The Markham Record
Portrait of Ritch Lau

Ritch Lau

Councillor · Ward 2 · seen 2022-11-15 to 2026-09-15 · served 2022–2026

135substantive motions movedof 275 meetings the minutes record them at
44procedural motions movedcounted separately, and never added to the above
222substantive motions secondedseconding is often a seat convention, not agreement
10meetings recorded absentof 275 they were on the record for
2–2recorded votes, for–againstrecorded votes are rare and a skewed sample

Vote count and office as published by the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 2022 municipal election results (Open Government Licence – Ontario). Everything else on this page is read from Markham’s own minutes.

In their own words, via the Town

Markham does not publish a description of this member on its council pages, or this record has not found one.

How they voted, where it was recorded (4)

Council Meeting March 24, 2026
That the communication from Fatema Motiwala and Sufyan Sidyot regarding Item 6.3.5 "School Crossing Guard Program Contract Extension" be received.
For · 9–3 · Carried
Special Council Meeting May 6, 2025
That the the rules of procedure be waived to permit Gregory Karastergios to speak at today's Council meeting in relation to item 5.1 as he previously spoke at the April 22, 2025, Special DSC meeting on this matter.
For · 13–0 · Carried
Council Meeting June 28, 2023
That staff proceed as directed during the Confidential Council meeting on June 28, 2023.
Against · 7–4 · Carried
Council Meeting May 17, 2023
That the sidewalk installation planned for the North side of Carleton Road be deleted from the Sidewalk Completion Program.
Against · 5–7 · Carried

Meetings the minutes record them as absent from (10)

Markham Sub-CommitteeApril 30, 2026
Development Services Public MeetingNovember 5, 2024
Development Services Public MeetingMay 14, 2024
Council MeetingApril 3, 2024
Thornhill Sub-CommitteeJanuary 24, 2024
Development Services Public MeetingNovember 7, 2023
General Committee MeetingOctober 24, 2023
Markham Sub-CommitteeMay 11, 2023
Unionville Sub-CommitteeFebruary 15, 2023
Unionville Sub-CommitteeJanuary 27, 2023

Substantive motions moved (showing the 40 most recent of 135)

That this motion be added to the September 15th Development Services Committee agenda.
Development Services Committee Meeting, September 15, 2026 · Carried
That this motion be referred back to staff to look at severe cases where residents are impacted by trees to provide options for long-term solutions to Committee at a future date.
Development Services Committee Meeting, September 15, 2026 · Carried
That By-law 2026-67 be given three readings and enacted. Three Readings BY-LAW 2026-67 A BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 26, 2026.
Council Meeting, May 26, 2026 · Carried
That the communication submitted by Yan Hong Wang providing comments regarding the above subject matter be received.
Development Services Committee Meeting, May 5, 2026 · Carried
That the Staff report, dated May 5, 2026, titled, "RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Designation of Priority Properties – Phase XVIII (Wards 2 and 5)”, be received; and, That the June 14, 2023, recommendation from the Heritage Markham Committee, in support of the designation of the following properties under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act (in accordance with Appendix ‘B’), be received as inf
Development Services Committee Meeting, May 5, 2026 · Carried
That the report dated May 5, 2025 entitled “Final Report: Markham Demonstration Zone (DZ) Program (2023-2025)” is informational with the purpose to share program results and lessons learned based on the completion of the program be received; and further, That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Development Services Committee Meeting, May 5, 2026 · Carried
That the May 5, 2026, Memorandum titled, “Project Update to the Development Services Committee on SOS GP Inc. Applications for Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment, and Draft Plan of Subdivision on the lands located at 2880 to 2930 Steeles Avenue East (The Shops on Steeles) (Files PLAN.24.167361 and PLAN.24.167362)”, be received; and, That Staff continue working with the Owner to revise the p
Development Services Committee Meeting, May 5, 2026 · Carried
4 1. That the communication submitted by Yan Hong Wang providing comments regarding the above subject matter be received.
Development Services Committee Meeting, May 5, 2026 · Carried
1. That the Staff report, dated May 5, 2026, titled, "RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Designation of Priority Properties – Phase XVIII (Wards 2 and 5)”, be received; and, 2. That the June 14, 2023, recommendation from the Heritage Markham Committee, in support of the designation of the following properties under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act (in accordance with Appendix ‘B’), be received
Development Services Committee Meeting, May 5, 2026 · Carried
That By-laws 2026-25, 2026-36 to 2026-53 be given three readings and enacted.
Council Meeting, March 24, 2026 · Carried
That the minutes of the February 3, 2026 General Committee meeting be confirmed.
General Committee Meeting, March 10, 2026 · Carried
That the deputation by Vincent Shiu be received; and, That the written submission by Jeffrey Mak be received; and, THAT the report dated February 25, 2026, titled “PUBLIC MEETING INFORMATION, City of Markham, Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications to redesignate the subject lands from employment to mixed use for the purposes of retirement and seniors living, medical office, retail,
Development Services Public Meeting, February 25, 2026 · Carried
That By-law 2026-14 be given three readings and enacted. Three Readings BY-LAW 2026-14 A BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 25, 2026.
Council Meeting, February 25, 2026 · Carried
1. That the deputation by Vincent Shiu be received; and, 2. That the written submission by Jeffrey Mak be received; and, 3. THAT the report dated February 25, 2026, titled “PUBLIC MEETING INFORMATION, City of Markham, Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications to redesignate the subject lands from employment to mixed use for the purposes of retirement and seniors living, medical office
Development Services Public Meeting, February 25, 2026 · Carried
That the report entitled “227-T-25 Supply & Delivery of Three Compact Wheel Loaders” be received; and, That the contract for the supply and delivery of three compact wheel loaders be awarded to the lowest compliant bidder, Brandt Tractor Ltd., in the amount of $470,665.44 inclusive of HST; and, That the award be funded from project #24418 Corporate Fleet Replacement – Non-Fire (account #057-6150-2
General Committee Meeting, February 10, 2026 · Carried
That the report entitled “269-R-25 Closed-Circuit Television (“CCTV”) Inspection of Storm and Sanitary Sewers (2026-2029)” be received; and, That the contract for Closed-Circuit Television inspection of storm and sanitary sewers (2026-2029) be awarded to the highest ranked bidder / 2 nd lowest priced bidder, Infrastructure Intelligence Services Inc. for a term of one year in the amount of $513,389
General Committee Meeting, February 10, 2026 · Carried
4 1. That the report entitled “269-R-25 Closed-Circuit Television (“CCTV”) Inspection of Storm and Sanitary Sewers (2026-2029)” be received; and, 2. That the contract for Closed-Circuit Television inspection of storm and sanitary sewers (2026-2029) be awarded to the highest ranked bidder / 2nd lowest priced bidder, Infrastructure Intelligence Services Inc. for a term of one year in the amount of $
General Committee Meeting, February 10, 2026 · Carried
That the February 3, 2026, report titled, “Authority to Enter into a Heritage Easement Agreement as a Condition of Development Approval – 10737 Victoria Square Blvd (Ward 2), be received; and, That a by-law be passed to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute a Heritage Easement Agreement with the property owner of 10737 Victoria Square Blvd, and any other documents required to give effect theret
Development Services Committee Meeting, February 3, 2026 · Carried
That the memorandum dated January 27, 2026, entitled “ASE Program Cancellation / Road Safety Initiatives Fund Update” be received; and further, That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
General Committee Meeting, January 27, 2026 · Carried
1. That the memorandum dated January 27, 2026, entitled “ASE Program Cancellation / Road Safety Initiatives Fund Update” be received; and further, 6 2. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
General Committee Meeting, January 27, 2026 · Carried
That the report dated January 20, 2026, titled, “RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Mark-Dev Inc. c/o Patrick Chan, Applications for Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments to permit a 46-unit townhouse development with an internal private driveway located at 136 Markland Street, File PLAN 25 118560”, be received; and, That the Official Plan Amendment application (PLAN 25 118560), be approved and the draft
Development Services Committee Meeting, January 20, 2026 · Carried
9 1. That the report dated January 20, 2026, titled, “RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Mark-Dev Inc. c/o Patrick Chan, Applications for Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments to permit a 46-unit townhouse development with an internal private driveway located at 136 Markland Street, File PLAN 25 118560”, be received; and, 2. That the Official Plan Amendment application (PLAN 25 118560), be approved and t
Development Services Committee Meeting, January 20, 2026 · Carried
That the deputation from Michael Manett be received.
Council Meeting, November 25, 2025 · Carried
That the summary from the City Solicitor regarding OLT Decision regarding Dorsay Development Corporation, North Side of Hwy 7, East of Circa Drive (Ward 2) be received and a By-law number assigned. [By-law 2025-63 (OPA 272) and By-law 2025-64]
Council Meeting, October 8, 2025 · Carried
1. That the following individuals be appointed to the Markham Accessibility Advisory Committee with a term expiry date as noted: Name Start Date Term Expiry Rachel Kwok Immediately Nov 30, 2029 Lindsay Stockert Immediately Nov 30, 2029 Monica Shafik Immediately Nov 30, 2028 Amandeep Singh Immediately Nov 30, 2029 Prahnavi Pirapakaran Immediately Nov 30, 2028 2. That staff be authorized and directe
Council Meeting, October 8, 2025 · Carried
That the deputation from Ian Franklin regarding Victoria Square Blvd amendment plan No. 273 and Zoning By-law be received. 4
Council Meeting, October 8, 2025 · Carried
1. That the following individuals be appointed to the Markham Accessibility Advisory Committee with a term expiry date as noted: Name Start Date Term Expiry 30 Rachel Kwok Immediately Nov 30, 2029 Lindsay Stockert Immediately Nov 30, 2029 Monica Shafik Immediately Nov 30, 2028 Amandeep Singh Immediately Nov 30, 2029 Prahnavi Pirapakaran Immediately Nov 30, 2028 2. That staff be authorized and dire
Council Meeting, October 8, 2025 · Carried
That the written submission by Cheng Zeng be received; and, That the report dated September 23, 2025, titled "PUBLIC MEETING INFORMATION REPORT, Mark Dev Inc., for an Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment, to permit a 46-unit townhouse development at 136 Markland Street, File No. PLAN 25 118560 (Ward 2), be received; and, That the Record of the Public Meeting held on September 23, 2025, with r
Development Services Public Meeting, September 23, 2025 · Referred
That the written submissions from Alex Abdulnour (Peoples Christian Academy), Michael Manett (MPLAN Inc.), Philip Steward (Pound & Stewart Associates Limited), and Marianna Grasso (York Region Condominium No. 646) providing comments regarding the above subject matter be received.
Development Services Committee Meeting, September 16, 2025 · Carried
3 1. That the written submissions from Alex Abdulnour (Peoples Christian Academy), Michael Manett (MPLAN Inc.), Philip Steward (Pound & Stewart Associates Limited), and Marianna Grasso (York Region Condominium No. 646) providing comments regarding the above subject matter be received.
Development Services Committee Meeting, September 16, 2025 · Carried
That By-law 2025-58 be given three readings and enacted. Three Readings BY-LAW 2025-58 - A BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 7, 2025.
Special Council Meeting, August 7, 2025 · Carried
That the report titled, “RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment, and Draft Plan of Subdivision Applications, submitted by KLM Planning Partners Inc. (c/o Glendower Properties Inc.) to facilitate a residential community with approximately 217 detached, townhouse, and mid-rise apartment units, including partial detached lots, public parkette, new public roads, and a natural
Council Meeting, July 8, 2025 · Carried
That a new business item in relation to request for update on the MZO amendment for Applecreek be added to today's agenda.
Development Services Committee Meeting, July 8, 2025 · Carried
1. That the report titled, “RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment, and Draft Plan of Subdivision Applications, submitted by KLM Planning Partners Inc. (c/o Glendower Properties Inc.) to facilitate a residential community with approximately 217 detached, townhouse, and mid-rise apartment units, including partial detached lots, public parkette, new public roads, and a natu
Council Meeting, July 8, 2025 · Carried
That the City of Markham has no objection to 54 Brewing Corp. applying to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for a Manufacturer’s Limited Liquor Sales licence (also known as a “By the Glass” licence) located at 10950 Woodbine Ave Unit 1, Markham, ON L6C 3L4.
Council Meeting, June 24, 2025 · Carried
That the report entitled “039-T-24 and 022-R-19 - Agreements with Property Owners for Construction and Funding of Services Relating to the Main Street Unionville Reconstruction Project and the Victoria Square Boulevard Reconstruction Project (Phase 1)” be received; and, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute agreements with property owners for the construction and funding of the Service
Development Services Committee Meeting, June 10, 2025 · Carried
That the minutes of the April 1, 2025 General Committee meeting be confirmed.
General Committee Meeting, May 6, 2025 · Carried
That Committee waive Section 5.4(c) of the City's Procedural By-law 2017-5 to allow for the new business item in relation to community event approval of Councillor Ritch Lau's 2025 Community Barbeque and financial administration assistance for the event, be added to the agenda for consideration.
General Committee Meeting, May 6, 2025 · Carried
That in accordance with, and for the purposes of compliance with 10.1 (j) of the Council Code of Conduct, Council approve the July 20 th , 2025 Community Barbeque being organized and hosted by Ward 2 Councillor Ritch Lau; and, That Staff be authorized to provide accounting and financial transaction services in support of Councillor Lau’s 2025 Community Barbeque; and That all revenue and expense tr
General Committee Meeting, May 6, 2025 · Carried
That the report titled, “RECOMMENDATION REPORT, Zoning By-law Amendment and Draft Plan of Subdivision applications submitted by First Elgin Developments Inc. and First Elgin North Ltd. at 3208 Elgin Mills Road East to facilitate the development of a residential community with approximately 567 townhouse and detached units, a neighborhood park, an elementary school, two stormwater management facili
Development Services Committee Meeting, April 8, 2025 · Carried

In the record

265meetings recorded presentthe minutes record presence, not a rate
1conflicts of interest declareda member saying they should not vote on a matter
Ward 2seatCouncillor
3,012votes in 2022Local Councillor
Council Meeting March 1, 2023
with respect to Items 8.2.2 and 13.6 as he lives in close proximity to the proposed applications

What this does not measure

Something wrong here?

If anything on this page is wrong, say so and it will be corrected and the correction recorded. Everything here is read from Markham’s own published documents — where those documents and this page disagree, the documents are right. How this record is made.

Elsewhere on this site

The rest of council

This councillor on the town's own site →