The Markham Record

General Committee Meeting

April 21, 2026

Who was there

Present (13): Michael Chan, Amanda Yeung Collucci, Alan Ho, Keith Irish, Jim Jones, Andrew Keyes, Ritch Lau, Isa Lee, Joe Li, Reid McAlpine, Nimisha Patel, Karen Rea, Frank Scarpitti

Taken from the roll call in the town’s own minutes. The minutes record who was not there and almost never why.

What was decided (28 motions)

26 carried, 2 recorded otherwise. Every motion below is printed as the minutes print it.

That the minutes of the March 10, 2026 General Committee meeting be confirmed.
Moved by Councillor Amanda Collucci, seconded by Councillor Ritch Lau
Carried
That the deputation from Barry Nelson be received.
Moved by Councillor Karen Rea, seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
Carried
That the following communications dated March 30, 2026 from York Region be received for information purposes: 1. 2026 Property Tax Policy 2. Administration of Water and Wastewater Billing Credits 3. 2026 Property Tax Rates 4. Updating Council's Vision 5. York Region Transit Mobility On-Request Service Delivery
Moved by Regional Councillor Alan Ho, seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
Carried
That the written submissions from Stephanie Bell, Christine Ramsay, Jim Walker, Paula Simms, Donna Knight Wigmore, and the Grandview Area Residents Association, providing comments regarding item 9.3, Regulation of Short Term Rentals in the City of Markham, be received.
Moved by Regional Councillor Alan Ho, seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
Carried
That the report dated April 21, 2026 entitled “2026 First Quarter Investment Performance Review”, be received.
Moved by Councillor Karen Rea, seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
Carried
That the report entitled “184-R-25 Consulting Services for a Citywide Wastewater Master Plan Update” be received; and, That the contract for 184-R-25 Consulting Services for a Citywide Wastewater Master Plan Update be awarded to the highest ranked / lowest priced Bidder, Arcadis Professional Services (Canada) Inc. in the amount of $463,339.89 inclusive of HST; and, That provisional allowances in the amount of $26,350.75, inclusive of HST, be established for two presentations/Public Information Centre Meeting and one meeting with other government agencies to fulfill EA Act requirements; and, That a 10% contingency in the amount of $48,969.06 inclusive of HST, be established to cover any additional consulting requirements and that authorization to approve expenditures of the contingency amount up to the specified limit be in accordance with the Expenditure Control Policy; and, That the Engineering Department Capital Administration fee in the amount of $48,479.37 be transferred to revenue account 640-998-8871 (Capital Administration Fee); and, That the contract award in the amount of $587,139.07 ($463,339.89 + $26,350.75 + $48,969.06 + $48,479.37) be funded from account 640-101-5699-21183 “City Wide Water and Wastewater Servicing Update” with an available budget of $249,352.00 for the City-Wide Wastewater Servicing Update component; and, That the budget shortfall of $337,787.07 be funded from the Development Charges Reserve (City Wide Hard); and further, That Staff be authorized
Moved by Councillor Karen Rea, seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
Carried
That the report entitled “ Animal Services Sheltering Contract Extension” be received; and, That the contract for Animal Services Sheltering be extended with Ontario SPCA for three additional years in the annual amount of $263,293.00 with a two year optional renewal extension as per follows: a. Year 1 (April 1, 2026 – March 2027) - $263,293.00 b. Year 2 (April 1, 2027 – March 2028) - $263,293.00* c. Year 3 (April 1, 2028 – March 2029) - $263,293.00* d. Year 4 (April 1, 2029 – March 2030) - $263,293.00* e. Year 5 (April 1, 2030 – March 2031) - $263,293.00 **Years 2 – 5 are subject to an increased based on consumer price index (CPI); and, That the contract be funded from Operating account 310-320-5370 (Animal Services – Canine Control) with an annual operating budget of $275,000.00; and, That the Commissioner, Corporate Services be authorized to extend the contract for renewal Years 4 & 5 (2029 – 2031) based on the Consumer Price Index and subject to satisfactory performance; and, That the tendering process be waived when in accordance with Procurement By-Law 2017-8, Part II, Section 11. Non-Competitive Procurement, items 11.1 (b) “where there is only one source of supply for the goods to be purchased”; and further, That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Moved by Councillor Karen Rea, seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
Carried
That the minutes of the March 6, October 17 and November 21, 2024 Markham Village Business Improvement Area Committee meeting be received for information purposes.
Moved by Councillor Karen Rea, seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
Carried
That the memorandum entitled, “Request for Delegated Authority to Enter into a Construction Agreement for North Boulevard with Condor Properties Ltd. or its designate (“Condor”)”, be received; and, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a Construction Agreement between Condor and the City for the construction of North Boulevard on terms satisfactory to the Director of Engineering and the City Solicitor, or their respective delegates; and, That Council waive the requirement in the Development Charge Credit and Reimbursement Policy for Council approval of development charge credits in advance of construction of North Boulevard commencing; and further, That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti, seconded by Deputy Mayor Michael Chan
Carried
That the report entitled Building Markham’s Future Together (BMFT) 2020 – 2026 Strategic Plan Update be received; and, That Staff initiate preparations for the development of the next Strategic Plan 2027-2030; and further, That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti, seconded by Councillor Andrew Keyes
Carried
That the report titled, “Celebrate Markham Grant Program 2026-2027 – May 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027 – Funding Approvals” be received; and, That Council approve the recommendations of the Interdepartmental Staff Review Committee in Attachment 1, which includes 95 Celebrate Markham applicants for community-led events and programs, totaling $327,000; and, That Council approve $105,500 for City-led events and programs; and, That Council approve $30,000 for the Markham Arts Council annual programs and activities; and, That the unallocated funding from Seniors Clubs, Sports Events and Major Community Festivals totaling $36,500, be transferred to the Culture Events and Programs funding stream; and, That Council authorize delegated authority for the Director of Economic Development, Culture and Entrepreneurship and President, DMC, in consultation with the City Treasurer, to reallocate the funding envelope annually to better align resources with current demand and program uptake; and, That the Celebrate Markham Guidelines be updated to allow only the City of Markham Business Improvement Area (BIA) to submit multiple applications across all funding programs within the annual funding cycle, and that all other organizations be eligible for only one grant application per funding cycle; and, That funding disbursed under Celebrate Markham is conditional on recipients’ adherence to all program requirements contained in the Celebrate Markham Guidelines, including financial reporting, due dilige
Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti, seconded by Regional Councillor Alan Ho
Carried
That the report entitled “Regulation of Short-Term Rentals in the City of Markham” be received; and, That Development Services Commission staff be requested to prepare for consideration by the Development Services Committee, a proposed City-wide amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law and other applicable Zoning By-laws to permit short-term rentals; and, That Council approve the establishment of a regulatory framework for short-term rentals operating in the City of Markham as outlined in this report; and, That once the necessary amendment to Markham’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law has been completed, Legislative Services staff bring forward to Council a Short-Term Rental Business Licensing By-law to regulate short term rental platforms operating within the City of Markham; and further, That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Moved by Councillor Andrew Keyes, seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
Lost
That the presentation titled “2025 Consolidated Financial Statements” be received; and, That the report titled “2025 Consolidated Financial Statements” be received; and, That Council approve the draft Consolidated Financial Statements of The Corporation of the City of Markham (the City), including Community Boards, Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), Destination Markham Corporation and Investment in Markham Enterprises Corporation (MEC), for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025; and, That Council authorize Staff to publish the final audited Statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 upon receiving the Independent Auditor’s Report; and, That the KPMG LLP Audit Findings Report for the year ended December 31, 2025 be received; and further, That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Moved by Deputy Mayor Michael Chan, seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci
Carried
That item 9.4 be moved up on the agenda and addressed after item 6.2.
Moved by Councillor Andrew Keyes, seconded by Regional Councillor Joe Li
Carried
That the report entitled “Development Charges Deferral – 8636 Reesor Road” be received; and, That Council authorize staff to extend the current Development Charge Deferral for Varlese Brothers Limited for a farmworker accommodation building located at 8636 Reesor Road for an additional two-year period under the same terms and conditions, to expire on April 22, 2028; and, That Council authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an amendment to the existing agreement with Varlese Brothers Limited, pursuant to Section 27 of the Development Charges Act, 1997, as amended, to authorize the extension of the current Development Charge Deferral for two years, all to the satisfaction of the Treasurer and the City Solicitor, or their delegates; and, That in the event that Provincial legislation is amended in the future to exempt farmworker accommodations while this development charge deferral is in effect, such exemption will be applied retroactively to the farmworker accommodation located at 8636 Reesor Road, provided that the premises comply with all provisions of the legislative amendment; and further, That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Moved by Councillor Andrew Keyes, seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Carried
That this item be moved up on the agenda and be addressed after 9.1.
Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti, seconded by Regional Councillor Alan Ho
Carried
That the committee waive the rules of procedure to address this notice of motion today.
Moved by Councillor Amanda Collucci, seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Carried
Whereas: The Chinese Canadian community has made profound and lasting contributions to the economic, cultural, and social development of Canada since the 19th century; Chinese Canadians have played a foundational role in nation-building, including in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway and in the growth of communities across the country; Chinese Canadians have endured historical injustices, including the Head Tax (1885–1923) and the Chinese Exclusion Act (1923–1947), and have demonstrated resilience, perseverance, and continued commitment to Canada’s progress; The City of Markham was the first municipality in Canada to formally proclaim February as Chinese Heritage Month and has long been a leader in celebrating Chinese culture, heritage, and contributions; The Regional Municipality of York has also formally proclaimed February as Chinese Heritage Month, recognizing the significant contributions of the Chinese Canadian community within the region; The Province of Ontario officially proclaimed February as Chinese Heritage Month through the Chinese Heritage Month Act, 2024, building on previous work and advocacy from municipalities such as Markham; There are approximately 1.8 million Canadians of Chinese origin or heritage, representing one of the largest and most diverse communities in Canada; While May is recognized nationally as Asian Heritage Month, it does not fully reflect or highlight the unique history, experiences, and contributions of the Chinese Canadian
Moved by Councillor Amanda Collucci, seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Carried
That the written communications from Victor Oh, and United Against Hate Canada be received.
Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti, seconded by Regional Councillor Alan Ho
Carried
That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act , General Committee resolve into a confidential session to discuss the following matters:
Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones, seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci
Carried
That General Committee adjourn at 2:46 PM.
Moved by Regional Councillor Alan Ho, seconded by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
Carried
1. That the report entitled “184-R-25 Consulting Services for a Citywide Wastewater Master Plan Update” be received; and, 2. That the contract for 184-R-25 Consulting Services for a Citywide Wastewater Master Plan Update be awarded to the highest ranked / lowest priced Bidder, Arcadis Professional Services (Canada) Inc. in the amount of $463,339.89 inclusive of HST; and, 3. That provisional allowances in the amount of $26,350.75, inclusive of HST, be established for two presentations/Public Information Centre Meeting and one meeting with other government agencies to fulfill EA Act requirements; and, 4. That a 10% contingency in the amount of $48,969.06 inclusive of HST, be established to cover any additional consulting requirements and that authorization to approve expenditures of the contingency amount up to the specified limit be in accordance with the Expenditure Control Policy; and, 5. That the Engineering Department Capital Administration fee in the amount of $48,479.37 be transferred to revenue account 640-998-8871 (Capital Administration Fee); and, 6. That the contract award in the amount of $587,139.07 ($463,339.89 + $26,350.75 + $48,969.06 + $48,479.37) be funded from account 640-101- 5699-21183 “City Wide Water and Wastewater Servicing Update” with an available budget of $249,352.00 for the City-Wide Wastewater Servicing Update component; and, 7. That the budget shortfall of $337,787.07 be funded from the Development Charges Reserve (City Wide Hard); and further, 8.
Moved by Councillor Karen Rea, seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
Carried
1. That the minutes of the March 6, October 17 and November 21, 2024 Markham Village Business Improvement Area Committee meeting be received for information purposes. 7
Moved by Councillor Karen Rea, seconded by Councillor Reid McAlpine
Carried
1. That the report titled, “Celebrate Markham Grant Program 2026-2027 – May 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027 – Funding Approvals” be received; and, 2. That Council approve the recommendations of the Interdepartmental Staff Review Committee in Attachment 1, which includes 95 Celebrate Markham applicants for community-led events and programs, totaling $327,000; and, 3. That Council approve $105,500 for City-led events and programs; and, 4. That Council approve $30,000 for the Markham Arts Council annual programs and activities; and, 5. That the unallocated funding from Seniors Clubs, Sports Events and Major Community Festivals totaling $36,500, be transferred to the Culture Events and Programs funding stream; and, 6. That Council authorize delegated authority for the Director of Economic Development, Culture and Entrepreneurship and President, DMC, in consultation with the City Treasurer, to reallocate the funding envelope annually to better align resources with current demand and program uptake; and, 7. That the Celebrate Markham Guidelines be updated to allow only the City of Markham Business Improvement Area (BIA) to submit multiple applications across all funding programs within the annual funding cycle, and that all other organizations be eligible for only one grant application per funding cycle; and, 8. That funding disbursed under Celebrate Markham is conditional on recipients’ adherence to all program requirements contained in the Celebrate Markham Guidelines, including financi
Moved by Mayor Frank Scarpitti, seconded by Regional Councillor Alan Ho
Carried
1. That the report entitled “Regulation of Short-Term Rentals in the City of Markham” be received; and, 2. That Development Services Commission staff be requested to prepare for consideration by the Development Services Committee, a proposed City- wide amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law and other applicable Zoning By-laws to permit short-term rentals; and, 11 3. That Council approve the establishment of a regulatory framework for short-term rentals operating in the City of Markham as outlined in this report; and, 4. That once the necessary amendment to Markham’s Comprehensive Zoning By-law has been completed, Legislative Services staff bring forward to Council a Short-Term Rental Business Licensing By-law to regulate short term rental platforms operating within the City of Markham; and further, 5. That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Moved by Councillor Andrew Keyes, seconded by Councillor Isa Lee
Lost
1. That the presentation titled “2025 Consolidated Financial Statements” be received; and, 2. That the report titled “2025 Consolidated Financial Statements” be received; and, 3. That Council approve the draft Consolidated Financial Statements of The Corporation of the City of Markham (the City), including Community Boards, Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), Destination Markham Corporation and Investment in Markham Enterprises Corporation (MEC), for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025; and, 4. That Council authorize Staff to publish the final audited Statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 upon receiving the Independent Auditor’s Report; and, 12 5. That the KPMG LLP Audit Findings Report for the year ended December 31, 2025 be received; and further, 6. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Moved by Deputy Mayor Michael Chan, seconded by Councillor Amanda Collucci
Carried
1. That the report entitled “Development Charges Deferral – 8636 Reesor Road” be received; and, 2. That Council authorize staff to extend the current Development Charge Deferral for Varlese Brothers Limited for a farmworker accommodation building located at 8636 Reesor Road for an additional two-year period under the same terms and conditions, to expire on April 22, 2028; and, 3. That Council authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an amendment to the existing agreement with Varlese Brothers Limited, pursuant to Section 27 of the Development Charges Act, 1997, as amended, to authorize the extension of the current Development Charge Deferral for two years, all to the satisfaction of the Treasurer and the City Solicitor, or their delegates; and, 4. That in the event that Provincial legislation is amended in the future to exempt farmworker accommodations while this development charge deferral is in effect, such exemption will be applied retroactively to the farmworker accommodation located at 8636 Reesor Road, provided that the premises comply with all provisions of the legislative amendment; and further, 5. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution. 13
Moved by Councillor Andrew Keyes, seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Carried
14 Whereas:  The Chinese Canadian community has made profound and lasting contributions to the economic, cultural, and social development of Canada since the 19th century;  Chinese Canadians have played a foundational role in nation-building, including in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway and in the growth of communities across the country;  Chinese Canadians have endured historical injustices, including the Head Tax (1885–1923) and the Chinese Exclusion Act (1923–1947), and have demonstrated resilience, perseverance, and continued commitment to Canada’s progress;  The City of Markham was the first municipality in Canada to formally proclaim February as Chinese Heritage Month and has long been a leader in celebrating Chinese culture, heritage, and contributions;  The Regional Municipality of York has also formally proclaimed February as Chinese Heritage Month, recognizing the significant contributions of the Chinese Canadian community within the region;  The Province of Ontario officially proclaimed February as Chinese Heritage Month through the Chinese Heritage Month Act, 2024, building on previous work and advocacy from municipalities such as Markham;  There are approximately 1.8 million Canadians of Chinese origin or heritage, representing one of the largest and most diverse communities in Canada;  While May is recognized nationally as Asian Heritage Month, it does not fully reflect or highlight the unique history, experiences, and contributions of t
Moved by Councillor Amanda Collucci, seconded by Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Carried

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