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Happy Thanksgiving Day
While the world continues to wrestle with its many problems, we here in Markham-Ontario-Canada continue to have many blessings. After a warm sunny Summer we're moving into the cooler Fall weather and Halloween is just around the corner. I certainly wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving day.
For those less fortunate or who may be going through a rough time, a well used community support resource is the Markham Food Bank. The need continues after Thanksgiving and in fact all year round. See article below.
Please complete the Bylaws and Infill development survey highlighted below. Your input is valuable to the City.
Voter packages are in the mail to your home. See information below.
Please don't contribute to Fat Burgs in our sewer system by dumping fat, oil, grease, turkey drippings etc., down your drain. These Fat Burgs cost taxpayers big money to remove. A TIP from me is to put your greasy stuff in a plastic bag and freeze it until the next Green Bin pick up day.
Have a nice week!
don.hamilton@rogers.com
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In This Issue
- Voting Starts Friday
- I Got Mine... Did You Get It Too?
- COVID Bivalent Vaccines
- Do You Have A Plan?
- MPL Update
- Attention Parking Permit Holders
- The Markham Food Bank
- Coming Soon
- In Case You Missed It
- Have You Checked?
- 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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Click here for last week's eNewsletter.
All prior editions of my weekly eNewsletter can be found here.
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Voting begins this coming Friday and I hope I can count on your support.
You should be receiving your voter envelope from the City very soon, if you haven't received it already.
My campaign for Mayor of Markham is well underway. I would appreciate any support that you may be able to provide. Donations by Markham residents may* be eligible for the City's rebate program.
Thank you to those that have already reached out with words of encouragement and have made donations to my campaign.
Please forward my eNewsletter to others in Markham that may find it of interest.
If you would like to show your support with a lawn sign, please send me an email at don.hamilton@rogers.com. Make sure to include your address and whether you would like a traditional sized lawn sign or one like is in the picture above.
* Donors can receive one 75% rebate to a maximum of $150. A $200 donation could be eligible to receive a $150 rebate. Contribution rebates are based on the sum total of all eligible donations made to one or more candidates who are participating in the Candidate Contribution Rebate Program. further detail is available here
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Voting Starts Friday!
From October 14 at 10am to October 24 at 8pm, all Markham voters have 250 hours to vote online or by paper ballot on select dates for the offices of Mayor, Regional Councillor, Ward Councillor and School Board Trustee. Local government and school boards deliver important services that residents and businesses rely on every day.
You can cast your ballot online - anytime, anywhere using a computer, tablet or even your smart phone.
As you get ready to have your say in the Municipal Election, check out Elections Markham’s Voter Checklist and ElectionsMarkham.ca for the latest and most reliable information about the 2022 Markham Municipal Election.
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Voter Information Letters for the 2022 Markham Municipal Election were mailed this week to everyone who is registered to vote. I received mine in the mail. Did you receive yours yet?
The Voter Information Letters include:
- the web address to the City’s online voting website
- your personal Voting PIN to vote online
- other important information about the election.
If you don't receive a Voter Information Letter in the mail by October 12 and you are eligible to vote, you may not be registered at your current address or at all. You can check here. To vote in the upcoming municipal election, you need to be:
- a Canadian citizen
- at least 18 years old
- a Markham resident, property owner or tenant (or the spouse of one)
- registered to vote.
You can register to vote online at ElectionsMarkham.ca/register or in person at the Markham Civic Centre (Clerk’s Office), at any Markham Public Library branch until October 19 or at any Voting Place during Voting Days. Voters registering in person are reminded to bring IDs with them. The Elections Markham team can be reached at vote@Markham.ca or 905-477-7000 x8683 for further assistance.
The Municipal Voters' List is not the same list as the ones used for provincial or federal elections, so it’s important to always check if you’re registered.
Voters are reminded to only open a Voter Information Letter that’s addressed to them as it’s illegal to take, open or tamper with mail that’s addressed to another person. If a voter receives a Voter Information Letter for someone who doesn’t live at their address anymore, don’t open or forward it. Instead, mark the envelope ‘Return to Sender’ and drop it in the mail.
If a voter loses their Voter Information Letter, they should contact Elections Markham immediately to get a new Online Voting PIN (the old one will be deactivated). Voters should never share their Online Voting PIN as it’s personal and no one should ever ask you for it.
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All individuals 18 years of age and older who have completed their primary vaccine series (two doses for most) are now eligible. Learn more here including answers to:
- When should I get the bivalent COVID-19 booster?
- Do I need the bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine?
York Region Public Health has increased clinic capacity and you can book an appointment at york.ca/covid19vaccine, through the provincial booking system and participating pharmacies. For more information click here.
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It's Fire Prevention Week and it runs until October15th.
Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.
Make sure your home escape plan includes 2 ways out.
Learn more at markham.ca/fire.
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MPL is excited to announce that the Milliken Mills Library is expect to reopen this Fall. The staff has been hard at work revitalizing both the library and the community centre so that you can enjoy a more modernized and beautiful space.
Check out the programs that MPL has planned for the month of October some in person at their branches and others are online - details here.
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Do you have a loved one with dementia? MPL now has a collection of Dementia Care Kits.
Each comes with a set of unique dementia friendly activities that help to improve memory and cognitive abilities - details
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The MPL Kids Library Card gives your kids access to all thousands of books, eBooks, movies, hundreds of educational programs all for FREE?
Plus the Kids Library Cards are also FINE FREE! - learn more
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As of this week, both existing and new monthly overnight permit parking holders will need to create a free online account to apply for monthly overnight parking permits in the following areas:
- Cornell Community
- Angus Glen Community
- Tamarack Drive and West Borough Street
- Cathedraltown Community
- Sunrise Drive (south side)
Learn more at markham.ca/bylaw.
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The cost of living is at an all time high and all Canadians are feeling this when doing their weekly grocery shopping. The Markham Food Bank has observed an increase in local families turning to their services. If you are able, the Markham Food Bank needs your help keeping their shelves stocked.
Thanksgiving is typically a time when the Markham Food Bank has a food drive so they have food to support our community and help to ensure that no one goes hungry. Please consider donating either non-perishable food items or make a financial contribution that will allow them to purchase items with low stock. For more information about the most needed items, as well as how to donate, please visit markhamfoodbank.ca/donate.
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Tomorrow, Thanksgiving Monday, you can help the Markham Food Bank with a visit to the Pride of Canada carousel in Downtown Markham between 11am and 8pm.
Donate a non-perishable food item and get a ride on the Pride of Canada Carousel for FREE. Donations can be dropped off at the carousel. All donations will go to the Markham Food Bank. Let’s give thanks and celebrate Thanksgiving by helping those in need in our community.
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Markham at the Movies is back again on Tuesday October 25 at the Flato Markham Theatre. Doors open at 6pm for ticket sales ($12 at the door), you can choose your seat at 6:30pm and then sit back and enjoy the film starting at 7pm.
This month MATM will present Scarborough which is based on the award winning novel of the same name by Catherine Hernandez. Scarborough is also an award-winning film: TIFF's People's Choice (runner-up), Best Canadian Feature Film and Changemaker Awards and 8 Canadian Screen Awards. You can watch the trailer here.
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Are you going to be out of town during the voting period from October 14 to October 24 and wondering if you'll be able to vote. Markham offers you a safe, secure, eco-friend and contactless option to vote.
Find out how to vote online at electionsmarkham.ca/howtovoteonline.
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Seniors are the fastest growing age group in York Region. By 2051, closed to one in four (23%) of York Region resident will be over age 65.
York Region is renewing their plan to support seniors, York Region Seniors Strategy, looking for better ways to support the changing needs of the growing and aging seniors population. More information on the plan can be found at york.ca/planforseniors.
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Have you heard? Ladies Night on Unionville Main Street is back again. It will take place on Thursday October 20 from 5pm to 9pm with specials, promotions, giveaways and live entertainment too.
The first 250 participants to register for this free event will receive a gift bag including a Unionville wine glass. Register here for this fun event.
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York Region is making improvements to a median on Highway 7 at the Highway 48 / Markham Road intersection.
The work started this week and will continue on weekdays and Saturdays from 9:30am to 3:30pm until the end of October.
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Are you a person with a disability or are you an accessibility champion? Do you work with York Region residents with disabilities? Citizen volunteers are needed for York Region's 2023-26 Accessibility Advisory Committee of which I am a member.
The Committee advises York Regional Council and York Regional Police on how to design programs, services, and facilities more accessible for people.
Details and applications are available at york.ca/accessibility. Interested applicants must apply by Monday October 31.
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Join the Markham Museum for Scaryfest on Saturday October 29 and Sunday October 30.
The Museum is looking for volunteers to help at various stations at Scaryfest with crafts and family activities for the event.
Volunteer orientation will take place Thursday October 13 at Markham Museum. You can sign-up here.
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The Our Park grant program provides funding to create and present free arts programming in selected parks located in the City of Markham. The maximum grant in this program is $25,000.
More information and application detail is available at markham.ca/ourpark. The application deadline is November 13.
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Finding a business location can be challenging. On October 18 at 9am, hear from the City of Markham's Building Standards Department and Economic Development office on how to make sense of zoning bylaws and the building permits you need to get started! Learn more and register here.
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All open air fires, including fire pits, fire drums and chimineas (even if they have a lid) require a Permit.
However, most homes in Markham do not qualify for a permit - more information.
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Bring your little ghouls and goblins to the York Regional Police's annual spooktacular event at the Community Safety Village.
More information and registration details are here.
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Protect your pipes!
Fats, oils and grease (FOG) such as cooking oils, gravy, marinades, salad dressings, sour cream and turkey drippings go in your green bin – not down your drain - learn more.
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The City wants to hear from you as they are conducting a service delivery review for By-Law enforcement services and residential infill development.
Your feedback is important as the City works to improve services and make Markham a better place to live, work and play.
The survey is available until October 31 - survey is here.
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Do you have what it takes to become a York Regional Police officer? Or maybe you know someone who does.
If you are passionate about serving your community, join YRP for their premier women's recruiting event on Saturday October 22.
Learn about YRP's commitment to wellness and career growth for all members.
More information about this event can be found here.
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October is Cyber Security Awareness Month which helps everyone learn more about the importance of being safe online - additional detail here.
If you've been a victim of an online fraud or scam you should call YRP's non-emergency line at 1.866.876.5423 to file a report or get advice. More information can be found here.
- YRP continue to receive numerous reports of romance scams - read more
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The Art of Plenty event continues until October 16 at the McKay Art Centre on Main Street Unionville. I attended the Opening Night event and there is some incredible art on display. A portion of the sale of each artwork helps to support the Varley Art Gallery. You can learn more about the event including the hours that the event is open and view the artwork here.
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It's that time of year again! Over the next several weeks, Jefferson Salamanders, an endangered species, will cross Stouffville Road leaving summer breeding grounds and returning to their winter habitat.
Travellers on Stouffville Road should be aware of intermittent overnight road closures to protect these salamaders.
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Join the Kindred Spirits Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Kristian Alexander, for their first concert of the season on Saturday October 22 at 8pm at Flato Markham Theatre.
The KSO will be joined by National Arts Centre Principal cellist Rachel Mercer. There will be an intermission discussion and Q&A with Rachel and the Classical 96.3 FM radio personality Daniel Vnukowski along with a post-concert reception.
Tickets and information can be found at KSOrchestra.ca or 905.604.8339.
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Now's a great time to get out, be active and explore the York Region Forest. Learn more at york.ca/forests.
If your pet loves to walk in forests and tall grass, make sure to check them for ticks. If you spot a tick on them, remove it promptly. Check yourself too. Ticks are still active although the weather has turned cool.
Visit york.ca/LymeDisease for more information about Lyme Disease.
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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.
- Council Meeting - November 1 at 1pm - details
- Regional Council Meeting - November 3 at 9am - details
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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- York Regional Council September highlights - details
- York Region critical infrastructure assets remain in good condition and will continue to serve reliably - details
- York Region climate change action plan aims to help address ongoing climate crisis - details
York Safe Inspection Program - details here
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Community Meetings and Events
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Markhaven Colours of Fall Luncheon and Fashion Show - October 19 - details
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CFUW Monthly Meeting - October 19 at 7pm - details
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MBT Women's Networking Luncheon - October 20 at 10:30am - details
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Main Street Unionville Ladies Night - October 20 - details
- Kindred Spirits Orchestra - Saturday October 22 at 8pm - details
- Markham Concert Band - British Invasion - October 23 at 2pm - details
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Markham at the Movies - October 25 at 7pm - details
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CFUW Yellow Brick House Fundraising Fashion Show - October 26 - details
- MBT After 5 Networking - October 27 from 5pm - 7pm - details
- Home Energy Retrofit Orientation Workshop - October 27 at 6pm - details
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Trick or Treating on Main Street Markham - October 29 12pm - 2pm - details
- Scaryfest at the Markham Museum - October 29 and October 30.
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Union Villa With Love - November 4 at 6pm - details
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Varley Gallery Lunch and Learn - November 16 at 12:30pm - register
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Aspirin & Elephants - Markham Little Theatre - November 16 - 19 - details
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MBT Business Excellence Awards - November 17 - details
- Holiday Tree Lighting at Markville Mall - November 18
- Home Energy Retrofit Orientation Workshop - November 24 at 6pm - details
- Festival of Lights - Main Street Markham - November 25 from 6pm to 9pm
- Markham Santa Claus Parade - Main Street Markham - November 26 at 11
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Markham at the Movies - November 29 at 7pm - details
- Home Energy Retrofit Orientation Workshop - December 15 at 6pm - 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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