How Markham's updated Leisure Master Plan will play out for residents

'Major' community centre in north part of West Markham, refresh of Milliken Mills Community Centre part of plan

Yorkregion.com
February 10, 2020
Heidi Riedner

Markham council recently endorsed the city's updated 2019 Integrated Leisure Master Plan (ILMP) to meet the evolving needs of Markham's diverse, growing community while keeping pace with leisure trends.

The update identifies priorities and sets the direction for service delivery through to 2031, when the city's population is forecasted to grow by 113,200 people to 460,200, according to the city's Commissioner of Community and Fire Services, Brenda Librecz.

“We know that more growth is coming,” said Librecz. “The 2019 ILMP guides city staff to deliver integrated parks, recreation, culture and library service that meet the needs of all ages, and to pursue innovative funding and partnership opportunities.”

Plans include advancing the development of a “major” community centre and library in the north part of West Markham, as well as undertaking a refresh of the Milliken Mills Community Centre and Library.

Residents can expect more “co-location” of services in shared-use spaces buoyed by public/private partnerships, according to the plan, which creates new Neighbourhood Centre models for the city’s growth centres.

Walking is one of the fastest growing leisure activities for families (many with a dog) --so dog parks, engaging public spaces and connected walking trails are “key infrastructure” moving forward. Building more cricket pitches is also on the docket.

As part of the city's implementation of its Public Art Master Plan, a feasibility study will be conducted for a new theatre.

Expanding digital literacy programs, developing library services for Markham Centre and the north part of West Markham and delivering alternative library service and funding models for intensified areas are other key recommendations in the plan.

Since 2010, Markham has experienced population growth, an aging community and more residents living in highrise condos while at the same time continuing to be a destination for families, according to the report tabled at council last month.

The city has met 77 per cent of the 205 recommendations made under the prior integrated leisure master plan of 2010.

Major milestones included building two major community centres and one sports centre within six years: the Aaniin Community Centre and Library, the Cornell Community Centre and Library and the Markham Pan Am Centre --an international sports destination and complex. More than 90 new parks and 17 new sports fields were also constructed.