Toronto Neighbourhood Guide

Markham

Homes in Markham

Ever since 1991 the Town of Markham has championed the principles of “New Urbanism” in its official plan. New Urbanism expounds the virtues of ‘old fashioned’, pedestrian friendly neighbourhoods, where shopping, schools, and parks are within walking distance, and garages are tucked away out of site, off laneways at the rear of the house. Heritage style homes with whimsical front porches are also hallmarks of New Urbanism style homes.

The award winning Cornell subdivision situated in the northeast end of Markham, north of Highway 407 and east of Ninth Line, was the first New Urbanism subdivision built in Ontario. Other award winning Markham communities include Angus Glen,, a golf course community, located north of Sixteenth Avenue just east of Kennedy Road, and Swan Lake Village, an adult lifestyle community consisting of 1,200 homes, situated north of Sixteenth Avenue between Highway 48 and Ninth Line.

The Town of Markham is continuing to incorporate New Urbanism principles in its push towards “smart growth” as a way to combat urban sprawl. At the forefront of this “smart growth” will be the ambitious development of a new downtown core called “Markham Centre” which will be built on 992 acres of land, located north of Highway 407 and south of Highway 7, between Warden Avenue and Kennedy Road. This landmark mixed use project will consist primarily of townhouses and condominium buildings that will create 10,000 new homes. A large amount of retail stores, offices, and greenspace will define this community, allowing residents to walk to work, shopping and recreation facilities; thereby reducing the need for cars.

The Town of Markham is known for it commitment to preserving it’s heritage homes. This dedication is exemplified in the Markham Village Estates subdivision located at Sixteenth Avenue and Highway 48. This unique subdivision is home to more than 20 century homes that were saved from the onset of urban sprawl and relocated to this site. These historical homes have been lovingly restored by their owners who purchase their lots from the Town of Markham and then must adhere to strict restoration guidelines set down by the Markham heritage planning department.

Markham is also proud of its three landmark heritage conservation districts. They are: Markham Village located north of Highway 7 at Markham Road, Unionville Village at Highway 7 and Kennedy Road, and Thornhill Village at Yonge and John Streets.

 

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