January 24 2021
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Out With The Old, In With The New
While a lot of people were on edge all over the globe, much to everyone's relief, the transition to the new Presidency of the United States went smoothly.
Joseph R. Biden Jr was sworn in last week and has already made some bold moves. Back into the Climate Accord, back into the World Health Organization and unfortunately for Alberta, cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline project. As well, we can expect to see a new attack on COVID-19 coming to south of our border.
Here in York Region we will have to revise our immunization schedule depending on how many doses come to Ontario because of Pfizer retooling their plant.
On a positive note, Markham is back to its normal schedule of meetings including Cycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Markham Public Library Board, Development Services Committee, and General Committee. As well many ratepayer organizations have also restarted their meetings. Of course for now, all of these meeting are taking place online.
Don't be afraid to bundle up and go for a brisk walk outdoors. Even though it was -19C with the wind chill my wife and I went out and were pleased to see so many others doing the same. Were we crazy?
Stay well, stay safe.
Click here to read the previous edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
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In this issue
- Stay Home Stay Safe
- C19 Vaccine Administration
- Virtual Flato Theatre
- Spot These Trees
- Business Thrives Session
- Good Food Challenge
- UVA Meeting and Other News
- Affordable and Rental Housing
- Seed - The Untold Story
- Welcome to York Region
- Business Support Townhall
- Volunteers Needed
- Emergency Childcare
- Just for Fun
- Stay at Home Order
- Winter Safety Tips
- Fire Safety Questions
- Other Items
- 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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I took cookies to the doctor. They were feeling crummy. |
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The City of Markham, along with the rest of Ontario continues under the emergency Stay Home order .
It is critical to remain vigilant to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Learn more at markham.ca/covid19. Essential frontline City services are still being provided with appropriate health and safety measures in place.
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During the provincial emergency and under the stay-at-home order, individuals are required to remain at home except for essential purposes such as getting groceries, health care, essential work or exercise.
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Wonder about roles and responsibilities for the COVID-19 rollout? Read more
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For more information visit
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While the Markham Flato Theatre is currently closed and likely will be for some time, they have shifted to providing programming online. Why not tune in to one of these upcoming events:
- Instrumental - Sultans of Swing - Saturday January 23 - 8pm - details
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Pop - Scott Helman - Friday January 29 - 9pm - details
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Country - Dallas Smith - Saturday January 30 - 9pm - details
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Jazz - Kurt Ellington Quintet - Saturday February 13 - 9pm - details
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Rock - Glass Tiger - Sunday February 14 - 2pm - details
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Practice your winter identification skills during your next walk.
No leaves? No problem!
Learn to identify four common urban trees using the bark, buds and other features using these tips provided by LEAF. Read more
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It’s still absolutely possible to grow your local business at a time like this. On February 2 and 4, join a team of business leaders from the Schulich Executive Education Centre at York University, Markham Board of Trade and other local business leaders to learn how to grow your business in 2021.
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Over the past year we have shifted our lives to adjust to COVID-19. During this time, you may have noticed you’re spending more money on groceries and more time in your kitchen.
Have you also noticed your green bin filling up faster than ever before? In the early days of the pandemic the amount of green bin waste collected was rising, in some cases it increased as high as 20 per cent over last year as everyone adjusted to staying in and cooking at home. It’s been estimated that households throw away as much as $1500 per year in wasted food!
- Waste less food
- Save money
- Save time
- Improve your kitchen skills
This challenge will run during February with weekly tips, tools and resources to help guide you along the way. You can also win weekly prizes for participating. Learn more and join today at yrfn.ca.
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Unionville Villagers
Association Update
Lake Trevelyan, the President of the Unionville Villagers Association, sent along the most recent edition of the The Unionville Gazette which included the following items:
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notice for their January 25 meeting that will be conducted over Zoom. Email laketrevelyan@gmail.com if you would like a link to attend the meeting
- a new snowman competition
- George Duncan's next update on the history of Unionville
- new benefits of UVA membership including Unionville discounts so you can save money and also support UVA
If you would like to receive your own copy of The Unionville Gazette, please contact Lake directly.
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Plan on attending the virtual Community Information Meeting to learn more and share your feedback about Markham’s Draft Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy.
For details and registration
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via Zoom on January 26 at 6pm.
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Do you work with an organization that helps newcomers settle in York Region? York Region is planning a FREE virtual event, "Opening Doors for Newcomers in York Region", on February 9, which will show programs and services your clients can access. More information and registration details here.
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While schools in York Region are closed for in-person learning until February 10, child care for non-school-aged children remains open. Eligible workers can access emergency child care services for school-aged children until February 9. Learn more
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Have you seen the New Brunswick boy clearing the ice on the rink his Dad made. His Dad made his mini-Zamboni too. Even the NHL has taken notice.
While 5-year-old Nicholas Allain loves to clean the ice, he loves to skate even more. Read more and watch him clear the ice here.
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As a reminder, the Ontario Stay at Home Order is still in effect. There are other limited reasons to leave your home but the message has been very clear stay home, stay safe, save lives.
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Winter is sticking around for a while yet and we are all trying to get outside for some exercise.
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Do you have questions about
fire safety?
To learn more about fire safety or to ask your questions click here.
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Other items
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We were saddened to learn this week of the passing of Shri Amar Erry, the respected cultural and Hindu community leader who helped build interfaith harmony and collaboration in Markham. He worked on the planning of the Vedic Cultural Centre and served on boards and committees including the Canadian Federation of Intercultural Friendship and Taste of Asia. For his contributions, Mr. Erry received the Deeds Speak Award. Flags at the Markham Civic Centre were lowered in his honour.
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Unionville Residents Association will be hosting their next monthly meeting on Monday February 1 - details - topics to include Councillor Updates, Markham Centre Secondary Plan update and guest speaker Morgan Jones, City of Markham Director of Operations to discuss City snow clearing. There's no business like snow business!
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Any Unionville resident or interested party is invited to attend the UBIA (Unionville Business Improvement Area) annual meeting on February 17 at 7pm on Zoom. Email sara@unionvilleinfo.com to receive a link for the meeting. UBIA has invited the Mayor to speak.
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Bob Saroya - Markham-Unionville MP - has a short COVID-19 related survey - details here. In the coming weeks, Bob will be back in Ottawa to discuss COVID-19 programs with his colleagues and he is looking for your input. As always, if you require any help or assistance on Federal issues please email his office at Bob.Saroya@parl.gc.ca.
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Billy Pang - Markham-Unionville MPP - Billy's January 2021 newsletter can be found - here
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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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York Region's COVID-19 dashboard now includes suspect and confirmed cases in schools. The interactive dashboard is updated seven days a week at 5pm and provides detailed information about C19 in York Region including a breakdown of specific Markham data. Details can be found at york.ca/covid19data.
More information about Markham's response to COVID-19 can be found here. |
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Upcoming Meetings
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January 25 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
- January 26 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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January 28 - York Region Council Meeting - 9am - details
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February 1 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
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February 3 - Draft Affordable & Rental Strategy Meeting - 6:30pm - details
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February 8 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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February 9 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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February 10 - Housing York - 9am - details
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February 11 - York Region Committee of the Whole - 9am - details
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February 16 - General Committee Meeting - details
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February 16 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
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February 18 - York Region Education Session - 9am - details
- February 22 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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February 23 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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February 24 - YR Accessibility Advisory Committee - 4pm - details
- February 25 - York Region Council Meeting - 9am - details
- Upcoming Markham Committee Meetings - 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 sessions are 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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