Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor

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Doors Open Ontario:

Markham

in-person event information

Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Doors Open Markham is back!

Guests are invited to explore a variety of buildings throughout the City as they open their doors — for one day only — to visitors. Doors Open Markham provides a behind-the-scenes look at select buildings throughout Markham and free access to buildings that usually charge an admission fee.

Markham is home to many cultural, heritage and innovative buildings; providing guests the opportunity to explore the stories and inspiration that helped to make Markham what it is today.

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10 In-person Doors Open sites

Heintzman HouseDoors Open Markham

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Heintzman House

Heintzman House is one of the oldest buildings in Markham. Originally built as an adobe brick cottage dating from the early 19th century, 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.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

135 Bay Thorn Drive
Markham, Ontario
https://www.markham.ca/heintzmanhouse

Architecture

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

Dates/hours open

Jun 08 - Jun 08

Markham Heritage Estates Walking TourDoors Open Markham

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Markham Heritage Estates Walking Tour

The Markham Heritage Estates is one of Markham’s most innovative heritage conservation initiatives and Canada’s first heritage subdivision. It offers a home for Markham’s threatened heritage dwellings that cannot be retained on their original sites. Buildings are relocated and restored by private individuals with staff guidance, on lots obtained from the city at reduced market rates. Prepare to be amazed!

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

Meet opposite 11 Heritage Corners Lane for the walking tours
Markham, Ontario
https://www.markham.ca/Heritage

Architecture

Year built: Various

Architect: Various

Dates/hours open

Jun 08 - Jun 08

Markham MuseumDoors Open Markham

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Markham Museum

Located in the historical hamlet of Mount Joy, Markham Museum is situated on 10 hectares (25 acres) and operates out of historical and purpose-built structures. As part of Doors Open, enjoy a special vault tour with members from the curatorial team — a rare opportunity to see how items donated by the community are cared for. Pre-registration required.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

9350 Markham Road
Markham, Ontario
https://www.markham.ca/wps/portal/home/arts/markham-museum

Architecture

Year built: 1971
Building type: Museum

Dates/hours open

Jun 08 - Jun 08

Markham Village Fire Station No. 97Doors Open Markham

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Markham Village Fire Station No. 97

The design of this building was inspired by late 19th-century firehalls and features an 18-metre (60-foot) replica of a hose drying tower, historically common to most firehalls. This firehall was designed to fit into the context of historical Markham Village. During Doors Open Markham, come and visit the station and the fire safety house and learn more about fire prevention.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Architecture

Year built: 1985
Building type: Fire station

Dates/hours open

Jun 08 - Jun 08

Markham Village Train StationDoors Open Markham

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Markham Village Train Station

The restoration of this original 1871 railway station was the first major project of the Markham Village Conservancy, with restoration completed in 2000. The exterior paint colours were reproduced from c. 1910 when the rail line was part of the Grand Trunk Railway. Today, the station serves GO Transit commuters and functions as a community centre for meetings and classes.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

214 Main Street North
Markham, Ontario
https://www.markhamvillage.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1870
Building type: Transportation

Dates/hours open

Jun 08 - Jun 08

McKay Art CentreDoors Open Markham

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

McKay Art Centre

This distinctive example of Ontario vernacular architecture features Gothic revival and classical revival detailing. It was originally the home of Salem Eckardt, a local auctioneer. Group of Seven artist Frederick Varley lived here in his later years; he had a studio in the basement. The space now showcases the work of local artists and provides a studio for art instruction.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Photography allowed

Architecture

Year built: c. 1856
Building type: Museum Private residence

Dates/hours open

Jun 08 - Jun 08

Stiver Mill Community CentreDoors Open Markham

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Stiver Mill Community Centre

Unionville's restored Stiver Mill, a local landmark, now serves as a community centre and farmers’ market. Originally built as a grain elevator, the western portion of the structure is one of the last of its kind in the region. A feed mill was added to the east end in the 1930s. Come and enjoy family fun activities during Doors Open.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms

Architecture

Year built: 1916
Building type: Commercial

Dates/hours open

Jun 08 - Jun 08

Thornhill Village LibraryDoors Open Markham

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Thornhill Village Library

This mid-19th-century house was converted to a public library in the 1970s. It is a cherished local amenity that fits comfortably into Colborne Street’s exceptional historical streetscape. Recently, the library was featured in Deborah Kerbel’s ghost story Lure, published by Dundurn Press in 2010. The ghost of Ellen Ramsden, the original owner, is said to make the occasional appearance.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

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

Architecture

Year built: 1851; renovated in the 1970s
Building type: Library
Architect: Napier Simpson Jr.

Dates/hours open

Jun 08 - Jun 08

Unionville Train StationDoors Open Markham

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Unionville Train Station

Plan to visit one of Canada’s oldest remaining railway stations and one of the few 19th-century stations still in its original trackside location. Constructed in 1870 for the Toronto & Nipissing Railway, this unique building is clad in board-and-batten siding with a gable roof and six-over-six paned windows. The municipality restored the building as a community centre in 1989.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

7 Station Lane
Unionville, Ontario

Architecture

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

Dates/hours open

Jun 08 - Jun 08