May 31 2020
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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...that the recreation department summer camps that are so very popular with Markham families have been cancelled for this year along with a multitude of other programs. Council had discussions around whether the camps would run this year or not, and under what conditions, but I didn't think any final decision had been made. Apparently I was wrong! This will impose great hardship on many working parents who will need to try and find alternatives for their kids. And there won't likely be many alternatives out there.
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Thanks to Sylvia Morris for her pictures of Blue Hearts in support of health care workers. Check out the montage of photos she took from around Unionville, below. How about Thornhill, Milliken or Markham Village? If you have something like this happening in your area, do let me know.
We need to hear from you!
Stay in touch.
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In this issue
- Happy Highlights
- Summer's Cancelled
- Yonge Subway Update
- New AI Road Technology
- Ready, Set, Create
- Finding Programs Made Easy
- Railway Maintenance
- MPL from Home
- What's Next for Highway 48
- Who Should I Contact?
- York Region Update
- Community Meetings and Events
- Q & A - YorkSafe
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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
As a part of an ongoing series, I am highlighting good news and events happening around the City.
If you have something to share, please
send me the details of your local initiatives and I will be happy to include them in future editions of the DME.
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Have you seen blue hearts popping up in your neighbourhood? They are a tribute to our Health Care Workers.
Here's a sampling from around Unionville.
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This week the City of Markham made the difficult decision to cancel all planned summer recreation, swimming, culture and library camps and programs but is exploring alternative programming options.
This decision was made by following the Government of Ontario’s
Framework for Reopening our Province
,
a responsible and measured approach to recovery that allows municipalities to make their own decisions for reopening based on local circumstances and trends.
Council and City staff are reviewing the permissions granted by the Province while maintaining the health and safety of the community and our employees as its number one priority. It is hoped that alternative programming options for summer can align with the Province's directions.
The City of Markham understands the needs of families during the summer and will balance that with ensuring a safe experience for all. These options are dependent on the lifting of the current provincial orders and recommendations from public health officials.
While the future of summer camps and other programs remain uncertain, residents are encouraged to check out the City’s free recreation, culture and library programming available for free online:
These free programs help support your physical, mental and emotional well-being as we weather the global pandemic, together (while apart).
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On Thursday, York Regional Council authorized an agreement with the Province to fund and build the Yonge North Subway Extension [YNSE] project which was a significant milestone.
Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario are working together on this project which will strengthen the regional transit system by again extending subway service outside of Toronto into York Region. The target completion date is 2029-30. Read more
here
.
The next vital step is to receive a full funding commitment from the federal government to get this critical project built. Investment in shovel-ready infrastructure is an essential part of any fiscal stimulus plan that puts people to work and creates assets that will help boost Canada's long-term economic growth for years to come. YRRTC and York Region will continue working with all levels of government to help move this critical project forward.
For more information on the Yonge North Subway Extension project, including a
fact sheet
,
brochure
and
video
, and to stay informed on our updates, visit their
website
.
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Spring is here and the City of Markham continues to provide road, park and trail maintenance services as we prepare to move into the Summer months.
The Road Operations division is piloting artificial intelligence software for pothole detection, neighbourhood street trees are being pruned, and litter is actively being cleaned-up in our parks and trails. Learn more
here
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Now's the time Markham! All residents are invited to create, engage and share your artistic expressions.
Markham Creates is now open and will run until June 14. The challenge is divided into four disciplines: performing arts, visual arts, exhibit design and creative writing.
Performing Arts
– The
Flato Markham Theatre
is calling on all residents of Markham, including vocalists, dancers, singers, actors, choral groups and other talented members, to submit an online performance. Finalists will receive a mentorship program of three one-on-one coaching sessions in their respective discipline and at least one master class or workshop with a professional artist, along with a unique opportunity to perform live on stage at the Flato Markham Theatre. Mentors include
George St. Kitts
, Juno Awards nominee, producer and singer (music);
Emily Cheung
, Artistic Director of
Little Pear Company
(dance),
Alan Kinsella
, Director of Lower Ossington Theatre, Toronto Youth Theatre and Artistic Director of FMT camps (theatre) and platinum recording artist, multiple Juno and Gemini Awards Nominee, singer-songwriter, producer, and actress
Jully Black
(all disciplines).
Visual Arts
– The
Varley Art Gallery
invites artists to submit current work in a paint medium, created within the last 12 months, along with an artist’s statement. Finalists will have a chance to be mentored by senior artist,
John Abrams
, virtually meet with the Director of the Varley Art Gallery,
Niamh O’Laoghaire
and experience a virtual studio visit with the award-winning Varley Curator,
Anik Glaude
. Finalists will also have their work in a virtual display on the City website.
Exhibit Design
– The
Markham Museum
invites the community to creatively relate the story of their family’s settlement and/or life in Markham using words, images and family ‘artifacts’. Finalists will be mentored by curator,
Janet Reid
, exhibit designer,
Mark Scheibmayr
, and the Museum programmer, Andrea Carpenter. Finalists will also have the opportunity to exhibit and showcase their work at the Markham Museum and in a virtual display on the City and Markham Museum websites.
Creative Writing
– The
Markham Public Library
calls all writers to submit one piece of original, unpublished creative writing centred around their experience arriving, settling or living in Markham. Submissions can take the form of a short story or poem. Finalists will be provided with the opportunity to learn from professionals in the writing community, such as
Missy Marston
, author of last year’s Markham Reads selection, as well as,
Ariana Ferrone
,
author and Community Librarian, Culture and Creativity. Works will be showcased by the Library and other culture venues, as well as be part of an eBook that will be available through the Library’s digital collection.
Five top finalists (in each category) will be chosen and shall receive:
- Mentorship by a distinguished professional in the respective discipline
- Performance/Exhibition
- Online Exhibit/Showcase
Five finalists from each category will be announced during the City of Markham's virtual Canada Day celebrations, July 1st. For full contest details and to upload your submission visit
markham.ca/creates.
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York Region has made significant changes to services and programming offered including temporary closures, reduced hours and changes to how residents can interact with staff. These changes will continue to evolve as the Province begins to re-open in stages over the next few weeks and months.
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Railway Maintenance
Denison Street from Clayton Drive to Gorvette Road will be closed next weekend from Friday June 12 at 10pm to Monday June 15 at 5am. The closure is to facilitate Metrolinx maintenance at the railway crossing. Please plan accordingly.
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The Markham Public Library continues to offer many programs, virtual meetups and other resources for both kids and adults.
Check out their Library at Home programming. Here are some of MPL's offerings this week:
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There is currently a visioning exercise being done to review the possible growth scenarios for lands near Highway 48 in the north end of Markham. The project is being led by the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville and there is additional information and documents about the project
here
. Details of the online workshop that was held on April 30 can be found
here
which discussed land use options.
The project is seeking input and Markham residents are encouraged to participate as any future growth in this area will affect current Markham residents. The survey is available until June 5th and can be found
here
.
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What level of Government can
help
?
False information continues to spread about COVID-19. Please use official sources to verify what you have heard or read. The best sources of official updates are noted below. The
City's page helps to decipher who to contact about various issues.
Below are some links mentioned - click on the
blue
text to access updates and resources
COVID-19 Assessment Centres
- check their website for specific hours
Federal or Provincial issues, please contact your local Member of Parliament or your Member of Provincial Parliament.
Upcoming Meetings
- June 1 - virtual General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
- June 2 - virtual Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
- June 3 - virtual Housing York Meeting - 9am - details
- June 8 - virtual Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
- June 9 - virtual Council Meeting - 1pm - details
- June 11 - virtual York Region Council - 9am - details
- June 11 - virtual Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - 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.
- 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, please email it to me.
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Question: Why do you no longer include
YorkSafe notices in your weekly eletter?
Answer: The York Region staff who did the restaurant and food store inspections looking for infractions have been redeployed to other Public Health tasks during this COVID crisis. Most restaurants have only been open for take-out. I still believe that inspections should be done and will bring the matter up at York Region Council. Thanks for your question!
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Working together to make Markham better!
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