Thursday, June 24, 2021

Markham is making more space to get active safely & support local this summer

MARKHAM, ON – June 24, 2021 – This season, the City of Markham is making even more outdoor space and opportunities for residents to get active and support local with Open Streets Markham, presented by York University. As we continue to navigate the pandemic, it is important to find safe ways to support mental, emotional and physical well-being.

“Summer has arrived and the City of Markham is preparing to give you more options to enjoy the outdoors safely,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “We have taken a thoughtful and careful approach to reopening and we are creating connections and transforming spaces to give pedestrians and cyclists greater access to all that our community has to offer.”

Restricting vehicular traffic along two routes creates opportunities for residents to get outside and enjoy their community while following COVID-19 health and safety measures.

This year’s routes include:

Main Street Unionville – Slow Street (from Carlton Road to Fred Varley Drive)

Traffic calming measures, extended patios and temporary pedestrian routes are in place now until late September

Middlefield Road –Shared Street (from Highglen Avenue to Denison Street)

From July 1 to September 6, this street section will be closed every Sunday and on statutory holidays (July 1: Canada Day, August 3: Civic Holiday/William Berczy Day, and September 6: Labour Day)
City of Markham fitness instructors will be offering fun, free drop-in Zumba classes to participants on a first-come, first-serve basis (space will be limited in accordance with Provincial restrictions)
The Markham Cycles crew will host a pop-up community bike booth offering on-the-spot simple repairs and a limited number of bikes available for short-term loan

“With the construction of the new Markham Centre Campus, which will open its doors in 2023, York University is excited to be expanding its presence in Markham — one of the most vibrant, dynamic and rapidly growing communities in Canada,” said York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. “We are proud to collaborate with the City on Open Streets Markham 2021 to provide Markham residents with new opportunities to get outside and get active safely throughout the summer.”

Get the scoop on Open Streets Markham, presented by York University, by visiting markham.ca/GetActive

Presenting sponsor:

York University

Project partners:

Community partners:

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.