Author: Stephanie Liu

On June 14, Mayor Frank Scarpitti awarded more than 20 part-time and contract City of Markham staff for their years of service and contributions to the community. The ceremony, at Markham Civic Centre, recognized the work of part-time and contract employees who have worked for the city from five to 30 years. In addition to family and friends, local councillors and commissioners attended the event to congratulate the award recipients. City part-time and contract staff work in departments varying from customer service to children’s programming. Don Roe, recreational programs supervisor, has mentored part-time staff from when they started working...

On June 1, Asian Heritage Month GTA will pay tribute to Canadian veterans and fallen soldiers. According to organizers, honouring Canadian veterans by the Asian community is the first event of its kind. Nancy Siew, Asian Heritage Month GTA committee chair and former citizenship judge, says they chose to honour veterans at the event because “these people are very deserving” and have given Canadians the freedom and democracy they have today. “When I had the chance to speak at the swearing in (ceremony) of new Canadians I would always tell them to, one, obey the laws and, two, give...

Back for another year, Markham Expo celebrated the accomplishments of youth and their constant activism in the community. The day-long event, on May 5, was organized by the Mayor’s Youth Council and took place at the Markham Village Community Centre. With more than 65 booths at this year’s event, each organization offered youth a wide range of opportunities to further immerse themselves in the community. According to Julia Ip, Youth Council co-chair, the event took one entire school year for the 25-member council to organize.  “From our stage to the mini games that kids can play, to all the community...

On May 1, students from Pierre Elliot Trudeau High School participated in the Relay for Life fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society. The concept behind Relay for Life is to create awareness around cancer through team walks around a track and festival-like activities. The local high school specifically had activities such as basketball, salsa dancing lessons and the luminary ceremony to recognize those who have been diagnosed or who have died from the disease. Although this was only the second year the school has hosted the event, there were 21 teams registered to participate in the relay race and...