LOOKING AHEAD 2023: 'I strongly believe we are on the right path': Markham mayor shares priorities for coming year

Property tax rebate for seniors, increasing community amenities, five-station Yonge North Subway Extension among items on to-do list

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 9, 2023
Irene Wong

Entering 2023, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and the council are starting a new term. Regarding the priorities for the city, Scarpitti said in his inaugural address on Nov. 16 that “I strongly believe we are on the right path to meet the challenges and opportunities that will be before us in the coming years.”

Here are a few highlights that Markham residents can expect in 2023.

KEEPING PROPERTY TAXES LOW AND CONSIDERING A REBATE FOR SENIORS WITH LOW INCOMES

Mayor Scarpitti has never skipped the chance to talk about Markham’s accomplishment of keeping a lower tax rate. “We’ve had the lowest 17-year average property tax increase in the GTA and have the lowest tax rate in almost every category: industrial, commercial, multi-residential and second, by a thin margin, for residential.”

While the reality of global uncertainty and the province’s Bill 23 will impact the City of Markham, Scarpitti reassured residents and businesses: “We will remain focused on keeping property taxes low and keeping our costs down.” He added, “We will continue to be fiscally responsible -- it’s Markham’s DNA.”

More immediately, the council will be asked to consider a property tax rebate program for seniors with low incomes, acknowledging that funding this program from property taxes has its limits.

“Municipalities and senior levels of government need to do more to ensure seniors can stay in their homes as long as possible,” said Scarpitti.

DELIVERING COMPLETE COMMUNITIES WHILE ADDRESSING HOUSING AVAILABILITY AND AFFORDABILITY

The City of Markham built 6,000 new housing units in the last term -- that’s about 1,500 units per year. However, the province has targeted 44,000 new residential units to be built in Markham over the next 10 years. That more than doubles the pace of Markham’s construction for new homes.

“I have pushed for more dialogue and a partnership between municipalities and the Province of Ontario to achieve more housing supply,” said Scarpitti.

He emphasized that the city needs to increase its network of community amenities, parks, trails and active transportation locally.

“If the pace of home construction needs to double, then so does the pace of funding from senior levels of government for more rapid transit, schools and hospitals,” he added.

The mayor emphasized the importance of a practical financial framework in place for the city to deliver complete communities while addressing housing availability and affordability.

GETTING THE SHOVEL IN THE GROUND FOR THE YONGE NORTH SUBWAY EXTENSION

The city was pleased that the Yonge North Subway Extension secured funding from the federal and provincial governments.

“We are nearing the start of construction for the largest mass transit project in Markham’s history, including five stations,” said Scarpitti. He had repeatedly pushed for the inclusion of a fifth station at Royal Orchard Boulevard.

Construction on the subway extension is expected to begin in late 2023. The provincial government has said that the project could be completed in 2030.

EXPANDING MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE HOSPITAL AND BUILDING A RESIDENTIAL HOSPICE

In his inaugural address, the mayor committed to financially supporting two new initiatives: an expansion of Markham Stouffville Hospital and the building of a residential hospice.

“As honorary patron of the Markham Stouffville Hospital Capital Campaign, I will continue to lend my support and leadership, and commit to doing the same for a residential hospice,” said Scarpitti.

ESTABLISHING A NEW FIRE STATION ON DUDLEY AVENUE

In anticipation of the subway and future residential development, the city is establishing a new fire station on Dudley Avenue with a new auxiliary vehicle equipped with the DRAGO, a first in North America for any fire service.

The DRAGO shoots mist over 200 feet at a width of 50 feet. It only requires two firefighters versus the standard four.

Scarpitti said fire and emergency services makes up 25 per cent of the city’s operating budget and the new fire station, together with other innovative service initiatives, “will save property taxpayers millions of dollars.”