Dear Neighbors,

A developer has proposed building three high-rise residential towers (28, 41, and 53 stories) at 4438 Steeles Avenue, with a total of 1,029 new residents. The only vehicle access for this development will be from Thelma Avenue, which connects to Old Kennedy Road. If this project is approved, it will severely impact our daily lives, including increased traffic congestion, a drastic shortage of parking, heightened noise pollution and a significant decline in our overall living environment.

What issues will our community have to face?

Old Kennedy Road is already a busy thoroughfare, it will face even more pressure in the future!

• 186 Old Kennedy Rd is nearing completion,  adding 15 buildings and further crowding the road.
•  35-51 Old Kennedy Rd has already been approved for a 30-story building with 372 units.
• 186 Old Kennedy + 35-51 Old Kennedy (372 units) + 4438 Steeles (1,029 units) = over 1,400 new residents!
• Future traffic will only increase, and the current roads cannot handle this influx of vehicles!

Severe parking shortage, resulting in street chaos!

• The project will add 1,029 new units, but the developer has only planned 782 parking spots, including spaces for commercial use.
• Residents and visitors will be forced to find parking on Old Kennedy Road and surrounding streets, where Old Kennedy Road only has two lanes.
• If residents can’t find parking, it will block the streets and even hinder the passage of emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire trucks).

The developer’s solution is to “encourage the use of public transport or cycling”

But we all know:

•  In winter, cycling becomes extremely dangerous!
•  Public transportation is already insufficient, with limited bus schedules that can’t meet the demand!
• Steeles Avenue is already congested, and adding a bike lane will only worsen the traffic issues.
• In the winter, bike lanes will be unsafe, but the reduced number of vehicle lanes won’t be restored. Ultimately, all drivers and transit riders will be affected.

Schools, healthcare, and community resources are already INSUFFICIENT!

• School Issues: Local schools are already near capacity, and the additional residents will lead to longer commutes and overcrowded classrooms for children!
• Healthcare Resources: Clinics and hospitals will face longer wait time, affecting the healthcare of our community members!
• Parks and Recreational Spaces: Community parks and green spaces are already very limited, and adding 1,029 new units will further reduce these vital public spaces, diminishing our quality of life!

This project will destroy the community skyline and impact the living environment!

• The 53-story building will be the tallest in the area, far surpassing the previously approved 30-story building at Markham Mon Sheong Court completely changing the community skyline.
• Property Value Fluctuations: The concentration of high-rise buildings will distort the local housing market and affect the asset value of existing homeowners!
• Noise Pollution: Construction will last for years, causing constant noise and dust that will negatively impact residents' health!

What can we do? 

Our voices need to be heard! Please be part of the Public Meeting or email your views on this project! 

• Submit your views by emailing clerkspublic@markham.ca, quoting file number 24 190986 000 00 PLAN, no later than 4:00 pm on March 4th (Tuesday) 
• Meeting Date: March 4th (Tuesday) at 7:00 pm 
• Location: Markham Civil Centre, Council Chamber 
• Online Participation: http://pub-markham.escribmeetings.com/
• Want to Speak? Please register in advance at 905.479.7760 or email clerkspublic@markham.ca

PLEASE SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. THIS DEVELOPMENT IMPACTS NOT ONLY US BUT ALSO OUR CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY. WE NEED TO UNITE AND STOP THIS OVERDEVELOPMENT TO PROTECT OUR HOME!