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Markham gives nod to secondary suites as staff studies issue


Yorkregion.com
June 20, 2017
By Tim Kelly

It was a close vote but in the end secondary suites got the nod by a single vote last week at Markham city council.

Proponents and opponents lined up on both sides of a clearly divisive issue at council, with some arguing secondary suites, often called basement apartments, are needed as a housing alternative, and those opposed saying approving them will cost the city close to $1 million in taxpayers’ dollars and fees.

Mayor Frank Scarpitti is no fan of secondary suites.

"This has major financial implications for municipalities," said the mayor, who isn't happy the province is forcing municipalities to legalize secondary suites without, in his terms, collecting the full development charges or property taxes that come with doing so.

He also doesn't believe basement apartments are adequate housing compared with affordable housing units such as those built by developers or builders.

"This doesn't solve the housing crisis, it's a drop in the bucket ... we need more affordable housing projects," he said, warning of a possible 1 per cent property tax increase needed to legalize the thousands of secondary suites in Markham next year.

Regional Coun. Jim Jones lined up alongside the mayor.

"Staff need an action plan of how they're going to legalize the 6,000-plus basement apartments or second suites that are out there. We shouldn't just be approving new ones. I'm not in favour of second suites. They need to adhere to all the bylaws, all the fire codes and somehow register with the city," said Jones.

Those voting for staff to look into the issue before it comes to a final vote in the fall were Deputy Mayor Jack Heath, Regional Coun. Nirmala Armstrong and councillors Valerie Burke, Alan Ho, Karen Rea, Amanda Collucci and Logan Kanapathe. Those against were Scarpitti, regional councillors Jones and Joe Li and councillors Don Hamilton, Colin Campbell and Alex Chiu. Staff will also look into the issue of short-term rentals (also known as Airbnbs) and rooming houses and other assorted issues, and there will be a full public meeting on the issue in the fall.