MARKHAM, ON - June 25, 2018 –   The City of Markham is honoured to accept the generous donation of 80 Japanese Sakura trees through the Trees for Tomorrow program and from various Japanese donors to celebrate the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Japan.

Sakura is an important, symbolic flower in Japan and is treasured in Japanese culture as a reflection of life's transience because they only bloom for a short period of time each spring. Sakura typically blooms delicate pink or white flowers in late April or early May, lasting anywhere from four to ten days depending on weather conditions.

The floral trees have now been planted at three locations across the City: 15 trees at Milne Dam Conservation Park, which is frequently visited especially during the summer months, 40 trees are planted at  Rougeside Promenade; 20 on each side of the new bridge, and 25 trees have been planted at the Markham Civic Centre as part of the new gateway pathway for residents to enjoy.

"I was honoured to lead a business delegation to Japan last fall, which sparked this partnership between the City of Markham and the Consulate General of Japan in Toronto," says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "These Japanese Sakura cherry blossom trees celebrate Markham's lasting friendship with Japan and will attract tourists from Ontario and beyond for years to come."

Sixty-five of the trees were generously donated by the Supporters of the Rotary International District 2750, Japan, Toronto Sakura Project Organization, Tokyo All-Fashion Society and  Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada Inc. 

"Sakura in Markham symbolize the invaluable friendship between our two countries," says Ms. Takako Ito, Consul-General of Japan. "This fact is especially significant this year when we are celebrating the 90th anniversary of Japan-Canada diplomatic relations and the 30th anniversary of redress for Japanese-Canadians."

Japan is Markham's second largest source of foreign direct investment the City of Markham is home to 20 Japanese businesses, employing approximately 3,400 people. Some of these companies include Honda Canada, Shiseido Canada Inc., and Toshiba of Canada Ltd.

In December 2017, Mayor Frank Scarpitti led a Markham delegation on the City's first trade mission trip to Japan to identify opportunities to enhance Markham's profile as a prime location for Japanese business investment, an integral part of Markham's Economic Strategy, Markham 2020. The Markham delegation visited the Toyota Motor Corporation in Nagoya, and NGK Spark Plugs in Komaki, Aichi Prefecture, and Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd., in Kyoto.

The planting of these Sakura trees reflects a proud partnership between the City of Markham and Japan. These trees will not only contribute to the natural beauty of our community, but will also add to the City's tree canopy, providing new habitat for wildlife and creating a new attraction for residents and tourists to visit.

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor at lnicolas@markham.ca or 416-671-2890

For all other media inquiries related to this news release:
Erynn Sally, Media Relations Coordinator at esally@markham.ca or 416-737-2684