Blog > Markham Municipal Election 2026: Housing Platforms Explained
Markham's final voting day is Monday, October 26, 2026. Online voting runs until 8 p.m. that day, and in-person voting runs October 23 to 26 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at any voting place in Markham. Three candidates are running for mayor: Frank Scarpitti (incumbent), Stephen Edgell and Martin Ross. Housing issues in this election include four units per lot, the Housing Accelerator Fund, property taxes, development charges and the Yonge North Subway. This guide summarizes what each mayoral candidate has said or done on housing, without endorsing anyone.
Municipal elections decide many of the things that shape a home's value and a neighbourhood's future: what can be built on a street, how fast permits move, how much property tax goes up, and where transit goes.
This is a non-partisan summary. It uses each candidate's own published words, or their public record, and notes clearly where no platform was found. Please read the candidates' full materials before you vote.
Michael John Lau is one of Markham's top real estate agents, with 430+ homes sold, a 5.0 rating across 81 Google reviews, and eXp ICON Agent awards in 2024 and 2025. He follows Markham's housing policy closely because it affects every buyer and seller he works with. This guide takes no side and endorses no candidate.
| Election detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Final voting day | Monday, October 26, 2026 |
| Online voting | Oct 16 at 10 a.m. to Oct 26 at 8 p.m. |
| In-person voting | Oct 23 to 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., any voting place in Markham |
| Who can vote | 18+, Canadian citizen, Markham resident, owner or tenant (or their spouse), on the voters' list |
| Check registration | markham.voterservices.ca, or at any voting place |
| Questions | 905-477-7000 ext. 8683, vote@markham.ca |
| Seats | Mayor, 4 regional councillors, 8 ward councillors |
Key takeaways
- Final voting day: Monday, October 26, 2026. Online voting closes at 8 p.m.
- In-person voting: October 23 to 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at any Markham voting place.
- Mayoral candidates: Frank Scarpitti (incumbent), Stephen Edgell, Martin Ross.
- Council: 1 mayor, 4 regional councillors and 8 ward councillors.
- Key housing issues: four units per lot, the Housing Accelerator Fund, property taxes and development charges.
What housing issues are on the ballot?
- Four units per lot: Markham council approved allowing up to four units on most residential lots. On March 12, 2026, the mayor used strong mayor powers to veto that decision, citing concerns about transportation and parking. Council can override a veto with a two-thirds vote; no override has been reported.
- Housing Accelerator Fund: Markham received a $58.8 million federal agreement in 2024. In April 2026, CMHC found Markham non-compliant and reduced its third payment by half, about $7.36 million.
- Housing target: Markham pledged to help deliver 44,000 new homes by 2031.
- Property taxes: the 2026 budget raised the City's tax rate by 3.90%, about $54.99 for an average home.
- Strong mayor powers: Markham's mayor has held them since July 1, 2023, including proposing the budget.
- Transit: the Yonge North Subway Extension is under construction, with tunnelling planned for early 2027.
Frank Scarpitti (incumbent): record on housing
We did not find a published campaign platform for Mr. Scarpitti, so this summary reflects his public record as mayor:
- Vetoed council's four-units-per-lot decision in March 2026, citing effects on transportation networks and parking, and noting that Markham already plans for large growth in designated areas.
- Said any provincial cut to development charges must be fully matched by provincial or federal funding so property taxpayers are not affected.
- Welcomed the full HST rebate on new homes up to $1 million.
- As chair of York Region Rapid Transit Corporation, has called for extending the Highway 7 rapid bus to Cornell.
- Tabled the 2026 budget with a 3.90% City tax increase.
Stephen Edgell: stated housing positions
From Mr. Edgell's campaign writing:
- Supports more "missing middle" housing, such as walk-up apartments, duplexes, triplexes, basement suites and low-rises.
- Proposes waiving development fees for individuals adding units to their own lot.
- Says neighbourhoods should be allowed to change gradually, without sudden towers in low-rise areas.
- Favours faster permits, such as pre-approved designs, and infill over sprawl.
- Wants to keep tax increases reasonable and supports more frequent bus service.
Martin Ross: stated housing positions
From Mr. Ross's campaign website:
- Describes himself as pro-resident development: infrastructure first, approvals in the open, and the same rules for everyone.
- Pledges a public log of variances, exemptions and special permissions.
- Proposes bringing a fuller range of pre-approved garden suite designs and faster approvals to Markham, in a draft ideas section.
- Lists a two-year property tax freeze as a homepage heading; the detailed platform page we reviewed focuses on a council pay freeze, so voters may want to confirm the details with the campaign.
Housing positions at a glance
| Issue | Scarpitti (record) | Edgell | Ross |
|---|---|---|---|
| More units on existing lots | Vetoed four units per lot (Mar 2026) | Supports missing middle and suites | Supports faster garden suite approvals |
| Property tax | Tabled 3.90% for 2026 | Keep increases reasonable | Tax freeze heading; details to confirm |
| Development fees | Cuts must be fully funded | Waive fees for owners adding units | No position found |
| Approvals | No platform found | Faster permits, pre-approved designs | Public log of variances and exemptions |
Summaries are based on candidates' own published materials and public records as of October 23, 2026. Read each candidate's full materials before voting.
Why municipal elections matter to homeowners
Council decisions shape what can be built next door, how much your property tax rises, how quickly a basement suite gets approved and where transit and parks go. Those decisions affect both daily life and long-term home values.
Learn more in our guides to Markham 2026 property tax, the Yonge North Subway and multi-generational homes and suites.
This article is for information only and does not endorse any candidate. It was not authorized by any candidate or campaign.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Markham municipal election 2026?
The final voting day is Monday, October 26, 2026. Online voting opened October 16 and closes at 8 p.m. on October 26. In-person voting runs October 23 to 26 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Who is running for mayor of Markham in 2026?
Three candidates: Frank Scarpitti (incumbent), Stephen Edgell and Martin Ross.
Where can I vote in Markham?
You can vote online until 8 p.m. on October 26, or in person at any voting place in Markham from October 23 to 26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
How do I check if I am on the Markham voters' list?
Check online at markham.voterservices.ca, or update your information at any voting place. You can also call 905-477-7000 ext. 8683.
What happened with fourplexes in Markham?
Council approved allowing up to four units on most residential lots, and on March 12, 2026 the mayor used strong mayor powers to veto that decision. No council override has been reported.
Does Markham's mayor have strong mayor powers?
Yes. Markham's mayor has held strong mayor powers since July 1, 2023, including proposing the budget and vetoing certain by-laws, which council can override by a two-thirds vote.
Talk to a Markham REALTOR® who knows these streets
Questions about how local decisions could affect your home? Michael John Lau is happy to talk through what the changes mean for your street.
Call (416) 700-0286Free home evaluationKeep reading
Sources
- City of Markham: Ways to vote
- City of Markham: Important dates
- City of Markham: Who's running
- Global News: Markham mayor vetoes fourplex decision
- Toronto Life: Markham's mayor used strong mayor powers
- CMHC: Update on Housing Accelerator Fund agreements (April 2026)
- City of Markham: 44,000 homes housing pledge
- Markham Review: Mayor's statement on provincial budget
- Stephen Edgell campaign: Together we can do better
- Martin Ross campaign: Platform
- Markham Review: Budget 2026 presentation
Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of October 23, 2026 and may change. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.
