July 4 2021
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Happy Fourth of July!
To our southern neighbours and any Americans living or working in Markham I wish you a Happy 4th of July!
I had two momentous occasions this week, getting my haircut and getting my second dose of vaccine. Happily both went off without incident.
I'm not aware of any news on the Yonge North Subway Extension this week but the very active Thornhill community is calling for more extensive planning before approving the Shouldice-Liberty and the Thornhill Square developments. With the existing Landmark buildings and the recently approved Tridel Condominium proposal at Royal Orchard and Bayview, it does make sense to more deeply consider the impacts all these buildings will have on that area. I will continue to work with Ward 1 Councillor Keith Irish on these files.
The Library is pleased to announce its limited reopening on August 3rd. See below for details.
Thanks to a resident for alerting me about a swimming pool incident that occurred due to a gate being left unlocked. Lock your gate if you have a swimming pool. Details below.
Morgan Pool has extended their hours and Rouge River CC pool will be opening soon. Get in the swim. Check below.
My neighbour found a tick imbedded in her leg as a result of walking on a trail. Read below on how you can "fight the bite".
A new digital design scholarship is being offered by NVision, a local Markham company - details below.
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In this issue
- Have You Had Your Vaccine Yet?
- What Can I Do In Step 2?
- Help Protect the Urban Canopy
- Visit Markham
- Ward 4 Newsletter
- Ward 3 Newsletter
- More Summer Swimming Times
- Pool Safety
- Markham at the Drive-In Movies
- Fight the Bite
- Transportation Master Plan Update
- Water Open House
- New Scholarship Announced
- Beat the Heat the Summer
- YRP is Hiring
- Other Items
- Markham COVID-19 Report
- YR COVID-19 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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York Region will be releasing approximately 25,000 COVID-19 vaccine appointments on Monday morning and an additional 33,000 doses on Wednesday for individuals 12+ who live, work or go to school in York Region and are looking to book their first dose or an accelerated second dose - more information here.
More than one million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered. More than 75% of eligible York Region residents have been vaccinated with their first COVID-19 vaccine and more than 30% of eligible York Region residents 12+ are now fully vaccinated.
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Achieving the 75% coverage milestone is possible due to our many residents and partners who continue to work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and will help move Ontario to a gradual and safe re-opening. If you haven't received your COVID-19 vaccination yet and are eligible, book your appointment at york.ca/covid19vaccine. |
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Should you need help booking an appointment here are some suggestions:
- check out the york.ca/covid19vaccine page and call the number for the clinic where you are trying to get an appointment
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PinkCars and Markham and Stouffville Vaccinates are two community based groups that are helping residents book vaccination appointments and arrange rides to the clinics
- currently available vaccines can be viewed in real time at vaccine-gta.ca to assist in obtaining an appointment. Learn how two Markham students developed this tool - read more
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Vaccine Hunters have also been very active in tracking down vaccine availability on short notice.
All COVID-19 vaccines provide sustained, substantial protection approximately 14 days following the first dose. A second dose offers a stronger, more sustained level of protection against COVID-19 and variants. If you haven't already received both your doses in order to be fully vaccinated, book an appointment today at york.ca/COVID19Vaccine.
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York Region continues to make amazing progress combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. By following public health guidelines and rolling up our sleeves for vaccines at a record pace, our communities are experiencing low case counts and a cautious easing of restrictions.
This week York Region moved into Step 2 of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen. Here are some of the activities we can now safely enjoy:
- outdoor gatherings with up to 25 people with physical distancing
- indoor gatherings with up to 5 people with physical distancing
- outdoor dining with up to 6 people per table
- essential retail capacity at 50% and non-essential retail at 25%
- personal care services at 25% capacity where face coverings can be worn at all times
- shopping mall stores open with capacity limits
- outdoor amusement and water parks at 25% capacity
- outdoor sports games, cinemas, live events and attractions at 25% capacity
Please continue to adhere to all current public health measures, even after you receive your vaccination, to ensure the safety of all members of our community. Learn more about what is permitted in Step 2 at york.ca/preventcovid19 and markham.ca/covid19.
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I'm sure that you have noticed some of the our local tress have been eaten bare of their leaves. During severe outbreaks, trees can be completely defoliated. The tree may produce a new set of leaves but may also store the energy to set buds for next year’s leaves. It is unlikely that the tree is dead. Even if all of the leaves are gone it is important to water the trees on your property to provide them with the energy to grow new leaves.
The caterpillar stage should be done by mid-July. To help reduce the population you can handpick caterpillars by removing them while wearing gloves and place them in a bucket of soapy water for a day or two before disposing of them in the garbage. From August to April, scrape egg masses off of trees and place in a bucket of soapy water for a day or two before disposing of them. Learn more at markham.ca/lddmoth or york.ca/lddmoth.
This week James Lane, Manager Natural Heritage and Forestry for York Region did a question and answer interview for the media. His comments are noted below:
Where in YR are there infestations of gypsy moths happening?
- York Region is experiencing outbreak levels of European gypsy moths, also known as Lymantria dispar dispar (LDD), that will last through July 2021
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While forested areas may be affected, trees in urban areas including street trees on local and regional roads and trees on private property in urban areas are most at risk; soil compaction, air pollution and other pests and diseases make trees in urban areas more susceptible
- The Region has identified its street trees at greatest risk for severe defoliation and is implementing integrated pest management strategies including:
- manually removing egg masses on smaller high-risk street trees
- treating select high-value street trees with a biological insecticide called TreeAzin
What kind of damage can the moths/caterpillars do?
- At outbreak levels, severe tree defoliation is likely to occur in several areas of York Region
- At high numbers, the caterpillars can be a nuisance; caterpillar droppings and bits of foliage dropped by feeding caterpillars can create messes on decks and walkways near infested trees, on York Regional Forest trails and in local parks and greenspaces
- The caterpillars tend to only feed and damage trees for a short period of time in June and July; most trees will put out new leaves in a matter of weeks when the weather is favourable (with periodic rain)
Has YR sprayed the trees?
- In July, York Region will conduct defoliation surveys on previously surveyed plots to look at the defoliation levels (which the egg mass surveys in 2020 attempted to predict); in late fall/early winter, York Region will resurvey the plots for egg masses to help with 2022 LDD predictions
- Historically, some jurisdictions have undertaken aerial sprays of Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki (Btk) using a helicopter, however this undertaking is extremely costly and can be very contentious; aerial spraying does not reduce the pest’s population but aims to reduce defoliation levels to reduce impacts on tree health and vigour while maintaining aesthetics
- Aerial sprays of Btk are non-selective and can impact non-target caterpillars, who are an important source of food for many birds and other wildlife; in fact, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, skunks, over 15 species of birds and several native insects will all help reduce LDD numbers
- In addition to wildlife, a naturally occurring fungus (Entomophaga maimaiga) and virus (nucleopolyhedrosis), both harmless to people, will also contribute to an eventual collapse of LDD populations
- As a preventative measure and part of our ongoing practice, York Region continues to monitor both street and forest tree monitoring plots
What else can be done to help stop an infestation?
- There are a number of ways homeowners can manage the impacts including treating trees with insecticide, hand picking caterpillars or removing egg masses; always wear gloves when handling caterpillars and egg masses to avoid an allergic reaction
- Burlap banding on high-value street trees and smaller high-risk street trees and ground-based Btk sprays on smaller high-risk street trees are also being considered
- Homeowners may also consider contacting a licensed tree care company to discuss best options for dealing with privately-owned trees including hiring a licensed contractor to apply pesticide sprays or tree injections
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For more information and tips, please visit york.ca/lddmoth
Is this infestation cyclical? Is Summer the peak season?
- Yes, this pest follows a natural cycle with high populations/infestations occurring every 8 to 10 years; peak damage from this pest occurs during the caterpillar life stage which general happens during May to July, depending on the year.
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Destination Markham launched three major initiatives to support the re-opening of businesses and to stimulate Markham’s visitor economy.
These initiatives include:
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Safe Travels stamp, a global tourism program created to assure local and international travellers that businesses are safe to visit - visitmarkham.ca/safety
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MyMarkhamPass is a mobile-exclusive savings pass for residents and visitors to download and use across businesses in the Markham to save and support the tourism sector - visitmarkham.ca/save
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“Be Our Guest” initiative and campaign, created to support the Hotel and Hospitality Sector in Markham - visitmarkham.ca/beourguest.
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Are you a resident of Ward 4 Markham?
Karen Rea, your local Councillor, has recently published her latest eNewsletter.
You can read it here and learn about various initiatives and updates on projects in the area. You can subscribe to future editions here. |
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Are you a resident of Ward 3 Unionville?
Reid McAlpine, your local Councillor, has recently released his latest eNewsletter.
You can read it here and learn about projects happening in the area along with other updates. You can subscribe to future editions here. |
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Due to popular demand more recreational swim times are now available in the evenings at Morgan Pool throughout the rest of the summer. Just remember that pre-booking is required. You can do that here.
Closer to home all of the local splash pads are open too for the kids to cool off and have some summer fun! |
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Do you have a swimming pool? Whether the pool is an inground or an above ground pool that you may have installed in your backyard to beat the heat, all pools that are deeper than 0.6 metres (24") deep, must be surrounded with a 1.2 metres (4’) fence and locked when not in use. The fence will help protect children from the danger of drowning but the fence will only work if the gate is closed and locked. More detail about fences and swimming pools can be found here.
Swimming is an important life skill that we should all learn. Whether you're looking for lessons for your children or you're an adult that has never learned to swim, the City run programs are a great way make waves. This summer there is a limited program being offered at Morgan Pool - details here. Once the indoor pools can open there will be more classes available for babies and parents, adult learn to swim programs and leadership programs where you can learn the skills to become a lifeguard and swim instructor and turn a love for swimming into a job where you can work for the City. |
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- a drive-in format at Markham Fairgrounds
- screening six films, two per evening - one family-rated and the second for older audiences
- recent and award-winning film titles, screening times, ticket prices will all be announced closer to the dates
- each theme night will focus on highlighting support for/from local Markham businesses.
This is something to look forward to later in the summer and once details are clarified they will be included in a future edition of the DME.
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It’s great to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather. Make sure you take precautions to protect yourself, your family and your pets against blacklegged ticks that can spread Lyme Disease. Visit York.ca/lymedisease for more information on how to stay safe.
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If you’re ready to shape our future transportation network, register for the Transportation Master Plan update virtual meeting on July 15. Learn more and register at york.ca/TMP.
In this video Lauren Crawford, York Region Manager of Transportation Long-Term Planning explains the TMP and why it’s important to get involved in the update.
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Learn more about York Region’s plans to continue providing safe, cost-efficient and reliable water and wastewater services to residents, businesses and communities. More information about this project including the details from the prior Open Houses can be found here.
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This week I learned of a recently launched new Markham based scholarship which is available to a student pursuing digital creativity in either arts, design, development or marketing. They will receive $1,500 towards their academic post-secondary studies.
This scholarship came from a 35 year Markham friendship that started in high school and later drinks at the Arms. Read more here about how the scholarship was created.
Additional information about the scholarship and how to apply can be found here. The deadline to apply is July 12 which is just around the around the corner.
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It's officially summer and we can look forward to some hot days ahead but hopefully not as hot as Western Canada has been experiencing.
High temperatures, high humidity, lack of shade and minimal air movement, both indoors and outdoors, can put your health at risk, causing heat related illnesses. These illnesses range from minor heat rashes and muscle cramps to hot weather emergencies like heat stroke and heat exhaustion. When the thermometer rises, remember to drink plenty of water and take steps to keep your body cool. Learn more about keeping safe from heat at york.ca/extremeheat.
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YRP is currently recruiting and has 2 upcoming virtual employment sessions which will be hosted by members of their Uniform Recruiting Unit. Learn more:
- Asian virtual recruiting session offered by YRP's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Unit - Wednesday July 7 from 1pm to 4pm - details
- Information session - Thursday July 8 from 1pm to 3pm - details
Learn more about careers at YRP - here. |
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Other items
The Markham Public Library is excited to announce that they will be welcoming you back into the Markham Village and Unionville libraries starting August 3. To ensure everyone’s safety they are currently developing procedures, training staff and getting the space ready. They will also be extending library hours. More information is available here.
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Everyone experiences anxiety, stress and worry from time to time, even children. EarlyOn agencies in York Region are now offering free virtual programs to help children manage anxiety.
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The countdown to the Tokyo Olympics is on!
Take a glimpse at Markham’s Olympic memories from 1964. Get in the spirit and show your hometown pride with Olympic Silver Medalist Bill Crothers and Journalist Lloyd Robertson.
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Now is your opportunity to have your say about options for dogs in the York Region Forest.
Learn more about the options at an online information session on Monday night - more detail here. |
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Please be advised that the following roads will be closed for culvert replacement work:
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Elgin Mills Road East between Victoria Square Boulevard and Warden Avenue on July 5 and 6
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Reesor Road between Elgin Mills Road East and 19th Avenue on July 19 and 20.
Also, please note that Cornell Rouge Boulevard, from William Forster Road to John Allan Cameron Street, will be closed from July 12 to July 16 for sewer and manhole connection work.
Any questions about these closures may be emailed to OCS@markham.ca or call 905.475.4714.
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There will be a temporary road closure by the Ministry of Transportation at 16th Avenue from Vogell Avenue to Cachet Woods Court from Saturday July 10 at 10pm to Sunday July 11 at 9am. The purpose of this closure is for MTO to demolish the Highway 404 southbound overpass at 16th Avenue as part of the Highway 404 expansion project. The Highway 404 on-ramps will also be closed, while the off-ramps will remain open.
To ensure safety, the road section will be closed to all traffic. City staff, emergency services and transit are being informed and a detour plan will be in place. Travellers will be notified of the closure through on-street signs and MTO’s Traffic and Road Information System. MTO may need to reschedule due to weather conditions and advance notice will be provided whenever possible.
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I have highlighted the app What3Words previously but now that everyone is out and about enjoying the summer, I thought it was worth repeating.
This app will provide a unique 3 word sequence to provide an exact location which can be used for emergencies, navigation, e-commerce and more. Here's a recent article about it. |
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The Markham Board of Trade with support from the City has free COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits available to Markham businesses with under 150 employees.
It is not a requirement to be a MBT member to access these free kits. More information about this program can be found here.
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York Region is looking for your input as they update the Sewer Use Bylaw.
To learn more about the Bylaw, current updates and provide your feedback by July 18 - click here.
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Find out about current and future opportunities at the hospital. Interested RNs are encouraged to register by July 7. Space is limited - learn more.
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As a friendly reminder, walk on sidewalks whenever possible.
If you need to walk on the street, walk facing traffic and as close to the road-side as you can.
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as of July 2 2021 at 12:30pm - 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.
You may also want to have a look at York Region's COVID-19 dashboard. The interactive dashboard has moved to a 5 day a week reporting model and provides detailed information about COVID-19 in York Region including a breakdown of specific Markham data at york.ca/covid19data. |
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Upcoming Meetings
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July 8 - Development Service Meeting - 9:30am - details
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July 12 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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July 13 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
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July 14 - 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.
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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
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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