growth. Learn more about the group and their activities on their website cfuwmarkham.org. The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 143 Main Street North, Markham. The doors open at 6:30pm and the meetings start at 7pm. New members are most welcome. Come and hear interesting and informative monthly guest speakers and learn about what this group does by attending a meeting as a guest before deciding to join!

Visit YourVoiceMarkham.ca to learn about great projects our staff are working on! Consider joining the conversation by registering on the site or sign-up to follow specific projects that interest you. Share your ideas and opinions!

Markham Food Bank Needs our Help

The Markham Food Bank has seen a great increase in the number of families using the food bank during the pandemic. Help our community members in need during these challenging times.

For donations, visit Canada Helps - Markham Food Bank

If you have any municipal inquiry, please send an email to customerservice@markham.ca or call 905.477.5530. Our staff can investigate and address your concerns.

Contact me!