Housing
Will I be able to afford to live here?
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Ritch Lau
Candidate for Ward 2 Councillor
Elected (official result)
In their own words
This candidate hasn’t listed a campaign website or social account with the Town. That says nothing about them as a candidate — it just means less of their material is published online for us to summarise.
Where they stand
Every candidate in this race is shown against the same 16 issues, in the same order, whether or not we’ve found something for each one. Why we do it this way.
Taxes & spending
What happens to my tax bill, and where does the money go?
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Emergency services
When I call for help, will it come fast enough?
Pledges safer neighbourhoods and advocacy for a future Community Centre
- Safer neighbourhoods
- Strong advocacy for a future Community Centre
- Efficient, accountable, responsive casework
Show their words & sourceHide (a few sentences)
“safer neighbourhoods, efficient, accountable, and responsive casework for residents, and strong advocacy for a future Community Centre”
Source: Ritch Lau campaign website
Confidence:High
Transit
Can I get where I need to go without driving?
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Government
Will decisions be made in the open, and will anyone answer for them?
Asks supporters to keep Ward 2 strong, safe and connected
- Call to join Team Ritch
- Keep Ward 2 strong, safe, and connected
Show their words & sourceHide (a few sentences)
“Join Team Ritch and help keep Ward 2 strong, safe, and connected.”
Source: Ritch Lau campaign website
Confidence:High
Roads & infrastructure
Will the things I use every day actually get fixed?
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Economy
Will our main streets and local jobs thrive?
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Environment
Is the candidate protecting the nature we live in?
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Healthcare
Will there be a doctor and a hospital when we need one?
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Growth & development
How fast should we grow, and who decides what gets built where?
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Social & community services
Who looks after the most vulnerable residents?
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Active transportation
Can I walk and bike safely around town?
This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.
Lau points to a first-term road-safety record and backs evidence-based traffic calming near schools.
- In the Markham Cycles questionnaire's road-safety question, Lau cites securing speed radars, traffic calming and a lower speed limit along Woodbine Bypass near Nokiida Public School in his first term, and commits to evidence-based traffic calming, safer crossings and appropriate speed limits, particularly near schools.
“Road safety has been a priority throughout my first term. After hearing concerns from local parents, I worked directly with York Region Transportation to secure additional speed radars, traffic calming measures, and a lower speed limit along Woodbine Bypass near Nokiida Public School. During Markham's Vision Zero workshops, I also advocated for considering roundabouts as alternatives to traditional all-way stops at suitable local intersections. I will continue supporting evidence-based traffic calming, safer crossings, appropriate speed limits, and intersection improvements, particularly near schools and residential neighbourhoods.”
(several paragraphs)
Source: Ritch Lau — Ward 2 Councillor candidate (Markham Cycles questionnaire) · October 9, 2026
Confidence:High
Lau supports the Active Transportation Master Plan and cites first-term votes for cycling infrastructure.
- In the Markham Cycles questionnaire's ATMP question, Lau — a member of Markham's Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee — says he voted for dedicated cycling infrastructure including the Victoria Square Boulevard reconstruction and Elgin Mills widening, and will keep supporting the Master Plan through responsible capital investments.
“Yes. As a member of Markham's Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (CPAC), I have actively participated in discussions on improving active transportation across our city. During my first term, I voted in favour of multiple initiatives supporting dedicated cycling infrastructure and multi-use pathways, including the Victoria Square Boulevard reconstruction and Elgin Mills widening projects. I will continue supporting the Master Plan through responsible capital investments, prioritizing projects that improve safety, connect existing routes, and provide practical transportation alternatives for residents.”
(several paragraphs)
Source: Ritch Lau — Ward 2 Councillor candidate (Markham Cycles questionnaire) · October 9, 2026
Confidence:High
Lau backs practical year-round maintenance standards for cycling and pedestrian routes.
- In the Markham Cycles questionnaire's maintenance question, Lau says he seconded an April 2025 motion to study expanding winter maintenance of park pathways connecting schools, community centres, transit and neighbourhoods, and supports practical year-round maintenance standards.
“Building cycling and pedestrian infrastructure is important, but keeping it safe and accessible year-round is equally essential. In April 2025, I seconded a motion endorsing CPAC's recommendation to study expanding winter maintenance of selected park pathways, particularly those connecting schools, community centres, transit, and neighbourhoods. I support establishing practical maintenance standards covering snow clearing, pavement conditions, debris removal, vegetation, and signage. Moving forward, I will continue advocating for improved year-round accessibility, prioritizing frequently used routes while considering operational feasibility and responsible use of taxpayers' money.”
(several paragraphs)
Source: Ritch Lau — Ward 2 Councillor candidate (Markham Cycles questionnaire) · October 9, 2026
Confidence:High
Arts & culture
Does the candidate value what makes this place feel alive?
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Data centres
Should energy-hungry data centres be welcomed here?
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Water & waste
Is our drinking water safe and our waste handled?
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Bylaw enforcement
Are the rules fair, and are they actually enforced?
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Think we got something wrong?
Candidates and members of the public can both report a correction. Every one is logged and answered, and corrections about a candidate’s own positions get priority.