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The

Markham

Exchange

July 17 2022

Edition 11

Avoid a Hefty Fine

The Provincial Government recently eliminated the use of renewal stickers on the rear licence plate of vehicles. And while there are no longer fees associated with renewing your licence plate, you must still go through the renewal process or face a hefty fine. We just renewed ours. Don't get caught. See article.

Members of the City's Development Services Committee spent the better part of a day last week trying to understand the new proposed Parkland calculation bylaw. This vital bylaw will provide either physical land on site for park use or provide the funds to buy land off site for use as parkland (called cash-in-lieu). Parks are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike and their role in community building cannot be overemphasized.

Everyone seemed to have a blast at last week's Thursday Night at the Bandstand show. Don't miss the next one - details here.

Car jacking continues to be a big concern. Don't drive/stop with your windows or sunroof open or you could become a victim. Also be aware of suspicious activity in the parking lot after shopping. If you drive a prime-theft vehicle, they could follow you home. Be aware.

Have a great week.

email - don.hamilton@rogers.com

In This Issue

New Second Booster Eligibility
York Region's Official Plan
Summer Fun at MPL
New Census Analysis Reports
A Quick Reminder
Backyard Tree Planting Program
Get Your Tickets
Looking for a Summer Challenge
Other Items
Upcoming Meetings
York Region Update
Community Meetings and Events

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

Find Your Ward Councillor

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

Click here for my last eNews

Second Booster Dose Eligibility Expanded to 18+

This week's announcement to expand the eligibility for second booster doses to Ontarians age 18+ offers an extra layer of protection to those who may need it. While most individuals aged 18 to 59 years old will continue to have strong protection more than six months after their first booster dose, expanding second booster dose eligibility will ensure that Ontarians can make an informed decision based on their personal circumstances.

At this time, York Region Public Health clinics are providing second booster doses by appointment only for eligible residents who received their first booster dose at least five months ago. Whether you need your primary series (first or second dose) or a booster, find a clinic near you and get vaccinated to protect yourself from severe outcomes of COVID-19 infection.

Learn more and book an appointment at york.ca/covid19vaccine.

York Region's Official Plan

As I mentioned last week, probably the most important item that Regional Council deals with is the Regional Official Plan. The York Region Official Plan includes updated policies to build complete communities, promote affordable housing, achieve growth targets mandated by the province, designate employment lands, protect natural and agricultural systems and conform to provincial plans.

York Regional Council last month adopted the proposed York Region Official Plan 2022 outlining the policies to plan York Region’s communities over the next 30 years, bringing over 2 million residents and almost 1 million jobs by 2051. This approval was not done without controversy and I didn't support the plan. Below are some articles from local newspapers that you may not have seen:

Is the ROP legal? - article here
'Not sustainable': York Region passes controversial official plan - article here
'Terrible governance': Is York Region’s new Official Plan illegal? - article here.

Summer Fun at MPL

The Markham Public Library continues to offer a number of sessions, some online and some in person. Here's a sampling:

meet MPL staff outside as they celebrate summer with pop-ups in parks and at community events. There will be outdoor storytime, story walks and more - details here
why not plan your next hike, trail walk, bike ride or swim at one of Ontario's many Provincial Parks? You can borrow a free Ontario Parks day-use vehicle permit from MPL
learn more about how you can better manage your money and become more aware of fraud - detail here

More information about all the activities happening with MPL this summer can be found at markhampubliclibrary.ca.

New Census Analysis Reports

This week, Statistics Canada released more information from the 2021 Census including details about income and household makeup. The York Region Census Data Working Group has shared the latest two in a series of seven bulletins based on the latest Census. Here are some highlights from York Region's analysis:

York Region has the second highest median household income in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA)
York Region’s median household income grew by 7.7% to $112,000 since 2016
Markham has the highest proportion of multiple census family households in York Region
Couples without children in York Region grew by 12% from 2016 to 2021

You can learn more here including the detailed York Region reports on household status and income.

A Quick Reminder

While we might not need to pay for a licence plate sticker any more, you still need to renew your registration or you can be subject to a $495 fine - read more.

It's the same process as before where you can go to a Service Ontario location and do it in person or you can go online which is quick and easy and takes about 90 seconds. You will receive a receipt showing the renewal that you should keep in your car.

If you don't register your vehicle prior to your birthday and you're pulled over you could receive a fine.

Also, the Province is no longer sending paper reminders that your driver's licence or health card are expiring. Perhaps you should go an get your wallet now to check to see if your cards are still valid. You can renew both you driver's licence and health card here.

You can sign up for renewal reminder notifications for your health card, driver's licence and vehicle registration at reminders.ontario.ca.

Backyard Tree Planting Program

Add more green to your property without having to spend a lot of "green" with the help of LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests).

Endorsed by Markham's Trees for Tomorrow initiative, the Backyard Tree Planting program provides trees to Markham residents at an additional discounted price through the Full Service or Do-It-Yourself programs.

Markham residents now pay only $50 plus HST for evergreen trees and $100 plus HST for deciduous trees, from a select species list, for up to a total of 5 trees per property (space permitting). Learn more at YourLeaf.org or call 416.413.9244.

Get Your Tickets!

Single tickets and subscriptions are now on sale for the 2022-2023 season. There is something for everyone; for example, Tom Cochrane, The Tenors, Gowan, Jann Arden, Matt Dusk, Jesse Cook, Just for Laughs Roadshow, The Peking Acrobats and more. You can view the entire season here.

Create your own subscription series, see the shows you want to see and save $$$. More information including the full lineup can be found at flatomarkhamtheatre.ca.

Looking for a Summer Challenge?

Are you up for a fun challenge to win some awesome prizes? Then join the SmartTrips Summer Challenge running until August 15 by taking a photo of a sustainable mode of transportation in Markham and send it to info@smartcommutemrh.ca or post it to their social media accounts @SmartCommuteMRH. Each photo submitted counts towards one ballot with a maximum of 15 photo submissions. The more photos you send, the higher your chances are to win. Here are some examples:

biking, walking, rollerblading or skateboarding
taking the bus or train
carpooling with co-workers, friends and family
bus stops and signs
bike lanes and trails

The prizes include a CAA annual membership, a $100 local bike shop gift card, bike gear, Smart Commute goodie bags and more. More information including additional ways to win can be found here.

Feedback Requested

York Region has been working to update their Transportation Master Plan. After consultation and analysis the report is completed. Thank you to all who participated and provided feedback.

You can review the updated plan at york.ca/TMP. Should you have additional comments, they can be submitted prior to August 8 - here.

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.

This week the City launched an updated Diversity Action Plan and a new Eliminating Anti-Black Racism Plan. More information about these new plans that were developed with assistance from the Ted Rogers School of Management's Diversity Institute can be found here.

You can also read the plans and learn more at markham.ca/diversityactionplan.

On Saturday, I stopped by the Box Grove Community Park, a new park in Box Grove. There are many fine amenities such as a splash pad, basketball court, soccer field, play equipment for kids, washrooms, off-leash dog area and tennis courts.

There were many concerns voiced by residents about constant high levels of noise, use of profanity, and parking issues for residents. I'm not sure if or how we can resolve these issues.

The City of Markham received a WCCD Platinum-level ISO data certification for the third consecutive year.

details here

Are you trying to make a difference during plastic-free July or at least trying to minimize your plastic use and recycle those items? Single-use plastics can take hundreds of years to break down. These items are designed to be used just once and then tossed away. Rethink waste and choose reusable alternatives when possible. We all have a role to play in reducing waste and single-use items. The more we reduce, reuse and refuse, the less we waste - learn more.

Join the City's very first free outdoor aerobics step class instructed by Markham's very own JUNO award winning and Canada Walk of Fame inductee Jully Black.

Sunday July 24 starting at 10:30 at the Markham Museum. This event will be outside so please dress accordingly.

Please bring a water bottle, a towel, perhaps some friends and lots of energy. More information can be found here.

Are you having challenges making your mortgage, rent or utility payments? York Region may be able to help.

Find out if you're eligible by contacting Access York at 1.877.464.9675 or by clicking here.

The Markham Jazz Festival will return in person on Unionville Main Street from August 19 to 21.

The three stages will be filled with various performers over the three day live event. All of the performances will be free. More detail is available here.

Registering to vote for the 2022 Markham Municipal Election is quick and easy.

Make sure you’re on the

Municipal Voters’ List.

Anytime, anywhere.

electionsmarkham.ca/register

The Markham Small Business Centre along with York University YSpace have announced this year's S ummer Company participants.

These 9 youth entrepreneurs will receive $3,000 and mentorship to turn idea into a made in Markham small business. Learn more at markham.ca/SummerCompany.

From the OSPCA

Summer weather is a time to get out and enjoy a walk, play in the park, enjoy a day on the water or relax in the backyard. But high temperatures can put our furry friends at risk, which is why every pet parent should take extra precautions during warm weather. Knowing what to watch for and what to do if your pet develops heatstroke could save their life. Additional information can be found here.

The Unionville Villagers Association is hosting a community BBQ that is open to all residents of Heritage Unionville and non-resident paid members of UVA. The event will take place in the parking lot of Bethesda Lutheran Church (an original Unionville Heritage Church).

Saturday August 6th from 5pm to 7pm (rain date is August 7th 5pm - 7pm).

UVA will provide plates, plastic cutlery, napkins, potato chips, condiments and water. Please bring your own food that will be BBQed for you and drinks. You will likely want to bring folding chairs and possibly a small folding table for your family.

If you are planning on attending, please RSVP to reehc@rogers.com by July 31 as UVA needs to know the number of attendees.

Coming soon to the Flato Markham Theatre this Fall will be the return of Markham at the Movies 🎬🎞️. Enjoy one of TIFF's award winning International or Canadian film selections right here close to home.

Check out their website at markhamatthemovies.com for information on the upcoming films and dates.

Markham's Outdoor Water-Use Bylaw is now in effect. Water demand nearly doubles in summer months, which can put our water quality and supply at risk. The Bylaw ensures enough water supply for emergency services.

residential outdoor water-use is allowed between 6am and 9am or 6pm and 9pm on odd/even days based on your address, but not both
industrial, commercial and institutional properties follow odd/even, again based on address, permitted for three hours only between midnight and 6am
there is a two-month grace period for new sod and seed
water-use bylaw is in effect from June 1 to September 30

More information about outdoor water use in Markham's can be found here.

During the summer, about 28% of York Region's average household water use comes from outdoor watering needs. Find out how to use less water in your garden - details here.