Sumon Acharjee

This report outlines the City of Markham's 2025 Asset Management Plan and Financial Strategy, seeking Council's endorsement for its findings. The plan focuses on ensuring the long-term sustainability of municipal infrastructure and compliance with Ontario Regulation 588/17. Key strategic areas include maintaining current service levels by addressing identified funding shortfalls, defining proposed service level targets for assets like road pavement management, and planning for the financial impact of significant population and employment growth by 2051. It also emphasizes continuous improvement in asset management practices, aiming to balance costs, risks, opportunities, and performance benefits across all City-owned and managed assets.

The City of Markham's strategic plan, 'Building Markham's Future Together 2020-2026', outlines a vision to be a leading Canadian municipality that embraces technological innovation, celebrates diversity, fosters vibrant communities, and balances preservation with future building. The plan is structured around four core goals: ensuring exceptional services delivered by exceptional people, fostering an engaged, diverse, thriving, and vibrant community, building a safe, sustainable, and complete community, and demonstrating strong stewardship of money and resources. This strategic direction aims to provide high-quality municipal services that meet or exceed residents' and businesses' expectations.

The committee discussed several items, including the approval of a Markham delegation for upcoming motorsport events and funding for the Markham Indy Project. Reports on staff-awarded contracts for the third quarter and the status of various capital projects were received, with specific directions for project closures and reserve funding adjustments. The committee received the 2025 Audit Planning Report and awarded a contract for sanitary waste and air freshening services. Furthermore, land was declared surplus for conveyance to the Region of York, and a development charge prepayment arrangement for Neamsby Investments Inc. was authorized. Discussions also touched upon amending the Municipal Accommodation Tax rate, a notice of motion regarding provincial action on salt pollution, and requests for updates on hostile vehicle mitigation plans for special events.

The committee meeting addressed various heritage permit applications, including delegated approvals for minor heritage, building, and sign permits, and a major heritage permit for property alterations. Discussions were held regarding a demolition permit application following a fire, with recommendations for site documentation and replica construction. Additional items included applications for property redevelopment, a feedback request concerning unauthorized construction, and a proposal for a driveway gate. Furthermore, the committee received updates on the 50th-anniversary event, the progress of the Markham Village Heritage Conservation District Plan, and the potential replacement of a missing interpretive plaque. Plans for a year-end reception and the schedule for the final meeting of the year were also finalized.

The committee held a meeting covering various topics including deputations on water monitoring and road salt pollution. Financial matters discussed included the quarterly staff awarded contracts report, a 2025 investment performance review, and the award of a contract for fire and life systems. Additionally, the committee addressed a road safety initiative fund update, received a drinking water inspection report, and reviewed a resolution supporting provincial action on salt pollution from road salt. The committee also moved into a confidential session to discuss litigation matters.