Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Markham celebrates 50 years of significant people and places with street banners

MARKHAM, ON – June 22, 2021 – Celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Markham’s incorporation continue with the unveiling of street banners highlighting significant people and places in the community’s past and present. These will line Highway 7 and Warden surrounding the Civic Centre, Town Centre Boulevard north of Highway 7, Main Street Markham, Main Street Unionville and the Yonge Street Heritage area until the end of 2021. Each of the 21 designs will include a photograph or drawing, the name of the place or person featured, some quick facts, and the commemorative colours of red, black and gold. These will accompany a special commemorative Markham 50th anniversary banner.

Details of further celebrations can be found at markham.ca/Markham50. Join in by using #Markham50 on social media!

“In celebration of our 50th’s anniversary since incorporation, the City of Markham is proud to celebrate people and places that have put our city on the map,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Key figures in our city’s history, athletes, entertainers and business leaders that have represented our country on the global stage, and photos of municipal landmarks that bring about civic pride will line our historic main streets in recognition of this milestone anniversary. We invite the community to join us in celebrating 50 years as one of Canada’s best managed municipalities that provides a much envied quality of life.”

This 50th year, discover Markham’s landmarks and celebrate the people, past and present, who have transformed our community. The banners feature:

Places/Landmarks

Aaniin Community Centre
Angus Glen Community Centre and Library
Heintzman House
Markham Civic Centre
Main Street Unionville
Markham Train Station
Stiver Mill and Unionville Train Station
Veterans Square and Cenotaph

People

William Berczy
Jully Black
Mary Anne Chambers
Bill Crothers
Andre De Grasse
Phylicia George
Michelle Li
William Markham
Lloyd Robertson
Steven Stamkos
Benjamin Thorne
Alma Walker
John Webster

The roots of the current The Corporation of City of Markham date back to the creation of the Regional Municipality of York on January 1, 1971 when Unionville, Milliken, Thornhill and Markham Village were consolidated to form the Town of Markham.

Celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Markham’s incorporation will revolve around the theme: “50 Years of Excellence”, and residents will be able to engage in activities that spotlight themes and transformational moments in the community’s journey from a town into a modern city, and social media showcasing Markham’s achievements, history, diversity and community.

Markham Public Library and the Markham Museum are also celebrating 50th anniversaries this year! Markham Public Library stopped charging children and teens overdue fines and launched a new eCard. Both are offering special virtual programming and initiatives as part of their celebrations.

Banners on display

Street banners highlighting significant Markham figures and places line selected streets to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Markham’s incorporation. This banner shows Olympic athlete Andre De Grasse.

Banner on display 2

Street banners highlighting significant Markham figures and places line selected streets to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Markham’s incorporation. This banner shows the special commemorative Markham 50th anniversary logo.

Related links:

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office:
Bryan Frois, Chief of Staff at bfrois@markham.ca or 416.567.1177.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Jennifer Yap, Coordinator, Communications and Media Relations at jyap@markham.ca or 437.229.2450.

For COVID-19 announcements from the City of Markham:
Visit markham.ca/covid19 or listen to 105.9 The Region – Markham’s information and emergency radio station.

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with over 351,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 corporate head offices and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 240 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. Markham has received the Excellence Canada Gold Award for Organizational Quality & Healthy Workplace, and multiple heritage and environmental awards.

Stay Connected: Visit our newsroom or search #MarkhamNews and #MarkhamEvents for the latest information on City programs, services and event.