The City of Markham, just north of Toronto, is focused on creating a downtown district in its Markham Centre region. (Google Maps)
Forty years ago, Markham Centre was mainly farmland. Now, it’s the heart of a city just north of Toronto with over 350,000 people and more than 11,000 businesses.
“Markham is evolving into a complete urban centre, with better access to rapid transit plus a significant amount of commercial and retail opportunities, some of the best parks and community facilities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and over 1,500 technology companies,” said City of Markham commissioner of development services Arvin Prasad during a webinar on Markham Centre hosted by Urban Land Institute’s Toronto chapter on March 23.
Markham Centre represents the city’s long-term goal for a lively and mixed-use downtown area. Mayor Frank Scarpitti has been leading this vision since 2006 and shared insights about the past, present, and future of both the city and Markham Centre during his talk.
Scarpitti also sits on York Regional Council. He noted that Markham is the largest municipality in York Region and is likely to remain so as its population keeps growing. Almost 80 percent of residents identify as visible minorities.
“That diversity is a badge of honour for us, as we’ve attracted highly skilled and highly talented people from all around the world,” said Scarpitti.
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Expansion in Markham Centre
Covering 1,220 acres, Markham Centre is roughly twice the size of downtown areas in many other GTA cities. Initially designed for 20,000 residents back in the mid-1990s, that number has now increased closer to 100,000. The size of Markham Centre has expanded by about 30 percent since 2019 to accommodate an increasing population and job market. Residents were initially opposed to taller buildings in Markham around twenty-five years ago; however, Scarpitti mentioned that a clear growth vision has gained support from those earlier critics. He emphasized how crucial it is for Markham Centre to be a safe space where people can live, work, play or visit-focused on pedestrians-and well-served by public transit while respecting the cultural heritage and natural environment surrounding Rouge Valley. “We want to have a variety of different uses. We want a compact urban form that complements the adjacent community. We want to make sure that we have a plan that embraces the Rouge River, creates some beautiful open landscaped areas and squares while including key architectural statements.” The real estate here is among the most expensive in Markham; Scarpitti highlighted the importance of providing various affordable housing options.Sustainability Efforts and Public Transit
The thermal energy system provided by Markham District Energy supplies heating for more than eleven million square feet across various buildings for space heating, hot water heating, and air conditioning purposes. This network means commercial spaces such as offices or hotels don’t need their own individual boilers or cooling systems because they are linked to this thermal grid. This strategy has made Markham Centre home to North America’s largest collection of mixed-use LEED-certified projects downtown. “It’s a testament to the investment that’s been made and will play a key part to ensure that we will reduce the city’s carbon footprint,” said Scarpitti. “It’s a very sustainable community.” Markham offers convenient access to Highways 407 and 404 along with an increasingly vital Unionville GO Transit station set to become an important hub through enhanced service from Metrolinx. “It’s intrinsically connected to transforming our community where living spaces blend seamlessly with workplaces,” remarked Mary-Frances Turner from York Region Rapid Transit Corporation about what an integrated public transport system means for Markham.Main Goals for The Secondary Plan at Markham Centre
Ken Greenberg from Greenberg Consultants-an experienced urban designer based out of Toronto-is currently reviewing plans for developing further within Markham Centre. He sees several areas where improvements could enhance its evolution moving forward:- – prioritizing public transit alongside walking and cycling;
- – ensuring residences are close enough so employment centers, recreation spots like schools, libraries, and daycare facilities are easily accessible;
- – fostering diverse built environments promoting inclusion making neighborhoods suitable for families;
- – integrating Unionville GO station more effectively into city design linking it via Enterprise Boulevard & Birchmount Road;
- – introducing civic structures along with conveniently located squares;
- – emphasizing green spaces like parks throughout urban planning;
- -and ensuring Rouge Valley remains prominent particularly regarding three kilometers stretch running through this area too!
The Remington Group’s Involvement
The Remington Group stands out as one major private landowner here holding over two hundred forty acres; they’ve built strong partnerships historically working closely together with local authorities. Located nearby Vaughan , this company specializes in developing residential , retail , commercial properties spanning Southern Ontario across sixty-five-plus years. Their contributions within markam include projects like Nexus Condos , Gallery House , Gallery Towers , york condos apartments ; Victory Green which features homes & townhomes ; ten aviva way alongside Origin consisting primarily shops & other businesses ; lastly showcasing toronto marriott hotel located right within these developments! “We can build great residential buildings , office buildings & commercial units ” explained Randy Peddigrew senior VP land development department. “But if we’re not careful then it might result into isolated communities above ground without any interaction below”. Peddigrew emphasized importance creating attractive public spaces encouraging individuals leave their high-rise units engaging actively instead remaining enclosed indoors always ! ”Without active participation none succeeds – we invest heavily time/money efforts crafting such environments realizing ultimately if locals aren’t out enjoying themselves feeling connected nothing matters anymore.”A New Campus For York University at Markahm Centre
Construction began last year aiming towards opening doors welcoming students fall season next year upon completion beginning campus devoted education jointly funded $275-million project entails courses offered four faculties accompanied School Continuing Studies resourceful library supports academic endeavors research activities. Students accommodated phase one capable serving up-to four thousand two-hundred participants adapted necessary future expansions too linking directly onto District Energy grid supplemented additional parking capacity arranged City officials provide thousand spots allocated dedicated usage students/visitors alike! York plans solicit proposals throughout April seeking partner collaborate building suitable housing amenities needed fulfill requirements arising demand potential student living arrangements adjacent school grounds ’ location chosen strategically due immense benefits blending academic life surrounding vibrant atmosphere built cities enriched communal experiences daily interactions amongst neighbors alike ! “We viewed opportunity advancing collective goals involving constructive collaboration” stated Gary Brewer president Development Corporation discussing rationale behind opting select venue site versus competitors submissions elsewhere nearby municipalities’ proposals presenting alternatives considered rather carefully assessed prior finalized decision selected one day recognized meant beyond mere physical structures enhancing synergy fostering engagement bridging gaps existing relationships forming lasting bonds connecting university industries alike generating pathway facilitate transition students careers await them later down road!”Source link
