November 29 2020
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Do You Recognize This Flag?
We welcomed a new addition to our City this week. On Thursday morning at 8am it was my pleasure to attend the virtual opening of the Consulate for the Republic of Ghana. Located on Woodbine Avenue in Buttonville, the new Consulate will serve as the headquarters for the diplomatic mission of the Republic of Ghana. Welcome to Markham! |
Next on Thursday's calendar was a Special York Region Council meeting which lasted over 4 hours where we discussed what could be done to try and keep York Region from joining Toronto and Peel Region in lockdown.
We heard from the YR Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kirji, and lots of comments from members of Council. One Councillor felt it was time to remove all restrictions currently in place and return to pre-pandemic business practices. Other Council members asked for tightening enforcement that would address issues of overcrowding in big box stores and shopping malls. Regional Council approved spending $250,000 of taxpayer money to conduct a media campaign. I did not support this motion.
I can tell you that there is growing angst and anger especially from small business owners who are getting closer and closer to financial ruin because of the pandemic restrictions placed on them by the Province. Support small business and buy local whenever possible.
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Please consider a donation to Evergreen Hospice's Buy-a-Bear campaign as they continue their vital work with bereaved families.
Stay safe!
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In this issue
- C19 Enforcement Task Force
- Every Action Counts
- Holiday season restrictions
- Markham Housing Summit
- Hockey Helps the Hungry
- Fewer Collisions
- 16th Avenue Project on Hold
- Evergreen Hospice Happenings
- The Music Continues
- Small is Beautiful
- Ward 1 News
- Open in Markham
- Morning with Santa
- Home Efficiency Workshops
- Here to Help
- Help Build Toy Mountain
- MP Virtual Open House
- Budget Press Conference
- URA Meeting
- Just for Fun
- Did You Know?
- Markham C19 Report
- YR C19 Dashboard
- 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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The City of Markham has joined the Ministry of Labour, other York Region municipalities and public health in an enforcement blitz to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities safe as we continue to see a rise in cases. The enforcement campaign started on Black Friday and will continue throughout the holiday season. York Regional Police will provide support as needed.
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Markham’s Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and the other partners will increase inspection activity at malls, big box and retail stores, restaurants, food premises, fitness centres and various other locations. Businesses who fail to comply with COVID-19 safety measures will be ticketed and subject to fines and repeat offenders could face temporary closures. We all need to do our part in an effort to protect our business community and avoid further restrictions or lockdown. |
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To report a business or individual not adhering to COVID-19 safety measures, please contact the Contact Centre from Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm at 905.477.5530 or by email at customerservice@markham.ca. For after hours and on weekends, call 905.477.7000 x2050 - more information.
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It is critically important that we each continue to do our part to keep one another safe. It is not the time to let our guard down. Residents are asked to stay at home as much as possible and limit close contact to those in your immediate household. If you must leave the house for shopping, here are some tips to consider:
- before going out, check to see if what you’re looking for can be ordered online from a local business
- if you must go into a store, time your trip during off-peak hours when it will be easier to maintain a safe distance of 2 metres/6 feet from others
- inquire about curbside pick-up and other safety shopping options
- plan ahead to limit the amount of time you spend in stores
- follow the rules set out by stores, respect occupancy limits and please be patient and kind
- follow directional arrows and safety signs as these are in place for everyone’s safety
- a face mask or covering is required while in public spaces, including retail stores
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make sure you know the new regulations required of malls and retailers
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download the COVID Alert app.
Visit markham.ca/CovidSafety to find out how else you can do your part to stop the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus.
Markham’s Contact Centre continues to respond to inquiries about municipal services and programs at customerservice@markham.ca and 905.477.5530, Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm. You can also reach out to your local Councillor to help address any concerns you may have.
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Hockey with Heart (the compassionate arm of the Unionville Mens Hockey Club) coordinate a neighbourhood food drive each year to collect non-perishable food donations from residents near Crosby Arena in Unionville .
Food items that are collected are then dropped off at the Master's Pantry Food Bank and the Markham Food Bank. Food items received at the Master's Pantry get sorted and are included in Hampers of Hope which is a long time tradition in the community. The Master's Pantry along with Hockey with Heart and the Village Grocer partner to facilitate the packing, delivery to those in need and to select house-bound recipients. In addition, many Markham corporations also volunteer time and their employees to help collect and pack hampers also.
This year COVID-19 has challenged Hockey with Heart to make changes to the way they run this annual event. This year there is a greater need to help however due to an abundance of caution there will be no food drive collections from households. Instead you can make a donation on the Hockey with Heart site. The funds will be split between the Markham Food Bank and used to purchase food items for Hampers of Hope.
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York Regional Council received the 2020 Traveller Safety Report that outlines data from collisions occurring on Regional roads during 2019. Collisions were at a 10-year low down about 5% despite increase in traffic volume. York Region roads carry more than six billion vehicle kilometres annually and more than two million trips are taken daily on regional roads.
The 2020 Traveller Safety Report collects data from a variety of sources, using the information to better understand traveller behaviour and determine initiatives to increase safety for all road users. Additional highlights in the report include:
- more than 50% of fatal collisions are related to motorists speeding
- 94% of pedestrians and 82% of cyclists involved in collisions result in injury or death
- 89% of collisions are a result of improper driving
- 30% of collisions are a result of following too closely
- 80% of collisions had some form of driver inattention or distracted driving as contributing factors
York Region is implementing new initiatives to enhance safety measures including piloting automated speed enforcement in community safety zones, no right turns on red at certain signalized intersections, fully protected left turns, safety education campaigns and using a data-driven approach for engineering safer roads.
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York Region has been working on the York-Durham Sewage System to extend the life and strengthen the structural integrity of the sewer that services the community. Phase one of the project, from west of Williamson Road to Ninth Line was completed in 2019.
Construction of the 16th Avenue Sewer Rehabilitation (Phase Two) from Mingay Avenue to Williamson Road was expected to start this November 2020 but has now been deferred until the fall of 2021. Visit york.ca/waterconstruction for more information on this project.
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Like most things, Evergreen Hospice has gone virtual with their support services for the protection of their clients, volunteers and staff. You can find more details here. As families deal with the death of a loved-one during COVID-19, many are struggling with the new restrictions limiting their ability to access services and supports, to visit their dying loved-ones and to practice their usual mourning traditions. Evergreen has collected a series of resources on their COVID-19 Support Resources page.
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Coping with the Holidays - a free program providing strategies for dealing with holidays and celebrations during a period of grieving. A memorial component will be offered during the sessions. A children's memorial activity will also be offered prior to the main program. Register by calling 416.499.2185 x107 or email info@evgcares.org. There will be 2 sessions:
- November 30, 2020 at 7pm via Zoom
- December 17, 2020 at 7pm via Zoom
- Children's memorial activity starts at 6:15pm
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Men's Serious Illness Group - Evergreen will be opening a new 6 week support program will provide useful skills and helpful information for men with a serious, life-limiting illness - more information.
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Connection Café - join Evergreen Hospice on the 1st Monday of every month at 1:30pm explore activities and resources being offered in the community. The Connection Café is open to all community members. Email tstanton@evgcares.org to register for the next event taking place on Monday December 7.
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On December 12, under the direction of Maestro Kristian Alexander, the Kindred Spirits Orchestra will present a night of unforgettable music, streamed live from the SMSV Cultural Centre in Markham. Adhering to current COVID safety protocols the KSO will perform with acclaimed pianist Gregory Vandikas who will tackle Scriabin’s introspective Concerto and the program will be rounded out with Wagner’s Symphony in C major. The concert will be approximately one-hour long without intermission. There will be an on-stage discussion with pianist Gregory Vandikas and composer Michael Berec. Watch this concert from the comfort of your own home. To book your private access weblink - click here.
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If you are looking for unique gifts for the holidays, visit the Markham Group of Artists Small is Beautiful Holiday Show and Sale for gift-sized petite paintings that are no more than 12" x 12”. Open from now until to January 20 this show makes holiday shopping easy, safe and meaningful. To purchase a work, contact MGA directly. |
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Keith Irish, Ward 1 Councillor, has published his Fall newsletter updating residents on the latest happenings in Thornhill. Read the newsletter here.
It highlights capital projects and details on proposed new developments in Ward 1.
Keith has also recently started a new initiative Ward 1 Talks where he speaks about important issues while supporting local businesses and places of interest. |
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The Markham Board of Trade has created the site Open in Markham to support local businesses. Visit the site to see over 200 local businesses that are open. If you are a local business why not add your own listing to let everyone know that your business is open.
Don't forget shop local to support local businesses. Small businesses play a big part towards the development of a community which is certainly the case in Markham. Be sure to show your love and support to our businesses by shopping local, whenever you can. Your support goes a long way!
Also, the MBT reminds local businesses that the Ontario government is providing enhanced support to businesses affected by COVID restrictions including the additional costs for PPE and help with fixed costs like property tax and energy bills. More detail
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Don't miss your chance to join a virtual morning with Santa.
Connect with the Unionville BIA as they welcome Santa on Saturday December 5 at 11am
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Next Saturday (December 5) join a HERO virtual workshop. This no-cost event will help homeowners with best practice upgrades in home renovations that improve comfort, reduce GHG and lower energy costs. The session will also provide insights on eligible financing and rebate programs. register here
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MSBC's digital training partner is offering "Free Fridays" workshops until the end of the year. Learn more about digital marketing, Google analytics, social media strategy and more - details here
- Black entrepreneurship program and knowledge hub - details
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Looking to pivot your brick and mortar business digitally? You may qualify for the Small Business and Digital Resilience program and a $5000 grant - learn more
- more information on other available programs can be found here
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While everything is different this year but Toy Mountain is still being built. A group of local volunteers will be at the antique fire truck parked by the Pride of Canada carousel in Downtown Markham on weekends until December 13.
Stop by from 2pm - 5pm and make your donation of a new unwrapped toy.
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Markham Unionville MP Bob Saroya will be hosting a virtual Christmas Open House on December 10 between 7pm - 8pm. Bob will be providing a year end update and answer any questions you may have.
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On Tuesday December 10 at 1pm watch the virtual press conference as Markham City Council announces the details of the 2021 Budget. Learn more
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Monday December 7 at 7pm
While their December meeting is usually more of a social gathering, this year the Unionville Residents Association will instead host a virtual monthly meeting. Topics to be covered included:
- presentation by Kingdom Developments about the Sheridan Nurseries site development which will allow for Q&A
- Councillor updates
- Markham Centre Secondary Plan update
- summary of revised garbage collection proposal
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Just for fun!
Grab a sheet of paper and
a pair of scissors.
It only takes a few minutes to make a cute paper Christmas tree.
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Did you know?
You can change the direction of most ceiling fans to redistribute warm air that accumulates near the ceiling. Feel warmer and use less energy this winter.
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and the City of Markham Executive Leadership Team.
More information about Markham's response to COVID-19 can be found here. |
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Upcoming Meetings
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November 30 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
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December 1 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
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December 2 - Housing York - 9am - details
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December 3 - YR Committee of the Whole Meeting - 9am - details
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December 7 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
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December 8 - Development Services Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
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December 9 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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December 10 - YR Special Council Meeting - 9am - details
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December 10 - Budget Press Conference - 1pm - details
- December 14 - Electronic Council Education Session - 1pm - details
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December 15 - Special Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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December 17 - YR Council Meeting - 9am - 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.
- Markham Public Art Summit - Tuesday weekly to December 8 - details
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Virtual Visit with Santa - December 5 at 11am - details
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MP Bob Saroya Christmas Open House - December 10 at 7pm - details
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MBT virtual Business Excellence Awards - January 28 - details
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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