The Deputy Mayor's Exchange - Thanksgiving Should Be Every Day of the Year 🍂

October 10 2021

The Deputy Mayor's Exchange

Thanksgiving Should Be Every Day of the Year 🍂

Markham residents should be thankful every day of the year for the diverse, inclusive and safe community that we all call home. We are privileged to enjoy great facilities, outdoor amenity spaces and modern conveniences all just outside the doors of our homes. May you enjoy a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day.

We haven't yet, but my wife and I certainly plan on visiting one of our many York Region Forest trails to view the gorgeous fall colours. Why not do the same? We may also stop by Applewood Farms just north of Markham to pick some apples! See below.

One of the largest household budget items is for the supply of clean water. We get most of our water from Lake Ontario supplied by the City of Toronto. Water is expensive, so use it wisely. See video below.

I was in a store last week and not only do they have Halloween in full sales mode but Christmas was going full blast as well. Can Easter be far behind? Shortages in supply of many items may mean higher prices. Be ready!

I was pleased to participate in a meeting regarding the bollard installation on Highway 7 from Main Street Markham to Albert/Cosburn. This pilot project is supported by Ward 4 Councillor Karen Rea. If successful, a permanent concrete median will be installed next year. See details below.

As bird and butterfly migration is in full flight, please do your part to make your home bird friendly. We don't want to lose one robin, blue jay, cardinal or any of the other birds in our area. Why not plant some milkweed for the Monarch butterflies!

Have a great week!

Email - dhamilton@markham.ca

In this issue

- Are You Fully Vaccinated?

- Fall in the Forest

- Water: What You Pay For

- GO Corridor Vegetation Removal

- Be Fire Safe

- York Region Turns 50

- C19 Safety Plan for Businesses

- Aaniin Fitness Centre is Open

- Pay-per-Play Recreation

- October is Small Business Month

- Welcome Back to the KSO

- Varley Gallery Update

- LDD - Now is the Time

- Bollard Installation

- Happenings at MPL

- Walk to School Month

- Other Items

- 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.

Find Your Ward Councillor

Click here to read the previous edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.

Are You Fully Vaccinated?

If you still need a first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, details about pop-up clinics, locations and hours are available at york.ca/covid19vaccine. There are also certain situations where third doses are being administered - details here.

All COVID-19 vaccines provide protection approximately 14 days following the first dose. A second dose offers a stronger, more sustained level of protection against COVID-19 and variants.

Even after a COVID-19 vaccination, we must follow public health measures to keep everyone safe and healthy. Learn more about measures and enforcement on york.ca/preventcovid19.

By now you should already have a copy of your proof of vaccination but just in case you still need to obtain your copy you can get your proof of vaccination receipt in various ways:

from the email you got from the Ontario Ministry of Health after your second vaccination appointment
download a copy from covid19.ontariohealth.ca
call the Provincial Vaccine Booking line at 1.833.943.3900
if you don't have a printer you can call Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1.833.943.3900 to request a copy be sent by mail, visit your local library or ask a trusted friend to help you print a copy

You can learn more at york.ca/covid19vaccine.

As a reminder, you are now required to provide proof of full vaccination to enter Markham indoor recreation facilities. Proof of vaccination will be required at the following facilities:

recreation facilities
Varley Art Gallery
Heintzman House
Markham Museum
library branches

This policy applies to all participants and visitors who are 12 years of age and older except for Provincially defined medical exemptions - details here.

Fall in the Forest

It is a great time to get out and enjoy the wonderful fall weather and experience all the colour that this time of year offers.

Exploring the York Region Forest helps you stay active, relaxed and can improve your concentration. Please stay on designated trails to protect the flowers, plants and trees, while experiencing the benefits of the Forest. Plan your trip and find a trail to explore at york.ca/yrf.

Water: What You Pay For

When you pay for water, you’re covering the cost of getting clean, safe water delivered to your home.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at where your water dollars go. Watch the video here.

GO Train Stouffville Corridor Vegetation Removal

Work began along the Stouffville GO line, from Bethesda Side Road in Whitchurch-Stouffville to Highway 7 in Markham, this week and will take place for up to 16 weeks, 7 days per week from 7am to 7pm. This work will take place as a part of the GO Expansion Program and prepare for the future electrification of GO service.

Metrolinx will clear, remove and prune designated trees and vegetation located within the Stouffville Rail Corridor. Once cleared, growth control zones will be established to manage vegetation inside the corridors over the long term. Native trees removed as part of this work will be replaced within the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville and City of Markham through a compensation program based on the Metrolinx Vegetation Guideline. What to expect:

work will be conducted as quickly and efficiently as possible to minimize disturbances
residents and businesses near the corridor can expect to hear noise caused by trucks, chainsaws, woodchippers and other construction equipment
residents and businesses may see dots on trees within the rail corridor for trees identified for removal
invasive tree species will be chipped on site, while wood from native trees may be taken off site for reuse
work may be delayed or rescheduled due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances
more information on this work is available here.

Be Fire Safe

As a part of Fire Prevention Week, last week Markham Fire and Emergency Services unveiled new educational materials including a video aimed at teaching students how they can make their home fire safe. You can watch the video here.

York Region Turns 50

2021 is York Region’s 50th anniversary. On January 1 1971, York Region's story began with just 169,200 residents.

You are invited to look back on our collective history and reflect on the experiences that have helped shape you, your family, friends and neighbourhood. A thank you should go to every resident and The Regional Municipality of York employees, past and present, who have been a part of this journey. Where will the next 50 years take us. Learn more about York Region's anniversary at york.ca/YRturns50.

Share a fun memory using #YRturns50 and enter for a chance to win a $50 gift card. More detail is available at york.ca/YRturns50.

Businesses Must Have a COIVD-19 Safety Plan

Do you have your COVID-19 safety plan in place? By law, all businesses must have a COVID-19 safety plan where it can easily be seen by staff and customers. The plan should describe measures the business is taking to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, including screening, physical distancing, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, masks and usage of personal protective equipment. Put a plan in place and do your part to help make the workplace safe for everyone. Learn more about writing or improving your safety plan - details here.

The Aaniin Fitness Centre is now open! You can get a hassle free fitness membership now which will include access to selection locations for:

in-person & virtual fitness classes

rec and lane swims

aquafit

public skates

walk/run track

More detail is available here.

Pay-Per-Play Rec Programs that fit your schedule!

Pick from a variety of activities at select facilities across Markham.

New spots are released every Monday at 8am.

Pre-booking required at markham.ca/recreation

October is Small Business Month

The City of Markham, the Markham Small Business Centre and the Markham Public Library join together to celebrate Small Business Month with a series of workshops for entrepreneurs.

October 13 - How business owners can save money by creating a green action plan - presented by MSBC
October 14 - 65 side hustles - presented by the Markham Public Library
October 20 - Getting started in online retails - presented by the Markham Public Library

Small and medium businesses are key to Markham's economic vibrancy and we are pleased to be able to celebrate and support their growth and success - register here.

Welcome Back to KSO Concert Season

The Kindred Spirits Orchestra's opening night gala will be on October 30 at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Their schedule will include some performances at the Flato Markham Theatre once it has reopened, additional performances in Richmond Hill, at the SMSV Cultural Centre, the CBC Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto and a Canada Day celebration at the Unionville Millennium Theatre.

This season, they are introducing KSO Flex which offers 3 ways to view their concerts which will allow you to enjoy their concerts the way you prefer. Plus, you can change your initial viewing option up to 24 hours prior to the performance.

In-Person – There is nothing better than hearing the fabulous acoustics of the concert hall and feeling the performance energy in person. This is the best way to enjoy our concerts.
Join via Live-Streaming – Can’t be there in person? A live-streaming of the concert is the next best thing. You can enjoy the concert anywhere you like.
View a Concert Recording - We understand that life is busy. You can enjoy the concert later, at a more convenient time, anywhere you like.

Learn more about their upcoming performances along with how you can save up to 60% on ticket prices.

An Update from the Varley

The Valley Gallery is now open again and the latest update from the Gallery's Director, Niamh O'Laughaire, can be read here. There is information about the latest exhibits at the Gallery, ongoing education programs, public art consultations, their monthly reading group and their upcoming virtual gala which will take place this week on October 15. More detail can be found here.

Now is the Time!

Help protect Markham's urban forest from a LDD invasion next year. This summer many trees around the City had their leaves eaten by the LDD caterpillars.

You can remove LDD egg masses on trees to reduce the number of hatched caterpillars in the Spring. Learn more at markham.ca/lddmoths.

Bollard Installation

As a reminder bollards will be installed on Highway 7 from Main Street / Markham Road to Albert Road / Cosburn Road. Movements will be right-in and right-out only for improved road safety. A concrete median will be installed in the future. More information can be found here.

Going for your G1 soon or perhaps your driver's license renewal?

Markham Public Library is here to help.

Get helpful tips and practice tests using real questions at G1.ca to help prepare for your test.

Are you a student that has what it takes to become Markham Public Library's new bookmark designer? Submit your creation for a chance to win. MPL will print the winning designs and make the bookmarks available for the whole community. Details

Get Walking!

October is International Walk to School Month. While the weather is still nice, why not get into the habit of walking your children to school. It's a great way for everyone to get a bit of exercise and to help your pocketbook by reducing your bills with the price of gas through the roof right now. Learn more about IWalk month and how you and your school can participate as you walk or wheel to school - details.

Other items

Save money and go green!

Improving the energy efficiency of your home can reduce your carbon footprint and also save you money on electricity and gas bills.

Learn more about the home energy retrofits program that is currently available and how you might be able to benefit - details here.

Read the October edition of the Markham Group of Artists latest newsletter here. It contains information on their current online art show, upcoming art show, their October challenge, the members gallery, upcoming events, membership details and more.

As a reminder, the Markham Village Depot is closed until further notice for emergency repair.

You can visit the Milliken Mills Depot at 7600 Kennedy Road where the hours of operation have been temporarily extended.

Learn more at markham.ca/RecyclingDepot.

Looking for a new activity to get out and appreciate the lovely weather before winter arrives. Here are a couple of ideas:

try biking the all or a part of the 121 km Lake to Lake cycling route and walking trail that connects Lake Simcoe to Lake Ontario
fall is perfect time to visit local farms for apple picking - the picture above is from Applewood Farms just a bit north on McCowan Road
jump into these fall activities around Markham and don't forget to take your My Markham Pass with you that has been updated for fall
take a walk in the York Region Forest
visit one of Markham's self-guided Shinrin Yoku trails and practice Japanese Forest Therapy

Have you seen salmon run in the GTA? You can check out this interactive map to find the best places to spot salmon.

Help the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority monitor migrating salmon in regional streams and rivers. Submit your observations and be entered to win a Conservation Park Pass. More detail about the salmon run and how to report your sightings can be found here.

You can help to protect birds from their leading deadly threat which is collisions with buildings. You can learn about bird safe options to help stop birds from hitting your windows - details here. You can learn more about the work being done by the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP) to protect our bird population - here.

Recently there was a motion introduced to the Ontario Legislature to introduce new building standards to help protect migratory birds. You can show your support by signing the petition to protect the birds.

While the Flato Markham Theatre remains closed at this time, they are offering programming online for you to view in the comfort of your own home.

Women of Song and Story, will take place on Saturday October 16. The Sultans of Strong will be performing with 5 talented women all with interesting stories to tell. This special concert will be a multimedia event featuring live performances, guest appearances and video exclusives. This interactive concert will be held on Zoom and the performers will be able to see and hear you and you can see and hear them live. More details about the event can be found here.

York Region Council is considering a vacant home tax as a "stick" to assist in the affordable housing crisis.

York Region Council will discuss this week whether to have staff further pursue this idea. Read the recent article from Newmarket Today.

There has been an update to parking ticket payment options as the City is not currently accepting in-person payments at this time.

Payments can be made online, by phone or by mail - learn more.

As a reminder Markham is home to a variety of wild animals including coyotes, foxes, raccoons and more. To ensure a peaceful co-existence:

Do not leave food outside
Do not put waste bins out too early
Do not leave small pets outdoors unattended

For more information is available at markham.ca/wildlife.

Join the Markham Arts Council for Let's Art About It workshops.

This Wednesday (October 13) MAC will be hosting a free art therapy for seniors session with a Registered Art Therapist.

More information and registration details about this and other upcoming sessions can be found here.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted children’s behaviour and mood. To support families, York Region EarlyON agencies are offering free virtual sessions on managing children’s anxiety.

Learn more about resources and supports available for families at york.ca/EarlyON.

Did you know that the 2022 property tax and water budget supports City operations and more than 40 services?

Understand the City budget and stay informed. All meetings are open to the public and are taking place on Zoom. Agendas, materials and topics are available online in advance of each virtual meeting. Details can be found at markham.ca/budget.

Property Tax Budget
October 13, 22, November 2 - 9am to noon
October 20 - 1pm to 4pm
Public Meeting - November 23 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Water Budget
Report to General Committee - October 18 - 9:30 am
Public Meeting - November 18 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Have you watched this video about the budget process? Learn more at markham.ca/budget including the upcoming budget meetings and how the City prepares the annual budget.

We will soon also be working through the York Region Budget process too. York Region Council recently approved water and wastewater rates for April 2022 to March 2028, equivalent to 3.3% increases each year to achieve and maintain full cost recovery.