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Founding of Markham
The town of Markham was founded by William Moll Berczy. He was a German settler who moved to Canada to start a new life. John Grave Simcoe built the foundation of the town by using militia to secure the land and gave the land it's name of Markham after the current Archbishop of York. Berczy originally entended to live in New York when he arrived in North America but due to problems with money, they weren't able to move to New York. Becrzy then negotiated with Simcoe for land for the settlers. -
Mackenzie Rebellion
The people of Markham were always politically active. Mackenzie was voted into legislation 5 times but was quickly kicked out for his republican views. Soon when William Lyon Mackenzie started his rebellion and garnered support. Those in Markham who had similar beliefs joined his side. This caused Markham to be divided. Markham farmers risked being arrested to help support Mackenzie's rebellion. Others raised arm soldiers to squash the violence. -
Railway
Due to fellow towns having built railways, the businessmen and locals of Markham demanded for a railway to be built. On Sept 14, 1871, the Toronto and Nipissing company opened the Scarborough-Uxbridge line with stations in Unionville and Markham. With the railway opened, this made trading and business easier for those with business in/from Markham. This also made Markham more popular with the neighbouring towns and caused the population of Markham to increase as well. -
Urban Enroachment
As the railways were finished and the popularity of Markham was increasing, more settlers were arriving and settling in Markham. The town was in rapid development and local industries were not able to keep up with the larger industries and once again became an agricultural town. After WWII, the population of Markham was increased due to the baby boomers and new immigrants from all over the world. -
Pan Am Centre
The Markham Pan Am centre was built to hold the badminton, table tennis, para table tennis and water polo competitions for the 2015 Pan Am games. The centre is also able to hold competitions for many other sports such as basketball and etc.. The building also includes fitness rooms and multiple A/V rooms. With facilities such as this, the development of athletes in Markham will be easier.
