June 14 2020
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Out and about in Markham
It has been a spectacular weekend, weather wise, here in Markham. Not so in
Calgary where they experienced golf ball sized hail.
On Friday I biked along the
trail system that runs through
Milne Park, by the Markham Green Golf Course and down to 14th Avenue. Aside from a slightly sore tushie, I was none the worse for wear. I must commend the Legacy area residents for maintaining their properties in such a neat and well kept manner. That's a great neighbourhood, one of many in Markham. Also a tip of the hat goes to those who were using Milne Park for maintaining good social distancing and for cleaning up after themselves. I didn't see any litter as I road through.
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After running errands, my wife and I decided to do "take-out" from one of the local Markham restaurants. We really enjoyed our "box lunch" that we ate in one of the local parks. We also noticed a group of players practicing on the soccer field in the park. Again we noticed good social distancing. Can you guess which part of Markham we were in? The photo below will give you a hint!
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In this issue
- Happy Highlights
- Preparing for Stage 2 Reopening
- Main Street Unionville
- YR COVID-19 Dashboard
- June is Pride Month
- Seniors' Month
- National Indigenous History Month
- What is a Social Circle?
- Virtual Canada Day
- York Farm Fresh Map
- MGA Update
- Flato Theatre Update
- Alectra Update
- Virtual Varley
- More Time to Create
- GO Service Changes
- MPL from Home
- What's on in the Park
- URA Update
- 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.
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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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Happy Highlights
Don't forget Father's Day is coming next Sunday!
Also on June 20th, we are officially welcoming Summer! The
Summer Solstice is the longest period of sunlight for the year. Let's hope for great weather again next weekend.
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This new bylaw will help Markham restaurants, small businesses and the community be ready for the time when
Ontario’s Phase 2 re-openings
are extended to municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Along with this permission, Council authorized the waiving of fees for review for any proposed patio. These measures remove many of the barriers that licensed bars, restaurants, and retail businesses may experience when seeking City approval to extend their operations outdoors.
This flexibility is one more way to help businesses recover from the economic impact of the pandemic. The Temporary Use Zoning By-law will expire on December 31, 2020.
More information
As a reminder, York Region remains in Stage 1 of re-opening -
details here
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It's June and with the lovely summer weather comes more store openings on Main Street which is great news. The Unionville BIA's
website
lists all the stores that are now open, some with limited hours, and all keeping in line with current government regulations. Many of the restaurants continue to offer take-out and delivery services, as well as curbside pickup.
Now is your chance to enter the UBIA's "Welcome Summer Giveaway" to win a gift certificate to a store of your choice on Main Street. Enter to win by sharing your merchant experience on the street whether it be take-out, delivery, curbside pickup or socially distancing inside one of the stores. More information
here
.
As a reminder parking is now forbidden on both sides of the street but parking in the lots behind the street is still available as usual.
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Community transmission of COVID-19 is still occurring in York Region. Stop the Spread by practising physical distancing, washing your hands thoroughly and often and wearing a 2-layer non-medical mask when physical distancing may be a challenge.
York Region Public Health has information specific to our area -
details here
. T
he information is broken down based on where the cases have been identified, how people have been infected, trends, testing facilities and more. Most specifically you can see how Markham has been impacted by COVID-19.
Facts and figures
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Join in on June 15 as we celebrate Pride Month in Markham with a virtual rainbow flag raising. This June marks the 20th anniversary of Pride in York Region, and we will celebrate the LGBTQ2s+ community together (while apart) to maintain a safe physical distance from others and help stop the spread of COVID-19.
The City of Markham, York Pride, Pflag York Region and York Regional Police will be delivering a special video message to honour and celebrate the achievements of people from all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and to express support for further inclusiveness, harmony and acceptance.
The
York Pride Festival
kicks off this year’s online celebrations on June 12 at
yorkpridefest.com
and on social media. Celebrations will continue online throughout the rest of the month. The York Pride Parade and Riverwalk events will not be held this year due to the pandemic.
Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and reaffirms its long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion, and valuing individual differences in our community and in the workplace – where we strive to ensure that everyone is welcomed, accepted and celebrated.
When:
Monday, June 15 at 11am
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June is Seniors’ Month, a time to celebrate the seniors in your life and in our communities. However, we must continue to be vigilant in our physical distance efforts to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, especially to the more vulnerable population, which includes seniors.
York Region Public Health urges residents over the age of 70 to self-isolate at home, which can cause barriers for getting essential items such as groceries, medications, as well as producing feelings of loneliness from isolating at home. Remember staying home means we cannot always physically see the ones we love, it doesn’t have to mean falling out of touch with family and friends.
In York Region, the senior population is growing faster than any other age group. By 2031, about one in five York Region residents will be 65 or older. Seniors are healthier, living longer and continue to work longer compared to previous generations. It is important to keep them safe and healthy in these unprecedented times. More information about supports available for Seniors is available
here.
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June is a month dedicated to the
celebration of National Indigenous History Month. You are invited to join a free, live, and interactive online drumming and singing session on June 24 at 1pm. Learn more and register
here
.
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Five simple steps to create a safe social circle
The Provincial Government is encouraging Ontarians to establish
social circles
of no more than 10 people. Social circles provide a safe way for increasing the number of people you can come into close contact with, without having to worry about physical distancing. Your circle can include up to 10 family members and friends. Think of your circle as those you can hug and touch, or those who can become a part of your daily and weekly routines.
Five simple steps to create a safe social circle:
- Start with your current circle, which includes the people you live with or people who regularly come into your household.
- If your current circle is under 10 people, you can add members to your circle to a maximum of 10. This can include another household, family members or friends.
- Get agreement from everyone they will join your social circle.
- Keep your social circle safe by maintaining physical distancing with anyone outside of your circle.
- Stick to your circle. No one should be part of more than one circle.
More information on the importance of social circles and the difference between social circles and social gatherings, can be found
here.
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What does it mean to you to be Canadian. While we will be celebrating Canada Day differently this year, there are many activities planned and ways for you to get involved. Find out more
here
.
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The
YFF 2020 Guide Map
is now available. The map serves as a guide to finding locally grown and produced farm fresh products across York Region at more than 30 farms and six farmers’ markets. The map also includes a seasonal availability guide so you always know what fruits and vegetables are in season. Not only is local food fresher and better for the environment, but when you eat local, you support the more than 700 farms that call York Region home.
As many residents are still staying at home and limiting their outside activities, York Farm Fresh members remain committed to providing a source for healthy, local food in a safe manner. YFF member farms have adjusted their operations by adopting new ways of doing business. Many are now offering online orders with curbside pickup and delivery options to help you bring fresh, healthy food to your table.
Supporting YFF is just one of the many ways York Region is committed to growing the agriculture and agri-food sector. In York Region, agriculture generates $552 million in economic impact and provides more than 3,500 jobs. The broader agri-food sector – everything from farms to food processors, grocery stores and restaurants – provides approximately 57,000 jobs and contributes $2.7 billion in GDP. To learn more visit
york.ca/agrifood
. To stay informed of local food initiatives, visit
york.ca/localfood
.
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The Show that Never Was
- the Markham Group of Artists usually has a spring show but this year’s show was cancelled (like most things). The MGA
members have been very creative recently and want to share their marvelous paintings with the world.
Their show has been moved
online
.
You are invited to participate in MGA's ZOOM Peer Critique sessions, which will be held at 7:30pm every other Wednesday during the summer - next session will be June 24. Open to members, past members, and other artists in the Markham and surrounding areas, you can share what you have been working on and get some helpful suggestions from other artists. For more information email
markhamartists@gmail.com.
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Free Plein Air on Thursdays - t
he art of Plein Air (painting on site by direct observation) is one of the best ways to improve your art. The Markham Group of Artists is offering a series of Plein Air opportunities for artists of all skill levels. Respecting physical distancing, they are meeting every Thursday at 10am (weather permitting). An email will be sent giving the painting location. Landscape, botanical or even abstract approaches are welcome, along with all mediums.
Send your name and email address by Tuesday June 16 if you would like to participate in the next session to
markhamartists@gmail.com
.
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Although the Flato Markham Theatre (FMT) is still closed, their team continues to work from home to bring activities to the community through various virtual platforms.
- Markham Creates is a multi-discipline creative challenge (performing arts, visual arts, exhibit design and creative writing). FMT took the lear on this project and is proud to spearhead the first cross-unit project in many years. Learn more
- FMT Family Mosaic - join other Markham residents as they share experiences of this unique time and together create an art piece that can be celebrated and remembered. Details here
They have also been working to develop programming and a safe framework to welcome people back to the Theatre, with the hope that, by Fall, they will receive the green light from the Ontario Government and the City to open up to the public, even with reduced capacity.
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The
Ontario Government has implemented a new COVID-19 recovery rate for households, farms and small businesses who pay
time of use rates. These customers will be charged 12.8 cents/kwh all day every day until October 31st. This will help residents who continue to spend more time at home especially when it is hot and the air conditioning is running.
Need Help? Alectra is working with customers to provide flexible payment terms. They have suspended disconnection activity for residential and small business customers until July 31st. If you need financial assistance, more information about their programs can be found
here.
Be aware of
phone scams
which continue to target residents by phone and text threatening service disconnection and demanding immediate payment. If you get a suspicious call about your Alectra account, hang up and call them at 1.833.ALECTRA or learn more
here.
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Like other Markham facilities, the Varley Gallery remains closed but they have now moved some of their programming online. Here's a sampling:
- Markham Creates - with partners the Flato Theatre, Markham Museum and the Markham Public Library, this initiative challenges Markham residents to showcase their creativity
- Virtual Lunch and Learn - June 17 at 12:30pm - Curating the Collection
- Isolation Creation Kits - visit the Varley to pick up your free kit with art activities for ages 6+ to senior citizen. This week use plasticine to produce your art creations and when you’re done, take a picture of your creation and share using #varleyartgallery. The kits are available every Tuesday in the Varley courtyard until the end of June - pickup starting at 10am (first come, first served, limit of 3 per household).
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Deadline for submissions extended to June 17
In addition to an extended deadline, a new Exhibit Design category has been added. All Markham residents are invited to create, engage and share your artistic expressions. The "Markham Creates" challenge is divided into 4 artistic disciplines:
- performance arts
- visual arts
- exhibit design
- creative writing.
It is your chance to access exclusive mentor-ship opportunities with Canadian artists and industry professionals, and to showcase your work in a recognized cultural institution virtually and in person. For more information and full contest details visit
Markham.ca/creates
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Starting Saturday, June 20 and until further notice, GO buses will replace all weekend and all weekday midday trains on the Stouffville line to better use our resources while ridership is low. Some maintenance and infrastructure work may also be done during this time. The schedule of the replacement buses is different than the regularly scheduled train times, so plan ahead and give yourself some extra time. Check schedule
here
.
GO buses will not stop at Kennedy GO, Agincourt GO or Milliken GO. Customers can take the TTC and use
triplinx.ca
to help plan their trip. These weekday train trips will continue to run:
- 5:14am, 6:14am and 7:14am southbound trips from Lincolnville GO to Union Station
- 4:31pm, 5:31pm and 6:31pm southbound trips from Mount Joy GO to Union Station
- 3:15pm, 4:15pm and 5:15pm northbound trips from Union Station to Mount Joy GO
- 6:15pm, 8:15pm and 9:15pm northbound trips from Union Station to Lincolnville GO
- Buses will replace all other weekday trains and all weekend trains
For customers using PRESTO, please tap on the device when boarding and exiting the GO bus. Do not tap on the machines at the station.
Ridership will be closely monitored and adjustments to schedules will be made to meet customers’ needs while using resources efficiently. Riders should watch and refer to
gotransit.com
for the latest updates, and their line specific Twitter accounts as well.
Riders are encouraged to wear a face covering and it is now mandatory for all GO staff to wear one on the job. For more detail visit
gotransit.com/covid19
.
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Here's a sampling of what's going on at the Markham Public Library this week:
- Virtual Story Time - various days at 10am - details
- Parents' Social Hour - June 16 at 8pm - register
- Older Adult Social - Gardening Tips and Tricks - June 17 at 1pm - register
- Sleep and Healthy Habits - June 18 at 7pm - register
- Universal Class - over 500 courses - learn online - details
They continue to offer many programs, suggested reading lists, virtual meetups and other resources for both kids and adults.
Check out their Library at Home programming.
Learn more about anti-racism, white privileges and the Black Lives Matter movement with this adult
reading list and books
for kids
.
MPL is excited to launch their first-ever virtual book club! You are invited to join other book lovers to read the book Autopsy of a Boring Wife by Marie-Renee Lavoie this month and participate in the book discussion on July 6.
Details here
.
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As of June 1, the Rouge National Urban Park (RNUP) has begun a safe, gradual opening of some of the outdoor areas and activities. More information can be found
here. They have some upcoming virtual events too:
- Backyard Birding 101 - June 17 at 2pm - details
- Intro to Front Country Camping - June 24 at 2pm - details
- Monarch Tagging - July 8 at 2pm - details
There have been confirmed sightings of black bears in the Rouge National Urban Park. If you see a bear, leave it alone and do not approach. Learn more
here.
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Members and friends of the Unionville Residents Association (URA) can find a copy of their June newsletter
here
.
If you live in Unionville, you should give this organization a look as they are working on many important local issues, many of which are changing the community now and how future development will impact the area. They are currently engaged in the following issues:
- Hopeful Progress on Updated Markham Centre Secondary Plan
- New Development 47 storey Proposal at Sheridan Nurseries
- Unsightly Regional Road Boulevards
- Changes Likely Coming to Unionville Main Street
- New Condominium Application in South Unionville
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Upcoming Meetings
- June 15 - electronic General Committee Meeting 9:30am - details
- June 15 - virtual Pride Month Flag Raising - 11am - details
- June 16 - electronic Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
- June 22 - electronic Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
- June 23 - electronic Council Meeting - 2:30pm - details
- June 25 - York Region Council Meeting - 9am - details
- June 29 - electronic Development Services Meeting - 9:3oam - details
All meeting are now being conducted electronically and Council members along with staff are participating remotely. All facilities remain closed. As always, m
embers 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 by phoning 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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We have been holding all meetings virtually including York Region Council meetings. Details of this and upcoming YR meetings and other information is available
here
.
York Region Council May highlights can be found
here
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Community Meetings and Events
As it stands now, most upcoming events have been cancelled.
Once new events are scheduled they will be added to the list.
- Upcoming Markham Public Library Events - here
- Upcoming Varley Gallery Events - here
I'd be pleased to highlight other community meetings in future newsletters. Please forward the details to
dhamilton@markham.ca
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Working together to make Markham better!
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