Farmhouse preserved as a single residential unit on a double lot in a plan of subdivision

Farmhouse preserved as an end townhouse unit in a plan of subdivision  (house relocated by developer from Highway 407 onto development site)

Workers Cottage preserved as a bank managers office in new bank

Farmhouse in industrial area preserved as a day-care centre with compatible addition

19^th Century double house, preserved in affordable housing development

Markham Heritage Estates, a unique, specially designed 38 lot, heritage subdivision owned by the Town of Markham, is an innovative concept in heritage conservation.  In recognition of the inevitable conflict between the pressure for new development and the conservation of our heritage in a growing and developing municipality like Markham, Markham Heritage Estates functions as a subdivision of last resort for heritage buildings in the community that cannot under any circumstances be successfully retained on site.

While Markham is recognised as having the best record in the Greater Toronto Area of retaining heritage buildings within new developments, the Heritage Subdivision has proved to be useful in circumstances such as the construction of Highway 407, road widening, storm water management facilities, etc., where retention on site is not always feasible.

The Galloway House, built c.1858. On the move in 1995

As a result of the establishment of the Markham Heritage Estates Subdivision and stronger policies for retaining buildings in new developments, the threat of loss of significant heritage buildings in Markham has been virtually eliminated.  By requiring accurate restoration of heritage buildings, the Heritage Estates has contributed to the preservation of heritage buildings in other parts of the Town, by demonstrating to developers and the public in general, what can be achieved by restoring a heritage building. 

By requiring the completion of a period landscaping plan as part of the restoration, the Markham Heritage Estates has also helped to introduce a greater awareness of the importance of historical landscaping.

Heritage Estates Landscape Plan

In September 1997, after being threatened with demolition in its previous location in the Town of Richmond Hill (formerly part of old Markham Township), the Gapper Duncan House was relocated to the Markham Heritage Estates Subdivision and restored by Ron and Julie Christian.

The house was built in 1828 by Richard Gapper, a member of the Family Compact, an associate of Bishop Strachan and Sir Francis Bond Head and an active participant in opposing the Rebellion of 1837.  Early life in the house was documented in the published journals of Mary O’Brien, sister of Richard Colston Gapper.