April 11 2021
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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In the email bag this week
Quite a variety of emails came in this week: many teachers and their advocates wrote asking for teachers to be vaccinated as a priority group, some people are questioning public health decisions, a very large number of form emails asked the City to open its libraries and some local Thornhill residents demanded a change to the proposed route that would take the Yonge Street subway extension under their homes.
York Region statistics indicate that as of April 10th 85% of people age 80+, 81% of people age 75-79, 71% of people age 70-74 and 54% of people age 65-69 have had their initial vaccination. Unfortunately Ontario could not provide York Region with any additional Pfizer or Moderna vaccine so there will be temporary closures of Canada's Wonderland and Georgina Ice Palace clinics. The Aaniin, Richmond Green and Maple Community Centre clinics will have reduced hours. More than 700 pharmacies have been added across the Province and the new locations will offer the AstraZeneca to those 55+ starting tomorrow. Apparently many people are reluctant to take the AstraZeneca shot but the best shot remains the one that is available. There's a good video explaining the efficacy of vaccines. See video below.
On the development front, the 32 storey Rockport student housing building for York U students, has moved on in the approval process. The Lifetime Panda buildings (about 1950 units) on Warden south of Highway 7 have also taken the next step in their approval process.
In spite of the lockdown, I've noticed a large number of people out and about safely enjoying the fine Spring weather we've been having. Many golf and tennis facilities are ready to open so get your clubs and racquets ready.
Stay positive - test negative.
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In this issue
- COVID-19 Vaccinations
- Here We Go Again part 2
- Vaccine Efficacy Rates
- Leslie / Don Mills Construction
- YR Budget Approved
- Global Change - Local Action
- Thornhill Village Events
- Debunking Traffic Ticket Myths
- Student Volunteer Hours
- Queen's Park Tour
- Yonge Subway Extension
- April Break at MPL
- Summer Company
- Other Items
- Scam Warning
- Pink Cars
- York Region Food Network
- Out from the Cold
- Markham Group of Artists
- Listen, Learn, Act
- Markham Cycles
- YR COVID-19 Dashboard
- 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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Click here to read the previous edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
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Vaccines continue to be administered by appointment only and walk-in appointments are not available.
Due to delays in the shipment of vaccines expected next week (April 12), York Region will be reducing the number of appointments and will need to close or reduce the hours at clinics this week due to short supply of vaccines - details.
There have been a number of changes to who is eligible for a vaccination this week to help meet the diverse needs of York Region residents. As of time of writing, the following people are eligible to book an appointment - details here:
- clinics for 65 years of age and older and other eligible groups in Phase 1
- clinics for 60 years of age and older
- clinics for 55 years of age and older
- clinics for 50 years of age and older in high priority communities which are currently identified as L0J, L4B, L4E, L4H, L4J, L4K, L4L, L6A, L3S, L3T, L6B, L6C, L6E
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clinics for 45 to 59 years of age in select high priority communities which are currently identified as L4L, L6A, L4K, L4J or L3S
Carefully review the "who can book" details to ensure you are selecting the clinic most appropriate for you - details here. Should you need help booking an appointment, please call the number listed under each clinic locations. The details also note what vaccine is being used at each clinic.
For questions about eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine, call Access York at 1.877.464.9675. For questions about whether the vaccine is right for you, speak with your family doctor or primary care provider.
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A COVID-19 vaccine protects you from symptomatic infection and serious illness, but until we know vaccinated individuals can’t spread the virus we must all continue to follow public health measures – vaccinated or not - learn more.
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- Residents looking to book an appointment should check york.ca/covid19vaccine often as more appointments are regularly being added and those eligible for vaccines is changing quickly
- Looking for more information about vaccinations? The most up to date information can be found at york.ca/covid19vaccine.
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A s of Thursday, the Province declared a State of Emergency and a Stay at Home order for the next 28 days at a minimum. These new restrictions are in effect to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect the healthcare system. More information on this latest order can be found here.
Under the province-wide stay-at-home order, indoor gatherings are not permitted. Outdoor gatherings are restricted to a limit of five people and must comply with physical distancing and face covering requirements. Stay home, stay safe. Limit interactions with those outside your household. More information about current public health guidelines, restrictions and closures can be found online at markham.ca/covid19 and york.ca/covid19.
As always should you require any assistance, please reach out to the City's Contact Centre. Please also remember that your local Ward Councillor is also available to assist if you don't know where to turn.
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This video was sent to me by a DME reader. I found it to be an interesting watch as it discusses vaccine efficacy rates. If you look at the various rates for the currently available vaccines, most are drawing the conclusion that one is better than the other and that isn't necessarily the case.
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From Highway 407 to Steeles Avenue York Region will be resurfacing the road. The work is expected to begin April 12 and should be completed by the end of the summer.
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2021 budget includes 1.54% tax increase or about $40 to the average York Region residential property bill
This week York Regional Council approved the $3.3 billion budget for 2021. The budget consists of $2.6 billion in operating costs to support the delivery of core Regional services and $763 million in capital costs to support new infrastructure.
The budget includes a 1.54% net tax levy, representing an increase of approximately $40 for homes with an average assessed value of $802,000. The approved increase is a reduction of 1.42% from the initial outlook tabled in February.
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The 1.54% tax levy will be directed to Regional capital reserves, designated to support the Region’s robust 10-year capital plan which includes funding for new infrastructure to support growth, as well as funding to maintain and replace the Region’s existing assets.
The 2021 budget reflects York Region’s strong ongoing response to the pandemic, including supporting the mass COVID-19 vaccination program and economic and social recovery efforts.
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York Region continues to identify internal operational efficiencies and improvements, while making full use of almost $38 million in recent Safe Restart Agreements from the federal and provincial governments. In early March, the province announced York Region would receive $21.1 million to help cover COVID-19 operating costs and $16.7 million for transit-related impacts.
Additional information regarding the 2021 budget can be found in the following documents:
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April is Earth Month and the City is celebrating with a variety of virtual events and activities. You can learn about climate change and the ways that you can take action to help protect the planet. Celebrate Earth Month with us and take a stand to live a more sustainable lifestyle all year long - take action now.
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Photo contest - Share photos of how you are taking local action to inspire global change during Earth Month with the City on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram by tagging @cityofmarkham and using #greenMarkham for your chance to WIN! - learn more
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Have an idea for a green project? If so, you may be eligible for funding of up to $500. The City is accepting applications for the Sustainable Neighbourhood Small Grant program. Apply by June 1 - details here.
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Rain barrel sale - Would you like to money on your water bill? Conserve water by using a rain barrel. Order online by June 1 and save up to 75%. Proceeds benefit The Frontline Fund to support our healthcare heroes. Curbside pickup available June 5 - details.
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Backyard tree planting program offers trees to Markham property owners at special price - evergreen trees for $50 and deciduous tree for $100 - which includes a physically distanced or virtual consultation with an arborist. Full service or DIY planting options available with contactless delivery - details.
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David, a Thornhill DME reader, alerted me to the following events taking place in Thornhill. They would be fun activities to do during this week's school break.
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Thornhill Heritage Scavenger Hunt being run by the Thornhill Historical Society. It is taking place from April 12 - 16. The details can be found here.
- They have also recently released a new version of their Walking Tour of Historic Thornhill via Google Maps which has been updated to include enhanced Then and Now images. More information on the walking tour can be found on these two websites:
- Walking Tour
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details on Google Maps.
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If you have received a ticket, also known as an offense notice, don't panic. There are three easy steps you can choose when you find yourself at this crossroads. Which direction will you take? Learn more
Learn the whole truth about traffic tickets - here. York Regional Police show up in traffic court over 94% of the time so you need to have a better strategy than hoping that they don't attend.
Myth or reality?
- Holding your cellphone while stopped at a red light is not an offence
- If I ignore my ticket after receiving it in the mail or from an officer, nothing will happen
- Court staff can negotiate the fine amount with you at the front counter
- Court staff have the ability to reduce demerit points
- If I ignore my fines after a conviction, they will go away
- If a police officer doesn't show for court, the ticket is immediately withdrawn
Learn more here including the 3 options available to deal with tickets you may have received.
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Get involved and earn high school volunteer hours by taking part in our volunteer program with
e-learning modules and optional in-person events this summer and fall. To learn more, visit trca.ca/cyc
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Residents of Markham-Unionville are invited to join MPP Billy Pang's Queen's Park Live Virtual Tour for children to learn more about the Government from home during April Break. During the private guided virtual tour, your family can explore the historic building and get a close-up look at the Legislative Chamber.
This event will be held on Friday April 16th between 2:30pm - 3:30pm, spaces are limited - RSVP here by Tuesday April 12th at noon.
This tour is for families with school aged children who live in Markham-Unionville.
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This week the Thornhill community set an attendance record for Metrolinx with 500+ people at its first virtual Open House on the Yonge North Subway Extension (YNSE). The current proposal recommends tunneling under Royal Orchard homes. A recording of the meeting can be viewed here.
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- STEAM activities
- virtual escape room
- story time
- reading lists
- and more
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Got a great business idea?
Are you 15-29 years old?
Apply to Summer Company and get up to $3,000 in funding. Pitch your best business idea for your chance to WIN of up to $500!
spaces are limited
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Scam Warning from Alectra - In response to an increase of fraudulent activity across its service territory, Alectra Utilities is alerting customers of a sophisticated phone scams. These phone scams involve customers receiving threatening calls demanding immediate payment over the phone. The scammers use fear and urgency to catch people off guard by making these calls late in the day, often on Friday afternoons before the weekend. Click here to read more.
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PinkCars, a local volunteer group, has been established to assist with online registration and transportation to clinics for York Region residents to their vaccine appointments.
If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to PinkCars or call 905.479.8880.
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learn how to make a traditional French Acadian one pot meal known as Chicken Fricot on April 14 at 1pm - register now
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learn how to vermicompost - how to set up your own DIY system, keep your worms happy and more on April 22 at 2pm - register here
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order your Good Food Box by April 21 - learn more
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This has been a difficult winter for Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold www.miotc.ca which runs the Emergency Homeless Shelters in south York Region. None of the volunteer run Shelters can operate because of the pandemic, However, MIOTC has managed, with paid staff, to have Shelters running every night since November. Two churches volunteered space: Ebenezer United Church in Markham and Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church. More information can be found here.
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The Markham Group of Artists welcomes artists of all levels, from beginners to professionals, and is preparing an art-inspired line up of activities for artists and artists-at-heart for the spring and summer.
Soon you will be seeing MGA artists painting their favorite scenes in Markham and Unionville. Also, when it is safe to gather, you will be seeing MGA artists gathering at Milne Dam Park to paint and critique each other’s work. Want to get out and paint? Consider joining MGA at the reduced spring and summer rate of $40. Click here to join.
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As part of Markham’s commitment to dismantling and disrupting racism, the City is offering the ‘Let’s Talk about Racism: An intro to anti-Black racism’ eLearning to the public. We all have a role to play in combating racism in all its forms.
Also, the Mayor’s Black Youth Liaison Committee is seeking applicants ages 15 to 19. Combat anti-Black racism and have your voice heard. Application deadline extended to April 19, 2021.
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Learn common bike repairs and basic maintenance in the comfort and safety of your own home. Check out Markham Cycle's 2020 virtual workshop recordings and stay tuned for their new series of virtual workshops for the 2021 season.
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York Region's COVID-19 dashboard now includes suspect and confirmed cases in schools. The interactive dashboard is updated seven days a week at 5pm and provides detailed information about COVID-19 in York Region including a breakdown of specific Markham data. Details can be found at york.ca/covid19data.
More information about Markham's response to COVID-19 can be found here. |
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Upcoming Meetings
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April 13 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
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April 15 - YR Special Council Meeting - 9am - details
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April 19 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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April 20 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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April 22 - YR Council Meeting - 9am - details
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April 26 - General Committee - 9:30am - details
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April 26 - Special Development Services Meeting - 6:30pm - details
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April 27 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
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April 28 - YR Accessibility Committee Meeting - 4pm - details
- Upcoming Markham Committee Meetings - details
All meetings are now being conducted electronically and Council members along with staff are participating remotely. All facilities remain closed. As always, members of the public are encouraged to participate in these meetings. Written deputations can be sent by email to clerkspublic@markham.ca. If you would like to make a virtual deputation you can register here or phone the Clerk's office at 905-477-7000 x3638. All meetings can be viewed online by clicking the details noted above.
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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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Unionville Residents Association meeting - April 12 at 7pm - details
- Varley Gallery - Lunch and Learn - April 14 at 12:30pm - details
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Pearson Airport Noise Management Forum - April 15 - details
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Jane's Walk - May 7 to 9 - 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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