Public Realm
Shared Places Our Spaces
Markham’s public realm is defined as all the visible and accessible spaces, connections and buildings which enhance public life, promote civic pride and enliven the spirit of the City.
The public realm is where we live, work, socialize and play. It is made up of all the areas to which the public has access, including parks, walkways, bikeways, trails, boulevards, streets, laneways, parks, open spaces, wetlands and bridges. It also includes the publicly accessible space between buildings, along with the buildings and other structures that surround them.
The City of Markham is committed to enhancing and sustaining a unique and vibrant place to live, work, play and invest. It is based on providing quality designed, sustainable communities and developments which reflect and recognize a rich historical legacy.
Markham’s Public Realm Strategy aims to deliver an enhanced and complete public realm across the entire City.
- Shinrin Yoku, Forest Bathing, Forest Therapy
Shinrin Yoku is the Japanese practice known as Forest Bathing or Forest Therapy. Shinrin means forest and Yoku means bath. It is an evidence-based therapeutic practice that connects people to forest environments through gentle sensory-based invitations. The intention of Shinrin Yoku is to deepen one’s connection with the forest.
- Public Realm Speaker Series
Video presentation by Edith George, Advisor, Ontario Urban Forest Council and Ben Cesar, Owner, Fiddlehead Nursery.
The Importance of the Urban Forest - the Health Value
Video presentation by Dr. Karen Morrison, Member of the Steering Committees of Ecohealth Ontario and The Ontario Biodiversity Council.
The Importance of the Urban Forest - the Economic Value
Video presentation by Karen Clarke-Whistler, Chief Environmental Officer, TD Bank Group.
The Nature Effect: how investment in green space can improve a municipality’s bottom line
Watch the video presentation below by Dr. Faisal Moola of the David Suzuki Foundation.
Watch the video presentation below by Emily Munroe of the 8-80 Cities.
Video presentation by Gil Penalosa, Founder and Chair of 8-80 Cities
- News, Information & Resources
- Learn more by reading the Public Realm Overview Brochure [PDF]
- Download the full Shared Places Our Spaces: Markham's Public Realm Report [PDF]