Markham Stouffville Review, May 2023

6 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW COMMUNITY MAY 2023
Comprehensive look at Hwy 7 and Bur Oak development plan
BY CONNOR SIMONDS
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Markham’s landscape could be radically
transformed with a development proposal
currently under review by city council.
With plans for over 2,000 residential
units and mixed-use buildings towering up
to 28 stories, the proposal has sparked a
heated debate among residents who fear that
the development would irrevocably alter the
character of the community.
In this article, we delve into the contentious
proposal and the concerns raised by
citizens during the public meeting, shedding
light on the potential impacts of the development
on traffic, the environment, and the
community’s identity.
JD Elm Cornell Lands Ltd. has submitted
an application to Markham city council
for an Offcial Plan and Zoning By-law
Amendment, as well as a Draft Plan of
Subdivision for a piece of land situated at
the intersection of Highway 7 and Bur Oak
Avenue. This land spans from the southern
boundary of Markham Fire Station 99 (just
east of Markham Stouffville Hospital), all
the way along Bur Oak to Highway 7. If
approved, the proposed development would
significantly transform the area, in line with
a vision that some residents believe could
be intrusive and clash with the character of
the community.
The development proposal has been
under review since July 26, 2022, and the
120-day period before the owner can appeal
the Offcial Plan Amendment and Draft Plan
of Subdivision applications to the Ontario
Land Tribunal for a non-decision ended on
November 23. The 90-day period before
the owner can appeal the Zoning By-law
Amendment application ended on October
24.
If approved, the proposed development
would create approximately 2,116 residential
units in seven mixed-use buildings,
ranging in height from 10 to 28 stories.
There would be 3,856 square metres of retail
space, one partial park block, and three
new roads. The development would also
include 149,724 square metres of residential
gross floor area and 1,412 square metres of
retail gross floor area. The proposed development
would create new opportunities for
people to live, work, and play in Markham.
Kate Cooper an agent from Bousfields Inc.
spoke about how their development firm
sees the area. “We think it’s a really important
block in Cornell,” she said. “Located at
a prominent intersection in the community
and in proximity to community services
and facilities that already exist. We have
a hospital […] then community centre to
the immediate north, we have fire services,
we have transit […] and we feel that the
site has the opportunity to develop in a
meaningful way which will contribute to
the area.” The development would also add
to the city’s economy by creating jobs and
increasing the tax base.
However, there are some concerns that
the proposed development would have a
negative impact on the surrounding community.
During the public meeting for the
development proposal on March 21, 2023,
concerns were raised by citizens including
Brenda Young a resident of the condominium
on the east side of Bur Oak at Highway
7.
Young commented on what it would be
like living next to the proposed high rise:
“Now with a 16-storey tower proposed we
fear our home is once again going to be limited
to enjoy.” She commented after mentioning
how restrictive the Covid regulations
were on her building. “Imagine sitting
out on that rooftop looking up at 10 extra
storeys. If the sun cannot reach us, what
good is a rooftop garden? Dark shadows, no
sunsets, no views.”
An additional concern is that the proposed
development would increase traffic
congestion in the area and impact air quality.
The new roads that would be created as
part of the development could lead to more
cars on the road, which could lead to longer
commute times for residents in the area.
Another concern is that the proposed
development could have a negative impact
on the environment. The Subject Lands
include a woodland feature located in the
southwest quadrant, and a small portion of
the lands are located within a regulated area
of the Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority. The development could have a
negative impact on these natural features,
which could impact the ecosystem and
wildlife in the area.
Ward 5 councillor Andrew Keyes
remarked that “it wasn’t a surprise […] as a
resident that this density was coming.” The
area had been ultimately slated for development
for decades. He mentioned he would
like to see establishments like restaurants
and bars take footholds in the area and
hopes more local parking for small businesses
is included in many of the development
plans.
Finally, there are concerns about the
impact that the proposed development
would have on the character of the community.
The development would be comprised
of seven mixed-use buildings, ranging in
height from 10 to 28 stories, which could be
out of scale with the surrounding community.
The development could also change
the character of the community by introducing
businesses to the area and many more
residents.
To conclude, the proposed development
holds promise for the city, potentially
offering new possibilities for residents in
Unionville Festival returns
with two days of fun
Spring is in the air, and residents are
flocking to Main Street Unionville for great
shopping and dining with friends and family.
More fun is on the way, as the Unionville
Festival is set for the first weekend in
June.
This year the two-day festival takes
place June 3 and 4 and will have activities
to entertain people of all ages.
The festival will highlight the many
businesses on Main Street and encourage
festival-goers to open up their wallets and
support them after they have endured three
years of the Covid pandemic, which has
been devastating for most businesses.
Many traditional festival favourite
booths will be returning to showcase their
unique products, including many delicious
treats. Also, a festival special called Taste of
Unionville will offer great deals from select
terms of work, leisure, and habitation, while
also providing a boost to the local economy.
However, it is crucial to address the concerns
regarding potential negative impacts
on traffic congestion, the environment, and
the community’s character. City council
needs to take a thoughtful approach to the
development’s review process, carefully
evaluating these concerns and ensuring that
the proposed development aligns with the
best interests of the community.
local businesses.
In addition to shopping and dining at
local merchants and festival booths, festival
activities will include live music, health
and wellness activities, Rubber Duck Race,
kids’ activities, and so much more.
You won’t want to miss the SuperDogs
on Saturday, and the Ultimutts Dog and Cat
show on Sunday at Crosby Park.
“This year’s festival will showcase
some terrific local bands and diverse cultural
entertainment,” said BIA executive
director Sonia Chow.
This is the second year in the festival’s
history that the Business Improvement Area
will be the host of the event.
The festival takes place June 3 and 4
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and also includes a
headline show on June 3 at the Bandstand
from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information
visit unionvilleinfo.com.