October 11 2020
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Happy Thanksgiving
At last Thursday's York Region meeting, there was a motion passed that asked the Province to consider allowing development in the Greenbelt. I was both surprised and disappointed that YR Council would make such a request, knowing that the Greenbelt is such an important part of the ecosystem in which we live. Is there not enough employment land available for development without entering the Greenbelt? Regional Councillor Jack Heath, myself and Mayors Taylor-Quirk-Mrakas voted against this motion. Further information on this important issue can be found in this article.
On a happier note, I received a lovely email from a Markham resident in appreciation of the just completed Morgan Pool facilities and the way that COVID protocols were applied over the summer. This 78 year old frequented the pool for lane swimming. She is now transitioning to using our indoor pools.
York Regional Police reminds us not to leave our vehicles unlocked at any time. There are thieves ready to pilfer and/or steal any vehicle unlocked or running. Would your insurance company cover you for losses?
Flu season is on its way. We are still waiting for York Region Health to release details on flu shots. For now we have a short article below that you can read.
The fall colours are almost done. Go for a walk in a York Region Forest or through your own neighbourhood!
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In this issue
- Trim Your Turkey and Your Guests
- It's a Different Flu Season
- GARA Annual General Meeting
- Single Use Plastics
- Do Your Part
- ReOpening Markham
- FOG Clogs
- Kennedy Road Closure
- Virtual Weekly Public Arts Summit
- Fire Safety Starts with You
- MBT Update
- Be Flood Prepared
- Small Business, Big Pivot
- Historic Tours Continue
- MPL Shifts to Inside Pickups
- Celebrating YR Agriculture
- Markham Housing Summit
- YR Tree Survey
- MTAC is Back
- Markham Wins ISO Award
- COVID in Schools
- What's on in the Park
- Updates from YRP
- GO Updates
- 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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Click here to read the previous edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
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While many may have already had their Thanksgiving dinner, remember that this year the guest list should be limited to only include members from your own household. Learn more about having a safe Thanksgiving.
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Reducing the spread of the flu is more important than ever. Protect yourself and the people around you from the flu and help reduce the strain on health care systems currently responding to the COVID-19 pandemic - more information.
It is easier than ever to get your flu shot. You can get the flu shot at:
- Health care providers’ offices
- Medical walk-in clinics
- Participating pharmacies (for individuals five years or older). New for this flu season pharmacies will now have access to the high-dose flu vaccine for seniors 65+
- Some workplace clinics
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York Region Public Health Immunization Clinics between October 2020 and January 2021. Visit york.ca/immunization to book an appointment.
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Annual General Meeting
If you live in the Grandview area of Thornhill, bordered by Yonge, Bayview, Steeles and the CN Railway line, be sure to join in their Annual General Meeting Wednesday October 28 at 7:30pm via Zoom. For details visit www.thornhillgara.com.
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The GARA AGM's guest speaker will be Michael Killingsworth, Markham's Deputy City Clerk for Bylaw Enforcement. Michael will be speaking about city bylaws that deal with issues such as noisy parties, tree removal, parking, basement apartments, short-term rentals and COVID-19 enforcement. All participants will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Because the meeting is being held virtually, you will need to let GARA know that you are planning to attend so they can send you the necessary sign-in information. Participation is painless and you don't even need to find a place to park!
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Single-use plastics are particularly problematic for environmental sustainability because there are few ways to reuse, recycle or compost them. Additionally, much end up as litter on roads, parks, trails and creeks. Single-use plastics are plastic items that are typically used only once before being thrown out including beverage cups and lids, hot beverage lid stoppers, straws and stir sticks, cutlery, styrofoam packaging and take-out food containers and grocery and produce bags.
The City of Markham continues to prove its leadership role by demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability and waste diversion. Markham's Diversion Strategy: 2020-2023 will implement strategies and programs designed to achieve a target of 85% municipal waste diversion.
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Styrofoam packaging used to protect appliances, household electronics, furniture and online deliveries must now be dropped off at any of Markham’s four community recycling depots. It will be compressed into bricks, then used to make new products including picture frames, crown moulding and benches.
Styrofoam cups, food trays and take-out containers are not banned from curbside clear bag garbage collection but the City would love you to clean and then drop them off at the recycling depots.
Residents who are unsure how to properly dispose of an item can use the “What Goes Where” search tool available on the Access Markham mobile app or on the City’s website. Residents can also use the mobile app to check their collection schedule or set up personalized collection reminders.
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Want to stop the second wave and get back to normal? It's up to you to stop the spread of COVID-19. Take action: wear a mask, keep your distance and wash your hands. Learn more on how to keep yourself and others safe. |
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Markham continues to monitor and follow advice from public health officials and is taking a measured approach to reopening, which is guided by Ontario’s Framework for Reopening the Province and the City of Markham’s Response, Recovery and Reinvention Plan. The health and safety of the community remains the City's number one priority.
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FOG fats, oils and grease should never go down the drain.
To avoid clogged pipes and costly home repairs, scrape-wipe-pour greasy leftovers into your green bin.
Protect Your Pipes!
Learn more at
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York Region is making railway crossing road improvements at the crossing on Kennedy Road between Austin Drive and Carlton Road. Crews will be paving sections of the road on either side of the railway crossing to create a smooth transition for travellers. To complete this work and ensure safety, a full-day road closure is required on Saturday October 17 from 7am to 7pm Kennedy Road will be closed at the railway crossing 80 metres north of Austin Drive.
A detour route will be in place and signs will guide travellers around the closure. Work may be rescheduled due to weather conditions or delays related to COVID-19 Public Health guidelines. York Region will provide advance notice whenever possible.
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This Fall the City of Markham is partnering with ART+PUBLIC UnLtd to present a nine-week world-class virtual public art summit: Becoming Public Art: Working Models and Case Studies for Art in Public.
Thirty-two international artists, curators, art consultants, architects, cultural planners and urbanists will present a broad range of perspectives that shape public art making today. Framed by current discussions happening at the intersection of contemporary art, public realm issues and urbanism, the summit features working models and case studies that address the challenges and opportunities faced by those navigating this constantly evolving field.
Sessions will be held every Tuesday from October 13 to December 8. Admission is free, open to the public, however registration is required.
The summit will kick off with a keynote presentation by internationally celebrated artist Ken Lum, co-presented by Canadian Art, and will examine the role of public art and consider the present as a “monuments moment” brought about by unprecedented changes to public life and public space by a global pandemic.
Subsequent sessions will examine collaborations, the civic role of the artist, public art in urban planning, access and accessibility, indigeneity, site-specificity, temporary public art projects, and digital public art.
Learn more about the virtual public art summit at markham.ca/PublicArt. Be a part of the conversation by using hashtag #MarkhamPublicArt.
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MFES is running a contest for Markham residents. Share kitchen fire safety tips, pictures and clips for a chance to win! Details here
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The Markham Board of Trade continues their work with growing and fostering business in our community. Please help them plan by completing this short survey.
MBT has advised that the Stouffville Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday October 21 at 12pm will be hosting a live online conversation with Markham-Stouffville MPP Paul Calandra and Ontario Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria. This virtual event is to address business concerns and to bring updates from the Provincial Government on topics related to COVID-19. Submit any questions before Friday October 16 by email to karen@stouffvillechamber.ca. Limited space is available - register here.
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While we have all been focused on COVID and how it has impacted our day to day lives, we also need to be prepared to other risks in our community. Did you know that 94% of people living in flood risk zones didn't know they were are risk? Learn more about flood risk in your area - details here. |
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The York Region Small Business Enterprise Centre is hosting the next YRBiz Roadmap to recovery event on Thursday, October 15 from 12-1 pm on Zoom. Don’t miss this session: A Conversation with John Stackhouse, Senior Vice President of the Royal Bank of Canada. John will share key insights for small businesses from the recent reports, “Small Business, Big Pivot” and “Eight Key Trends,” regarding market trends and opportunities for small businesses. As a host of the RBC Disruptors Podcast, John will detail how specific industry sectors are evolving to meet the challenges of operating in market challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Register here for this free session and join the conversation.
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Local history tours continue to be popular on Main Street Unionville and will continue while the weather holds. More information is available here. |
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Show your Unionville pride and sport a Main Street Unionville T-shirt or hoodie in support of Markham Stouffville Hospital. Various styles and colours are available - details here. |
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As the cold weather approaches, Markham Public Library is shifting its services to meet the needs of Markham residents. Starting October 13, the following branches will have in-branch front desk pickup:
- Angus Glen Library
- Aaniin Library
- Markham Village Library
- Thornhill Community Centre Library
Curbside service will discontinue as of October 10, as you will be able to pick up your holds from inside of the branch. COVID-19 health and safety protocols remain in effect. Based on provincial guidelines, the capacity of the branch will be limited to 10 people at all times and mask use is mandatory. Study rooms, Makerspaces, play areas and bookshelves will remain closed. Lendery items, toys and digital equipment services are also not available.
Additional services to be offered include return item drop boxes at all four locations. Computer, printer and proctoring services will be offered by appointment only. MPL continues to offer a variety of digital collections for all ages that customers can enjoy from home - more information.
MPL continues to offer online programming. Here are some of this week's events:
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From keeping food on our plates and supporting the local economy, the agriculture sector plays a vital role in our economy, our communities and our families. We have a lot to be thankful for with our local farmers. There are more than 700 farm based businesses in York Region that produce everything from fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, maple syrup, honey and wine. Learn more
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Save the date for the City's Housing Summit 2020 Addressing Our Housing Crisis
on November 18.
This will be a virtual event which will allow for your participation in finding solutions to this significant issue.
Registration details will be available soon.
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Street trees and plants are a significant benefit to the community, and help shape the character of our cities and towns.
Help York Region better understand what street trees and plants mean to you. Also tell them how they are doing in terms of maintenance of current landscaping.
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The new executive team of the Markham Teen Arts Council is comprised of 13 talented and driven high school students and all share a passion for arts and youth advocacy. They will be planning virtual events and initiatives for artistic youth in Markham this year. You can learn more here.
WordUp! is one of MTAC’s annual events that invites teens from all across the City to write around different themes. This year, WordUp! will have three writing categories: short stories, poetry, and personal essays. Prizes will include $300+ worth of cash prizes, Smash Kitchen gift cards, Hub Climbing prizes, and more. Themes and submissions will be open to the public until November 1 - more information.
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This week Markham was awarded WCCD platinum-level
ISO data certification joining
leading global cities leveraging data for transformation.
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COVID-19 cases in schools are reported as "schools under surveillance" and "schools in outbreak".
What's the difference?
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A major part of the Rouge National Urban Park is right in Markham and the Park has some of the best fall colours. Spanning almost 80 square kilometers the RNUP has many spots to view the leaves. No need to make a trek up north. This year see more colour than ever from the safety and comfort of your own vehicle on one of these 5 scenic fall drives. While the annual autumn colour change amazes us each year, it's really not a mystery but rather the way that trees and shrubs prepare for winter - learn more.
Parks Canada is asking for your help. There has been an increase in illegal dumping the RNUP. Please help to curb this horrible activity and report it. If you witness incidents of illegal dumping in the Park, please contact 416.282.1019 with any information or tips which may be left anonymously - more information.
Although the guided hikes through the Park have been halted for the foreseeable future, the hiking trails are open. Enjoy views of the rivers, wander through mature forests, stroll past active farm fields and explore the rich history of the area. You won’t believe you’re so close to home - details. If a parking lot is the RNUP is full, please try an alternate location or returning at another time. Parking on the road is prohibited. Here are some tips on the best time to visit.
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regarding Online Investment and Romance Scams.
Investigators with the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit would like to remind citizens to be wary of online investment and romance scams after an increase in incidents being reported. |
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York Regional Police is reminding citizens to Lock It or Lose It as thefts from vehicles are on the rise.
Thefts typically occur when vehicles are left unattended and unlocked for long periods of time, such as in residential driveways, commuter lots and parking lots of businesses. Make no mistake, it can happen in just seconds. These types of incidents are known to increase during the fall months.
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There will be some changes to the Stouffville line schedules with some earlier and later departures. These changes will start on October 14 - details.
Starting October 19, there will be a major change to access to the train platform at the Milliken station. A new temporary west platform will be open and the current platform will be closed for construction - more information. |
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Upcoming Meetings
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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
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October 21 - Special General Committee Meeting - 9am - details
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October 26 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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October 27 - Council Meeting - 1pm - 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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YR Council meeting highlights details including:
- YR continued response to COVID-19
- YR increases Council with new member
- YR 2020 credit rating update
- Improvements on YRT
- Protecting Tenants Act
- Increases in development activity
- YR receives innovation award
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Community Meetings and Events
As new events are scheduled they will be added to the list.
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Varley Gala - Virtual Edition - October 16 at 7pm - details
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Evergreen Hospice Murder Mystery event - October 22 - details
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Main Street Unionville Walking Tours - October 18 and 25 - 10am or 12pm - email info@unionvilleinfo.com for more information
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Union Villa Golden Gala - November 4 to 6 - details
- Markham Housing Summit - November 18 at 9am - further details TBA
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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