December 13 2020
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Goodbye to Conservation Area Protection
One of the saddest things to happen this week was the passing of Bill 229, specifically the parts that dealt with Conservation Authorities (CA's). A thorn in the side of developers, these CA's protected our wetlands, forests and valley lands. In spite of a loud cry from York Region Council, Markham Council and many others, the Bill was passed by the Provincial government. You may recall Doug Ford, prior to his election, promising to open parts of the greenbelt for development. It looks like he's on his way to making good on his promise. Check out this short video and this article for more information.
In spite of best efforts from York Region Council and the YR Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kirji, as of Monday, YR is in lockdown mode. I don't get how leaving big box stores open (with hundreds of shoppers elbow to elbow) while closing small less congested businesses helps reduce COVID-19 cases. This is something that our MPP's will need to answer for.
Earlier today it was my pleasure along with Councillors Irish and Ho to attend the Menorah lighting outside the Thornhill Community Centre. "Chag Sameach" to Rabbi Plotkin and all celebrating Hanukkah! This year, stay safe by celebrating virtually or only with people in your household.
The City of Markham approved its 2021 Budget this week. It's a 0% tax increase but we had to dip into our reserves to make this happen. Details below.
Have a safe and productive week!
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In this issue
- GREY Zone Now
- Support Local
- Markham Cares
- A Bit of Good News
- Skating at the Civic Centre
- Building a Toy Mountain
- A Little Bit of Happy
- UVA Annual Meeting
- Winter Programs
- Small Business Resources
- Are You Confused
- LTC Careers
- Winter Biking
- There is Help
- RIDE Season
- YRFN Webinar
- Hockey with Heart Food Drive
- Keep Your Pets Safe
- Safety Reminders
- 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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On Friday, the Province announced that York Region will move to the GREY-LOCKDOWN Zone under the Province's Keeping Ontario Safe and Open COVID-19 response framework.
New restrictions will come into effect for a minimum of 28 days. Gathering limits for organized public events and social gatherings will be as follows:
- Indoor - 0 - limit interactions to those in your household
- Outdoor - 10 people maximum while keeping a safe distance
- Weddings, funerals, religious services: 10 people indoors or outdoors while keeping a safe distance
These gathering limits do not apply to members of a single household. An individual who lives alone may also gather exclusively with one other household. Individuals should limit travel to essential trips only. No matter where you live in the province, the safest way to spend the holidays this year is by celebrating in person with the people you live with only and celebrating virtually with everyone else.
The new COVID-19 restrictions in the City of Markham will include:
- Closing of all indoor and outdoor dining including patios.
- Closing of all indoor sports and recreational fitness facilities, including gyms, subject to limited exceptions. Seasonal outdoor recreational facilities and amenities may remain open with some restrictions
- Closing of meeting and event spaces except for childcare, court services, government services and social services
- Closing all non-essential retail except for curbside pick-up or delivery. Large retailers with a grocery section can remain open at 50% capacity. Convenience stores, hardware stores, safety supply stores, pharmacies, and stores that sell liquor, including beer, wine and spirits, are permitted to remain open
- All hair salons, barber shops, nail salons and tattoo parlours will be closed
City of Markham services are impacted as follows:
- Community centres, arenas, pools, the Markham Museum and the Varley Art Gallery will be closed until further notice
- In-person fitness activities have been suspended
- Markham Public Library will continue to offer virtual services and limited in-library services including holds pick-ups and returns - details
- Markham Civic Centre will continue to operate by appointment only and all essential municipal services will continue to be offered
- Markham Recycling Depots will remain open with COVID-19 health and safety measures in place - check for hours here.
The City understands the social, physical and mental health benefits of staying active and engaged. During the pandemic, Markham will continue to provide fun, educational, creative, and active programs for all ages that are adapted to ensure the health and safety of participants - details here. |
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2020 has been a challenging year for everyone but especially for small business owners and it will be even more difficult now that we have moved into the Grey Zone. Check out MPL's Shop Local Virtual Market Place to explore local businesses you can shop from this holiday season. Let's support our local businesses together!
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The Markham Board of Trade has also developed a platform, Open in Markham, to provide you with a list of shops in Markham that are doing their best to survive during these difficult times. It is more important than ever to try to contact local businesses and see if they are open for curbside delivery or online shopping. |
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The City of Markham is collecting food, personal care 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. Learn more
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This week Markham Council approved a 0% property tax rate increase to help support the community during this Pandemic - more detail.
For 2021, Markham Council has approved a new Property Tax and Stormwater Fee Payment Deferral Program to support property owners who have been financially affected by COVID-19. This assistance is by application only and is meant to aid residential and business property owners who require payment flexibility throughout the 2021 taxation year - markham.ca/TaxRelief.
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There’s no tradition more Canadian than skating. So, lace up and hit the ice at one of the City's arenas, community ice rinks or at the Markham Civic Centre outdoor ice rink – one of the largest outdoor ice rinks in the Greater Toronto Area (picture shown is from a prior year).
This year things will be a bit different and you will need to pre-book public skating at the Markham Civic Centre outdoor ice rink. The registration will open on December 14 for skating in late December. Always check ice conditions before you go. Skate and helmet rentals are available. More information is available at markham.ca/skating.
New for 2020! The City of Markham is now offering Learn to Skate programs outdoors both private and group lessons will be available. Details here
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A big thank you to Santa and all his elves, especially Danny & Val Fantini, Lori & Anthony Manserra and Aaron Madar, for their efforts over the last 4 weekends to help build a Toy Mountain. |
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While we will all be celebrating differently this year, here's an idea to help make Christmas special for the children in the area.
On Christmas Eve at 6pm, step outside and ring a bell for 2 minutes to spread Christmas cheer and help Santa’s sleigh.
Let’s end 2020 with a sparkle of magic, hope and unity.
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UVA Annual Meeting
Join the Unionville Villagers Association for their AGM on Monday December 14 at 7pm. It will be a virtual meeting and you will need to pre-register. Please email their President at laketrevelyan@gmail.com to receive a link to join.
URA has also started publishing a newsletter, Unionville Gazette, to highlight the issues that they will be working on in the year ahead.
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Looking for some winter fun? This season, the City of Markham is offering a variety of creative, active and educational recreation and library programs. Registration is open for new outdoor, indoor and online favourites. All programs are designed to keep you safe as we do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Try something new or explore an old passion this season. New feature programs:
- Outdoor skating lessons
- Virtual library STEAM programs
- Virtual fitness classes and personal training
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Businesses have a responsibility to have procedures and policies in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Are you looking for more information on how to prevent COVID-19 in the workplace, employer responsibilities and links to sector-specific resources? Details from York Region Public Health can be found here.
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The quality of life of York Region's most vulnerable residents matter.
Do you have a passion for service? Like working with other caring professionals? Wish you could work for a top employer who cares about its people?
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Interested in winter biking?
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Are you having challenges making your mortgage, rent or utility payments?
York Region may be able to help. Find out if you are eligible by contacting Access York at 1.877.464.9675 or here.
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York Region Police have been out with their annual RIDE campaign and will be out every day and night until New Year's. Remember the safest amount of alcohol or drugs to have before you drive is zero.
This year in addition to the regular spot checks, YRP will be in unmarked cars pulling over drivers for sobriety tests on residential roads knowing more people will be drinking in private homes. It is hard to believe but YRP arrested two drivers in one hour of RIDE checks at 10am on Saturday morning.
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Good for you and for the planet, learn many uses to for your coffee grounds. Join the York Region Food Network on Tuesday December 15 at 1pm to get a second jolt out of your coffee grounds in their last zero waste workshop of 2020. Details
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Each year the Unionville Men's Hockey Club's Hockey with Heart food drive supports those in our community who need a helping hand over the holidays.
In previous years, UMHC players and other community volunteers would collect food items left on Unionville doorsteps which would be donated to Hampers of Hope and the Markham Food Bank.
This year's different and you can support their virtual campaign by donating online.
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from the OSPCA
As we are now in the Holiday season, it’s important to know how to keep your pet safe. Here are 5 holiday hazards to watch for:
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Tinsel - Animals are attracted to the shiny material and cats in particular like to play with it. If they swallow it, it can cause serious damage to their intestines.
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Holiday flowers - Christmas flowers are nice but they can be deadly to your pets. Holly can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, while mistletoe and poinsettias can cause stomach upset. See a list of the most common holiday plants that are toxic.
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Alcohol - Keep an eye on your drink to make sure Fido doesn’t do a taste test when you’re not looking, as alcoholic beverages can be harmful to pets.
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Candles - If you’re going to have candles out, make sure they are never left unattended where your pets can get to them. Not only could a lit candle start a fire in your home if knocked over, it could also seriously injure your pet.
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Leftovers - Avoid leaving any leftovers where your furry family members can get them. Fatty and spicy foods, chocolate and candy, as well as bones, can lead to costly medical bills if consumed by your pets. Think twice about where you set your plate down.
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How can you help after a snow event?
Give snow plows plenty of space whether you’re driving a vehicle, on a bike or are on foot.
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Planning a night-time walk or bike ride? Remember, reflective clothing and a flashlight makes a difference.
See and be seen.
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Remember vehicle braking distance increases during winter conditions. Reduce your speed, avoid distractions and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists. |
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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.
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Upcoming Meetings
- December 14 - Unionville Sub-Committee Meeting - 9:30am
- December 14 - Council Education Session - 1pm - details
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December 15 - Special Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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December 16 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
- December 16 - Animal Care Committee Meeting - 5:30pm
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December 17 - YR Council Meeting - 9am - details
- December 21 - Advisory Committee on Accessibility - 5pm
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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