December 1 2019
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
How Is It December Already?

I've spent the majority of my time this weekend buried in York Region budget documents. I am hoping to get a reduction from the proposed 2.96% regional tax increase to 2% but I need to be able to convince 20 other Regional Councillors if I am to be successful. Good luck to me!

This Friday is a big night for Unionville residents. It's the Olde Tyme Christmas Candlelight Parade starting at 7pm on Main Street Unionville. Be sure to buy your candle just before the parade starts. Support the community! See you there!

Don't leave your purse or store purchases exposed where a thief can see them. Put them in the trunk of your car. Also home break-ins pick up at this time of the year. Be vigilant!

Lock your car when warming it up. Some cars allow you to use the key fob to lock the doors. Don't be a victim of vehicle theft.

I would love to hear more from our Milliken and Thornhill communities. Don't be afraid to email me with your concerns, opinions or questions. Feel free to join us as we try to make Markham better.

In this issue
- Santa Claus is Coming to Town
- Most Wonderful Time of the Year
- Kennedy Road Open House
- YorkSafe
- York Region Budget
- YRP District 5 Update
- Congrats to the Varley Gallery
- Food for Health, Food for All
- Are You in the Picture?
- Water Focus Group
- Let It Snow
- What's On at the Library
- York Region Update
- Community Meetings and Events
- Q & A - Holiday Hours
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.

Will I see you at the Olde Tyme Christmas Parade on Friday night?

This long time Unionville Main Street Christmas tradition starts at 7pm. It is a great night and an opportunity to see the parade, hear some holiday favourites and shop in the stores on Main Street as they will be open late. Let's hope that the weather co-operates and the night is a festive one.

It's that time of the year, the holidays are almost here!

Please gather around and join the festivities at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting in front of Markham's Civic Centre on Tuesday night.

If you are a pedestrian, cyclist, transit user or motorist on Kennedy Road you are invited to attend an Open House to meet the project team, review the recommended plan and share your experiences about Kennedy Road. The open houses will be held on:
 
Monday December 2
between 6:30pm and 8:30pm
Markham Pan Am Centre

Can’t attend?
Visit york.ca/KennedyRoad to view the proposed improvements and complete the online survey.

Find the current listing provided by YorkSafe health inspections here. Again there are some Markham establishments on the list.

You can review all locations in York Region here.

York Region has tabled the 2020 budget which is the second year of a four-year budget plan to coincide with the current term of Council.

For 2020, the proposed $3.3 billion budget is comprised of $2.5 billion in operating spending and an $826-million capital component. The budget proposes a tax levy increase of 2.96% for 2020, equivalent to an additional $75 on the average residential property tax bill. This is consistent with the four-year outlook approved in 2019.

The budget addresses fiscal challenges through savings and efficiencies while addressing growth-related asset management needs with stable debt levels and higher reserve balances.

The proposed 2020 budget will be reviewed at meetings on December 5 and 12 which begin at 9am and the finalized budget should be presented to Council for approval on December 19. All meetings are live streamed .

Report any suspicious people or vehicles - Citizens are asked to call the York Regional Police non-emergency number at 1-866-876-5423 when reporting any suspicious vehicles, people or possible break-ins. When safe to do so, try to obtain vehicle license plates, make and model of the vehicle.

Please contact the 5 District property investigators tip line by telephone or email with any information regarding suspicious vehicles, persons or activities you have observed that has not been reported previously.

•          Tip line: 1-866-876-5423 ext. 7575
•          Email: B&E5D@yrp.ca

Do not call 9-1-1 unless it is an emergency.

Full Newsletter is available here .

The Varley Gallery recently won the Exhibition of the Year Award at the 42nd Annual Ontario Association of Art Galleries (OAAG) Awards in the category of Budget Under $10,000 for their Moving through darkness into the clearing exhibit. The award-winning exhibition featured contemporary artworks by Kanien’keha:ka (Mohawk) artist Greg Staats in contrast with traditional landscape paintings by the Group of Seven, and was on display from January 19 to April 7, 2019.

More information can be found here .

YRFN's mission is to "...drive change through education and advocacy, connecting and empowering people to access healthy food.” YRFN runs many food related programs across York Region including a good food box subscription services, community kitchens and gardens, breakfasts and food access programs. Learn more about their services here . One of their upcoming programs is being held in Markham.

Holiday Baking for Youth  - Looking for new and experienced bakers! Come make cookies and holiday treats to enjoy and take home. Free event for youth, age 12 to 16 years - Tuesday December 10 from 4pm - 6pm - Aaniin Community Centre Kitchen - Register  here

Well, maybe not this picture but one of the many pictures that the City takes at the various Markham events. There are some great shots in the City's picture albums.

Were you at the Santa Claus parade? There are lots of pictures of both participants and those waiting to see Santa. Maybe one is of you - have a look

If you were at the parade, take a moment to provide your feedback in this quick 1-minute survey .
Water Focus Group

The City is conducting a Focus Group session to ask for your opinions about water-related environmental initiatives. If selected, you will receive $60 and a light dinner.

Monday December 9
from 6 pm to 8pm
Call 647-287-8805 to register

Markham's Road Operations is winter ready. Are you?

Find all of the details on snow clearing and frequently asked questions here.

The library is more than just books. There's lots of programs and events happening. Have you been? Here's just a sampling:

Full list of available programs are noted here .

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: Is the City of Markham closed over the holiday season?
Answer: The City remains operational during the holiday season. Call 905-477-7000, email the Contact Centre at contact@markham.ca or send an email to your local Councillor who is always happy to assist you. A detailed list of holiday hours for all City sites can be found here.
Working together to make Markham better!
Don Hamilton - City of Markham
Deputy Mayor and Regional Councillor
905- 415-7549
Connect with me