Welcoming Week
The City of Markham Celebrates Welcome Week!
Welcoming Week is an annual celebration recognizing the people, places, and values that help everyone feel included in York Region. While traditionally a one-week event, the City of Markham is expanding the celebration this year with workshops and drop-in programs running over multiple weeks starting September 15, developed collaboratively by various departments.
Resources for Newcomers and Their Supporters
Moving to a new country or region can be exciting, but it can also be challenging. Visit Newcomer Services to explore the support available in York Region and access the York Region Newcomer Guide. This guide provides helpful information to assist newcomers in settling into the community and is available in English, French, Persian, Simplified Chinese, Tamil, and Ukrainian.
Good Neighbour Handbook
The City of Markham’s Good Neighbour Handbook offers residents practical guidelines for fostering a respectful, safe, and harmonious community. It covers topics such as property maintenance, waste management, parking, noise regulations, and pet ownership.
2025 Welcoming Week Events
Join us for community activities happening across Markham in celebration of Welcoming Week. Click below for a list of events in your area. This list will be updated regularly as more locations and activities are confirmed, so check back often for the latest information.
Markham Public Library
Markham Public Library (MPL) continues to be your hub for creativity, learning, and connection. Celebrate Welcoming Week with us as we offer programs designed to support newcomers in settling into Canada. Moving to a new country can be exciting but also challenging—our newcomer resources can help you overcome barriers and feel at home.
English Conversation Circle (Register for event)
Monday, September 15, 10 AM to 12 PM (Aaniin Branch)
English Conversation Circle (Register for event)
Monday, September 15, 1 PM to 2:30 PM (Online Event)
Welcome to Canada: A Checklist for New Immigrants (Register for event)
Monday, September 15, 6:30 PM to 8 PM (Online Event)
Volunteer Vibe: Get Involved, Get Connected! (Register for event)
Tuesday, September 16, 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM (Online Event)
Landlord and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities (Register for event)
Tuesday, September 16, 6:30 PM to 8 PM (Aaniin Branch)
Using Library Resources for School Success (Register for event)
Wednesday, September 17, 9:30 AM to 11 AM (Online Event)
Welcome to Markham Public Library: A Tour for Newcomers (Register for event)
Wednesday, September 17, 2 PM to 3:30 PM (Markham Village Branch)
Foods of Canada (Register for event)
Wednesday, September 17, 6:30 PM to 8 PM (Online Event)
Tips to Avoid Tax Scams (Register for event)
Thursday, September 18, 1:30 PM to 2:15 PM (Online Event)
Study Smart, Stay Well: Mindful Wellness for Newcomer Youth (Register for event)
Thursday, September 18, 3:30 PM to 5 PM
Permanent Resident to Canadian Citizen: What You Need to Know About Family, Status, & Sponsorship (Register for event)
Thursday, September 18, 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Fuel Your Body: Eat Smart, Feel Strong (Register for event)
Friday, September 19, 3:30 PM to 5 PM
Welcome to Markham Public Library: A Tour for Newcomers (Register for event)
Saturday, September 20, 10 AM to 11:30 AM
Doors Open Markham
Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10 AM to 5 PM (Various Locations)
Explore a variety of buildings across the city as they open their doors to the public - for one day only! Doors Open Markham offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at select sites throughout Markham, including free access to buildings that typically charge admission. From cultural and heritage landmarks to innovative spaces, this is a unique opportunity to discover the stories and inspirations that have shaped our city.
Markham Recreation
Join us as we celebrate Welcoming Week, with a variety of activities designed to bring our community together. Recreation is offering special drop-in programs at our community centres, providing opportunities to connect, have fun, and feel at home in Markham.
50th Anniversary Celebration (All Ages, Open House)
Saturday, September 20, 11 AM to 2 PM (Thornhill Community Centre)
A variety of programs and activities will be offered to celebrate Thornhill Community Centre's 50th Anniversary.
10th Anniversary Celebration (All Ages, Open House)
Saturday, September 21, 10 AM to 3 PM (Markham Pan Am Centre)
A variety of programs and activities will be offered to celebrate the Markham Pan Am Centre’s 10th Anniversary
Drop-In Pickleball (All Ages)
Saturday, September 20, 12:45 PM to 2:45 PM (Cornell Community Centre)
Participants play pickleball at all levels. Please bring your own paddle and ball.
Drop-In Recreational Skate (All Ages)
Saturday, September 20, 2 PM to 3:50 PM (Markham Village Community Centre)
Skate leisurely in a circuit. Please bring skates. Helmets and gloves are highly recommended.
*Drop-In Recreational Swim (All Ages)
Saturday, September 20, 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM (Cornell Community Centre)
Pool is open for casual swimming. [Admission policy below.]
*Drop-In Recreational Swim (All Ages)
Saturday, September 20, 6:45 PM to 7:45 PM (Milliken Mills Community Centre)
Pool is open for casual swimming. [Admission policy below.]
Drop-In Pickleball (All Ages)
Sunday, September 21, 12:45 PM to 2:45 PM (Cornell Community Centre)
Participants play pickleball at all levels. Please bring your own paddle and ball.
*Drop-In Recreational Swim (All Ages)
Sunday, September 21, 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM (Cornell Community Centre)
Pool is open for casual swimming. [Admission policy below.]
Drop-In Badminton (Adult & Child)
Sunday, September 21, 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM (Angus Glen Community Centre)
Play recreational badminton with other community members! Convenors may assist with player rotations. Partners and groups are not guaranteed to play together. Please bring a racquet and non-marking running shoes.
Drop-In Recreational Skate (All Ages)
Monday, September 22, 4:15 PM to 6:05 PM (Angus Glen Community Centre)
Skate leisurely in a circuit. Please bring skates. Helmets and gloves are highly recommended.
Drop-In Volleyball
Monday, September 22, 9 PM to 10:30 PM (Angus Glen Community Centre)
Drop-In Aquafit – Shallow/Deep (16+)
Tuesday, September 23, 8:05 PM to 8:50 PM (Cornell Community Centre)
A water exercise class set to music, focused in both shallow and deep ends of the pool. Please wear bathing attire.
Drop-In Aquafit – Shallow/Deep (16+)
Wednesday, September 24, 9 AM to 9:45 AM (Centennial Community Centre)
A water exercise class set to music, focused in both shallow and deep ends of the pool. Please wear bathing attire.
Drop-In Recreational Skate (All Ages)
Thursday, September 25, 4:15 PM to 6:05 PM (Angus Glen Community Centre)
Skate leisurely in a circuit. Please bring skates. Helmets and gloves are highly recommended.
Drop-In Aquafit – Shallow/Deep (16+)
Thursday, September 25, 8:05 PM to 8:50 PM (Cornell Community Centre)
A water exercise class set to music, focused in both shallow and deep ends of the pool. Please wear bathing attire.
Drop-In Recreational Skate (All Ages)
Friday, September 26, 4:10 PM to 5:55 PM (Milliken Mills Community Centre)
Skate leisurely in a circuit. Please bring skates. Helmets and gloves are highly recommended.
Drop-In Recreational Swim (All Ages)
Friday, September 26, 7 PM to 8 PM (Angus Glen Community Centre)
The pool is open for casual swimming. [Admission policy below.]
Drop-In Recreational Swim (All Ages)
Friday, September 26, 8 PM to 9 PM (Angus Glen Community Centre)
Pool is open for casual swimming. [Admission policy below.]
*Swim Admission Policy
- Children ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult (15+).
- Children ages 5 and under must be within arm’s reach of a guardian (15+) at all times (1 guardian: max 2 children).
- Children ages 6 to 9 who do not pass the swim test must swim with an adult (15+).
- 1 guardian: 6 children (all in Personal Flotation Devices) OR 1 guardian: 2 children (no Personal Flotation Devices).
- Children not toilet trained must wear swim diapers.
- Refrain from feeding children or eating large meals before swimming.
Markham Recreation offers fun, active, educational and safe programs for everyone.
Speak with us today to learn how you can continue your commitment to fitness and recreation beyond Welcoming Week. Instructions on creating an account and registering for a program can be found below.
The Varley Art Gallery of Markham: 2025 Fall Exhibitions Launch
Saturday September 20, 2 to 4 PM at The Varley Art Gallery of Markham
Celebrate the season with a dance performance, curator’s talk, hands-on activities for all ages, and light refreshments. Enjoy free admission, explore the McKay Art Centre exhibition, and take part in Doors Open Markham. All are welcome!
Free admission year round.
Pictures of the Sky: A Kite-Flying Gathering
Sunday, September 21, 3 to 6 PM at Milliken Mills Park (Reservoir Field)
Bring your kite and join artists Annyen Lam and Jason Logan for an afternoon of wind, colour, and connection. Fly kites made in August workshops or your own, enjoy on-site mini workshops, and grab a bite from the food truck. Open to all—no registration required!
Markham Museum
Annually, during regular operating hours at Markham Museum (Check your eligibility), Markham Museum proudly participates in Welcoming Week each year as an active venue in the Canoo program. Canoo is Canada’s largest newcomer welcome network—a mobile app offering free access to over 1,400 cultural and outdoor experiences across the country. Through partnerships with institutions like Markham Museum, Canoo members enjoy engaging, educational opportunities to explore Canadian heritage.
Membership is available to new permanent residents and new Canadian citizens. Plan your visit to Markham Museum today!