The Vision for Markham Centre is based on Guiding Principles

11 Guiding Principles were developed to ensure that Markham Centre continues to promote a vibrant, family-oriented, people place with pedestrian-friendly streets, high quality parks and buildings.

Ten of these guiding principles were developed and agreed to by Markham residents, businesses, consultants, politicians and Town staff through a series of public meetings and workshops held in the early 1990s. The eleventh principle was adopted by Markham Council on April 1st to highlight the value placed on quality of life for residents and communities not only within and adjacent to Markham Centre, but also throughout the Town.

The vision for Markham Centre is based on the following Guiding Principles:

1. Protect and Enhance the Rouge River Valley
   
   The Rouge River and Beaver Creek waterway is a powerful influence on Markham Centre. The downtown core will be designed to protect and enhance this natural environmental system.
   
   

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2. Support Public Transit
   
   A rapid transit system will facilitate movement to and around the Centre.
   
   

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3. Transform Highway 7 into an Urban Boulevard
   
   Highway 7 will be transformed from an inter-regional highway to a major urban boulevard with a concentration of activity, mixed uses and high-quality urban design and landscaping.
   
   

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4. Develop an Effective Street Network
   
   A grid of major and minor streets will provide easy access to support the mix and intensity of activity and define the structure of Markham Centre.
   
   

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5. Provide a "Sense of Place"
   
   Markham Centre will provide high-quality public spaces, pedestrian-friendly streets and courtyards to contribute to a strong "sense of place."
   
   

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6. Enhance Pedestrian Activity
   
   In Markham Centre, the pedestrian will gain equality with the automobile. Well-defined streets, architectural design, parks and trails will create a "walkable" downtown.
   
   

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7. Ensure Ecological Sustainability
   
   Lands will be developed to protect and enhance the natural processes of the landscape. The cogeneration energy plant will further support environmental goals.
   
   

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8. Provide Cultural and Social Focus
   
   Markham Centre will provide a town wide focus for arts, cultural and social activities. The Centre already houses the Markham Civic Centre, Markham Theatre, and will be home to Markham YMCA.
   
   

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9. Manage Traffic and Parking Issues
   
   Parking and traffic will be controlled to maintain quality of life.
   
   

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10. Deliver a Financial Framework
    
    A new financial plan will be developed to build and sustain a superior public environment.
    
    

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11. Respect Quality of Life in Markham
    
    The value placed on the quality of life in existing, adjacent communities is recognized, respected and supported.

From these Guiding Development Principles the Performance Measures were developed by the Markham Centre Advisory Group to further articulate the objectives for Markham Centre and provide a clear direction of expectations for development. The Advisory Group will work with Town staff to ensure that implementation plans for Markham Centre adhere to these principles.