Good Morning Markhamites,
The white Model Y capital of the world is about to rejoice, as it appears that Tesla is building a 50,000-square-foot service center in Markham, close to the 404.
We’ve got a couple of stories below, one about the return of Markham’s tree-planting program and the news about Highway 7 Expanding east of Reesor.
Today’s read time is under 5 minutes.
The province is expanding Highway 7 to two lanes from Reesor to Brock Road.
Last week, the province announced they are expanding Highway 7 to two lanes in both directions from Reesor to Brock Road in Pickering. Expanding seven will ease traffic congestion and support the growing industries of life sciences, manufacturing and agriculture in the area east of the York-Durham Line.
While details are scant, it’s unclear what will happen to the historical properties on seven between Reesor and York Durham Line or if there are any plans to re-align the road.
Mayor Scarpitti was on hand for the announcement and had this to say
“We don’t have enough road capacity in the area today. When considering the growth in the next few decades, Highway 7 becomes a vital link between our two communities. The other critical piece here is that we have the Rouge National Park that the highway is going through. So there will have to be some consideration to the natural area.”
The province doesn’t have a timetable for when this is expected to be completed, but the minister of Transportation hopes it will be completed as soon as possible.
Markham is turning over a new LEAF.
Do you want a cheap tree for your house? The City’s annual tree planting program is back.
For the 6th year in a row, the city is partnering with LEAF to increase the city’s tree canopy by planting a tree on your property for $50 for an evergreen and $100 for a deciduous. If you were to walk into Sheridan Nurseries or Home Depot to buy a tree, you’d be paying about that price without the expert advice of an arborist. An arborist will stop by to evaluate how much sun your property gets and the soil makeup to recommend the right native tree for your home. Since partnering with LEAF, the city has planted over 1,200 trees and 800 shrubs.
Click the link above to read more details about how to take advantage of this program.
Community Notes
Because of the rise in auto thefts, Markham has one of Ontario's ten most expensive insurance rates.
Food inspectors temporarily shut down Markham Noodle House.
Metropia breaks ground at Union City in Downtown Markham.
City Pilots AI program to identify potholes to repair
Long read: The dangerous lives of International Students in Canada.
What’s happening in Markham this week
April 18
6:00 PM - Rouge River Brewery - Rouge River X Village Grocer present: Brewmaster’s Dinner. There are only four seats left!
8:00 PM - Flato Markham Theatre - Just For Laughs Road Show - Tickets here
April 19
10:00 AM - Centennial Community Centre - Markham Waxers hose the u18 AA Ontario Championships - Cheer on our Waxers
1:00 PM - Premier Racquet Club presents: Uniqlo Wheelchair tennis tour.
8:00 PM Flato Markham Theatre - Jeans 'n Classics: An Innocent Man - The Music of Billy Joel. Low tickets, get them here!
April 20
10:00 AM - Markham City Centre - Celebrate Earth Day! Free event.
April 23
7:00 - Salsa Bachata dance class at Rouge River Brewery. No partner is required. The ticket includes a drink - Tickets here
April 24
8:00 PM - Flato Markham Theatre - Bienvenue oh Trout Lake: An original comedy. Tickets here!
If you would like to submit your photos of Markham - feel free to follow and tag our Instagram page, and we’ll credit you!
If you’ve got a story pitch, send it to themarkhamite@Substack.com.