Report to: General Committee Report Date: August 31, 2007

SUBJECT: Markham Association of Townhome Condominium Owners (MATCO) – Terms of Reference

PREPARED BY: Paul Wealleans, Director Taxation, ext 4734

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Terms of Reference attached to this report be adopted by the Condominium Working Group for its report;

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Proposed Terms of Reference are attached for adoption by Council as the basis for the Condominium Working Group.

1. Purpose 2. Background 3. Discussion 4. Financial

5. Others (Environmental, Accessibility, Engage 21st, Affected Units) 6. Attachment(s)

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to outline Terms of Reference to be used by the Condominium Working Group to review issues the Town of Markham could act as advocate for at the Provincial level.

BACKGROUND:

At its meeting of May 28, 2007, General Committee received the report entitled “Markham Association of Townhome Condominium Owners (MATCO) – Essential Services” and adopted the following resolution:

The establishment of a working group be approved in principle to review issues and options available relating to the request of the Markham Association of Townhome Condominium Owners:

And that staff be requested to prepare terms of reference for the working group to review any issues the Town of Markham could act as advocate for at the provincial level.

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

Attached to this report in Appendix A are proposed Terms of Reference to be used by the Condominium Working Group in its review of issues the Town of Markham could act as advocate for at the provincial level.

Staff have consulted with representatives of Markham Association of Townhome Condominium Owners (MATCO) in the preparation of these Terms of Reference.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND TEMPLATE: (external link)

None.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

None.

ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

None.

ENGAGE 21^ST CONSIDERATIONS:

None.

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

None.

RECOMMENDED

BY: ________________________ ________________________

Barb Cribbett, Treasurer Andy Taylor, Commissioner

of Corporate Services

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix A: Terms of Reference for Condominium Working Group

Q:\Finance\SHARED\2007 General Committee Finance\0735 MATCO Report Terms of Reference.doc

Appendix A: Terms of Reference for Condominium Working Group

Goal: To identify issues / options with respect to services received and taxes paid by condominiums that the Town of Markham could support and advocate for at the Provincial level.

1. Identify and clarify the extent of the services that are not provided by the Town on townhome condominium properties, including: street lighting, potable water, water system maintenance, sewer maintenance, road maintenance, snow removal, etc.
2. Identification of all condominiums in the Town to include both townhome and high-rise for maximum potential impact.
3. Identification of physical limitations to providing services to townhome condominiums.
4. Determination as to whether or not there should be qualifying criteria for condominium inclusion or should all condominiums be included.
5. Review of fairness issue to other private property owners not receiving identified services on their properties, such as commercial malls, etc.
6. Estimate of cost impacts.
7. Financial impact on Town’s tax rate
8. Review of MATCO’s 3 proposed options, including any legislative impacts:
1. Rebates
2. Town to provide services
3. New property class for condominiums in taxation system.
9. Summary and Recommendations
1. Action should be championed at political level
2. Action should be directed at provincial level
10. Task Group membership (7 -8 members)
1. 2 Council members
2. 2 MATCO members
3. 2 Finance staff
4. 1 – 2 Other Town staff as necessary (Operational Department, etc)