Markham receives $2.9 million for improving sidewalks, trails, splash pad and playgrounds

National community revitalization fund supports local community infrastructures

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 5, 2023
Irene Wong

The City of Markham has received $2,939,700 federal funding for six projects that build new community infrastructure and revitalize existing assets, bring people back to public spaces safely, and stimulate local economies.

The six projects through Markham’s operations and engineering departments currently underway include:

Sidewalk Network Program, which supports the construction of sidewalks in the highest priority residential and employment areas. Under the program, the city has constructed 2.85 kilometres of new sidewalks along arterial/collector roads at seven sites in 2022.

Markham Centre Trail project supports the creation of a three-metre wide, 800-metre long asphalt trail, with maps and signage, on the north side of the Rouge River. The Phase 1 section was completed in 2022.

Rouge Valley Trail project, which will see the construction of a new section of trail west of the Kennedy Road bridge at Rouge Valley Trail system. The new session will be completed in 2023.

Markham's Tree Canopy project will plant trees at 18 locations to improve community green space, provide shade and social benefits, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and support the city’s 30 per cent canopy core initiative through engagement. The project will be completed in 2023.

Splash Pad Replacement project will replace a 400-square-metre splash pad at Millennium Park with an inclusive and accessible water play structure. The replacement will be completed in 2023.

Playground Equipment project will remove and replace playground equipment at nine parks to provide a safe and accessible place for children, youth, and families. The project will be completed in 2023.

“We are thankful to the federal government’s CCRF for providing the City of Markham with this generous funding to support and enhance the six projects that all of our residents can enjoy,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “These projects contribute to a more vibrant, healthy and sustainable community.”

The funding, announced in August, comes from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) under the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF).

“The Government of Canada is enhancing infrastructure in the City of Markham through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund. This investment will improve the quality of life and access to community spaces for residents of Markham,” said Filomena Tassi, minister responsible for FedDev Ontario.