You may be wondering what school reopenings will look like during COVID-19. The Ministry of Education has guidance for the safe reopening of schools for the 2020-2021 school year with the goal of providing a safe and healthy school environment for students, teachers and staff and safeguarding the broader communities in which they live. The Ministry has provided guidance on COVID-19 management in schools. Keeping COVID-19 transmission low at the community level is key to preventing the introduction of the virus into schools.

What does reopening of schools look like in York Region? School boards are working closely with the Ministry of Education and York Region Public Health to ensure their reopening schools plans are developed and implemented in the safest way possible. Public health professionals, including public health nurses, will continue to support schools throughout the year as they implement plans, adjust and adapt to ensure a successful, healthy and safe school year.

Parents, students, school boards, schools can access information and resources about Staying Safe at School to assist with school reopening preparations.

The full list of roles and responsibilities of the Ontario Ministry of Education, School Boards, York Region, parents and students can be found here.

Have questions? Parents and staff should contact their school board or school directly for more information about reopening plans. For specific school reopening information, visit your school board's website:

Visit york.ca/covid19 for more information.

This year the run has moved on line but everyone can still participate in the event virtually - ONE DAY. YOUR WAY.  Register for the Markham Unionville run here, download the App and share with your family, friends and neighbours. 

Details about the Thornhill Terry Fox run can be found here.

Grab a favourite painting, chair, and mask and join the Markham Group of Artists at Milne Dam Conservation Park (8251 McCowan Road) on Wednesday September 9^th at 2 pm (rain date - Friday September 11 at 2pm) for a physically distanced community gathering. MGA is inviting interested artists and current members to this introductory meeting to launch their exciting fall season. Learn more about MGA and meet their Leadership Team and current members. Everyone is invited to show a painting and share a little about themselves and their artistic hopes. If you have questions, please reach out to them at markhamartists@gmail.com. Their other upcoming events this fall can be found here.

Markham Group of Artists memberships for the 2020-2021 season are now available to visual artists of all abilities in the Markham, Toronto, and surrounding areas. They have an exciting adapted fall season lined up. Meet fellow artists and improve your technique through workshops, critiques, and demonstrations. Show your artwork at various locations and online on our website and through social media. Also enjoy group memberships with the York Region Arts Council and the Markham Arts Council. Register now for an early bird saving. Visit their website for more information and to join.

During the past few months daily life seemed to come to a standstill, but the isolated homes and studios of artists remained vibrant places where creators turned inward for inspiration. The Markham Group of Artists have asked those artists to open their windows and let the world see how this experience has affected their vision of the world. This juried online exhibition continues until September 25. MGA is honoured to have well-known artist and teacher Suzanne Metz serve as the juror. Click on this link to view the show.

Visit york.ca/SafeAtSchool for more information about school safety from York Region Public Health.

Not sure how virtual fitness classes work or hesitant about participating over Zoom? Reach out to fitness staff at groupfitness@markham.ca and they can answer any questions you may have. You can learn more about classes at markham.ca/fitness.

Have you been contacted by a contractor claiming to work for the City of Markham who offers to resurface your driveway? This is a scam. Do not provide any personal or financial information and contact York Regional Police Fraud Prevention immediately.

The fourth Markham Cycles More theme is historic Markham. This challenge runs until September 10^th and is all about exploring Markham's rich past. Did you know that the City has more than 80 buildings that are over 170 years old. Many of the buildings have been preserved in place, while others have been moved to Markham Heritage Estates and the Markham Museum.

Take a ride and visit some of these historic sites in the Markham Cycles photo scavenger hunt. Learn more and sign up here for your chance to win.

How do instalments work for Regular vs. Pre-authorized payment plans? Details can be found here.

Recently there have been questions about air traffic over Markham. Perhaps it's because there have been fewer planes flying the last few months that residents are now noticing their return.

Toronto Pearson is hosting a virtual meeting focusing on noise management. Join the forum on Thursday September 24 where they will have a drop in portion. More details can be found here.

If your children are participating in remote-from-home learning, Markham Fire Services challenges you to create and practice a home fire escape plan.

Learn how you can apply for a grant of up to $5,000. Apply by September 14. Visit markham.ca/msbc for more information.

Also, the latest edition of the York Small Business Enterprise Centre newsletter is available. It features information on the new Business Recovery Support Program and upcoming webinars. Click here to read the latest edition or to check out past editions.

Although Markham Public Library branches remain closed, MPL continues to offer programming. Their Grab and Go Bags and Curbside Pick Up service have been popular.

They continue to offer online events. Here is a sampling:

Whether back to school is in class or online this year, MPL is bringing a comprehensive tutoring platform that will set your student up for success during the school year. It provides one-on-one tutoring assistance everyday, practice tests and other learning materials. Whether learning a new language, writing essays, or preparing for a math test, learn more about this online resource.

While supplies last, Markham property owners can enjoy additional discounts when planting with LEAF. Trees from a select species list are available from $50 to $100 per tree. More information is available here.

A lot of work has been happening at the Unionville GO station with utility installation and tunnel excavation well underway. Parking lot upgrades are ongoing and 125 parking spaces have been reopened next to the station building.

Starting this week service will be increased on all lines to give riders more flexibility to get to where they need to go. Details of the updated schedule can be found here. Please note that York Region Transit is also adjusting their schedule.

A friendly reminder to all transit riders that mandatory face coverings are required in all vehicles and stations. Still feeling nervous about riding transit? Click here for a step-by-step guide on how GO is helping you safely return to transit.

Things are different and GO has put 40+ safety measures in place that are guided by public health officials. Check out the safety measures they're taking to help passengers and employees travel safe on GO. 

Markham is a city on the move and the Markham Museum has moved their latest exhibit online too.

Markhamites are always moving from place to place. We travel to work, go shopping, venture to see friends and family, or just go for a walk. Whether by bicycle, car, bus, wheelchair, airplane or our own two feet, the equipment we use to transport ourselves has a big impact on how we live our lives. As our modes of transportation change over time, our community evolves with them. Check out the Markham Museum’s online exhibit here.

MBT is restarting their networking events and like most things in 2020 they will now be virtual. Networking will include a chance to introduce yourself, share details about your business, and how you've been adapting your business in these times. Register here

Do you know a Markham company that's exceptional? Nominate them today for the 2020 MBT Business Excellence Award. The deadline has been extended until September 30. Details here.

Have you ever needed something notarized and not know where to go? The Markham Board of Trade offers documentation services for members and non-members - details here.

Help the MBT as they prepare for a presentation to the City's Economic Development Committee in September. Complete this short 3 question MBT survey about your current business challenges and any suggestions that you may have.

The York Region Public Health COVID-19 dashboard provides information specific to our area - details here. The 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

Looking for more COVID-19 information? Public Health Ontario has a new interactive data tool providing epidemiological summaries of COVID-19 activity across the Province - details 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.

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