I took a walk around downtown Markham for the first time this weekend. There are a lot of positives, but what I really noticed was how strangely uninviting the carousel in the main square is. Part of it is the glass enclosure, which has a kind of bus shelter vibe to it. My girlfriend said the enclosure building looked a bit like a gas station. Not really a fan of the junkyard aesthetic either.
The square itself has a lot of potential but I don't like how they treated the north side. It's separated from the bus road by a fence and a slight hill with landscaping on it. In classic Toronto public square fashion, obstacles have been placed around the edges of the square rather than have it blend seamlessly into the surrounding cityscape. I get that the road is part of the VIVA line, but the other side of it isn't fenced off and has inviting sidewalks and public spaces, some of which are lined with retail. Because of the grade change and fence, the square feels unnecessarily separated from the buildings and patio areas north of it. The reflecting pool/skating rink looks like a nice gathering place. It and the carousel weren't operational so that probably added to the unfavourable impression of the square.