August 9 2020
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Think positive!
As I write this on Sunday evening, I am doing my very best to think optimistically.
Yes, we continue to have fewer new cases of COVID-19 and Coronavirus will one day just be a bad memory. Yes, the Toronto Maple Leafs will win tonight and go on to the next round in the NHL playoffs. Yes, there will be no more newly vacant stores and all those hard working retailers will bounce back from their economic hardship. Yes, the kids that will return to school in a few weeks will stay healthy and be successful in their studies. It's difficult to be optimistic these days but let's do our best to stay positive.
Deputy Chief Adam Grant from Markham Fire Services tells me the most common room of fire origin has shifted from the kitchen to the garage. The lack of early detection in the garage typically allows fires to intensify and be more destructive. Many homes have bedrooms above the garage. Please be aware of potential fire sources in your garage.
- do not smoke in your garage
- do not use extension cords in permanent applications
- limit combustible material such as gasoline, oily rags, propane cylinders
- keep wildlife animals out of your garage
- keep the original interior garage door in place and do not remove the door closer
- install a CO2 and smoke alarm inside your garage
We recently were warned about Lyme disease from ticks. Now we have to worry about mosquitoes. See the article below.
Have a safe week!
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In this issue
- West Nile in Markham
- COVID-19 App
- MPL from Home
- All About Trees
- What's the New Crane
- Have Your Say
- Trees Need Water
- Commit to Fit
- Corn Season
- YR Innovation
- COVID-19 Dashboard
- Fire Safety
- Order Your Good Food Box
- Take Your Trash Home
- YSpace Webinar Series
- Pop-Up Park
- Markham Centre Meeting
- Markham Board of Trade
- Upcoming Meetings
- Shop Local Contest
- MSH Volunteer Opportunities
- 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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As if COVID-19 wasn't enough to worry about this summer, mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus have been found in Markham. York Region Public Health monitors for West Nile virus by setting mosquito traps and testing for the virus. One of the traps near Warden Avenue and Highway 7 in Markham recently had a mosquito test positive. West Nile virus is a serious illness and is passed through the bite of an infected mosquito.
While the chance of being bitten by an infected mosquito are low, it is best to take precautions especially when outdoors in the early morning and evening. Here are some suggestions to help protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus:
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clean up and remove mosquito friendly areas around your home such as stagnant water found in bird baths, flower pots, swimming pool covers and clogged eaves troughs
- ensure window screens on your home are tight-fitting and in good repair
- use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin - check the label directions for proper use
- cover up while outside and wear protective clothing, including socks, long-sleeved shirts and jackets
- dress in lighter colours as mosquitoes are attracted to darker colours
- minimize outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
Learn more about symptoms and how to protect yourself from West Nile virus by watching the Fight the Bite video.
As part of the Region’s West Nile virus control plan, York Region Public Health investigates human cases, conducts surveillance and educates residents on self-protection. They also use larvicides in catch basins to control mosquito breeding along Regional and municipal roads and other stagnant public water sources, including roadside ditches. Private backyard catch basins are treated upon request.
The current status of West Nile virus in Ontario can be viewed here. For more information on West Nile virus is available by contacting the York Region Health Connection at 1.800.361.5653 or visit york.ca/westnile.
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Canada's free COVID-19 exposure notification app
Help limit the spread of COVID-19 and prevent future outbreaks by downloading the new COVID-19 app on your phone. This new Alert App will help to break the cycle of infection.
The app can let people know of possible exposures to COVID-19 before any symptoms appear. That way if you have been exposed to the virus, you can take care of yourself and seek appropriate medical assistance, if needed, and protect the community.
Your privacy is protected and the COVID Alert does not use GPS or track your location. It has no way of knowing:
- Your location
- Your name or address
- Your phone's contacts
- Your health information
- The health information of anyone you're near
Nobody will get any information about you or the time you were near them.
It is an easy way to help protect yourself and others. Learn more
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While the libraries remain closed, the Library is offering Curbside Pickup. Not sure what to read next? Try the Grab & Go Bag option. Details about all the MPL from home offerings can be found here.
In addition, they continue to offer many programs including suggested reading lists, tutoring, virtual meetups and other resources for both kids and adults. Here is just a sampling:
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Discover over 35 species of trees native to the GTA through LEAF's free four part series.
Starting September 1st, join the webinar series to learn how to identify tree species, their importance for urban wildlife, common urban stressors and more. Learn more.
Summer brings rain which can be heavy at times. Trees make our community more resilient to rainfall damage by reducing flooding. Planting trees is a part of the solution for storm water management. More information
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I received several inquiries this week asking about the new crane that recently popped up behind Union Villa on Highway 7 in Unionville. Have you noticed it?
A few years ago Unionville Home Society (Union Villa) sold the middle section of vacant land behind their building to York Region for a multi storey seniors building with 260 apartments, a public community centre and a seniors hub offering programs to the community. Construction has recently begun which is why the crane is now on the site. The Province and Federal governments recently announced funding for affordable housing as a part of this new development.
More information about this project and the new affordable housing for seniors in Unionville can be found here.
As a part of the land transaction, the land where the seniors' bungalow cottages behind Union Villa are located was sold to a private developer. Once the seniors' building is built, the current residents of the cottages will have the option to move into the new building should they choose to do so. At that point the cottages will be redeveloped into public market townhomes.
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The City continues to offer options for those trying to remain active or wanting to try something new. One of the new options is outdoor Pilates and Yoga classes on the east lawn at Heintzman House (135 Bay Thorn Drive Thornhill).
Program Details and Reminders:
- Social and physical distancing protocols will be followed with 15 spots available per class
- You must register for the 8 week session online in advance to participate
- Any class cancelled due to rain will receive a credit applied to your account
- Dress for the outdoors and bring a filled water bottle
- Change rooms and washrooms are not available
The availability of these classes is on a first come, first served basis on registration. Other fitness options can be found here.
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🌽 It's official! 🌽
Corn season has arrived. Have you had any local corn yet? We have and it was really good.
However you choose to enjoy it, try when possible to buy local.
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York Region is home to innovative businesses and a vibrant startup community.
The YR Innovation Portal is a one-stop shop for news, resources, events and more from across the Region.
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York Region has moved into Stage 3 where gathering limits are 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors as long as physical distancing can be maintained. Stay vigilant and ask yourself about the level of risk with activities before participating. City related information can be found at markham.ca/covid19 and York Region issues such as public health and social services can be found at york.ca/covid19.
Curious about where you need to wear a face covering? They are now required in all indoor spaces except your own home. Remember wearing a mask is not a replacement for physical distancing, hand washing and monitoring your own health. Stay informed
The York Region Public Health COVID-19 dashboard provides 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. You can see how Markham has been impacted by COVID-19. Facts and figures
Looking for more COVID-19 information? Public Health Ontario has a new interactive data tool providing epidemiological summaries of COVID-19 activity across the Province - details here. |
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If you are re-opening a business in the City, don't forget about fire safety. Changes to business operations due to the pandemic may also impact on fire protection and emergency procedures. Was your business able to test life safety systems during the lock down? Your fire alarm and building sprinkler systems must be tested often to ensure they are functioning properly. Are there enough staff on premises that are properly trained to carry out emergency procedures?
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Markham Fire Services. They are ready to help and are remotely offering local businesses free fire safety presentations fit for an office and work from home space - submit requests here. |
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by August 12 for pick up on August 19. As an example, below are the contents from the last Good Food Box.
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Don't bring your household waste to the park. There are City by-laws that prohibit dumping in our parks and other outdoor spaces that could result in a hefty fine.
Be a responsible citizen and keep your trash at home.
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Innovation York collaborating with the City and the Markham Small Business Centre launched the COVID Innovators webinar series which explore the human and innovation element of the new normal. These sessions aim to drive positive conversations and share helpful insights to adjust to the new realities of physical distancing and virtual connectivity. Here are several of the upcoming sessions:
YSpace is York University’s newest community innovation hub whether you’re a student, alumni, or a member of the local communtiy. Learn more about upcoming events here.
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This program has been very popular. More dates are now available in August. |
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Have your say on the future of Markham Centre. This week there is another opportunity to join a virtual interactive discussion.
More detail about the consultation and the prior sessions can be found here.
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Do you know a Markham company that's exceptional? Nominate them today for the 2020 MBT Business Excellence Award. The deadline has been extended until August 31. Details here.
Openinmarkham.com highlights Markham businesses that are counting on your support for their local community based business. Is your Markham based business on the list? If not, why not add it.
Also, businesses should visit the MBT COVID-19 resources page providing up to date information on the ever changing programs offered by government as well as a region wide list of companies that offer product and services that can assist business as they reopen.
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Upcoming Meetings
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August 11 - Markham Centre Secondary Plan Meeting 2 - 7pm - details
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August 25 - Electronic Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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August 25 - Markham Centre Secondary Plan Meeting 3 - 7pm - 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 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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You could win a $100 gift card by supporting your favourite local business on Main Street Unionville - details
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Do you want to make a difference in the community? Volunteers play a key role in providing an extraordinary patient experience at MSH. Volunteering is safe, rewarding and an excellent way to give back to the community. Details found here.
Are you looking for an opportunity to have an impact on health care services in Markham?
Learn how you can be a part of the Markham Stouffville Hospital President's Advisory Council.
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York Region Council meetings and live streaming details can be found here. Details of upcoming YR meetings and past session is available here.
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Details of York Region Council Highlights for July include:
- YR entering Stage 3 of Provincial re-opening
- Bringing high quality education to York Region
- Deputy YRP Chief to retire
- YR data informed decision making receives international recognition
- Virtual depositions
- International Decade for People of African Decent
- Financial Impacts of COVID-19
- COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act
- Expanding mandatory mask requirements
- Public Health response to COVID-19
- Social Services response to COVID-19
- Federal economic and fiscal snapshot
- Proposed amendment to the Growth Plan and updated Land Needs Assessment Methodology
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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.
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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