City of Markham New Official Plan Quest November 2013
Building Markham s Future Together - 6 Key Strategic Priorities 1. Growth - Managing our Growth 2. Transportation/Transit - Improving transportation and transit links in Markham 3. Environment - Protecting our environment 4. Municipal services Excellence, Efficiency & Effectiveness 5. Parks, Recreation, Culture & Library Master Plan & Public Safety - Our parks, recreation, library and cultural services facilities and ensuring public safety 6. Diversity - Celebrating our diversity 2
Legislative & Policy Framework For New Markham Official Plan PROVINCIAL REGIONAL MARKHAM
Growth Forecast (2031) Region of York (2031) 1.5 million people 780,000 jobs Markham (Census 2011) 301,709 population 160,225 jobs Markham (forecast 2031) 421,600 population 240,400 workforce 4
Planning for Growth in Markham to 2031 Forecast Growth (2031) Population 421,600 Jobs 240,400 In May 2010, Council endorsed a growth alternative that accommodates population and employment growth in Markham to 2031. The growth alternative involved three main elements: Protecting the natural environment, in the form of an identified Greenway System that is off limits to development Directing most of the residential growth (approx. 60%) to the existing urban area within mixed-use centres and corridors along rapid transit routes within the current urban area of the City (referred to as intensification) Completing existing OPA 5 communities and employment districts (approximately 20%) Allowing limited expansion of the urban area (referred to as the Future Urban Area) to accommodate some growth (approximately 20%) 5
Endorsed Growth Alternative Provides for intensification and build out within existing urban area (80% of growth to 2031) and limited urban expansion (20%) for employment and ground oriented 6 housing.
What is an Official Plan The Official Plan is a statutory document that provides direction for Markham Council, residents, businesses and investors about the appropriate use of land and form of development in Markham. It is a comprehensive Master Plan for the overall growth and development of Markham. In general, the Official Plan provides guidance on: Where new housing, industry, offices and shops will be located Where and how growth will occur in the community What services such as parks, schools, roads/transit, sewers will be needed to support growth Land use policies and key development standards (e.g. built form, height and density) 7
Vision for Markham to 2031 The new Official Plan outlines a vision for sustainable growth leading to a vibrant, liveable city. KEY THEMES: Protecting the natural environment and agricultural lands Building complete communities Increasing travel options Maintaining a vibrant and competitive economy 8
Protecting the natural environment The Official Plan identifies a protected Greenway System of natural features. The Greenway System includes: valleylands and river and stream corridors wetlands and woodlands sensitive groundwater features significant wildlife habitat buffers needed to protect these features and functions enhancement lands (linkages and restoration) agricultural lands within the Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt Rouge National Urban Park 9
Greenway System DRAFT The Greenway System, encompassing approximately 33% of Markham s land base, is not available for development. 10
Land Use Designations DRAFT The land use designations direct where, and under what conditions, housing, retail, office and other employment uses, parks and open space, natural and cultural heritage, and agricultural uses can locate within Markham. 11
Building Complete Communities A key goal of this Plan is to create a city in which the day-to-day needs of Markham s residents, including housing, employment, recreation, shopping, health care, education and personal service, are met. This will be accomplished by planning for: compact urban development accommodating a mix and range of housing job opportunities and services for all residents regardless of age or income convenient access by transit, walking or cycling stronger emphasis on built form and urban design Sustainable development practices (e.g. LEED; Community Energy Plans) 12
Centres and Corridors Most of Markham s new growth will be directed to prioritized intensification areas and redevelopment areas with mixed-use, higher density served by rapid-transit. 13
Increasing travel options Markham can provide a more balanced choice of travel options by pursuing transit-supportive development. The Official Plan contains policies to: Integrate land use and transportation planning Influence the amount and pattern of travel through education, public policies and service improvements Pursue a transit culture and placing priority on transit and active transportation modes Provide an integrated cycling and walking networks Review strategic improvements to the road network Manage the supply of parking Improve road safety Facilitate goods movement Phase developments relative to transit delivery Support long-term transit funding 14
MTSP Recommended Transit Service 15
Maintaining a vibrant and competitive economy Markham will build on its success as a major employment centre within York Region and the Greater Toronto Area, and continue to offer attractive accommodation to businesses of all types. Support Markham s Economic Competitiveness Strategy Identifying an inventory of well-located lands to accommodate a range of employment activities (manufacturing, warehousing, offices, etc) Protecting employment areas from non-employment uses Focussing office development in areas well-served by rapid transit Planning for retail in a transit-supportive, pedestrianoriented, mixed-use context Maintaining healthy and vibrant main streets 16
New Employment Designations BUSINESS PARK EMPLOYMENT office; manufacturing, processing, warehousing; hotel; trade & convention centre; commercial parking garage; accessory and ancillary use (such as restaurant, bank, fitness, retail, service) BUSINESS PARK OFFICE PRIORITY EMPLOYMENT office; college and university; commercial parking garage; accessory and ancillary use (such as restaurant, bank, fitness, retail, service) SERVICE EMPLOYMENT service; office; bank; hotel; manufacturing, processing, warehousing; retail; trade & commercial school; commercial parking garage; auto repair GENERAL EMPLOYMENT manufacturing, processing, warehousing; accessory retail/service; accessory office; trade school 17
MARKHAM CENTRE URBAN GROWTH CENTRE Warden to Kennedy, North of Hwy 407 Transit Mobility Hub (407 Transitway, VIVA, GO) 20,400 Dwelling Units and 40, 000 jobs on 182 ha High Density, Mixed Use Centre 18
LANGSTAFF GATEWAY URBAN GROWTH CENTRE - Yonge to Bayview, South of Hwy 407 Transit Mobility Hub ( Yonge Subway, 407 Transitway, VIVA, GO) 15,000 Dwelling Units and 10,000 jobs on 47 ha High Density, Mixed Use Centre 19
BUTTONVILLE AIRPORT REDEVELOPMENT East of hwy 404, Between 16 th Avenue and Hwy 7 3,000 Dwelling Units, 19,000 jobs on 69 ha Major Office and Retail Node 20
Thank You jbaird@markham.ca