September 27 2020
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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COVID, COVID, Everything COVID
Aside from the groundbreaking for York U, it's been a fairly quiet week. Thanks to the hard work of York U officials and City of Markham Staff and Council, we are on our way to a new York U campus. This campus will be an energy centre for the area around it, as development continues to proceed in Downtown Markham. Opening is set for 2023.
COVID-19 announcements abound in a concerted effort to stop or at least mitigate a second wave. It seems like COVID has been here forever as it continues to command the attention of public officials. This eletter continues to offer the COVID dashboard and several information pieces (see below).
Our thanks goes out to York Regional Police all across Markham for their commendable effort in securing the arrests of those responsible for the rash of Main Street Unionville robberies. District 5 is under the strong leadership of Superintendent Chris Bullen who has been instrumental in keeping crime in check.
On the waste management side Markham is banning styrofoam from the garbage. It must now be dropped off at one of our recycling depots. This applies to the large styrofoam that comes with appliances and electronics, not the small trays that come with meat, poultry, fish or take-out although the City will gladly recycle that as well.
Click here to read the previous edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
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In this issue
- Virtual Varley Gala
- Alert - Public Health Professionals
- Murder Mystery Goes Virtual
- C19 Dashboard
- Markham Recycles More
- Powerful Tools for Caregivers
- Arts After Hours
- Virtual Fire Truck Tour
- New Ontario Restrictions
- Rules of the Forest
- Leslie Street Sewer Work
- Another One Bites the Dust
- Now Open
- COVID Testing at MSH
- Walking Tours Continue
- ASL Fire Safety Videos
- Small Business Support Program
- League of Trees
- Careers in Fire Services
- COVID in Schools?
- MPL from Home
- Upcoming Meetings
- York Region Update
- Community Meetings and Events
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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.
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Enjoy an evening of glitz and glamour in support of the Varley Art Gallery by joining the Virtual Varley Gala live online from the Gallery. Support arts in Markham from your home.
Take your experience to the next level and pre-order your Mystery Party Box which will be available for pickup from the Varley. The funds raised will support the Varley Art Gallery's exhibitions, collections and education programs. Tickets and more information is available here. |
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York Region is hosting a virtual recruitment information session for Public Health professionals on Wednesday October 7 at 12pm.
Registration for the event starts on Monday September 28 - details here. Current career opportunities with York Region can be found here. |
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Evergreen Hospice's annual fundraiser has gone virtual this year like many other events. An Evening of Fun, Frivolity and Murder on Thursday October 22 has been reconfigured due to the restriction in numbers for gatherings and it will now be taking place online. While it won't be the same as being there in person, they are trying to make the best of the current situation.
Ticket holders will have the option of having a delicious heat and serve meal provided by Angus Glen and to participate in the evening's activities online. You'll be able to play along with your own Clue-style evening, bid on their list of online auction items and receive a ticket for our raffle draw. Their featured band has been working hard to record some special music too.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased online or calling their office at 416. 499.2185. For more information check out the details here.
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York Region has updated their COVID-19 dashboard to include suspect and confirmed cases in schools at york.ca/covid19data. The interactive dashboard is updated seven days a week at 5pm.
Looking for more COVID-19 information? Public Health Ontario has a new interactive data tool providing epidemiological summaries of COVID-19 activity across the Province - details here.
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Styrofoam packaging isn't accepted in your curbside garbage collection. All styrofoam packaging should be recycled and not placed in with your regular garbage.
Styrofoam like take-out containers, meat tray and the protective packaging around new electronics are all examples that should be taken to the depot to be recycled. More information can be found here. Don't know the location of your closest Recycling Depot or their hours? Find out here. |
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Being a caregiver is a tough job and you need all the help you can get.
Evergreen Hospice in partnership with CHATS is offering this caregiver program to support your work caring for your loved one. Gain some tools and knowledge to help you reduce your stress and do the best job possible as a caregiver. More information about the Powerful Tools for Caregivers program can be found here.
The session will be offered virtually and starts on October 19 at noon. Contact Evergreen at 416.499.2185 or by email at info@evgcares.org to register. |
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Get your tickets and enjoy some fun at the Mt. Albert drive-in on Saturday October 3.
The York Region Arts Council presents Arts After Hours a film screening and a unique COVID friendly fundraiser for their programming. They will be showing the film From the Vine (trailer). It was directed by Sean Cisterna who grew up in York Region. He will be there for a special pre-show conversation and to introduce the film. Get tickets
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MFS is also presenting Fire Prevention for Older Adults on October 6 at 10:30am - details
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Ontario has tightened public health measures provincewide in response to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases. Learn more
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As part of the COVID-19 fall preparedness plan, Ontario is expanding access to COVID-19 testing to some pharmacies. Learn more
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It is that wonderful time of year to get out and explore. Why not make a trip to the York Regional Forest? Last week we walked the Dainty Tract up on McCowan Road. With the cooler weather and colourful leaves, fall is a great time to discover the sights and trails. Here are the maps for all the YRF trails.
Did you know? Spending time outside is good for your body and mind. Walking and enjoying nature’s sights and sounds has been shown to decrease blood pressure, stress and lower the risk of chronic diseases. Being outdoors is particularly good for our well-being in these uncertain times of increased stress and anxiety.
To ensure your safety and the safety of others while visiting the forest please follow the rules noted in the graphic which should be common sense to all. In addition, please make sure to stay on trails to reduce risk and exposure to poison ivy and blacklegged ticks. Dress according to weather forecasts and consider wearing insect repellent, closed-toed footwear, light coloured, long sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into your socks. Most importantly be kind and act responsibly.
The York Regional Forest is open to the public 365 days per year with no cost to enter. The York Regional Forest is made up of 2,400 hectares of protected land, located in different parts of the Region. Twenty-three properties with more than 140 kilometres of trail are available to the public. For more information about the Forest visit york.ca/yrf or call 1-877-464-9675.
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York Region is working on a section of the Leslie Street Trunk Sewer, located at 8111 Leslie Street just south of the 407. This maintenance work will extend the life of the sewer. This work is expected to last until August 2021.
What can you expect?
- All the work will occur within the hydro corridor and will be limited to the working area
- Access to St. Roberts Catholic High School and the Within Range Golf Centre will not be affected
- Due to the nature of the work, there will be an increase in construction-related traffic in and out of the working area
- There will be some construction-related noise and dust from equipment and trucks, though every effort to minimize this will be made
- There is no impact to wastewater services
- As with all construction projects, some work may be re-scheduled due to weather or other conditions
Visit york.ca/waterconstruction for more information about this and other water and wastewater construction projects taking place in York Region as they work to improve this vital infrastructure.
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Well, the list below of Community Meetings and Events lost another event this week as the annual craft show at Heintzman House won't be held this November. Out of an abundance of caution and based on the new restrictions on gatherings, the Heintzman House Board voted to cancel the 2020 event.
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This week was the groundbreaking event for the new York University state of the art campus in Markham. It will offer programs in arts and media, information technology, engineering, science, business and more.
It is expected that the campus will help generate 2000 jobs and $350 million in immediate economic benefits. The campus is expected to open in the Fall of 2023. More information
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Take a free guided walking tour along Unionville's picturesque Main Street. What a great way to get out and enjoy a wonderful fall day.
Available dates October 4, 18 and 25 at 10am or 12pm.
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As September is Deaf Awareness Month, Markham Fire Services as create fire safety education series in ASL on common topics that affect residents in their homes. Check out the one above Carbon Monoxide. |
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This program will provide your business with training, workshops and the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to $5,000.
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Look up - it's a bird, it’s a plane, wait, it’s the branches of one of nature’s mightiest superheroes.
LEAF has partnered with Ontario Power Generation, Bruce Trail Conservancy and Nature Conservancy of Canada to launch the League of Trees, a public education campaign and tree planting initiative that teaches Ontarians about the vital role trees play in fighting climate change - learn more.
Trees are climate-change fighting marvels. While they can’t fly in the air or shoot laser beams, each tree possesses carbon fighting superpowers. In addition to sequestering carbon emissions, trees also produce life-giving oxygen, reduce pollution and smog, provide energy-saving shade and support biodiversity by serving as home for many animals.
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Are you looking to plant some new climate superheros in your garden this fall? LEAF has a list of pollinator friendly trees and shrubs to plan this fall to create a welcoming habitat in your yard - details here.
LEAF continues to offer discounts for Markham resident to purchase tree for their yards. This program offers native species that are well suited to local conditions. Details of the program can be found here.
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Are you finding that COVID-19 has made it more difficult for you to pay your bills?
York Region offers programs to support families during this unprecedented time.
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MFES has partnered with Markham Public Library to conduct a virtual presentation about careers in the Fire Service.
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Many parents are wondering what happens if someone at a school tests positive for COVID-19. What will York Region Public Health do? Local public health units are required to follow the Province of Ontario’s COVID-19 Guidance: School Outbreak Management. This guidance document provides information for local public health units (PHUs) who are responsible for investigating cases, outbreaks and suspected outbreaks associated with school settings.
Public Health has well-established reporting practices with schools to quickly identify when schools are experiencing fluctuations in attendance, including practices for reporting of illnesses. Principals have a mandate under the Health Protection and Promotion Act to report to public health if they suspect a student may have a communicable disease.
What happens if there’s a confirmed COVID-19 case in a school? If there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a school setting, York Region Public Health follow the protocols outlined here.
You can view COVID-19 cases in schools and child care centres on York Region's interactive dashboard. This new feature was added to the COVID-19 dashboard at york.ca/covid19data where information is updated daily at 5pm seven days a week.
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York Region Public Health is committed to transparency and working together with schools, school boards, students and parents. During COVID-19 outbreaks in school settings, York Region Public Health will work alongside our community partners to ensure frequent communication is provided to anyone impacted, while maintaining the privacy of those involved. If someone at your child’s school tests positive for COVID-19, please remember:
- Parents will be notified
- Public Health will conduct contact tracing and monitor and notify parents/staff of risk as needed
- Not all students are at-risk if someone at school tests positive
- Close contacts will be required to self-isolate for 14 days, monitor for symptoms and get tested
- Use trusted information sources like York Region Public Health and your school board, to avoid speculation and misinformation
- A confirmed case of COVID-19 in a school doesn’t necessarily mean there is a risk of transmission. Public health will directly contact anyone who is identified as a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case.
If your child has a cell phone, you may consider downloading the COVID alert app to get notified if they may have been exposed to COVID-19 and let others know if they test positive without sharing any personal, health or location details - more information.
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Let your kids take a break from homework and let them sit back and do some reading for fun. Access popular kid friendly magazines for free with their MPL library card. More information here.
Although the physical locations of MPL continue to remain closed, they are offering varied programming including:
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Upcoming Meetings
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September 29 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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September 30 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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October 5 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
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October 6 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
- October 8 - York Region Council Meeting - 9am - details
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October 13 - Development Services Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
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October 14 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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October 19 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
All meetings are now being conducted electronically and Council members along with staff are participating remotely. All facilities remain closed. As always, members 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 phone the Clerk's office at 905-477-7000 x3638. All meetings can be viewed online by clicking the details noted above.
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York Region Council meetings and live streaming details can be found here. Details of upcoming YR meetings and past session is available here.
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Community Meetings and Events
As new events are scheduled they will be added to the list.
I'd be pleased to highlight other community meetings in future newsletters.
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Working together to make Markham better! |
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