February 7 2021
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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A Busy Week Ahead!
We start the week off at a Development Services Committee (DSC) meeting with a controversial development request, called an MZO, short for Minister's Zoning Order. A MZO effectively bypasses some of the usual steps in the planning and approval process. MZO's are relatively rare. I have received many emails and telephone calls from residents and developers asking whether Markham Council will be supporting the MZO's. I'm expecting a long meeting tomorrow!
Also on Monday, DSC will be discussing the Markham Centre Secondary Plan. That should be interesting as well as our consultants are suggesting height limits on buildings that I've heard some developers are not happy to see.
This coming Sunday is Valentine's Day so let's get out there and support our local chocolate and flower shops! |
Gung Hey Fat Choy! will be the phrase to say this Friday as our Chinese friends and neighbours ring in the Chinese New Year 2021. This year's zodiac animal is the Ox. |
Click here to read the previous edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
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In this issue
- Stay Safe - Stay Home
- Mandatory Masks Update
- When Markham Plows
- Pop-Up COVID Testing
- Celebrate Black History Month
- 360° At-Home Experience
- February 11 is 211 Day
- MGA Update
- Book Healing
- Ward 3 eNewsletter
- Markham Centre Secondary Plan
- Happenings at the Varley
- Winter Update from LEAF
- Heritage Property Grants
- Keep Fire Safe
- MBT Update
- New MPL eNewsletter
- Upcoming MAC Activities
- Upcoming MTAC Events
- Water Master Plan Open House
- Other Items
- Markham C19 Report
- YR C19 Dashboard
- Upcoming Meetings
- York Region Update
- Community Meetings and Events
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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 The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
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While we continue under the emergency Stay Home order, there is speculation that these measures will soon be loosened. Premier Ford is expected to make an announcement on Monday about how the restrictions will change and what's next. Even when the Stay at Home order is lifted we must remain vigilant to help stop the spread of COVID. Learn more at markham.ca/covid19.
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Looking for information on the COVID-19 vaccination rollout including a calculator to estimate when you might receive your COVID-19 vaccine? Visit york.ca/covid19vaccine
Responsibilities:
- Federal Government: Ordering Vaccine
- Provincial Government: Distributing Vaccine
- Hospitals and York Region Public Health: Administering Vaccine
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As a reminder, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the provincial government made face masks or coverings mandatory in all enclosed public spaces. This includes common areas of all apartment, condominium and other multi-residential buildings. Examples of spaces where masks are required include laundry rooms, common rooms, meeting rooms, elevators, hallways and lobbies. Exemptions to the mandatory mask requirement apply for children under two years of age, individuals who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons and for any person who requires an accommodation under the Human Rights Code. Proof is not required if someone has an exemption and consideration should be shown to individuals unable to wear face masks or coverings.
Wearing a face mask or covering, especially in enclosed spaces where physical distancing might be difficult, is one of the best ways to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Whether you’re catching an elevator or doing some laundry, be a good neighbour by wearing a mask to protect you and your neighbours from COVID-19. For more information visit york.ca/mandatorymasks.
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Every time it snows, I receive questions from residents about when roads will be cleared or why their street isn't cleared and is still covered in snow.
There are standards that the City's Operations Department adheres to. Snow removal service begins on local roads, including rear lanes, when snow reaches a depth of 7.5 cm or more at the end of the snowfall, and on sidewalks when it reaches 5 cm deep within 24 hours at the end of the snowfall. You can also track the progress of City plows online too. Learn more at markham.ca/winter.
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In cooperation with Carefirst, the Markham Stouffville Hospital and the Health For All Family Health Team, new COVID-19 testing centres are being set up around Markham. Locations include Markham YMCA, the Markham Chinese Presbyterian Church and another one in northern Scarborough. More information can be found at carefirstontario.ca. While walk-ins might be possible it is best to make an appointment by calling 416.646.5108 or online here.
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The 2021 theme for Black History Month is " The Future is Now". Black History Month is celebrated each February with festivities and events the honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities. More information can be found here.
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In prior years, members of the community would spend one night on the streets in York Region to raise funds for 360° Kids but like everything else, their fundraising event this year will take a different form. They've launched a new “At-Home” 360° Experience which is a virtual event to support their work with youth in York Region. This event is a way for you to participate as a family, or your kids if you have teenagers, to help them earn volunteer credit hours for school.
Participants register here and can participate in their own “At-Home” event from your own front porch or balcony, maybe pitch a tent in your backyard, sleep in your car or build a shelter and experience the harsh elements of the winter outside for 5 hours on the evening of March 4. More information about the event can be found here. Karen Rea, Ward 4 Councillor, has been a long time supporter of 360° Kids.
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Life can be hard but finding help can be made easier with 211. Find help for life's challenges including food, financial assistance, employment and housing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, calls to 211 have increased by 30 per cent.
211 is a free, confidential helpline that is available 24/7, 365 days year (including holidays) in 150+ languages. When someone calls 2-1-1, they reach a 211 Service Navigator who will help them navigate the complexities of the human services system quickly and easily, equipping them with the information and referral they need to access programs and services in their communities.
In our area the 211 service is available by phone by dialling 211 and online at 211Central.ca, as well as by text at 21166 and email at info@211central.ca.
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The Markham Group of Artists continue to work from home. Their monthly "challenges" help keep members engaged and creative while we all stay at home. See their February newsletter for updates on their various programs and events.
Their next Members' Day happens this week on February 10 and the meeting will include a live watercolour demonstration - more detail here. |
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Did you know that reading can be therapeutic? Markham Public Library is starting a new Book Healing service where staff pair you with the books to support your mental health and emotional well-being. Get started
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Are you a resident of Ward 3? Your Councillor, Reid McAlpine, publishes a monthly eNewsletter.
Did you receive the latest edition he sent out this week? You can find it here along with how to subscribe to future editions. |
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On the agenda at Monday's Development Services Meeting there are several important items coming forward including a presentation to the DSC for the Markham Centre Secondary Plan. You can view the concept plan here. This plan will lay the groundwork for future development in Markham Centre including building height, density and transit. |
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The Varley Art Gallery wants to hear from you as they work to develop their Summer Camp programs to meet the needs of the community for summer 2021. Please take a few minutes to complete their survey to provide your input - take the survey.
Virtual Education Programs - more information here
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School Studio Workshops - hands-on virtual workshops, instructors will show students how to draw step by step, while also introducing them to some new artistic skills, terminology and concepts.
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Varley Lounge - a weekly virtual lounge where students can talk about art and participate in stress relieving activities.
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YOUth Classes - Learn the fundamentals of digital drawing and painting in Procreate with a professional illustrator.
Applications for the Wallace Joyce Scholarship are currently being accepted. Do you know a high school student in York Region who will be pursuing post-secondary education in an art or design-related field of study in the fall? Each year, the Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham awards one recipient with a $1000 scholarship to assist with their tuition and/or required educational materials. Applications close on March 31, 2021. Learn more
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While it is cold and wintery right now, before you now it the lovely spring weather will be here. Here are some updates from LEAF:
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Winter Consultation, Spring Tree - Homeowners that plant using the Do-It-Yourself Tree Planting Program can book a virtual consultation with an arborist now and order their trees for spring delivery. Learn more
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Winter reading list - here are three environmental books to help you get through the winter - details
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What Does Evergreen Really Mean? Trees that tend to hold on to their foliage are known as evergreen trees. But, are all conifers evergreen? Do all evergreens have needles? Do evergreens make for good backyard trees? Find the answers to these questions and more - here.
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Grants from the City are available for restoration and improvement projects of commercial building facades in heritage districts and main street areas and of heritage properties designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. Eligible commercial facade projects may include:
- Heritage Properties
- Repair or restoration of original features, windows, doors, and masonry work
- Removal of non-original materials
- Non-Heritage Properties
- Renovation of storefronts
- The introduction of more traditional materials
Eligible designated heritage property projects may include improvements which preserve, restore or enhance the specific heritage features of the building such as windows, siding and verandas.
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Be a good neighbour and ensure fire hydrants on your property are clear of snow and debris. Firefighters need quick access to water supply in an emergency. |
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Is your house number noticeable? House numbers should be clearly visible from the road so First Responders can easily spot them in emergency situations. |
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Did you know that smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years? Check the date and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly.
They could save your life!
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Find more tips on how to keep your community fire safe and enter Markham Fire Services contest here for a chance to win a carbon monoxide alarm. |
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The Markham Board of Trade continues to offer support and programs to the local business community. Here is just a sampling:
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After 4 Networking on February 25 at 4pm on Zoom - details here
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Calendar of events including events to improve social media presence
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COVID-19 - updates and what you need to know - details including business resources, OpeninMarkham.com and local PPE resources
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letting local businesses know about upcoming events including an upcoming Zoom call hosted by 4S Consulting Services with a panel discussion on Wednesday February 10 at 9:30am to help Ontario businesses learn more about types of grants and health and safety initiatives available during COVID-19 - details here
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Was your business affected by the Provincewide Shutdown? The Ontario Small Business Support Grant provides up to $20,000 for eligible small businesses. Applications are open until March 31, 2021. Learn more
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2021 Central Counties Business Support program reimburses up to 50% of eligible paid expenses incurred beginning April 1, 2020. Read more on eligibility, the process, and to apply - here.
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Markham Public Library now has a monthly business and careers e-newsletter. Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox, to help your business succeed or land that career of your dreams. Sign up here. |
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We can all probably relate at this point.
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Markham Arts Council has a number of upcoming events:
- Surprise a loved one with a personalized handmade card for Valentine's Day with a virtual workshop on February 8 at 11am - details
- Join a session for Healing Dance, a great workout routine for seniors stuck at home due to COVID-19. Sign up to claim your free spot
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February 9 - details
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February 23 - details
- details about their Artists Unplugged series happening on Thursday can be found here
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The Markham Teen Arts Council continues to keep busy and have a number of events planned. Keep an eye out on their Instagram and Facebook page for more information.
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24h Film Challenge - this is MTAC’s signature event and it will be returning in late February. Youth will be able to exercise their filmmaking skills in the annual film festival. The event will be modified to safely adhere to COVID-19 protocols. Their films will be adjudicated by industry professionals, filmmakers, and local directors and will feature the same cash prizes and screening opportunities provided every year. Have a look at their 2020 event - details here.
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Friday Features - it's an opportunity for Teens to have their on MTAC. Artists will be featured bi-weekly on MTAC’s Instagram and Facebook from now until the end of June. Sign up on their Friday Feature form and submit artwork to be featured on their Instagram and Facebook!
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TIFF Next Wave Film Festival - annual youth-focused festival is taking place February 12-15. For the first time ever, this year’s festival will be completely digital and available across Canada, with people under 25 being able to access tickets in the official film selection for FREE from February 3 - 10. Details here
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Be part of shaping your water's future. York Region is updating its Water and Wastewater Master Plan which will identify and evaluate long-term strategies, programs and infrastructure projects for future water and wastewater servicing needs to 2051 and beyond. Your input will help inform the recommended servicing solution and future infrastructure.
Participate in the online Open House from February 16 to March 2, 2021 at york.ca/waterplan from the comfort of your own home. Find out how York Region plans to continue providing safe, cost-efficient, and reliable water and wastewater services to residents, businesses and communities. Visit the virtual Open House for an update on the current status of the planning process and to learn more about servicing strategies that will meet the needs of our growing communities.
To submit questions, comments or to receive accessible versions of the materials please contact Laura Alpi at water@york.ca or click here to be added to the project mailing list.
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Other items
- The City of Markham is taking steps to address anti-Black racism. Learn more about the Council's approved strategy, our progress to date and our next steps. Learn more
- While we can't go to the Flato Markham Theatre right now, they continue to offer programming that you can enjoy from your home. February events include Chantal Kreviazuk, Glass Tiger and Kurt Elling. Details here
- Looking for something to do? The City's Recreation Department continues to offer online events and activities. You can also reserve a time to go skating at the Civic Centre. Have a look.
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Did you know that members of the Unionville Villagers Association can receive discounts from some of the establishments on Main Street Unionville? Join UVA for $25 and your membership will allow you to get the discounts. Their application can be found here. Their next meeting will be on Monday March 8 at 7pm.
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The Ontario government announced applications are open for the Skills Development Fund; the fund supports workers and apprentices to address the challenges brought on by COVID-19 and help reduce obstacles to hiring, training and retaining while preparing workers for the province's economic recovery.
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Temperatures have been colder recently and more like a typical February. If someone is outside and in need of shelter please contact the Transitional Shelter Intake Line at 1.877.464.9675 x76140 or email TransitionalShelter.Line@york.ca or contact one of the seasonal shelter providers at york.ca/emergencyhousing.
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as of February 5, 2021 at 7pm - click title or on chart for full report
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and the City of Markham Executive Leadership Team.
More information about Markham's response to COVID-19 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.
More information about Markham's response to COVID-19 can be found here. |
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Upcoming Meetings
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February 8 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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February 9 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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February 10 - Housing York - 9am - details
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February 11 - York Region Committee of the Whole - 9am - details
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February 16 - General Committee Meeting - details
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February 16 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
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February 18 - York Region Education Session - 9am - details
- February 22 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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February 23 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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February 24 - YR Accessibility Advisory Committee - 4pm - details
- February 25 - York Region Council Meeting - 9am - details
- Upcoming Markham Committee Meetings - 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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Community Meetings and Events
As new events are scheduled they will be added to the list.
I'd be pleased to highlight other community meetings in future newsletters.
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Working together to make Markham better! |
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