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Markham renames Milliken Mills pool after long-standing councillor Alex Chiu

Ward 8 councillor, who served from 1985-2018, 'a man of few words, but big action,' Mayor Frank Scarpitti says

Yorkregion.com
May 1, 2019
Tim Kelly

Markham’s longest-serving councillor, Alex Chiu, made a big splash this past Saturday, as the now-retired representative had a pool named after him.

Chiu, who served as a local councillor in Markham in Ward 8 from 1985 until 2018 -- an uninterrupted streak of 33 years -- had the pool at Milliken Mills Community Centre and Library named the Alex Chiu Pool.

"I have always said that Alex is a man of few words, but big action," said Mayor Frank Scarpitti after the sign was unveiled at the pool in Chiu’s honour.

"He always gets things done! His love for this community is unwavering. He always went to bat for his constituents. He has dedicated his life to public service with the support of his wife, Alicia, and their family. I hope this pool will serve as a permanent reminder of all that Alex has achieved and all that he has contributed to the success of our community.”

The renaming of the pool in his honour brings full-circle Chiu’s work for Milliken Mills Community Centre and Library.

In 1989, Chiu was the first person to swim in the pool when the community centre and library opened; he had been a champion of building the facility in his ward.

And in 2001, Chiu swam 100 laps non-stop each day for five days at the Milliken Mills Community Centre and Library pool to raise money for Markham’s United Way campaign. Chiu raised nearly $20,000 that year, and his “Alex’s Swim” became an annual event in support of United Way.

“I first entered politics after the coaxing of some good friends in the community,” Chiu said.

“I stayed because I realized I had a real ability to help others and make change for the betterment of Ward 8 and the City of Markham. Having the pool at the Milliken Mills Community Centre and Library named in my honour is very humbling, and I am grateful for the distinct privilege.”