Meet our vendors* for our Earth Day celebration!

10,000 Trees for the Rouge: 10,000 Trees for the Rouge is a volunteer, non-profit group in Ontario, dedicated to restoring natural habitat within the Rouge Valley, located on the northeastern outskirts of Toronto. Join them on April 27 or 28 for their Annual Spring Planting Event. Volunteers are needed to help plant 3000+ trees and shrubs. All are welcome and equipment/training will be provided.  

Bill Hogarth SS. Eco Club: We are the Eco-Club from Bill Hogarth Secondary School, dedicated to educating students about the environment. Through activities like tree planting, gardening, and milk-bag weaving, we provide various opportunities for students to help the community. Our mission is to raise awareness of local and global eco issues, inspiring students to take action for a greener planet.

Creative Genius Academy: View our student artwork showcase about the importance of sustainability and caring about the environment. Think outside the box and discover new ways to make art by reusing recycled materials! 

Cycling Without Age: Cycling Without Age York Region aims to create happiness among our fellow elderly citizens by providing them with an opportunity to experience the city and nature close up from the bicycle and by giving them an opportunity to tell their story. That way we build bridges between generations and we reinforce trust, respect and the social glue in our society.

LEAF: Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating people about trees. LEAF offers subsidized native tree planting services for residents of Markham, with a special discount endorsed by Markham's Trees for Tomorrow initiative. LEAF also engages citizens in urban forest stewardship through community planting events and educational programs. 

Let's Make It: We Love To Create, Inspire, Innovate, Upcycle, Teach, Learn, Reclaim, Conserve! We are passionate about learning, building community and respecting the environment. Re-purposing everyday items helps us keep items out of the landfills. 

Markham By-Laws: Learn about the Tree Preservation program and "call before you cut" by-law.

Markham Cycles: Learn about cycling and active transportation here in City of Markham. Visit our booth or website to learn more about our free programming such as bike loan, repair workshops and more.

Markham Fire & Emergency Services: This is your chance to explore the inside of a fire truck and learn about open air burning and lithium battery safety. 

Markham Parks: Visit the parks booth in the EV test drive area to learn about our Parks in Markham.

Markham Public Library: At Markham Public Library, Markham comes together to imagine, create, learn and grow as individuals, neighbourhoods, and a City. Through our resources, programs, spaces, and community partnerships, the library connects you to lifelong learning, the world’s knowledge, cultural experiences, community building, personal growth and greater opportunities. Stop by any of our eight branches or check out our online resources to discover everything from your next great read to Makerspaces, musical instruments, bicycles, digital media equipment, and more!

Markham Museum: Markham Museum celebrates Earth Day with hands-on activities exploring natural and human-made history in Markham! Biofacts and artifacts are two types of objects we have in our museum collection. Each tells us a lot about ourselves, our community, and the world around us. Come visit us to see objects from the collection and learn more.

Markham Recreation: Get active! Stop by the Recreation booth to learn about our programs, camps, and more!

Markham Waste: Bring any unwanted textiles to drop off at the Textile bin!

Mitsubishi Electric: Learn more about Mitsubishi's sustainability message and how heat pumps can improve your home's energy efficiency. 

Ontario Sustainable Agriculture: At Ontario Sustainable Agriculture, we grow lettuces and leafy greens on our family run farm using aquaponics – the growing of plants and fish in a symbiotic, close-loop system. Our nutrient dense and flavour-packed produce are available year round in our shop

Regenesis: Regenesis is a community environmental organization dedicated to empowering students as initiators of change in addressing today’s social and environmental concerns, through advocacy and services in local chapters. We focus on real, comprehensive and practical initiatives and programs to make our campus, communities, cities, and planet more sustainable.
Our vision is to create an interconnected network that engages both the university community and wider communities to create environmental and community initiatives on the foundation of ‘just’ sustainability.

Save on Energy: As Ontario’s recognized and trusted source for energy-efficiency opportunities and knowledge in the province, Save on Energy is here to help you use energy wisely at home. Save on Energy offers programs and resources to help you lower your energy use, lower costs and create a more comfortable, energy-efficient space. Whatever shape or size your home is, there are plenty of ways to save.

Save Soil: Save Soil is the largest people's movement on the planet launched by Sadhguru, to bring awareness to the alarming threat of Soil Extinction. People across the world are standing up for soil health, and encouraging leaders of all nations to support national policies and actions that increase the organic content to 3-6% in cultivable soil. Supported by 81 nations, UNCCD, FAO, IUCN. Visit the website to learn more. 

Scales Nature Park: Scales Nature Park will be sharing a few of Ontario's snakes and turtles, some you may have already seen in your backyard! Get up close and personal with hands-on interaction, and ask questions if you are curious. We hope to provide a better understanding and appreciation for these amazing reptiles!

Speaking of Wildlife: Speaking of Wildlife is a wildlife education centre that provides permanent sanctuary to non-releasable Ontario wildlife; many of our animals in care have been injured, orphaned, abandoned or illegally kept as pets and are unable to live in the wild as they should. Instead, they will live out their lives with Speaking of Wildlife and, where suited, teach audiences around the province about Ontario wildlife. Meet and learn about some of the magnificent Ontario wildlife species that we share our environment with throughout the day, and join us for live animal shows at 10:45am and 1:00pm! 

York Region Environmental Alliance: Since 2002, York Region Environmental Alliance (YREA) has worked to influence public policy and community behaviour through initiatives and campaigns by tackling ecological issues that influence our health, the health of our environment and the planet. We advocate for green solutions that support nature, address climate change, lower greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and promote healthy, environmentally sustainable lifestyle choices. Through our quarterly e-news, YREA also provides information on the harmful impact of toxic substances.

York Region Food Network: YRFN strengthens communities by connecting and empowering people to access food through education and advocacy. YRFN runs community food programming, such as community kitchens, community gardens, affordable fresh food markets and Good Food Boxes.

York Region Public Works: welcomes you to learn more about waste management, road maintenance and construction, active transportation and York Region Transit (YRT). A YRT Electric bus will also be on display. To learn more about out work and the National Public Works Week event, visit York.ca/PublicWorks. 

York Region Science & Technology Fair: 6 student projects will be joining us at Earth Day. 

Electric Vehicle Test Drives 

BMW Markham: your trusted local dealership for over 30 years, proudly serves our community with top-notch care. Committed to Markham's well-being, we actively engage in local events. Now, embracing the growing importance of environmental protection, we're excited to introduce eco-friendly automotive solutions. Join us at Markham Earth Day to discover our latest additions, the BMW i5 and iX, paving the way towards a greener future.

Don Valley North Hyundai and Markham Genesis: We're committed to paving the way towards a greener future, one vehicle at a time. Our lineup of eco-friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles speaks volumes about our dedication to sustainability. From the innovative and popular Hyundai Ioniq, to the Genesis GV70/GV80 and the line's commitment to incorporating environmentally conscious materials and technologies, we offer choices that reduce carbon footprints and promote cleaner driving. Behind the scenes, we're continuously exploring ways to enhance our operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact, ensuring that our path forward is as sustainable as the vehicles we proudly sell and service

Markville Chevrolet: will be displaying vehicles from Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC.

Porsche Centre North Toronto: participate in a test drive in the new Taycan

*Vendors are subject to change

Complete our Passport Activity on April 20 to enter a contest for a chance to win a prize!

How do I enter the contest?

1. Join us on April 20 from 10 AM to 3 PM at Markham Centre (179 Enterprise Blvd, Markham)
2. Visit any eight vendors and get their secret word by asking: “How is your business or organization supporting greenMarkham?”
3. Fill out and submit a digital or hard copy of the Passport Activity with your eight secret words to enter our contest for your chance to win one of many incredible prize packages!

Prizes: Visit the prize table (located on the first floor by the stairs and escalators) on April 20 to see all the prize packages. 

• Lifestyle Gift Pack (1)
• Zero Waste Gift Pack (4)
• Entertainment Gift Pack (2)
• Sustainability Gift Pack (1)
• Day-Out Gift Pack (1)

Contest Period: Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 10 AM to 3 PM

What do I need to know?

• You can complete the Passport Activity with secret words from any 8 of our 30+ vendors (yes, our electric vehicle booths in the AVIVA Canada Parking lot have secret words too!)
• Only one (1) entry per person (electronic or paper copy)
• You must be a resident of the City of Markham
• Winners will be selected at random on Tuesday, April 23 and be contacted via email

Thank you to these generous businesses and organizations for sponsoring prizes!

Contest rules & regulations

Read Contest Rules & Regulations [PDF]

Markham Celebrates Earth Day Event
 

• Presented by: City of Markham
• Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024
• Time: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
• Location: Downtown Markham, 179 Enterprise Blvd, Markham
• Register: Drop in event, no registration necessary
• About: The City of Markham is celebrating Earth Day inside the Downtown Markham building complex! The event will provide Markham residents with a fun and educational take on environmental issues. Markham’s Earth Day Celebration draws over 300 residents to the event annually. This year’s event will be the first in-person celebration since the pandemic started. We have an exciting array of attractions including wildlife conservation animal booths, free electric vehicle test drives, and a sustainability fair. Take a ride the Pride of the Carousel, and complete our passport activity to enter a raffle for a prize!
• Reach out to us if you have any questions 

Talk & Taste: Culinary Workshop

• Presented by: Markham Public Library
• Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2024
• Time: 10 am to 11 am
• Location: Markham Village Branch
• Visit the website to register 
• About: Indulge your senses in a culinary experience designed to inspire you to explore food using taste, smell, touch and sight. This workshop is held in partnership with York Region Food Network and York Region as part of the Good Food Challenge, a food waste reduction initiative. Please note that participants may be working with common food allergens. 
   

Annual Earth Week Community Tree Planting
 

• Presented by: 10,000 Trees
• Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024 and Sunday, April 28, 2024
• Time: 8:00 am to 1:30 pm and 9:00 am to 1:30 pm
• Location: Bruce's Mill Conservation Park, 3291 Stouffville Road, Whitchurch-Stouffville
• Visit 10,000 Trees website to register 
• About: Join us at Bruce's Mill Conservation Park for our annual earth week event to plant 5,000 trees and shrubs. Please note April 27th is a set-up day and we will be moving plants and equipment into the field. April 28th will be the primary tree planting day.

Build a Soil-Arium

• Presented by: Markham Public Library
• Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024
• Time: 10 am to 10:45 am
• Location: Markham Village Branch
• Visit the website to register 
• About: Unearth the secrets of decomposition as we embark on an exciting journey to create our very own Soil-Arium. This hands-on workshop is designed for curious minds eager to explore the wonders of nature and discover the science behind turning kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil. This workshop is held in partnership with York Region Food Network and York Region as part of the Good Food Challenge, a food waste reduction initiative. Please note that participants will get messy. 

Big Ideas: The Power of Sustainable Everyday Choices

• Presented by: Markham Public Library
• Date: Tuesday, May 7, 2024
• Time: 7 pm to 8 pm
• Location: Aaniin Branch
• Visit the website to register 
• About: We often hear about terms such as "carbon footprints," "climate change," and "sustainability." But what do they really mean? And how do our daily actions, like where we go, what we eat, how we shop, and how we heat our homes, affect the world? Join Gil Amdurski from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to learn more about how the things we do every day can make a big difference in taking care of our planet. 

Spring Infill
 

• Presented by: 10,000 Trees
• Date: May 25, 2024
• Location: Monarch Park, Markham
• Visit 10,000 Trees website to register 
• About: TBD. Registration will begin in March/April 2024

There are many ways to protect our planet! Here are some topics and ideas to get you started. Remember, you don’t have to do it all, but every little bit you do can make a difference! Find what interests you, opportunities to learn, and take action today.

Power Up and Save Energy!

• Improve the energy efficiency of your home through home retrofits to save money, improve home comfort and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • Consider the following retrofit options: air or ground heat pumps, air sealing (building envelope, ducts and windows, doors), Energy Star water heater replacement, smart thermostats with zone control, high efficiency furnace (Energy Star), Solar PV options with battery storage
  • Attend a Home Efficiency Retrofit Orientation (HERO) Workshop to learn about upgrading the home to reduce emissions and increase eneryg efficiency. Check the Home Energy Retrofits page to register for the next workshop (tentatively Fall 2024)
• Reduce your energy consumption by unplugging any unused electronics or switching power bars to eliminate phantom power, turning off lights when you leave the room, and taking shorter showers

Good Food for a Good Life

• Reduce your carbon food-print and support local businesses by purchasing locally produced ingredients which you can find through the York Farm Fresh Multilingual App
• Try out a plant-based meal — check out the York Region Food Network for a list of recipes 
• Learn tips on how to reduce food waste at Love Food Hate Waste and the Good Food Challenge 

Why Waste? Recycle Right, Recycle More!

• Not sure how to Sort your recycling, organics and garbage, check out using the What Goes Where search tool
• Don’t miss the truck! Access your recycling and garbage collection schedule online or on the  Access Markham mobile app
• Protect your pipes by disposing of fats, oils and grease (also known as F.O.G.) in the green bin, and never down the drain
• Drop off your unwanted textiles to one of Markham’s textile donation bins so they can be recycled into new products

Nearby Nature 

• Plant a tree through the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program , including a contactless delivery option and discounts
• Contact the City before you prune or cut down trees to abide by Markham’s Tree Preservation By-law which protects the urban forest.
• Experience Forest Therapy through Shinrin Yoku, the Japanese practice known as Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy by visiting a self-guided Shinrin Yoku trail in the City of Markham
• Learn how to use water efficiently by reading the Water Efficiency: At-Home Guide
• Explore the world of water online through the Water Education Program
• Visit a park or trail in your neighbourhood
• Explore walking and cycling in Markham

Keep on Learning!

• Calculate your carbon footprint , foodprint , and plastic consumption to identify ways you can reduce your impact
• Visit Markham Public Library for Earth Month events, reading lists, and blogs to learn more!

Programs and Initiatives

• Active Transportation
• Adopt a Park
• Bird-Friendly Guidelines
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations
• Enviro Packs
• Environmental Conservation
• Gardens & Agriculture
• Invasive Species: Emerald Ash Borer
• Keep Markham Beautiful
• LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program
• Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund
• Markham Wildlife
• Textile Recycling Program
• Tree Care
• Tree Maintenance Program

Related Links

• Building Markham’s Future Together: 2020 - 2026 Strategic Plan
• Garbage and recycling
• Greenprint: Community Sustainability Plan
• Markham’s Waste Diversion Strategy
• Municipal Energy Plan
• Power.House Hybrid Pilot Study
• Water and wastewater