April 12 2020
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Even though we remain in the state of COVID-19 crisis, my family and I hope that you had an enjoyable Easter or Passover. It's amazing how innovative we can be when conditions demand it. There were lots of virtual Easter and Seder dinners this weekend.
A very special Canadian started his Marathon of Hope across Canada 40 years ago today! Unfortunately,
Terry Fox was not able to realize his coast-to-coast dream. Regardless we continue to raise money in his name for cancer research. I hope we will be able to do so again this September as we have for so many years.
Interesting enough, but not really too surprising, crime in York Region is way down. Break-ins are at a record low of zero. I can't imagine why!
People have said to me that if we continue to work from home once this crisis has passed, we won't need to spend millions of dollars widening roads.
See below for the good news on yard waste pick-up! Thanks to Councillors McAlpine, Irish, Rea and Keyes for their support in solving this issue.
I've tried to keep this week's DME a bit on the lighter side. Please continue to wash your hands regularly and maintain the prescribed 6 foot physical distance and for gosh sake please
DON'T STAND SO CLOSE TO ME!
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In this issue
- COVID-19 Resources
- Happy Highlights
- Zoom Town Hall
- Yard Waste Pickup
- Are Parks and Trails Open?
- Markham Board of Trade
- Markham Small Business Centre
- Don't Litter
- At Home Art Activities
- MPL from Home
- Making Dinner More?
- Staying Active at Home
- York Region Update
- Community Meetings and Events
- Q & A
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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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Information About COVID-19
- click on the
blue
text to access COVID 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 Member of Provincial Parliament.
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Happy Highlights
I am starting a feature highlighting good news and events happening around the City. Please
send me your local initiatives and I will be happy to include them in future editions of the DME.
This weekend the Neighbourhood Watch group on Berkeley and Stanford in Unionville hosted a tribute to front line workers with families properly distancing on their driveways holding signs of thanks. Well done!
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Newmarket has posted a
video
that featuring local community leaders, musicians, entrepreneurs and residents joining together during the COVID-19.
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Another bit of happy! While we were out for our walk, we happened upon this family working on their Easter chalk message and enjoying the lovely spring weather.
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York Region has recently launched our
#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.
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Tuesday April 14 at 7pm
Join Mayor Frank Scarpitti, York Region Medical Officer of Health Dr. Karim Kurji and Andy Taylor, CAO City of Markham for a video chat. We want to connect with you and share information.
If you are unable to join on
Zoom
, the meeting will also be live streamed on Twitter and Facebook.
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Yard Waste pickup has been reinstated beginning the week of April 20 (on your
regular pickup day
). Miller Waste had initially advised that yard waste pick up would be delayed until May 19 to better allocate their resources to green & blue bin and household waste pickup. Miller wasn't sure how COVID-19 would impact their driver availability.
Miller Waste has reversed their earlier decision and bi-weekly yard waste pickup will begin soon. In the meantime, please keep your yard waste bags dry.
Details on the pickup schedule and to sign up for an email reminder on what to put out each week click
here.
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There has been some confusion on what is closed and open regarding City of Markham parks and trails.
Currently the City's trails and parks are open. Everyone needs to continue to practice physical distancing. All park amenities including playground equipment, basketball, tennis courts and benches are NOT to be used. Please keep your space on bridges and don't congregate in parking lots.
Please note that all
York Region Forests are closed to the public. I have received numerous emails about why YRFs are closed. I'm also disappointed by this decision as I'm also an active user of the trail system, but it is a decision that was made at the Regional level as some users at various locations had not taken physical distancing guidelines seriously.
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The Markham Board of Trade is working to help local businesses (and soon consumers) with resources to
access various programs and events.
Consider joining their member only COVID-19 support group.
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Rallying for Markham's Small Businesses
MSBC has assembled a collection of some of the top quick tips they've been hearing about, and what they mean for us and our local Markham small businesses.
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Remember that used tissues, napkins and paper towels should now be placed in the garbage and not the Green bin. As I have previously mentioned, gloves and masks should be put in the regular garbage. All of these items can be a source of contamination. Please don't litter.
As a reminder, Markham’s Textile Recycling Program is continuing to operate. All textile bins are fully operational.
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YRAC has begun to compile a list of things to do from home. Whether you're an artist or just looking for something to do, take a look at their resource page for a wide-range of activities offered by arts organizations locally and abroad.
If you have something to add to their list as you are running an at-home events or activities during this time, send them an
email
to be featured on their site.
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Markham Public Library (MPL) continues to offer online programming for both kids and adults.
- STEAM Tuesdays - How to Make a Measuring Wheel - Our STEAM activity this week is how to make a measuring wheel! Don't know what that is? Tune in to find out, this lesson incorporates making and math and lots of fun! For ages 7+. Tuesday April 14 at 2pm - Facebook Live
- Digital Thursday - How to Use Consumer Reports Database - Did you know your library card gives you access to hundreds of newspapers and magazines from around the world? Learn how to use PressReader to enjoy reading your favourite newspapers and magazines in the comfort of your home. Thursday April 16 at 10am - Facebook Live
- Trivia Night! - Finding things to do with friends can be hard while social distancing, set up a Google Hangout session together to join in on some trivia fun! Friday April 17 at 8pm - Facebook Live
- Circle Time - An interactive session with songs, rhymes, finger play and stories. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10 am - Facebook Live
- Quick and easy guide to Canada's Emergency benefits
There is an abundance of things to read, listen to, watch and learn from the comfort of your home -
MPL from home
. As a reminder, all
Markham Public Library
branches are closed until further notice. Items that have due dates during the closure have been extended and will not accumulate fines.
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By getting into the habit of cooking more often you will experience the benefits of home cooking, gain confidence in your skills and have fun! Here are 30 new recipes from the York Region's
Let's Cook 30
challenge for you to try.
Details here
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Physical activity is good for our physical and mental health. It gives us energy, decreases stress, makes us stronger, and it can help prevent chronic diseases. Here are some easy things you can do:
- Take short activity or stretch breaks throughout the day. Try to reduce long periods of time spent sitting by taking a short 5-minute break every 20 to 30 minutes
- Play active games with your immediate family. You can set up playground games indoors or make up some new games – be creative
- Do gardening, yard work or chores around the house. Get work done while getting in some activity
- Create an indoor workout routine – try some muscle or strength training using items you already have in your home
- Make time for fun. Dance to your favourite music or learn a new skill
- Go for a walk or a run outside, but remember to keep a safe 2-metre (6 feet) distance from other people
Try mixing up your activities to add some variety to your routine. Stay hydrated, and if you are a beginner, start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time you spend being active. It is never too late to add more physical activity to your day -
Learn more
Did you know that that City has posted a number of activities and classes that you can do in your home -
have a look
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We will have another virtual York Region Council meeting this week.
Details of 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
: When this COVID-19 crisis is finally over are my taxes going to go sky high to pay for all the money that's been promised by all levels of government?
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Answer: This is a difficult question to answer as all levels of government are currently focused on providing the resources required to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be fiscal consequences, no doubt, but the City will work to find a solution once this crisis has diminished. During our March 27th
Special Council meeting
, there was discussion about the financial impact to the City and we did discuss some of the initial impact. We expect a more detailed report will be presented at our next Council meeting.
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Working together to make Markham better!
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