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The first photo: Currently 25 sakura trees are planted outside of the Markham Civic Centre.
The second photo: Come spring 2019, Markham's Japanese Sakura trees will hopefully bloom and look similar to these cherry blossoms in the City of Toronto.
The City of Markham is honoured to accept the generous donation of 80 Japanese Sakura trees through the Trees for Tomorrow program and from various Japanese donors to celebrate the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Japan.
Sakura is an important, symbolic flower in Japan and is treasured in Japanese culture. It has been the subject of various poems, songs, paintings, and inspiration for theatrical direction. In Ontario, Sakura typically blooms delicate pink or white flowers in late April or early May, lasting anywhere from four to ten days depending on weather conditions.
The floral trees have now been planted at three locations across the City: 15 trees at Milne Dam Conservation Park, which is frequently visited especially during the summer months, 40 trees are planted at Rougeside Promenade; 20 on each side of the new bridge, and 25 trees have been planted at the Markham Civic Centre as part of the new gateway pathway for residents to enjoy.
"The City of Markham's friendship with Japan goes back 30 years when the first Japanese companies began to invest in Markham. I was honoured to lead a business delegation to Japan last fall, which sparked this partnership between the City of Markham and the Consulate General of Japan in Toronto," says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "Visitors from Ontario and beyond can now appreciate the splendor of the Japanese Sakura cherry blossom trees, which celebrate Markham's abiding friendship with Japan."
Sixty-five of the trees were generously donated by the Supporters of the Rotary International District 2750, Japan, Toronto Sakura Project Organization, Tokyo All Fashion Society and Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada Inc.
"The trees planted here represent the desire of all of the people involved that the fruitful friendship between Japan and Canada is always remembered here in Markham," says Ms. Takako Ito, Consul-General of Japan. She also hopes that "our relations with the City of Markham will continue to grow and flourish, and the Sakura blossoms will symbolize the strong friendship between Japan and the City of Markham."
Japan is Markham's second largest source of foreign direct investment. The City of Markham is home to 20 Japanese businesses, employing approximately 3,400 people. These companies include Honda Canada, Shiseido Canada Inc., Weins Canada and Toshiba of Canada Ltd.
In December 2017, Mayor Frank Scarpitti led a Markham delegation on the City's first trade mission trip to Japan to identify opportunities to enhance Markham's profile as a prime location for Japanese business investment, an integral part of Markham's Economic Strategy, Markham 2020. The Markham delegation visited Toyota Motor Corporation in Nagoya, NGK Spark Plugs in Komaki, Aichi Prefecture, and Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd., in Kyoto.
The planting of these Sakura trees reflects a proud partnership between the City of Markham and Japan. These trees will not only contribute to the natural beauty of our community, but will also add to the City's tree canopy, providing new habitat for wildlife and creating a new attraction for residents and tourists to visit.
(Source: City of Markham) |
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