Plans are moving forward for the first phase of a larger community at 455 Ferrier Street in Markham, where a 33-story mixed-use rental tower is planned as part of the future Saint Mark’s Coptic Canadian Village. The BDP Quadrangle for St. Mark’s Koinonia Housing Corp. The proposed development would add new density to the properties anchored by the existing Coptic Orthodox St. Mark’s Cathedral, while providing the framework for future phases of redevelopment. The location is north of Steeles Avenue East and west of the emerging Milliken GO Station area.
Looking west at 455 Ferrier Street (Phase 1), designed by BDP Quadrangle for St Mark’s Koinonia Housing Corp
The development site covers approximately 4,816 square meters and is located in the northeast corner of a larger site bounded by Acadia Avenue to the north and east, Ferrier Street to the west and Steeles Avenue East to the south. The site is currently home to the Coptic Orthodox St. Mark’s Cathedral, surrounded by an extensive parking lot that serves as a religious and community facility. Phase 1 would redevelop some of this underused parking space, replacing approximately 109 parking spaces, while preserving the cathedral and its broader campus. The surrounding area is characterized by a mix of low-rise commercial and residential areas, with a more suburban style of construction typical of this peripheral location between Markham and Toronto.
Looking southwest at the current location. The image was retrieved from Google Maps
The proposal represents the first step in the master plan, which envisages a gradual transformation of the cathedral’s surrounding areas over time. While the long-term concept calls for the renovation of the extensive parking areas, the existing Coptic Orthodox St. Mark’s Cathedral remains a central anchor on the site. Currently, only Phase 1 is progressing, with no defined timeline or program set for subsequent phases.
Phase 1 and conceptual future plans designed by BDP Quadrangle for St Mark’s Koinonia Housing Corp
Phase 1 would see the construction of a 33-storey tower, 112.25m high, in the north-east corner of the site, complemented by an internal private road network. The proposal retains the existing north-south and east-west private streets to connect to Acadia Avenue.
Looking southwest at 455 Ferrier Street (Phase 1), designed by BDP Quadrangle for St Mark’s Koinonia Housing Corp
The development would create 425 purpose-built rental units on a gross floor area of 33,140 m², including approximately 33,280 m² of residential space and 1,006 m² of ground floor retail space. The unit mix would focus on smaller formats, with 348 one-bedroom suites and 77 two-bedroom suites, including 156 affordable rental units as well as 269 market rate units. Four elevators are proposed, which is approximately one elevator for every 106 units.
Parking and service would be located underground in a two-story underground garage. A total of 446 vehicle parking spaces are planned, of which 340 are for residents and 106 for visitors, as well as 278 bicycle parking spaces, divided into 221 long-term and 57 short-term parking spaces.
Ground floor plan designed by BDP Quadrangle for St Mark’s Koinonia Housing Corp
TTC east-west buses run regularly on Steeles Avenue East, just steps from the development, while north-south buses run along Warden Avenue, one block east. These services connect Finch and Warden stations in around 35 minutes each, while Milliken GO station is around 15 minutes away by bus. Looking forward, planned investments such as a Bus Rapid Transit corridor along Steeles Avenue and the Yonge Line 1 North Subway Extension are expected to further improve connectivity. There is currently a lack of dedicated cycling infrastructure in the surrounding road network, meaning cyclists have to share lanes with car traffic.
A map of the site and surrounding area, image from submission to the City of Markham
Development activity in the immediate area remains limited. However, a more concentrated wave of intensification is emerging further east around the Milliken GO Station corridor. Proposals in the area include two 22- and 25-story buildings at 4631 Steeles Avenue East, a four-tower project at 3447 Kennedy Road with 35 stories, and the larger Milliken Transit-Oriented Community, which calls for 12 towers ranging from 25 to 50 stories.
UrbanToronto will continue to monitor the progress of this development, but in the meantime you can learn more in our database file linked below. If you’d like, you can join the discussion in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the designated area on this page.
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