Markham Announces Official Status as City at Canada Day Celebration

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

Canada: Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart…
USA: Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart…

Lieutenant Governor of Ontario joins Markham’s City Celebration on July 1

Markham officially became a city on July 1 and celebrated its new city status at Markham’s annual Canada Day celebration in the presence of the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, federal and provincial government representatives and an enthusiastic crowd of over 10,000.

Markham’s City celebration was highlighted by remarks from the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, and greetings and congratulations from Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Dalton McGuinty.

The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario also joined Mayor Scarpitti in a special plaque unveiling to announce the designation of the Markham Civic Centre under the Ontario Heritage Act. The Civic Centre was designated under the Heritage Act for its unique architecture, designed by renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson. 

The celebration was also marked by the unveiling of Markham’s new official flag and the release of sixty Rock Doves to honour the occasion, and to symbolize the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II.  

In his official opening remarks Mayor Scarpitti concluded, “Our motto, Leading While Remembering serves as a foundation for our values as a City. We value and protect our historic villages; the veterans that made the supreme sacrifice; our seniors who mentor with knowledge and wisdom; and our youth who we nurture to help them achieve their dreams.  We are Canada’s most diverse city. Indeed, diversity is our strength and unity is our future. “  

The Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe named Markham Township after William Markham, The Archbishop of York, England. Markham Township was incorporated in 1850 and Markham Village was incorporated in 1872. Markham Village was later incorporated as a Town in 1971. Markham Council approved Markham’s change in status from Town to City earlier this year, setting July 1, 2012 as the official date for Markham’s City status.