December 20 2020 - Holiday Edition
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange π
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
The pandemic is making it difficult for anyone to have a Merry Christmas this year. So many Markham residents have been hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis. Small businesses have been suffering. Restaurants have closed, some forever. The ad campaigns have been pushing us to shop local. The Markham Food Bank, Yellow Brick House, 360 Kids, the Salvation Army, Evergreen Hospice, CHATS, our long term and seniors care facilities continue to battle to be able to serve their clientele. In spite of this adversity there is a resilience and resolve by everyone to regroup, rework, redefine themselves and their businesses and move on in 2021.
My sincere thanks goes to the many individuals and companies who have stepped up in support of the many worthwhile charities and organizations that serve our community every day.
I hope that our Jewish friends had a Happy Hannukah, and that everyone will have a Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa. We are all looking forward to a better 2021.
Our Christmas card below depicts families staying safe at home with those they live with.
Very best wishes.
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In this issue
- GREY Lockdown Continues
- Be on Santa's Nice List
- Holiday Cheer
- Markham Cares
- Holiday Schedule
- Recycle Your Tree
- Love Markham - Shop Local
- Holidays Tips
- Flu Clinic
- MPL Holiday Centre
- Celebrate Safely
- Enjoy the YRF
- Varley Artwork Comes Home
- Flood Risk
- Get Your Skates
- Support Local
- Right in Your Own Home
- Beat the Winter Blues
- Help for Local Business
- 211 for Community Supports
- COVID at Markham Fire Station
- YR C19 Dashboard
- Upcoming Meetings
- York Region Update
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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.
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Click here to read the previous edition of ο»ΏThe Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
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Sights of the Holidays 2020 Style |
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The City of Markham along with all of York Region is under the Province's Keeping Ontario Safe and Open COVID-19 response framework. There will be additional measures announced on Monday. As a part of Ontario's COVID-19 response, please remember to:
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Wear a mask
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Wash your hands
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Keep a safe distance
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Limit indoor interactions to those in your immediate household
For more information about restrictions, how to stay safe, City services and small business supports, visit markham.ca/covid19. |
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Gather virtually with your friends, family and colleagues during the holidays.
Avoid traditional large gatherings with those outside your household.
An individual who lives alone may gather with one other household.
Are you visiting Santa and his elves outdoors? Make sure you keep a safe distance of at least 2m/6ft apart.
Give your loved ones the gift of health and not COVID-19.
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A big well done and thank you goes to Union Villa's Family Council who earlier this month spread some holiday cheer by decorating the front garden at the seniors Long Term Care facility on Highway 7 in Unionville.
All these workers are definitely on Santa's good list this year! π
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Many Markham families are waking up to an empty fridge or cupboard. First time Food Bank visits are up 26.5% between March - June 2020 and the demand continues to increase.
The City of Markham is collecting items and toys for those in need. Drop off donations at any Markham Fire Station. Due to COVID-19, the need for these items is greater than ever. All donations go to Markham Food Bank. The items that are most needed include canned vegetables, canned meat and fish, rice, cereal, baby food, toiletries and feminine hygiene products.
The toy drive ends on December 21 (Monday) and the food drive has been extended to January 8. Learn more including details on how to make a financial contribution.
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Holiday Schedule βοΈ
Both City of Markham and York Region services will be closed or limited over the Christmas season.
Details from York Region can be found here which also includes the changes to the York Region Transit schedule.
Holiday garbage collection will shift if your normal day is Friday and will now be picked up on Saturday (moves to December 26 and January 2). All Markham Recycling Depots will be closed on December 24,25,26, 31 and January 1. All Depots return to regular operating hours on January 2.
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As a reminder, your City of Markham Ward Councillor is available to help you with any concerns during this holiday period. As always, I can also be reached by email at dhamilton@markham.ca.
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Have you always had a real tree or have you joined the wave of families that decided that 2020 was the year for a real tree? Whether this is your first year or not, make sure you put it out to the curb so it can be mulched.
Natural Christmas tree collection will take place between January 5 and January 15. Make sure it's:
- At curb by 7am
- Not wrapped in plastic
- No decorations, tinsel, wire or stand
- Not buried in snow or stuck to ice
- Not on top of snow banks
Otherwise it may not get collected. Check out the collection schedule to find out when you need to have your tree down and ready for pickup. |
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As we count down to the holidays, Destination Markham (DMC) has launched visitmarkham.ca, your one stop shop for your local holiday shopping needs.
DMCβs primary purpose is to promote Markham as a remarkable tourism destination. During the pandemic, the DMC has partnered with the City of Markham, including the Markham Small Business Centre and Markham Public Library, to support local hotels, restaurants, small businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors, to launch a City wide holiday shop local initiative: Show Some Markham Love.
It's more important than ever to support local businesses in our community. While their stores may be closed, many are offering curbside and online shopping options. Small businesses are the backbone of Markhamβs community, which is known for its exquisite dining experiences, international flavours and unique shopping experiences. Explore the online business listing safely from the comfort of your own home at visitmarkham.ca.
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The holiday season is here and even this year there's lots to do to get ready. York Region has wrapped up 10 tips to help you consider the environment and reduce your waste.
Follow these simple ideas to help reduce the burden on both you and the environment this holiday season - details here.
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Itβs a different flu season. Reducing the spread of the flu is more important than ever in order to protect yourself and the people around you from the flu and help reduce the strain on health care systems currently responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
York Region Public Health still has capacity for upcoming community clinic on Wednesday December 23 in Markham for children (6 months to 4 years of age), those with no OHIP coverage and seniors ages 65+. Learn more and register at york.ca/flu.
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Whether you are looking for a good book to read by the fireside, holiday activity printouts, movies, music or DIY craft videos, they've got it all. check out MPL's Holiday Central right now.
MPL has also been working with local businesses on a buy local campaign - have a look.
MPL continues to offer a full program on online sessions - details here.
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This holiday season itβs going to be an adjustment not celebrating with our friends and family who donβt live in our households.
For some safe and fun ways to celebrate, check out 10 ways to celebrate the holidays.
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There are lots of trails and something for all abilities from a short family outing to longer hikes for the more adventurous.
Before heading out be sure to check road and weather conditions and york.ca/yrf for the latest updates.
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The City of Markham is extremely pleased to welcome 474 works by Frederick Horsman Varley (F.H. Varley) home to the Varley Art Gallery of Markham both in time for the holidays and for the Group of Sevenβs 100th anniversary year. This generous transfer from the Art Gallery of Ontario almost doubles the permanent collection at Varley Gallery and offers exciting potential for display, education and research into F.H. Varley, the Group of Seven and Canadian art.
This gift is immensely valuable to the Varley Art Gallery of Markham. The works are primarily on paper, sketches and drawings and include a number of watercolour and oil sketches as well as several sketchbooks - more information.
While the Gallery is currently closed until further notice due to the Grey-Zone Lockdown, staff will be working to assess the works' condition, understanding specific needs and readying them for display which is anticipated for next summer.
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Do you live or own a business in one of the following neighbourhoods? View TRCA's flood handbook for your area:
Flooding is a year-round hazard that can affect areas near rivers and shorelines. Know your risk and prepare! Make sure you are informed and take action. See if you are in the floodplain by entering your address in TRCAβs floodplain map viewer - here.
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Lace up your skates and hit the ice at one of the largest outdoor rinks in the GTA.
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If you still have things to pick up or maybe haven't even started shopping yet, please support our local businesses.
With York Region in Grey lockdown, now more than ever local businesses need support from the community. With many businesses offering online ordering and curbside delivery, you can stay safe, while supporting local business who have been hit especially hard during the pandemic. Here are 10 ways you can support local businesses.
By thinking local, youβre not only supporting local businesses, youβre helping others support their families, investing in your community and boosting the local economy. Now is a great time to discover local offerings. You might be surprised at the things you can find in close to home. Have a look here to see some Markham based businesses.
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While the Flato Markham Theatre is currently closed, they are doing their best to bring live performances right to the comfort of your own home. Here are 2 of the upcoming events. There are also events on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve too - have a look. |
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On Tuesday, December 22 at 7pm, The Tenors are bringing the holiday spirit to your home with their virtual event, Home For the Holidays. Tune in for live holiday hits, Q&A sessions and a special throwback of holiday favourites.
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Bringing you some holiday magic with the Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker!
From now until December 29 there are a number of performances you can watch from your own home!
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Thanks to Diane, a DME reader, as she has brought to my attention an upcoming event by the Toronto Master Gardeners. If you have an event that you would like me to include in a future DME, please send me the details like Diane did.
The virtual educational event on January 10 2021 is open for all to attend. This is a great opportunity to learn about specific gardening related topics from the experts. Topics covered will include vegetable gardening, houseplants and how to modernize your garden.
More information about the event including how to register can be found here.
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For a chance to win 1 of 20 Carbon Monoxide Alarms take the Holiday Fire Safety Quiz! Get fire safety facts and take the quiz for entry into the prize draw - here.
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While cooking your holiday dinner remember to put your fats, oils and grease in the Green Bin.
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There are many government programs that have been announced to help businesses during COVID-19. It can be confusing on what resources are available, how to qualify and how to apply. Below is a helpful graphic from York Region that may help businesses to find appropriate federal and provincial relief programs. Click on the graphic for more information.
Visit yorklink.ca/covid19 for detail on additional programs, industry specific guides and more.
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211 is the easy-to-remember, free 3-digit information helpline and online database that connect you to a complete range of government, health, community and social services in Ontario.
211 is free, confidential and available 24/7 (even on holidays) in 150+ languages and can be accessed by:
Individuals and families can contact 211 for information and referral to:
- Health services and multi-lingual mental health support
- Income support and financial assistance
- Food banks, meal programs and grocery delivery
- Housing help and emergency shelter
- Support for youth, seniors, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+, Indigenous, Black and newcomer communities
211 understands the needs of individuals and families in the community. Click here to learn more about these needs and the impact of COVID-19.
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The City of Markham confirmed earlier this week that seven members of Markham Fire and Emergency Services tested positive for COVID-19. Markham Fire and Emergency Services is following all established health and safety measures as outlined by Public Health.
Since reporting the first positive case, additional members of Markham Fire and Emergency Services were tested, with 11 negative tests confirmed. It is believed that three firefighters contracted COVID-19 in the workplace, while an additional four contracted it outside the workplace. All staff who have tested positive have been in self-isolation. None of the individuals who have tested positive to date had symptoms when they were at work Further information can be found here.
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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 provides detailed information about C19 in York Region including a breakdown of specific Markham data. Details can be found at york.ca/covid19data.
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Also, York Region's Staying Safe at School webpage contains important resources and information for parents - details.
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Upcoming Meetings
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- December 21 - Advisory Committee on Accessibility - 5pm
- December 22 - York Region Special Council Meeting - 9am - details
- January 14 - York Region Council Meeting - 9am - details
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January 18 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
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January 19 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
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January 21 - York Region Education Session - 9am - detail
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January 25 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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January 26 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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January 28 - York Region Council Meeting - 9am - details
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.
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York Region Council meetings and live streaming details can be found here. Details of upcoming YR meetings and past sessions are available here.
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Working together to make Markham better! |
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