Markham receives funding to revitalize Main Street neighbourhoods

Escape to Main Street activities, Indigenous eco-tours to reimagine public spaces

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 23, 2022
Irene Wong

A Markham Public Library initiative has received $25,000 to restore vibrancy to Main Street Markham and Main Street Unionville.

The initiative, MPL Trail Project, highlights the natural and cultural history of the area through storytelling and programming, emphasizing the wellness benefits of nature while attracting visitors to the two main streets.

MPL Trail Project

“The MPL Trail Project will help revitalize both Main Street Markham and Main Street Unionville by increasing foot traffic to restaurants and shops on the main streets. It will also benefit the wellness of Markham residents by enticing them to visit the beautiful trails in Markham where they can explore and connect with nature,” said Catherine Biss, CEO of Markham Public Library.

Programs include Escape to Main Street, a geocaching activity that will take people through the trails and main streets in search of clues, Indigenous eco-tours and guided storywalks highlighting diverse local artists inspired by the natural and cultural beauty of the area.

The MPL Trail Project was selected for the My Main Street Community Activator program. The program supports the revitalization of local neighbourhoods. This is a two-year, $23.25-million investment by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti applauded the investment, saying, “My Main Street Community Activator is an excellent program that will support the City of Markham’s exciting initiative to reimagine public spaces. Our Main Streets can be places to shop and dine while enjoying our beautiful trails. I applaud Markham Public Library for making our streets, trails and libraries more enticing.”

MPL will also animate the trails using a free app, which will allow people to enjoy self-guided walks using their smart devices. Participants can also access digital content and learn about Markham’s rich local history and ecology by visiting the library’s website.

New trailheads will launch at Markham Village Library and Unionville Library branches and will include trail maps, guides to the Markham Main Streets and lending collections of outdoor equipment -- binoculars, walking poles, compasses, etc. -- that can be enjoyed on the trails.

Indigenous Nature Walks will be held on Aug. 27 and Sept. 24, led by Alan Colley from Toronto Aboriginal Eco Tours, where participants can explore relationships with nature.