Hundreds of medium-density affordable buildings coming to Northeast corner of Markham

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 24, 2022

Following the approval of the Minister's Zoning Order by the Province, Flato Upper Markham Village Inc. submitted an application to the city of Markham for Draft Plan of Subdivision for the proposed development at 5474 and 5662 19th Ave., which is still under review.

The draft plan is seeking to permit 325 to 485 single-detached dwellings, 190 to 380 townhouses and two six-eight storey apartments including 240 to 320 units of affordable housing and buildings for older adults.

FLATO has held a series of community engagement meetings and open house events to collect feedback from the community regarding its affordable housing and buildings for older adults in phase one from June to July.

“We had held statutory public meetings which we had to have by law,” said FLATO president Shakir Rehmatullah. “We don’t consult with public in these, so that’s why we host these community meetings as an extra -- we are taking comments into account as we move forward.”

FLATO Developments believes that growth does not have to come at the expense of natural heritage and is committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment while building a community that serves everyone’s needs.

Rehmatullah emphasizes that the proposed affordable housing units and purpose-built rentals are medium-density buildings rather than high-density buildings. “Within the mediumdensity buildings, we are looking to provide a parkland in the community and community gardens.”

Since 2018, the province has issued more than 30 MZO orders, which give the minister of municipal affairs extraordinary powers to override local planning processes, eliminate public consultation and environmental assessments in order to fast-track development.

Criticisms such as “the public has no say with MZOs” and “infrastructure, sewage, hospital space and how it affects the rest of the communities will not be considered” have always been expressed. However, Rehmatullah believes that is incorrect. “We made a commitment to council that we will continue to work with staff and the general public.”

Kisha Powell, media relations & communications specialist of Markham, confirmed via email that the city has been in receipt of inquiries from adjacent residents about potential impacts on their property and surrounding area, as well as other concerns related to traffic and servicing.

“The MZOs around our 100-acre farm have been approved on three sides of our property. This is obviously a highly unique situation that will of course impact our property and programs,” said Johnny Wideman, executive director of Willowgrove Inc., located in the north of McCowan Road and 19th Ave intersection.

As an organization that uses the land for education and recreational programming, Willowgrove is certainly aware of possible impacts on their wells and water courses, the ability to continue their farming practices and apple orchard.

To address these concerns, the farm hired experts in order to better advocate on behalf of their work and mission, and have provided input in discussions, submitted comments and made deputations to both Stouffville, Markham and the region.

“It’s reassuring to have received so many open commitments from developers, municipalities and the region that they will actively address our concerns as they arise,” Wideman said. “At the end of the day, we simply need to know our charitable operations are recognized in order to ensure that whatever happens around us doesn’t impede our mission.”

Although FLATO already has the MZO in its pocket, the City of Markham is obligated to undertake a detailed technical review of the proposed development to ensure that the proposed development meets all technical requirements while working within the permissions established by the MZO.

Next steps for FLATO are getting a draft plan approval and then getting started working on details, such as engineering and design. Rehmatullah cannot say how long the process will take, but he hopes to get the constructions started as soon as they can.

Powell encourages residents and businesses to participate in the planning process by sending in written letters with comments or questions, by participating in the statutory public meeting and any other respective meetings which are open to the public.