Update:
A meeting of the city’s Thornhill Sub-Committee was held January 24, 2024 and April 9, 2024 to receive an update on this application.
A presentation by the applicant that included an update of their proposal as well as their Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendment applications can be viewed here: https://pub-markham.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=83056
A Community Information Meeting, hosted by Councillor Irish was held May 2, 2024.
A presentation by Councillor Irish shared at the meeting can be viewed here:
Bahai Community Information Meeting Presentation – FINAL
A recording of the meeting can be viewed here:
Passcode: Yk?R8R9V
The city is now in receipt of an application submitted on behalf of the Bahá’í National Centre by Malone Given Parsons Limited to permit the redevelopment of their site at 7200 and 7290 Leslie Street to include, among other things, construction of a Bahá’í Temple, new administrative offices, conference centre, lodging rooms and courtyard.
I want members of the Thornhill community to know that one of the currently permitted uses of this land, owned privately by the Bahá’í since the 1960s, is for residential accommodation. I believe redevelopment by the Bahá’í National Centre for their continued use is preferred.
In addition, I want to clarify that the Toronto Region Conservation Authority requires an alternative access to the site and nearby homes and businesses for emergency vehicles in the event of a 100-year storm that would restrict access to Markham Fire & Emergency Services in the event Leslie Street is impassable. Access through the German Mills Meadow & Natural Habitat (from John Street), which is already wide enough to accommodate a fire truck, is one option being considered. City staff continue to look at others. In any event, use will be restricted for this purpose only and it would not be a road for regular vehicle traffic.
An opportunity for all Ward 1 residents to comment on what is being proposed took place May 23, 2023 at a Statutory Public Meeting. Councillor Irish will also host a Community Information Meeting with the date still to be determined.
Please see architectural drawings here: