Can You Name This Person?
While he may be unfamiliar to many, he is well know throughout Markham. In fact, he's so important a historical figure, that he has his own bronze statue at 16th Avenue and Kennedy Road. He's also replaced his good friend John Graves Simcoe's name from tomorrow's Civic Holiday here in Markham. See below for the name of our mystery guest.
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Along with MPP Billy Pang and YRP Superintendent Larry Wilson, I was pleased to have attended the 45th Anniversary Celebration of the Apple Creek Seventh Day Adventist Church. Congratulations and best wishes to this wonderful community.
Don't forget Movies on Main Street Unionville starts this week. Family friendly and FREE. See details below.
email - don.hamilton@rogers.com
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In This Issue
- Paediatric Vaccines Available
- Our Mystery Guest
- Fall Fun!
- Have Your Say on Parks
- Walk, Ride or Play
- Protect Yourself from West Nile
- Making Some Progress on Housing
- Monarch Butterflies
- MGA Update
- Other Items
- Upcoming Meetings
- York Region Update
- Community Meetings and Events
| Please forward this update to anyone that may find it of interest | |
Please continue tor remember the Ukraine and its suffering people in your thoughts and prayers.
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COVID-19 vaccines for children under five are now available. These paediatric COVID-19 vaccinations are available for children between the ages of six months and four years (children must be at least six months old on the day of their appointment). Paediatric vaccination clinics for children under the age of five will be held separately from regular clinics and will be smaller, more intimate, offering more privacy and every effort will be made to reduce anxiety and needle-related fears for children - learn more.
Parents can book appointments at york.ca/covid19vaccine or through the provincial booking system, the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre and participating select pharmacies. Do you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines for children? You can visit york.ca/covid19vaccineinfo or speak to your child's primary care provider. Clinic staff are available to help answer questions that parents, guardians and children may have before, during and after vaccination. Parents can call York Region Health Connection at 1.800.361.5653 to speak with a registered nurse for accurate public health related information. The Region is working to add more clinics for younger children as available appointments filled very quickly.
Eligibility for second booster doses to Ontarians age 18+ continues. 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, you can find a clinic and learn more at york.ca/covid19vaccine.
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Our mystery guest referenced above is none other than William Berczy. A friend and contemporary of John Graves Simcoe, William Berczy has been named as a person of national historical significance. He is considered the founder of Markham. He was a writer, painter, artist and community builder. He has several paintings hanging in the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. Take a walk or bike to Berczy Square at 16th and Kennedy and check out his statue.
Happy William Berczy Day tomorrow!
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Try something new this Fall and find a recreation program geared towards your interests from swimming lessons including lifeguard and swim instructor courses, dance classes, tennis lessons and more. You will be able to view the available programs on August 1st and register starting August 16th. There are programs for all Markham residents not just kids.
New for this Fall will be the new Swimmer Plus program. This unique program offers a smaller instructor to student ratio, with longer scheduled classes focusing on stroke skills and development.
- more one-on-one attention than a traditional learn to swim lessons
- more time in the pool
- more skill practicing
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Enjoy Summer before it's gone and join in on one of the City's Park and Play Tour events.
Markham Recreation will be at various locations throughout the City to encourage everyone to get outside and play. The Tour will have many games and giveaways for the whole family. Keep an eye on the City's social media accounts for upcoming locations.
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Are you looking for a fun new job?
The City is now hiring lifeguards and swimming instructors.
- a flexible work schedule
- free access to any public swim
- exclusive discounts on fitness memberships, transit passes and recertifications.
Learn more and apply today
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The City of Markham is developing a Parks Plan and they want to hear from you.
The plan highlights the value of parks, outlines the evolving planning context, examines the existing supply and the future need for parkland and more.
Read the draft plan and get involved at YourVoiceMarkham.ca/ParksPlan.
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For the third Summer in a row, the City of Markham is helping residents stay active with Open Street Markham. The initiative supports the City’s Active Transportation Master Plan and will close Middlefield Road, between Highglen Avenue and Denison Street, to motorized traffic, every Sunday from July 31 to September 5, including the Civic and Labour Day holidays. Visitors will be able to walk, ride or play safely on the road these days as they take in the sights of their community and the various activities that are planned.
Open Street Markham will provide a variety of fun activities for the entire family to enjoy at each closure date. Markham Arts Council will be bringing live music, henna art and yoga classes to the street.
Markham Cycles will also have a pop-up community bike booth for bicycle repairs and quick fixes from 10am to 2pm on both statutory holidays and Markham fitness instructors will offer free drop-in Zumba classes on August 1, 7, 14, and 28 from 10am to 11am.
For more information, visit markham.ca/OpenStreet.
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While mosquitos are annoying, did you know that West Nile virus can spread through the bite of an infected mosquito?
Here are some simple steps you can take to prevent bites and reduce your risk:
- take precautions in the early morning and early evening when mosquitoes are more active
- use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin and apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- wear long sleeved shirts or jackets, long pants and socks when outdoors
- clean up around your home by emptying containers where water collects such as old tires, flowerpots, bird baths and wading pools.
Mosquitoes are everywhere in York Region and you should do what you can to fight the bite. Learn more about West Nile virus at york.ca/westnile.
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Safe and secure housing is essential for everyone and York Region continues to make progress implementing their 10 year housing and homelessness plan. Housing Solutions: A place for everyone – Phase 2 Plan, 2019-2023 was approved by York Regional Council in October 2019 and sets out the following three goals:
- increase the supply of affordable and rental housing
- help people find and keep housing
- strengthen the housing and homelessness system.
Learn about the progress that was made in 2021 as York Region works to build complete communities where people of all ages, stages and incomes can live, work and play. Learn more and read the 2021 Progress Report at york.ca/housing.
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Have You Seen Any Monarch Butterflies This Year?
Did you know Monarch butterflies make the longest migration of any insect in the world? The Monarchs that we see in Ontario make a 4000 km journey from here to their wintering grounds in Mexico every single year! That’s a long way to fly for such a small creature. Unfortunately due to many factors, these beautiful butterflies have recently been added to the list of endangered species. Here is some information on how you can help - details here.
Did you know that thanks to former Councillor Valerie Burke, the City of Markham is Canada's first Monarch friendly city?
Celebrate the wonder of the Monarch butterfly with National Flight of the Monarch Day happening on Saturday August 20. More information is available here.
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The Markham Group of Artists have been taking a bit of a breather but they're getting back in a routine now that in person events can take place.
MGA will be showing a variety of small artwork on August 6 and 7 at the Unionville Artists and Artisans Market. Please take this opportunity to support local artists and purchase original artwork including cards and paintings for your home or for gifts. The Market will take place at Stiver Mill Cultural Centre on Station Lane, just off Main Street Unionville, from 10am to 4pm.
Fuel your creativity by joining the Markham Group of Artists. Sign up now to take advantage of their Early Bird Special and receive $10 off the 2022-2023 season membership for $70 until September 1st. Full time student memberships are always $20. Visit our site to discover the benefits of being a member - details here.
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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.
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Elections Markham is now hiring for the 2022 Municipal Election this Fall. You can have an important role in local democracy. Have a look at what opportunities are available at ElectionsMarkham.ca/jobs.
Do you know a student that is looking for community service hours or perhaps you're wanting to give back to the community? Are you passionate about democracy? Are you interested in volunteering for an organization that gives you the chance to gain valuable experience? More information is available here.
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If the weather forecasters are right, we are in for some more HOT weather in August. As a reminder, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- drink plenty of liquids
- avoid sun exposure
- check on vulnerable community members
- don't leave people or pets in parked cars.
For more tips you can visit markham.ca/HeatSafetyTips.
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You have until August 15th to participate in the SmartTrips Summer Challenge.
Take a picture of your sustainable mode of travel to enter the contest. More information is available here including prizes that are available to be won.
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Calling All Artists!📢
The Varley McKay Art Foundation is excited to bring you their brand new fundraiser, Art of Plenty: Art Show and Sale.
Submissions are now open to York Region Artists aged 18 and up. Artists can showcase and sell their works and a portion of the sale will be retain by the Foundation. More information is available here.
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Pedestrian safety is everyone’s responsibility. By the end of August, 26 existing supervised school crossings will be upgraded to new crossovers.
Drivers, you must stop for pedestrians waiting to cross. markham.ca/PXO
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Markham’s election website has a fresh, new look.
It’s your official source for the latest and most credible information related to the 2022 Markham Municipal Election.
Check it out at
ElectionsMarkham.ca
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The 25th anniversary edition of the Markham Jazz Festival will takeover Main Street Unionville on August 19 - 21 with performances on three stages where established and emerging artists will deliver traditional jazz, blues, Afro-inspired beats, cool summer sounds and overall amazing energy. Best of all the performances are free. There will also be a free shuttle bus from the Markham Pan Am Centre. Details to make parking easier - details.
The Festival's Opening Night Concert and Party will take place on Wednesday August 17 at the Markham Museum - details.
Also, please note for the safety of all the following road closures will be in place on Main Street (Carlton Road to the Laneway) and Fred Varley Drive (EJ Lennox Way to Main Street):
- Friday August 19 from 6:00pm to 11:00pm
- Saturday August 20 from 11am to 8pm
- Sunday Aug 21 from 11am to 6pm.
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Have you read the July 2022 newsletter from the City's Economic Development department? It includes details about the Collision conference, new grant programs and other opportunities. Read it here and you can subscribe for future editions here. | | |
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The Markham Public Library wants to hear from you.
Complete their online survey to let them know how they are doing for a chance to win.
The survey is available here.
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Do you know what to do in the event of a tornado?
Be prepared and stay safe.
Learn more
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Don't be fooled by anyone telling you "tricks" for putting fats, oils and grease (FOG) down your drain. FOG will eventually cool and harden in your pipes even when hot water, soaps or chemicals are used. Also the use of any chemical to facilitate the passage of oils and grease in sewer pipes is illegal in York Region. Learn more about keeping your pipes clear at york.ca/fog. More information is also available here.
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As a reminder, construction will begin in August as culvert improvements are made under McCowan Road just north of Bur Oak Avenue.
The work is expected to be completed by the end of September. The road will remain open although lane restrictions may be required. Additional information can be found here.
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Did you go this week? The Markham Museum's new Thursday evening Night at the Museum series will run until September 1st.
It's a free series of evening concerts and movies on the Museum grounds. The event is free but registration is required - details here.
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Eat, play, stay and $ave
Take the opportunity to discover Markham with the My Markham Savings Pass
More details here
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The City of Markham is no longer accepting care and truck tires at Markham Recycling Depots.
Tires, with or without rims, can be taken back to local retailers and garages for recycling. This can be done at no charge to you.
Learn more at markham.ca/TireRecycling.
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Enjoy free yoga and Zumba at the Unionville Bandstand.
Every Wednesday until August 31, feel the groove with Zumba.
Every Sunday until August 28 (except August 21), experience the serenity of yoga.
Learn more at markham.ca/fitness.
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Starting this week Movies on Main will be happening at Millennium Park, just behind the bandstand.
These free shows will begin at dusk on Tuesday evenings.
Don't forget to bring your lawn chair and perhaps some bug repellent for good measure.
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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.
Markham Committee Meetings - details
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York Region Council meetings and live streaming details can be found here.
Details of upcoming York Region meetings and past sessions are available here.
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Community Meetings and Events
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Night It Up - August 6 - 7 - details
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MBT Good Morning Markham - August 11 at 10am - details
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TNATB - Elton Rohn - August 11 at 7:30pm - details
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Markham Jazz Festival - August 19 - 21 - details
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Markham Garden Club - Never Seen Plants - August 22 at 7:30pm - details
- MBT After 5 Networking - August 25 at 5pm - details
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TNATB - Magic of Motown - August 25 at 7:30pm - details
- YRP Community Safety Data Portal Training - September 13 at 12 pm - details
- Terry Fox Run - Sunday September 18
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Markham at the Movies - September 20 at 7pm - details
- UVA Community BBQ - September 24 from 5pm - 7pm
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Markham Garden Club - The Magic Six - September 26 at 7:30pm - details
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Markham at the Movies - October 25 at 7pm - details
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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.
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Working together to make Markham better! | | | | |
