June 6 2021
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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As hot as it was this weekend, it may be even hotter at tomorrow's Development Services Committee meeting as a vote to stop the subway from going under Thornhill residents homes comes forward. There's more information below, but the short version is that after many years of promising a subway that would follow Yonge Street, suddenly GO-Metrolinx wants to tunnel under existing residents homes because it's cheaper to do so. I ask a simple question, would you want a subway under your home?
Councillor Reid McAlpine and I attended the opening of the Main Street Unionville Market which will be open every Sunday until September 19 from 9am to 2pm. Lots of good stuff to be had! Brought to you by the Unionville BIA. It's located in and around the Stiver Mill and Unionville Train Station.
June is a busy month
Also, did you know that Markham is ranked as the 2nd safest city in Canada? - read more
Enjoy the early summer weather and stay hydrated. Have a pleasant week!
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In this issue
- COVID-19 Vaccinations
- Reopening to Start Soon
- Stop Option 3
- Natural Infrastructure
- Summertime Fun
- Watch Out for Ticks
- Splash Pads
- Heat Warning
- Get Moving
- Ward 1 Talk
- Ward 3 Update
- It's Road Construction Season
- Dogs and Cats
- Pool on Your Property?
- Student Volunteer Hours
- URA Meeting on Monday Night
- Forest Bathing
- Celebrate Bike Month
- Other Items
- Markham COVID-19 Report
- 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 anyone age 12+ living, working or going to school in York Region is now eligible - details. The most current information can be found at york.ca/covid19vaccine.
On Monday June 7 at 8am, individuals who live, work or attend school in York Region that received their first dose on or before April 18 are now able to receive their second dose. Appointments can be booked online or by phone by visiting york.ca/COVID19Vaccine. Previously booked second dose appointments will be honoured and will not be cancelled unless a new and earlier appointment is confirmed. More information can be found here.
There are a variety of clinics where you can go so please review the "who can book" details to ensure you are selecting the most appropriate location- details here. Should you need help booking an appointment, please call the number listed under the clinic location.
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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- If you are looking to book an appointment check york.ca/covid19vaccine often as new appointments can appear on short notice and sometimes even on the same day.
- You can see currently available vaccines in real time at vaccine-gta.ca to assist in booking an appointment. Learn how two Markham students developed this tool - read more.
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Vaccine Hunters have also been very active in tracking down vaccine availability on short notice.
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PinkCars is available to help any seniors that are struggling to get appointments or may have a language barrier. They also offer free rides to and from the vaccination centres should you need one. They have already helped well over 3,000 Canadians get vaccinated. More information is available on their website, by calling 905.479.8880 or emailing info@pinkcars.ca.
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While the Provincial Stay-at-Home Order expired on June 2, COVID-19 restrictions remain in place until Ontario enters Step One of the Reopening Plan. Details about what's open in Markham can be found here. |
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The Province expects to enter Step One of the Roadmap the week of June 14 although there has been some suggestion that this may happen earlier. The new framework will be a three-step Roadmap to Reopen that will guide a gradual reopening and the safe lifting of public health measures. The Province will remain in each step for at least 21 days and move forward only if vaccination rates meet targets and key public health indicators improve. Public health and workplace safety measures will continue to apply, including maintaining physical distance, capacity limits and wearing face coverings in indoor spaces and whenever physical distancing is a challenge.
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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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On Saturday there was a great turn out for the Stop Option 3 rally to bring attention to the current plan to divert the Yonge North Subway extension from Yonge Street and to run it under homes in Thornhill's Royal Orchard neighbourhood. This rally was organized by a local community group to bring attention to this issue. More information can be found on their website, SubwayatRO.com, along with other information on local Councillor Keith Irish's site, MarkhamWard1.ca.
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While you may not live in the Royal Orchard neighbourhood in Thornhill, would you want a subway running under your home?
The community is stronger if everyone works together; learn more and get involved.
I was happy to attend the rally on Saturday to show my support to keep the subway extension on Yonge Street.
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This item is on the agenda for Monday's Development Services Meeting and it is expected to a long and lively meeting as there are a number of deputants listed to speak on this topic. The initial plans were to run the subway extension straight up Yonge Street however the preferred plan by Metrolinx is now to veer off Yonge Street, under Thornhill homes to then run along the existing railway corridor. |
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Stretching over 2 million acres, Ontario's Greenbelt protects critical farmland, forests, wetlands, rivers, and lakes. These natural systems clean our air and regulate water quality and quantity, reduce flood risks, provide a home for wildlife, manage rising temperatures, and ensure our communities have greenspaces to explore, improving our mental and physical well-being. We call this natural infrastructure. The benefits nature provides us with are endless and it is important that we share this information and begin considering nature as one of our best resources for adapting to the impacts of climate change. Watch four short videos that explore the different types of natural infrastructure that can be found right here in Ontario's Greenbelt - watch here.
Join the Greenbelt Foundation and Ecohealth Ontario on June 9 at 12pm to discover the results of two case studies that demonstrate the financial value of urban green infrastructure for human health. Register here.
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Again this summer, the City will be offering programs to help keep you active and engaged while staying safe - learn more.
- outdoor and virtual fitness classes
- outdoor swimming lessons
- pop-up park program for kids
- outdoor and virtual recreation programs
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virtual art camps - details
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virtual theatre camps - details
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virtual library programs and camps - details
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If you're spending time outside this summer, be on the lookout for blacklegged ticks. This species of tick can spread Lyme disease and is active throughout York Region. Follow these tips to protect yourself and your family when outdoors:
- Wear light-coloured long-sleeved shirts, closed-toe shoes and long pants tucked into your socks
- Use insect repellent with "DEET" or "icaridin"
- Check yourself, your children and pets after being outdoors and remove any ticks promptly
If you do find a tick, you can send a picture of it to etick.ca for free identification services. Learn more about ticks and Lyme disease at york.ca/lymedisease. Additional resources can be found at ontario.ca/lyme.
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Get outdoors and make a splash!
Cool down at one of Markham’s splash pads.
Find a location near you
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Residents are reminded to stay cool and hydrated, keep people and pets out of parked vehicles and check in with elderly neighbours and loved ones.
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The #YRGetMoving photo contest showcases benefits of walking, cycling, rolling and taking transit in York Region. Upload your photo to the gallery for a chance to WIN and inspire others to try new forms of sustainable transportation! More information here.
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to discuss issues, give project updates and highlight new amenities including a new splash pad.
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As he does every month, Ward 3 Councillor Reid McAlpine has published his Ward 3 update this week. You can read it here. It provides updates happening in Unionville and other projects in the City.
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It's Road Construction Season
Here are reminders for some of the road construction that will be impacting roads around the City this summer.
Verdale Crossing, also known as Verclaire Gate on some sections of the road, will be closed from Monday June 7 until Friday October 29 for sewer upgrades and road resurfacing between Highway 7 and Rouge Valley Drive.
Birchmount Road will be the designated detour route. There are other construction projects in the area and numerous large trucks on the roads. Please drive carefully in this area.
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Woodbine Avenue from Highway 7
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Woodbine Avenue from 19th to Stouffville Road - details
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14th Avenue from Warden Avenue
to Ninth Line
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Kennedy Road from Major Mackenzie to Stouffville Road
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Have you recently introduced a new furry four-pawed member into your family?
Remember to get them a dog or cat licence!
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Do you have a swimming pool that is more than 0.6 metres (24”) deep? It must be surrounded with a 1.2 metres (4’) fence and locked when not in use.
Protect children from the danger of drowning.
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Do you know a high school student that is looking for ways to get volunteer hours this summer? The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is offering their summer Conservation Youth Corps sessions. Registration is now open. Earn up to 11 high school volunteer hours at home. From July 6-25 complete online modules and action projects related to microplastics, invasive species, and more! More information is available here.
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The Unionville Residents Association next members and subscribers meeting (the last one until the fall) will be held on Monday at 7 pm on Zoom. Their guest speaker will be Margaret Wouters, Senior Manager from the City's Planning and Urban Design Department. The meeting will focus on land use planning including the planned use of white belt - further detail.
Their recent news letter has been published - read it here. This edition includes details on the now open Unionville Main Street Market, the redevelopment application for the Hilton Hotel at Highway 7 and Warden, managing growth to 2051, the McCowan Road environmental assessment and more.
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Have you visited one of our self-guided Shinrin Yoku trails in Markham?
Shinrin Yoku is the Japanese practice known as Forest Therapy or Forest Bathing that connects people to forest environments through gentle sensory-based invitations. Learn more and find a trail here.
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June is Bike Month and you are invited to complete a bicycle themed bingo game and participate in webinars for a chance to win e-gift cards.
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Rules of the Road - Wednesday June 16 at 12pm - details
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Other items
The City of Markham continues to explore the potential directions and ideas for Markham Centre as part of the Secondary Plan Update.
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In addition the City also has a plumbing rebate program that allows homeowners to install backflow preventers and complete other improvements to the private portion of the drainage system that will provide an immediate reduction to the flood risk associated with a property.
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The Markham Museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year! The Markham Museum opened in 1971 at 9350 Markham Road in the retired Mount Joy School building and later expanded to include the Williamson/Strickler Farm. Today, it brings the past and present together on 25 acres of land with more than 40 local historic buildings as well as a new collections building - more information here.
While the Museum is currently closed, details of their online collections can be found here. Once the Museum is open, why not plan a trip to the Museum to explore the history of Markham.
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York Region is home to more than 700 farm-based businesses that produce everything from fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, maple syrup and more.
To make it easier to find the products you’re looking for, York Farm Fresh has updated their annual Guide Map for 2021. The map contains information on 36 farms and eight farmers’ markets throughout York Region. Also new this year is their multilingual mobile app to help you find local products on the go - details here.
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The Spring Edition of York Region Matters should arrive in your mailbox soon.
This edition features information on York Region’s 2021 budget, how to continue to stay safe following your vaccination, planning for our growing communities and 10 ways to cut down on food waste - read it here.
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The Markham Group of Artists continues to keep busy and soon they will be able to resume their outdoor summer painting activities. They have just published their June newsletter - read it here.
Currently MGA is running their art show - Viewpoints - which are not only about perspectives but also the times and places where we experience transition; the moments we pivot and reground in new realities or remember what we’ve left behind. See how MGA artists have captured these shifts over the past year in their online show that will run until June 30.
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Join the Advisory Committee on Accessibility.
The City is looking for volunteers and encourage persons with challenges and persons with an interest in accessibility issues to apply for open positions on the Committee. Application deadline is June 30. Learn more - markham.ca/accessibility
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There will be a Statutory Public Meeting on June 15 at 7:00pm regarding redevelopment of Thornhill’s Shouldice Hospital land on Bayview Avenue north of John Street. Details of the meeting can be found here including how to speak at the meeting.
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Coyotes can become distressed when protecting their young. It shouldn't need to be said but DO NOT approach a coyote den to take pictures or see pups.
Negative interactions between humans and wildlife can lead to unnecessary relocation or destruction of animals.
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Controlling the spread of Lymantria dispar dispar (LDD) or Gypsy Moths is important to protect Markham's urban forest. This invasive pest feeds on the leaves of trees.
Caterpillars have emerged and the best method to reduce populations is to use burlap banding around your trees. Learn more at markham.ca/trees and additional tips can be found at york.ca/LDD.
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Don't miss this event with amazing performances, beatbox showcase, and community partners. For 44 years this festival has supported the community through music, crafts and vendors - details.
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as of June 5, 2021 at 14:30 - 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 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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June 7 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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June 8 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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June 9 - YR Audit Committee - details
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June 10 - YR Committee of the Whole Meeting - 9am - details
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June 10 - Markham Centre Meeting - 7pm - details
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June 14 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
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June 15 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
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June 17 - Regional Council Special Meeting - 9am - details
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June 21 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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June 22 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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June 23 - YR Accessibility Committee - 4pm - details
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June 24 - Regional Council Meeting - 9am - details
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June 28 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
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June 29 - 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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Unionville Main Street Market - Sundays - 9am - 2pm - details
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Unionville Residents Association meeting - June 7 at 7pm - details
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Markham Centre Meeting - June 10 at 7pm - details
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Unionville Villagers Association - June 14 at 7pm - email
- Rules of the Road - Wednesday June 16 at 12pm - details
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Markham Village Music Festival - June 18-19 - details
- Vintages at the Varley - June 23 at 7:30pm - details
- MBT After 4 Networking on Zoom - June 24 at 4pm - details
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Markham Flood Control Meeting - June 24 at 7pm - details
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Canada Day 2021 🍁- 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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