The Honda Indy is coming to Markham
The Honda Indy Race is coming to Markham next year, moving from its former home in Toronto.
The major event was announced at a press conference held on September 3rd at Markham’s Pan Am Centre.
Many people collaborated to secure this deal for Markham. Mayor Frank Scarpitti specifically thanked Ward 5 Councillor Andrew Keyes for his ongoing efforts related to bringing the Indy to Markham. “I would also like to acknowledge Team Markham, particularly Councillor Andrew Keyes…Thank you, Andrew, for your ongoing efforts and commitment”.
The event will elevate many vital economic sectors for Markham, with the expected visitors that will come with the race. The cuisine and hospitality industries, as well as most other local businesses, are expected to see a boost in economic growth as a result of this deal being made. The total potential growth could be up to $50 million, according to Niel Lumsden, a member of the provincial parliament, who bases this number on the growth Toronto saw in 2024 as a result of the Indy race.
In short, the Indy race is an excellent event for both entertainment and the growth of the City of Markham. Much work has been done by Ward 5’s Andrew Keyes, as well as other local dignitaries, to secure such an event.
Race Location
The 2026 Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Markham will be held in Markham Centre, the city’s dynamic downtown core. Markham Centre is home to many Canadian corporate headquarters, the York University Markham campus, and the acclaimed Markham Pan Am Centre – a key venue during the 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games.
More Information
City of Markham Honda Indy page. https://www.markham.ca/sports-recreation-fitness/ontario-honda-dealers-indy-markham
YRP Home Security Day – October 4th
The issue of home and community safety is of concern to all Markham residents. For a number of years Councillor Keyes has been working with local retailers and York Regional Police (YRP) to introduce a program that would raise awareness of improved home safety measures and provide an incentive for residents to install cameras and other devices to protect their home.
Many types of home safety equipment can be added to a homeowner’s property to help deter crime, not only for individual homes but for the community as a whole.
Through this collaboration with YRP and local retailers this initiative is finally becoming a reality. On Saturday, October 4th Councillor Keyes will join the YRP at the Home Depot at Markham Road and Castlemore for a home safety event:
Home Security Day
Date: Saturday, October 4th, 2025
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Location: Home Depot
1201 Castlemore Avenue
The York Regional Police are looking to grow their Security Camera Registry with this event to strengthen their outreach and coverage in the Markham area.
This event will include YRP officers educating interested individuals about home protection, as well as offering discounts on crime prevention products such as security film and cameras.
You can read more about home safety in Ward 5 at these two links:
Should Markham Implement Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras?
At the City of Markham April 6th General Committee meeting, staff presented their Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) Program (item 2.0,5.12) presentation.
As you may know, ASE has been used for the past few years across York Region, with five cameras in the Markham area. The City of Markham is proposing the addition of 16 cameras to new locations across Markham.
The implementation of ASE programs on the roads under the jurisdiction of the City of Markham is a recommendation included in the ongoing City’s Vision Zero Road Safety Plan. ASE is one of the more effective mobility safety solutions available to a municipality. A pilot program in York Region showed speed compliance increased by over 35% in school zones, and average speeds dropped by 9 km/h.
We regularly hear from residents alerting us to not only school zone speeding incidents but various stretches of roads and intersections across Ward 5. Our residents – pedestrians, children and seniors are important and we must finds ways to slow down and drive safer.
Markham City Council will be making a final decision on the implementation of speed cameras by the end of May. If you have any questions or concerns we would like to hear from you. Please complete the Poll below.
Support Friends of Swan Lake Park – Saturday, June 18th
Councillor Andrew Keyes has been working closely with the Friends of Swan Lake Park (FOSLP) for over three years now, primarily on water quality issues but also on general park improvements that includes pathway upgrades, accessibility, parking, and shoreline restoration.
On Saturday, June 18th, 2022 the public is invited to come out and visit Swan Lake Park. You’ll have an opportunity to meet some of the FOSLP volunteers and some of your neighbours, and see some of the progress made so far and learn about plans for future initiatives.
Date: Saturday, June 18th
Time: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Tours: 10:30am / 4:00pm / 2:00pm
There is more information on the issues and the group’s recommendations on their website https://friendsofswanlakepark.ca/
Fireworks Safety in Markham
Fireworks, a class of low explosive pyrotechnic devices used for aesthetic and entertainment purposes. The most common use of fireworks are fun spectacular displays in the sky on special occasions. Many cultures celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, weddings with Fireworks. Victoria Day and Canada Day are the two events most municipalities across Canada celebrate without a special permit required.
Like many municipalities, the City of Markham permits fireworks on the day proceeding Victoria Day and the Holiday Monday and the day preceeding Canada Day June 30 and the Holiday July 1st on private property only. Fireworks are NOT permitted in any City parks, pathways, forests, roads. The City of Markham has been hosting a Canada Day celebration of many years at Milne Park, with the exception of the past 2 Covid years. The day long events end in a fabulous fireworks display. Thousands of residents have joined in over the years. This year, the event will take place at the Markham Fair Grounds, more details will be advertised in the coming weeks.
Family fireworks must be used legally and appropriately. Permit information is available on line for residents who wish to do their fireworks on other days for celebrations. Of course, respect for neighbours is expected as many residents are frightened by the loud noises as are pets. We receive many complaints that fireworks continue through the night, past 11pm, this past Victoria Day until 2am. We also receive complaints that parks are littered with the remnants of fireworks, garbage from attendees, damaged and vandalized receptacles, grass, trees, pathways, benches. This is inappropriate and careless behaviour. Improper disposall of fireworks can cause fires and they should be soaked in water overnight before placed in the household garbage for pick up. Unused fireworks should be stored safely for future use or also soaked overnight prior to placing them curbside.
For more information visit https://www.markham.ca/fireworks
Friends of Swan Lake Park need to hear from you
As I have written about many times previously, a local group of Ward 5 residents, the Friends of Swan Lake Park, are working with the City of Markham on the restoration of Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park. There is more information on the issues and the group’s recommendations on their website https://friendsofswanlakepark.ca/
Over the past year significant progress has been made, with Council approvals to invest in improving water quality and investing in longer term efforts to improve the Park.
There is still more work to be done, and the Friends of Swan Lake Park are asking for your input. They have prepared a survey seeking suggestions and opinions on what the Park role should be and what other initiatives should be considered.
The more voices that are heard the better the outcome, so please take a few minutes to complete their survey: