February 28 2021
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
Say Goodbye to February and Hello to March

March appears to be coming in like a lamb so will it go out like a lion? We'll have to wait and see.

Weather aside, March 1st is COVID-19 Vaccine sign-up day here in York Region as long as you are 80+ years of age. Don't try showing up if you haven't booked an appointment or you will be disappointed. There has been so much interest expressed by people, that I won't be surprised if the website crashes ... so be patient, please york.ca/covid19vaccine.

Elsewhere, on the non-COVID front, York Region tabled its budget last week asking for a 2.96% tax increase from its residents. I think that 2.96% is quite out-of-line with municipal tax increases, some of which have come in around the 0% mark. York Region continues to forge ahead with its plans regardless of the fiscal restraints that many of our residents find themselves in. I'm prepared to try to reduce the increase but I am only 1 vote of 21.

Thanks to the Legacy Community Association for inviting me to their AGM last week. It was great seeing so many community members on screen and ready to make their community cleaner-safer-better.

Have a good week.

Stay positive - test negative.
In this issue
- Vaccines are Ramping Up
- YR in the Red Zone
- Ward 3 Newsletter
- Be Aware of Spring Flooding
- URA Monthly Meeting
- MGA Update
- LCRA Newsletter
- Recycling Depot Update
- News from the Varley
- MSH is Hiring
- MBT Upcoming Events
- Need A Place to Self-Isolate?
- Circular Economy Fund
- Other Items
- Markham C19 Report
- YR C19 Dashboard
- Upcoming Meetings
- York Region Update
- Community Meetings and Events
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.
Click here to read the previous edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.

As more COVID-19 vaccines become available, York Region is ready to ensure the safe and coordinated vaccination of residents in accordance with the Province's Vaccine Distribution Plan. Vaccines are now being delivered on a priority basis, as defined by the Ministry of Health. Learn more at york.ca/covid19vaccine.
On Monday March at 8am, York Region residents age 80 years of age and older (born 1941 or earlier) can book an appointment for their vaccination at york.ca/COVID19Vaccine.

Residents 80+ years of age who are not able or comfortable booking an online appointment are encouraged to seek out a support person (caregiver, family member or friend) who can assist them in booking this appointment.
 
York Region Public Health is working with local health-care partners to provide COVID-19 vaccines for this newly eligible priority group at these five locations:
  • Cornell Community Centre located in Markham
  • Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital in Vaughan
  • Ray Twinney Recreation Complex in Newmarket
  • Richmond Green in Richmond Hill
  • Georgina Ice Palace in Georgina starting Wednesday

You will need to be patient as appointment availability is limited due to the current vaccine supply and also based on expected demand it may take some time to access the registration web page. Please do NOT call to book an appointment. All vaccination appointments, at this time, must be booked through this online registration portal.

Walk-in vaccinations are not available. Please do not visit a vaccination clinic hoping to get your vaccination or looking to make an appointment as you will be turned away.

In an effort to combat vaccine hesitancy in the community, the Physician Lead in Infection Prevention and Control at Mackenzie Health has put together a series of videos answering some common questions - view here.
Some FAQs - provided by York Region

What do I need to register for my appointment?
Until the provincial call centre and online appointment booking system becomes available, multiple systems are being used to support clinic appointment bookings. Depending on the clinic you are booking an appointment with, York Region residents age 80+ may require an Ontario Health Card (OHIP) or be required to create an account prior to booking an appointment At this time vaccines are only available to York Region residents with OHIP cards.
 
I/my loved one is homebound, how do they receive their vaccine?
Planning for reaching adult recipients of chronic home care is currently underway along with other priority population groups. York Region Public Health is working with the province, York Region’s COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force and our partners to plan for the remaining priority groups in Phase One. Details will be shared as soon as they become available; please visit york.ca/COVID19Vaccine for ongoing updates
 
How do I get to my appointment?
If you are unable to use regular public transit due to a physical, cognitive, visual or sensory disability for all or part of your trip, Paratransit may be for you. Mobility On-Request Paratransit is York Region's door-to-door, shared ride, accessible public transit service for people with disabilities. To use this service residents can complete the application available on the registration and eligibility page or call 1.866.744.1119. Seniors who are immobile and unable to make arrangements to get to a vaccination clinic should discuss with their families and health-care providers what additional arrangement can be made.
 
Will there be translation services available?
Yes.  York Region’s website can be translated into many languages using the Google Translate tool. In addition, interpretation services will be available onsite at all vaccine clinics.

I can’t get online to book an appointment. York Region’s website is down, what do I do? 
As York Region opens vaccinations to residents 80+, a high volume of traffic to the york.ca/COVID19Vaccine  page and York Region website is expected. We understand residents are anxious to book vaccine appointments. If you are having trouble accessing the booking page, please be patient and try again later. Please do not call 9-1-1.
 
I can’t get through to Access York, what do I do?
As York Region opens vaccinations to residents 80+, a high number of volume of calls to the Access York Contact Centre is expected. If you are having trouble reaching Access York, please be patient and try again later. Please do not call 9-1-1. Alternatively you can visit york.ca/COVID19Vaccine to book an appointment online.
 
What is the difference between York Region Public Health Clinics and Hospital Clinics?
York Region’s Public-Health led clinics will offer vaccinations to residents 80+. The hospital led clinics will provide vaccinations to residents 80+ as well as Highest and Very High Priority health care workers. York Region’s vaccination strategy includes partnership with local hospitals to ensure all residents wishing to receive a vaccination do so by September 2021.

Markham along with the rest of York Region is now in the Red-Control zone of the COVID-19 Response Framework. Residents are asked to continue to limit travel outside of your home to essential trips for groceries, medicine, to access healthcare services, for essential work or to exercise. Residents are urged not to travel between regions as several new and infectious strains of COVID-19 have been detected in Ontario.

The situation continues to change and evolve and we all need to continue to do our part to keep one another safe. It is not the time to let your guard down. Every action counts. Details about current public health guidelines, recommendations, restrictions and closures can be found at markham.ca/covid19 and york.ca/covid19.
If you feel sick, stay home. It is important to monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19 and seek assessment and testing if you have COVID-19 symptoms, or if you've been advised of exposure.

As always should you require any assistance, please reach out to the City's Contact Centre at 905.477.5530 or email at customerservice@markham.ca. Please also remember that your local Ward Councillor is also available to assist if you don't know where to turn.

Councillor McAlpine has just published his March newsletter highlighting various happenings in Unionville. If you live in Ward 3, you may want to subscribe to his newsletter for an update specific to Unionville including:
  • A statutory public meeting will be held on Tuesday March 2 at 7 pm to seek public comment on the 14-story seniors residence proposal, called Hildebrand Gardens, immediately east of St Justin Martyr Church on Highway 7. You can watch here.
  • A second virtual Community Information Meeting regarding the proposal to redevelop the Sheridan Nurseries site with 47 storey buildings will be held on March 9 at 7 pm. To register please email mantonoglou@markham.ca. 
  • Concepts for the development of Markham Centre can be viewed here

Hazardous conditions on and around bodies of water

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is reminding residents of the dangers that exist near bodies of water around this time of year and urging people to keep family and pets away from the edges of all waterways. Read more here.

The Unionville Residents Association has recently introduced their new and improved website. Their March newsletter can be accessed here.

URA will be hosting their monthly meeting on Monday March 1 at 7pm which will take place virtually. Please send an email to rsvp@unionvilleresidents.ca to receive the login details. You can join the Zoom meeting by telephone or computer.

Topics will include Councillor updates and a visit with Sara Sterling, the Executive Director of the Unionville BIA. Last year posed many challenges for Main Street businesses but we are all looking forward to a great 2021 on Main Street. She will discuss the work of the BIA, how the street responded to last year's challenges, the outlook for this year including patios, special events and a farmers market. There are also several options under consideration for improving the physical streetscape and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

For speakers to address as many issues as possible, you are invited to send any questions in advance when you register or if you prefer to ask a question or make a comment during the actual meeting, you will be able to do so by sending a message in the “chat” box on the zoom screen.
 
The Markham Group of Artists (MGA) is celebrating its 40th year. Over the years, MGA has contributed to the vibrant culture of our community through their art shows and sales, workshops, demonstrations, painting mosaics, and art talks.

As they plan ahead for 2021 and beyond, there’s no better time for you to tell them what you are looking for in a community visual arts group. Please take a few minutes to complete their survey to let them know how they can serve you better. Completing this survey will give you a chance to win a $50 Tim Horton’s gift card. (If you have already completed the survey, please send them your email address to be added to the pool.)

Reach out to MGA at markhamartists@gmail.com if you have any questions. Learn more about their upcoming events here.

This week I was delighted to join the LCRA Annual General Meeting on Zoom. This is an active community group and there were lots of great questions asked. If you live in the Legacy area and aren't a member of this organization, you should reach out to them and see all of the great work that these dedicated volunteers are doing to make your neighbourhood better.

The latest edition of their community newsletter can be found here.
The sale and exchange of green bins and blue boxes will resume.
Starting on March 8 at the Markham Village Recycling Depot only. All other locations starting March 22
Starting March 1, Markham Recycling Depots will resume Spring/Summer operating hours. 🕒 ☀️
 
COVID-19 health and safety measures remain in effect. 

The Varley Gallery is currently closed and will reopen once the City of Markham restrictions are lifted. The new Varley Spring 2021 exhibitions are in place and the Varley team is cautiously optimistic that they may be able to reopen, with appropriate safety protocols, within a matter of weeks.
 
In the meantime Varley virtual education programs and the Varley Lounge have been running and the feedback from many teachers and students has been great. Here is more information about some additional upcoming events:

  • Lunch and Learn - March 3 at 12:30pm - details
  • Lunch and Learn - March 31 at 12:30pm - details
  • Wallace Joyce Scholarship - 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? This scholarship will be awarded to one recipient to assist with their education - details. Applications close at midnight on March 31, 2021.
  • School Studio Workshops - In these 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. Workshops are one hour in length, delivered through Zoom and will be offered every Monday and Tuesday throughout March. Students who wish to follow along will only require simple drawing and colouring materials, such as paper, pencil, eraser and pencil crayons. - details
  • Varley Lounge - a virtual space where students can talk about art and participate in stress relieving activities. Each week’s talk and activity will focus on a different theme and corresponding artwork from the Varley Art Gallery’s current exhibitions and collections. Lounge sessions are 30 minutes in length and will be delivered through Zoom every Friday throughout the month of March. Students who wish to participate in the activity require only a pencil, simple colouring materials such as pencil crayons, markers, crayons, and a piece of paper. Teachers interested in extending their students’ learning may adapt our Lounge topics into fuller units/lessons. - details

Markham Stouffville Hospital is hiring for Registered Nurses in their ICU. If you have your certificate in critical care and looking to become an integral member of their interprofessional team responsible for the comprehensive care of critical care patients, they want you - details here.

There are other opportunities available at MSH too. Click here to learn more.

The Markham Board of Trade continues to offer events and support to the business community.

One of their annual events is the Women's Business Networking Luncheon. This year, like everything else, will be a virtual event on March 23. More information and the details for registration can be found here.

MBT is supporting Destination Markham with an event on March 8 - Building Brand Awareness with Google. More information about this and other upcoming Destination Markham events can be found here.

Open in Markham is a website that has been created by the MBT to support local businesses. Is your business listed on this site? Have you looked at the site to see all the local businesses that would be happy to see you now that businesses have opened while adhering to COVID guidelines? Click here and shop local.

If you are an innovator, business-owner or entrepreneur who wants to learn about opportunities for growth abroad, sign up for free to join Minister Mary Ng as she leads a virtual trade mission to France, focused on the green economy, on March 29th - April 1st and 8th. Click here to register.

Do you live with others and need a place to rest and recover from COVID-19?

Book a voluntary stay at the Isolation Centre where you can self-isolate free of charge in comfort for 10-14 days, if eligible. To learn more, visit york.ca/isolationcentre or call Access York at 1-877-464-9675 x72500 between 8:30am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 1pm to 4pm Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

York Region is offering a Circular Economy Initiatives Fund of $5,000 to $25,000 to non-profit organizations with community driven, innovative projects that will help reduce waste and advance a circular economy within York Region. The Circular Economy Initiatives Fund was developed to help nurture the reuse, repair, repurpose and redesign mindset within its communities to reach the Region’s visionary goal of a world where nothing goes to waste.

Consideration will be given to new projects that meet one or both of the following objectives:
  • Reduce Waste/Environmental Footprint: Deliver projects that result in a reduction of residential waste generated (based on weight) or an increase in reuse of residential waste, diverting it from landfill
  • Enhance Education and Awareness: Develop and deliver education and awareness projects that lead to behaviour change and/or increased knowledge of the value of waste

A circular economy revolves around the principles of designing out waste, where products and resources are used and reused in a continuous loop. This is a great leap from the linear economy of take-make-use-dispose, where resources are used once and discarded.

For more information on the application process, who is eligible to apply and important deadlines visit york.ca/CircularEconomyFund.
Other items

  • Join LEAF on March 4th at 7pm as they discussed the benefits of the urban forest. This presentation is part of the Markham Public Library's virtual program series. Event information and registration - here

  • Markham Promotes Division Chief Matthew Keay to Deputy Chief, Fire and Emergency Services - details


  • York Region’s 2020 Accessibility Status Report - this report provides an update on the actions taken by York Region and York Regional Police to improve accessibility and implement the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). Key Accomplishments:
  • Providing virtual consultations for children with special needs
  • Connecting vulnerable seniors to technology supports
  • Enhancing Mobility On-Request services with COVID-9 prevention measures
  • Equipping York Regional Police patrol vehicles with removable tablets to facilitate virtual sign language communications
  • Consulting with the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee to inform public health activities


  • York Region Food Network's Seed Library will open March 25 - June 25. There is no cost for seeds. A limited number of seed packets will be allotted per person and will be delivered on a first come first served basis. Order seeds online and they'll be sent to you by mail. More detail
as of February 26, 2021 - click title or on chart for full report
These Markham specific COVID-19 details are provided by MFES
and the City of Markham Executive Leadership Team.
More information about Markham's response to COVID-19 can be found here.

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.
Upcoming Meetings

  • March 1 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
  • March 2 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
  • March 3 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
  • March 4 - Committee of the Whole - Budget Presentations - 9am - details
  • March 8 - Development Services Committee - 9:30am - details
  • March 9 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
  • March 11 - Committee of the Whole - Budget Presentations - 9am - details
  • March 18 - Regional Council Special Meeting - 9am - details
  • March 22 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
  • March 23 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
  • March 25 - Regional Council Meeting - 9am - details
  • March 31 - Council Meeting - 1pm - 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.

York Region Council meetings and live streaming details can be found here. Details of upcoming YR meetings and past sessions are available here. 
Community Meetings and Events

  • What's on at the Library? - click here
  • Unionville Residents Association Zoom meeting - March 1 at 7pm - details
  • Varley Gallery Lunch and Learn - March 3 at 12:30pm - details
  • At-Home 360°Experience - March 4 - details
  • York University Markham Campus Open House - March 4 at 7pm - details
  • Building Brand Awareness - SEO training for beginners - March 8 - details
  • York University Virtual Open House - March 4th at 7pm - details
  • Unionville Villagers Association Zoom meeting - March 8 at 7pm
  • Building Brand Awareness - Intro to Google Ads - March 22 - details
  • MBT Women's Networking Luncheon - March 23 - details
  • Varley Gallery Lunch and Learn - March 31 at 12:30pm - details

I'd be pleased to highlight other community meetings in future newsletters.
Please forward the details to dhamilton@markham.ca
Working together to make Markham better!
Don Hamilton - City of Markham
Deputy Mayor and Regional Councillor
905-415-7549
Connect with me