Market Village was once a cornerstone of the Markham, Ontario community, serving as a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and cultural gathering. Located at the intersection of Steeles Avenue and Kennedy Road, it was particularly renowned for its deep roots in the Chinese-Canadian community. For decades, it provided a unique marketplace experience that felt more like a traditional village than a modern shopping mall.
Today, many residents and visitors wonder about the current state of this iconic location. Whether you are looking for information on its history, its closure, or the massive redevelopment project currently underway, this guide provides all the essential details. Understanding the transition of Market Village helps clarify why this site remains one of the most significant pieces of real estate in the Greater Toronto Area.
The History and Legacy of Market Village
Market Village opened its doors in the late 1980s. Unlike the sleek, glass-enclosed malls common in North America, it was designed with a rustic, village-like aesthetic. The interior featured wood-beamed ceilings and winding walkways that housed hundreds of small independent businesses. This design fostered a sense of community and discovery that larger retail chains often lack.
For over thirty years, the mall served as a primary destination for the Asian diaspora in York Region. It wasn’t just a place to buy goods; it was a social landmark. Families would gather there for weekend dim sum, seniors would meet for morning tea, and shoppers would browse for everything from traditional herbs to the latest fashion trends from Hong Kong and Taiwan.
A Unique Shopping Experience
The layout of Market Village was intentionally varied. It offered a mix of several different types of retail environments under one roof:
- The Food Court: Known for being one of the most authentic in the region, offering diverse regional Chinese cuisines.
- Small Boutiques: Independent vendors selling specialized items such as jade jewelry, traditional clothing, and stationery.
- Professional Services: The mall housed travel agencies, herbalists, and medical clinics that catered specifically to the needs of the local community.
- Supermarkets: Large grocery stores provided fresh produce and imported goods that were difficult to find in mainstream Canadian supermarkets at the time.
The Decision to Redevelopment
In 2018, Market Village officially closed its doors to the public. The decision was not due to a lack of popularity, but rather a strategic move to modernize the site. As Markham grew into a high-density urban center, the sprawling, single-story layout of Market Village was seen as an underutilization of valuable land.
The closure marked the end of an era for many locals, but it also signaled the start of one of the most ambitious mixed-use development projects in Canada. The goal of the redevelopment is to transform the site into a world-class destination that can accommodate more residents, more businesses, and better infrastructure for the 21st century.
What is Replacing Market Village?
The site is being transformed into the Remington Centre. This new development is planned to be a massive, multi-tower complex that will redefine the skyline of Markham. The project aims to blend retail, residential, and commercial spaces into a single cohesive environment.
Key features of the proposed Remington Centre include:
- Expanded Retail Space: Over 800,000 square feet of shopping area, significantly larger than the original Market Village.
- Residential Towers: High-rise condominiums that will house thousands of new residents directly above the shopping district.
- Public Plazas: Large outdoor and indoor spaces for community events, performances, and seasonal festivals.
- Modern Infrastructure: Better integration with public transit and expanded parking facilities to handle increased traffic.
Where Did the Original Shops Go?
When Market Village closed, many regular visitors were concerned about the fate of their favorite vendors. While some businesses chose to retire, many others relocated to nearby shopping centers to continue serving their loyal customer base.
If you are looking for the shops that once called Market Village home, you may find them in these neighboring locations:
Pacific Mall
Located right next door, Pacific Mall is the most obvious destination for former Market Village shoppers. It remains the largest indoor Asian shopping mall in North America. Several vendors from Market Village moved their operations here, ensuring that the local community still has access to specialized goods and services.
Splendid China Mall
Situated just across the street on Steeles Avenue, Splendid China Mall offers a similar atmosphere to the old Market Village. It features a variety of small stalls and professional services. Many of the niche retailers who needed affordable space after the 2018 closure found a new home in this location.
New Kennedy Square
Located further north on Kennedy Road, this plaza has absorbed several of the food vendors and service providers from Market Village. It has become a popular spot for those seeking the specific culinary experiences that were once the hallmark of the old mall.
What to Expect During Construction
The redevelopment of such a large site is a multi-year process. Currently, the area is a major construction zone. If you are planning to visit the vicinity, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth trip.
First, traffic patterns around Steeles and Kennedy have changed. With heavy machinery and construction vehicles moving in and out, delays are common during peak hours. It is often faster to use public transit, such as the YRT or TTC, which both have stops directly at the intersection.
Second, while the Market Village building is gone, the surrounding businesses remain open. This includes the businesses within Pacific Mall and the various plazas along Steeles Avenue East. Supporting these local businesses during the construction phase is vital for maintaining the economic health of the neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Market Village still open?
No, Market Village officially closed in 2018. The original structure has been demolished to make way for the new Remington Centre development.
When will the new Remington Centre open?
Large-scale developments like the Remington Centre often have rolling opening dates. While specific phases may open sooner, the entire project is expected to take several years to complete. It is best to check with the developer’s official announcements for the most current timeline.
Can I still find the old food court vendors?
Many of the popular food stalls relocated to Pacific Mall or nearby plazas in Markham and Scarborough. Searching for specific restaurant names online often reveals their new locations.
Conclusion
Market Village was more than just a shopping center; it was a cultural landmark that shaped the identity of Markham for a generation. While its physical structure is gone, the spirit of the marketplace lives on through the businesses that relocated and the ambitious plans for the future Remington Centre. As the area evolves, it continues to be a destination for those seeking a unique blend of culture and commerce.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring our other articles on local community changes and urban development. Staying informed about your local environment helps you navigate your city with confidence and ease.