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95 Green Lane — 18 Townhouses and the 'Gentle Density' Reshaping Markham's Established Streets
Not every Markham development is a high-rise tower. Some of the most common — and least understood — changes are small infill projects that add a handful of homes to established streets.
What's being built at 95 Green Lane in Markham? A small infill project at 95 Green Lane (east of Bayview Avenue) proposes 18 three-storey townhouses on a property that previously held a single detached home, after Council approved the Official Plan and zoning amendments. Each unit would have a two-car garage and rooftop outdoor space. It's a modest, low-density intensification in an established neighbourhood — an example of the "gentle density" reshaping mature areas. Final amendments still return to Council.
Not every Markham development is a high-rise tower. Some of the most common — and least understood — changes are small infill projects that add a handful of homes to established streets. Michael John Lau, a top real estate agent in Markham, uses the Green Lane project to explain "gentle density" and what it means for mature neighbourhoods.
Note: Council approved the Official Plan and zoning amendments for this project, but final amendments still return to Council. Details can change. Confirm current status with the City of Markham. Figures below are as reported.
The Project: 18 Townhouses on a Former Detached Lot
The proposal at 95 Green Lane, east of Bayview Avenue, would replace a property that previously had a single detached home with 18 three-storey townhouses. As reported, the details include:
18 three-storey townhouses
A modest number of townhomes, divided into two blocks and served by a private driveway — a small-scale, low-density project by the standards of Markham development.
Two-car garages and rooftop amenity space
Each unit would feature a two-car garage and rooftop outdoor amenity space — desirable features that make efficient use of a compact townhome footprint, offering private outdoor space without a traditional yard.
Visitor parking
Six visitor parking spaces, including one accessible space, are also proposed — practical infrastructure for the small community.
What "Gentle Density" Means
The Green Lane project is a clear example of what planners call "gentle density" or "missing middle" housing — modest intensification that adds homes to established neighbourhoods without the dramatic scale of high-rise towers. Replacing one detached home with 18 townhouses adds housing on a single lot while keeping a relatively low-rise, ground-oriented form that fits alongside existing homes. This kind of infill is an increasingly common part of how established areas evolve to add housing.
Why gentle density matters: As cities like Markham work to add housing (Markham has a provincial pledge of 44,000 new units by 2031), infill and intensification in established areas — not just towers on major corridors — play a role. Projects like Green Lane add ground-oriented homes (townhouses that families and downsizers often prefer over condos) within existing neighbourhoods and their amenities. It's a way to add housing while largely preserving neighbourhood character.
What Infill Means for Established Neighbourhoods
More housing, more choice
Infill adds housing options — in this case, townhouses — to established areas, giving buyers who want to live in a mature, desirable neighbourhood more ways in, often at a different price point than the area's detached homes.
Ground-oriented homes people want
Townhouses with garages and outdoor space are a sought-after "missing middle" product — more space and a house-like feel compared to condos, at a more attainable price than detached homes. This form suits many families and downsizers.
Gradual neighbourhood change
Infill brings gradual change to established streets — a bit more density, new residents, and evolving streetscapes. For most neighbourhoods, gentle density integrates without dramatically altering character, though nearby homeowners do experience the change. Perspectives on infill vary, and that's understandable.
A sign of neighbourhood desirability
Infill tends to happen in desirable, established areas where there's demand to live — so it can be a signal of a neighbourhood's continued appeal.
What It Means for Buyers
For buyers, small infill townhome projects like this offer a way into established, desirable neighbourhoods — often with new-build features (like modern layouts, garages, and rooftop space) in a location with mature amenities. If you're drawn to a specific established area but find detached homes out of reach, ground-oriented infill townhomes can be an appealing middle path. Understanding these opportunities as they emerge is valuable.
Michael John Lau, one of Markham's leading REALTORS®, helps buyers understand all the ways into Markham's neighbourhoods — from infill townhomes to established resale homes to new communities. If you're looking for the right home in an established Markham area, let's talk about the full range of options, including gentle-density opportunities like this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find Your Way Into an Established Neighbourhood
Michael John Lau, REALTOR® CPA, CMA, helps buyers understand every way into Markham's neighbourhoods — infill, resale, and new. Let's talk about your options.
Michael John Lau is a licensed REALTOR® and CPA/CMA at Kaizen Real Estate (eXp Realty), Licence #4784577, serving Markham and York Region. Council approved Official Plan and zoning amendments for this project, but final amendments still return to Council; details are subject to change and not guaranteed. Figures are based on public reporting. Not intended to solicit clients currently under contract with another brokerage.
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