The City of Markham is one of Canada’s most diverse cities. We are proud of our rich history and our diversity. Diversity is our collective strength and drives our community’s vibrancy, success and innovation.
Diversity and inclusion are one of the City of Markham’s key strategic priorities, embedded in the City’s strategic plan, Building Markham’s Future Together. We strive to ensure that everyone feels welcome, has a sense of belonging, and has the opportunity to live their best life possible.
The City of Markham stands against all forms of racism, stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination. This includes, but is not limited to, anti-Black, anti-Asian and anti-Indigenous racism, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, amongst other forms of racism. We also stand against discrimination based on, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, religious affiliation and ability, and all other grounds referenced in the Human Rights Code.
As part of the City’s diversity strategy, regular and ongoing training and education about diversity, racism and bias are also provided to staff. The City supports a variety of measures to inform our communities, have respectful conversations and to break down barriers.
The City has a number of Council Advisory Committees related to diversity that provide City Council with a variety of perspectives, specialized skills and expertise specific to their mandate. The Race Relations Committee provides advice and guidance to Council about matters relating to race relations, social cohesion, equity, racism and inclusion.
The City’s values and commitment to diversity can be seen in our Inclusion Charter and Markham’s Diversity Action Plan that is currently being updated. Community consultations will begin in the fall of 2021 and will help identify actions we take to address racism, ensuring that the City of Markham is a socially cohesive and inclusive community for everyone. Please stay tuned for more information about the upcoming community consultations on this website, on the City’s social media accounts and on YourVoiceMarkham.ca.
The City of Markham began updating its Diversity Action Plan during the fall of 2021. We sought input from residents, community leaders, Advisory Committees, community and service organizations, business owners and entrepreneurs, and individuals who work in Markham through a series of discovery meetings, community consultations and an online survey.
As one of Canada’s most diverse cities, the City of Markham is proud of its rich diversity and strives to ensure that everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging and can participate freely in society without fear of discrimination, stereotyping and racism.
We understand that diversity is our collective strength and drives our vitality and success. The City of Markham has a longstanding history of ensuring that diversity and inclusion are embedded in its strategic plan, Building
Markham’s Future Together. Building on the City’s diversity allows the harnessing of our communities’ collective strengths and contributes to the City’s quality of life, prosperity and innovation by attracting growth, creativity, new businesses, visitors and new residents.
The City seeks to be a diverse, socially inclusive and cohesive municipality where policies, practices, services and programs, spaces and decision-making are accessible and inclusive to all, not only in intent but also in day-to-day delivery and experience.
Diversity Action Plan 2010 to 2019 - Everyone Welcome
As part of Building Markham’s Future Together, the City launched its 10 year Diversity
Action Plan 2010 to 2019 - Everyone Welcome in 2010. This was a bold step to articulate the City’s values and vision in the area of diversity and inclusion. The Diversity Action Plan was developed through extensive public consultation with members of the public and with more than 200 community entities and contains 68 recommendations to further strengthen the City’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and ensuring that everyone can live to their potential and have equitable access to spaces, services, programs and same opportunities.
At this time, the majority of the recommendations in the Diversity Action Plan 2010 to 2019 - Everyone Welcome are either complete, or are in active development or are underway.
Diversity Action Plan Update – 2021 to 2031
While Everyone Welcome was a transformational strategy for the City, it is recognized that the City’s diversity and inclusion strategy and approach needs to be updated to represent the current realities and changes occurring in society, not only in Markham, but also in Canada and globally.
The City’s updated Diversity Action Plan also needs to represent today’s evolving issues, concepts and language occurring in the diversity, equity and inclusion space. The City understands the ongoing and critical need to ensure that inclusion, social cohesion, respectful dialogue as well as the ability to live life to one’s potential free of discrimination, prejudice, stereotypes, racism and systemic racism is absolutely essential for the City to uphold and strengthen.
The City plans to listen to the needs and insights of its communities and stakeholders through extensive public consultation in the fall of 2021. As part of the Diversity Action Plan update, the City will continue its efforts to undertake and influence change within our municipal jurisdiction and our sphere of influence as well as proactively partner with other entities to help create sustained change. The updated Diversity Action Plan will provide the City with a framework, recommendations and actions that support policies, programs, services, spaces and decision making that are inclusive, fair, accessible and equitable.
The updated Diversity Action Plan will focus on the years from 2021 to 2031 and will be focused on the needs of the City’s communities and stakeholders.
We hope that all Markham residents will participate in the community consultations during the fall of 2021 that will form the foundation of the City’s next iteration of its Diversity Action Plan.
The City of Markham seeks to be a diverse, socially inclusive and cohesive municipality where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. A City where everyone is free from discrimination, racism, stereotyping, systemic racism and prejudice. A City where differences are valued and where respectful dialogue about differences can happen.
The City’s definition of diversity is broad and inclusive — Diversity encompasses the vast range of all of the variety of similarities and differences among individuals. This includes, but is not limited to, ethnicity, race, culture, Indigenous origin, country of origin, nationality, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, belief system, religion, marital status, parental status, socio-economic difference, appearance, language and accent, disability / ability, mental health, education, work experience, neurodiversity, thinking style, personality style, geographic location and so on.
In 2018, Council was a proud signatory to the Inclusion
Charter for York Region and also endorsed the City of Markham Inclusion
Charter. The Inclusion Charter outlines the City’s vision and commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive community where all people feel they belong and have access to the same opportunities.
The Inclusion Charter for York Region is a community initiative that brings together businesses, community organizations, municipalities, police services, school boards, hospitals, conservation authorities and agencies with a common commitment to create an inclusive environment with equality for all who work, live and play here. Together, our organizations share the vision of York Region as a welcoming and inclusive community where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.
The City of Markham’s Inclusion Charter affirms the following:
We support every person’s right to be treated in a respectful, dignified and equitable manner,
We embrace diverse perspectives and constructive conversations,
Markham will proactively address discrimination to foster a cohesive community where people feel welcome and encouraged to contribute,
We believe it is essential to continue to learn about and value differences and
Markham will continue to proudly promote inclusion through our Diversity Action Plan and community engagement and hold all staff accountable to provide empathetic, diverse and inclusive service.
The City of Markham stands against all forms of racism. The City of Markham acknowledges that racism exists in Canada and within the borders of the City of Markham in many shapes and forms. Racism is a violation of human rights. No form of racism is acceptable.
Despite human rights legislation and other legal measures to protect the rights of racialized people, anti-Black racism exists from coast-to-coast-to-coast and within the borders of the City of Markham, and we all have a role to play in disrupting and dismantling racism in all of its forms.
Let's Talk About Racism — An Introduction to Anti-Black Racism
In order to raise awareness about the issue of racism and specifically anti-Black racism, the City is offering its Let’s Talk about Racism eLearning to the public. This is the same education that Markham Council and City staff have received.
Watch a special video message from Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Sydney Baxter on the launch of the new Mayor’s Black Youth Liaison Committee:
The Mayor’s Black Youth Liaison Committee will be a voice for Black youth in the City of Markham by providing an open forum for youth to convey perspectives on issues and initiatives that are of particular importance to them. The Committee will provide guidance and advice to the City to support Black youth in the community and combat anti-Black racism, in collaboration with key City staff, including the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialist, political leaders and community stakeholders.
We are looking to fill a minimum of eight (8) spots (with 1 to 2 representatives from: Markham, Milliken, Thornhill and Unionville). Applicants must be between the ages of 15 to 19 at the start of the term and be a resident of the City of Markham.
Laura Gold Markham Civic Centre 101 Town Centre Boulevard Markham, Ontario, L3R 9W3 Contact Laura Gold at 905.477.7000 extension 4930 or lgold@markham.ca
Presented by the City of Markham Race Relations Committee, Many Faces of Markham is an annual initiative in support of the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which takes place every year on March 21.
Many Faces of Markham was originally launched in 1999, and to this day, it continues to support the City’s longstanding commitment to the values of diversity, inclusion and social cohesion. We are stronger together.
The City of Markham is situated upon traditional territories of the Anishinaabe Peoples and of the Haudenosaunee Peoples. These territories are covered by the Upper Canada Treaties. The First Nations community in closest proximity to the City of Markham are the Chippewas of Georgina Island.
In January 2018, the City approved its formal land acknowledgement to recognize and honour the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples. This statement is articulated at the beginning of Council and other Committee meetings. The land acknowledgement helps us lead while remembering and acknowledging our history. The act of saying and repeating the land acknowledgement is also a way for us to honour oral traditions and to help us commit the sentiment to memory.
In 2021 the City updated its land acknowledgement.
What is a land acknowledgement?
A Land Acknowledgment is a formal statement that acknowledges and respects Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of the land, as well as the long-standing relationship between Indigenous Peoples and their ancestral territory. Land acknowledgements are used to show appreciation for the land, which has been a custom for Indigenous people for generations. In municipal and community settings across Canada, land acknowledgements have become a widespread practice–a tiny but significant step toward reconciliation.
Why do we do it?
Land acknowledgements are a sincere way to acknowledge the traditional territory of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit lands. The purpose of land acknowledgements is to honour Indigenous peoples' connection to the land and recognize Indigenous peoples have an established relationship as caretakers of our collective first mother, Mother Earth. It is an attempt to shift how the land is viewed and discussed. Land acknowledgements help reframe how people see themselves in relation to Indigenous peoples and the original caretakers of these territories.
Why did we update our land acknowledgement?
The original land acknowledgement was a great first step. Through growing relationships, the City of Markham has learned and continues to learn more about Indigenous peoples. The new land acknowledgement was updated with the support of elders, youth, and community members from various First Nations communities. It aims to recognize Indigenous communities in a holistic way while recognizing how to practise reconciliation in our daily lives - inside ourselves and our families, as well as in our communities, governments, schools, and businesses.
During the creation of a more meaningful land acknowledgement, it is important to acknowledge not only the ancestral lands, but also the traditional treaties that are still in effect today. As Canadians, we must be committed to the continuing task of developing and maintaining respectful relationships.
The City of Markham takes Canada’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s mandate and actions very seriously and views our municipal obligations as a critical component of the City’s overall diversity strategy and action plan.
Treaties Recognition Week
What is Treaties Recognition Week?
Following the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action in 2016, the provincial government declared Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario. This opportunity allows us to raise awareness and honour the significance of treaties and treaty links between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Ontario. The first week of November is dedicated to enhancing Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples' relationships and creating more meaningful outcomes in our reconciliation efforts.
A treaty is a legally binding agreement between two or more nations, outlining rights, duties, and connections. Treaties are the foundation of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples' relationships.
Why it’s important?
“We are all treaty people.” Much of what we have and enjoy in Ontario and Canada is a result of treaties and treaty contracts. The intended core of these treaties is to create partnership, with the goal of living in peace and cooperation. First Nations were intended to benefit from treaties in the areas of education, lands, health, economic aid, and provisions.
These formal agreements include promises, obligations and advantages for all parties involved. They were envisioned for us all to help each other, strengthening our relationships over time. When governments began to undermine treaty connections to exploit land and resources without providing benefits or equality to First Nations, promises were broken and obligations were not met.
When First Nations people began to demand respect, particularly regarding land, the Indian Act of 1927 made it illegal for them to hire lawyers or file land claims without the government's permission.
Treaties were not given constitutional protection until section 35 of the Constitution Act of 1982. When we talk about reconciliation, it's important to remember that honouring our treaty connection is critical to moving forward in a respectful manner.
What it means for Markham
The Treaties' geographical scope overlaps with several other treaties. Treaty 13 includes the southwest portion of Markham. On August 1, 1805, representatives of the Crown and certain Mississauga peoples signed Treaty 13, often known as the Toronto Purchase. A total of 250,800 acres are covered under this treaty. The Williams Treaties, signed in 1923, cover the rest of the area. First Nations agreed to the 'Dish With One Spoon Treaty' in 1142 AD. For a long time, treaties and agreements have been our way of life. Let us use this occasion to rekindle the spirit of cooperation and mutual aid that the treaties were founded on.
City of Markham Land Acknowledgement
We begin today by acknowledging the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples and their commitment to stewardship of the land. We acknowledge the communities in circle. The North, West, South and Eastern directions, and Haudenosaunee, Huron- Wendat, Anishnabeg, Seneca, Chippewa, and the Mississaugas of the Credit peoples. We share the responsibility with the caretakers of this land to ensure the dish is never empty and to restore relationships that are based on peace, friendship, and trust. We are committed to reconciliation, partnership and enhanced understanding.
In 2017, the City of Markham signed a historic agreement of cultural collaboration with Eabametoong First Nation, also known as Fort Hope. Eabametoong First Nation is an Ojibway First Nation located 360 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario and 1,000 kilometers north of Markham. This first-of-its-kind agreement between an urban municipality and a remote northern First Nation community will enable us to partner together and to learn from one another. Specifically, the two communities have agreed to: promote social, cultural and economic collaboration; promote harmony and goodwill for the betterment of their residents; and raise public awareness.
Education
Education is an important aspect of the City’s Truth and Recognition commitment and strategy to honour Indigenous Peoples, recognize our past mistakes, raise awareness and increase knowledge, and build respect and trust.
The City is providing ongoing education opportunities for staff including: inviting Indigenous speakers to lead discussions and educational activities; making available the KAIROS blanket exercise at staff events; rolling out Indigenous awareness training at Markham Public Library; and offering Indigenous-related collections and programs at Markham Public Library.
Aaniin Community Centre
Markham’s newest community centre, Aaniin Community Centre and Library, was named after the Ojibwe word for “welcome”. The Ojibwe Nation is part of the Anishinaabe Peoples. Aaniin is a space where our communities can come together, listen, learn and share experiences.
A selection of resources are shared below to assist with improving our knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Peoples and their history.
There are a number of ways to stay connected and to be informed about the City of Markham’s efforts in the area of diversity, inclusion and equity.
Sign up to get the latest updates about Markham’s Diversity Action Plan and strategy to combat anti-Black racism.
Notice of Collection of Personal Information:
Personal Information on this form is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). The City of Markham takes all reasonable steps to ensure that your personal information is treated confidentially and is only used for the purposes it was collected for and to circulate eNews updates that you have subscribed to.
The City of Markham has a number of Council Advisory Committees related to diversity. Consider applying and joining one of the Committees, attending the meeting as a guest, or keeping up on with their meetings by reviewing their minutes.
Advisory Committee on Accessibility
This Committee assists Council in improving opportunities and access for persons with disabilities by promoting the implementation of the Ontarians
with Disabilities Act (AODA) in Markham.
Race Relations Committee
This Committee provides advice and guidance to Council about matters relating to race relations, social cohesion, equity, racism and inclusion.
Seniors Advisory Committee
This Committee provides recommendations to Council on Seniors' issues, solicits input from the Seniors' community and promotes awareness of Seniors' needs within the City of Markham.
Markham Mayor’s Youth Council
This is a youth advisory council that represents all regions of Markham to raise awareness of community issues and provides a way for youth to get involved.
Mayor’s Black Youth Liaison Committee
Have your voice heard and help combat anti-Black racism as a Markham youth ages 15 to 19.
The City of Markham is always looking for passionate people ages 14 and older who want to share their talents, skills and experiences to make Markham an even better place to live, work and play. Volunteering is a fun and engaging way to give back to your community and to get to know your neighbours.
People of all ages and abilities can volunteer with the City of Markham. Check out the City’s volunteer opportunities with the City’s Advisory Committees, Boards, Recreation Services, Markham Museum, Varley Art Gallery of Markham, Flato Markham Theatre, Markham Public Library, Sustainability or at one of the City’s events.
The City of Markham is committed to making its services, programs and facilities accessible to people with disabilities in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001.
The City takes its obligations under the Accessibility
for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) seriously, and is committed to meeting or exceeding the requirements in a timely manner to ensure that City facilities, programs and services are accessible to all.
Accessibility makes it possible for people of all abilities to take advantage of what Markham has to offer.
On March 16, 2021, the City of Markham received a Conformance Statement from eSSENTIAL Accessibility regarding the accessibility of the website. Read the Conformance Statement.
We want to hear from you. If you encounter issues related to accessibility, including the need for information in an alternate format, please contact the City of Markham at customerservice@markham.ca or at 905.477.5530.
For more information on accessibility, please see below.
The Markham Advisory Committee on Accessibility assists Council in improving opportunities for persons with disabilities by promoting the implementation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in Markham.
The Markham Accessibility Awards recognize outstanding businesses, public institutions and individuals who champion accessibility.
Due to COVID-19, nominations for the Markham Accessibility Awards are being accepted on an ongoing basis. Download the nomination form [PDF].
Completed nomination forms should be sent to:
Laura Gold, Legislative Coordinator City of Markham 101 Town Centre Boulevard Markham, Ontario, L3R 9W3 Phone: 905.477.7000 x4930 Email: lgold@markham.ca
2019 Accessibility Award Winners
On September 26th, the Markham Accessibility Awards and Community Recognition night took place at the Markham Civic Centre. The Markham Accessibility Awards recognize the outstanding contributions of businesses, public institutions and individuals who are champions for accessibility.
This year’s Markham Accessibility Awards went to:
Business and Not for Profit:
Wayne’s Cup
Special Kin Inspiration Program (SKIP)
Unionville Milliken Soccer Club Special Olympics
Steer Friends Day Program
Individuals:
Andrea Haefele
Tina Morra
Anjali Vyas
Alana Aird
Liana Williams
Kristen Hayes
Dr. Faisel Saeed
Jordyn Sunn
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners! Photos from the 2019 Markham Accessibility Awards and Community Recognition event may be found
here.
Markham is committed to ensuring that all residents have full and equal access to its facilities, services and information. Accessibility makes it possible for people with all levels of ability to take advantage of everything Markham has to offer.
In 2008, the Government of Ontario launched the accessible customer service standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Its goal is to ensure that people with disabilities get the same level of customer service as everyone else.
The law requires that all public and private sector organizations in Ontario, including the City of Markham, identify, remove and prevent barriers to accessible customer service.
Markham has conducted extensive training of its staff, volunteers and suppliers to meet or exceed the standards.
Take a moment to read more about how Markham is working toward access for everyone.
In 2011, the City of Markham received recognition under the Excellence Canada - Ontario Accessibility Awards Program [PDF] for meeting and exceeding the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The City has reached out into the communities in which it serves to reinforce the principles of independence, dignity, integration, and equality of opportunity for people with disabilities. This has been accomplished by actively raising awareness about accessibility, implementing its own initiatives for all to benefit from, and inviting feedback to inform future planning and continuous improvement.
Every year on December 3rd, people around the world celebrate contributions of people with disabilities. First declared by the United Nations in 1992, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities draws attention to the many ways in which those with disabilities enrich our communities. The City of Markham proclaimed December 3 as the International Day of Disabled Persons, a day to raise awareness and endorse measures to improve the situation of persons with disabilities and provide equal opportunities.
Markham's Annual Accessibility Fair, presented by Markham Advisory Committee on Accessibility, features local businesses and organizations that offer products and services to people with disabilities, seniors and residents who face barriers in their communities, and to their caregivers support persons. In 2013, the theme Move it! promoted an active and healthy lifestyle for people with disabilities through recreation and sports. In 2015, the Accessibility Fair was held at Markham's cutting edge PAN AM Centre, a host venue for Para Table Tennis at the 2015 Parapan Am Games.
In 2018, the Markham Accessibility Fair was held at Applefest. The cost of admission is $8 per person and includes all activities/rides found at Applefest. Free for children under 2 years of age.
Markham's Assisted Waste & Recycling Collection Service is a no-cost program that promotes independent living and reduces the risk of injury to those in need of physical assistance.
If you are a Markham resident unable to place your waste and recycling materials at the curb due to a temporary or permanent physical disability, and do not have someone living with you to assist, apply for Markham's Assisted Waste/Recycling Collection Service.
The City of Markham intends to be a leader in developing accessible environments for all, embracing the principles of universal design and recognizing diversity, barrier removal, provincial directions and changing demographics. Download our Accessibility Design Guidelines [PDF] to learn more.
The Leading while Remembering series is a City of Markham initiative bringing cultural and diversity programming to the community. As we move forward on the City’s journey of diversity and inclusion, it’s crucial to acknowledge the past, honour the present and move forward to a brighter future.
Many Faces of Markham is an annual initiative hosted by the Race Relations Committee. This initiative is in recognition of the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which takes place every year on March 21.
Many Faces of Markham originally launched in 1999 and continues to support the City’s longstanding commitment to the values of diversity, inclusion, equity, accessibility and social cohesion.
As part of the City-wide campaign, youth across Markham submit artwork reflective of that year’s theme. This year’s Many Faces of Markham contest theme is Your Markham: Allyship in the Fight Against Racism.
Expand your interest in Black history beyond 28 days and take your learning all year long. With our 52 week learning plan, you can explore Black history each week of the year from Black History Month 2023 to Black History Month 2024.
As you’re going through your learning journey, share your ideas, thoughts and opinions with us! Use the hashtag #FebruaryandForeverMarkham across Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn so we can find you! Social media not your thing? No problem! You may also use the
YourVoiceMarkham.ca webpage to provide feedback.
In 2011, the City of Markham received recognition under the 