Briefing on the Federal Electoral District of Markham—Stouffville

Markham—Stouffville is a federal electoral district in the province of Ontario, Canada. The district consists of two municipalities: Stouffville and Markham.

Population Centres

Markham—Stouffville has three population centres: Stouffville, Markham, and a portion of Richmond Hill. Stouffville is a small community located about 50 kilometers north of Toronto. Markham is a larger city located immediately to the south of Stouffville, with a population of over 350,000 people. Richmond Hill is also a city located to the south of Stouffville and makes up a smaller portion of the district. Markham is the economic centre of York Region and is home to a high concentration of technology and life sciences companies.

Issues and Events

In early 2021, the construction of a hospital in Stouffville was announced by the Ontario government, which will be the first new hospital to be built in York Region in over 30 years. However, the construction was met with some opposition from local groups who were concerned about the impact on the nearby farmland. Other key local issues include transportation, including the construction of new highways and transit lines, and development pressures on agricultural lands.

Economy

Markham—Stouffville is home to many major employers, including IBM, AMD, Huawei, and Honeywell Aerospace. The district is also home to a number of smaller tech start-ups, which have emerged as key players in the area's tech ecosystem. Additionally, Markham's agricultural sector is a significant contributor to the economy. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the economy, with many businesses facing challenges due to shutdowns and restrictions.

Important Landmarks

Markham—Stouffville is home to many natural and cultural attractions. Some of the most notable landmarks include:

• Rouge National Urban Park
• Markham Museum
• Milne Dam Conservation Park
• Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum & Community Centre

Arts and Culture

The district is home to many cultural events and institutions, including the Markham Fair, which is the largest 4-day agricultural fair in Canada. The area is also home to many community events, including outdoor concerts and festivals. The Markham Theatre is a key site of performing arts in the district.

Electoral Issues

During the 2021 federal election, key issues in the district included transportation infrastructure, affordable housing, and immigration policies.

Community Organizations

Markham—Stouffville is home to many community organizations that work to improve the social and economic well-being of the area. Some of the most important organizations include:

• The Markham Board of Trade
• The Stouffville Chamber of Commerce
• The Markham Community Foundation
• The Markham-Stouffville Hospital Foundation

Multicultural Groups

Markham—Stouffville is a very diverse community, with a significant portion of the population being of Chinese and South Asian descent. These communities have established a number of cultural groups and organizations, including the Markham Chinese Community Association and the Markham Tamil Organization.