Markham Opened Its Doors To The Public This Weekend

Have you ever wondered, “ What’s behind that door?” This weekend, residents from Markham and the GTA got to find out!

On Saturday, September 30, hundreds showed up for the largest annual Doors Open Markham event, with over 20 modern and historic sites to explore. This year’s theme focused on Markham’s rich cultural diversity, in celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday.

From heritage homes and buildings, to modern architecture and cultural landmarks, Doors Open Markham provided families the exclusive opportunity to learn just how these amazing structures have shaped the City. Doors were open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 21 locations across the City, including the Heintzman House, award-winning Wong Dai Sin Temple, Markham Village Fire Station, and the McKay Art Centre.

This year’s event gave attendees the chance to tour the Unionville Train Station, one of the oldest stations in Canada. It was restored by the City of Markham and now serves as a popular community meeting space.

For the first time ever, the Ladies Golf Club of Toronto opened its doors to the general public, giving guests a peak into the only remaining private golf club established by women for women in all of North America!

Guests were able to visit the vaults at the Varley at the home of Frederick Varley’s fine collection of oils, watercolours and drawings. They then had the opportunity to stop by the Group of Seven member’s former home at the McKay Art Centre. Families were also able to walk in the footsteps of Markham’s firefighters at the Markham Village Fire Station – a guaranteed favourite for all ages!

Home restoration enthusiasts could tour some of Markham’s oldest treasures at the Heritage Estates Walking Tour to ogle at the many stages of restoration and witness the intricate work that is put into refurbishing these buildings.

Quotes

“The Doors Open event gives us the opportunity to invite people from within and beyond our boundaries to visit our cultural, historical and community venues and to learn what a wonderful and unique community we have in Markham,” said Sue Smitko, Doors Open Committee member.
“Having recently moved to Markham, I was looking for a way to get involved in the community while discovering the diversity and history that the City had to offer,” explained Michael Cheng, Doors Open Committee member. “Participating in the Doors Open Markham Committee fulfilled both these criteria. As the newest member, the Committee has warmly welcomed me into the group and helped me discover the City. Through my participation in the planning, I hope to share my excitement about how the City's rich history has played a phenomenal role in transforming Markham into what it is today. I hope that the Markham community will continue to partake in this wonderful opportunity as we continue to explore the past, present, and future together.”
“Markham is rich with culture and history, and Doors Open Markham is a great opportunity to let us learn about our own city. It’s like visiting your own city for vacation for one day a year!” said Alan Lok, Doors Open Committee member.
This year, we are not just opening the doors of 21 sites, but opening the doors to show Markham's cultural diversity through art and creativity by 30 artists at our Union Train Station and Stiver Mill Community Centre," said Kenneth Ng, Chair of this year's Doors Open Markham Committee.

Photos

The Ladies Golf Club of Toronto opened its doors for the first time to the general public at Doors Open Markham on Saturday, September 30, 2017.

The award-winning Wong Dai Sin Temple, located at 378 Steeles Ave E in Thornhill.

For more information:

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti: mayorscarpitti@markham.ca or 905.475.4872.

Media inquiries / interview requests: Corporate Communications & Community Engagement Department at media@markham.ca or 905.415.7548.