Housing Choices: Markham's Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy
The City of Markham has developed Housing Choices: Markham’s Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy to address housing affordability in the community. Markham has a history of supporting affordable housing, and Housing Choices marks a key milestone in its journey.
1-in-3 households in the City have housing affordability issues, and nearly 1-in-5 residents are spending 50% or more of their income on housing.
The average price of a home in Markham has doubled over the last 10 years, and average market rent has been increasing faster than inflation. The City has a role to play and is taking action on this important issue.
Housing Choices includes a vision, 3 goals and 35 actions to address these housing gaps and needs, focusing on practical steps that can be taken - together with community partners - to increase housing choices for Markham residents.
Housing Pledge
On March 22, 2023, Markham City Council approved its official Housing Pledge, as requested by the Province of Ontario. The Province has a goal of achieving 1.5 million new housing units by 2031, and a target of 44,000 new units has been set for the City of Markham.
How did we get here?
The City undertook a multi-phase project including research reports and community engagement to complete the Strategy.
The Phase 1: Housing Needs Assessment report examined current and emerging housing gaps in Markham.
The Phase 2 – Policy Framework and Recommendations report reviewed the policy framework, summarized initial stakeholder feedback and included a draft Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy and proposed Inclusionary Zoning Framework. Members of the community, representatives from all levels of government, private and non-profit housing sectors, and experts in the housing field participated in the development of the Strategy.
Consultation included the Markham Housing Summit, a Virtual Community Information Meeting, and engagement through Your Voice Markham.
Reports and Presentations
Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy reports and presentations:
Phase 1:
- Staff Report – Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy: Housing Needs Assessment (April 29, 2019)
- Phase 1 Study – City of Markham Affordable and Rental Housing Study, Phase 1: Housing Needs Assessment (April 2019)
- Presentation – City of Markham Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy, Housing Needs Assessment and Next Steps (April 29, 2019)
Phase 2:
- Staff Report - Affordable and Rental Housing Study – Phase 2: Policy Framework and Recommendations (February 24, 2020)
- Phase 2 Study - City of Markham Affordable and Rental Housing Study, Phase 2: Policy Framework and Recommendations (February 2020)
- Presentation - City of Markham Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy, Phase 2: Policy Framework and Recommendations (February 24, 2020)
Phase 3:
- Draft Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy Consultation Document (January 2021)
- Presentation – Draft Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy Virtual Community information Meeting
- Markham Draft Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy Virtual Community Public Meeting – Poll Question Responses
Phase 4:
- Staff Report - Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy – DSC (June 22, 2021)
- Appendix A – Housing Choices – Markham’s Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy
- Appendix B – Comparison of Draft Affordable and Final Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy Actions
- Presentation - Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy Presentation – DSC (June 22, 2021)
Related Information
Additional reports related to Markham’s housing work:
- Staff Report – Federal, Provincial and Regional Affordable and Rental Housing Initiatives (February 25, 2019)
- Staff Report – Update on Provincial and Regional Housing Initiatives (September 5, 2018)
- Staff Report – Affordable and Special Needs Housing Strategy: Draft Strategy and Work Program for an Implementation Plan (April 5, 2011)
External Resources and Partners
The City works with a number of partners to address affordable housing needs. Below are links to key housing initiatives from other levels of government:
York Region
- York Region housing and homelessness plan, Housing Solutions: A Place for Everyone
- York Region’s housing page includes information about subsidized housing, emergency and transitional housing and, financial incentives for complete communities
Province of Ontario
- Ontario’s plan to address housing challenges More Homes, More Choice: Ontario’s Housing Supply Action Plan
- Province of Ontario’s Home and Community page includes information on affordable housing and local service managers to find local housing support
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
- Canada’s National Housing Strategy
- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation information on buying and renting a home as well as housing data and research
Contact
Duran Wedderburn, Manager, Policy