Markham By-law 2017-27, s. 8.3 — Keep Markham Beautiful (Maintenance) By-law

The Owner of a Vacant Heritage Property shall protect such Property including any buildings or structures located thereon, and the Heritage Attributes of the Property against the risk of fire, storm, neglect, intentional damage or damage by other causes by effectively preventing the entrance of the elements, unauthorized persons or the infestation of pests by boarding up and securing any openings to the building of the Vacant Heritage Property including any buildings or structures located thereon. Securing shall include the following requirements:

• a) all boarding must be ½ inch S.P.F. (Spruce-Pine-Fir) exterior grade plywood (not particle board, fibreboard or other forms of board sheathing);
• b) boarding must be cut to completely and securely fit within all exterior structural openings;
• c) all boarding shall be maintained in good repair;
• d) all boarding shall be installed from the exterior in a manner that minimizes damage to the Heritage Attributes and building fabric and is reversible;
• e) all boarding shall be fastened using wood screws only. Screws must be at least #8 gauge, countersunk and not less than 3 inches in length. Each screw shall be spaced not more than 12 inches on centre around the entire perimeter of each plywood board;
• f) all boarding shall be fitted securely and in a watertight manner to fit within the side jambs, the head jamb and the exterior bottom sill of the door or window opening so the exterior trim and cladding remains By-law 2017-27 uncovered and undamaged by the boarding, so as not to be easily detached by hand;
• g) all boarding used on windows and door openings shall be painted using exterior grade paint in a colour to be selected in consultation with the Manager, Heritage Planning;
• h) all other boarding shall be painted using exterior grade paint in a colour that blends with the exterior of the building or structure;
• i) interior doors, except those in fire separations, should be fixed ajar at least 4 inches to allow air to circulate throughout in order to help prevent interior deterioration through excess humidity;
• j) where a structural opening is irregular in shape or unusually large, alternate security measures shall be required to adequately secure these openings, such as steel mesh screening, grills, security bars or cross- bracing over plywood;
• k) if the aforementioned measures prove insufficient to secure openings, additional augmentation measures shall be required, and may consist of the installation of steel mesh enclosures or steel panels over all boarded ground floor openings or such other more secure option as may be required by the Manager, Heritage Planning;
• l) no window, door or other opening shall be secured by brick, concrete blocking or masonry units held in place by mortar, unless approved by the Manager, Heritage Planning, and
• m) the exterior of the building, including eaves trough and downspouts, shall be maintained in order to prevent moisture penetration and damage from the elements that may have an adverse impact on the Heritage Attributes.