The current City of Markham was created in 1971 when the former town was expanded by amalgamation with Thornhill and Unionville.
With its original historic downtown, Markham Village, being small and situated tn the far eastern part of the amalgamated municipality, the city decided a larger, more centrally-located downtown was needed.

The area south of Unionville to the east of Warden Avenue was frozen for development by the province during the planning and construction of express toll road Highway 407.
In 1992, a plan was approved to develop the area with higher commercial density.

The Town of Markham has approved the plan, according to Markham's former mayor, Donald Cousens.
The community situated in Unionville was planned to be self-sustained and transit-oriented based on smart growth development.
Construction began in 2005, when Enterprise Drive was completed.

Aviva Canada built its second Canadian headquarters on Birchmount Road and a new Cineplex theatre opened on April 4, 2015.
It provides a bigger space to include a few VIP theatres, a new gaming corner and much higher capacity than the old Cineplex theatre at First Markham Place.

The Marriott hotel and the York condo was constructed on the corner of Enterprise Drive and Birchmount Road.
It was finished by the end of 2018.
The current City of Markham was created in 1971 when the former town was expanded by amalgamation with Thornhill and Unionville. With its original historic downtown, Markham Village, being small and situated tn the far eastern part of the amalgamated municipality, the city decided a larger, more centrally-located downtown was needed.
The area south of Unionville to the east of Warden Avenue was frozen for development by the province during the planning and construction of express toll road Highway 407. In 1992, a plan was approved to develop the area with higher commercial density.
The Town of Markham has approved the plan, according to Markham's former mayor, Donald Cousens. The community situated in Unionville was planned to be self-sustained and transit-oriented based on smart growth development. Construction began in 2005, when Enterprise Drive was completed.
Aviva Canada built its second Canadian headquarters on Birchmount Road and a new Cineplex theatre opened on April 4, 2015. It provides a bigger space to include a few VIP theatres, a new gaming corner and much higher capacity than the old Cineplex theatre at First Markham Place.
The Marriott hotel and the York condo was constructed on the corner of Enterprise Drive and Birchmount Road. It was finished by the end of 2018.
Downtown Markham, Ontario