Urban Growth in Markham: 151,000 more by 2031

In our last 3 updates we’ve been talking about York Region’s Growth Plans and how that will affect Markham residents if put forth. During December, York Region’s Official Plan has been approved and will carry forward. Now it is up to us to make sure that Markham proceeds with this plan appropriately and responsibly.

Let your voice be heard in council by either attending the final two community meetings on Jan 12th and Jan 26th, else write to our councillors to voice your concern. Without your voice, Markham throughout will suffer with 60% increase in population intensification. It will result in road congestions; overpopulation in our schools, hospitals and/or community centre programs; existing infrastructures will not be able to handle an overload of 151,000 people; these are just some of the few things that can be affected.

Attend the meeting on Jan 12th on Agriculture and Growth and on Jan 26th on Intensification and Growth. Both held at 7:00 pm in Council Chambers at Markham Town Centre. Markham needs to grow., the question becomes, how much outwards into the agricultural lands or how high into the sky and where? The region is asking for 40% growth in population, so then why is Markham aiming for 60%? Lets save our Markham heritage and ask council to focus on responsible growth.

(posted on December 1, 2009)
In our last update we mentioned that Jim Robb of the Friends of the Rouge Watershed is concerned with York Region’s growth plans for Markham and is asking for Markham residents to help convey this concern to our Mayor and councillors.

York Region’s plans include a 50% increase in Markham’s population by 2031 (151,000 people) and sprawling the growth into our farmland and greenspace (7.3 square kilometer).

Detailed information can be found on protectmarkham.wordpress.com.

At a council meeting held on December 1, Mr. Robb presented his arguments and he has asked for your support to write to our Mayor echoing the same concerns.
Note: All information can be found on their website including addresses, phone numbers and emails.

If this unsustainable York Region growth plan is approved, Markham residents will suffer:

RFRA has helped this group deliver a limited number of flyers in the neighbourhood, however not every home in our community received one. An on-line copy is available here. Also, read Jim Robb’s presentation to Council.