Markham Issues Extreme Heat Alert - Urges Residents to Stay Cool

Markham has issued an extreme heat alert because of high temperatures and increased humidity. The Town encourages residents to stay cool in our community centres which are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and at our libraries. The Markham heat alert is in effect immediately and until 6 a.m. on Friday, September 3, 2010. Read more »

Markham Wins Provincial Award for Library Classification System
P.J. Marshall Award recognizes leadership and innovation

At the 2010 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference on Wednesday, August 18, Markham was honoured with the 2010 Peter J. Marshall Municipal Innovation Award for its C3™ - Customer Centred Classification library system. Read more »

Unionville Now Primary Address for Ward 3 Residents
Markham Council resolution reinstates village as primary address

Effective today, Canada Post will list Unionville as the primary address for Markham residents who reside in Ward 3. Read more »

Markham Offers Lowest Multi-Residential Tax Rate in GTA
Two-Year Tax Rate Freeze Provides Relief for Markham Residents and Businesses

An independent report published on July 14, 2010 outlining residential tax rates in the GTA shows Markham continues to offer the lowest multi-residential tax rate among twenty-six municipalities. Read more »

Markham Kicks-off Doors Open Event
Unique heritage sites open to residents for one-day-only event

On Saturday, August 14, Markham will celebrate its upcoming annual Doors Open event with a kick-off ceremony at the Markham Village Farmers Market . Read more »

MARKHAM Pledges to 'Unplug' on August 11, 2010
Calling on residents and businesses to take the Power Pledge

Markham has announced that it will be participating in the upcoming Power Pledge Community Challenge Day on August 11. Read more »

Markham Offers Condolences to Families Impacted by Recent Pakistani Plane Crash

On Wednesday, July 28, a Pakistani passenger jet carrying 146 passengers and six crew members, crashed in the Margalla Hills area just north of Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital. Read more »

Markham Recycling Powered by the Sun
Use of High-tech Solar Containers for Public Space Recycling a North-American First

Markham has taken another significant step towards achieving its goal of being a zero waste community by installing BigBelly Solar compactors for recycling at select public spaces throughout the Town. Read more »

Study Reveals New Canadians at Higher Risk for Drowning
Markham Takes Action on Report Findings

Markham is taking action on the results from a new study commissioned by the Lifesaving Society, a charitable organization working to prevent drowning. The study shows that “new Canadians” – particularly those who have been living in Canada for less than five years – are at higher risk for drowning when boating and swimming.
Read more »

Markham Launches Diversity Action Plan

Markham Mayor and Council, the Hon. Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture, and community representatives celebrated the launch of Markham's much anticipated Diversity Action Plan today. Read more »

Markham Issues Extreme Heat Alert - Urges Residents to Stay Cool

Markham has issued an extreme heat alert because of high temperatures and increased humidity. As a result, the Town has expanded the hours of operation at its outdoor pools. The Town encourages residents to stay cool in our community centres which are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Markham heat alert is in effect immediately and until 6 p.m. on Friday, July 9, 2010. Read more »

Markham Acquires Land for Major Sports Park

Markham has acquired a 101-acre property in the northwest part of the community for a new multi-use sports park. The property at 11093 Warden Avenue, north of Elgin Mills Road, represents the largest single expenditure for land acquisition in Markham’s history. Read more »

Markham Encourages Support of Markham Food Bank Drive
Canada Day Celebration Marks Beginning of Food Drive Effort to Support Approximately 1,000 Residents

In order to help our 1,000 plus neighbours in need, Markham is encouraging residents to support the Markham Food Bank (MFB). To kick start this latest food drive, you are invited to bring one non-perishable food item to Markham’s Canada Day Celebrations. Read more »

200th Anniversary Parade - Markham Celebrates Cavalry Tradition
Governor General's Horse Guards Celebrate June 12 at Markham Museum

Come celebrate at the 200th Anniversary Parade of Cavalry Tradition in Markham with the Governor General's Horse Guards (GGHG) on Saturday, June 12. There's free admission and parking at Markham Museum with a day of fun for the whole family. Read more »

Markham’s Emergency Officials Respond to Aircraft Accident

Today, Markham's management and emergency officials implemented the Town's response plan to handle an aircraft accident in the area of Buttonville Airport (16th Avenue and Woodbine Ave.) at 8885 Woodbine Avenue. Read more »

Markham Releases Visionary Leisure Master Plan
Council unanimously Approves 10-year plan for sustainable leisure, learning, sport and cultural opportunities

Markham Council unanimously endorsed a visionary Integrated Leisure Master Plan (ILMP) that will prioritize the needs of the community for the next 10 years for parks, recreation, culture and library services and facilities. In all, the 205 recommendations in the Plan serve as a roadmap for improving Markham’s facilities, programs, and services to reflect our community’s diverse and changing needs. Read more »

Markham Stands Up to Resolve Care for OSPCA Animals
Town offers support for relocation, care and adoption of Newmarket animals

today Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Council members and staff offered to provide financial assistance and the necessary resources to assist with the immediate relocation and care for all animals at the Newmarket OSPCA facility. Read more »

Markham Council Asks Province to Intervene in OSPCA situation

Markham Council has passed a motion and written to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) asking them to become involved in recent actions at the York Region branch of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) shelter in Newmarket. Read more »

Markham Miracle Surpasses Fundraising Goal
Donates $300,000 To Help Rebuild A Village in Haiti

The community-driven Markham Miracle fundraising campaign has raised $300,000, which will be put towards rebuilding an entire village in Haiti. Read more »

Construction Kicks Off For New Soccer Field and Seasonal Dome in Markham

The Town of Markham held an official ceremony today to break ground on construction for major improvements and additions to the St. Robert Catholic High School soccer field. Read more »

Markham Expresses Condolences, Remembers the Contributions of Former Regional Councillor Bud Bonner

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Members of Council express their deepest sympathies to the family of former Markham Regional Councillor Arthur 'Bud' Bonner, who died peacefully on February 27, 2010. Read more »

Markham Public Library Wins 2009 Innovation Award
C3™ – Customer Centred Classification System Makes Libraries Easier to Use

On February 25, 2010, at the Ontario Public Library Conference Awards ceremony, Markham Public Library received the Minister’s Award for Innovation for its C3™ – Customer Centred Classification initiative. Read more »

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti Congratulates Ontario Government for AMD Funding
$56M funding creates next generation of jobs and economic growth

Markham-based high-tech leader, Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD), was awarded a five-year grant of $56.4 million to fund research and development (R & D) activities for the development of its leading edge AMD Fusion family of processors, related software infrastructure and integrated computing platforms. Read more »

Markham Museum "Digs" New Archaeology Lab

Join Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Members of Council for the opening of a unique new archaeology lab at the Markham Museum. Read more »

The Markham Miracle – Helping Build Haiti's Future
Markham, community partners and Free The Children to help Haiti reconstruction

Markham is partnering with community organizations and Free The Children to raise funds to help Haiti's reconstruction efforts, following the devastating earthquake on January 12. Read more »

Markham Appoints New Treasurer

Mayor Frank Scarpitti is pleased to announce that Markham Council has appointed Joel Lustig as Treasurer. Read more »

Markham Celebrates Start of New Community Projects

Markham today celebrated a number of projects that will improve local municipal and recreation facilities, including a new artificial ice rink facility that will be the largest in the GTA. Paul Calandra, MP for Oak Ridges; Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and MPP for Markham-Unionville; and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, were pleased to recognize these important infrastructure projects underway in the community. Read more »

Markham Offers Support and Condolences To Haiti Citizens

"Markham offers its deepest condolences to the citizens of Haiti who have been affected by this terrible tragedy. Earthquakes of this nature have a devastating impact and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Haiti. Markham will be investigating how we can best support the relief efforts," said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "I encourage everyone to do everything possible to help the residents of Haiti start to recover from this disaster."Read more »

World Junior Hockey Champion Cody Hodgson Selected As Markham’s Olympic Torch Bearer

With one week to go before the Olympic Flame arrives in Markham, Mayor Frank Scarpitti announced that local hockey star Cody Hodgson has been chosen to carry the Torch on stage for the cauldron-lighting ceremony at Markham’s community celebration on December 17, 2009. Read more »

Markham Set for Second Year of Zero Tax Rate in 2010
Council approves 2010 budget with no tax rate increase

Markham Council has approved its 2010 Budget with no tax rate increase for a second consecutive year.

Markham was the only GTA municipality to achieve a zero tax rate in 2009, attributing its success in savings to an extensive program to find efficiencies in its operations and future business practices. Council and staff continued the Excellence through Efficiency and Effectiveness program (E3) in 2009 with a continued focus on how municipal business operations and services could be improved and more cost effective.
Read more »

Ward 3 Residents Reminded to Vote in Upcoming By-election
Markham makes process quicker, more accessible, and environmentally friendly

Eligible voters in Markham's Ward 3 are being reminded to vote in the upcoming local councillor by-election. Voting Day is set for Monday, November 23, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at various locations. Advance voting will be held on Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Varley Art Gallery, 216 Main Street Unionville. Residents are asked to consider walking or cycling to their voting place, to reduce parking congestion and help the environment. Read more »

Markham's Waterworks a Leader in Drinking Water
Among first to receive provincial Quality Management System Accreditation

Markham is one of the first municipalities to achieve an important milestone in the management and delivery of safe municipal drinking water. In August 2009, Markham's Waterworks received the Quality Management System (QMS) accreditation from the Province of Ontario's accreditation body, making it a leader in providing a safe drinking water system for its residents. Read more »

Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Regional Chair Bill Fisch Announce H1N1 Immunization Clinic for Markham

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Region of York Chair Bill Fisch announced today that Markham will have H1N1 immunization services beginning Monday, November 2.
Read more »

Markham's Ward 3 Voters Encouraged to Check Voters' List

Eligible voters in Markham’s Ward 3 should make sure they are on the Voters’ List for the upcoming local Councillor by-election. Ward 3 is bordered by 16th Avenue in the north, Hwy 407 in the south, McCowan Road in the east and Warden Avenue in the west. Read more »

Markham Receives Gas Tax Award from AMO
Markham District Energy project reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 50%

Pat Vanini, Executive Director of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) presented the AMO Federal Gas Tax Award to Markham Council, at its September 29 meeting, for Markham’s district energy system that links all buildings in vibrant Markham Centre. The award recognizes projects demonstrating excellent use of the Federal Gas Tax Funding and exemplifying its environmental and sustainability objectives.
Read more »

The Town of Markham Supports Solar Water Heating

The Town of Markham today announced its goal to implement 500 solar water heating systems through the Solar Water Heating Program, launched by Bullfrog Power, together with Enbridge Gas Distribution, EnerWorks, and the Government of Canada. Solar water heaters will enable Markham homeowners to reduce their energy costs and environmental impact by harnessing the sun's energy to heat their water. Read more »

Markham Receives Peter J. Marshall Award
Recognized For Leadership In Zero Waste Initiatives

Markham has been presented with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario's (AMO) Peter J. Marshall Certificate of Merit for its leadership in waste management, including two key Zero Waste initiatives that are significantly reducing waste at municipal facilities and community events. Read more »

Celebrating 25 Years – Family Fun at Markham Museum's Applefest

Celebrate fall harvest at the 25th Annual Applefest - Markham Museum's largest family event of the year. Read more »

Ward 3 By-election Called by Markham Council
Councillor Joseph Virgilio Appointed to Vacant Regional Councillor Seat

At the September 15, 2009 Council meeting, Members of Markham Council appointed Ward 3 Councillor Joseph Virgilio to the Regional Councillor seat left vacant as a result of the passing of Regional Councillor Tony C. Wong. Read more »

Markham's General Committee Makes Recommendations on Filling Vacant Regional Councillor Seat

At the Monday, September 14, 2009 meeting of Markham's General Committee, a staff report outlining the options for filling the Regional Councillor seat left vacant by the passing of Regional Councillor Tony C. Wong in June 2009 was reviewed and discussed. Read more »

Markham’s Award-Winning Heritage Treasures Open to Residents
Doors Open Markham ~ August 29

Doors Open Markham, an annual showcase of the community’s historical and architectural treasures, takes place this Saturday, August 29, at locations throughout Markham. Read more »

Markham Appoints New Director for Varley Art Gallery

Francine Périnet joins the Varley Art Gallery of Markham Read more »

Markham Counts Itself in for Conservation Challenge

Calls on all residents to compete and conserve on August 14 Read more »

Markham Museum Constructing New Collections Building

Investing in our community’s heritage Read more »

Markham"s Tax Rates Among Lowest in the GTA
Markham achieves lowest Industrial Tax Rate in GTA

A comparison of municipal tax rates in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) shows that Markham’s rates are among the lowest. Read more »

Markham Welcomes Mike Zigomanis and The Stanley Cup

Join Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Members of Council, and Mike Zigomanis from the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins for a photo opportunity with the Cup. Read more »

Markham Releases 2008 Annual Report

Markham's 2008 Annual Report, Markham: Adding Value in the New Economy, which positions Markham as a leading community in Canada, has been released. Read more »

Markham's New Summer Drop-In Program a Success
Unique Program Reaches Capacity In First Week

A partnership between the Town of Markham, the York Region District School Board and Cedarwood Public School is providing a safe environment for children to learn, play and stay active throughout the summer. Read more »

Markham Bylaw Upheld at Ontario Municipal Board

The appeal of an application denying an official plan amendment and rezoning of the property at 161 Main Street, Unionville, has been dismissed by the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). Read more »

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti joined Hon. Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas); Paul Calandra, MP for Oak Ridges-Markham; Hon. Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and MPP for Markham Unionville; and Helena Jaczek, MPP for Oak Ridges-Markham, to announce that Markham has received over $5.5M in grants under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada and Recreation Ontario programs. The Town of Markham will match these grants for a combined total investment of $8.3M. Read more »

The Town of Markham is pleased to announce the appointment of Dave Decker and Phil Alexander as Deputy Fire Chiefs, effective immediately. Read more »

At the June 23 Council meeting, Markham Councillors held a special ceremony to commemorate the incredible dedication, spirit and commitment of Regional Councillor Tony C. Wong, who passed away last week. Read more »

Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Markham Council recognized the winners of the Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame awards, now in its twelfth year, at the June 23 Markham Council meeting. Read more »

Markham Regional Councillor Tony C. Wong, known for his personal and political dedication to community service, has died after an extended illness. Mr. Wong's family informed the Town of Markham of his passing on June 17. Read more »

Hon. Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas), MP Paul Calandra, Hon. Michael Chan, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, MPP Helena Jaczek and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti announced today Markham has received $8.8M in grants through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The governments of Canada, Ontario and Markham will each contribute $4.4M in funds as part of the conditions of the provincial-federal stimulus program. The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is a part of the Building Canada Fund initiative and reflects the continuing work and financial partnership among the three levels of government to invest in municipal infrastructure. Read more »

Markham today announced at the 2009 Smog Summit its proposed plan to work with Enbridge Gas Distribution and York University on an innovative partnership that will see up to 500 homes equipped with rooftop solar thermal systems. Residents participating in the pilot program will use solar collectors, panels that resemble roof-top skylights, to harness the sun's energy. The solar panels provide a clean and cost effective way to reduce water heating costs up to 60 per cent. Read more »

Markham has been recognized as an Energy Champion by the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association (ORFA) for its community centre energy conservation program. Read more »

The Town of Markham has appointed Eric Lariviere as the new Manager of the Markham Theatre for Performing Arts. Read more »

The new Sheppard East LRT, "is good news for Markham, Scarborough and North York and an excellent example of government partnership on critical infrastructure programs," said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "The current economy is a call to action for all levels of government and business to work together, and the LRT expansion is an excellent example of how to make this work." Read more »

Markham wants everyone to take the pledge and conserve energy. Be part of Energy Conservation Week. Take the Count Me In! pledge and create your own personal conservation plan. Read more »

Markham's Auditor General presented her first report to Members of Council yesterday on the Procurement Process. Read more »

Markham is asking residents to take the necessary steps to be prepared for an emergency or disaster, as we mark national Emergency Preparedness (EP) Week – May 3 to 9. Read more »

Markham has been a leader in eliminating the non-essential use of pesticides, with the Town not spraying pesticides on either its parks or its sportsfields for more than 15 years. Markham Council passed a bylaw banning Town-wide use of cosmetic pesticides in 2007, and initiated a supporting enforcement and information campaign in 2008. Read more »

Minister of Energy and Infrastructure George Smitherman and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti started the engines today on a new five megawatt heat and power facility as part of Markham’s District Energy System. Read more »

Starting and running a business in the Town of Markham just became easier thanks to BizPaL, a free, online business permit and licence service that saves time and helps entrepreneurs start up faster. Read more »

The Town of Markham has appointed John Ryerson as the Town's first Director of Culture. Mr. Ryerson served as acting Director of Culture and the Varley Art Gallery Director during the last two years and led a new cultural development program.
Read more »

Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Council Members extend their thoughts and prayers to the residents of L'Aquila and the Abruzzo region impacted by the earthquake in Italy. Over 260 lives have been lost and thousands injured as a result of a devastating earthquake earlier this week. Read more »

Following an extensive national search, William (Bill) Snowball has been appointed Fire Chief for the Town of Markham. Bill Snowball has been a Deputy Fire Chief in Markham since 2002 and has been Acting Fire Chief for several months on two occasions during the past two years. He assumes his new role immediately. Read more »

Markham’s economic competitiveness strategy, Markham 2020, took top honours at the Ontario Economic Development Awards ceremony this month. Read more »

Town of Markham receives Lieutenant Governor's award
The award recognizes communities for exemplary leadership in heritage conservation and promotion.

News release from Ontario Heritage Trust  Read more 

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Council approved the 2009 Capital and Operating Budget at the February 10 Council meeting. The budget brings in a zero per cent tax increase and holds the line on Markham’s tax rate for homeowners. Read more »

Enjoy winter carnival fun at the Markham Museum on February 16. The Family Day celebration begins with a pancake breakfast. Complete the day with one or more of the many activities including: skating; snowshoeing; building a snow man, or an ice fort; snow painting; snowball target practice; maple toffee demonstrations or winter arts and crafts. Read more »

Three Markham students and schools were recognized today for their top-notch submissions and participation in the Quest for the Best Markham contest. Read more »

As part of Markham’s strategic direction, Building Markham’s Future Together, residents are invited to participate in a series of public information meetings to learn about and discuss Markham’s priorities. Read more »

A winter wonderland from the pages of a fairytale comes to life at Toogood Pond and the Varley Art Gallery in Markham the weekend of February 14-16. This is the fourth public art project organized and presented by the Markham Public Art Advisory Committee. Read more »

Markham's annual Tony Roman Memorial Tournament, starts with an official puck drop at Thornhill Community Centre on Saturday, January 10 and runs to Sunday, January 18. Read more »