April 4 2021
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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An Interview with
Dr. Karim Kurji
As we begin this Provincially imposed 4 week lockdown, I draw your attention to an interview below with Dr. Kurji, York Region's Chief Medical Officer of Health. He opposed a lockdown for York Region basing his opinion on data. I know that there are opinions on both sides of the lockdown issue, but this is the person that has been calling the shots here in York Region and is our voice at the Provincial table.
I thank the many front line teachers for emailing and calling me regarding vaccinations for themselves and other in-school staff. Again it is the Province that sets the vaccination priorities, not your local or Regional Councillors. I do agree that teaching staff should be prioritized and I will continue to advocate for that.
The trails in and around Unionville were very busy today. Lots of walkers and bikers of all ages. Get out and enjoy!
Two large projects are up for consideration this week. See the Ward 3 update below. More tall buildings!
Don't forget that PinkCars is available to help with bookings and transportation for vaccinations.
I hope that everyone had a nice Easter, Passover or Ramadan.
Thank you to those who have placed Spring flowers outside their homes. It makes it more enjoyable for all passersby.
Stay positive - test negative.
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In this issue
- The Best Vaccine
- COVID-19 Vaccinations
- Here We Go Again...
- An Interview with Dr. Kurji
- Celebrating Earth Month
- Rain Barrel Sale
- Sustainable Community Grants
- Markham Guild of Village Crafts
- Varley Gallery Update
- Ward 3 Update
- Signs of Spring
- Yonge Street Subway Meeting
- Transportation Plan Update
- Get Active
- Call Before You Cut
- YRP Webinar
- Endangered Species in our Midst
- Markham Bylaws
- 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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Click here to read the previous edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
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The Best Vaccine
is the First One Available
Health Canada has assessed and continues to review all vaccines currently approved in Canada to ensure they are safe and highly effective at preventing COVID-19 infection, serious illness, hospitalization and death. For this reason, there is no need to delay or wait for one vaccine over another. The BEST vaccine to get is the FIRST one offered to you.
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Four effective vaccines have been approved for use by Health Canada:
- Pfizer-BioNTech
- Moderna
- AstraZeneca
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
The vaccines administered at York Region clinics are based on the availability of the vaccine as supplied by the Federal and directed by the Provincial government. York Region vaccine clinics do not select which vaccine we receive and will have different vaccines on hand at different times. Residents will not be provided a choice between vaccines before visiting a clinic or at a clinic. Prior to vaccine administration, residents will be informed which vaccine they will be receiving.
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Regardless of which vaccine you receive, people who are vaccinated will gain protection without ever having to risk the serious consequences of getting sick from exposure to the virus. It is important to get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is offered to you as it ensures we can move to vaccinate everyone as safely and quickly as possible, based on the priority order.
COVID-19 vaccines will save lives and livelihoods. As the supply increases in the coming months, vaccines will be available for everyone who wants one. More information on York Region’s COVID-19 vaccination program is available at york.ca/COVID19VaccineInfo.
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At time of writing, York Region is currently booking COVID-19 vaccination appointments for residents that are 65+ (born in 1956 or earlier) along with other prioritized persons - details here. Vaccines are administered by appointment only and walk-in appointments are not available.
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AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines are now available to residents age 55+ at selected York Region pharmacies - more detail here. Appointments are required. Walk-in appointments are not available.
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- Residents looking to book an appointment should check york.ca/covid19vaccine often as more appointments are regularly being added. On occasion there maybe an appointment available the following day.
- Even if you have had a COVID-19 vaccination, you must still continue to follow all public health guidelines. More information about staying safe after vaccination can be found here.
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PinkCars, a local volunteer group, has been established to assist seniors (now 70 and over) with online registration and transportation to clinics for their vaccine appointments. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to PinkCars or call 905.479.8880.
- Looking for more information about vaccinations? The most up to date information can be found at york.ca/covid19vaccine.
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A s of Saturday, Ontario has entered yet another province wide shutdown. More information about these latest changes that will last for a minimum of 4 weeks can be found here.
Limit interactions with those outside your household. An individual who lives alone (household of one) may also gather solely with one other household. Limit social gatherings outside to 5 people. More information about current public health guidelines, restrictions and closures can be found online at markham.ca/covid19 and york.ca/covid19.
As always should you require any assistance, please reach out to the City's Contact Centre. Please also remember that your local Ward Councillor is also available to assist if you don't know where to turn.
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An Interview with Dr. Kurji, Medical Officer of Health York Region
On Thursday, before the new restrictions were announced, Dr. Kurji was interviewed on CFRA, a radio station in Ottawa, about targeted interventions and lockdowns. I thought the responses provided would provide a good insight and I have included the comments in full.
What would you hope the Premier announces for York Region today?
- The Premier is in a very tough position, with the majority of experts pushing him into a something like a provincial lockdown
- We in York Region have been guided by our data and we have always believed initially in the pandemic maybe a lockdown was necessary but now we know better
- We know exactly where to target our interventions if we are guided by data
- We do very extensive case and close contact follow up, when we do that investigators are only looking at three to five cases per day
- We have a pretty good handle on where the cases are originating from
- When we find they have originated in a particular area, we take appropriate action in those areas
- For example, we have a small number of occurrences where we saw problems between personal trainers and patrons of not wearing appropriate masks so we have educated those folks and continuing on with inspections
- We saw some problems at funeral homes, folks getting infected when they went home, so we educated them
- In the grand scheme of things, we have some 350 fitness places so if you have a problem in one or two, that’s not a big deal
- Similarly with restaurants, just yesterday we saw one problem but we have about 5,800 premises
- Manufacturing plants seem to generate quite a few of the variant cases and we have been working with the Ministry of Labour with respect to proper PPE, inspections and maybe facilitating more testing in those areas
- Long-term care homes, you have some staff who have not been vaccinated so they bring in issues into the homes, again we are working closely with them
- I guess the way out here is aggressive vaccinations and we have been vaccinating the most vulnerable folks within our community very aggressively
- Right now we are vaccinating people over the age of 65
- I’m hoping we get lots of AstraZeneca coming into our community, in our pharmacies and primary care offices then we will be able to make more of a dent
- With hospitalizations, two-thirds of them are happening in over 65-year olds
- Through this vaccination strategy we should be reaching them
- However, we are also going after the variants with a strategy to hit the hot spots within the Region
If you had the vaccines available to do so, would it make sense to go in and vaccinate everyone in hot spots?
- Yes, exactly that’s the strategy we have been promoting
- We have identified five postal code areas in York Region where most of the hospitalizations and variant cases are occurring
- We are already strategizing on how to aggressively go into these areas
- We are also trying to coordinate our efforts with the availability of AstraZeneca as well because it is only for 65+
- We would be going into lower age groups and manufacturing plants and other essential workers in those areas
- When vaccines are limited, we have to prioritize appropriately
Lockdown can’t be the key to this, there has to be other factors in play right?
- The bad news I have for everyone is I don’t think the lockdown is going to make much of a difference with respect to the ICU cases
- The cases are rising where the zoning doesn’t seem to matter
- If they are rising in manufacturing plants, as a result of LTC staff not being vaccinated, no amount of locking down is going to make a difference as these facilities will remain in operation
- What I think we have to focus in on and go against the grain of most experts who are saying you can’t vaccinate your way through
- We have to vaccinate our way through
- We have to be really aggressive and get these younger groups vaccinated as well
- Once we have protected most of the elderly we have to be really aggressive and very pinpointed with where we vaccinate
- Income is a very important determinant of health and there will be people suffering with respect to mental health with another lockdown
- I had one lady tell me that if we go through another lockdown she is probably going to die, she has an eating disorder and when gyms were open it gave her a little bit of social solace
- We are going to see tragedies
- But the Premier is in a very tough position and he has to listen to the majority of the experts, I really empathize for him
- But had it been up to me, I certainly would not be going ahead with a lockdown, certainly not in York Region
- I cannot speak to other areas as I am not as familiar with their statistics
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Throughout April, the City of Markham will be celebrating Earth Month with a variety of virtual events and activities – helping the community make global change through local action.
Learn about climate change, the easy, everyday actions everyone can take to help protect our planet, find programs and services that help residents reduce our community’s carbon footprint, and tips to lead a more sustainable lifestyle all year long at markham.ca/EarthMonth.
Share photos of how you are taking action during Earth Month on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by tagging @cityofmarkham and using #greenMarkham.
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Want to save money on your water bill? Conserve water by using a rain barrel. 🌧️
Proceeds benefit The Frontline Fund in support of our healthcare heroes.
Curbside pickup available June 5.
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Do you have an idea for a green project? You may be eligible for funding of up to $500.
It’s Earth Month and the City of Markham is accepting applications for the Sustainable Neighbourhood Small Grant program. 🌎
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T he Markham Guild of Village Crafts is a creative hub offering a wide variety of craft classes, monthly meetings, summer camps and interest groups to those in the Markham area.
They have a long standing history of providing all crafters, from beginners to the most experienced, the chance to come together to expand their knowledge of many different types of crafts. This year, the MGVC will celebrate 50 years of providing classes, get togethers, craft sales and companionship. During COVID, they have been having lots of fun on Zoom and with interest groups online.
The MGVC is totally volunteer run. It is dependent on the support of it's members and the public for taking classes and the City of Markham for supporting their endeavors. Interested in learning more visit markhamguild.com.
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Update from the Varley Art Gallery
While the Varley Gallery remains closed, they are looking to celebrate Spring 2021 in style with a new lantern light installation in the Varley Courtyard from April 9 to 28. Everyone is invited to stop by, view the large display and take selfies but please remember to keep the appropriate social distance.
- Once the Gallery is permitted to open to the public again, you will be able to view the new exhibits that the staff have installed while they have been shutdown.
- They continue to bring virtual programs to the community including school studio workshops and the Varley Lounge. More information about these programs can be found here.
- The next Lunch and Learn will take place on April 14 - more information
- Deadline for applications for the Wallace Joyce scholarship is April 30. It is a $1000 bursary that supports a York Region student pursuing studies in an art-related field at a post-secondary level - more detail.
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Are you a resident of Ward 3 Unionville?
In addition, Reid makes note of an upcoming Statutory Public Meeting this week, April 6 at 7pm, that may be of interest to all Markham residents. The meeting will consider two applications:
- a student residence, on Bill Crothers Drive, just south of Bill Crothers High School. The developer, Rockport, is working on a response to a York University request for proposals for student housing near their new campus.
- a proposal by Lifetime "Panda" development for a very large project at the corner of Warden Avenue and Cedarland Drive
Details on how to watch or to register to participate can be found here.
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I spotted this little bit of spring on this doorstep while out for a walk. |
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Well done to the community members that decorated this tree by Toogood Pond for Easter. It was previously all done up for Christmas. It was a fun find while out walking this weekend. |
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A quick reminder that Metrolinx is holding its first virtual Open House about the Yonge North Subway Extension for Thornhill’s Royal Orchard community Wednesday April 7 from 6:30pm to 8pm. More information.
The current planned route is to tunnel under Thornhill homes in the Royal Orchard neighbourhood. Ward 1 Councillor Keith Irish has put together more information including a petition in his latest update - read more here. |
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The Regional transportation network supports healthy and vibrant communities and economic growth by safely and reliably connecting travellers to their destinations and efficiently moving goods across our cities and towns.
York Region is updating its Transportation Master Plan (TMP) to create a long-term vision for the Regional road, transit and active transportation network. Input from residents, travellers and the business community will help ensure the plan aligns with the needs of serving our growing and thriving communities to 2051 and beyond. Now is the time for York Region residents and business operators to participate by:
- Attending online events and virtual presentations
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Visiting york.ca/tmp to review progress and provide feedback and ideas
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Connect with the project team, join the TMP mailing list, obtain more information or to submit questions by email transportation@york.ca
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Participate in the Transportation Survey by visiting york.ca/TMP
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Get active safely.
Support your mental, emotional and physical well-being this spring.
Go for a walk, ride your bike, take a class.
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Thinking of doing some spring landscaping? If the work involves removing a tree or pruning a tree by more than 30%, you require a permit in Markham.
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As a follow-up to the recent Diversity, Hate Crime Prevention webinar by York Regional Police they are presenting a second follow-up event this week.
Join York Regional Police on Wednesday April 7 at 10am for the next event in the series which will highlight “Victim Support Through the Lens of Human Rights.” Join the Zoom meeting here.
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Endangered Species in Our Midst
Richmond Hill is home to one of the last known populations of Jefferson Salamanders in York Region. York Region is working in partnership with Toronto Region Conservation Authority to help ensure their survival. During this time of year, Jefferson Salamanders, an endangered species, cross Stouffville Road after leaving their winter habitat to travel to their breeding grounds. When Jefferson Salamanders make the crossing, there will be intermittent road closures to ensure safe passage - learn more.
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Have you recently added a new furry four-pawed member into your family?
Remember to get them a dog or cat licence.
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The City of Markham cannot accept in-person payments for parking tickets at this time.
Payments can be made online, by phone or by mail.
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A reminder for dog owners to stoop and scoop. Pick up after your pet and dispose of pet waste in the green bin at home.
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Other items
The Markham Economic Development department wants to hear from you. In an effort to be responsive to the needs of small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the four Small Business Enterprise Centres across York Region, including Markham, are looking to receive your feedback on the effectiveness of existing support programs. Your input will also be valuable to inform future programming considerations, advocacy to other levels of government and is much appreciated. Please share your feedback by April 16 - take the survey here.
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Reduce wind-blown litter from your blue box
- put it out at 7am on your collection day and not the night before
- place heavier items on top - don't bag items as they must be loose
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Don't overload it – save items for your next collection day or drop excess blue box items at your local recycling depot
- More tips are available here
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In a February edition of the DME there was a survey by the Friends of Swan Lake Park to solicited feedback on park improvements. They have recently released the results of their investigation. The full report can be read here. There are numerous detailed comments and a variety of community perspectives outlined in the report but there were three dominant themes:
- endorsement of Markham’s current designation of Swan Lake Park as a “Natural Spaces, Wildlife Places” park
- recommended establishing goals for a significant improvement in water quality in Swan Lake
- residents encouraged Council to approve the investment to restore the lake and park.
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MGA is busy preparing an art inspired line up of activities for artists and artists-at-heart: April 7th Members Evening with Helen Walter and demonstrating how to make figures come alive in paintings. En plein air painting will be resuming and soon you will be seeing MGA artists painting around Markham and Unionville. They will also be having an event at Milne Dam. Join MGA at the reduced spring and summer rate - click here. The April edition of MGA's newsletter can be found here.
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The Unionville Residents Association's next virtual meeting is Monday April 12 at 7pm. The meeting will feature Markham's Director of Sustainability and Asset Management, Graham Seaman addressing the city's plan to get to "Net Zero". More information can be found here.
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LEAF has provided some tips to protect your young trees from animal damage. When young and vulnerable, trees and shrubs may require protection from nibbling animals. Use these safe and humane methods to minimize damage, while also respecting the wildlife that share our yards - read more here. |
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Gypsy Moths are an invasive species that attack trees later in the season. There was a Gypsy Moth infestation in many areas of Markham last year. This video outlines a simple activity that you can do right now to take action to reduce the population of Gypsy Moths and help to protect your trees. More information is available here.
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York Region is working through their Municipal Comprehensive Review process. Markham staff will be preparing a report to Development Services Committee on April 19, providing more detail on the forecasts and recommendations for consultation in Markham. Learn more and have your say about the York Region MCR - more information here.
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Markham COVID-19 Report
Due to the Holiday weekend, the latest Markham update was not made available. Please check back next week. Markham based information can be obtained on the York Region dashboard - 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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April 6 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
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April 6 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
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April 7 - Housing York - 9am - details
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April 8 - YR Committee of the Whole - 9am - details
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April 13 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
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April 15 - YR Special Council Meeting - 9am - details
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April 19 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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April 20 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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April 22 - YR Council Meeting - 9am - details
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April 26 - General Committee - 9:30am - details
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April 27 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
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April 28 - YR Accessibility Committee Meeting - 4pm - 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
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Yonge North Subway Extension Open House - April 7 at 6:30pm - details
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MBT Real Estate in Markham - April 8 at 4pm - details
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Unionville Residents Association meeting - April 12 at 7pm - details
- Varley Gallery - Lunch and Learn - April 14 at 12:30pm - details
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Pearson Airport Noise Management Forum - April 15 - details
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Jane's Walk - May 7 to 9 - 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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