City of Markham Council…

City of Markham Council endorsed the following resolution on Bill 134: Affordable Homes and Good Jobs Act, 2023:

1. That the report and presentation dated October 17, 2023 titled “Comments on Bill 134 – Affordable Homes and Good Jobs Act, 2023” be received; and,
2. That the City not support the proposed changes to the definition of Affordable Residential Unit in the Development Charges Act; and,
3. That this report be forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing as the City of Markham’s comments on Bill 134; and,
4. That this report be forwarded to the Region of York; and further,
5. That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

The following items are suggested for Provincial consideration in order for the proposed changes to Bill 134 to potentially be supported:

• Develop a consistent methodology for defining affordability – in order to consider the proposed approach using Ministerial bulletins, more information and consultation on the anticipated criteria, release timing and frequency is needed
• Review the potential to apply flexibility to the affordability parameters, that are reflective of local municipal contexts
• Give thought to utilizing the most accurate sources possible for municipal income and market purchase price and rent data in the affordable methodology used

Provincial consideration on the above items would enable the City to thoroughly review the implications of the affordable residential unit definition changes and be in a position to provide potential support to the Bill 134 changes.