Our Story

During the many years of service to the community, Markhaven has provided a full range of care for literally hundreds of seniors. Find out how our story started

Where It all Began

Markhaven was the vision of Lois and Wes Neely, along with Howard Heidman, Ewart Hedman and Murray Barrington, who saw a pressing need for a Home where seniors would be nurtured in a Christian environment.

History of Markhaven

  • 1960's

    The Neely’s opened their home at 204 Main Street in Markham to the first resident.  Markhaven eventually became “home” to 15 seniors.  It was licensed as the only non-profit Nursing Home in the Province of Ontario at that time, and operated in this capacity for the next 10 years.

  • 1970's

    The residents moved to its present site at 54 Parkway Ave in Markham. Capacity at that time was 43 beds and the home operated as a charitable non-profit Home for the Aged, governed by the Charitable Institutions Act.

  • 1980's

    The north wing was added, to complete the 75-bed facility. In the 1980s, various internal and minor expansions were made. The square footage of the building was less than 18,000 square feet.

  • 1990's

    The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care mandated that long term care homes in the province meet new Design Guidelines. In the late 1990s Markhaven was awarded additional beds under a Ministry of Health Request for Proposal process and increased the number of licensed beds for redevelopment to 96.

  • 2000

    the old building was demolished and the newly constructed facility opened its doors in March 2004. The program for rebuilding would not have been possible without the banding together of our immediate community and the many, many volunteers who so selflessly gave of their time and resources.

  • 2004

    The home has grown to approximately 65,000 square feet, with two floors and four Resident Home Areas that are fully contained and independent, housing 96 residents. Two of the home areas on the north side of the building accommodate 21 residents on each unit and the two units on the south side each accommodate 27 residents. There is a mix of private, semi-private and basic rooms with ensuites. Each home area has its own lounge areas, activity room, and dining room. Markhaven also offers a large multi-purpose room with a chapel facility, as well as library.

  • 2007

    The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care changed its approach to managing health services, and set up Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs). As of July 2010 Markhaven has been funded through the Central LHIN) and is regulated under the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007. Which is currently known as Fixing Long Term Care Act, 2021.

  • Present

    As of 2021, Markhaven has been regulated under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act and continues to update the home to keep in compliance with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Markhaven has experienced many changes to the resident rooms, common areas, and overall atmosphere to ensure a pleasant and safe place to reside.

Meet the Team

At Markhaven, we're more than a team—we're a tight-knit family devoted to your loved ones' well-being. From our compassionate caregivers to our dedicated support staff, each member plays a crucial role in ensuring comfort and care.

Our Volunteers

Volunteers assist in many areas of our Home. Whether you are looking for a way to give back to the community, have some extra time, or are a high school, college, or university student, we welcome you to Markhaven.