City of Markham marks 20-Year Partnership Anniversary with Sister City Nördlingen, Germany

MARKHAM, ON – September 15, 2022 – 2021 marked the City of Markham’s 20^th anniversary of its city-to-city partnership with Nördlingen, Germany. This year, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Councillor Karen Rea and delegates were in attendance at Stadtmauerfest, Nördlingen’s Historic Wall Festival, where a commemorative sign was unveiled to celebrate this milestone anniversary.

“We are extremely honoured by this tribute,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Nördlingen, William Berczy, and the Berczy settlers are an important part of Markham’s history and the past 20 years in particular have further strengthened our connection. We look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to come.”

As a token of appreciation, Mayor Frank Scarpitti led a tree planting ceremony and presented Nördlingen Mayor David Wittner, with a 20-Year Partnership Anniversary Certificate.

“Over the last 20 years, due in part to our shared historical roots, the partnership and friendship between our cities has grown,” said Nördlingen Mayor David Wittner. “It is my wish that we continue to expand and strengthen our bond – in particular to engage the youth of Nördlingen and Markham.”

Located 130 km north-west of Munich, Nördlingen is one of the only remaining walled medieval towns in Germany.

Over the years, Markham’s partnership with Nördlingen has provided many opportunities for cultural and student exchanges and learning opportunities between the two cities and in 2013, “Markham Street” was unveiled in Nördlingen. In 2017, the City of Markham dedicated the William Berczy statue to commemorate Canada’s 150th birthday. Special thanks go to the Markham Berczy Settlers Association, the Markham Historical Society and the Friends of Markham based in Nördlingen for their dedication and extraordinary volunteerism and efforts towards strengthening this historic relationship.

To commemorate the special occasion, a newly digitized photo album, History of the Nördlingen-Markham City-to-City Partnership, beautifully illustrating some of the exchanges between the two cities, can be viewed online at YourVoiceMarkham.ca/Nordlingen. The album was created and gifted to the City of Markham in 2013 by Aksel Rinck, who along with the above community groups has been instrumental in building and maintaining the partnership between the City of Markham and Nördlingen.

On September 10, at the age of 100, Aksel Rinck passed away in Nördlingen, Germany.The City of Markham mourns his passing and expresses our sincere condolences to his friends and family. In honour of his memory, Mayor Scarpitti led Members of Council, City Staff and the public in a moment of silence on Monday, September 12 at the Development Services Committee meeting.

 

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Markham Ward 4 Councillor Karen Rea lead a tree planting ceremony with Nördlingen Mayor, David Wittner and delegates.

Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Nördlingen Mayor David Wittner.

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office:
At mayorscarpitti@markham.ca.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Kisha Powell, Media Relations & Communications Specialist at kpowell@markham.ca.

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with more than 356,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 headquarteredcompanies and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy.

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