TREB presented the first-ever Commercial Development Forum in York Region on September 27 at Le Parc Conference Centre. President Larry Cerqua extended a warm welcome to a sold-out crowd of TREB Members from all across the GTA eager to learn more about municipal development, and the investment made by York Region in support of its municipalities.
This event marked a successful first endeavour, as attendees from all levels of government were present, including Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Richmond Hill Mayor Dave Barrow.
Markham Mayor Scarpitti offered opening remarks on behalf of Chair Emmerson and York Region, thanking "the Toronto Real Estate Board for inviting the Regional Municipality of York to join our local municipalities at the forum."
In a written message to the assembled group, Wayne Emmerson, Chairman of York Region, stated that York Region is a place "where talent and opportunity intersect" and he "looks forward to discussing a wide range of commercial real estate opportunities" in the Region.
Mayor Scarpitti also discussed Markham as "Canada's High-Tech Capital" adding that the city currently hosts "more than 1100 high-tech and life sciences companies, and more than 400 corporate head offices."
A presentation by the Town of Richmond Hill showed the evolution of the Langstaff Gateway Urban Centre and expansion of the Viva rapid transit. The town also discussed planned rapid transit and subway extensions to Yonge Street at Hwy. 7.
The City of Vaughan's presentation largely focused on the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, expansion of infrastructure including subway and rapid transit projects, and community improvement plans to the existing Urban Centre as well as to the Natural Heritage Spine of a renewed Black Creek.
The Northern York Municipalities of Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, and Newmarket presented as collaborative partners in growth, highlighting an anticipated residential population growth of 100 percent in some areas by 2031. They also stated that, with the GTA becoming increasingly more accessible with all-day GO Train service expected within a decade to Newmarket, 15 minute two-way GO Train service to downtown Toronto from Aurora, and a "smart city" approach offering "vision-driven, community-based, technology smart solutions," the Northern Municipalities are well on their way to accomplishing their goal of "suburban urbanization." The areas of King and Georgina were the rural equivalents offering small town comforts and work/life balance, making these areas attractive areas for development as well.
Also present were representatives from real estate industry affiliates directly affected by expansion within the 905 area. As stated by TREB Commercial Committee Chair Peter Burdon, this first-ever Forum "enhances our ability to form relationships" leading to a broader cooperation "and the development of new ideas . . . that can ultimately become reality."
The event was complemented by an Exhibition area, allowing attendees the chance to network directly with representatives from stakeholder industries, as well as from planning and tourism departments. Each of the municipalities was represented, along with exhibitor sponsors from Commercial Mortgage Corporation, Dan Lawrie Insurance Brokers Ltd., and Toronto Inspections.