July 26 2020
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
Second time lucky?

Last Friday, under the hot afternoon sun, on the parking lot of the Pan Am Centre, Premier Doug Ford and York University President Rhonda Lenton along with other dignitaries announced, for a second time, that Markham would be home to a York University campus. The present Provincial government removed support at the start of its mandate but has since returned to the table with operating funding. Construction funding will be provided by York U, the donation of land is by the City of Markham and a there is a $25 million taxpayer supported gift from York Region. Welcome once again to York University! The construction will commence shortly.

Congratulations to everyone as York Region cautiously moves into Stage 3 recovery. Saturday we went out for dinner to a local restaurant and we ate in their dining room. We encourage you to do the same. They need our support! Stage 3 also means that baseball, cricket and basketball leagues can restart under strict conditions. See below for details.

The City is almost ready to reopen Morgan Park pool. Stay tuned for exciting details. The sooner the better given the weather we've been having of late. Splash pads are fully operational!

Last week Markham announced its strategy for combating anti-Black racism. Please see the article below for full details.

I hope you have a productive week.


Click here to read the previous edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
In this issue
- Mask and the C19 Dashboard
- York U Markham a Go Again
- New Strategy
- C19 Testing at MSH
- Help Envision Markham Centre
- Mount Joy Secondary Plan
- Mission Monarch
- Commit to Fit
- Six Things for Your Trees
- Is Your Workplace Fire Safe?
- YRFN Happenings
- Gone Before You Know It
- Drowning Prevention Week
- Hey Cyclists
- Updates and What's Open
- Markham Group of Artists
- Beat the Heat
- Evergreen's Cycle for Life
- Markham Board of Trade
- MPL from Home
- Upcoming Meetings
- 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.

York Region has moved into Stage 3 where gathering limits are 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors as long as physical distancing can be maintained. Don't invite more than your space can allow, keep your distance and stay at home if you are unwell. Stay vigilant and ask yourself about the level of risk with activities before participating. More information

Curious about where you need to wear a face covering? While masks can be hot and uncomfortable, they are now mandatory while indoors in York Region. Please remember wearing a mask is not a replacement for physical distancing, hand washing and monitoring your own health. Stay informed

York Region Public Health has information specific to our area - details here. T he information is broken down based on where the cases have been identified, how people have been infected, trends, testing facilities and more. You can see how Markham has been impacted by COVID-19. Facts and figures

On Friday I attended the official announcement that the York University Markham campus that had been shelved is once again a go and building will commence soon. Markham will be home to York Region’s first public university campus and the largest university investment in the region.

Construction on the shovel-ready project will start as early as next week with doors set to open in the Fall of 2023. The announcement is the culmination of a solid partnership and significant commitments from York University, the City of Markham, York Region and private donors. The Province of Ontario supports this new campus, which makes York University the first project to comply with the province’s new university expansion framework.

The York University Markham Centre Campus will be a state-of-the-art campus and will be located in the heart of Markham Centre on Enterprise Boulevard, next to the Markham Pan Am Centre, and is a 5-minute walk to the Unionville GO station. The Campus will give students access to more than twenty degree programs, including a variety of professional programs as well as innovative joint programs with York’s academic partner, Seneca College. More information can be found here .

This week the City announced its strategy to combat anti-black racism. The full statement can be read here. Recognizing that more needs to be done to combat anti-Black racism, promote equality and to support diversity and inclusion, Markham Council has unanimously endorsed a Strategy to Combat Anti-Black Racism.

Some of the actions that the City take moving forward will include: an equity audit, updating its Diversity Action Plan, and Council/staff training. The City will be appointing a Special Advisor to provide advice and guidance on measures to address anti-Black racism. Also, the City will establish the Mayor's anti-Black Racism Youth Liaison Committee and Sydney Baxter , a grade 11 student and young community leader who led a protest to combat anti-black racism, will join this Committee.

Full statement from the City of Markham - here

A reader of this DME brought to my attention that last week the COVID Assessment Centre at MSH introduced a new pre-registration requirement. The clinic is no longer a drop in facility.

If you are concerned that you may have COVID-19 complete the online self assessment tool to help determine what actions you should take. If you need urgent medical care, call 911 and inform the dispatcher of your symptoms, travel or contact history and concerns about COVID-19.

Should you need to or want to take a COVID-19 test, all individuals must pre-register before going to the Assessment Centre at MSH to be swabbed. The clinic is open 7 days a week and appointments can only be booked for the same day. To pre-register call 905-472-7670. Further detail

The City is developing a vision for the future of Markham Centre. What do you want your downtown to look like? A bunch of tall buildings?
 
Last year, the City held several pop-ups across Markham to  find out what the community thought   of Markham Centre. Comments ranged from the positives of the proximity to the Rouge River and its shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and building design. But also noted was the hope for were more parks, public gathering spaces, affordable housing, and community services.

Now the City is embarking on the next phase of engagement you are invited to participate further and give your input on what you want to see in this area as development continues.

In keeping with public gathering restrictions due to COVID-19, the City has adapted all in-person public engagement to a series of virtual interactive discussions, with the first one scheduled for this week. You are welcome to participate even if that just means listening to find out more.

When: Tuesday, July 28, 2020 from 7pm to 9pm - register here

Check out the short video series where you'll learn more about the Secondary Plan and the Markham Centre evolution, achievements, and opportunities. Want to share your thoughts on the future of Markham Centre? There are opportunities to provide your feedback through the tools on this webpage or by email at yourmarkhamcentre@markham.ca if you can't attend the virtual meeting.

Additional upcoming events
  • August 11 - virtual engagement meeting #2 - details to come
  • August 25 - virtual engagement meeting #3 -details to come

The City is looking for input on the Markham Road - Mount Joy Secondary Plan to reflect the needs and ideas of the people who live, work, shop and play in this community. This work is being done to update the City's  2014 Official Plan . This area is imagined to become “a mixed-use local corridor that functions as a main street integrating a range of housing, employment, shopping and recreation opportunities, at transit-supportive densities adjacent to the GO station, to serve the adjacent communities of Berczy Village, Wismer Commons, Greensborough and Swan Lake.” 
The Markham Road - Mount Joy Secondary Plan Study  was started in November 2019 as a first step to preparing a new secondary plan. The Study will address land use and urban design, transportation, and municipal servicing to support the development of a sustainable and complete community.

The area includes lands along both sides of Markham Road from 16th Avenue in the south to Major Mackenzie Drive East in the north, between the Stouffville GO rail line to the east and the westerly limit of properties fronting Markham Road to the west. The study area extends slightly beyond the Secondary Plan area as shown in the map to the right.

The City wants to hear from you . Join the virtual Community Information Session to learn more about the Markham Road - Mount Joy Secondary Plan Study.


Share your ideas to shape how this community will grow, move and change over time. The Zoom link will be posted here on the day of the meeting. Learn more.

From now until August 2 join thousands of volunteers in North America with the 4th annual International Monarch Monitoring Blitz. By photographing and documenting your Monarch sightings you will provide researchers with valuable data to help save this endangered species. More information can be found here.

Thanks to former Ward 1 Councillor Valerie Burke for making Markham Canada's first Monarch friendly city!

The City's Recreation Department continues to adapt programs in response to COVID-19 and has taken a number of offerings online. There are now live virtual fitness classes brought to you right from the City's fitness studio. Commit to fit this summer with 6 or 7 weeks of group fitness for under $35. More information about classes can be found here . Virtual class options include barre, body weight boot camp, cardio dance, core strength and stretch, pilates, low impact, muscle conditioning, nia, yoga, or zumba.

Wondering if you will see other participants during virtual classes? Yes, you will be able to connect and chat with fellow fitness participants and the instructor. You also have the option to turn off your video and sound if you choose not to be seen or heard during virtual class. All classes are scheduled through Zoom meeting style format. A technician will be on every Zoom class to assist you.

The revitalized Morgan Outdoor Pool is set to open soon for lane swimming, lessons and private rentals with appropriate precautions. On August 4, Markham Pan Am Centre will open for endurance lane swimming. Please note that pre-booking will be required.

The City continues to take a responsible and measured approach to reopening facilities . The latest information and updates about City services, what’s open, what’s closed and what’s cancelled, please visit markham.ca/covid19 .

Urban trees exist in conditions very different from those of a natural forest. You can help your trees with proper care to protect them from harsh urban stressors. Follow these easy tips to help your trees survive and flourish:
  • Water regularly
  • Protect the trunk
  • Avoid chemical pesticides and fertilizers
  • Avoid tying, nailing or attaching anything to trees
  • Avoid digging or excavating near trees and avoid piling soil near trees
  • Do not prune without knowing proper techniques.
Further information about these points can be found in the full article here .
 
LEAF continues to offer programs to add more green to your property. T he Backyard Tree Planting program provides trees to Markham residents at a discounted price for selected species, for up to a total of 5 trees per property (space permitting) - details here .

Whether you're working in an office or at home, your workplace needs to be fire safe.

Markham Fire is remotely offering City of Markham businesses free fire safety presentations fit for an office or work from home spaces. If interested, submit your request here.

This Wednesday (July 29) deadline for their next Good Food Box pick up on August 5th. The program has been expanded and there is now a pick up location in Markham.

More information and registration details for their upcoming events including a "What's for Dinner" Facebook event on Thursday and a guest speaker on Friday can be found here.

Watch how quickly a vehicle can be stolen from your driveway. YRP investigators have recently recovered more than 50 stolen vehicles as a part of an ongoing investigation.

Click here for more information.

We've just concluded National Drowning Prevention Week and I should have included the details in last week's DME. Over 400 Canadians drown in preventable water related incidents annually. Lifejackets don't work if you don't wear them. Not wearing a Lifejacket or PFD was a factor in 88% of boating deaths.

Put your phone down and pay close attention when supervising kids near water. Drowning can happen in as little as 10 seconds.

Learn more about being safe around the water and how you can prevent water related incidents.

Get out and get active by cycling to Markham Centre along Enterprise Boulevard from Main Street Unionville and the Rouge Valley Trail System. Enterprise will be closed every Sunday and Statutory Holiday until Labour Day Weekend. Free minor cycle tune-up! More information can be found at Markham.ca/GetActive.

Set a summer cycling goal, bike to local Markham landmarks and win prizes! A scavenger hunt on two wheels is a great way to stay active and explore the City this summer. Every two weeks, a new theme will be announced, with a new set of locations to visit and a new chance to win. Check out  markhamcycles.ca for more information.
Cycling is growing in popularity this summer.

There are lots of great places to ride and it’s a perfect time to make sure that your helmet fits properly. Are you following the 2-V-1 guidelines?

More information on bike safety and cycling in York Region.
Please remember to keep a safe distance from those outside your Social Circle. Learn More
York Region has entered Stage 3 of reopening.
Wondering what this means for you. What's open and what's closed?
Have your “going-out” checklist ready. Everyone now has one more thing to remember when leaving the house.


Are you a MGA member? Membership for the 2020 - 2021 season is now available to artists in the Markham, Toronto, and surrounding areas. MGA has an exciting fall season lined up. Consider joining to meet fellow artists and to improve your technique through workshops, critiques, and demonstrations. They also offer opportunities to show your artwork at various locations and online on their website and social media. Member benefits also include discounts at local art stores as well as group memberships with the York Region Arts Council and the Markham Arts Council. Join now before September 30 for early bird savings - details here .
  • Free Bi-weekly Peering In - Zoom critiques continue every other Wednesday at 7:30pm - email MGA for more information.
  • Free Plein Air Continues on Thursdays (weather permitting) at various places throughout the area. Locations will be posted on the MGA website and their social media every Monday.

Open Juried Show Coming in August - MGA is inviting artists from Toronto and the GTA to submit paintings to Windows Open 2020, an Open Juried Virtual Show, opening August 22 to September 25. Since most art shows and exhibitions have been cancelled this season due to COVID-19 rules, MGA has decided to have its first Open show inviting non-members to join them for a juried art show. MGA wants to give local artists the opportunity to show and sell their work - details.
Try to Beat the Heat and Stay Cool

The weather continues to be hot and humid and the forecasts looks like our streak of hot weather is going to continue. Here's a quick reminder to stay cool and hydrated, keep people and pets out of parked vehicles and to check on elderly persons.

Although wearing a mask or face covering in high heat and humidity can make breathing difficult, they are still required in indoor public spaces. When outdoors, keep a safe distance from others (2 metres/6 feet), especially when not wearing a mask or face covering.

Unfortunately due to COVID-19 restrictions, the City isn't able to provide designated cooling centres. Splash pads  are now open with appropriate physical distancing. In addition to the tips already noted, here are some more tips to beat the heat:
  • check in with friends, neighbours, and elderly family members, especially those who are chronically ill, to make sure they are cool and hydrated
  • plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day or avoid outdoor activities
  • spend a few hours in a cool place such as a tree-shaded area
  • avoid sun exposure - shade yourself by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or using an umbrella
  • watch for the symptoms of heat illness including dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst, decreased urination
  • if you are taking medication or have an existing health condition, ask your doctor or pharmacist if heat exposure increases your health risk and follow their advice
  • set your air conditioner between 22C (72F) and 26C (79F) to reduce your energy costs and provide you with needed relief. If you have a window air conditioner, cool only one room where you can go for heat relief.

In the new tradition of virtual events, Evergreen Hospice is planning their own cycling event to support palliative care for people living in Markham, Thornhill and Stouffville.

Evergreen's Virtual Cycle For Life will begin on August 1st and run until Aug 30th. Look for more details  here . You can join up and get sponsors or create a team to raise money for Evergreen Hospice’s support services in the community.

Evergreen has gone virtual with their support services - details here . They have received a large number of new contacts as people are dealing with the death of a loved-one from COVID-19. Some are navigating other illnesses, palliative and bereavement situations but the restrictions in place are limiting their ability to access services and supports and to practice their usual mourning traditions. Evergreen has collected a series of resources for people in any of these situations. More detail about Evergreen can be found here .

The MBT has set up openinmarkham.com which highlights Markham businesses that are counting on your support for their local community based business. Check out all of the local spots that would love to see you (with your mask on of course!). Promote your Markham based business for free on this new MBT website .

Also, businesses should visit the MBT COVID-19 resources page providing up to date information on the ever changing programs offered by government as well as a region wide list of companies that offer product and services that can assist business as they reopen.

The Library continues to offer many programs , suggested reading lists, tutoring, virtual meetups and other resources for both kids and adult s. Details about all the MPL from Home offerings can be found here .

Not sure what to read next? Simply answer a few questions and the MPL staff will put together a Grab & Go Bag for you that includes 6 items they think you will enjoy reading. Items can be renewed or returned individually so that you can return the items you are done with and have more time with the items you are still using. Once your bag is ready, a staff member will contact you to arrange a pick-up date and time. Items are due 6 weeks after they are checked out. More information about this new Grab & Go Bag program can be found here .
Upcoming Meetings

  • July 28 - Markham Centre Secondary Plan - 7pm - details
  • July 29 - Markham Road - Mount Joy Virtual CIS - 6:30pm - details
  • July 30 - YR Special Council Meeting - details
  • August 11 - Markham Centre Secondary Plan Meeting 2 - 7pm - details
  • August 25 - Markham Centre Secondary Plan Meeting 3 - 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.

We have been holding all meetings virtually including York Region Council meetings and live streaming details can be found here . Details of upcoming YR meetings and past session 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.


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!