December 19 2021
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Tuesday's Council meeting revealed new plans from the Province for an already dense and tall Langstaff community. It looks like the Langstaff area may become home to a Transit Oriented Community (TOC) which supposedly brings more jobs and housing closer to transit, in return for developers helping to pay for subway infrastructure. In plain English, the Province gives developers more height and density in return for money to pay for the Yonge North Subway Extension (YSNE). Normally this would be welcomed but City staff have already done planning over many years to develop a livable Langstaff community and these plans have been blown apart. Instead of 50 storey buildings there will be 80 storey buildings. Instead of 10,000 units it will be doubled to 20,000 units. And strangely, instead of 19,000 jobs there will only 9,400 jobs. This Tuesday there will be a Special Meeting from 1pm to 3:30 pm to discuss the impacts this TOC could have on Langstaff-Thornhill. See more details below.
Last week Markham Council also saw a revised plan for the YNSE. While it still tunnels under homes, the number affected is down from 40 to 20. GO-Metrolinx says it will also be tunneling deeper under those homes so noise and vibration will be mitigated. Everyone I've spoken with from Thornhill says the YNSE should go right up Yonge Street and not under peoples homes. |
Unfortunately COVID-19 is rearing its ugly Omicron head in an attempt to spoil everyone's Christmas holiday season. Please protect yourself and get your third dose.
Thank you to the Fantini family for their annual Toy Mountain efforts!
My very best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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In this issue
- The Hunt for C19 Shots
- Finding Rapid Tests
- New Gathering Limits
- A Big Surprise at Council
- Keeping Taxes Low
- New Measures for Recreation
- Community Events
- Holiday Donation Drive
- You're Invited
- 211 for Community Supports
- Designated Flood Plain Changes
- Calling All Seniors
- Transit Ambassadors Needed
- Waste Free Holidays
- Celebrate Markham
- Other Items
- 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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NOTE: As cases of the Omicron Variant grow in the community, new restrictions are being introduced.
It is possible that new restrictions have been introduced since the DME was written. These additional measures could mean that items noted below have either changed or have been cancelled.
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Click here to read the previous edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
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Everyone is eager to get their COVID-19 vaccines and boosters especially with the increasing cases of Omicron. As more people become eligible for their booster shots, it has been increasingly difficult to find an appointment. There are appointments but it may take several attempts to track one down.
York Region Public Health and its partners continue to work to expand clinic capacity and new appointments are added regularly. Residents are encouraged to check back often. Be patient and keep trying especially if you are trying to book a third dose appointment. You may also want to have a look at vaccine-gta.ca to find available appointments.
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COVID-19 case numbers in Ontario are steadily increasing and analysis shows additional measures are necessary to prevent a dramatic increase in cases, hospitalization and ICU admissions from the COVID-19 Omicron variant. Everyone should get a booster when they have the chance and if you aren't vaccinated, now is the time.
To minimize the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant, the Provincial government has introduced additional health measures that have taken effect including social gatherings that are limited to:
- 10 people at indoor gatherings
- 25 people at outdoor gatherings and cannot be combined to increase the applicable limit
- most other indoor spaces will be limited to 50% capacity.
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This week the Provincial government announced that COVID-19 rapid test kits would be available for free. However trying to find these kits has been a bit like an Easter egg hunt.
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The new gathering limits are 25 people outside and 10 people indoors with interactions limited to those in your household.
While the new limits may put a damper on your Holiday plans, please do your part to stop the spread.
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Late into our last Council meeting of the year this week we were surprised to learn of a new project that is being planned in the Langstaff area that will bring 80 storey (yes, 80 storey) condo buildings to Thornhill. Some of the initial details can be found in this article - A new skyline with dozens of towers as tall as 80 storeys in being planned near Toronto.
This announcement was made by the Province as a part of their 2020 Transit-Oriented Communities initiative.
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This week Markham Council approved the City’s 2022 Budget of $533.7 million which included a 1.95% property tax rate increase. This equates to the lowest 17-year average tax rate increase in the GTA. This year's property tax rate increase is below the rate of inflation and will mean an increase of approximately $25 in property taxes for the average residential household in Markham.
This budget supports the continued delivery of critical City services while making key capital investments in facilities, infrastructure and amenities that support Markham’s strategic goals. The budget also supports a prudent and measured approach to re-opening and recovery.
The tax rate increase includes 1.45% for day-to-day operating costs and continues a 0.5% infrastructure investment to ensure there are sufficient funds in City life cycle reserves to repair and replace assets for the next 25 years. Major 2022 investments include funding to:
- Make our facilities more sustainable and energy efficient
- Improve Community services
- Invest in environmental protection and management
- Enhance traffic and pedestrian safety
- Grow our green spaces
- Build strong and resilient communities
- Improve road infrastructure
York Region finalizes 2022 Budget with 2.96% rate increase - read more.
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The City of Markham continues to follow advice from public health officials at the regional, provincial and federal levels. The health and safety of our visitors, community and our staff remains our number one priority as we navigate the pandemic, together.
The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is taking action to further encourage vaccination and help limit the spread of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant - details.
In line with Ontario’s cautious approach throughout the pandemic and in light of evolving global evidence around the Omicron variant, the province is adjusting its COVID-19 response that will strengthen the province’s proof of vaccination requirements and enhance public health measures. This includes, but is not limited to, the following measures:
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Effective January 1, all children participating in indoor organized sports will be given a grace period of 12 weeks (3 months) from their 12th birthday to be fully vaccinated to participate in our facilities. During this period they must provide identification, but are not required to provide proof of being fully vaccinated. This grace period will allow a reasonable opportunity for the children to be fully vaccinated. Children aged 5-11 can be vaccinated now. Please visit york.ca/covid19vaccine to book a vaccine appointment.
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Effective January 4, all users 12 years of age and older, entering a City of Markham facility will be required to show the enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code. The QR code can be used digitally or by printing a paper copy. You can download your QR code here.
- Effective January 10, the City of Markham will no longer accept physician notes. This will assist in strengthening the verification process for medical exemptions and clinical trial exemptions by requiring a certificate with a QR code.
All public health guidelines and COVID-19 health and safety precautions previously in place remain in effect.
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At the ribbon cutting ceremony of Blackline Aluminum Systems in Markham. They make windows for the condominium market in the GTA. The company is a venture started by Markham based builder The Times Group. |
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Now that the holidays are here, let’s help make sure no family goes hungry or without toys this holiday season!
If you are able, please donate non-perishable, unexpired food (including unexpired pet food) and personal care items for this year's drive. Food donations will be collected at any Markham Fire Station until January 10th for the Markham Food Bank .
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New and unwrapped toys are also being collected until December 21st for those in need in our community this holiday season. Toy donations will go to the Salvation Army and the Markham-Stouffville Hospital’s Children’s Centre.
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The Markham Pan Am Centre is hosting a Para Sport Try-It Day this week. Join the fun on Monday December 20 from 10:30am to 1:30pm.
All ages and abilities are welcome to attend this free event to try Para Sports:
- Wheelchair Basketball
- Wheelchair Tennis
- Curling
- Sledge Hockey and VOLT Hockey.
More information is available here. The Markham Pan Am Centre has health and safety protocols in place. However these guidelines are changing quickly with the new Omicron Variant it is best to check the Pan Am website or call them at 905.475.4730 to see if the event is still taking place.
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The Holidays can be hard for many people and there are many community and social services ready to help. It's easy as 211 as they connect people in need to available services including:
- multi-lingual and ethnocultural mental health supports such as helplines, counseling and support groups
- essential needs like food, health, housing and winter supports such as coats for kids programs, Holiday toy hampers and warming centres
- support for youth, seniors, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+, Indigenous, Black and Newcomer communities
211 is free, confidential and available 24/7 (even on holidays) in 150+ languages and can be accessed through multiple channels:
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There have been several items in prior editions of the DME of changes that are being made to the areas around Markham that are designated as flood plain. There are numerous changes being made in Unionville (some areas increasing and others decreasing). The Unionville Villagers Association has created a brochure that may have been delivered to your door if you live in the Unionville Heritage area or you can read it here.
There are changes to the flood plain and zoning in the area that could affect your home, insurance and planned developments of homes. Learn more about the Markham Village and Unionville flood control study here.
If interested, Ward 3 Councillor Reid McAlpine has organized a Zoom meeting on December 21 at 7pm with Markham Staff to answer questions or concerns. The details on how to join the Zoom call are noted here.
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York Region’s senior population is growing faster than any other age group. It is projected by 2026, there will be more seniors than children and by 2031, one in five of the Region’s residents will be over the age of 65. In 2016, the York Region Seniors Strategy was created to better define York Region’s role in supporting seniors. After five years, it’s time to renew this plan to ensure it reflects current needs and opportunities to support seniors.
York Region needs your help! If you or a loved one is a senior or caregiver in York Region, now is your opportunity to have your say by taking part in an online survey or virtual open house. They want to hear from seniors of all ages and diverse backgrounds. All responses will be kept confidential and used for research purposes only. The information you share will help York Region develop a two-year action plan that will identify immediate opportunities to further enhance the lives of seniors.
The survey will be available until January 9 and it takes about 15 minutes to complete. You can also participate in one of the virtual open houses, to engage with other seniors and caregivers and provide feedback in an interactive session. Virtual open houses will take place on:
- Wednesday January 5 from 11am to 12pm
- Wednesday January 5 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
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York Region Transit (YRT) is recruiting high school and post-secondary students to volunteer as Transit Ambassadors. Transit ambassadors will share ideas about transit operations, marketing campaigns, scheduling, route planning, customer service and other initiatives.
This is a great opportunity for young people to:
- get an insider’s perspective on how transit is managed and planned
- provide feedback and learn about virtual collaboration tools
- connect regularly with other students who ride transit
- share experience and enthusiasm for transit on social media networks
- collect community hours (high school students)
- enhance a resume or school application
All post-secondary or high school students with an interest in transit who ride YRT are welcome to apply. Transit Ambassadors will meet virtually three to four times a year. Further information and the application form can be found here. Applications are being accepted until January 31 2022.
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Even Santa uses a reusable bag. Avoid plastic bags this season by shopping with reusable bags. Repurpose fabric, boxes, gift cards, ribbons and bows instead of buying new wrapping supplies. Wrap up some ideas to help you reduce your waste and fill your holidays with joy, not trash, by following these simple ideas - find 10 tips here. Explore other ways you can reduce more at york.ca/waste.
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Do you work or volunteer with a not-for-profit organization in Markham?
Do you run events or programs that encourages community inclusivity or promotes Markham as a destination for visitors?
The City is now accepting applications for the Celebrate Markham Grant for 2022. To learn more and apply visit markham.ca/CelebrateMarkham.
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Grab your skates and hit the ice at the Markham Civic Centre outdoor ice rink. The rink is open daily, weather permitting, Thursday 12pm to 10pm and all other days 10am to 10pm. Skate rentals are also available. More information is available here - markham.ca/skating.
Once the weather is colder, the City will construct and maintain five new outdoor natural ice rinks:
- Huntington Park
- Victoria Square Park
- Milliken Mills Park
- Markham Museum
- Milne Dam Park
A flag system at each location will signal when the ice is safe to use. Onsite parking is available at all locations.
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As a reminder, once the cold weather is here and the ponds, rivers and storm water management ponds are frozen please stay off the ice. While the ice may look safe, there is no guarantee that it is. We receive requests every year but the City does not monitor or maintain any of the ponds for skating.
There's no tradition more Canadian than ice skating. Learn more about lessons, indoor skating, ice rentals and more at markham.ca/skating.
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Markham’s seasonal favorite is back: the Markham Group of Artists' Winter Holiday Show and Sale. Consider supporting local artists by selecting your smaller holiday gifts from a wide range of painting styles: landscapes, florals, figures, and non-representational art. You can view the show and purchase the artwork until January 30 - visit the show here.
The Markham Group of Artists is proud to celebrate their 40th anniversary with their MGA@40 Online Exhibition that will run until December 31 on social media and their website. View the artwork created by current and past members in a memorable show displaying artwork that celebrates MGA’s vibrant artistic contributions to Markham. Consider purchasing a painting or two for gifting. View the show here.
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Markham has 2,200 kilometers of major roads which is the equivalent of travelling from Toronto to Montreal 4 times!
Details about Markham's winter operations and service levels are at markham.ca/winter.
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In an emergency,
every second counts.
If there is a snow covered fire hydrant near your home,
please clear it for easy access and visibility during emergencies.
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Unfortunately York Region continues to see increased cases of COVID-19 linked to local community hockey leagues. There were many confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 linked to hockey game exposures.
We all play a role in reducing illness, outbreaks and keeping each other safe and not just at the hockey rink. Be a team player: Take all actions and precautions possible to prevent spreading illness to your team and in your community. Remember these additional G-O-A-L tips, play hard and stay safe!
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Get vaccinated
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Only use your own items
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Always wash your hands
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Leave common areas quickly
Learn more and you can also download a copy of the GOAL Tip Sheet to share with your local hockey team players and parents.
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Now Hiring! 🚨York Paramedics 🚨 are currently hiring Temporary Full-Time Advanced Care Paramedics and Primary Care Paramedics. Interested? To apply for these positions or learn more information - click here. Applications due by December 31.
York Region is also hiring for other opportunities too - details here.
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Their Learn to Camp team 🏕️ is looking for students who are excited to share the joy of nature.
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Upcoming Meetings
- Special Development Services Meeting - December 21 at 1pm - details
- YR Committee of the Whole - January 13 at 9am - details
- General Committee Meeting - January 17 at 9:30am - details
- Housing York - January 20 at 9am - details
- YR Audit Committee - January 20 at 9am - details
- Development Services Meeting - January 24 at 9:30am - details
- YR Regional Council - January 27 at 9am - details
- General Committee Meeting - January 31 at 9:30am - details
- Markham Committee Meetings - details
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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
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Para Sports Try-It Day - December 20 10:30am to 1:30pm - details
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Unionville Residents Association - January 10 at 7pm - details
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MBT After 5 Networking - January 20 from 5pm - 7pm - details
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MBT Business Excellence Awards - February 10 - details
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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