Karen Rea has been a resident in Markham for the past 36 years and lives in Ward 4. Born in Birmingham, England. Karen immigrated to Canada in 1978 and became a Canadian Citizen 2 years later. Her father lives in Wales, and her mom lives in Nova Scotia. Upon coming to Canada, she finished school at Markham District High School and worked for TD Canada Trust in Markham for 10 years as supervisor, liability and loans applications processor, and Manager at the data processing centre. Later Karen moved into the collections business as both a senior collector, supervisor, and as legal coordinator, until 2009 when she became a Real Estate Agent.

Karen has been a School Mentor in the Big Brothers and Sisters Program, and received 10 years of dedicated service for the “March Drive Volunteer” from The Kidney Foundation. 

Karen also participates in the annual 360Experience to help raise funds and bring awareness to youth at risk.

Karen Rea was very active looking after the interests of Markham residents prior to being elected and continues to be their voice on Council.