Councillor Karen Rea - Ward 4 March update
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Dear Residents,
 

As we welcome the arrival of spring, it is the perfect opportunity to come together as a community to help make a difference in our neighborhoods. City staff will be out cleaning our parks, open spaces and picking up litter. But it would be appreciated if we can count on everyone to help pick up any litter you may see if you are out for a daily walk. 

 

The annual community tree planting in the Rouge has been scheduled for April 30th, additional details are provided below. 

 

Recently, geese have been found in the City with suspected Avian Influenza. Although the risk to humans and pets is low, please be diligent and remember to stay away from all birds whether they are dead or ill, and keep your dog on a leash and away from bird droppings. If you see a deceased bird or a bird in distress or that may be ill, please contact us at 905.415.7531. For additional information, visit York Region's Webpage on Avian Flu .

 

As we are almost ready to pass the budget for 2023, I am pleased to advise the residents in Wismer that we will be approving the funding for the Russell Carter Tefft pedestrian bridge, Providing there are no unforeseen complications, we are hopeful that the bridge will be completed late 2024. Included in the budget is also an upgrade to our recreation system to Perfect Minds, which should make the registration process much easier than what it is today.

 

Councillor McAlpine and I moved a motion (8.2.10 on agenda) to review our bylaw and enforcement to be more pro-active instead of re-active and complaint based. The consultant's report is now available, and a discussion will take place at a future general committee meeting. 

 

I hope you find some of the topics of interest and as always please feel free to reach out with ideas, suggestions or concerns. 

 

Regards,

 

Karen Rea 
Notice of Construction - The city will be replacing cast iron water mains in the conservation area. The scope of work will include cast iron water main replacement of water services and the restoration of affected roads, driveways and boulevards. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be disrupted and temporary road closures may be required. 
Please see LINK to the map of affected streets and additional information. 
Bill 23 " More Homes Built Faster Act"   - Despite covering this topic in previous 
e-newsletter's and a mailed newsletter in January, I feel it is essential to keep including this topic. Everyone needs to be aware of the impacts of the provincial changes on city finances and the inability to ensure that complete communities are built. Markham has a target of 44000 homes over the next 10 years, double our planned growth, while facing a substantial reduction in revenue from development which is required to build strong vibrant and complete communities. The requirement of parkland is part of re-development and applicants can contribute land to be used for parks and/or provide cash-in-lieu in instances where there may be limited opportunity for land. Bill 23 has reduced the amount of parkland and the city will see a reduction of 80-90% for high-rise communities and a reduction of 50% in low-rise communities compared to the current methodology of calculating parkland. Less revenue will remove our ability to purchase land for parks.
 
Fun fact: If you have tried ChatGPT, enter "why do municipalities need development charges." Even Artificial Intelligence knows why this revenue is needed and that growth should pay for growth. 
 
Bill 109 "More Homes for Everyone"
 
Timelines have been significantly reduced for cities to process development applications and approvals. If council fails to make a decision within prescribed timelines the city will be required to pay back application fees to developers, regardless of who is holding up the process. 
 
Bill 23 = reduced revenue = reduction of services or higher property taxes.
 
 
Repeal Bill 23 - In summary
 
Write or call our local MPP's
  1. Stop the attack on our environment; wetlands, conservation lands and greenbelt.
  2. Repeal Bill 23 and ensure that growth pays for growth and that existing residents are not paying for infrastructure for future development or subsidizing market housing.
  3. Address housing affordability by increasing the investment in affordable rental housing (meaning housing that costs no more than 30% of a households' income)
  4. Building complete communities includes but not limited to having adequate parkland and open spaces which Bill 23 drastically reduces.  
 
Media Articles - there is no shortage of media reports on this topic, none of which I can find that are supportive of Bill 23. 
 
School of Cities Housing crisis explained - 2 worthwhile videos to watch 
 
The Narwhal - Developers are asking to open up more of the greenbelt 
 
Alliance for a Livable Ontario - we have more than enough land to build housing                                                                  without building on the greenbelt       
 
Federal Government steps into Greenbelt debate                            
 
Markham Review - Federal announcement on greenbelt 
 
 
Protect Rouge Park - Petition to protect Rouge Park and Duffins Rouge AG Preserve 
 
 
Halton Bill 23 - concerns 
 
Contact information for our MPP and Premier: 
 
 
Premier Doug Ford 416.325.1941
 
 
Billy Pang   905.474.3288
 
144 Main ST - A settlement hearing was held on March 14th.The major change proposed is that the project will now be residential units only and no longer a retirement or long term care facility. Increased set-backs have been provided along Water St, Wilson St and the north property line. On Water St the height is 52.5 with a step-back to another story. From Main ST the building will be 62.3 feet (behind the heritage homes). Wilson will have 2 story townhomes designed into the building. Please click  HERE for the submitted drawings that were provided to the city. The OLT will ultimately make a decision on the project. 
 
The City of Markham will be installing additional streetlights in various locations in Markham in 2023. This project is part of the City’s Street Lighting Improvement Program. In Ward 4 new streetlights will be installed on Old Wellington St. and Markham St. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Manserra at mmanserra@markham.ca
Participating in Public Meetings
 
All public meetings are now hybrid and livestreamed from the city website. 
Residents can attend in person at the council chambers or you can attend virtually. Written submissions can be emailed to clerkspublic@markham.ca by 5pm the day before the meeting.
Residents who wish to speak on a topic can fill out an online request to speak form or email clerkspublic@markham.ca. If someone does not have access to email they can call the clerk's office at 905.479.7760 on the day of the meeting to make a deputation (speak). 
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Residents were invited to our 2023 budget presentation on March 9th 2023. The City is looking at a tax increase between 3% and 5 % for this year. High level estimates a further increase of 80% in years 2024-2026 due to impacts of Bill 23/109 
Presentation Click Here
A special general committee meeting has been scheduled for April 4th at 2pm. Council decision will be on April 5th 2023
For budget process information click here 
 
We would like to remind everyone about the importance of being aware of coyote denning season. This is the time of the year when coyotes mate, give birth to their pups and raise their young. Coyotes may become territorial and protective of their dens Please visit City of Markham Website to learn more about taking precautions during coyote encounters.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Join YRP for a day of cultural performances, community booths, displays and networking as we celebrate the diversity of our vibrant community. The event is a free event and delicious treats from different communities will be available.
You are invited to join a community tree planting event for the Rouge on April 29th and April 30th. Please see enclosed flyer for additional information and registration details.
Community Tree Planting Details 
Pottery Workshop at Markham Museum  The Markham Museum is offering pottery classes during the Easter Long Weekend! You can decorate your own Easter Eggs or Easter Bunny! There will be two sessions happening on Easter Monday.  Session 1 will be from 10.00 AM to 12.00 PM, and Session 2 from 1.30 PM- 3.30 PM. For information on cost and registration, please visit the Markham Museum Website. 
Frequently asked Questions 
 
Why is Fibre not available in my area with the telecom of my choice?
 
Telecoms (Rogers and Bell) will weigh a variety of factors when deciding where to invest in fibre optic infrastructure, with the goal of maximizing their return on investment while also providing high-quality service to their customers. These factors may include, but not limited to: 
  • Location of existing infrastructure, making it more cost-effective to install fibre
  • May prioritize commercial and large business areas
  • Competition
  • If one of the Telcoms have existing fibre in the area then the other may prioritize a different area 
  • Population density - there is higher demand in densely populated areas. 
Responsibilities of our By-Law Department HERE. 

 

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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.
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City of Markham Ward 4 Councillor Karen Rea, 101 Town Centre Boulevard Markham, ON  L3R 9W3 Tel: 905.479.7751

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