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The

Markham 

Exchange

September 4, 2022

eNewsletter #171

Back To School, Back To Work


Labour Day weekend marks the return to school for students and a return to work for vacationing parents.


The intersections of Kennedy Road and Bridle Trail and Kennedy Road at Carlton Road have new enhanced pedestrian safety features. No right turn on red as well as advanced pedestrian walk time are two of the features that York Region staff, myself, Councillor Reid McAlpine and area residents have been working on. Watch for YRP enforcement at these intersections.


The close of the CNE lets us know that Summer is coming to an end and Fall is just around the corner. The City of Markham and York Region restart meetings this week and will tidy things up prior to the Municipal Election in October. I remind you that I am running as a candidate for Mayor of Markham and would appreciate any support, financial or otherwise (please feel free to forward this eNewsletter to others in Markham), that you may be able to provide. If your group would like to meet with me, send an email to me at don.hamilton@rogers.com. It's Time For Change!


I visited the Rock-Paper-Wireless exhibit staged in the Historic Robert West House at 7780 Yonge Street this weekend. Put on by the Thornhill Heritage Foundation, it involves many residents from both the Markham and Vaughan side of Thornhill. See below for details.


Get your FREE compost courtesy of the City of Markham. See details below.


Music nights in Downtown Markham are happening on Saturdays throughout September and there are also Sunday afternoon concerts at the Unionville Bandstand - details below.


Don't forget to bring the kids to the Markham-MIlliken Children's Festival next weekend. Hope to see you there.


email - don.hamilton@rogers.com

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In This Issue


  • Back to School🍎
  • A Friendly Reminder
  • Safety Improvements
  • It's Back!
  • Are You on the Voters List?
  • Rock, Paper, Wireless
  • Get Green
  • Family Fun Next Weekend!
  • Free Compost
  • Be Aware of the Grandparent Scam
  • Announcement Soon for Thornhill?
  • York Safe
  • In Case You Missed It
  • Other Items
  • Upcoming Meetings
  • York Region Update
  • Community Meetings and Events

Please forward this update to anyone that may find it of interest

subscribe

Find Your Ward Councillor

Please continue tor remember the Ukraine and its suffering people in your thoughts and prayers.

visit my website - donhamilton.ca

Click here for last week's eNewsletter.


All prior editions of my weekly eNewsletter can be found here.

Back to School πŸŽ


For many households, going back to school in September marks a new year and a fresh start.


Drivers please slow down and watch for students who are walking or cycling to school. Now that back to school is here, be vigilant and take extra care on the roads especially when traveling through school areas.


Find out more at both york.ca/safeatschool and markham.ca/backtoschool. The Markham link has a number of resources including links to the school boards.


York Region Public Health remains committed to supporting health and well-being in schools. Help protect your school community from severe illness from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses by following Public Health guidelines for a safer school year.


COVID-19 booster vaccinations are now available for children aged 5 - 11 years old. Appointments can be booked at york.ca/covid19vaccine. Appointments can also be booked through the Provincial booking system and participating pharmacies.

Keep kids active this Fall. York Region offers recreation subsidies to eligible families with children ages four to 18 and single parents. To learn more and apply for the PLAY program, visit york.ca/recreationsubsidies.


Registration is now open for Fall recreation programs through the City. Learn more at markham.ca/recreation.

A Friendly Reminder


As Back to School starts, kids are excited to get to get back to see all of their friends and the last thing many of them are thinking about are the cars on the road. Please be especially careful driving in school zones not just next week but always.


During the school year from September to June the speed limit in school zones decreases. Please watch your speed and use extra caution. For those that drive on Highway 7 in Markham, the last time I drove past St. Patrick's School, the speed camera was in use.


You can learn more about automated speed enforcement here

Safety Improvements


I'm happy to say that the safety improvements at Kennedy Road and The Bridle Trail are complete and ready for Back to School.


Ward 3 Councillor Reid McAlpine and I have been working with local parents and York Region staff to make improvements to the intersection including implementing a Community Safety Zone, no right turns on red, pedestrian head starts and more - read more.

It's Back!


The Markhaven Foundation is thrilled to be back this year with their Colours of Autumn Luncheon and Fashion Show on Wednesday October 19. It will be a fun event with friends and family.


The event will be held at Crystal Fountain (60 McDowell Gate, Markham). The doors open 10:30am for shopping and connecting with friends and lunch will be at 12:30pm followed by Fashion Show with apparel from local Markham stores.

 

There are two ways to participate:

  • Attend the in-person event with lunch, a fashion show, silent auction, door and raffle prizes and a selection of unique vendors - details here.
  • Online donations can be made here for those who would like to make a donation but not attend in person. A full tax receipt will be issued and donations of $75 or above will be entered in a raffle. 


All proceeds from the event will go directly to Markhaven residents. This year they're raising funds for a nursery therapy room for their Alzheimer’s Unit, 12 resident transfer slings and resident art supplies. 


ο»ΏMore information about this event can be found here.

Are You on the Voters List?


Registering to vote in the upcoming Municipal election this Fall is quick and easy.


You can make sure you are on the Voter's List anytime and anywhere. Even if you voted in the recent Provincial election you might not be on the Voters List for the Markham election as the lists are taken from different sources.


Learn more at electionsmarkham.ca/register.

Rock, Paper, Wireless


Communication through the Ages is presented by the Thornhill Heritage Foundation at the Robert West Heritage House located at 7780 Yonge Street in Thornhill (corner of Yonge Street and Centre Street). 


Inside this historic house, which was built in 1843, you will see a display featuring the foundation of communication including communication related equipment to the era of the West family, owners and residents of the House over four generations from 1843 to 2011.


The exhibit will be open from 11am to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays until October 9. The event is family friendly and admission is free but donations are welcome. Masks are requested but not required.

Get Green πŸŒ³


Have you used the services of LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) or do you know any of the work that they are doing in the community or read any of their information on the importance of forests and green space?

  • LEAF has been working on a project to enhance the biodiversity in the Grandview Park in Thornhill - read more.
  • When the forecast calls for periods of stormy weather, learn how that weather impacts our trees - read more.
  • Fall is a great time to plant trees and LEAF offers a discounted tree planting program for Markham residents - learn more

Family Fun Next Weekend!


Next weekend is the Markham-Milliken Children's Festival. This year's event will take place in person outside of Aaniin Community Centre on September 10 from 10am to 6:30pm.

  • live entertainment
  • activities
  • food vendors
  • rides and attractions


Play-all-day passes now available for purchase for $10. The price of the Fun Zone wristbands goes up to $14 on the day of the event - details here.

  

Volunteers are still needed. Students be a part of the fun and also gain community involvement hours. Apply now at markham.ca/volunteering.

Free Compost


All you need to do is register and you can pick up 2 free bags of compost, while supplies last. 


Registration is required and is limited.


Pick-up dates, locations and registration details can be found here

Be Aware of the Grandparent Scam


York Regional Police are advising that Grandparent Scams are on the rise in York Region. So far this year there have been reports of more than 50 scams which is up 100% from last year. A Newmarket senior was defrauded of more than $100,000 recently through this scam. His story here.


Everyone should be aware that scammers are trying to take advantage of stressful situations to give them money.


If you think you may be the target of a scam, contact York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit at yrp.ca/ReportIt or by calling 1.866.876.5423 x6627.

Is There a Big Announcement Coming Soon for Thornhill?


Earlier this week I was at the Ward 1 (South) Thornhill Residents Meeting where they had a presentation from YRP on community safety, including about the YRP security camera registry.


I've included the camera registry in other editions but thought it was worth a reminder. Any security cameras you have outside your home might assist YRP if a crime is committed in your area. Registering your camera does not give police direct access to your camera, they still need to ask your permission for the footage; rather it allows them to know where cameras are located if there is a crime in your area that they are investigating. Details of the registry can be found here.

York Safe


Long time readers of my eNewsletter may remember the York Safe program. It's York Region Public Health's inspection program for restaurants, pools, splash pads, small drinking water systems, personal service businesses, recreational camp and child care centres - details here.


York Safe's current findings can be found here.

In Case You Missed It


  • Special discounts are available until September 6 for Flato Markham Theatre shows - details here
  • Ninth Line and Highway 7 construction notice - details
  • YRP appealing for witnesses, video surveillance or dash cam footage of an attempted carjacking at Macrill Road and Golding Crescent on September 1 - details
  • YRP are seeking witnesses following a fatal collision on September 1 at 14 Avenue and Reesor Road - details
  • 19th Avenue from Woodbine Avenue to Warden Avenue will be closed for the installation of new electrical poles from 9am to 3pm on September 5 to 9 and again on September 12 to 15 
  • Why wasps are so annoying at the end of summer - learn more

Other Items

York Region has gathered information that may help residents and service providers support people affected by the conflict in Ukraine including:

  • Federal and Provincial government services and supports
  • York Region settlement services and supports
  • additional settlement services and supports
  • how residents, organizations and businesses can help.


As new information and details become available, the resources will be updated at york.ca/supportUkraine.

September is Guide Dog Awareness Month, a time to celebrate Guide Dogs and the important role they serve in helping to break down accessibility barriers for those living with Vision Loss.


Guide dogs belong everywhere. It's the law too. Learn more about the program here and how you can support the Guide Dog program. 

The City of Markham has had the lowest tax rate increase across GTA municipalities for 17 years. You can learn more at here.


The 2022 final tax bills for commercial, industrial and multi-residential properties were mailed on September 1.

 

The City collects property taxes on behalf of the City of Markham, York Region and the Province of Ontario for education. How are the property taxes shared among the three levels of government:


Multi-Residential

Commercial

Industrial 

City Share

24.19%

13.54%

15.19%

Regional Share

52.09%

29.15%

32.69%

Education Share

23.72%

57.31%

52.12%

Total

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

Quick Fact -  In 2022, the City of Markham will mail 11,287 final non-residential property tax bills. Of the 11,287 commercial, industrial and multi-residential property tax bills, 9,839 accounts are regular instalment type and 1,448 are Pre-authorized Tax Payment Program (PTP) accounts. In the case of PTP tax accounts, the City of Markham withdraws the property tax amounts directly from the owner’s bank account.


Looking for a safe, simple and secure way to manage your property taxes sign up today at markham.ca/epropertytax.

What’s in store for 2022-2023 with the Markham Group of Artists? They have secured a regular meeting room at The Markham Library for their Wednesday Members Meeting and monthly workshops. On September 7 they will be launching painting mosaics. They are looking forward to the online plein air art show in the Fall, art talks and art critiques along with a holiday show at the McKay Art Centre. 


Why else should you join MGA? MGA is its people and the great relationships you build as you practice your art. Join before September 15 to enjoy the early bird special.


Learn more about MGA in their September newsletter including details about their upcoming art show.

The Markham Museum is looking for local businesses to be vendors at Applefest taking place on September 24. If you're interested, send an email to museuminfo@markham.ca.


Please take note that the hours at the Museum will be changing. Their doors will be open Wednesday to Friday from 12pm to 5pm and 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

With Fall just around the corner, many home owners will be taking a second look at their gardens and getting out to do some work before the snow flies.


But just remember to call the City before you cut any tree. Property owners must apply for a permit before injuring or destroying any tree in Markham with a trunk diameter of 20 cm (about 8 inches) or more, measured at 1.37 metres (about 54 inches) above the ground at the base of the tree. Learn more at markham.ca/trees.


When a tree permit is issued, often times the City will require replacement trees to be planted. Check out the approved replanting list here.

Do you like to sing? 

The Village Voices Community Choir is currently accepting new members and you just need to bring your love of singing. There is no audition and the ability to read music is not required.


Why not give it a try at their first rehearsal on September 7th at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 143 Main Street North, Markham. 


More information is available at www.villagevoices.ca.

Markham small business owners, are you looking to grow and expand your business?


A Starter Company Plus grant might be right for you.


Starter Company Plus features not only a $5000 grant but also exclusive training, education and more.


Learn more at 

markham.ca/SmallBusinessGrants

Did you know that all dogs must be leashed on public property and within City parks unless in a designated Off-Leash Dog Park.


For a list of locations and the City's Off-Leash Dog Park Code of Conduct can be found here.

August 31 marked International Overdose Awareness Day. A non-opioid medication, Naloxone, counteracts the effects of an opioid overdose. 


Several community agencies and pharmacies distribute free naloxone kits.


Locations offering these no-cost kits can be found here.

Well it actually happened this morning, the Cornell Bus Terminal is finally open. Route 16 and Viva Purple we're the first two routes to service the new terminal bright and early this morning.


The new terminal will provide transit connections in Markham, York Region and beyond. It is more accessible, offering a better travel experience for everyone. The terminal is serviced by YRT routes 1, 2, 9, 14, 16, 18, 25, 522, Viva purple and Mobility On-Request. Learn more at yrt.ca/Cornell.


There have been some changes to the bus schedules - details here.

Visit Downtown Markham at Origin Square (169 Enterprise Boulevard) every Saturday night in September for live music.


There will be performances by local talent from across the GTA - learn more here.

Markham is home to a variety of wild animals including coyotes, foxes, raccoons and more. 


You can help to ensure a peaceful co-existence, as Markham is their home too:


  • do not leave food outside
  • do not put waste bins out too early
  • do not leave small pets outdoors unattended.


More information is available at markham.ca/wildlife.

This year's Terry Fox Run will take place in person on Sunday September 18. There will be two events in the City of Markham with runs taking place in Unionville and Thornhill.


The Unionville event is seeking volunteers before and on Run Day. All activities are eligible for community service hours if you know a high school student looking for hours. If you're able to help, more information is available here.

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Upcoming Meetings


Council and Committee Meetings will resume in September. Should the need arise before then an emergency meeting will be convened.


  • General Committee Meeting - September 6 at 9:30am - details
  • Special Development Services Committee Meeting - September 6 at 2pm - details
  • Development Services Public Meeting - September 6 at 7pm - details
  • YR Committee of the Whole - September 8 at 9am - details
  • Development Services Committee Meeting - September 12 at 9am - details
  • Council Meeting - September 13 at 1pm - details
  • Housing York - September 15 at 9am - details
  • YR Accessibility Advisory Committee - September 21 at 4pm - details
  • YR Housing Affordability Task Force - September 22 at 9am - details
  • YR Regional Council - September 29 at 9am - details


Markham Committee Meetings - details

York Region Update


York Region Council meetings and live streaming details can be found here.


Details of upcoming York Region meetings and past sessions are available here.


  • YR Public Health investigating potential toxin in food - details 
  • YR Transit service changes take effect Sunday September 4 - details

Community Meetings and Events



  • MBT Good Morning Markham - September 8 at 7:30am - details 
  • eWaste Drop-Off - Thornhill CC - September 10 - 11 from 8am to 4pm - details
  • Markham - Milliken Children's Festival - September 10 - details
  • YRP Community Safety Data Portal Training - September 13 at 12 pm - details
  • Celebrate Health Fest - September 17 - Markham YMCA - details
  • eWaste Drop-Off - Markham Depot - September 17 - 18 - 8am - 4pm - details
  • Terry Fox Run - Sunday September 18 - Unionville and Thornhill
  • Markham at the Movies - September 20 at 7pm - details
  • MBT Trade Show and Networking - September 22 at 4pm - details
  • Applefest at the Markham Museum - September 24
  • eWaste Drop-Off - Aaniin CC - September 24 - 24 from 8am to 4pm - details
  • UVA Community BBQ - September 24 from 5pm - 7pm
  • Markham Cycling Day - September 25 at 8am - details
  • Markham Garden Club - The Magic Six - September 26 at 7:30pm - details
  • Markhaven Colours of Fall Luncheon and Fashion Show - October 19 - details
  • Markham at the Movies - October 25 at 7pm - details
  • Union Villa With Love - November 4 at 6pm - details
  • Markham at the Movies - November 29 at 7pm - details


I'd be pleased to highlight other community meetings in future newsletters.

Please forward the details to don.hamilton@rogers.com.

It's Time for Change!

Don Hamilton


don.hamilton@rogers.com

www.donhamilton.ca

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