Your Complete Guide to Real Estate, Condos, Lifestyle, and Investment in Canada's Most Ambitious New Downtown

There is no other address in the Greater Toronto Area quite like Downtown Markham. Not just another suburban high rise corridor, not a repurposed industrial district, and not a retrofit of an aging downtown core, Downtown Markham is something genuinely different. It is Canada's largest planned mixed use development, a 243 acre master planned urban centre conceived from the ground up to be everything a modern city centre should be, dense, walkable, transit connected, environmentally sustainable, culturally rich, and designed for the way people actually want to live, work, and play in the 21st century.

Downtown Markham is the main downtown of Markham, Ontario, located near the historic Unionville district and serving as the new heart of Markham. Businesses in the district are expected to employ up to 16,000 individuals, and it may house as many as 10,000 residents at full build out. The development plans include a high density of residential, retail, commercial, and mixed use structures, developed and wholly financed by The Remington Group Inc.

Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are REALTOR®️s and Markham real estate specialists who help buyers purchase condominiums and townhomes in Downtown Markham, Ontario, and help Downtown Markham condo owners sell and lease their properties at maximum value using deep local market knowledge, accurate data driven pricing, and professional marketing. As Markham real estate specialists and recognized authorities on the Downtown Markham condo market, Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani at Kaizen Real Estate are the agents who know this community in depth.

What Is Downtown Markham and Where Is It Located?

Downtown Markham refers to an area south of Uptown Markham and Highway 7, west of Kennedy Road and Main Street Unionville, east of Warden Avenue, and north of Highway 407 ETR. This positions Downtown Markham at the intersection of some of the most powerful infrastructure in all of York Region, flanked by two major east west highways, served by VIVA rapid transit directly on Highway 7, within minutes of the Unionville GO Station, and immediately adjacent to the historic Unionville community that gives this new urban centre its cultural roots and neighbourhood context.

At the forefront of Markham's smart growth strategy, Downtown Markham, also called Markham Centre, is built on 992 acres of land located north of Highway 407 and south of Highway 7, between Warden Avenue and Kennedy Road. This landmark mixed use project consists primarily of townhouses and condominium buildings that will create 10,000 new homes.

What makes Downtown Markham's location so compelling for buyers and investors is the layered nature of the address. To the north is historic Unionville, one of Ontario's most charming heritage communities with boutique shops, restaurants, the Varley Art Gallery, and Toogood Pond Park. To the east is the continuing development of the Unionville GO Station corridor. To the west is Warden Avenue, connecting residents to the TTC and broader GTA highway network. And to the south, Highway 407 provides immediate east west access across the GTA. Downtown Markham is not isolated, it is surrounded on all sides by established value.

The Vision Behind Downtown Markham, Canada's Most Ambitious Urban Development

Downtown Markham has been nominated as the country's largest mixed use development, as well as North America's largest LEED registered development. The development spans 243 acres and will be the commercial and financial district at the centre of the City of Markham, consisting of a mix of residential, office, and retail uses.

Two million square feet of retail space will include international retailers, local shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Downtown Markham will also offer more than 3.4 million square feet of office space in a commercial district adjacent to Highway 407. The vibrant urban centre is being designed and developed following sustainable guidelines, including energy efficient power sources and LEED Silver certification or higher for all residential and commercial projects. Aside from allowing greater density, the development also enjoys 72 acres of natural and landscaped green space, improved walkability, and easy access to public transit including VIVA Rapid Transit and GO Transit.

Downtown Markham is powered by District Energy, reducing community emissions by 50 percent, and is just steps from the Markham Pan Am Centre, Unionville GO Station, and York University's new Markham Centre campus. This combination of environmental leadership, cultural infrastructure, educational anchors, and employment density makes Downtown Markham one of the most fundamentally well positioned urban investment addresses in the entire Greater Toronto Area.

Residential Buildings in Downtown Markham, The Remington Group's Condo Portfolio

The Remington Group is the master developer of Downtown Markham, and their portfolio of completed and upcoming residential buildings defines the skyline and residential character of the district. The Remington Group has played a major role in redefining luxury living in Downtown Markham, from its wide range of residential products to a community that is thoughtfully enriched with engaging art, distinctive retail and restaurants, year round programming, and pop up events.

The Signature Condominium Collection, 170 Enterprise Boulevard

The Signature Collection, attached to the world renowned Toronto Marriott Markham hotel, raises the bar in luxury condo living. Every conceivable hotel service is just a phone call away from the suite. Residents of The Signature Collection can access à la carte hotel services whenever they wish, with hotel amenities including 24 hour concierge, room service, restaurant reservations, housekeeping, private dining, event planning, laundry and dry cleaning, and car rental. The Signature provides one, two, and two bedroom plus den suites with generous living spaces, unparalleled views, gourmet kitchens, European style bathrooms, and top of the line finishing details. For buyers seeking the ultimate Downtown Markham condo lifestyle, The Signature Collection is the definitive address.

York Condos, 10 Rouge Valley Drive

York Condos, the multi award winning project at the western gate of Downtown Markham, welcomed residents in 2021. The buildings line an above grade parking structure crowned by an extensive landscape and amenity terrace. Connections to the Rouge Valley protected green space north of the site are key to this project, and the interiors were designed to reflect this, focusing on nature and natural rock formations. York Condos consists of three towers, Tower 1 rising 15 storeys with 307 units, Tower 2 at 12 storeys with 162 suites, and Tower 3 at 7 storeys with 76 units, offering studio, one, two, and three bedroom suite configurations with open concept layouts, designed by Quadrangle Architects.

Riverwalk Condominiums

The Riverwalk series of condominium towers in Downtown Markham has become one of the most recognized and in demand residential addresses in the district. Riverwalk buildings offer a range of one bedroom, two bedroom, and two bedroom plus den configurations with modern finishes, floor to ceiling windows, private balconies, and park facing views in select high floor units. Corner units on high floors at Riverwalk offer unobstructed panoramic views and abundant natural light, making them among the most coveted resale units in Downtown Markham.

Gallery Square and Gallery Towers

Gallery Square is an art inspired condominium community with creativity at its heart, modern urban condos surrounded by art, culture, commerce, nature, education, and more in one of North America's most environmentally conscious master planned communities, described by Remington as contemporary living raised to an art form. Gallery Towers, currently selling, continues the art inspired design philosophy of Gallery Square with contemporary suite designs in the heart of Downtown Markham.

Fontana, IQ, Nexus, and Pavilia Towers

Additional residential buildings in and around the Downtown Markham corridor, including the Fontana, IQ, and Nexus series by Remington, and Pavilia Towers at 381 Highway 7, round out the district's diverse residential inventory. Pavilia Towers blends urban convenience with suburban luxury and consistently ranks among the best condos in Markham for amenities and accessibility.

Amenities and Entertainment in Downtown Markham, An Urban Lifestyle in the Suburbs

What truly distinguishes Downtown Markham from every other condominium district in the GTA is the depth and quality of amenities that have been built directly into the community. Residents of Downtown Markham condos do not have to travel to Toronto to access world class entertainment, fitness, dining, culture, and education, it is all within a short walk of their front door.

The Origin Entertainment Hub and Cineplex VIP IMAX Theatre

The Origin is Downtown Markham's award winning entertainment hub, featuring a Cineplex Cinemas VIP IMAX Theatre, a 24 hour GoodLife Fitness, and an exclusive Footlocker Power store. The Cineplex VIP theatre, with reclining seats, in theatre dining, and a premium cinema experience, is one of the most popular entertainment destinations in York Region, and its presence steps from Downtown Markham condos is a lifestyle advantage that buyers consistently cite as a key reason they choose this address.

Toronto Marriott Markham

The Toronto Marriott Markham is York Region's first condo hotel and one of the first within Marriott's North American portfolio to introduce an artful, modern design curated for the inventive traveller. The hotel provides Downtown Markham residents with access to hotel calibre dining, meeting rooms, spa services, and event facilities, either through membership or à la carte access as available to Signature Collection residents.

Markham Pan Am Centre

The Markham Pan Am Centre is a multi purpose sport facility constructed for the 2015 Pan American and ParaPan American Games, now a City of Markham owned facility offering training, competition, and sport event hosting year round. This extraordinary facility, featuring an Olympic standard aquatics centre, fitness facilities, and multi sport programming, is steps from Downtown Markham condos and available to Markham residents through City programming fees.

Markham YMCA Rudy Bratty Centre

The Markham YMCA Rudy Bratty Centre was completed in 2006 and upgraded in 2008, featuring two pools and other fitness facilities for YMCA members. Its proximity to Downtown Markham makes it one of several fitness and aquatics options available within easy reach of residents living in the district's condo towers.

Whole Foods, Retail, and Dining

Residents of Downtown Markham condos enjoy unparalleled convenience with world class dining, shopping, and entertainment just steps away, including Cineplex VIP, Whole Foods, and the Markham Pan Am Centre. The broader Downtown Markham retail corridor, already home to Whole Foods, LCBO, restaurants, cafés, and boutique services, will expand significantly as the district approaches full build out with its planned two million square feet of retail space.

The Pride of Canada Carousel and Public Art

The Pride of Canada Carousel, a rideable 50 foot work of sustainable art, sits across the street from the Toronto Marriott Markham and is a beloved community attraction and public gathering point in Downtown Markham. Downtown Markham is a vibrant 243 acre urban centre immersed with more than 25 million dollars of thought provoking public art, seamlessly connected to public transit and major employers. The public art program gives Downtown Markham a cultural character and visual distinctiveness that separates it from every other suburban condo district in the GTA.

IndyCar Series Grand Prix, Starting 2026

On September 3, 2025, it was announced that a five year contract was signed to host an IndyCar Series grand prix at Markham Centre, starting in 2026. Markham replaces the grand prix previously held in Toronto from 1986 through 2025. This landmark announcement elevates Downtown Markham's international profile dramatically, and confirms the district's emergence as a genuine urban destination, not just a residential development.

York University Markham Campus, A Game Changer for Downtown Markham Real Estate

In 2024, York University's 275.5 million dollar Markham Centre Campus welcomed its first students. This campus, built next to the Markham Pan Am Centre and integrated into the heart of Downtown Markham, is one of the most significant developments for the long term real estate value of condominiums in the district.

The Markham Centre campus offers more than 20 degree programs and works in partnership with Seneca College to offer joint programs. The campus partners with local businesses and industry to provide experiential learning opportunities for students and forms research partnerships with the York Region community. With more than 4,000 students initially enrolled and a mandate to grow significantly over the coming decade, York University's presence in Downtown Markham drives sustained rental demand, adds cultural vitality to the district, and creates a long term structural support for condo values that is rarely replicated in suburban GTA markets.

York University is the second largest university in Canada, and this campus is a welcome addition to the burgeoning city. Condos around Highway 7 and Warden are within a 30 minute walk and 20 minute transit ride of the campus.

Employment in Downtown Markham, Canada's High Tech Capital at Your Door

Downtown Markham is not a bedroom community. It is an employment hub, and that distinction is one of the most important factors that makes real estate in this district different from every other suburban GTA condo market.

At full build out, there will be 72,000 workers in Markham Centre. It is currently home to IBM, Worley Parsons, Honeywell, and Hilton Suites. Companies including Aviva, Jonas Software, Honeywell, Yamaha, and Under Armour each have their national head offices located in Downtown Markham. This concentration of corporate headquarters in the technology and life sciences sectors means that Downtown Markham condo buyers are not purchasing in a commuter suburb dependent on Toronto's economy, they are purchasing in a self sufficient employment node that is increasingly drawing talent and capital on its own merits.

Markham's employment is fully self sufficient, and future projections have employment growth outpacing population growth in the city. Markham is forecast to grow from 353,000 residents in 2016 to 535,000 by 2041, with job growth expanding from 167,500 jobs to 269,200 by 2041. For investors and long term buyers evaluating Downtown Markham condos, these employment fundamentals are as important as any building specific feature.

Transit Access in Downtown Markham, Connected Across the GTA

Downtown Markham is one of the most transit accessible districts outside of the City of Toronto, and transit connectivity continues to improve as the district matures.

The primary modes of transportation in Downtown Markham are regional roads, municipal roads, Highway 407, bus rapid transit, and GO Trains. The downtown area is bounded by three arterial York Regional Roads, Kennedy Road, Highway 7, and Warden Avenue. Highway 407 serves the area with exits on Warden Avenue and Kennedy Road.

VIVA rapid transit operates directly along Highway 7, with VIVA stations steps from major Downtown Markham condo buildings connecting residents to Richmond Hill Centre and the broader York Region rapid transit network. York Region Transit's VIVA network features a station just steps away from major Downtown Markham buildings, offering a quick trip to Richmond Hill Centre from which connections can be made to Downtown Toronto and to Finch subway station.

The Unionville GO Station on the Stouffville Line is a short drive or VIVA bus ride from Downtown Markham, providing direct GO Train service to Toronto's Union Station in approximately 40 minutes. For car commuters, Highways 7, 407, and 404 connect Downtown Markham residents to the Don Valley Parkway, with a drive to Toronto's Financial District taking approximately 35 minutes outside of peak hours.

Schools Near Downtown Markham, Ontario

Downtown Markham's proximity to Unionville means condo residents with school age children benefit from access to one of the strongest school catchment areas in all of Markham.

Unionville High School, consistently ranked among York Region's most prestigious public secondary schools and within a short distance of Downtown Markham, is the secondary school that most buyers in this district target when evaluating school catchments. Coledale Public School and additional Unionville area elementary schools serve younger students living in the Downtown Markham condo corridor. Bill Crothers Secondary School, known for its specialized athletics program, is also accessible to Downtown Markham residents.

Buying a Condo in Downtown Markham, What to Expect

The Downtown Markham condo market serves one of the most diverse buyer profiles of any neighbourhood in Markham. Young professionals working at corporate headquarters in Markham Centre or commuting to Toronto value the walkable, amenity rich lifestyle, the Cineplex VIP and dining options steps from their door, and the transit connectivity that makes a car optional lifestyle genuinely viable in suburban Ontario. Downsizers from larger Markham homes find in Downtown Markham a luxury, hotel adjacent condo lifestyle that rivals anything the City of Toronto offers at more accessible price points. Investors recognize the combination of York University student rental demand, corporate executive rental demand from Markham Centre employers, and long term supply constraints in a master planned district with a finite land base. International buyers and newcomers to Canada are drawn to the proximity of major employers, the cultural diversity of Markham, and the quality and environmental credentials of Remington's LEED certified buildings.

Condos in Downtown Markham often sell faster than the city average due to location and demand. High demand buildings consistently outperform the average, and newer resale units in well positioned towers move fastest as population growth continues across York Region.

Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani help buyers evaluate Downtown Markham condos with building specific comparable market analysis, reviewing recent sales data for each tower, floor, exposure, and configuration to establish precise, defensible valuations. Before purchasing any Downtown Markham condo, they strongly recommend that buyers have a qualified Ontario real estate lawyer review the status certificate for the relevant condominium corporation in full before waiving conditions on any offer.

Selling or Leasing a Downtown Markham Condo, Michael John Lau & Neeraj Moolchandani's Approach

For owners of condominiums in Downtown Markham who are considering selling or leasing, the district's exceptional amenity profile, employment proximity, transit access, York University campus, and IndyCar Grand Prix profile all drive consistent and growing buyer and renter demand. Well priced, well presented units in Remington's condo towers, particularly at The Signature, Riverwalk, York Condos, and Gallery Square, attract motivated buyers who are specifically seeking the Downtown Markham urban lifestyle.

Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani market Downtown Markham condos with professional photography that showcases each suite's open concept layout, floor to ceiling windows, balcony views, and premium finishes, along with targeted digital advertising that reaches the specific buyer profiles most motivated to purchase in this district. Listing copy for Downtown Markham units is written to highlight the Cineplex VIP proximity, Whole Foods walkability, York University campus access, Markham Pan Am Centre, corporate employment concentration, VIVA transit connectivity, and IndyCar Grand Prix hosting status, the lifestyle and investment advantages that motivate the most competitive offers from the most qualified buyers in this unique Markham community.

Contact Michael John Lau & Neeraj Moolchandani of Kaizen Real Estate  to Buy or Sell in Downtown Markham

Whether you are searching for a condominium or townhome in Downtown Markham, Ontario, or you are a current owner ready to sell or lease your unit in one of Markham's most exciting urban districts, Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani at Kaizen Real Estate are the Markham real estate specialists who know this community in depth. Visit www.kaizenrealestate.ca, www.livinginmarkham.ca, or www.callmikelau.com to connect and take your next step in the Downtown Markham real estate market today.

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