August 2 2020
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
|
|
Berczy or Simcoe ... take your pick!
Most Ontarians are celebrating the
Simcoe Day long weekend. However, Markham found out last year that it could rename the day to whatever it wished and did as a part of Markham's 225th Anniversary. So in Markham it's now called
William Berczy Day. Whatever your preference, enjoy the long weekend!
I am always pleased to highlight my fellow members of Council and their ongoing contributions to making Markham better. Take a look at Reid McAlpine's
Ward 3 newsletter and Karen Rea's
Ward 4 newsletter. There's lots of interesting local reading inside.
Okay it's August but there's still time to visit Morgan outdoor pool which
is now open for lane swimming, private rental, and swimming lessons.
Pre-booking
is required online. No drop ins are allowed.
More information
.
|
All City playgrounds have reopened. Get out and enjoy them. Splash pads are also fully operational. Have some F-U-N!
Starting this week, Toronto Pearson Airport is offering an interesting virtual look into some of the workings of the airport. This could be of interest to your whole family. Take a look below for the details.
|
|
In this issue
- Happy William Berczy Day!
- Back to School
- MPL from Home
- More Mask Measures
- Markham Cycles Art Challenge
- GO Trains to Niagara
- Main Street Traffic Concerns
- Markham Arts Council
- Legacy Membership Drive
- Love Local Cooking Class
- YR Photo Contest
- MSBC eNews
- COVID19 Dashboard
- Call Before You Cut
- Bike Repair Workshops
- Pearson Virtual Camps
- Woodbine Intersection Work
- Gypsy Moths
- ShopHERE
- Upcoming Meetings
- York Region Update
- Community Meetings and Events
|
Please forward this update to anyone that may find it of interest.
|
Looking for more information?
Any of the
blue text,
blue buttons and most of the graphics have links to further detail.
|
|
|
Click here
to read the previous edition of
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
|
|
As their seasons start again, who are you cheering on? Both?
It is odd to have both these teams playing when now when we would normally be watching the Jays, the FC or the Argos but what about 2020 is normal?
|
|
Last year during Markham's 225th Anniversary celebration, a decision was made to rename the August Civic Holiday
William Berczy Day
. This year marks the first William Berczy Day in Markham and honours one of the City’s founding pioneers, a nationally designated historic personage and a renowned Canadian artist.
Berczy
assisted
John Graves Simcoe
in establishing what would become known as Markham Township.
|
|
|
This week the Ontario Government
announced guidelines for back to school in September. Back to school has been a hot topic of conversation and emails this week.
Some have asked about what the City is doing about back to school or what the City's position is on kids going back to school. As education is a Provincial matter, local municipal government, whether that is City of Markham or York Region, have no say in whether schools are open or not.
Your thoughts, comments and insights are welcome and should be directed to those that make the decisions. In addition to the Minister of Education, contact your local MPP and School Trustee to voice your opinion. Here is their contact information:
YRDSB Trustee
Area 2 - Wards 2, 3 & 6 -
Ron Lynn
YRDSB Trustee
Area 3 - Wards 4 & 5 -
Allan Tam
|
|
While the libraries remain closed, the Library is offering
Curbside Pickup. Not sure what to read next? Try the
Grab & Go Bag option. In addition, they continue to offer
many programs including
suggested reading lists, tutoring, virtual meetups and other resources for both kids and adults. Details about all the MPL from home offerings can be found
here
.
|
|
Additional measures will be coming into place this week. Markham will be following Toronto's lead in requiring masks to be worn in common areas of condos, apartments and other multi residential buildings.
More details
|
|
Whether it's sculptures, murals or buildings there's art to enjoy outdoors in Markham.
Check out the map for the 8 new locations. Ride to as many as you can and take a photo with your bike for a chance to win.
There are many opportunities to
get out and get active throughout the City. There are several cycling routes including along Enterprise Boulevard that is closed to vehicle traffic on Sundays and Statutory Holidays (except August 9 due to GO construction) until Labour Day Weekend.
Details here.
|
|
This weekend, GO reintroduced service between Union Station and Niagara Falls. Trains will run every Saturday, Sunday and holiday Monday as part of regular weekend schedules. There will be 4 trips to Niagara and back. Schedule details are
here
and a
Plan Your Trip
tool for easier travel.
GO and the Niagara Parks Commission have partnered together to integrate their services.
Half of all the railcars will be outfitted to accommodate bicycles so you can ride the
bike trails
.
The WEGO Niagara Falls bus service will connect GO and Niagara attractions making it easier to enjoy the beauty and attractions of the area without the drive down the QEW. Visit
gotransit.com/Niagara
for the most up-to-date information.
|
|
I continue to receive comments with varying opinions about vehicles on Main Street Unionville. The
traffic restrictions
have been spearheaded by
Ward 3 Councillor Reid McAlpine
along with City Staff. He advises that the current restrictions are experimental. Basically what they are trying to do is make the street harder for vehicles to use while while creating room for patios and pedestrians. In addition to the current patio extensions, there are planned patio additions at Starbucks and Chat Bar. Reid and City Staff are also considering another road narrowing by the former Blacksmith Bistro.
There have been suggestions about making the street a one way southbound route but that option would come with another set of challenges. While others have suggested closing the street entirely, several businesses and one home require street access. If you need to drive on Main Street, please be cautious and observe the signage yield signage as YRP has advised they will be on the street for enforcement.
|
|
 |
All outdoor City playgrounds are open once again. You are encouraged to talk to your children about keeping a safe distance from others and hand hygiene.
Splash pads
are also open and a great way to beat the summer heat.
|
|
|
|
Now that August is here are you looking for a way to help your kids beat summer boredom?
While the Markham Milliken Children's Festival won't be happening this year, they have put together some summer fun ideas. Let their imagination run wild with games, crafts, recipes and other activities.
|
|
|
|
As we enter August, let's pause for a brief moment and unwind. We've dealt with uncertainty, economic struggles, isolation; the list can seem endless. We've had things to support us including art that has given us hope and respite.
Arts for Seniors is an ongoing series of art workshops that have moved to virtual events for the foreseeable future.
- Love of Nature - a virtual visual arts workshop will be held on Friday August 14 at 11am. Registered participants will receive a complimentary arts kit - register
- Golden Steps - performing arts dance workshops will be held on the next 2 Thursdays (August 6 and August 13) at 10:15am. The dance workshops are designed to help with muscular strength, balance, flexibility and to boost mental health - register
As a reminder, the York Region Arts Council's
Artrepreneur performance stream, is now accepting applications. The program is intended to support performing artists (theatre, dance and music) who are looking to produce their own work. The deadline to apply is August 16.
More information.
|
|
The
Legacy Community Residents Association
is in the middle of their
annual membership
drive which like everything this year is difficult due to COVID-19 restrictions. If you live in the area and have not already joined or renewed your membership for 2020, now is the time to do so. If you are unsure about your membership status, please email
membership@legacynet.ca
and they will send you a quick response.
Over the years, the LCRA has maintained very high membership support, among the highest in Markham. The Legacy area has around 850 households and many households have been members year in and year out. Their high rate of participation and active resident involvement has provided for a great working relationship with their community and the City.
Now more than ever, they need your help maintaining their robust membership. You can complete your member registration a number of ways:
- Simply e-transfer your $20 membership payment to payments@legacynet.ca with your name and local address
- via PayPal or cash or cheque.
Please refer to their
membership page
for additional details and the benefits for members.
|
|
Join the
Varley-McKay Art Foundation
on Wednesday August 19 at 5pm for their first ever virtual cooking class featuring a four course menu full of healthy and sustainable meals for the whole family. It is an opportunity to v
isit local farms find the fresh ingredients.
What's on the Menu?
This virtual cooking experience will feature a breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert menu full of healthy and sustainable meal options for the entire family. This Zoom cooking class will be 45 minutes long, followed by a short Q&A period. The Zoom event link, full menu and ingredients list will be sent after purchasing your ticket.
All funds raised by the Foundation event will benefit the
Varley Art Gallery
exhibitions and programs, art acquisitions and the collection conservation. For more information and to purchase tickets -
click here
.
|
|
York Region has moved into
Stage 3 where gathering limits are 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors as long as physical distancing can be maintained. Stay vigilant and ask yourself about the level of risk with activities before participating. City related information can be found at
markham.ca/covid19 and York Region issues such as public health and social services can be found at
york.ca/covid19
.
Curious about where you need to wear a face covering? They are now required in all indoor spaces except your own home. Please remember wearing a mask is not a replacement for physical distancing, hand washing and monitoring your own health.
Stay informed
The York Region Public Health COVID-19 dashboard provides information specific to our area -
details here. T
he information is broken down based on where the cases have been identified, how people have been infected, trends, testing facilities and more. You can see how Markham has been impacted by COVID-19.
Facts and figures
|
|
Before you can remove or severely prune a tree on your private property you must
apply for a permit from the City.
This policy exists for any
tree with a trunk diameter of 20 centimetres (about 8 inches) or more, measured at 1.37 metres (about 54 inches) above the ground at the base of the tree or for pruning more than 30% of the existing tree. Anyone contravening the Tree Preservation Bylaw and found guilty of an offence will be subject to penalties.
Details
|
|
|
|
|
|
Toronto Pearson Airport's
Explorers Club is offering a virtual day camp.
See what goes on behind the scenes at Toronto Pearson Airport and win prizes including one of three Chromebook computers.
The camps are totally free.
All you need is an internet connection. Click the links for more detail.
Thursday August 6
Thursday August 13
Thursday August 20
|
|
|
|
Modifications to the traffic signals at Woodbine Avenue and Victoria Square Boulevard (south intersection) and Woodbine Avenue at Russell Dawson Road will be starting place this month.
The existing traffic signals will be reconstructed to meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements. Improvements include replacing the standard push buttons with Audible Pedestrian Signals and inserting walking surface indicators into the concrete ramps, which will require curb work and paving.
Traffic signal construction is scheduled to begin in mid-August 2020 and is anticipated to be completed in early October 2020. While the roads will remain open, temporary lane closures will be required between 7am and 7pm for construction. Every effort will be taken to minimize disruptions.
|
|
Do you know a Markham company that's exceptional? Nominate them today for the 2020 MBT Business Excellence Award. The deadline has been extended until August 31.
Details here
.
Openinmarkham.com
highlights
Markham businesses that are counting on your support for their local community based business. Is your Markham based business on the list? If not, why not add it.
Also, businesses should visit the MBT
COVID-19 resources
page providing up to date information on the ever changing programs offered by government as well as a region wide list of companies that offer product and services that can assist business as they reopen.
|
|
Upcoming Meetings
- August 5 - Electronic Special Council Meeting - 8:45am - details
- August 5 - Electronic Markham Sub-Committee Meeting - 9am - details
- August 11 - Markham Centre Secondary Plan Meeting 2 - 7pm - details
- August 25 - Electronic Council Meeting - 1pm - details
- August 25 - Markham Centre Secondary Plan Meeting 3 - 7pm - details
All meeting are now being conducted electronically and Council members along with staff are participating remotely. All facilities remain closed. As always, m
embers of the public are encouraged to participate in these meetings. Written deputations can be sent by email to
clerkspublic@markham.ca.
If you would like to make a virtual deputation you can register
here
or by phoning the Clerk's office at 905-477-7000 x3638. All meetings can be viewed online by clicking the details noted above.
|
|
We have been holding all meetings virtually including York Region Council meetings and live streaming details can be found
here
. Details of upcoming YR meetings and past session information is available
here
.
|
|
|
Community Meetings and Events
As it stands now, most upcoming events have been cancelled.
Once new events are scheduled they will be added to the list.
I'd be pleased to highlight other community meetings in future newsletters. Please forward the details to
dhamilton@markham.ca
|
|
Working together to make Markham better!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
