
Markham is a City with a long and strong history of volunteerism. The Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Award is presented to a nominee over 60 years of age who has made a unique and outstanding contribution to the Markham Community. Do you know a senior who has made an outstanding contribution to the Markham community? Help us show our appreciation – nominate him or her for this prestigious award!
To qualify the nominee must be:
- A Markham resident for a minimum of 10 years; and
- At least 60 years of age (as of January 1, 2017).
How to Apply
Download a 2017 nomination form [PDF] or pick one up at any Markham Seniors Centre and Clubs, major community centre, library or at the Markham Civic Centre.
Nomination Deadline
Friday, September 8, 2017 at 11:59 PM EST
See nomination form for details on how to submit completed forms.
More Information
Contact Laura Gold at 905-477-7000 extension 4930 or lgold@markham.ca.
Awards Presentation
19th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards (2017)
- Monday, October 2, 2017
- Markham Civic Centre – Council Chamber
- 101 Town Centre Boulevard
Previous Recipients: 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
18th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards (2016)
The 18th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards were celebrated at the Markham Civic Centre at a special ceremony in Council on September 26, 2016. Khalid Usman recieved this year's Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Award for his service and leadership in his community. Khalid has been an active member of Markham's Race Relations Committee for years, and became the driving force behind the "Many Faces of Markham" project that promotes mutual respect and rapport between vaiours communities. He has also served as the Chairman of York Region's Peace Tree initiative. Beyond his work in Markham, Khalid has made significant contributions to the international community, as one of the founding directors of the Canadian Federation of Intercultural friendship (CFIF).
View photos from the awards ceremony and reception
17th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards (2015)
Mayor’s Seniors Hall of Fame Award winners and nominees were honoured at a ceremony in Council Chamber at the Markham Civic Centre on October 1, 2015. John Webster received the 2015 Hall of Fame Award. Following in the footsteps of his ancestors, John has been active in many charitable and not-for-profit causes in Markham. As the Official Town Crier, John represents the City in competitions around the world. A member of the Optimist Club of Markham, John has volunteered with many community organizations and events over the years. He is also a chartered member of the renowned Markham Concert Band and has chaired both the Golden and Diamond Jubilee Committees.
Anne Nicholson and Ardy Reid received Meritorious Awards, and Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Javid Khan, Al Wallis and Dorothy Reesor.
View photos from the flag raising, award ceremony and reception

The 16th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards were celebrated at the Markham Civic Centre at a special ceremony in Council on October 1, 2014. Betty Bell received this year’s Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Award for her tireless work with the community. Betty devoted hours to raising funds for the Breast Health Centre at Markham-Stouffville Hospital and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. She has also been an active volunteer with the Celebration of Hope, the Raffle of Hope, the Culinary Classic Golf Tournament and many other charitable community events. In addition, Betty received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal Award in 2012.
The Meritorious Award recipients were Robert Stiver and Mary Lou Busato. Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Jean-Anne Dodge, Ashok Joshi, Carol Smith and Elaine Wilton.
View photos from the award ceremony and reception

The winners of the 15th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards were recognized at a special ceremony at the Markham Civic Centre on October 1 2013. This year’s recipient of the Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Award is Peter Mason. Carol Wong and Angela Morris are the recipients of the Meritorious Award, and Certificates of Appreciation are awarded to Barbara Taverner, Bruce Brown, Louise Mills.
View photos from the award ceremony and reception.

14th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards (2012)
Council extended congratulations to the recipients of the 2012 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards. The Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Award is presented to a nominee over 60 years of age who has made a unique and outstanding contribution to the Markham Community. This year’s recipient of the Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Award was Ms. Dorothy Gilbert.
Meritorious Award recipients included Mr. Ratilal Patel and Mr. Mashesh Chokshi. Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to Mr. Randolph Po, Mr. Paul Kearns and Mr. Hal Hill.

Photo: Mayor Frank Scarpitti and members of Council with the 2012 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame award recipient Dorothy Gilbert.
Listen to Gila Martow's (All Talk TV.com) interview with Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame 2012 Nomination Committee Member Tony Murphy and volunteers Enid Corbett, Gord Walter and Peter Miasek |
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13th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards (2011)
Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Markham Council recognized the winners of the 2011 Mayor’s Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame awards at its June 14th Council meeting.
Congratulations to Certificate of Appreciation winner Yash Kapur, Councillor David Rawcliffe (represented by Councillor Howard Shore); Meritorious Award winner Hilda Pearson; Hall of Fame Winner Joanne Olson (represented by Councillor Carolina Moretti) ; Meritorious Award winner Bill Crothers; Awards Committee Chair Raj Sethi; and Certificate of Appreciation winner Judi McIntyre.
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12th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards (2010)
For more than a decade, through the Mayor’s Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards, Markham honours those who make unique and outstanding contributions to our community. The 2010 award recipients were Clive Hylton, Jeanne Ker-Hornell, Tilley Murray, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Gladys Keeble, Sam Masson, Committee Chair Raj Sethi, and Bill Crothers.
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11th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards (2009)
The 2009 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame winner is Dennis Patchell. Mr. Patchell began the ‘Tabs for Chairs’ program. This now-world-wide program has collected more than 3.5 billion soft drink aluminum tabs, giving almost 200 people wheelchairs. It takes 17 million tabs to purchase one wheelchair. Mr. Patchell volunteers with the Salvation Army at Christmas time, and has collected food for the Markham Food Bank.
Congratulations to all the 2009 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Winners of Meritorious Awards and Certificates of Appreciation:
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10th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards (2008)
The 10th AnnualMayor's Seniors Hall of Fame winner is Margaret Bibby. Ms. Bibby (centre) started volunteering 70 years ago. She is most proud of her work with the Older Adults In Action group and her role as advocate for the visually handicapped. Margaret partnered with Shamser Singh, to create the Markham Mayor's Seniors Hall Of Fame.
Congratulations to all the 2008 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Winners of Meritorious Awards and Certificates of Appreciation: Herbert (Bert) Harris, John Milligan, Gordon (Gord) MacRae, Barbara Taverner, and Manickampillai Velauthapillai, for their unique and outstanding contribution to the Markham Community!.
Thank you to all who sent in nominations.
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9th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards (2007)
The 2007 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame winner is Lorne Smith. Mr. Smith, who is Markham's official historian,.started volunteering at the Markham Museum in 1970 and is involved with his church, school children, the Markham Fair, and the Pennsylvania German Folklore Society. Mr. Smith is a previous winner of the Markham's Achievement and Civic Recognition Award (ACRA) for cultural achievement. He has chaired the Markham's Cemetery Board since 2000.
Congratulations to all the 2007 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Winners of Meritorious Awards and Certificates of Appreciation: Robert Harrington, Sharon Lawlor, Shirley Schaefer, Sunny Lau, and John McKenna for their unique and outstanding contribution to the Markham Community!
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8th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards (2006)
The 2006 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame winner is Ross Sutherland. A previous winner (in 1999) of a Markham Meritorious Award, Mr. Sutherland has been in the forefront of charity and community service for many years. He founded the Markham Men of Harmony and is a director of the Markham Historical Society, founding member of the Markham Arts Council, honorary historian of the Markham Theatre for Performing Arts, Chair of the St. Andrew’s Garden Club and a recipient of the Canadian Confederation Commemorative.
Congratulations to all the 2006 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Winners of Meritorious Awards and Certificates of Appreciation: James Dornan, Kam Wing Soong, Mary Boress, Gayle D. Ellis, Mulshanker Vyas, and Melita Waterman for their unique and outstanding contribution to the Markham Community!.
Thank you to all who sent in nominations. The Award Presentation took place at the June 13, 2006 Council Meeting.
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7th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards (2005)
Thank you to all who sent in nominations. The Award Presentation took place at the June 14, 2005 Council Meeting. Congratulations to all the award recipients for their unique and outstanding contribution to the Markham Community!
The 2005 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame winner is Dennis "Red" Carlsen. Former President & Director of Kiwanis, former Commissioner & President of Scouting Ontario and Program Director of the Markham Mayor's Seniors Centre, Mr. Carlsen is a true treasure of our community!
Congratulations to all the 2005 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Winners George Mann; Gokul Khatri; Betty Hoover; Red Carlsen; Ramesh Patel; Committee Chair Raj Sethi.
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6th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards (2004)
Winners of the 2004 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards were announced at the Council presentation on November 16, 2004. The 2004 Hall of Fame Award Winner was Donald Miller.
Congratulations to all the 2006 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Winners of Meritorious Awards and Certificates of Appreciation: Olive Graham; Gladys Keeble; Louisa Dart; Margaret Jones and Margaret Amos.
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5th Annual Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Awards (2003)
The Kamil Sadiq (centre) was announced as the winner of the 2003 Mayor's Seniors Hall of Fame Award.
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