Markham By-law 2017-27, s. 8.5 — Keep Markham Beautiful (Maintenance) By-law

The Owner of a Vacant Heritage Property shall ensure that the following security measures are taken with respect to the building or structure:

• a) lock all doors and windows and ensure on-going maintenance;
• b) install and maintain an exterior lighting fixture on a timer in an area adjacent to the front entrance to enhance the safety and security of the building;
• c) close all basement hatches, openings, walkways and windows; By-law 2017-27
• d) remove ladders, tools, equipment and other materials that might be used to gain interior access;
• e) remove rubbish, garbage, flammable and other hazardous materials, parts of vehicles and other equipment, discarded furniture, appliances, machinery and debris from inside buildings and structures and, from around the property;
• f) all floors above the first floor must be rendered inaccessible to entry by raising fire escapes and ladders to a height of at least four meters, and by removing or cladding towers that may be used to access the Vacant Heritage Property;
• g) significant trees, plantings, grass, lawns, flower beds, hedgerows, ivy, bushes, vines and other vegetation on grounds surrounding Vacant Heritage Properties and other resources shall be maintained and protected at all times in accordance with all relevant City By-laws;
• h) chain-off driveways and all other direct means of vehicular access to the property, while still permitting authorized vehicular and emergency vehicular access when necessary; chains should be no greater than 10mm (3/8 inch) in diameter and of a grade 30 or comparable;
• i) temporary metal security fencing may be required around the perimeter of

a Vacant Heritage Property. The fence shall be 2 metres in height above grade, equipped with a horizontal top rail. The temporary fence shall be erected and securely anchored and maintained at all times with all gates locked with appropriate high security pad locks. Barbed wire (minimum of two strands) shall be installed along the perimeter of each fence, projecting inward toward the area that is enclosed by the fence;

• j) advise the Markham Fire Department, Markham By-Law Enforcement Department, York Regional Police and the Manager, Heritage Planning that the building is vacant and boarded;
• k) inspect the property and the building on a monthly basis.