Markham council on Wednesday approved a rezoning that clears the way for five high-rise towers and 2,139 homes in Markham Centre, and enacted new rules that will require some affordable units in developments near major transit stations.
Five towers at Birchmount and Verdale Crossing
The Remington Group application covers land at the northwest corner of Verdale Crossing and Birchmount Road in Ward 3. The company plans a three-phase, mixed-use development with towers of varying heights. Council adopted the development services committee's Feb. 3 recommendation to approve the zoning amendment, with the final by-law to come back to a future council meeting for enactment without further notice.
When the plan was before committee, members asked how it would help build community in Markham Centre, noting the area has one high school and no elementary schools. Committee minutes say Remington's representative pointed to the company's focus on the pedestrian experience and ground-floor amenities. City development manager Stephen Lue said an elementary school on Times Group lands is slated to open in September 2028, with two more schools planned east of the Remington lands, and that staff are discussing whether either could be moved to a more central spot.
Inclusionary zoning near transit
Council also gave three readings to Official Plan Amendment 73 and a matching zoning by-law that bring inclusionary zoning to Markham's protected major transit station areas. The changes are part of the city's federally funded Housing Accelerator Fund plan. Inclusionary zoning lets a municipality require that a portion of units in new residential projects be affordable.
At committee, planning director Giulio Cescato said the city could still ask for affordable units when it considers official plan or zoning changes, but that inclusionary zoning can only be put in place when market conditions support it, according to the minutes. Council received a written submission from Weston Consulting on the inclusionary zoning item before the vote.
Other housing decisions
Official Plan Amendment 75 allows a residential subdivision on lands at 10982, 11120 and 11274 Highway 48, south of 19th Avenue, with detached, townhouse and medium-density homes, an elementary school block, a public park and natural heritage lands.
By-laws for 136 Markland Street permit a 46-unit townhouse development on a private road, with natural heritage features to be conveyed to the city.
Council received an Ontario Land Tribunal decision, dated Jan. 26, that permits a high-density, mixed-use development at 8127 to 8149 Yonge Street.
Council also enacted part-lot-control exemptions for 38 townhouse lots on Robert Eaton Avenue and for Cornell lots off Rover House Avenue.
Council also deferred to March 24 a by-law that would merge properties west of Snider Drive and north of Bullock Drive for a residential development, after hearing a deputation from a resident.
