Two clashing plans, each one outlining its own vision for the future of Thornhill’s Thornlea neighbourhood, were presented to the Markham City Council — and, concluding a two-year-long study, one has been adopted.
The Thornlea Revitalization Study was initiated to create a strategic plan for Thornlea, which encompasses residential homes as well as light industrial and manufacturing sites such as auto body shops.
The area was also once the site of the former Canac Kitchens factory. Residents living nearby claimed the factory was to blame for noxious odours in the neighbourhood, which locals alleged lead to serious health complications.
The two reports — one authoured by a consultant and another by a working group made up of local residents and councillor Howard Shore — aimed to tackle past problems and ensure a future for the area. Both sought to explore striking a balance between existing family residences and the nearby employment areas.
In the end, the working group’s recommendations found favour with council.
Except for the Canac site, the development services committee and council directed staff to prohibit manufacturing, assembly and warehousing businesses in the area, as well as auto body and repair shops, other than where no certificate of approval is required from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
According to Coun. Shore, such businesses that already exist will be grandfathered into the area and will not be forced to move.
The former Canac factory property will be slated to provide a space for future mixed-use residential developments, including low dwellings and street-level commercial, retail and office uses.
Uses would be limited to pedestrian-friendly facilities such as offices, small retail and other businesses. Automobile-related services, such as gas stations and parking lots, would not be allowed.
In addition, Shore proposed to consider the area for a community improvement plan (CIP), which would create an improved neighbourhood image by directing signage, lighting and streetscapes. The matter must still be considered by council.
Alena Gotz, a long-time resident of the area and former Aileen-Willowbrook Ratepayers’ Association member, called the decision to go with the working group’s report a definite win for the community.
She was particularly proud that residents accepted no compromises when it came to their health.
“People lose hope easily and do not understand that the most important thing when fighting government bureaucracy is to possess unshakable staying power based on a strong conviction that in the end the government will have to do the right thing,” she said. “To never go away no matter how hard they fight back.”
The consultant’s report, prepared by Meridian Planning, took a softer approach to future industry in the area. It suggested allowing certain auto-related uses, parking and manufacturing in the area.