Click here to read the previous edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.

On Friday, the Province announced further restrictions for York Region which will be joining Toronto, Peel and Ottawa in modified Stage 2 restrictions. Effective 12:01am on Monday October 19 for a period of 28 days, gyms and fitness centres will not be permitted to open and restaurants will not be able to offer indoor dining. I have already received several emails asking why the City is restricting various activities or locations. It isn't the City's or even York Region's decision on what is kept open and what needs to closed. The restrictions are set by the Province. More information can be found here.

Getting a flu shot each year provides the best protection against becoming ill with the flu. Since the viruses causing the flu can change every year, an annual flu shot is needed. More information about the flu and the flu vaccine can be found here.

During the Fall, Markham Fire typically receives an influx of requests from residents to conduct outdoor burning on their property. Most outdoor burning activity will NOT be permitted. A Permit for Fire in Open Air is required for all outdoor burning of solid fuels (wood, brush, etc.) under Markham Bylaw 85-97.

This restriction includes chiminea and other outdoor appliances designed to burn wood and other solid fuels. Such permits will not be issued for locations south of Major Mackenzie Drive and west of Reesor Road. If you reside north of Major Mackenzie Drive or East of Reesor Road and wish to conduct open burning, you may only do so once your request for an open area fire permit is approved. Your permit will not be valid until your request is reviewed and approved by Markham Fire and Emergency Services. You may only conduct open burning upon receiving a separate notification of your permit approval. To apply for Permit for Fire in Open Air call 905.477.5520 or apply online here.

The work will extend the life and strengthen the structural integrity of the sewer that services the area. It is expected the work will be completed by the end of 2022. Phase one of this project, from west of Williamson Road to Ninth Line, was completed in 2019. More information about this project can be found at york.ca/waterconstruction. Register here for the project mailing list to receive updates.

Join the Markham Arts Council and textile artist Elina Ten, as she shows you how to make wearable fabric poppies as a mark of respect to our Veterans on the occasion of Remembrance Day.

When: October 23

Where: Online

Cost: $25 (for the art kits) - all proceeds raised from the sale of the art kits will be donated to the Markham District Veterans Association

Public libraries play a vital role in promoting literacy, offering opportunities for lifelong learning, building cohesive communities and providing a space for everyone to imagine, learn and grow. October 18 to 24 is Ontario Public Library week and it's time to show your love of the Markham Public Library for your chance to win. Write a short note to let them know:

While we often think that pruning trees is an aesthetic practice, it actually serves a much wider purpose. Pruning young trees (3 to 5 years after planting) is an important way to maintain their health and encourage a strong structure as they mature. Learn more

Help wildlife in your garden this fall and encourage backyard biodiversity during the cold winter season. From leaving garden clippings and fallen leaves in your yard to providing safe food sources, there are many ways you can help wildlife. More tips are available here.

MGA continues to find new ways to deliver their programs for artists in Markham. Their upcoming figure drawing and portraiture workshops will be delivered over Zoom.

Figure Drawing (Wednesday October 28 - 7-9pm) - Learn to draw the human body or practice skills you already have. During this Zoom workshop, you will use proportions to draw the human body in various poses. Also included will be gesture drawing and simple clothing - register here.

Portraiture (Wednesday November 4 - 7-9pm) - Learn to draw the human face or practice skills you already have. During this Zoom workshop, you will use proportions to draw the face in realistic representation, cartoons and caricatures - register here.

You will need drawing supplies or an iPad/drawing tablet. A mirror or photos of people you would like to draw are optional. A link to the Zoom sessions will be emailed to you upon registration. If you have questions, please reach out to them at markhamartists@gmail.com.

More information about the program can be found here.

There are approximately 70,000 street trees currently planted along Regional roads with more to be planted in the future. Have your say in a quick survey and enter for your chance to win a $250 home and garden store gift card - start here.

All meetings are now being conducted electronically and Council members along with staff are participating remotely. All facilities remain closed. As always, members 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 phone the Clerk's office at 905-477-7000 x3638. All meetings can be viewed online by clicking the details noted above.

C19 Dashboard Now Includes Schools - York Region's COVID-19 dashboard now includes suspect and confirmed cases in schools. The interactive dashboard is updated seven days a week at 5pm and can be found at york.ca/covid19data.

York Region Council meetings and live streaming details can be found here. Details of upcoming YR meetings and past session is available here. 

What's on at the Library? - click here

I'd be pleased to highlight other community meetings in future newsletters.

Please forward the details to dhamilton@markham.ca