Growth needs to be managed smartly—not simply by stacking as many units as possible on any available parcel of land.
Markham is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Greater Toronto Area. In the last two years, the city’s rush to meet ambitious housing targets has resulted in high-density proposals that far outpace existing infrastructure.
York Region’s Population Target
In the last 10 years, York Region’s official plan has repeatedly increased its population targets.
York Region Official Plan 2022:
By 2051, Markham is projected to have a population of 610,500 – a 75%(261,500) population growth from its 2021 number. Whereas York Region overall is projected to have a 2 million population – adding 800,000 residents.
However, there has been very limited improvement on health care, school, park and road in Markham. This growth will inevitably lead to:
- Traffic congestion – Heavier traffic on all roads.
- Insufficient parking – many new buildings do not have at least one parking per unit.
- Overcrowded schools – Portable classrooms are becoming semi-permanent.
- Strain on existing services – hospitals and community centers.
Examples of Recent Projects
Hwy 7 / Woodbine
| 3083 Highway 7 | |
| multi-phased multi-tower | 3,114 units |
| 4 to 30 storeys | Residential Retail Office central public park |
| Application: September 24, 2021 | Status: Under Review |
| 3085 Highway 7 | (Woodside) |
| four towers | 1,711 units |
| 30 to 36 stories | 1,109 parking spaces |
| Application: October 1, 2024 | Status: Under Review |
| 8435 Woodbine Avenue | (Eastside Chevrolet Oldsmobile) |
| 2 towers | 618 units mixed use |
| 35 stories | 0.65 spaces per unit |
| Application: February 10, 2023 | Status: Appealed |
Hwy 7 / Warden
| 8500 Warden Avenue | (Hilton hotel) |
| 5 towers | 3,049 units |
| 40, 45, 50, 50 and 55 storeys | 2,631 total parking 1,829 for residential |
| Application: September 29, 2020 | Status: Appealed |
| 8200 Warden Avenue | |
| 4 towers mixed use | 1,950 units |
| 34 to 37 storeys | |
| Application: August 7, 2020 | Status: Approved |
Hwy 7 / Warden
| 8601 Warden Avenue | (no-frills) |
| 5 towers (phase 1) mixed use | 1,446 units |
| 12 to 35 storeys | |
| Application: August 7, 2020 | Status: Approved |
