June 28, 2020
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Mayor's
Mask
Motion
This week, at York Region Council, our Mayor suggested that the wearing of masks should be made mandatory for everyone when inside all buildings. This has stirred some controversy with residents of the community and with the Ontario Civil Liberties Association. The motion will be debated at a special virtual York Region
Council meeting on July 9th. You can join that meeting and make a deputation virtually. You can also send me an email expressing your opinion. Read the
article here
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Kudos go to CF Markville Mall for arranging a drive-in movie night in their parking lot on the weekend. Markville Mall donated the proceeds of admission plus an additional $10,000 to Markham Stouffville Hospital in honour of their front line workers. Look for more Drive-In Movie Nights this summer and fall. Markville is open for business!
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It's Pride Day today and besides all the virtual Pride day activities that are happening, I was pleased to notice the Pride rainbow flag flying at Bill Crothers SS. Way to go YRDSB and BCSS! The City did have a virtual flag raising for Pride earlier this week.
The Desert Ride
In a close vote, Markham Council voted to close
Enterprise Drive from
Main Street Unionville to
Andre De Grasse Street on Canada Day and every Sunday during July and August (and stat holidays too) so that cyclists have a safe area to bike. I did not support this location because of its potential disruptive nature to Downtown Markham and also because the landscape currently is a desert wasteland. We'll see how this works out!
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In this issue
- Happy Highlights
- Canada Day
- Fond Farewell
- Swan Lake
- YR COVID-19 Dashboard
- Garbage Pick-Up This Week
- GO Construction Notice
- What's on in the Park
- Pop-Up Park Program
- Smart Commute
- Make a Splash
- FMT Virtual Camps
- Be Aware
- Summer Company
- YSpace Events
- Bat Positive for Rabies
- Varley Goes Virtual
- Add More Green
- Commemorative Bench and Trees
- Charged and Ready to go
- MPL from Home
- Food for Thought
- What's Open, What's Closed
- 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.
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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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Happy Highlights
Feel free to join the Canada Day "Fantini Fire Truck" parade or watch the parade go by at the following location and time. It is their salute to front line health care workers.
It should arrive in Markham at approximately 12:30 at Participation House near to Markham Stouffville Hospital. Leave for Unionville around 1 pm arriving at Union Villa at 4300 Hwy 7 around 1:15 pm. It should be fun!
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Are you ready for the City's very first virtual
Canada Day
celebrations on July 1!
What does being Canadian mean to you? Tune
in to the
City's virtual celebration to hear what some of Markham's familiar faces had to say in a special video.
Participate in the online experience unique to Markham, featuring all-day activities and entertainment. Let's celebrate all that defines Markham as a strong and diverse community of proud Canadians.
Here's the initial lineup with more surprises to be revealed closer to Canada Day:
- The National Canada Day celebrations at 1pm and 8pm
- Live stream of the National Canada Day Drumming Experience at 2pm
- All-day entertainment including
- Markham’s special community rendition of O Canada to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the National Anthem
- magic shows
- learn to draw workshop for artists of all ages and abilities
- “Get Movin” dance videos for dancers of all ages and abilities
- Markham’s Great Canadian Trivia Contest
- Light up your home or business to show your Canadian Pride
- Canada Day Decorating and Dress-Up
- Virtual Drone Show will showcase a specially-created first-of-its-kind virtual drone show video in honour of Canada Day. Watch this unique show from the comfort of your own home.
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Wrap up the day with virtual fireworks (confused? me too ... I don't know how that works either).
Download the free app
by June 30 at 5pm for a chance to win a special prize.
Family fireworks are permitted to be discharged on your own private property without a permit on June 30th and July 1st in the City of Markham. "Family Fireworks" means low hazard for recreation only and includes but is not limited to fountains, pinwheels, sparklers and other similar devices. They can only be discharged if a firework will remain above the property it is discharged on and cannot be discharged on City
property including roads and parks.
Don't forget to share your Canada Day photos and videos on social media using #MkmCanadaDay.
Visit
markham.ca/CanadaDay for
more information and to find out what else is in store for Markham’s virtual Canada Day celebrations.
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Fond Farewell - Happy Retirement!
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We will miss the energy and passion shown everyday by
Commissioner Brenda Librecz. This amazing person has put her stamp on so many buildings and parks in Markham. Best wishes for your retirement!
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Chief Dave Decker has provided solid leadership at the helm of the Markham Fire Services. Only the Fire Chief would paint the walls of his office Fire Engine Red! Best of luck in your retirement!
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Swan Lake
Swan Lake Village in Markham's east end is a wonderful adult lifestyle community. There really is a Swan Lake with "seven swans a swimming".
The Lake is in need of some tender loving care and thanks to active residents and local
Councillor Andrew Keyes
a plan is now being put in place to secure a healthy body of water for all to enjoy. My thanks to Cindy and Don for sending me their photo album of Swan Lake pictures. Take a look at the
picture album.
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Your actions can have a direct impact on the health and well-being of your community and your loved ones. Community transmission of COVID-19 is still occurring in York Region. Do your part to stop the spread by practicing physical distancing, washing your hands thoroughly and wearing a 2-layer non-medical mask when physical distancing may be a challenge.
Stay informed, visit
york.ca/covid19.
York Region Public Health has 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. Most specifically you can see how Markham has been impacted by COVID-19.
Facts and figures
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There will be no curbside recycling and garbage collection on July 1 and there will be a shift of days.
- Wednesday to Thursday
- Thursday to Friday
- Friday to Saturday
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GO Construction Notice
Track Tie Maintenance in Markham
Metrolinx is conducting track maintenance work overnight across the Stouffville GO corridor approximately between Centennial GO and Highway 7 and should be concluded by July 17. Work will be conducted on weeknights between 10pm and 5am. During this time crews will be replacing track ties across the corridor. Work like this can only be completed safely outside of regular train operating hours. Although train service has been reduced during the day the work must be done later in the day as the hotter day time temperatures increase the risk of a sun kink in the rails following the tie replacements.
Residents in the immediate area can
expect some noise and vibration as the work is completed. If any lights are required to complete this work, they will be pointed away from households. Metrolinx is making every effort to minimize the disruption to surrounding neighbours and will complete the work as quickly as possible.
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The park trails and most parking lots are open for self-guided use with physical distancing. Visitors to Rouge National Urban Park should be well prepared and self-sufficient. Currently there are no in-park visitor services and amenities throughout the park are greatly reduced, including a limited availability of washrooms and limited search and rescue capacity. What you need to know before you visit -
details here
Rouge National Park has taken activities online:
- virtual visits - tune in every Wednesday at 2pm - enjoy presentations from Park experts on topics like birding, monarch research and more - details
- learn to camp virtual workshop - make your first camping experience a great one - participate in one of the weekly workshops - details
Help save turtles this summer as all 8 species of Ontario turtles are listed as at-risk species. Road mortality is one of the main threats to turtle populations. Learn how to safely help turtles cross the road and what to do if you find an injured turtle -
help save turtles.
Unfortunately there has been an increase in
illegal dumping in the Rouge. Please help to stop this activity and report it. If you witness incidents in the Park, please contact 416.282.1019 with any information. Tips may be left anonymously -
more information
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In response to COVID-19, the City’s Recreation Department is now offering the Pop-up Park Program. It will provide a safe and convenient 1.5 hour program for kids ages 6 to 12.
Programs will be available at 24 parks across the City. Get outside, get active and have some fun this Summer!
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As Markham moves through the stages of reopening, residents are now starting to resume more activities outside their homes. Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill continues to promote sustainable modes of commuting while providing guidance and tips for adapting to the new normal while staying safe on public transit, in carpools, and while cycling, walking or teleworking.
They will be hosting a webinar series
Navigating the New Normal
. These 30 minute sessions on July 15 and 22 will review how to keep yourself, other commuters, and your communities safe as we “return to work.” Participants have a chance to win a $10 e-gift card during each webinar for correctly answering trivia questions.
Click here
to for register or for more information.
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The City will be offering a variety of virtual swim skills and safety programs. While the programs may look a lot different this year, the importance of water safety remains a priority.
Do you have a backyard pool?
The
Backyard Pool Safety Course is designed for homeowners with a backyard pool who want to ensure that their family and friends are safe. It is a virtual course where you will learn basic signs of someone in distress and how to perform a simple rescue. Backyard safety recommendations will also be reviewed.
Registration for this and other programs start on June 29 at 8am -
details here.
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Engage, connect and perform in safe, high quality programs designed by the Flato Markham Theatre professional artistic team of arts educators.
- All you need for camp will be supplied in our unique THEATRE CAMP TO GO KIT which will include music tracks, lyrics, scripts, craft materials and more
- Small camp ratios so everyone is engaged and learning
- Group requests to be with friends accepted
Registration starts July 6 at 8am. More information can be found
here
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Once again there is another scam that is making the rounds in Markham.
Have you been contacted by a contractor claiming to work for the City of Markham who offers to resurface your driveway? This person does not work for the City and it is a scam. Do not provide any personal or financial information and contact
YRP Fraud Prevention immediately.
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Learn more about these 8 students who decided to be their own boss through Markham’s Summer Company
initiative.
This is just one of the programs offered by
Markham Business Centre
to give students tools for success like funding, training and mentoring support.
Get inspired by the 2020 candidates and learn how to support their student start-up businesses -
Summer Company Markham
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YSpace
is located in Markham and is York University's York Region innovation community hub supporting and engaging youth, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the area. YSpace is hosting a series of webinars to explore the "new normal" -
details here
Join the next
YSpace
webinar on June 29 to learn tips on how to create a healthy routine, well being guidelines for working remotely.
Register here
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York Region has received confirmation on the first 2020 case of rabies when a bat has tested positive for the rabies virus in King Township.
While the percentage of rabies-infected animals in Ontario is considered low, people should avoid approaching or coming into contact with wildlife. The rabies virus affects the central nervous system of warm-blooded mammals, including humans, and is transmitted through a bite, lick or scratch from an infected animal. While most reported cases involve wild animals such as bats, foxes, raccoons and skunks, dogs and cats are also at risk.
Once clinical signs of rabies appear in a human, the disease is usually always fatal. A post-exposure vaccine is available for people who come into contact with a rabid animal.
York Region Public Health investigates all animal exposure incidents. If you have been bitten, scratched or had contact with an animal, immediately wash the wound with soap and water for a minimum of 15 minutes, seek medical attention and report the incident to York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653.
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Visit the Varley Art Gallery to pick up your free Isolation Creation kit. These art activities are suitable for ages 6+ to senior citizen and this is the final week.
Brighten your home with a beautiful stained glass window display. Take a picture of your finished artwork and share it using #varleyartgallery.
Pick up:
Varley Courtyard - Tuesday, June 30 starting at 10am (first come, first served, limit of 2 per household). For your health and safety, please remember to practice physical distancing when picking up your kits. All materials are cleaned and sanitized before packaging.
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The City of Markham's Trees for Tomorrow initiative provides additional discounts (for select species) to participants of
LEAF
's subsidized tree planting program.
The
Backyard Tree Planting
program provides trees to Markham residents at an additional discounted price paying only $50+hst for evergreen trees and $100+hst for deciduous trees, from a select species list, for up to a total of 5 trees per property (space permitting).
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Commemorative Bench and Tree Programs
The City has recently updated the Commemorative Bench and the Commemorative Tree Programs which provide an opportunity to pay tribute to a person, group or occasion by purchasing a park bench or tree for installation in a city park.
Highlights of the programs:
- Bench - $2,983.20 (HST included) - This fee covers costs for a bench and a plaque for a 10-year period, concrete pad, delivery & installation. City will maintain and perform any necessary repairs on the bench during this 10-year period (lifecycle of the bench)
- Tree - $565 (HST included) - This fee covers costs for a hand selected tree, delivery, planting and a 3-year plant health aftercare program. The tree is a 50-60mm calibre tree selected for the location and for survival. The tree is intended to last a long time and create a large canopy contribution. Park trees have better longevity than street trees.
- Tribute Message - City staff will work with each applicant to ensure the message on the plaque is appropriate in our public spaces. In addition to the plaque the person or event being recognized will be uploaded to a permanent interactive map on the City’s website. The design and implementation of the interactive map will be completed by the end of 2020.
- Location - best efforts will be made to accommodate an applicant’s preferred location. Applicant will be advised of the bench location prior to the completion of the agreement. Operations staff will assist the applicant in selecting the location and tree species appropriate to the park site.
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At 8:50am on Monday, June 29,
York Region Transit
w
ill launch its first electric bus. The launch of this bus marks the start of a trial to gradually electrify the transit fleet and reducing York Region’s carbon footprint.
When travelling on the electric bus, an additional noticeable benefit is how much quieter the vehicle is, minimizing the amount of noise for people travelling on the bus as well as in the community.
Electric bus technology will help the Region reach its objective of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2051. Over the next five years York Region has committed to $14 million in energy conservation initiatives. Strategies to reduce corporate emissions focus on transit, buildings, non-transit fleets and water and wastewater processes.
Also, as a reminder starting July 2 a face mask or covering will be mandatory for all York Region Transit users.
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Great news from Markham Public Library - starting on July 6, you will be able to reserve a time for curbside pickup. More information about the curbside services will be announced during the week. Stay tuned! In the meantime, t
hey continue to offer many programs, suggested reading lists, virtual meetups and other resources for both kids and adult
s.
Check out their Library at Home programming.
Here's a sampling of what's going on at the Markham Public Library this week:
- Book Love: Canada Reads - June 29 at 7:30pm on Zoom - register
- How to make an elastic soccer game - June 30 at 2pm on Facebook
- Parent Social Hour - June 30 at 8pm on Zoom - register
- Ontario childcare fee subsidy information webinar - July 3 at 11am - register
Discover the digital library and learn how to use Mango Languages - this tutorial will give you an introduction and will guide you through how to use Mango Languages through MPL. With more than 70 languages offered, it even has courses for people learning English as a second language. Learning a new language has never been easier and it's only a matter of a few clicks away.
Learn more
How has COVID-19 impacted your life? Did you learn anything new, how have you been spending your time? To help capture the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Markham community, MPL called for submissions of stories, thoughts and experiences that describe how the pandemic has changed Markham residents' lives. Check out the COVID Stories Gallery to view all the stories they have collected so far.
View gallery
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YRFN has been quite active during the last few month and have a full schedule of events to come. They offer regular garden and kitchen workshops and check out their
Facebook or
Twitter for upcoming workshops. Their most recent newsletter can be found
here.
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Upcoming Meetings
- June 29 - Development Services Meeting - 9:3oam - details
- July 6 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
- July 9 - Special York Region Council Mask Meeting - details
- July 13 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
- July 14 - Council Meeting - 1pm - 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.
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We have been holding all meetings virtually including York Region Council meetings. Details of this and upcoming YR meetings and other information is available
here
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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
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Working together to make Markham better!
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