December 22 2019
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
It's that magical time of year when we celebrate friends, family and the joys of sharing.

Cherish those special moments with loved ones and create some lasting memories in the process.

Wishing you good health and happiness this holiday season!

Don

"Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse."

Such will be the case this year for my wife and I, as our son, the pilot, who is now based in Calgary will be flying over Christmas and my 95 year old Mom is in a seniors home. So it will be pretty quiet for us.

While I thought that last week's DME was going to be the last one before the New Year, it turns out that there were a lot of year end items that came in this week to send out.

I don't know about you but I often have trouble remembering whether it's full waste collection or just blue and green bin week. The City of Markham will now be offering reminders for those of us with faint memories. Check out the article below.

If you are going away this season enjoy yourself. If not, and you need to keep the kids occupied, check out the library programming being offered below. Why not go for a skate at the Civic Centre ... it's free! Or how about a swim in a community centre pool? There's lots of other activities too.

From November 1st to January 15th, there are at least 29 Holidays observed by world's major faith denominations. So while I say Merry Christmas, I also wish everyone who does not celebrate Christmas, Happy Holidays on whatever day is special to you.

As always, I am available for any municipal concern on every day of the year. Just send me an email!

In this issue
- 2020 Garbage Collection Schedule
- Happy Haulidays
- 16th Avenue Update and Meeting
- YorkSafe
- YRT Holiday Schedule
- GO Transit Holiday Schedule
- Student Summer Jobs
- Markville SS - 30th Anniversary
- Start the Year Off Right
- Alectra Update
- Create a Winter Habitat
- MPL Keeping Kids Busy
- Holiday Cooking
- Varley Gallery Exhibit Opening
- York Region Update
- Community Meetings and Events
- Q & A - Road Brining
Please forward this update to anyone that may find it of interest.

Make sure you are on the list for future updates.
Looking for more information?

Any of the blue text, blue buttons and most of the graphics have links to further detail.
Click here to read the last edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.

The new collection schedule is now available online. You can sign up for personalized reminders and you never miss another collection day again or wonder whether it is just recycling week or full garbage week. Our household can't be the only one in the City that sometimes check what needs to be put out. Also coming soon will be a new mobile app.

Not sure what goes where? Try the online search tool .

There are a limited number of the collection schedule have been printed and are available for pick up at recycling depots, community centres, libraries or the Civic Centre.

The new collection schedule can be found here

Out with the old, in with the new! Decking the halls with broken lights and dead batteries? Make room for the holidays by gathering e-waste and other items that can't be fixed or donated and haul them to your local waste depot. It is a one stop drop for proper disposal and recycling. Find the closest depot

York Region has reviewed possible changes to 16th Avenue in Markham which include widening the road to six lanes to accommodate transit and HOV lanes, adding cycling and pedestrian facilities, streetscaping and adding paved shoulders. More details here

The City will be hosting a special meeting about transportation related issues and to specifically discuss 16th Avenue. This workshop will take place on January 22 with representatives from the Region also in attendance. Details are here

Find the current listing provided by YorkSafe health inspections here. As this list is constantly being updated, the establishments are changing all the time.

To view all locations in York Region and to find out if they have had a YorkSafe violation, click here.

YRT will provide residents with free and safe transit service for New Year’s Eve festivities starting after 7pm with extended service on select routes until 5am. Here are the details of the complete holiday schedule from December 23 to January 1.

New Service changes  will begin Sunday January 5 2020. More information is available on the YRT website .

The January issue of YRT's newsletter, My Transit , is available here .

Metrolinx will provide early home bound service on both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve ( details ). They will also be offering free late night service and additional service on GO and the UP Express on New Year's Eve by simply boarding after 7pm ( details ).

Holiday Schedule:
  • Christmas Day - December 25 - Sunday schedule
  • Boxing Day - December 26 - Saturday schedule
  • New Year's Day – January 1 - Sunday schedule

There will be some January service changes - more information here

Sunday Funday - every Sunday until February 9, you can take the GO for only $10. The Sunday Funday pass allows customers to enjoy unlimited travel anywhere on the GO network

Kids Ride Free - travelling on the GO is even easier and more affordable as kids 12 and under always ride free on all GO trains and buses. Why not leave the car at home and have an adventure with the kids in Toronto over the holidays. The Aurora Winter Festival at Ontario Place might be a good place to start.

While it may be December on the calendar, it isn't too early for students to apply for a summer job.

There are a variety of positions available at both the Region and the City.

Did you attend Markville Secondary School or perhaps you might have been (I was!) a teacher there?

While it seems hard to believe, Markville Secondary School will be celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2020.

Although details aren't confirmed yet, please make sure to note June 14th on your calendar. As information becomes available, it will be found here.

Get a 3 month membership for the price of 2 (student and senior rates available) at City of Markham fitness facilities.

Start your fitness journey with a free personalized fitness plan.

This offer ends on February 14. Visit a Markham Fitness Centre near you to get started! More information

Alectra has provided their newsletter (Ally) which provides updates on energy related developements that impact Markham including:

  • Provincial billing changes for residential and small business customers
  • Alectra's second Sustainability Roundtable

The best way to help the wildlife that overwinters in our city is to maintain a healthy and diverse urban forest with enough options for winter habitat. Here , you can learn about six native species ideal for winter Backyard Biodiversity.

LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) is a local organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the urban forest. They offer programs that help you plant, care and give back including discounts to Markham residents who are looking to plant trees.

At some point over the holidays you may be looking for something to do with the kids to keep them occupied.

Join the holiday fun at the Markham Public Library for activities between December 23 to January 3. There will be crafts, story time, family movies and more to enjoy at your local Markham Public Library branch. Details here

Keep bacteria and viruses off the menu. Visit food safety   for simple food safety tips to protect you and your family from food-borne illnesses.

New Exhibit Opening

The Varley Art Gallery will continue its annual collaboration with MFA and PhD students from York University’s Department of Visual Art and Art History to present an exhibition of their works. This group show allows students to exhibit in a professional setting, to broaden their exposure within the York Region community and to engage with visitors of all ages.

More information about the exhibit is available here including the details of the opening on January 11 at 1pm.

Highlights of the most recent Regional Council meeting can be found here.

A calendar of York Region meetings and other information is available   here. 
Community Meetings and Events

All City of Markham meetings are listed on the City's website at Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings . Unless noted differently on the link above, meetings are held at the Markham Civic Centre and are open to the public. If you aren't able to attend in person, meetings are live streamed.

The calendar of York Region meetings is available here. You can listen to meetings on line. The details from past meetings are available online.


  • 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
If you have a question that you would like answered, please send me an email with your question.
Question: What do those trucks spray on the roads prior to an expected snow storm?
Answer: When icy conditions are in the forecast, liquid brine is applied to help salt stick to the road and prevent ice from forming. This makes road salt more effective and greatly reduces the amount of salt needed. Road maintenance trucks are equipped with calibration and pre-wetting technology to ensure just the right amount of salt is applied, in the right place, at the right time. Pre-wetting is part of a comprehensive salt management plan that balances public safety with environmental concerns. An interesting article can be found here
Working together to make Markham better!
Don Hamilton - City of Markham
Deputy Mayor and Regional Councillor
905- 415-7549
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