The Transformation of Steeles & Kennedy: Markham’s New Urban Hub Rises

The corner of Steeles and Kennedy has long been a place of anticipation, but for years, the former Market Village site sat largely dormant. Now, that is all changing. After years of stalled plans and a shift in vision, Markham is finally set to receive one of the Greater Toronto Area’s most significant new transit-oriented communities.

This isn't just another condo project; it's a massive urban transformation that promises to redefine the gateway between Toronto and Markham.

Looking south to Milliken Transit Oriented Community, designed by BDP Quadrangle for Remington Group and Infrastructure Ontario

The Transit-Oriented Vision: From Mall to Metropolis

For years, the plan for this site focused on the mega-mall concept of the "Remington Centre." However, the new, greener vision is squarely focused on density, connectivity, and transit access.

The project has been greenlit through the province’s crucial Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) program, which aims to place homes, jobs, and community amenities right at the doorstep of major transit lines. This collaboration between The Remington Group and Infrastructure Ontario is a clear indicator of the priority being placed on building communities that support sustainable commuting.

Key Features of the Milliken GO Transformation:

• Eight Mixed-Use Towers: The development will feature eight high-rise towers, ranging dramatically from 25 to 50 storeys in height.

• 5,500+ New Homes: This massive influx of housing supply will bring over 5,500 new residential units to the area, helping to address the GTA's critical need for more housing.

• Retail and Amenities: The mixed-use towers will include essential shops and retail spaces, ensuring the community is vibrant and convenient for residents.

• A Central Green Space: A major highlight is the commitment to public space, including a substantial, nearly two-hectare public park at the heart of the community.

A New Anchor for the GTA’s East End

The location next to Milliken GO Station is the linchpin of the entire development. By creating a dense, walkable community directly beside a major commuter rail line, the project is designed to encourage residents and workers to utilize public transit. This seamless integration is what the TOC program is all about.

When you factor in the presence of Pacific Mall next door and other high-density projects already planned along the Steeles and Kennedy corridors, it’s clear that this intersection is poised to become one of the GTA's most dynamic and extensive new urban clusters. The days of this corner being defined by a sprawling parking lot and a former mall are quickly fading.

What’s Next for Markham?

This development marks a significant step in how Markham is evolving—moving from a suburban model to a more intensive, vertical urban environment, especially around key transit points. It provides a blueprint for how large, underutilized parcels of land can be transformed into thriving, transit-connected neighbourhoods.

The long-awaited transformation is finally underway. Markham’s skyline is about to change in a very big way.

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