March 7, 2021
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Yes it's that time of year again; time for renewal, the return of our fine feathered friends, and moving the clocks forward by an hour. Although I wouldn't change over my snow tires just yet, we will have to go through the exercise of resetting our clocks next weekend.
It's development business as usual at the City of Markham. On Monday the Development Services Committee will be asked to move forward three separate applications that potentially will bring 15 new buildings, some as high as 55 storeys to Markham. Get ready for a change in your view.
The Markham rollout of the vaccine seemed to go smoothly at Cornell Community Centre. Not so however in Newmarket, where seniors were forced to remain outside in bitter cold for hours on the first day. If you need a ride to get your vaccination shot, see PinkCars below. About 18,100 York Region residents got their shot this past week.
In big financial news this week, York Region will receive $16 Million from the Province to support public transit during the pandemic. Perhaps this will help reduce the 2.96% tax increase being proposed in the York Region Budget. Also, the City of Markham will receive about $9 million from the Province to help with COVID related expenses. Is there a money tree in Queen's Park?
Stay positive - test negative.
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In this issue
- Vaccine Availability in York Region
- Need a Ride? Think Pink
- Still in the Red Zone
- Listen Learn Act
- Update from YRFN
- Update from MATM
- Markham Recycles Bicycles
- Tell MGA What You Think
- Markham Youth Entrepreneurs
- Update from MTAC
- Other Items
- Markham C19 Report
- YR C19 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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While there were a few hiccups with the initial vaccine bookings and clinics this week, for the most part the first week of the COVID-19 immunization clinics could be categorized as a success.
There have been more announcements this week about vaccine availability and they will continue to be delivered on a priority basis, as defined by the Ministry of Health. Learn more at york.ca/covid19vaccine. Should the vaccine rollout be updated this week to include a new age group or additional vaccine clinics this information will be noted at york.ca/covid19vaccine.
York Region residents age 80+ years of age, born 1941 or earlier, can book an appointment at york.ca/COVID19Vaccine. Residents 80+ years of age who are not able to book an online. appointment are encouraged to seek out a support person (caregiver, family member or friend) who can assist them in booking this appointment or call 1.877.464.9675.
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You will need to be patient as appointment availability is limited due to the current vaccine supply. However, please remember walk-in vaccinations are NOT available. Please do not visit a vaccination clinic hoping to get your vaccination or looking to make an appointment as you will be turned away.
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Tip - It is best to check the online registration portal throughout the day as there can be cancellations and more supply may become available. This has happened several times this week and same day appointments have become available. |
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Learn what to expect and how to prepare for your COVID-19 vaccine.
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Do you or someone you know need a ride to the vaccination clinic or help with registration to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
PinkCars, a local volunteer group has been established to assist seniors with online registration and transportation to clinics for their vaccine appointments. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to PinkCars.
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Markham along with the rest of York Region remains in the Red-Control zone of the COVID-19 Response Framework. The situation continues to change and we all need to continue to do our part to keep one another safe. Details about current public health guidelines, restrictions and closures can be found at markham.ca/covid19 and york.ca/covid19.
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- Wear a mask
- Wash your hands
- Keep a safe distance
- Limit travel outside your home
- Support local businesses
As always should you require any assistance, please reach out to the City's Contact Centre at 905.477.5530 or email at customerservice@markham.ca. 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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As part of the City of Markham’s commitment to dismantling and disrupting racism, the City is offering their ‘Let’s Talk about Racism: An intro to anti-Black racism’ eLearning session to the public. We all have a role to play in combating racism in all its forms. Get started at markham.ca/LetsTalkAboutRacism.
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With the First Day of Spring on March 20th, everyone is hopeful about warmer weather being right around the corner. We can begin to get our gardens ready for the upcoming season, introduce different produce into our kitchens and spend more time outdoors.
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Seed Starting 101 - Starting your seeds at home is a great way to get a head start on the growing season and gain some control over which varieties you want to grow in your garden. In this workshop on March 9, you will be learning the basics of seed starting including considerations on: timing, containers, planting medium, watering, lighting, depth/spacing and fertilizing. Tune in for all the helpful tips, tools and troubleshooting to successfully start your seeds at home - register now.
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Lunch Table: Join their virtual lunch table to engage in some lively discussions every other Wednesday. On March 10, we will be discussing the bread that is found in most cultures throughout the world - flatbreads - register here. On March 24 the discussion will be all about cake, A sweet celebratory treat that is simply made up of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs - register here.
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Details about all of their upcoming events can be found here.
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Welcome to March! Spring is near and there are warmer days ahead. While we aren't able to join MATM at the Flato Markham Theatre yet, they have provided some great ideas for the month ahead to enjoy at home. There's a nod to St. Patrick's day later this month.
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Are you doing some Spring cleaning and not sure what to do with your old bikes? Recycle your bikes by donating them to Markham Cycles. Your donation of both kids and adult bikes will help people access bicycles through Markham Cycles 2021 programming. It's not just bikes they are looking for. They will also accept parts, accessories or anything bike related you'd like to get rid of.
- non-rideable bikes will be deconstructed for parts or used as volunteer mechanic opportunities
- rideable bikes will be refurbished and donated back to community
Reach out to them through their website to arrange a contactless drop off.
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The Markham Group of Artists (MGA) is celebrating its 40th year. Over the years, MGA has contributed to the vibrant culture of our community through their art shows and sales, workshops, demonstrations, painting mosaics, and art talks. As they plan ahead for 2021 and beyond, there’s no better time for you to tell them what you are looking for in a community visual arts group. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey to let them know how they can serve you better. Completing this survey will give you a chance to win a $50 Tim Horton’s gift card. Reach out to them at markhamartists@gmail.com if you have any questions.
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This week MGA will host their monthly Members' Day meeting on March 10 at 6:30pm. Learn how to stay connected with an informative presentation on social media marketing for artists. This talk will give artists tips on selling art online, choosing the right platform suited to artists, defining the strategy and communication approach that works, how to build a digital presence and ideas on how to make money on Instagram and Facebook - register here.
More information about the Markham Group of Artists and their programs can be found on their website - details here.
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Are you 15-29 years old?
💡Apply to Summer Company and receive up to $3,000 in funding
💡Pitch your best business idea for your chance to win up to $500
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MTAC is excited to announce its upcoming events to support youth arts in the Markham Community.
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MTAC 24H Film Challenge - join MTAC for the screening night of the 13th Annual 24H Film Challenge. This year, MTAC partnered with City of Markham’s Sustainability Department to promote the #GreenMarkham campaign within the 24H Film Challenge. These young filmmakers had 24 hours to write, film and edit their entries which had to include the line of dialogue "You're muted", include recycling bin as a prop and the have the sound effect of a keyboard clicking. Mark your calendar for Saturday March 15 at 5:00pm on YouTube LIVE to attend the 24H Film Screening Night. Additionally, People’s Choice voting will be open the audience. You won’t want to miss it and these young film makers efforts are quite remarkable. Register here for the screening night.
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Friday Features - are an ongoing opportunity for youth artists across the GTA to be featured on MTAC's social media to gain exposure for their artwork. All forms of art - dance, music, photography, visual arts and calligraphy - are all welcome. Simply fill out this form to submit an entry.
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Other items
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The City of Markham won two esteemed awards for budgeting and financial reporting - more information
- Tuesday March 8 at 7pm is the next monthly meeting of the Unionville Villagers Association. If you are interested in attending, please reach out to them for a link to the virtual meeting.
- Fun fact! Markham has 2,200km of major roads which is the equivalent of travelling from Toronto to Montreal 4 times. Do you have any input to Markham's winter pathway maintenance pilot program. Learn more and share your feedback for a chance to win. Details here.
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Are you part of a non-profit group with a brilliant idea to reduce waste? York Region is offering up to $25,000 to eligible projects that support a circular economy by rethinking waste. Apply by April 4, 2021. More information
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Does your organization have a great idea to transform public spaces in response to COVID-19? Canada’s Healthy Communities Initiative is investing $31 million to help make it happen. Don’t miss your chance - apply by March 9. Learn more
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- As a reminder, the Markham Small Business Centre offers free seminars, details on available government programs, resources and advice to help local businesses adapt to the evolving COVID-19 situation. Find out more at markham.ca/msbc.
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- Currently there are no live performances at the Flato Markham Theatre. However they continue to bring shows live to your home instead. Upcoming virtual performances include Matt Dusk on March 14 and Ireland's famous Rhythm of the Dance later in the month. More information on these and other performances can be found here.
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- Have you received a traffic ticket recently? You have 3 options. Find out how to pay your ticket, book an appointment to plead guilty and remotely speak to the Justice of the Peace or request a trial by visiting york.ca/courts.
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as of March 5, 2021 - click title or on chart for full report
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and the City of Markham Executive Leadership Team.
More information about Markham's response to COVID-19 can be found here.
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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 C19 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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March 8 - Development Services Committee - 9:30am - details
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March 9 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
- March 11 - Committee of the Whole - Budget Presentations - 9am - details
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March 15 - MTAC 24H Film Challenge - 5pm - register here
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March 18 - Regional Council Special Meeting - 9am - details
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March 22 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
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March 23 - Special Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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March 23 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
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March 25 - Regional Council Meeting - 9am - details
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March 31 - Council Meeting - 1pm - 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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Building Brand Awareness - SEO training for beginners - March 8 - details
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York University Virtual Open House - March 4th at 7pm - details
- Unionville Villagers Association Zoom meeting - March 8 at 7pm
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Building Brand Awareness - Intro to Google Ads - March 22 - details
- MBT Women's Networking Luncheon - March 23 - details
- Varley Gallery Lunch and Learn - March 31 at 12:30pm - 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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