More Housing Options in the Box Grove Community

York Region is exploring an opportunity to develop community housing at the corner of 14^th Avenue and Donald Cousens Parkway in Markham’s Box Grove neighbourhood.

The current proposal includes a mixed-income development with two buildings between four and six storeys in height with both affordable and market rental units. York Region is beginning the planning process and community engagement early on to ensure the site is development ready in the future. Construction will not begin until funding is secured.

Affordable housing is one of the greatest challenges facing the Region today. At the end of 2020, there were over 15,800 households on York Region’s wait list for affordable housing. As York Region’s population and economy are growing and diversifying, the housing supply has not kept pace with residents’ needs. In early 2021, York Regional Council passed a resolution declaring a housing affordability crisis. The Box Grove development proposal will provide much needed rental housing and help ensure all York Region residents have a safe place to call home.

How Can I Get Involved?

Community Liaison Committee

A Community Liaison Committee made up of residents and business owners is being established.

Members of the Community Liaison Committee will work closely with York Region staff to provide input and address issues throughout the planning and construction phases. The Community Liaison Committee will also explore opportunities to integrate the new housing development into the surrounding neighbourhood.

To apply, please download the application form and email the completed form to @email

Application form

Learn more about the Community Liaison Committee by consulting the Terms of Reference.

About the Site

The 2.4-acre site is Region-owned and is currently vacant. The site is located close to amenities, including schools, the Box Grove Community Centre, and outdoor amenities spaces such as Rouge National Park. Major shopping centres with grocery stores, medical offices and daycare are within 1.5 kilometres of the site. The site is also serviced by York Region Transit.

Planning Approval Process

Like any proposed development, municipal planning approvals from the City of Markham and community consultation will be required. The intention is to start the planning approvals process now, but construction will not begin until federal and/or provincial funding is secured.

York Region submitted an initial planning application to the City of Markham in January 2022. The application will be reviewed by City departments and other commenting agencies like the Toronto Region Conservation Authority. There will be several opportunities for community members to ask questions and provide feedback on the proposal. In addition to the planned community engagements held by York Region, a statutory public meeting will be held by the City of Markham once the application has been reviewed.

The proposal will also be subject to Site Plan Control. Through the site plan application process, the City will review the design and layout of the development including building location, landscaping, parking, drainage, pedestrian access, sidewalk improvements, etc. to ensure compliance with City standards and urban design guidelines.

The City of Markham will be an instrumental partner in the successful development of 7085 14^th Avenue. By working with the City and our neighbours throughout the planning and design process, we can address community considerations and build an inclusive community where everyone has a place to call home.

Public Information Centre (PIC)

Thank you to all community members who participated in York Region’s virtual PIC for this project. The PIC included an overview of the proposal and the planning application process. The feedback provided will help inform our plans to develop future community housing on the site. By working with our neighbours throughout the planning and design process, we can address community considerations and build an inclusive community where everyone has a place to call home.

To learn more about the proposed community housing development, please watch the video below or check out the frequently asked questions from the community.

Where Can I Get More Information?

If you have questions or would like to learn more about this future affordable housing development, please email @email

If you have general inquiries, please contact Access York:

Phone: 1-877-464-9675
TTY: 1-866-512-6228
Email: @email