Monday, July 19, 2021

Markham Design Excellence Awards now accepting submissions

MARKHAM, ON – July 19, 2021 – The Markham Design Excellence Awards seek to recognize outstanding urban design in the City of Markham with juried Awards of Excellence, Awards of Merit, and a new People’s Choice Award. Submissions close on August 27 at 11:59 PM.

“The City of Markham has a longstanding tradition of celebrating design excellence and this year’s Markham Design Excellence Awards will pay tribute to those in our community making significant contributions to our public realm and urban form,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “This is an opportunity to show our appreciation to design leaders that are putting Markham on the map and I encourage industry professionals to submit their projects for consideration.”

Architects, landscape architects, designers, engineers, planners, developers, consultants, owners and individuals are invited to submit projects completed before August 27, 2021 and within the last six years.

“Great urban design works together with planning to create landmarks that spark civic pride and public spaces that draw us back again and again,” said Regional Councillor Jim Jones, Chair of Markham’s Development Services Committee. “The Markham Design Excellence Awards is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate our visionaries and to showcase the best in recent building and placemaking.”

“The 2021 Markham Design Excellence Awards is a celebration of the best projects, in several categories including a new category, the People’s Choice Award, as a further opportunity to engage the community in city-building and design,” noted Arvin Prasad, Commissioner of Development Services.

Industrial, commercial, residential, recreational, heritage, open space and public realm projects are all eligible for submission to the following categories:

Building of Significance Award to recognize a building of at least 3 stories that responds to local context and integrates into the community through design
Institutional Building Award to recognize a civic building (cultural building, school or scientific building) that has become a new icon or City landmark and integrates with the existing local community while meeting the needs of the City
Community Design Award to recognize a compact, pedestrian-friendly community that fosters a sense of place
Open Space & Public Realm Award to recognize a park, plaza, facility or landscaped area with a fresh and new approach to the treatment of open spaces
Urban Intensification Award to recognize infill, mixed-use or transit-oriented development that exemplifies place-making and efficient use of public infrastructure to reinforce the public realm

In addition, a new People’s Choice Award will be awarded to the nominee that receives the most public votes cast from September 3 to September 30.

For Awards details and to submit projects, visit markham.ca/DesignExcellenceAwards.

The Markham Design Excellence Awards were first held in 1999 to celebrate quality design and the passion, hard work and talent of the people who make up the urban design industry in the City of Markham.

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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.

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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 more than 351,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 headquartered companies 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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