Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
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Doors Open Ontario:

Markham

Digital event information

Digital Doors Open Markham

Explore some traditional Doors Open Markham sites without having to leave home. The following sites offer tours, videos and activities that will engage people of all ages.

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Heintzman HouseDoors Open Markham

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Heintzman House

Heintzman House – a treasured asset of the Thornhill community – is one of the area’s oldest buildings. This historical building has a fascinating story. What began as a simple farmhouse in 1798 is now an important piece of Markham’s history and a gathering place for the community. Originally built as an adobe brick cottage, the house was enlarged by Colonel George Crookshank in 1817. Charles T. Heintzman, grandson of the founder of Toronto’s Heintzman Piano Company, purchased the property in the 1930s and transformed the house into its present, elegant form. Heintzman House was Markham’s most-visited site during Doors Open Markham 2019 and is a beautiful space for any occasion. From the preserved original architecture to the impressive seasonal gardens, Heintzman House offers something for everyone. There are also tales of prominent owners, spirits that dwell inside, and a community’s determined efforts to recognize the heritage site. During Digital Doors Open, learn about the history of this remarkable place through the video below.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

135 Bay Thorn Drive
Markham, Ontario
https://www.markham.ca/wps/portal/home/arts/heintzman-house/

Architecture

Year built: 1816
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark Historical house

Dates/hours open

Mar 28 - Mar 28

Markham Village Fire StationDoors Open Markham

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Markham Village Fire Station

Everyone is fascinated by fire trucks and firefighting technology. Fire prevention and firefighting are an important part of the City of Markham’s administration. This building’s design was inspired by late-19th-century fire halls. It features a replica hose drying tower, common to most fire halls in the past. The hall was designed to fit into the context of historical Markham Village. Always a popular feature during Doors Open Markham is a tour of the fire engine. During Digital Doors Open, you can get a similar experience through the video below.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos

Contact info

207 Main Street North
Markham, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 1985

Dates/hours open

Mar 28 - Mar 28

Markham Village Train StationDoors Open Markham

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Markham Village Train Station

The restoration of this Toronto and Nipissing Railway station was the first major project of the Markham Village Conservancy. When the railway opened in 1871, the station became a busy commercial and industrial hub. The exterior has been restored to its c. 1910 appearance. The station continues to serve GO Transit commuters, and functions as a community centre. As part of Digital Doors Open, enjoy a virtual tour of this station below.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Virtual tours

Contact info

214 Main Street North
Markham, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 1870
Building type: Transportation

Dates/hours open

Mar 28 - Mar 28

Thornhill Village LibraryDoors Open Markham

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Thornhill Village Library

This house, which was converted into a public library in the 1970s under the direction of restoration architect Napier Simpson Jr., fits comfortably into Colborne Street’s historical streetscape. The library was featured in Deborah Kerbel’s 2010 ghost story, Lure. The ghost of Ellen Ramsden, the building’s original owner, is said to make an appearance from time to time. As part of Digital Doors Open, watch the video below to learn more about the site.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos

Contact info

10 Colborne Street
Markham, Ontario
https://markhampubliclibrary.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1851
Building type: Library

Dates/hours open

Mar 28 - Mar 28

Unionville Train StationDoors Open Markham

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Unionville Train Station

The Unionville Train Station is one of Canada’s oldest remaining railway stations – and one of the few 19th-century stations still in its original trackside location. Constructed for the Toronto and Nipissing Railway, it is clad in board-and-batten siding with a gable roof and six-over-six paned windows. It was designed as a simple building, with a trackside platform sheltered by an extension of the roof, supported by simple, sturdy brackets. The west end of the building contained a passenger waiting room, with walls clad with vertical wainscoting and a wood stove. The east end of the building served as a freight shed. In the middle of the station was a baggage room and an office for the Station Agent, with a ticket window opening into the general waiting room. The station served the Grand Trunk Railway from 1884 to 1923 when the line became part of Canadian National Railways. By the late 1970s, the station was showing its age and the railway considered demolition after the station was damaged by fire. Local residents opposed this demolition and successfully campaigned to save the station. The municipality restored the building as a community centre in 1989. In 1993, the Town of Markham purchased the land containing the Unionville Train Station and the Stiver Mill. For more information, watch the video below.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos

Contact info

7 Station Lane
Unionville, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 1870
Building type: Transportation
Architect: A.T. Button (Uxbridge)

Dates/hours open

Mar 28 - Mar 28