<Thornhill Square OLT Case Information>

AWRA has been actively involved in this  case:

• Obtaining Participant status in the OLT Case
• Making a detailed assessment of the proposal and submitting a Participant Statement
• Monitoring the case progress
• Reviewing the material submitted by the Parties (Timbercreek/Hazelview and City Of Markham) 

We encourage you to read  and understand AWRA’s position on the proposal, as submitted to the OLT in AWRA's Participant Statement: Executive Summary and Detailed Rationale.

Check the events since Timbercreek/Hazelview acquired Thornhill Square here                   

Beginning in March 2023, the Developer and the City of Markham engaged in Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT)-led mediation. Unresolved issues were going to be subject to the decisions of the OLT hearing scheduled to start Oct 10th when an unexpected settlement agreement was announced and presented to OLT on Oct 13th.

Some of the main Issues under discussion were:

• Lack of Sanitary Sewer Capacity: There is currently zero Sanitary Sewer Capacity, so the City of Markham is asking for the addition of a HOLD provision. The Developer should not be allowed to begin activity until the lack of capacity is addressed.

• Tower Heights: Markham is requesting lower heights (allowing for a maximum height of 15 storeys), in keeping with heights in the surrounding area (Landmark). To accommodate this request, Markham is 'suggesting' to increase the floorplate areas (up to 800 sq. m.) and increase podium heights from 6 to 8 storeys.

• Insufficient Commercial/Retail Space: Additional space needs to be provided for these uses (60% of ground floor space of the 4 buildings suggested by City). 

• Site Compatibility Concerns: The proposed development needs to be well integrated with the Community Centre property, including future road network and pedestrian connection improvements.