February 2 2020
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Transition Time
As we leave one month and enter another, we say goodbye to Lunar New Year celebrations and hello to
Black History month.
To kick start Black History month the City will be raising the Pan African flag at the Civic Centre tomorrow morning. Please feel free to come by at 9am to join in the festivities.
The coronavirus continues to dominate both world and local news. As a Council we continue to attend events as a show of strength that all is well in Markham and to expound that the risk of contracting coronavirus is very very low. Last week, the Mayor's Chinese New Year dinner was sold out and had full attendance. Take the normal hand washing precautions and use sanitizer where hand washing may not be convenient.
York Regional Police ask that you
register your security camera with them. Your security footage could prove invaluable in solving a neighbourhood crime.
There will be lots of things to do on
Family Day later this month. Check the article below for City of Markham activities.
Have a great week!
Click here
to read the last edition of
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
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In this issue
- Coronavirus
- Kids' Programs for School Closures
- YorkSafe Food Inspections
- URA Meeting Monday Night
- Photo Radar is Coming
- Winter Walk to School Day
- Black History Month
- Register Your Security Camera
- Town Hall on Crime
- New Francophone EarlyON Centre
- Family Day Programs
- Where's My Bus and GO Updates
- Markham Small Business Centre
- Win a Free Week of Camp
- Markham Life - Spring Edition
- Start a Park Group
- Volunteers Needed
- York Region Update
- Community Meetings and Events
- Q & A - Special Occassions
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Please forward this update to anyone that may find it of interest.
Make sure you are on the list for future updates.
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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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Coronavirus has been declared a emergency by the World Health Organization and is top of mind, especially those with loved ones in China.
There is no evidence of community spread in Canada and the risk of acquiring the virus in the community remains low for York Region residents. To date, there have been no confirmed cases in York Region.
York Region Public Health continues monitoring the Novel Coronavirus outbreak originating in Wuhan, China. They are working closely with Ontario’s Ministry of Health, our hospitals and community health care providers. More information is available
here
.
Frequently asked questions are addressed in
this publication from York Region Public Health.
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Best form of infection prevention is hand washing.
We all have a responsibility to contribute to a healthy community. Here is some advice from our health partners to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, such as the cold, flu and the Novel Coronavirus:
- Washing hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds helps to keep viruses from spreading. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer (gel or wipes) with at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover your mouth with your upper sleeve, when you cough or sneeze
- Use a tissue and throw it out rather than putting it in your pocket, on a desk or table. If you don't have a tissue, cough into your upper sleeve.
- Viruses can spread when people cough, sneeze or talk and droplets enter your body so avoid touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth.
- Viruses can live for 24 to 48 hours on hard surfaces such as countertops, door handles, computer keyboards and phones so clean (and disinfect) surfaces and shared items.
- Masks are not recommended. Based on the recent messaging from the Canadian Chief Public Health Officer and reiterated by York Region Public Health, persons are discouraged from wearing masks when they are well as it is NOT an effective measure.
- If you are feeling unwell the best course of action is to stay home or seek medical attention as appropriate.
- More information is available here.
Do you have any questions about Novel Coronavirus? York Region Public Health has created a resource with up-to-date information and answers to some of your questions. Details can be found
here.
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The City of Markham is planning to offer day camps and drop-in programs in response to the following pending school strikes:
- Tuesday February 4 - YCDSB elementary and secondary schools and YRDSB secondary schools
- Thursday February 6 - YRDSB elementary schools
- Friday February 7 - YRDSB elementary schools
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A variety of fun, creative, active and educational opportunities are available for children aged 4 to 17 at City facilities across Markham, including:
- Adventure Camp
- Basketball Clinic
- Crafts
- Family Movies
- Lego Camp
- Sports Camp
- STEAM Activities
- Storytime
The City of Markham is planning to offer these day camps and drop-in programs in response to school closures. Day camps and drop-in programs will be offered on a first come, first served basis. The City will closely monitor the strike situation and will increase participation numbers and programming, or cancel programs depending on the situation. Fees will be refunded with no penalty should schools remain open. Details
here
.
The Ontario Government has announced financial support to families for childcare during school closures due to a strike. More details about eligibility and how to submit an application can be found at
here
or by calling the Helpline at 1.888.444.3770.
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The reporting system for YorkSafe is being updated and as a result the data from inspections may not be available through this process. Details can be found
here
.
To view all locations in York Region and to find out if they have had a YorkSafe violation, click
here.
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Are you a Unionville resident? Why not attend the Unionville Residents Association's monthly meeting on Monday night and see what is happening in your community.
They will be reviewing the City's January 22 Transportation Workshop including the plans to widen 16th Avenue, and discuss what actions URA is taking now and in the coming weeks. Other topics:
- Arterial road widenings surrounding Unionville
- Unionville Main Street Streetscape
Date:
Monday February 3 at 7pm
Location:
Markham Pan Am Centre, 16 Main Street, Unionville
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Photo Radar is Coming
Two-year automated speed enforcement set to begin May 2020
The pilot will include rotating one mobile automated speed enforcement unit between 12 community safety zones during the two-year pilot. Automated speed enforcement signs will be installed on Regional roads 90 days in advance of activating a camera to inform motorists of the upcoming change.
Regional staff will review data from the pilot, including change in driver behaviour, review of technology and the impact on courts, with a report to Regional Council in 2020. For more information on automated speed enforcement zones and to provide your feedback, click
here
.
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Winter is a great time to be active outdoors. Bundle up and join others from schools across Canada to celebrate
Winter Walk Day
on February 5. Enhance school safety by decreasing the volume of vehicles in the school zone.
Let’s get more kids walking and wheeling to school. Join the movement to improve children’s mobility and health.
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February is Black History Month. This year’s theme is "Canadians of African Descent: Going Forward, Guided by the Past.” This month in particular, we recognize and celebrate Black Canadians and their contributions nationally.
Several events and activities are planned across the city throughout the month of February to celebrate, learn and share the culture, art and history of the people of African descent.
- Monday morning there is a Flag Raising kick-off to Black History Month and to raise the Pan African flag - February 3 at 9:00am - Markham Civic Centre - Great Hall
- The Markham Public Library will be screening two films to celebrate Black History Month: The Oscar-nominated film "Harriet" as well as the film "Black Soul". More detail available here.
- MPL has also compiled a reading list to celebrate Black History Month
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You've protected your home or business and now you can help
YRP protect the community. The new
Security Camera Registry gives members of the community the option to let York Regional Police know they have installed a security camera which may assist police if a crime occurs later in that area.
Why should I register my camera? When police investigate a crime, officers often canvas neighbourhoods for security camera footage that may have captured images of suspects or criminal activity. When you register your cameras, officers can see who in the area may have captured footage and can ask them directly for help.
In an investigation where every second counts, this proactive step could be crucial in helping to solve a case, make an arrest, recover property or even save a life.
Helpful details registering include the camera locations, direction, video retention times and capability of sharing footage. The registry does not grant police direct access to your camera. Officers must still seek permission to view and use your footage.
With just a couple of clicks, you can make your neighbourhood a safer place. For more information or to register your camera visit
yrp.ca/registermycamera.
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Town Hall on Crime
Markham-Unionville MP Bob Saroya and MPP Billy Pang are hosting a joint Town Hall meeting focusing on Crime.
Join them to share your thoughts on how we can fight crime in Markham.
The event will take place at the Angus Glen Community Centre next Saturday (February 8th) at 5pm.
If you are unable to attend, please send your questions and concerns to
Bob.Saroya@Parl.gc.ca and he has advised that he will respond to your comments.
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On Friday, I was happy to attend the official opening the
first francophone
EarlyON Child and Family Centre
located at 111 John Button Boulevard in Markham. It offers programs and services to children and families in French and is open five days a week, Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 9:30am to 11:30am and 2pm to 4pm.
Children and caregivers can enjoy family play and programs such as discovery, art, music and science.
EarlyON
Child and Family Centres offer free drop-in programs for caregivers and children from birth to six years old in Ontario.
EarlyON
centres support children’s learning and development, build parents and caregivers’ skills, increase their understanding of child development and promote social inclusion. Il est une bon idee!
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Monday February 17
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Make memories with your loved ones on Family Day! The City of Markham is offering a variety of registered and drop-in programs for you to enjoy.
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Across the system, new bus stop signs will be installed with
Where’s My Bus
ID numbers, which will tell customers when their GO bus is going to arrive at their street stop, making travelling easier and better. New signs are being installed on a route by route basis and it is expected that all signs will up updated by July 2020. Visit
gotransit.com/wmb
to learn more.
There have recently been some service changes to the go schedule. You can visit
gotransit.com
for a complete overview of the train and bus service updates and everything else you need to know about travelling on the GO.
Sunday Funday
- This is your last chance to take advantage of $10 travel on Sundays.
Sunday Funday will end on
February 9, 2020 where riders can take GO Transit wherever they want for only $10. The Sunday Funday pass allows customers to enjoy unlimited travel anywhere on the GO network.
Kids Ride Free
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You can leave the car at home and spend some quality time together as a family on a relaxing ride to and from any adventure. Travelling on the GO is even easier and more affordable now that
kids 12 and under always ride free
on all GO trains and buses.
Canadian International AutoShow
- The AutoShow show is being held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from February 14-23, 2019. GO Transit and the AutoShow have partnered to offer customers combo ticket offers and a PRESTO Perk offer. All details can be found at
gotransit.com/autoshow
.
Community Meeting
- Metrolinx is hosting having community meeting were you can voice your opinion and make comments on GO service in the area. Meeting will take place on February 18 at the Markham Village Community Centre -
details here
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Did you know the City has a team that can help you make the right decisions as you start-up your business venture and help develop your management capabilities as it grows
? More information about the services that MSBC provides can be found
here
.
Other upcoming events, seminars and workshops -
details
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The City of Markham offers over 150 different fun, educational, creative and active camps for kids of all ages and abilities.
Register for summer camp between February 4 and 29 to be entered in the draw. For every summer camp you register for, you will receive one contest entry. Ten lucky winners will be announced in March! Learn more at
markham.ca/SummerCamps
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Make sure to have a look at the new edition of Markham Life. The deadlines for Spring program registration are coming soon. There's lots of things to do. Why not try a new activity?
Feature articles include:
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Ignite the power of your neighbourhood park! Vibrant parks don’t happen by magic.
Do you have a g
roup of neighbourhood friends that you like to meet in our local parks? Are you looking to become more involved in your community?
Perhaps you should attend the upcoming session where you can learn how to start a new community group in your local park. You'll get practical tips, insight into Markham’s park systems and inspiration from other park groups who have become effective voices and catalysts for community change.
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Help build Markham’s future together
Are you interested in getting involved in the process of governing our City and charting its future? The City's boards and committees provide Council with a variety of diverse perspectives, specialized skills and expertise specific to their mandate.
Current Board and Committee Vacancies
- Canada Day Celebration Organizing Committee
- Doors Open Markham Organizing Committee
- Heritage Markham Committee
- Markham- Milliken Children’s Festival Organizing Committee
More information about these positions and how to apply can be found
here
. Apply now to use your talents and interests for the benefit of our vibrant community.
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York Region Council meetings resumed last week. A calendar of York Region meetings and other information is available
here
.
Highlights from the most recent meeting can be found
here including:
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Community Meetings and Events
All City of Markham meetings are listed on the City's website at
Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings
. Unless noted differently on the link above, meetings are held at the Markham Civic Centre and are open to the public. If you aren't able to attend in person, meetings are live streamed.
The calendar of York Region meetings is available
here.
You can listen to meetings on line. The details from past meetings are available online.
- Upcoming Markham Public Library Events - here
- Upcoming Varley Gallery Events - here
I'd be pleased to highlight other community meetings in future newsletters. Please forward the details to
dhamilton@markham.ca
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If you have a question that you would like answered, please send me an email with your question.
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Question: My Dad has a special occasion coming soon. Will you provide a certificate for the occasion?
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Answer: We would be delighted to issue a certificate for any special occasion coming your way. Just send us an email with the details. Allow as much lead time as possible.
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Working together to make Markham better!
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