Cornell Village, Markham
Cornell Village is not a typical Markham subdivision. It was planned from the ground up in the mid-1990s by internationally recognized urban design firm Duany Plater-Zyberk, following principles of New Urbanism - an approach that prioritizes walkability, connectivity, high-quality design, and human-scaled open space.
The result is a streetscape with a distinctly Victorian character - inviting front porches, varied architectural details, and a mix of townhomes, semi-detached, and detached homes. Garages are always at the rear, accessed from laneways. That single design decision changes how streets feel. There are no garage doors dominating the front of every home. People walk. Neighbours actually meet.
Cornell Village received the Markham 2006 Design Excellence Award, recognizing it as a precedent-setting example of how density and livability can coexist in a suburban context. It is the most established pocket of the broader Cornell community, which also includes Grand Cornell, Upper Cornell, Cornell Rouge, Cornell Centre, and the newer South Cornell - each phase identified by its name inscribed in stone at the entrance.
Healthcare
Markham Stouffville Hospital
Markham Stouffville Hospital is an acute care community hospital offering diagnostic and emergency services, along with clinical programs in childbirth, children's health, surgery, medicine, cancer care, and mental health. It is the only hospital in Markham and one of three in south York Region.
The hospital sits directly adjacent to the Cornell Community Centre, connected by a second-floor bridge. For families with young children, the proximity to full obstetrical, NICU, and children's health services is a genuine quality-of-life factor.
From 43 Cornell Common Road, the hospital is approximately a ten-minute walk.
Community Centre & Library
By Canmenwalker - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=176572939
Cornell Community Centre & Library · 3201 Bur Oak Avenue
This 129,000 square foot LEED Silver certified facility is the anchor of the neighbourhood. Facilities include a multi-level health and fitness centre, indoor playground, youth centre, three pool areas (including a therapy pool, water slide and splash pad), triple gym, multi-sensory room, and a 200-seat rehearsal and performance hall available for community rental.
The Markham Public Library Cornell Branch is integrated into the same building, with medical resources, children and youth sections, and study rooms. The community centre connects directly to Markham Stouffville Hospital and sits a two-minute walk from Cornell Terminal.
Parks & Green Space
Cornell has 17 parks with 45 recreational facilities in total, including 16 playgrounds, 4 splash pads, 6 trails, 4 basketball courts, 3 sports fields, 2 rinks, and 3 gyms.
Cornell Community Park
This is one of the newest and largest parks in Cornell, featuring baseball diamonds, pickleball courts, splash-pad, sports fields and much more. Lighting allows for evening events.
Cornell Village Park
The community park adjacent to Cornell Village Public School. Playground, open field, and a natural gathering point for the neighbourhood.
Grand Cornell Park
Features a clock tower and bell commemorating the area's early Reesor settler history.
Donald Cousens Parkway Berm & Flatlands
A naturalized area on the northeast corner of Ninth Line and Donald Cousens Parkway. Good for walking and trail use.
By Tr4pD00r - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=122781056
Transit
Cornell Terminal opened in September 2022 and sits a two-minute walk from Markham Stouffville Hospital and the Cornell Community Centre. The terminal includes 11 bus bays, heated waiting areas, bike racks, washrooms, and a passenger pick-up and drop-off area.
Routes Serving Cornell Terminal
· YRT Route 1 - Highway 7
· YRT Route 2 - Milliken
· YRT Route 9 - 9th Line
· YRT Route 14 - 14th Avenue
· YRT Route 16 - 16th Avenue
· YRT Route 18 - Bur Oak
· YRT Route 25 - Major Mackenzie
· YRT Route 522 - Markham Local
· Viva Purple and Purple A (rapid transit, west toward Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and onward connections)
· GO Transit Routes 52 and 56 (connections toward Union Station)
· Mobility On-Request
Highway Access
Highway 407 forms the southern boundary of Cornell, with exits at Donald Cousens Parkway and Ninth Line. Highway 7 runs east-west through the centre of the community. For drivers heading into Toronto or connecting to the 404, the on-ramp is minutes from any address in Cornell Village.