Markham Gazette Wednesday November 4th, 2015 - 41st Edition - #2149 - City of Markham Editor: Sayyeda Masood Newcomer’s Edition Welcome to Canada’s High-Tech Capital Quick Facts In 1791, Colonel John Graves Simcoe named the area the Township of Markham, after his friend William Markham, Archbishop of York (now Toronto). In 1794, 75 German families fled from New York State to the Township of Markham and harvested 15,000 acres of land between them in an area now known as German Mills. In 1871, the Toronto and Nipissing Railway Company, with stations in Unionville and Markham, officially opened its line from Scarborough to Uxbridge. In the1980s, Markham began to be recognized as a fast-growing suburb of Toronto, despite its independent economy. In 2012, Markham Town Council voted to change its status from “Town” to “City.” Main Street Unionville - Source: Evonne Darren Photography eading While Remembering: River--the latter of which borders Rouge Lthe city’s motto is a nod to the roots Park: the largest urban park in North Need a Room? of Markham, grounded in a rich and America. At the city’s north is the Oak We’ve got you covered. Stay with one recognized history. Markham’s foun- Ridges Moraine, formed 85,000 years ago of the following sponsored lodging dational elements remain preserved in during the glacial period. Markham’s 48 providers: an iconic area dubbed Old Markham public and private parks house countless Monte Carlo Inns Village: located along Main Street golf courses and options for recreational 7255 Warden Ave Unionville, the village is the hub for city activities. When the temperatures drop, Holiday Inn Express events, fine dining, and breathtaking Markham’s many bodies of water trans- 10 East Pearce Street photography. form into public skating spaces for Hilton Markham Suites Outside of the village, Markham’s family fun. 8500 Warden Avenue 200 square kilometres offer both visitors Delta Markham and residents a landscape of neverend- 50 East Valhalla Drive ing adventure. The city is intersected by Flip the page to learn more about Amanda’s Bed and Breakfast two rivers; the Don River and Rouge maximizing your stay. 304 Raymerville Drive Markham Gazette Wednesday November 4th, 2015 - 41st Edition - #2149 - City of Markham Pg. 2 Events & Attractions Wine & Dine Markham Jazz Festival: established Matsuda: top-rated Japanese all- in 1998, this festival is home to you-can-eat and a la carte cuisine. diverse and eclectic jazz perform- Includes private party room. ers. The festival’s repertoire spans a variety of genres, including Smash Kitchen and Bar: upscale traditional, swing, Latin, fusion, casual atmosphere accompanied world, Dixieland, and contempo- by comfort cuisine. rary jazz. Where: Main Street Unionville Congee Queen: authentic between Fred Varley Drive and Chinese cuisine. Fan favourites Carlton Avenue include fried chili turnip patties, spice and pepper-salt squid, and Old Tyme Christmas & mango salad. Candlelight Parade: floats, bands and dance troupes are all decked Cathedral of Transfiguration - Source: Unknown Rawlicious: raw vegan restaurant out for Christmas. The star of the Cathedral of Transfiguration: among helping you feel good about what night, Santa Claus, stays after the its features is the world’s largest three- you eat. parade to hear special wishes. bell carillon, with the French-made Features include an artisan market, bells weighing 14 500 kg and mosaics marshmallow roasting, carollers, reputed to contain over 5 million jugglers, and moonlight shopping. pieces of glass. Where: Main Street Unionville Where: Cathedraltown, Markham Outdoor Skating: atop a pond in Whittamore’s Berry Farm: a fruit and a 33 hectare park in Old Markham vegetable farm beside the Rouge River, Village. A fishing spot in the sum- with pick-your-own (in season) straw- mer, Toogood Pond freezes over berries, raspberries, and pumpkins. when temperatures drop: perfect Includes a winery featuring tastings. for an all-Canadan game of shinny. Where: 8100 Steeles Avenue East Where: Twogood Pond Macarons from Old Firehall Confectionary Markham Theatre for Performing Source: Unknown Arts (Flato Markham Theatre): this Old Firehall Confectionary: season marks the theatre’s 30th year offers the best selection of old- of bringing outstanding performers fashioned, handmade sweets from from around the world to Markham. its contemporary environment. Currently showcasing great Canadian Specializes in long-time favourites acts and bringing back popular such as homemade fudge, candy performances featuring jazz, comedy, apples, sponge toffee, and truffles. Celtic, magic, and dance. Where: 171 Town Centre Boulevard Skater on TooGood Pond: Source: user “blue_jay_jay” via reddit.com Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Markham,_Ontario | http://www.mainstreetmarkham.com/farmers-market/ | https://www.markham.ca/wps/portal/Markham/AboutMarkham/Heritage/CelebrateOurHer- itage/HeritageWalkingTours/ | http://www.guidingstar.ca/Olde_Tyme_Christmas_&_Candle_Light_Parade.htm | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markham,_Ontario | http://www.varleygallery.ca | http://www.amandabandb.ca/.