MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Markham Wired for Success
Unique web initiative serves as a launch pad for Markham's global growth

MARKHAM, ON - October 27, 2008 — In a world where email, YouTube, Facebook, texting and "tweeting" are giving people a more powerful voice than ever before, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti is showing he gets it, and knows how to use technology to connect with and grow his community. Through digital innovation he is bringing his constituents together as they work to create global opportunities to help Markham thrive in the midst of difficult economic times.

"Today's generation is e-savvy and we know our consultation process with the community needs to take a leadership role with the latest technologies to attract global businesses and engage residents," says Mayor Scarpitti, who leads one of Canada's fastest-growing municipalities. With 900 of the country's high-tech and life sciences companies and 400 corporate head offices calling Markham home – it's no surprise that Markham is known as Canada's high tech capital and is ahead of other Canadian municipalities.

"There are no borders in a digital world," says Mayor Scarpitti. "In Markham, we've laid the groundwork to be global leaders in innovation and we fully intend to increase economic prosperity in our community by developing strong international ties."

Leveraging its award-winning online public consultation program, Click with Markham, the municipality is set to engage residents on details of its long term plan - Build Markham's Future Together. More than 5,000 Markham residents participated in the online experience to help set the stage for the broad strategic plan.

As part of this process, Markham's competitiveness strategy for the next decade – an integral part of Building Markham's Future Together – is set to be unveiled in a venue featuring North America's leading economic geographer and Toronto Dominion Bank's Senior Vice President and Chief Economist.

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Background

1. Among highlights of the economic competitiveness strategy to be announced later this week are plans to: continue to attract highly-educated and skilled immigrants; build on Markham's leadership position in the high tech and life sciences sectors; and, reach out to global markets, both to bring investments into Markham as well as to provide Markham-based businesses with global opportunities.
   
   
2. The community is also targeting youth with the recent launch of a website - www.markham.ca/greenprint and YouTube video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiKQ1h4u_M0 , geared towards gathering the views of 11 to 18-year-olds on community Sustainability.
   
   
3. Based on Statistics Canada's 2006 census data, Markham now has the most diverse population in Canada with over 63 per cent of its community representing visible minorities. In addition, immigrants are expected to make up 50 to 70 per cent of Markham's population over the next few decades, supporting the recent Conference Board of Canada report that emphasizes that immigration levels in the country will have to increase significantly for future economic growth.
   
   
4. Mayor Frank Scarpitti established a first-of-its-kind Welcome Centre to provide support to new immigrants and has put services in place to help small business owners set up shop locally. He also promotes and co-hosts many ethnic events in the community.
   
   
5. In April, Mayor Frank Scarpitti was accompanied by representatives from 24 local companies on a mission to China – designed to create opportunities for Markham-based companies to work with Chinese counterparts. With a mission to India next on the agenda, he also holds regular breakfast meetings with Consul Generals and international representatives from such countries as the U.S., Britain, China, Brazil, Russia and France.
   
   
6. On November 2-3, 2008 Mayor Scarpitti will host important public discussions on the future of transportation and transit at the Markham Civic Centre Council Chamber. Each of the sessions will be broadcast live on Markham's website through an interactive web cast. It will give residents an opportunity to comment on future transportation scenarios including Ontario's Metrolinx transportation and transit plan. November 3 will feature a number of international urban planning futurists.

Quotes

"Markham stands out as one of the most successful examples of an e-Democracy in Canada, not only for its ability to connect with constituents but also for the way in which it is recognizing global business opportunities at the municipal level," says Benedict Leung, President of the Richmond Hill and Markham Chinese Business Association. "Markham's effort to build international relations is exemplified by the China Business Mission."

Earlier this year Markham was awarded the prestigious 2008 Economic Developers Association Marketing Canada Award for Markham's China Business Mission promotions campaign. EDAC is Canada's largest economic development organization with over 800 members. "The awards competition attracted entries from across Canada, including Toronto, Calgary and Montreal," said Derek Sifton, Chair of the Markham Board of Trade. "Markham should take pride in this achievement and its position on the Canadian business development stage."

Media Contact:
Dennis Flaherty, Corporate Communications, Town of Markham
Tel: 905-415-7520
Email: dflaherty@markham.ca

Gail Bergman or Indira Tarachandra
Tel: 905-8861340 or 905-886-4091
Email: info@gailbergmanpr.com

Markham, a municipality of more than 285,000 residents centrally located in the Greater Toronto area, is Canada’s most diverse community and home to many of Canada’s leading life science and technology businesses. It is renowned for a rich heritage, vibrant neighbourhoods, and leadership on the environment and urban design.