Distribution Centres in Markham, ON
Represented by Michael Law — industrial broker, Lennard Commercial Realty
Region
North GTA
Avg Net Rent
$16.75/SF(Q1 2026)
Availability
4.4%
Clear Heights
32'–40'+
Highway Access
Highway 407, Highway 404, Highway 7
Markham Distribution Centre Market
Markham is York Region's most established industrial submarket, with the deepest inventory concentration in the 407/404 corridor and the lowest vacancy rate among York Region municipalities. The submarket's position at the Highway 407/404 interchange — with direct 407 access to Vaughan and Pearson Airport to the west and to Ajax and Durham Region to the east — makes it one of the most logistically versatile addresses in the GTA North market. Markham's industrial stock spans a wide spectrum: Steeles Avenue East and Highway 7 East house established 1980s and 1990s-era multi-tenant industrial parks with smaller bays suited to light manufacturing and trades, while the 407/404 node has attracted newer distribution-format buildings with 30-36 foot clear heights for e-commerce, logistics, and food distribution tenants. Markham also hosts a large concentration of technology and life sciences employers in its mixed-use corridors, creating strong demand for specialized light industrial and flex space. Net asking rents in Markham range from $15.50 to $19.00 per square foot net, with newer 407-adjacent Class-A product at the upper end and older multi-tenant stock on Steeles and Highway 7 at $15.00 to $16.50. Markham is the primary York Region market for tenants who prioritize the 407 ETR east-west corridor. Michael Law advises industrial tenants and investors across York Region including Markham, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Vaughan, and the broader 407 corridor.
Distribution Centres in Markham: What I Look For
Markham is York Region's most established and lowest-vacancy industrial submarket, anchored by the Highway 407/404 interchange — the most significant east-west and north-south industrial crossroads in the GTA North market. For distribution centre operators, Markham's position at this interchange provides unmatched reach: 407 West to Vaughan and Pearson Airport, 407 East to Ajax and Durham Region, 404 South to the DVP and Toronto core, and 404 North to Richmond Hill, Aurora, and Newmarket. Markham's distribution inventory spans two distinct generations: established 1980s and 1990s-era multi-tenant parks along Steeles Avenue East and Highway 7, and newer Class-A distribution facilities with 30-36 foot clear heights adjacent to the 407/404 interchange. The newer product attracts e-commerce fulfillment, food and beverage distribution, and automotive parts logistics tenants who require modern dock specifications and large truck courts. Older Steeles and Highway 7 product suits smaller-bay light industrial, trades, and local distribution users. Net asking rents range from $15.50 to $19.00 per square foot net, with 407-adjacent Class-A product at the upper end. Markham commands one of the highest average rents in York Region, behind only Vaughan, reflecting its strategic 407/404 position and deep inventory of high-quality distribution facilities. Michael Law advises industrial tenants and investors across York Region including Markham, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Vaughan, and the 407 East corridor. Contact Michael at mlaw@lennard.com or (905) 917-2045 for a current availability report.
Sourcing Distribution Centres — My Approach
A distribution centre is a fundamentally different real estate product than a warehouse, even when they look identical from the road. A warehouse stores inventory; a distribution centre moves it. That single distinction reshapes every spec on the building. When I represent a distribution tenant, I'm looking first at the dock-door-to-floor-area ratio (typically 1 per 8,000-10,000 SF for active distribution, tighter for high-velocity e-commerce), then at trailer storage depth, then at the truck court depth (130' minimum for a 53' trailer with comfortable maneuvering), then at the clear height (36-40' for modern racking density), and only then at the per-square-foot rent. A distribution centre that's $2/SF cheaper but missing four dock doors will cost the operator far more annually in delayed throughput than the rent savings ever return. The buildings that work for distribution are usually purpose-built, post-2015 construction, and concentrated in specific submarkets — Milton, Heartland, Vaughan, and parts of Mississauga along Mavis/Britannia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical distribution centre rents in Markham?
Net asking rents in Markham range from $15.50 to $19.00 per square foot net. Class-A 407-adjacent distribution buildings with 30-36 foot clear heights command $17.50 to $19.00, while older Steeles and Highway 7 corridor multi-tenant product trades between $15.00 and $16.50. Markham has the second-highest average industrial rents in York Region after Vaughan.
What size distribution centres are available in Markham?
Markham's distribution inventory covers the full size range from 10,000 SF multi-tenant bays on Steeles and Highway 7 to 200,000+ SF standalone distribution centres near the 407/404 interchange. The most active leasing band is 20,000 to 100,000 SF, covering a broad range of logistics, e-commerce, and regional distribution requirements.
Who is Michael Law and how can he help with Markham industrial space?
Michael Law is a Managing Partner at Lennard Commercial Realty specializing in York Region and GTA industrial real estate. He covers Markham, Richmond Hill, Aurora, Newmarket, and Vaughan. Contact Michael at mlaw@lennard.com or (905) 917-2045.
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