MARKHAM LIVING – FEBRUARY 2025

Wishing everyone a very Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous Year of the Snake

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

CELEBRATING CHINESE HERITAGE MONTH

In 2024, Markham declared February as Chinese Heritage Month, recognizing the significant contributions and heritage of the Chinese community to the city’s cultural, economic, and social landscape. Special events include:

EDUCATIONAL & CULTURAL WORKSHOP – SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
MARKHAM CITY CENTRE – 101 TOWN CENTRE BLVD, MARKHAM
Engage in interactive cultural workshops covering Chinese root research, acupuncture, calligraphy, and more. Insightful seminars and a free clinic will be hosted by the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Experience the art of tea through live demonstrations by the Multicultural Tea Association and explore the evolution of Chinese characters with a seminar and display by the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto.

YORK REGION CHINESE HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION – THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
YORK REGION COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 17150 YONGE STREET, NEWMARKET
Experience traditional lion dances, Chinese instrumental and musical performances. Lunch will be provided.

CANADA-CHINA CULINARY INDUSTRY SEMINAR & CHINESE CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP – FEBRUARY 13-16, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
MARKHAM CIVIC CENTRE – 101 TOWN CENTRE BLVD, MARKHAM
Explore Chinese culinary excellence through live demonstrations and a culinary competition, experience interactive food booths & enjoy celebrating Chinese cuisine and culture.  In addition, witness strategic mastery at the Chinese Chess Championship.

CHINESE HERITAGE MONTH CLOSING CEREMONY – SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
NKS BANQUET HALL – 8360 KENNEDY RD, UNIT B06, UNIONVILLE
The closing celebration promises an unforgettable evening with 350 attendees. Enjoy a reception, dinner, dragon dance, ethnic Chinese cultural performances. Table tickets are on a first come first serve basis. For more information, please contact Markham Regional Councillor Joe Li at 416-505-7258 or Joeli@markham.ca.

CHINESE HERITAGE MONTH COMMITTEE:                                                                           

Joe Li, York Regional Councillor (Chairperson )                                               

Michael Chan, Deputy Mayor of Markham & York Regional Councillor

Ritch Lau, Ward #2 Councillor

Amanda Collucci, Ward #6 Councillor

Isa Lee, Ward #8 Councillor

Honourary Chair Mayor Frank Scarpitti

VARLEY ART GALLERY LUNARFEST 2025, FEBRUARY 1 & 2

LunarFest 2025 features Lunar Lanterns, workshops, a market, film screenings, and live performances. For more information, click below.

MARKHAM’S TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN POP-UP EVENTS, FEBRUARY 7, 8, 9, and 10

Markham is holding four pop-up events this winter to gather community feedback and help shape the future of transportation throughout the City. The plan will provide a blueprint for improving and expanding transportation options for everyone, whether you walk, bike, use public transit, drive, or explore new ways to travel. For more information, click below.

YORK REGIONAL FOREST LOVE IN THE WILD EVENT, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 5 – 7 PM

This Valentine’s Day, the York Regional Forest is hosting a unique outdoor date night where romance meets wildlife. Sunset views, stories and hot chocolate await! For more information and to register, click below.

VARLEY ART GALLERY BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS, FEBRUARY 15 & 16

The Varley will host a vibrant weekend featuring Afro-Caribbean market stalls, live steel pan music, poetry readings, and singing performances. Celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black communities with us. All are welcome to be part of this meaningful celebration. For more information, click below.

MARKHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY BLACK OWNED MARKHAM MARKET, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM, MILLIKEN MILLS LIBRARY

You are invited to come and shop local Black owned businesses, with over 30 vendors ranging from food, stationary, art, health and wellness, authors, and more! This dynamic marketplace, a celebration of culture, creativity, and entrepreneurship, will showcase a diverse range of local Black entrepreneurs from Markham and York Region, offering an array of high-quality products, unique services, and creative experiences. 

KINDRED SPIRIT ORCHESTRA (KSO) CONCERT, SATURDAY FEBRUARY 8, 8 PM, FLATO MARKHAM THEATRE

The KSO is a critically acclaimed auditioned-based civic orchestra that, since 2011, has presented a concert series at the Flato Markham Theatre and has a long-term partnership with the Markham Contemporary Music Festival. Their mission is to change lives through music’s extraordinary power to communicate, inspire, uplift, educate, and entertain. To purchase tickets and for more information, click below.

RECREATION

MARKHAM SUMMER CAMPS REGISTRATION

Markham Recreation offers hundreds of exciting, safe, educational, creative and active Summer Camps! You can start viewing summer camp programs on the new online registration system February 1st. Registration begins February 11. To learn more, click below.

COMMUNITY SAFETY

WINTER MAINTENANCE APP

Markham’s winter maintenance app is the go-to place for winter weather updates. You can:

– Track the plows

– Find helpful winter weather tips

– Apply for windrow removal service

For more information, click below.

COLD WARNING AND WINTER SAFETY TIPS

Extreme cold warnings are issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada across Canada when very cold temperatures or wind chill creates an increased risk to health, such as frostbite and hypothermia. Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter and clothing. To be ready for anything and set yourself up for safety, click below.

HEALTH

CHAT LIVE WITH A REGISTERED NURSE

Have questions about nutrition? Is your child a picky eater? York Region offers FREE virtual appointments to pregnant individuals and parents with children up to 6 years of age with a registered dietitian. To book an appointment and for more information, click below.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS FOR NON-URGENT HEALTH CARE

Need to see your primary care physician but they are not available? There are alternatives that do not include visiting local hospital emergency rooms since they are currently experiencing significant seasonal surge pressures. You and your loved ones can also stay healthy this winter by taking preventative measures to avoid illness. To learn more, click below.

EMPLOYMENT

MARKHAM NOW HIRING AQUATICS STAFF 

Markham Recreation is looking for a dynamic team of lifeguards and swim instructors to join the aquatics team this winter. Working in Markham means joining a community of fun-loving aqua enthusiasts.

Aquatic staff perks include:

  • Flexible work schedule
  • Free recreation activity pass — Access to most pay-per-play activities, public swims and skates
  • Free Markham fitness membership
  • Exclusive discounts on YRT passes and certifications 

For more information and to apply by March 1, click below.


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