Don's Markham Exchange

Well Hello!

I am running again for Regional Councillor because I believe my experience, knowledge and long-standing commitment to Markham can continue to make a positive difference in our community.

I have also been encouraged by numerous Markham residents who have asked me to seek another term. Their support and confidence have reinforced my desire to continue serving.

I want to continue helping Markham residents navigate both local and Regional matters, ensuring their concerns are heard, their questions are answered and issues are addressed effectively.

I hope that I can count on your support and your vote this October.

Are You Ready?

Voting for this year's municipal election takes place between October 16 and October 26. Voting is different this election.

Voting can be done online, at a voting place and at Election Markham Headquarters. Each option is available on different dates. However you decide to vote, please make certain that you are registered to vote. More information is available on the City's website at markham.ca/elections where you can also check to see if you are on the voters list.

Frequently asked questions include: how to vote, can I vote, where to vote, am I on the voters list. Click here to find out more.

Care to Contribute?

Election campaigns are costly to run and candidate contributions to their own campaigns are now limited by the new Municipal Elections Act.

A contribution to my campaign is greatly appreciated and could be eligible for the City's rebate program. You might be eligible for a contribution rebate of up to 75% - full details here.

Contributions can be made by e-transfer, credit card or by personal cheque.

Donate here

Look Up: The Harvest Moon

The Harvest Moon will light up Ontario skies on Saturday, September 26, just days after the fall equinox. This year’s full moon will be especially lovely for skywatchers, rising near sunset and appearing alongside Saturn, the bright, ringed planet.

The Harvest Moon is Coming - Saturday night

The Harvest Moon gets its name from its long association with the autumn harvest. Because the full moon closest to the fall equinox can occur in either September or October, its date changes from year to year. This year, the moon reaches peak illumination at 12:49 p.m. on September 26, so look for it Friday or Saturday evening as it rises in the eastern sky. No telescope is needed, just look for the bright moon and the nearby point of light that is Saturn.

Swan Lake Park Walks

Join the Friends of Swan lake tomorrow (September 26th) as they celebrate Fall and biodiversity at Swan Lake.

There are various nature walks throughout the day. The weather looks to be perfect to be outside and enjoy one of Markham's hidden gems. More information about Swan Lake can be found here.

Doors Open Markham

This annual event is happening tomorrow, Saturday September 26th across the City. It's your opportunity to enter building and locations you likely have driven by and wondered what it's like inside.

Best of all, it's free to explore the 17 unique local sites including heritage buildings, cultural facilities, community spaces and walking tours. Sites and activities include:

Heintzman House
Wong Dai Sin Temple
York University Markham Campus
St. Maurice and St. Verena Coptic Orthodox Church
Thornhill Walking Tour
Unionville Curling Club
Behind the scenes vault tour at the Markham Museum.

A full list of sites can be found here. While I was a member of the Doors Open Markham committee, I had the opportunity to visit many of these sites and it was always interesting to see the behind the scenes of buildings that you don't typically have an opportunity to go inside.

Markham at the Movies

Have you ever been? A dedicated group of volunteer film enthusiasts bring TIFF films to the Markham Flato Theatre. Attendees often describe it as one of Markham's best kept secrets for an entertaining night out.

The 2026/27 season starts this Tuesday evening (September 29th) at 7pm with the screening of the thriller Tuner starring Dustin Hoffman. Tickets are $15 at the door or $75 for the season pass making it 6 movies for the price of 5.

Learn more about MATM and their upcoming films - here.

Markham Fair

This favourite fall event, a beloved Markham community event since 1844, returns next weekend, October 1-4, at the Markham Fairgrounds on McCowan Avenue.

Visitors can enjoy agricultural exhibits, animals, midway rides, live entertainment, delicious fair food and exciting events including monster trucks, the truck and tractor pull, the wild west show, demolition derby and fireworks.

The Markham Fair is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Markham's agricultural heritage while enjoying a fun-filled fall weekend with family and friends. Come out and enjoy this much-loved Markham tradition - more information.

Perhaps you can even have your picture taken with the Faircrow.

Be Aware

Recently there have been warnings from Alectra Utilities, the electrical power company servicing Markham, about an increasing number of scams and frauds concerning electricity customers. The most common scams involve a call or text from someone pretending to be from Alectra claiming that your account is overdue and threatening to disconnect your electricity within 30 minutes unless immediate payment is made. If you receive a call or text like this, don't panic or make a payment under presssure.

More tips and information can be found on the Alectra website - here.

Events Calendar

September 27 at 2pm - Markham Concert Band performance at the Millennium Bandstand, Main Street Unionville
September 29 at 7pm - Markham at the Movies - Tuner
September 30 at 9:30am - Orange Shirt Day / Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony and Flag Raising - Flato Markham Theatre
October 1 - 4 - Markham Fair - details here
October 10 at 10am - World Migratory Bird Day - guided walk - gazebo at Swan Lake
October 11 at 10am - Historic Unionville Walking Tour - details
October 16 - 26 - voting is open for the City of Markham muncipial election - learn more
October 17 from 7am to 7pm - Curbside Giveaway Day
October 17 at 8pm - Kindred Spirits Orchestra Opening Night - details here
October 25 from 2pm to 4pm - Halloween on Main Street Unionville
October 26 - Municipal election results announced
October 27 at 7pm - Markham at the Movies - Akashi
November 24 at 7pm - Markham at the Movies - The Choral
November 28 - Markham Santa Claus Parade
December 5 at 8pm - Kindred Spirits Orchestra - details here

Should you have an event that you would like to have added to the list, please email me at don.hamilton@rogers.com.

Vote

Don Hamilton

Regional Councillor

donhamilton . ca