Sarah Chen
Local News Editor
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York Region Construction Season in Full Swing: Major Projects to Watch in 2026
York Region's 2026 construction season is underway with major projects including the Bathurst Street widening, York Durham Line paving, 19th Avenue widening, and the Highway 404 crossing nearing completion.
Road Closures This Weekend: What Markham Drivers Need to Know
Kennedy Road closes for paving May 22–23, and Warden Avenue and 16th Avenue close Sunday morning for the Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women. Here is what Markham drivers need to plan around this weekend.
Richmond Hill Official Plan Update Heads to Statutory Public Meeting in June
Richmond Hill's final Official Plan amendment, completing the city's 10-year review, is heading to a statutory public meeting and open house in June 2026. Key topics include employment areas, transit station areas, and new local centre policies.
Project Towns Concludes: Four Charged in 20 Residential Break-Ins Across York Region
York Regional Police's Integrated Property Crime Task Force has concluded Project Towns, charging four suspects in connection with 20 residential break-and-enters across York Region. Investigation began in April 2026.
York Police Arrest Three in Vaughan After Late-Night Break-In Response
York Regional Police arrested three suspects on May 13, 2026, following a residential break-and-enter at Clark Avenue and Dufferin Street in Vaughan. Officers also recovered stolen property and seized a radio-frequency jammer.
York Region Tree Planting Day Brings Volunteers Out Across the Regional Forest
York Region's annual Tree Planting Day on Saturday, May 9, 2026 brought volunteers together in the York Regional Forest to plant native tree species. The event is part of York Region's Earth Month programming.
Honda Indy Markham Construction and Preparation Underway for August Race
Preparations for the Honda Indy Markham street race are underway, with the 12-turn, 3.52 km temporary circuit set for August 14–16, 2026 in downtown Markham. The race is part of a five-year deal through 2030.
Markham Mayor's Fourplex Veto Continues to Draw Debate Across the City
Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's use of strong mayor powers to veto a fourplex zoning policy continues to stoke debate in May 2026. Here is what the policy would have done and why it remains contested.
Markham Pan Am Centre Prepares to Host Yonex Canada Open Badminton Tournament This Summer
The Yonex Canada Open badminton tournament returns to Markham's Pan Am Centre from June 30 to July 5, 2026. The BWF World Tour Super 300 event draws top international players to Unionville.
Volunteer Fair 2026 Brings Together Markham's Non-Profit Community at Thornhill Community Centre
The 2026 Volunteer Fair at Thornhill Community Centre on April 25 connected residents with Markham-area non-profits. Organized with U+ Education, it welcomed students, professionals, and anyone looking to give back.
Earth Day 2026: How Markham and Richmond Hill Marked the Occasion
Earth Day 2026 on April 22 carried the theme 'Our Power, Our Planet.' See how Markham and Richmond Hill communities marked the occasion with clean-up events, park walks, and sustainability initiatives.
York Police Release Suspect Images in Markham Restaurant Arson Investigation
York Regional Police have released images of two suspects and a Dodge Durango connected to the April 15 arson attacks on three Markham restaurants. The public is asked to come forward with tips.
Three Markham Restaurants Set on Fire in Overnight Arson Spree
Three Markham restaurants were set on fire overnight on April 14–15, 2026, in what York Regional Police are investigating as a possible connected arson spree. No injuries reported.
What You Can Now Recycle in Markham: New Items Added to Blue Box Program for 2026
Markham has expanded its blue box recycling program for 2026 with new accepted items including black plastic containers, coffee cups, styrofoam, snack wrappers, and deodorant tubes. Here is the complete guide to what goes in your blue box.
Arnold Crescent Closed to Through Traffic in Richmond Hill Starting Today
Arnold Crescent between Major Mackenzie Drive and Elizabeth Street South in Richmond Hill is closed to through traffic starting April 13, 2026. The closure is related to construction work and residents should plan alternate routes.
New Highway 404 Bridge Nearing Completion: A New Route Between Markham and Richmond Hill by Late 2026
York Region's Highway 404 road crossing project, connecting Markham's Markland Street with Richmond Hill's Orlando Avenue via a new bridge, is nearing completion with an anticipated opening by late 2026.
Richmond Hill Council Roundup: Global Statue Pitch, Community Safety Seminar, and Small Business Spotlight
Richmond Hill's April 8 council meeting featured a pitch for a 'One Heartbeat Global Statue' to attract 5 million visitors, a community safety seminar announcement for April 30, and a delegation from local autism services provider Breakthrough Autism.
York Police Charge Man in Retail Theft Investigation, Seek Additional Victims in York Region
York Regional Police have charged a 23-year-old Pickering man in a retail theft investigation after beauty supplies were stolen from a King Township store. A search warrant recovered additional stolen property.
Pedestrian Struck and Killed by GO Train at Richmond Hill Crossing
A pedestrian was struck and killed by a GO train at the Elgin Mills railway crossing in Richmond Hill on Friday evening, April 10. The last two northbound trains on the Richmond Hill line were cancelled.
Earth Day 2026 in York Region: Community Cleanups, Tree Planting, and Guided Forest Walks
York Region has announced its Earth Day 2026 lineup, including community Green Up Clean Up events on April 18, Tree Planting Day on May 9, and guided walks in the York Regional Forest. Here is how Markham and Richmond Hill residents can participate.
York Police Warn of Hidden Cameras Used to Scout Homes Before Break-Ins in York Region
York Regional Police are warning residents after camouflage-disguised cameras were found on residential properties in Vaughan, used by thieves to track homeowners' routines before breaking in. Here is what Markham and Richmond Hill residents should know.
Man Sentenced to Nine Additional Years After Shooting at Police in Markham
A 31-year-old man has been sentenced to nine additional years in prison after shooting at York Regional Police officers during a pursuit that began in Markham at Kennedy Road and Steeles Avenue East in July 2025.
Richmond Green Set for Major Overhaul: Pickleball Hub, New Stage, and Mini Forest Planned
Richmond Hill presented a comprehensive revitalization master plan for Richmond Green at its April 1 council meeting. The plan includes a 12-court pickleball hub, new event stage, heritage walk extension, mini forest, and upgraded sports facilities.
Suspect Charged in Seven Commercial Robberies Across York Region Including Markham
York Regional Police have charged a suspect in connection with seven commercial robberies across York Region, including a gas station robbery at Bur Oak and McCowan in Markham. The spree spanned multiple municipalities over several weeks.
Markham District High School Evacuated After Swatting Call Traced to Los Angeles
Markham District High School was evacuated on Tuesday, April 7 after a threatening phone call was determined to be a swatting hoax originating from Los Angeles. It is the second such incident at the school in 2026.
What the $8.8B Federal-Ontario Housing Deal Means for Buyers in Markham and Richmond Hill
Prime Minister Carney and Premier Ford's $8.8 billion Canada-Ontario deal to cut development charges by up to 50% could lower new home prices by up to $200,000. Here is what buyers in Markham and Richmond Hill need to know.
Warden Avenue Reopens After York Region Crews Repair Markham Sinkhole in Days
York Region crews have repaired the massive sinkhole that opened on Warden Avenue in Markham on April 1, with the road now fully reopened less than a week after it formed. YRT Route 68 has returned to normal service.
Richmond Hill Council Approves Budget Increase for Dave Barrow Civic Square Amid Cost Pressures
Richmond Hill Council approved an in-year budget increase for the Dave Barrow Civic Square project at its April 1 Committee of the Whole meeting, citing a compressed construction schedule, new features, and rising costs.
Easter Fun Fest Wraps Up at Markham Fairgrounds After Busy Four-Day Run
Easter Fun Fest 2026 concluded its four-day run at the Markham Fairgrounds on Easter Monday, April 6. The annual family festival featured unlimited inflatables, midway rides, live entertainment, and drew thousands of families from across the GTA.
York Regional Police Deploy Command Posts Across Markham and Richmond Hill During Passover
York Regional Police have deployed command posts and increased patrols across Markham and Richmond Hill during Passover (April 1-9, 2026) to ensure the safety of the Jewish community.
Large Sinkhole Closes Warden Avenue in Markham After Heavy Rainfall
A large sinkhole opened on Warden Avenue south of Major Mackenzie Drive in Markham on April 1, 2026, forcing road closures in both directions. The collapse was caused by consecutive nights of heavy rainfall.
New Affordable Housing Coming to Markham's Box Grove: 153 Rental Units Planned
York Region is developing 153 new affordable and market-rate rental units at 14th Avenue and Donald Cousens Parkway in Markham's Box Grove neighbourhood. Construction is underway with occupancy expected by 2027-2028.
York Regional Police Arrest Suspect in Nine Markham Home Break-Ins
York Regional Police have charged a Toronto man in connection with nine residential break-and-enters across Markham between November 2025 and March 2026. Police remind residents to maintain home security.
How Markham Became One of Canada's Most Diverse Cities and Why It Matters
Markham is one of Canada's most diverse cities, with over 70% of residents identifying as visible minorities. Learn how the city's multicultural community shapes its culture, economy, events, and daily life.
IndyCar Racing Coming to Downtown Markham: Five-Year Deal Announced for 2026
The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham will bring IndyCar racing to a 12-turn, 3.52 km temporary street circuit in downtown Markham from August 14-16, 2026. A five-year deal puts Markham on the world motorsport map.
Ontario Moves to Ban Ticket Scalping: What It Means for Markham Event-Goers
Ontario is proposing to ban ticket resale above face value, amending the Ticket Sales Act to protect fans from scalpers. Penalties up to $10,000 for violations. Here is what Markham residents need to know.
Ontario's 2025 Sunshine List Reveals Markham Mayor as Province's Highest-Paid Mayor
Ontario's 2025 Sunshine List reveals Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti earned $308,179, making him the highest-paid mayor in the province. The annual list grew 7% with over 400,000 public sector employees earning above $100,000.
York Region Transit Expands Service Across Markham in 2026: What Riders Need to Know
York Region Transit's 2026 Annual Transit Plan brings 33 route changes to Markham and surrounding areas, including new service to Cornell, improved frequencies, and 315 electric buses on order.
Spring Activities and Events in Markham and Richmond Hill: Your Guide to April 2026
Discover the best spring activities and community events happening in Markham and Richmond Hill this April 2026. From outdoor festivals to volunteer fairs, arts shows to guided nature walks.
Toronto Man Charged in Nine Markham Residential Break-and-Enters Targeting Jewelry
York Regional Police have charged a Toronto man in connection with nine residential break-and-enters in Markham that specifically targeted jewelry. The arrest follows an earlier bust that netted four suspects in 20 break-ins across York Region.
Ontario Eliminates HST on New Homes: Up to $130,000 in Savings for Markham Buyers
Ontario has eliminated the full 13% HST on new homes priced up to $1 million, offering buyers savings of up to $130,000. Here is what the announcement means for homebuyers in Markham.
How to Volunteer in Markham: A Complete Guide to Getting Involved in 2026
Markham offers hundreds of volunteer opportunities for all ages and interests. Here is how to find, sign up for, and make the most of volunteering in your community.
Markham Invests $10.6 Million in Rouge River Trail Phase 4B: New Bridge and 1.5 km of Trail
The next phase of the Rouge River Trail will add 1,520 metres of new trail, a pedestrian bridge, and 253 metres of boardwalk connecting 14th Avenue to Donald Cousens Parkway.
York Region Transit Adds 73,000 Service Hours in 2026: What Markham Riders Need to Know
YRT is rolling out 33 route changes and 73,000 new service hours this year. Here is what the expansion means for Markham and Richmond Hill commuters.
New Condo Developments Reshaping Markham's Skyline in 2026
From Union Village to the CF Markville redevelopment, major condo projects are transforming Markham. Here's what's coming in 2026 and what it means for the local economy.
Markham's Summer Company Program: $3,000 in Funding for Student Entrepreneurs
Applications are open now until April 27, 2026. Markham students aged 15-29 can receive $3,000 in grant funding plus mentorship to start a summer business through the Summer Company program.
Spring and Summer Events in Markham You Don't Want to Miss (2026)
From free guided walks at Rouge National Urban Park to the Just For Laughs Roadshow — here's your guide to the best spring and summer events in Markham for 2026.
Markham's Best Chinese Food Plazas: A Local's Guide to Authentic Dining
From dim sum at Pacific Mall to hand-pulled noodles at First Markham Place, discover Markham's best Chinese food plazas — where the food courts rival Hong Kong and the flavours are unmatched in Canada.
Top Industries Hiring in Markham & Richmond Hill Right Now (2026)
Looking for work in Markham or Richmond Hill? Here are the top industries hiring in 2026, what employers want, and how to position yourself for success in the local job market.