April 26 2020
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
We're One Day Closer to COVID Being Over

Hold that thought!

Last week I missed recognizing Earth Day. My apologies.

This coming Tuesday is Workers' Memorial Day. We won't be holding our annual ceremony at the Civic Centre but nonetheless our thoughts remain with those that have suffered a workplace loss.

Did you ever think you would:
  • say how quiet it is outside
  • see so many people wearing masks everywhere you go
  • have empty store shelves
  • look up when you hear a plane
  • see 65 cent a litre gasoline
  • line up outside to get groceries
  • have your temperature taken before going in a store
  • see all political parties working together
  • not be able to visit friends and family freely
  • see no cars coming from either direction on Kennedy Road at 4:30pm on a weekday
  • see a run on toilet paper
  • know what PPE stands for
These are some of my observations. Do you have others you would like to share?

May 1st is Tuba Day and that makes me think of "Tuba Paul" who voluntarily serves on the Board of Markham at the Movies. Thanks to all Markham volunteers for helping to make our community even better.



Click here to read the previous edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
In this issue
- Welcome!
- Happy Highlights
- O Canada Together
- Clean and Safe
- MPL from Home
- Are You Open?
- Kitchen Fire Safety
- Beware of Malware and Phishing
- Mayor's Meet-Up
- Markham Makes PPE
- MATM Update
- Re-Opening Article
- Face Masks vs Face Coverings
- Road Construction Updates
- Takeout Wednesdays
- YR Food Network
- Calling 911 During COVID-19
- Who Should I Contact?
- York Region Update
- Community Meetings and Events
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.
2019 National Day of Mourning recognition at Markham Civic Centre
Welcome!

Just a quick note to welcome a number of new readers to the Deputy Mayor's Exchange. Thank you for joining us. This is the 54 th edition of the DME.

As a reminder to all readers, please feel free to forward the DME to other Markham residents and businesses that may find it of interest. Subscribe here
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.

York Region has launched the  #SpiritofYR campaign which invites residents, businesses and organizations in York Region to share their positive stories of a neighbour, a frontline worker, family member or anyone who has gone above and beyond during COVID-19.  More information
This week I would like to give a shout out to Eric Tappenden and the staff at Chapel Ridge Funeral Homes who continue to be great supporters of our community. When a call for PPE went out to both residents and local businesses, Eric and staff answered with a large donation of equipment. Eric even helped deliver the PPE to the four area long-term care centres, three seniors homes and Participation House. This donation was also highlighted in York Region's #spiritofyr campaign.
Another shout out this week goes to all those who have stepped up to volunteer for Canada Sews Markham . This group, headed by local resident Shanta Sundarason, has been sewing fabric masks and scrub caps and donating them to front line workers and others.

All within the last few weeks, the group has made and delivered hundreds of masks. However there is still a great need and they are looking for additional volunteers, donations of cotton fabric and elastic. If you would like to join the team or if you would like to request a donation of masks, you can connect with the group on  Facebook  or email  email.
Congratulations to the Canadian Care Collective and to all the local businesses and volunteers who have been providing meals to front line workers. Story here

Markham is a caring and giving community. Share stories, pictures and spark connections in a positive manner at our interactive online platform devoted to positivity during COVID-19. Join the conversation

Has any street or area shown their support for frontline workers by singing O Canada on Sunday at noon? Details on this initative can be found at Canada Together.

If so, please send it to me as I'd love to include it in a future edition of the DME.
Keeping Our Public Spaces Clean and Safe

We all need to do our part to keep the City's public spaces clean by not littering or dumping your household garbage in cans located in parks. Masks and gloves belong in your household garbage.

Markham Parks staff work through rain, hail, and snow to maintain our public spaces. Recently they have been out cleaning up winter debris located throughout the City. Have you noticed any Markham public spaces that need to be cleaned up? If so, please bring the area to the attention of the Parks Department through the Markham Contact Centre's online services , by phone at 9 05.477.5530 or by  email .

The Markham Public Library has launched a new website. Check it out.

This week at MPL - details here

MPL continues to offer Library at Home programs for the whole family. Even if you don't have a library card or have never even stepped foot in any of the Markham libraries, there are a lot of resources available to help students with online studies, keep small children busy and everyone entertained for hours. Details are available here.

To help capture the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Markham community, MPL is calling for submissions of stories, thoughts and experiences that describe how the pandemic has changed your day-to-day life.
 
Submissions are welcome in a variety of formats, including, but not limited to: journal entries, photographs, memory accounts, blog posts, poems, social media posts, audio recordings, video blogs, and hand-written notes. Share here

The MBT is working to help local businesses with resources to access various programs and events.

Support Markham Business - They have set up this website to make it easy for you to find what's open and where you can buy locally. Let's help each other battle COVID-19 together.

Careless cooking is the leading known cause of fire in Markham.

These fires most frequently occur during hours where residents are at home.

As many are at home more often at the moment, please make sure that your household is kitchen safe.
Beware of Malware and Phishing

Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to prey on unsuspecting and trusting individuals. Given the current global COVID-19 crisis, this is a lucrative business.
 
What is Phishing? Cybercriminals pose as a legitimate source or institution and attempt to lure individuals to share sensitive information such as banking details and passwords. Phishing can occur via email, telephone or text message.
 
Protect Yourself Against Cyber Attacks - Before opening an email or clicking on links, make sure you know who the sender is or you can validate the sender. Be cautious if:
  • You receive an email with “COVID-19” in the subject line or if you receive a text message or phone call about it
  • You receive a message about direct deposit for government grants
  • You receive an unexpected contact from your bank requesting information or confirmation of banking details
  • You are contacted by someone claiming to be the government, police or a lawyer
  • You receive a message that asks for your computer or phone password, personal information, banking information and any other personal identifiable information that should otherwise be confidential

Stay cyber safe. If you are unsure or suspicious about the sender or the authenticity of the message sent to you, do not click on the email, any hyperlinks within the message, and do not reply to the sender. If there is a phone number within the message, do not call it.
More information can be found at the 
or the York Regional Police Fraud Prevention website .

Mayor's Meet-Up

There will be another virtual meeting this week on Wednesday April 29 at 6:00pm.

The call will review financial relief programs and Thornhill MP Mary Ng , Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade will also join the call.
Markham Library Creates PPE and Medical Equipment

The City has acted on the suggestion from a resident to help in the fight against COVID-19 by using 3D printers to make Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as face shield components and ear savers and City staff are also sewing non-medical face masks.
In the Makerspace at the Aaniin library branch, Digital Literacy Specialists work alone using the 10 3D printers to print head bands and ear savers which help reduce chafing that health care professionals are experiencing on their ears. Sewing machines in the Library’s Creation Studio are being used to make non-medical face masks for distribution. In the spirit of being together alone, other staff are sewing non-medical face masks using their own sewing machines from home to support this initiative.

Production of PPE is in response to the growing need in the community. The first delivery of around 90 face shields were delivered to the Markham Stouffville Hospital . Future production will be delivered to where they are needed most, while also addressing the critical shortage at the hospital.
Markham at the Movies is happy to share this week’s films and interviews from TIFF Stay-at-Home Cinema. Anthropocene: The Human Epoch, The Hate U Give, and Bad Education.

Get instructions and watch live and past films and interviews from TIFF here

TIFF Film Circuit People's Choice Awards 2019 - Cast a Vote for your favourite Canadian and International films screened via Film Circuit in 2019.
Voting takes place now until Friday, May 1st. Click here to vote.
 by Richard Florida


We must prepare for a protracted battle with coronavirus. But there are changes we can make now to prepare locked-down cities for what’s next. Read More


Wearing a face covering is an additional measure you can take to protect others around you, especially in situations where physical distancing guidelines cannot be maintained.

What’s the difference between face mask and a face covering?
  • Face masks are manufactured with medical grade materials and are used by front-line healthcare workers and first responders. A N95 mask is a medical grade face mask that provides protection to filter out 95 per cent of airborne particles.
  • Face coverings are made out of any non-medical-grade material and can include such things as homemade masks, scarves and handkerchiefs. It is important to note that while face coverings can be an added layer of protection, they will not necessarily protect you from COVID-19. When worn properly, they can help reduce the risk of you transferring germs and viruses to others.

How to use, clean and dispose of face coverings - If you choose to wear a face covering, it is important to keep the following in mind:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds immediately before and after applying your face covering
  • Make sure the face covering fits well around your nose and mouth
  • Avoid adjusting or touching your face or the face covering while wearing it
  • Do not share face coverings with others
When discarding a face covering that cannot be cleaned, make sure to throw it into a lined garbage bin and wash your hands after. Never flush a face covering to dispose of it and don't litter. Take it home and dispose of it properly. If you decide to clean and re-use a face covering, you should:
  • Put it directly into the washing machine or a bag that can be emptied into the washing machine
  • Wash with other items using a hot cycle with laundry detergent and dry thoroughly
  • Wash your hands after putting the face covering in the laundry

Looking to make your own non-medical face covering? Here are some easy instructions for both sew and non-sew options that you can make at home. Details here

It must be spring as road construction signs are popping up like the dandelions. Below are some of the sites on Regional roads where roads will be impacted. Safety is important for all. Please reduce your speed and respect signage in these areas. Work may be resheculed due to weather or delayed with restrictions related to COVID-19 and Public Health guidelines.

Notice of Traffic Signal Modifications

Notice of Intersection Improvements

Notice of Traffic Signal Improvements

Show your support for local restaurants with Takeout Wednesday or perhaps takeout on any other day.

Restaurants are doing their part by staying open for takeout. Now it’s our turn to take an active part in the support of an industry that employs millions of people in this country and thousands of fellow Markham residents.

Learn more and if you aren't sure if your favourite restaurant is doing takeout, give them a call or check out their website.

Join the YRFN on April 27 for their upcoming session where they will discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the agriculture sector, how the public can support local food and opportunities to strengthen our food system. Register here

Every Wednesday join the YRFN (virtual) Lunch Table. Details can be found here. Also, the deadline to be a a part of the their Good Food Box program is coming up soon.

There are also a number of upcoming online seminars being offered by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). Their webinars include several birding sessions, various gardening topics and other conservation topics. Details here .

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, if you have a medical emergency, the best place to go is still the ER. There has been a decrease in non-COVID related trips to the ER. Don't be afraid to go to the emergency department.

For more tips and information on who to call and when to call can be found here including:
  • Should I go to the Emergency Department or call York Paramedics?
  • Should I call 911 or go to an assessment centre if I think I have COVID-19?
  • Tips when you call
  • What if I have a non-medical 911 emergency?

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. 
MP Helena Jaczek - Markham-Stouffville - MPP Paul Calandra
MP Bob Saroya - Markham-Unionville - MPP Billy Pang
MP Mary Ng - M arkham-Thornhill -   MPP Logan Kanapathi
MP Peter Kent - Thornhill - M PP Gila Martow

There is a meeting of York Region Council this week which will be conducted via virtual meeting. Details of this and upcoming YR meetings and other information is available  here
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
Working together to make Markham better!