Markham, town, York Regional Municipality, southeastern Ontario, Canada, on the Rouge River. It is a suburb of Toronto and has experienced growth in the high-tech and service industries. Markham is home to more than 700 high-tech manufacturers and the corporate headquarters of more than 400 companies. Major products include computer equipment, electronics, chemicals, frozen foods, medical supplies, furniture, paper goods, and transportation equipment. Toronto-Buttonville Municipal Airport serves the area. Points of interest include Markham Museum, a 25-acre historic village featuring exhibits such as the Transportation Exhibit; the Frederick Horsman Varley Art Gallery, named after the Canadian painter; and the Markham Theatre for the Performing Arts.
Markham Township was settled in 1794 as an agricultural community and is named after William Markham, an archbishop of York. When Toronto grew at the end of World War II (1939-1945), Markham increased in population as well. It incorporated as a town in 1970. Markham's town center underwent revitalization at the end of the 20th century.
