Massive Markham York Downs development riles up neighours on first look

Yorkregion.com
March 7, 2017
By Tim Kelly

More than a hundred curious residents overflowed a Markham Pan Am Centre conference room Monday night to see what a future York Downs community will look like.

And some weren't very happy with what they saw.

"I think it's a sham," said Christiane Bergauer-Free of the proposed massive development on the current York Downs Golf Club along 16th Avenue, between Kennedy Road and Warden Avenue.

"I think it's terrible that they're bringing in all these people without proper planning for the environment, for these people ... and for the people around them," said the longtime Unionville resident.

York Downs will encompass 169 hectares (417 acres) and is proposed to include mixed development of single-family homes along with townhomes.

A proponent for the property said the plan is for 19.2 units per hectare which he said is below the provincial standard of more than 20 units per hectare.

The entire property, once built out years from now will encompass 2,400 units and thousands of people.

For nearby residents Sue and Norm Smitko, it will be a sad day to see the nearly 50-year golf course go, but they realize it's an inevitability.

"We've been here for 35 years and we'll be sorry to see the golf course go but we're pleased that (the developers) appear to be respecting the environment," said Sue Smitko.

She added, however, "We are concerned about the mid-rise development along 16th Avenue where all of a sudden you will see six storeys."

Norm Smitko was concerned about the added traffic the increased residents will generate.

“The congestion on 16th Avenue at 5:30 is already deadlocked and this is going to add to it. I would also like to have seen larger lots but they're trying to get more people into a smaller area,” he said.

The proposal is still in its initial stages with a preliminary application submitted to City staff in October. Staff will report back to Markham’s development services committee at its March 20 meeting and there will be a full public meeting hosted by the City and the proponent on April 4 at Markham Civic Centre. Public comments will be welcome.