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August 28 2022

Edition 17

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Getting Ready for Back to School 🍎

Yikes. It can't be that time of year already. Where has the summer gone? 

As students, teachers and parents prepare for an exciting new school year, 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 this Fall by getting vaccinated and staying home when sick whether you test positive for COVID-19 or not. With most children in the classroom and their entire families vaccinated, our school communities will be better protected in their learning environment.

Over the Summer, a COVID-19 vaccine was approved and is now available for children from six months to five years of age. In light of high rates of the BA.5 variant, YRPH recommends getting your child vaccinated and especially for kids in this age group who go to daycare, have any medical condition, live with anyone at risk or have school-age siblings. Make an appointment to get your family vaccinated at york.ca/covid19vaccine and set yourself up for a safer school year.

Learn more about back to school safety at york.ca/safeatschool. There are also a number of resources on the City's site including links to school opening details from the school boards - markham.ca/backtoschool.

Morgan Park and Pool Opening

On a beautiful sunny day, the City officially re-opened Morgan Park and Pool. Located in Ward 4, Morgan Park Pool has been substantially enhanced and features a new universal change room in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians Disabilities Act (AODA). During the restoration project, the City also renovated the existing baseball diamond with new amenities and replaced the playground equipment. A generous donation from the Markham Lions Club also allowed the original on-site wading pool to be replaced with a new splash pad consisting of more than 10 features. We also unveiled a new commemorative artwork “Coming Up Roses” that was created by 20 members of the Markham Group of Artists which was completed during the pandemic in the summer of 2020.

Morgan outdoor pool is one of the gems in the City of Markham. You have a few weeks yet to get out and enjoy it before it is closed for the season.

Cornell Woodlot and Dog Park 🐶

This new park in Ward 5 was officially opened on Sunday. Cornell Woodlot Park is comprised of various elements including a much anticipated off-leash dog area, a brand new junior and senior AODA accessible playground, a shade structure and walking paths. Cornell Woodlot Park is part of a network of parks in Cornell that features park space for active and passive recreation, picnicking and exploration – perfect for the entire family. The park is located at 300 William Forster Road in Cornell. 

Do You Know How to Administer Life Saving Naloxone?

Like many other communities across Canada, York Region is experiencing a drug overdose emergency. In the past few years, opioid-related deaths have continued to slowly rise. York Region is responding to this crisis with the establishment of the York Region Opioid Action Plan and the Opioid Education and Response Workgroup (OERW), distribution of naloxone kits and harm-reduction supplies as well as partnerships with community agencies who provide non-judgmental supports to people who use substances and their loved ones.

Overdose death is preventable. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that counteracts the effects of opioid overdose from drugs such as fentanyl, heroin, Percocet and morphine. If you or someone you know uses substances, learning more about Naloxone could save a life.

Learn more about preventing an opioid overdose at york.ca/opioids.

Finally!

The long anticipated Cornell Bus Terminal will be open for service next Sunday (September 4). The project has been a long time coming with project delays encountered in 2020 due to contract issues. Work resumed again in 2021.

Cornell Bus Terminal is located north of Highway 7 and east of Ninth Line and just south of Markham Stouffville Hospital and Cornell Community Centre and Library.

The new Cornell Bus Terminal is designed to connect and serve those who live and work in the Markham area and beyond. Strategically located near the eastern border of York Region and the western border of Durham Region, the terminal provides connections to local transit and essential infrastructure and institutions. The new terminal will be serviced by YRT routes 1, 2, 9, 14, 16, 18, 25, 522, Viva purple and Mobility On-Request - learn more. There is no public parking at the terminal.

YR Transit service changes take effect Sunday September 4 - details

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 pulled from different sources.

Learn more at electionsmarkham.ca/register.

Be a Volunteer at the RNUP

The Rouge National Urban Park is the largest urban park in North American and Canada's only urban parks and part of it is right here in Markham. Have you been yet? There are trails to explore, guided hikes and many other activities to enjoy the beauty of the RNUP.

The RNUP has recently announced the start of their stewardship program to help care for the Park by becoming a volunteer. Learn more about the program here. My personal thanks goes to retiring Regional Councillor Jack Heath who has been actively steering the RNUP project forward. 

Have You Been?

Have you visited one of the City's self-guided Shinrin Yoku trails in Markham?

Shinrin Yoku is the Japanese practice known as forest therapy or forest bathing that connects people to forest environments through gentle sensory based invitations. Learn more and find a trail - details here.

In Case You Missed It

• It's Mayor vs Deputy Mayor in Markham - details
• Rising Stars - five young Markham talents hit the stage at the CNE - details
• Mmmm - summer produce is now available - check out some local farms
• YRP arrested a motorcyclist who posted a video of himself allegedly driving 260 km/h - details
• Elections Markham now hiring for the coming municipal election - details

Some more pictures from the weekend

• Congratulations to long time resident and friend Sham Arora on his recent birthday anniversary
• Congratulations also to Markham Peoples Church on their recent events to raise funds for community work

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 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.

Learning to swim is a skill all Canadians should know, not just something kids should learn.

This Fall take the opportunity and enroll in swimming lessons. There are classes for all ages and skill levels.

Maybe try the City's new Swimmer Plus program with more time in the water and more one-on-one time with the instructor. Learn more and register at markham.ca/swimming.

Do you like to sing? The Village Voices Community Choir has a call out for new voices and they are currently accepting new members. There is no audition and the ability to read music is not required. Anybody that might be interested just needs to bring their love of singing. 

Join returning members and give it a try at their first rehearsal on September 7th at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 143 Main Street North, Markham. 

For more information is available on their website www.villagevoices.ca.

While 9th Line won't be closed construction will continue from 407 to 16th Avenue - details

Here are notices for local road closures:

Victoria Square Boulevard will be closed from Woodbine Avenue to Elgin Mills Road until December 16 to replace the Carlton Creek culvert and creek restoration work.

Mill Street will be closed for 8 days starting tomorrow (August 29) to September 5 for the installation of a storm, sanitary and water main at 73 Main Street South.

Please be advised that 19th Avenue will be closed from Woodbine Avenue to Warden Avenue for 11 Days:

• September 1 and 2
• September 5 to 9
• September 12 to 15 

The road will be closed from 9am to 3 pm on these days so that Alectra Distribution Poles poles can be installed for the new Markham film studio.

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 future need for parkland and more. 

You can read the draft plan and get involved - more detail here.

Volunteers are needed for the Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival. Be a part of the fun. All volunteers are welcome and high school students are eligible to gain community involvement hours. There are a variety of volunteer positions available

This year's event will take place in person outside of Aaniin Community Centre on September 10 from 10am to 6:30pm.

Returning volunteers can log in here to view and sign up for volunteer opportunities. For new volunteers, if you have not yet made an online volunteer account, visit How to Become a Volunteer to fill out an application. 

More information about the Markham-Milliken Children's Festival including how to purchase play all day passes at a discounted price can be found at markham.ca/childrensfestival.

It’s been a long two-plus years and a lot has changed. One thing that remains is York Region Public Health’s commitment to community health and well-being at every age and stage. As services continue to resume, York Region Public Health is reminding communities about the important role of Public Health in the community and the range of programs and services available. While Public Health does not treat individual illnesses, they strive to prevent residents from getting sick or injured in the first place. 

York Region Public Health is more than COVID-19 and we all have a role to play in creating strong, caring and safe communities. Learn more about YRPH and the programs and campaigns they offer to York Region residents.

Registration is now open for adult art classes at the Varley Art Gallery. Spend time in the studio this Fall with exclusive classes only offered at the Varley including:

• intermediate painting with watercolours 
• Try It ... intro to art practices
• acrylic pouring - level I and II
• brush calligraphy for beginners

More information about these and other classes, workshops, PA day programs and winter camps can be found in the Varley's latest brochure - found here.

Good news! Surveys conducted across York Region in July indicated fewer spongy moths feeding on trees compared to last year. This was evident across the City as I didn't see any trees stripped bare of leaves as I did last year.

Learn more at york.ca/spongy moth.

Do you love cooking? Do you have an original rice or noodle recipe that everyone loves?

If so, send your recipe to the Markham Public Library for a chance to be published in the Markham Reads digital cookbook - learn more here. 

Have you ordered a Good Food Box yet? The York Region Food Network offers this program every 2 weeks and the boxes, paper bags actually, are packed with fresh produce.

Sometimes it has items that you've never tried before and it can bring some variety to the kitchen. Recently we received Italian cucumbers that we had never seen before. They are different than regular cucumbers and very tasty. There's a pick up location in southern Markham. With the cost of food these days, it's a good deal for $16. You will need to place your order by August 31 for pickup on September 7 - details.

Calling all local musicians. Are you looking for paid work? Season six of the Markham Arts Council's online music program Artist Unplugged has begun and they're looking for artists.

For more information or to inquire about bookings please send an email to info@markhamartscouncil.com.

York Region is hiring temporary full-time and part-time Transportation Maintenance Workers to maintain road systems this winter.

Are you an equipment operator with general labour experience looking for a new position? Apply now at york.ca/careers.

There are a number of other opportunities available at the Region too - have a look.

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 Transit service changes take effect Sunday September 4 - details
• Early Learning PD online learning session - September 21 - learn more
• Census data show majority of YR residents are multilingual - details
• Learn about the plans for the newest property, the Queensville Forest, to become a part of the York Region Forest - learn more
• Monkeypox vaccine clinics - details
• Did YR's Student Surveyors mis your business this summer? You can still put your business on the map - learn more

Community Meetings and Events

• What's on at the Library? - click here

• Night at the Markham Museum - Jonny Starkes - September 1 at 7pm - 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
• 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
• eWate 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
• 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.

Working together to make Markham better!

Don Hamilton

don.hamilton@rogers.com

www.donhamilton.ca

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