June 9 2019
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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The week is gone again!
It has been another busy week full of meetings and events.
I attended the
Legacy Ratepayers Association's community BBQ where good weather made for a great turnout of residents. This part of Markham is new to me as part of my expanded area portfolio. What a great community! Thanks for the warm welcome.
Legacy Public School had a "fun fair" with lots of students. It was nice to see all of them having a good time in the lovely weather. Why not join me at the Central Park P.S. fun fair on June 15th. Details below.
Saturday must have been Pokemon day again on
Unionville Main Street. Although the weather was beautiful, there's no way that many people could be walking while staring at their cellphones for any other reason than Pokemon.
On more serious matters Bill 108 was passed by the Ontario Legislature this week. There is lots of "bad stuff" contained in that Bill that will have far reaching effects on planning and development across the Province.
People keep asking me what I know regarding possible governance changes at the either local or Regional level of government. I'm afraid that in spite of the rumour and speculation, only the Premier and his advisers know what changes will be made. If Mr. Ford's track record so far is any indication of things to come, hold onto your hat! I know I am.
Click here
to read the previous edition of
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
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In this issue
- STEM Kids Rock
- Healthy Aging and Fall Prevention
- Transit Stop Intensification
- Markham Moves
- Toronto Pearson Runway Changes
- McCowan Road Watermain Work
- Waste Diversion
- Red Light Cameras
- YR Water Research
- Rouge National Park Events
- Community Meetings and Events
- Q&A - Streetlight Outage
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Please feel free to 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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Do you know about the great work that STEM Kids Rock does in our community to spark an interest in STEM learning. Founded by Guinness World Record Title Holders and Markham students Aidan Aird and Keeley Aird who believe that STEM learning is crucial for all students today.
From the STEM Kids Rock website: "....STEM Kids Rock, a not for profit organization whose mission is to inspire, engage and empower the next generation of STEM leaders! STEM Kids Rock, simply put, is a FREE Mobile Science Centre that goes out into communities in hopes of reaching elementary aged children and inspiring them to fall in love with science.... Since its inception, STEM Kids Rock has engaged and inspired over 150,000 youth at community events, schools, libraries, museums, camps, conferences, Scouts, Guides, STEAM nights, festivals and fun fairs. STEM Kids Rock empowers kids of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to teach other kids about STEM. Our amazing STEM Squad makes learning about science really fun and everyone we meet leaves feeling science smart!"
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Come and see STEM Kids Rock at a free public event this month including
- John McCrae PS Fun Fair
- June 14 5pm - 8pm
- 565 Fred McLaren Blvd. Markham
- Markham Village Music Festival
- June 15 11am - 2pm
- Morgan Park, Markham
- Councillor Karen Rea's Community BBQ
- June 22 12pm - 2pm
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Youth of all ages and
abilities are invited
to join the
STEM Kids Rock Squad!
For more information visit
#kidsteachingkids
#freemobilesciencecentre
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Healthy aging is what all of us strive for but unfortunately many will experience a fall that will lead to more complicated health issues. We are currently dealing with such a case with my own mother. After a fall many seniors will lose the quality of life they once had and suffer severe pain, loss of mobility and the freedom and independence they once had.
As June is Seniors' Month, it is appropriate to highlight some of the services that are available through York Region Public Health.
The following information is directly from the YR website:
- Are the leading cause of injury in people over 65 years old
- Account for 85 per cent of injuries resulting in hospitalizations
- Are related to 40 per cent of all nursing home admissions
Avoiding falls helps older adults stay healthy and independent longer. Most falls can be avoided by addressing home hazards, preventing misuse of medication, managing blood pressure problems and improving balance and movement through exercise.
York Region Public Health provides consultations, workshops and displays on fall prevention and healthy aging. Print resource
s for older adults and healthcare professionals on fall prevention and reducing the frequency, severity and impact of injury related to falls are also available. For more information please contact Access York at 1-877-464-9675 email
AccessYork@york.ca
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York Region is studying the intensification of areas around major transit lines including the Stouffville GO line, Richmond Hill GO line, along Highway 7 and Yonge Street.
Join City of Markham and York Region staff at a community information meeting to learn about and share your thoughts on these potential major transit station areas in Markham.
Tuesday June 11 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm (presentation at 7:00pm)
at Markham PanAm Centre - 16 Main Street Unionville
More information can be found
here including how to submit your comments if you aren't able to attend the meeting. Additional detail on York Region's Municipial Comprehensive Review can be found
here.
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The new exhibit at the
Markham Museum
just opened this weekend and will be on display until January.
Markham Moves
is an interactive display that explores transportation over time. How Markham moves has an impact on how the City is designed and how our community has developed.
Explore innovations that are creating more sustainable modes of transportation for the future! Test your own ideas for improving transportation technology. Check out the Ball Drop and car ramp, among the many other activities and play areas the exhibition has to offer.
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More information on this new exhibit and the Markham Museum can be found
here
.!"
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Toronto Pearson has implemented a summer weekend alternate runway trial program. The program is investigating alternate runway use to lessen the impact of aircraft noise during the summer months when residents are outside or may have their windows open.
Pearson began the trial on May 25 and 26 and it will run until September 8 on Saturdays and Sundays only.
Community feedback is an important part of the trial process and Markham can provide their comments should you be impacted.
To find out more information or provide your feedback -
click here
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McCowan Road Residential Watermain Upgrade
York Region will be upgrading approximately 300 metres of watermain along McCowan Road, from
May 21 to October 31
. The work includes replacing the watermain and installing new valve chambers and two fire hydrants.
There should be no impact to water services and access to all homes will be maintained.
Due to the nature of the work, there will be some construction-related noise and dust from the equipment and trucks, though every effort to minimize it will be made. As with all construction projects, some work may be re-scheduled due to weather or other conditions. Safety is a priority. Please slow down when travelling through the construction area.
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York Region continues to voice the need to take strong action for an Ontario-wide effort to
reduce litter and waste
in our communities. York Region provided comments to the Province outlining important steps and concerns to move towards zero waste in Ontario, including:
- transition the Blue Box to full producer responsibility making them both operationally and financially responsible for their waste and establish targets that obligate them to implement deposit return programs to augment the Blue Box program
- add a fourth R (Recovery) in waste diversion calculations to recognize the benefits of recovering the energy value of resources which provides a benefit. York Region recognizes the 4th R and in 2018 diverted 94% from landfill through the Durham York Energy Centre and other energy from Waste contracts.
- Develop Green Bin compostable standards that align with existing processing systems
- Take immediate and strong action to eliminate litter and plastic waste going to landfills and waterways, including single-use plastics and problematic materials through plans that includes a beverage container deposit return program
- Ensure extended producer responsibility requirements to help prevent and reduce litter in communities
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While York Region has ranked number one for waste diversion in large urban centres for the past 5 years, York Region needs to continue to lead this initiative and explore additional options.
For more information on the Region's waste management plan click
SM4RT Living or specifics about recycling and wast management in Markham can be found
here
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You've seen red light cameras while driving around Markham and hopefully you haven't received a ticket in the mail for being caught running a red light.
Red light cameras are used to help increase safety for cars, pedestrians and cyclists but reducing the number and severity of collisions. Statistics have shown that collisions are reduced by more than 70% at intersections with these cameras.
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There are over 40 red light cameras situated in York Region.
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York Regions's Water Reuse Research Demonstration project is one of many other initiatives that are being done. Wastewater can be reused or reclaimed water that has been treated to meet water quality criteria and can be used in a positive manner for tasks such as irrigation or industrial uses. Recycling this water for other purposes is good for the environment and helps to ensure our fresh water resources.
York Region's research has included a focus on using these reclaimed waters for use on growing sod, perennial flowers and germinating seeds. The project will continue for the 2019 growing season and the results will be analyzed to better understand the impact of using wastewater for irrigation purposes. The study is slated to continue to the end of the 2020 growing season. For more information
about
water and wastewater research activities.
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Have you been to the Rouge National Urban Park yet? It is one of Canada's National Park located in our own backyard.
There's always lots to do and things to see. Why not plan a day trip now that the weather is (hopefully) better.
- Guided Walks - check out the schedule here
- Learn to Camp - information session details
- Paddle the Rouge - June 15 - click here
- Canada Day - July 1 - click here
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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.
I'd be pleased to highlight other community meetings in future newsletters. Please forward the details to
dhamilton@markham.ca
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Frequently Asked Questions...
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As an ongoing section in these email updates, I would like to provide answers to some commonly asked questions by residents.
If you have a question that you would like answered, please send me an email with your question.
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Question:
There's a streetlight that isn't working. How do I report the outage so that it is fixed?
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Answer:
When you come across a streetlight that isn't lit, please take the time to report it as the light
helps drivers see pedestrians, cyclists, animals and other vehicles. All street lights have a unique identification number on the pole. It is important to take note of the number or know the details of the specific location.
If the streetlight is on a City road such as your street or in your immediate neighbourhood, it should be reported to the City by clicking
here.
If the streetlight is on a Regional road such as Highway 7 or Major Mackenzie, it should be reported to the Region's Traffic Department at 9
05-830-4444 Ext. 75200 or toll free 1-877-464-9675 Ext. 75200 or by email at
traffic@york.ca
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Working together to make Markham better!
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