Markham's mayor and regional councillors sit on York Regional Council, which runs services such as transit, water, public health and social programs across the nine local municipalities. The Region published highlights of its Feb. 26 meeting on March 3. Here are five items Markham residents should know about.

1. New development charges are on the table

Council received an update on a proposed 2026 Region-wide development charges bylaw, which sets the fees builders pay on new construction to help cover growth-related infrastructure to 2051. The current bylaw does not expire until June 2027, but the Region said provincial legislation since 2022 has driven the need for more or faster infrastructure. A public consultation of at least 60 days is now under way, and council is set to vote on May 21.

2. A call for consistent blue box service

Council passed a resolution asking Ontario to set and enforce clear, province-wide standards for recycling collection under the producer-run blue box system. The Region said municipalities in York Region and across Ontario have seen inconsistencies in collection frequency, accepted materials, missed pickups and customer service, and it wants Circular Materials Ontario required to fix them promptly.

3. A push on poverty

The Region sent a submission to the province as Ontario reviews its poverty reduction strategy. It calls for higher Ontario Works rates, living wage and basic income policies, a permanent Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit and funding that keeps pace with population growth and inflation.

4. A five-year deal with York University

Council noted a memorandum of understanding signed with York University on Feb. 5 that covers innovation, entrepreneurship, experiential learning and workforce development, including work linked to the university's new medical school in Vaughan, which the Region has backed with $25 million in capital funding. York University also operates a campus in Markham.

5. A salute to local Olympians

Council congratulated York Region athletes who reached the podium at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, including Markham-born Mitch Marner, who won silver in men's hockey, and Unionville's Paul Poirier, who won bronze in ice dance. Council also wished Team Canada well at the Paralympic Games, which begin March 6.

Regional council's next meeting is Thursday, March 26, at 9 a.m. in Newmarket.