Markham Announces Events, Infrastructure and Community Grants for Canada’s 150th Birthday

Today, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Members of Council and representatives of the Federal Government revealed what the City of Markham has planned in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation. It is with great pride that the City of Markham – the nation’s most diverse city – joins municipalities from coast-to-coast-to-coast to celebrate Canada 150. Markham is celebrating with various events, investing in legacy infrastructure projects and implementing new programs for residents and visitors to enjoy throughout 2017.

Celebrating with Signature Events

On July 1, the City will host its largest Canada Day celebration yet, consisting of its annual Citizenship Ceremony, Seniors’ Luncheon, People’s Parade and celebration at Milne Dam Conservation Park. The celebration at the park draws over 25,000 attendees from Markham, the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario, and includes live entertainment, activities for the kids, food, displays and more!

On September 10, the City will be hosting its Markham 150 Expo, a Canada 150 exclusive, with $50,000 in funding provided by the Celebration and Commemoration Program – Canada 150 Fund. This day-long event will feature local performances, vendors and activities that animate the City’s motto “leading while remembering.”

Investing Today, for Tomorrow

Markham will also be celebrating with a number of projects that will have lasting positive effects on the community. Through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, the City of Markham has been approved for funding of up to $1,634,075 from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, for the following projects:

• Rehabilitation of John Daniels Park Gateway ($421,504)
  
• Improvements to Stiver Mill landscape ($129,000)
  
• Rehabilitation of Veterans Square & Cenotaph in Historic Markham Village ($950,000)
  
• Improvements to Thornhill Community Centre and Library main entrance ($133,571)
  

Igniting Local & National Pride

The City has created Markham’s Canada 150 Neighbourhood Grant program to mark this special anniversary by strengthening connections right where our residents live – in their neighbourhood. Grants of up to $500 are available to support Markham residents and community groups in undertaking neighbourhood projects that encourage participation in marking Canada’s 150th anniversary throughout 2017. Ideas for community projects include tree plantings, sharing stories of Canada, historical neighbourhood tours or potlucks featuring childhood favourites! The application deadline is May 5, 2017 at 11:59 p.m.

Showcasing Local Talent

Got talent? The City of Markham is searching for its next big star! Until May 12, vocalists, dancers, singers and other talented members of the Markham community are encouraged to submit their online audition to Star Search Markham for their chance to take centre stage at the City’s Canada Day Celebrations on July 1. Markham’s big star will also take home a $1,500 cash prize. This competition allows community members to celebrate their neighbours, and show their local and national pride while embracing the arts.

Quotes

• “The City’s plans for Canada 150 offer members of the community and visitors to Markham with unique, engaging and memorable experiences throughout 2017,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Markham’s celebrations will help promote local and national pride, create lasting community legacies and mobilize our diverse and vibrant communities to showcase Markham as a premier city that leads the way in sustainability, diversity and innovation.”
  
• “The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will improve our community infrastructure and preserve the public spaces that are so important to Canadians,” said the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Markham-Stouffville. “I am proud to see our community benefit from this program. This investment will allow Canadian families to enjoy moments of culture, sport, recreation and leisure for years to come.

Photos

Mayor Frank Scarpitti is joined by Minister Jane Philpott, Members of Council, Town Crier John Webster and Mrs. Webster to raise the Markham 150 flag as the City kicks off it year-long celebrations for Canada 150.(Credit: snapd Markham)

In celebration of Canada 150, Markham Fire & Emergency Services has decorated Fire Truck 9-1-1 with iconic images that pay tribute to Markham and Canada's heritage.

View more photos of the launch