A proposal to build four high-rise towers of 30 to 36 storeys, along with a new public park, at 3085 Highway 7 in Ward 8 got its first public hearing at Markham's Development Services Committee on Tuesday evening, Feb. 10.
The owner, 2226524 Ontario Inc., has applied for official plan and zoning bylaw amendments to redevelop the site, now home to a Longo's grocery store, as a mixed-use, high-rise community. The applicant's presentation, posted with the meeting record, carries the Longo's name in its title.
The city mailed 53 notices to homeowners within 200 metres of the land on Jan. 21 and posted a sign on the site on Jan. 19. One written submission came in, and no one in the audience spoke about the application.
Councillors question height and density
According to the meeting minutes, committee members said the proposal appears denser than developments approved nearby, and that its towers are much taller than the adjacent buildings proposed in a recently approved SmartCentres official plan amendment for 3083 Highway 7. They asked staff to compare the project's density and unit count with that approval.
Members also noted that the plan had not changed since it was first submitted, despite earlier feedback, and raised concerns that it includes little parkland.
Maria Gatzios of Gatzios Planning + Development Consultants, speaking for the applicant, said the presentation reflected the original heights and density and that revisions are being worked on, including talks with staff on height distribution, tower spacing and overall density. She noted that the SmartCentres approval allows buildings of up to 35 storeys south of the future Clegg Road extension.
City staff explained that an official plan amendment sets maximum heights and total floor area rather than fixing the height of each tower. Final heights and design would be settled at the zoning and site plan stages.
Parkland and winter access
Gatzios said the plan shows the 10 per cent parkland dedication required under the Planning Act as an L-shaped parcel, and that the applicant is open to moving or reshaping the park and coordinating it with the planned Clegg Road extension. Podium rooftops would include landscaped outdoor amenity space, and more trees and greenery could be added, she said.
Councillors suggested linking three of the buildings so residents could reach the park indoors in winter. The applicant said indoor connections have not been finalized and the idea will be considered.
Asked about timing, the applicant said construction would depend on market conditions and would have to be coordinated with SmartCentres because of shared site access and ownership.
What happens next
The committee received the staff information report and referred the applications back to staff, who will bring a recommendation report to a future meeting. No decision on the towers has been made.
