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

We all should continue to worry about the situation in the Ukraine. Councillor McAlpine raised his concerns this week about what Markham can do but so far Markham has not done much beyond a message of support from the Mayor on Twitter. It should go without saying that my thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the strong people of Ukraine and those in the Ukrainian-Canadian community.

The Red Cross relief effort in the Ukraine is generally considered one the best way we can help. You can see the work the Red Cross is doing in the area here. You can make a donation here.

By protecting yourself, you can also protect others. Please remain kind, considerate and respectful to others and their choices. Some may choose to continue wearing masks in all settings due to personal circumstances. We are all adjusting at our own pace. Find the latest COVID-19 public health guideline at york.ca/preventcovid19.

Vaccination is still our best, and now, one of our last defences against COVID-19. Third doses are important for everyone over 12 years of age. Details about current clinics can be found at york.ca/covid19vaccine.

Find out if you need to isolate or self-monitor depending on your age, vaccination status, present symptoms or past infection at ontario.ca/exposed. You can also use Ontario’s self-assessment tool prior to leaving home to ensure you're taking appropriate precautions based on your situation.

The Markham Little Theatre is thrilled to announce its post-pandemic re-opening. MLT is an award-winning community theatre group based in Markham. Join them for a night of friendship and laughter as they bring The Ladykillers to Flato Markham Theatre.

The performance will take place from Wednesday April 27 to Saturday April 30. All shows will begin at 8pm. Please contact the Theatre's box office for tickets at 905.305.7469 or online here. In an effort to keep the production safe for all involved, audience members will be asked to wear masks throughout the performance.

Metrolinx, as a part of routine rail maintenance, will be making repairs to the railway crossing on Highway 7 between Kennedy Road and Warden Avenue in Unionville. The work is scheduled to close Highway 7 in this area from April 8 at 8pm until 5am on April 11.

The work done by contractors will be a full railway crossing rehabilitation which will include full ballast removal and replacement and then the installation of a new track panel, concrete and asphalt.

If you have any questions or concerns about this work you can send email to YorkRegion@metrolinx.com.

The Good Food Box program is an initiative of the York Region Food Network to offer an affordable way to eat healthier with more fresh veggies and fruit. YRFN works with local suppliers and farmers to purchase quality produce at wholesale prices and pass the good price on to you. The content of the box changes each time and they try to have 7-8 different types of fruit and vegetables in each box.

You need to place your order by March 30 for the next Good Food Box pickup on April 6. There are 2 pickup locations - 5000 Steeles Avenue East in Markham and at the YRFN office in Aurora. More information about the Good Food Box program and ordering details can be found here.

The Markham Food Bank has seen a big increase in the number of families using the food bank during the pandemic and now in this time of rising food prices.

If you don't live in the area where this Easter Food Drive is taking place, the Markham Food Bank still would appreciate a donation to assist community members that are in need. You can learn more about the Food Bank and how you can help - here.

Will you have early Spring blooms in your garden to attract pollinators to your yard? These early blooms bring birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators to your garden. Soak up the first signs of spring while enhancing the habitat for local pollinators. Do you have any of these species in your garden already? Learn more

Join LEAF as they explore buzz-worthy biodiversity through trees on April 25 from 7pm to 8:30pm. You can learn about how trees support local bees and what you can do to enhance a pollinator friendly habitat. After the event you will be able to identify bee friendly trees in your neighbourhood using the activity sheet - learn more.

Looking for a new way to support local businesses? Did you know that there are local businesses offering subscription boxes? It's a monthly surprise delivered right to your door. More information can be found here. Here's a couple of examples:

The City's By-Law Department will be sending out a quarterly newsletter that will provide Markham residents with information on different topics and details about City By-Laws.

You can read the first edition Spring Newsletter here covering property standards, noise, parking infractions and more.

📢Calling All Gardeners 📢- The City of Markham is partnering with the York Region Food Network to create a new community garden at 120 Kirkham Drive in Ward 7. This proposed plan includes space for individuals and groups to grow their own food as well as spaces for engagement and education.

Join the community meeting on March 29th at 6:30 on Zoom to learn about the proposed plan and share your ideas for how to shape this project. More information can be found here.

The City is hiring. You can join Team Markham and make a difference. The City is hiring for a variety of Summer jobs. There are also a number of full-time positions available too. You can view the positions and apply here.

The Markham Public Library is also hiring for multiple positions - details can be found here.

York Region is also hiring for various positions too including summer positions for students - details here.

The Kindred Spirits Orchestra was a series of performances over the next several months as they bring beautiful classical music to the Markham area.

More detail about the KSO and these events can be found at KSOrchestra.ca.

Endangered salamanders are on the move again. York Region is home to the Jefferson Salamander, an endangered species, with habitats in Richmond Hill. Each year, these special amphibians cross Stouffville Road on rainy nights in early spring, leaving their winter habitat to travel to their breeding grounds. Intermittent night closures on Stouffville Road between March 25 to April 10 will allow them to complete their journey safely - learn more here.

Do you know a Grade 12 student that is leading change in York Region? York Regional Police are looking to recognize students through their annual Leadership in Social Justice Achievement Awards. More information about the 12 - $500 awards can be found here.

Perhaps you know a student with an artistic flair looking to make a positive change on the community. YRP is now seeking submissions to their youth poster and video contest from students in grades 7 to 12. More information can be found here.

The Varley-McKay Art Foundation of Markham is now accepting applications for the Wallace Joyce Scholarship.

More information including how to apply can be found here. The application deadline is Friday April 8.

Find eligibility information and apply at york.ca/recreationsubsidies.

The lineup at the Flato Markham Theatre continues to fill up. Why not take a look and see what's coming to the stage that is so close to home. Here are just a few of the upcoming performances:

While masks are no longer required in most places in Ontario, they are still mandatory on public transit vehicles and in enclosed spaces like terminals. This includes YRT, VIVA, GO Transit and TTC as examples. For information can be found here.

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

Details of upcoming YR meetings and past sessions are available here. 

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

Please forward the details to dhamilton@markham.ca