6 Things to Know About Markham – Know Your Community

Markham truly is a world-class city, and it’s no wonder why homes for sale here are in such high demand. From a booming local economy, top-tier education, a reputation for being the most culturally-diverse city in Canada and so much more – there is a lot to love about this unique and thriving community. 

1. Markham, by the numbers

• Population: as of the 2016 Canadian Census, the population in the city of Markham is 328,940, ranking it as the largest in York Region, the fourth largest in the Greater Toronto Area, and 16th largest in Canada
• Location: the city of Markham lies within the Regional Municipality of York and is located approximately 30 km northeast of downtown Toronto

2. A hub of booming industry 

Dubbed by many as “Canada’s high-tech capital”, the diverse and award-winning municipality of Markham is home to over 650 corporate head offices, 1,500 technology and science companies, and over 240 foreign companies. 

• This is a community rooted in rich heritage with a reputation for excellent community planning and services that has been recognized with awards such as the Excellence Canada Gold Awards for Organizational Quality and Healthy Workplace, as well as heritage and environmental awards. 

• York Region’s “innovation hub”, Markham is at the center of the second-largest “tech cluster” in Canada, focusing on innovation, technology and talent. 

• Using Markham’s Economic Alliance Program, the city has seen success in attracting foreign investment and raising awareness for specific markets.

• Beyond tech interests, the city recognizes the value in aligning culture and creativity with economic development, and strives to spotlight and celebrate those within their diverse community who are contributing to the fabric of this thriving city. See here for some video highlights of local community talent!

Constantly working to remain a leader in the tech realm, Markham recently released the details behind the city’s vision for #MarkhamMIX, the Markham Innovation Exchange (MiX), where the city has been working on plans for a “distinctive new urban innovation district”. The committee meeting video for this exciting development can be viewed here. 

With a diverse talent pool and focus on economic development, the city has positioned itself as a leader in both industry and community.

3. A city that supports small business

Via resources such as online seminars, workshops, youth-aimed funding and programs, Markham is dedicated to supporting small businesses, and the future of youth-driven business in the community. 

The Markham Small Business Centre is committed to nurturing local business, and in an effort to continue their support of local ventures during the Covid-19 pandemic, is also offering support virtually. The Small Business Centre will help community members in their business planning with their array of support services, programming, workshops and more. 

4. Sports and recreation for all interests in Markham 

The city of Markham offers seasonal registration for programs such as virtual fitness classes, swimming lessons, aquatic leadership programs, public swimming and aquafit classes, fitness programs, skating, senior adult programs to promote healthy and active living, and more. 

Markham has over 22 km of scenic pathways, including 12 bridges to facilitate access for walkers, joggers and cyclists. The parks and trails in this community include many natural woodlots and ravines, which lay host to a variety of local plant and animal wildlife. 

Markham Village Parks include:

• Armstrong Park
• Cedar Valley
• Milne Dam Conservation Park 
• Mintleaf Park
• Morgan Park
• Mount Joy Lake
• Paramount Park 
• Raybeck Park
• Raymerville Woodlot 
• Reesor Park
• Springdale Park 

Via the Parks page on the city’s website, you can explore a full list of local and nearby parks in neighboring communities like Milliken Mills, Thornhill and Unionville. 

One major sports feature in the city is the spectacular Markham Pan Am Centre, which aims to provide a first-class sports training and event facility and utilize sport tourism to continue to drive local economic development. Constructed for the 2015 Pan American and ParaPan American Games, the centre features:

• A 10 lane 50-metre swimming pool

• A 36,000 sqft gymnasium with room for 15 badminton, 7 volleyball, and 3 basketball courts
• Meeting rooms with modern audio/video equipment for training sessions and video analysisA multi-level fitness centre for cardio and strength training open to the general public

Golf is a major draw in Markham, as the city has 9 courses to choose from, 4 of which are private, 5 public. One of the most popular local golf courses is the public Angus Glen, which has played host to several PGA tour events over the years. 

Community centres and libraries in the city are also plentiful. Some popular local picks are:

• Angus Glen Community Centre and Library – this centre has not one but two NHL-sized arenas with seating for 450, a swimming pool, gymnasium, and more

• Centennial Community Centre – getting active and coming together in health and wellness are the aims at this local centre, which features a state-of-the-art health and fitness centre, a pool with a diving tank, an ice rink and more 

5. Top-tier education 

There are many options for parents when it comes to education for children and young adults (as well as mature students) in Markham – with all of their public and Catholic schools having consistently high scores on standardized testing as well as some of the highest rates for university acceptance. 

Schooling in the region is operated by the York Region District School Board, the York Catholic District School Board, the Conseil scolaire Viamonde (for French secular schools) and the Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenie (for Catholic French schools).  Just a few of the many local schools operated by the York Region District School Board are Bill Crothers Secondary School, Markham District High School, Middlefield Collegiate Institute, and Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School.

Local schools operated by the York Catholic District School Board are St. Brother André Catholic High School, St. Augustine Catholic High School, St. Robert Catholic High School, and Father Michael McGivney Catholic Academy. As far as private schooling options in the area, there are several to choose from. To list just a few of the top-ranked options within the area:

• Trinity Montessori School – PS to grade 9 (coed) – this Montessori school puts an emphasis on individualized learning with small class sizes at an average of 9 students

• NOIC Academy – grade 9 to 12 (coed) – this school boasts some impressive statistics, with a 100% university enrollment rate for graduates, with each student receiving on average 10.6 offers from universities via the NOIC Academy 

• Trillium School – NS to grade 12 (coed) – this private school also offers Montessori-based kindergarten

For a complete list of private school options in the area, OurKids.net is an excellent resource. The city is also home to a Seneca College campus, as well as the site for York University’s Markham Centre Campus, scheduled to open in fall of 2023.

6. One of Canada’s most diverse cities 

Diversity and accessibility are paramount in Markham, where “everyone is welcome!”

In fact, one of the city’s key strategic priorities is the diversity and inclusion of all current and future residents. In a city where visible minorities represent over half of the population, the ongoing efforts to nurture the local cultural mosaic is a testament to the city’s visible dedication to their community values. This emphasis on actionable planning toward an inclusive, welcoming and safe community for all can be viewed via the city’s Inclusion Charter and Diversity Action Plan.

Check out this link for some quick facts on Markham’s demographics and population, based on the 2016 Canadian Census. 

It’s this reputation for diversity and inclusivity that makes Markham an ideal place for investment. With a strong economy based in innovation and technology, an emphasis on quality of life for residents of all ages, top-notch education and an ideal location just north of Toronto and with easy access to cottage country, Markham truly is a place to “have it all”. 

Conclusion

Curious to know more about Markham – and the many other communities that Your Community Realty serves? Check out our Community Information page for more information and active local listings today!

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