Environmental Impact Assessments - Markham Bylaws

Land Use and Zoning Ontario 4 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario

Markham, Ontario requires environmental impact information for many development applications to protect natural heritage and water resources. This guide explains when an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) or equivalent assessment is required, who enforces requirements, how to prepare and submit reports, and common compliance steps for builders and consultants in Markham. It summarizes city practice, provincial context, and conservation authority roles so applicants can plan preconsultation, budgeting and timelines ahead of planning or site plan submissions.

Consult the City of Markham early to confirm EIS scope and submission timing.

Overview

Developments that affect natural features, stormwater systems, or regulated floodplains commonly trigger environmental review. Markham planning policies and submission requirements describe when an EIS, Terms of Reference, or supporting studies are needed as part of an application for zoning, site plan, or official plan amendment. Conservation authorities may require separate permits or technical reports where their regulated areas are involved. Builders should confirm scope during preconsultation with the City and the relevant conservation authority to avoid delays. For city guidance see the official Markham planning pages and EIS guidance documents City of Markham environmental impact studies[1] and consult the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority for permit triggers and technical requirements TRCA permits and guidelines[2]. Provincial Environmental Assessment Act rules may apply to certain infrastructure projects Ontario Environmental Assessment Act[3].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibility for environmental review and planning compliance typically involves the City of Markham Planning and Building Services and, where applicable, conservation authorities such as TRCA. Specific monetary fines for failures to provide required environmental studies or to comply with permits are not specified on the cited city page; see the city and conservation authority pages for enforcement details and authorities City of Markham environmental impact studies[1] and TRCA permits and guidelines[2].

  • Enforcer: City of Markham Planning and Building Services and applicable conservation authority.
  • Inspection and compliance: permit conditions, site inspections, and development agreement enforcement.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; consult the linked official sources for particulars.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures are handled per municipal or conservation authority enforcement policies and are not itemized on the cited city page.
  • Complaints and reporting: use official city or conservation authority complaint/contact pages listed in Resources below.
Failure to obtain required studies or permits can halt approvals and trigger remediation requirements.

Applications & Forms

Common applications that may require an EIS or environmental submission include Site Plan Applications, Zoning By-law Amendments, Plan of Subdivision, and Official Plan Amendments. The City publishes application forms and fee schedules for development applications; specific EIS submission requirements or Terms of Reference are available on the city planning pages. Fee amounts and exact form numbers are not specified on the general guidance page and should be confirmed on the relevant application or fee schedule pages.[1]

  • Typical form: Site Plan Application (see City of Markham planning forms for current forms and fees).
  • Report: Environmental Impact Study or Terms of Reference prepared by qualified professionals.
  • Deadlines: submission timelines vary by application type and preconsultation outcomes; confirm during preconsultation.
Provide a draft Terms of Reference at preconsultation to align scope with city and conservation authority expectations.

Action Steps for Builders

  • Step 1: Request preconsultation with Markham Planning and Building Services to confirm environmental submission requirements.
  • Step 2: Retain a qualified environmental consultant and prepare an EIS or the requested supporting studies and Terms of Reference.
  • Step 3: Submit studies with the formal development application and pay applicable fees.
  • Step 4: Respond to city and conservation authority review comments and obtain any required permits before construction.

FAQ

When is an Environmental Impact Study required?
An EIS is usually required when a development affects natural heritage features, watercourses, wetlands, or regulated areas; confirm requirements during preconsultation with the City and conservation authority.[1]
Who approves or enforces EIS requirements?
Approval and enforcement may involve City of Markham Planning and Building Services and the applicable conservation authority such as TRCA for regulated areas.[2]
What are common reasons for application delays?
Delays typically arise from inadequate Terms of Reference, incomplete EIS reports, lack of required permits from conservation authorities, or unresolved agency comments.

How-To

  1. Request a preconsultation meeting with Markham Planning and Building Services and relevant conservation authority.
  2. Agree the scope and Terms of Reference for the EIS with the city and conservation authority.
  3. Commission a qualified consultant to prepare the EIS and supporting technical reports.
  4. Submit the EIS with the formal development application and pay any application fees.
  5. Address review comments, obtain permits, and secure approvals before beginning site works.

Key Takeaways

  • Preconsultation with Markham and conservation authorities reduces rework and delays.
  • Provide a clear Terms of Reference to align technical scope and expectations.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Markham environmental impact studies guidance
  2. [2] Toronto and Region Conservation Authority permits and guidelines
  3. [3] Ontario Environmental Assessment Act overview

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