City of Markham Launches All Access Markham

New Services Makes Connecting with City Easier than Ever

MARKHAM, ON — May 8, 2013 — The City of Markham today announced a new suite of services to enhance customer service, and provide more convenience and accessibility to its municipal services and programs.

Markham showcased four new customer service features at the media conference:

• Markham’s new mobile app
• eSSENTIAL Accessibility online software on the City website
• 50+ online services available on the City website
• New counter, telephone and email service hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.; and extended hours every Thursday until 7:00 p.m.

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti remarked, “The launch of our new portal website in 2011 put the platform in place for us to dramatically transform how we do business and serve our customers. Our new online services, mobile app, extended counter services hours and accessibility software reflect this business transformation, and our ability to respond to the changing needs of residents.

“I am particularly proud of the launch of the eSSENTIAL accessibility software that improves access to our web information for those with disabilities,” said Mayor Scarpitti. “Markham is the most diverse City in Canada and we pride ourselves on our actions and commitment to inclusivity. We are the first City to use this software in North America.”

“Markham is to be congratulated for implementing the eSSENTIAL Accessibility software on their portal website. Over the past several years, we have seen more corporations recognize the importance of reaching consumers with disabilities. The adoption of assistive technology tools often signals a greater understanding of the many aspects of inclusion and accessibility that can benefit this growing segment of the Canadian population”, said March of Dimes of Canada President and CEO, Andria Spindel.

Markham’s new app provides instant mobile access to information on the City’s parks, recreation and library programs, waste collection programs and schedules, updates on major city projects, bikeway systems, culture and entertainment opportunities, our social media pages, and the City’s resident publication – Markham Life magazine.

The new accessibility software is now active on Markham’s website. Markham’s new mobile app can be downloaded through I-Tunes and Google for I-Phone and Android, and is mobile optimized for Blackberry operating systems. Visit www.markham.ca for more information and to download.

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti: fscarpitti@markham.ca or (905) 475-4872

Markham media inquiries/interview requests: Dennis Flaherty, (905) 415-7520, media@markham.ca

About Markham: Markham, a municipality with more than 320,000 residents centrally located in the Greater Toronto area, is home to 400 corporate head offices and 900 high tech and life science companies. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community, enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. Canada’s newest urban city as of July 1, 2012, Markham has received the Excellence Canada PEP III Integrated and Accessibility Awards, and multiple heritage and environmental awards.