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October 16, 2022

eNewsletter #177

Click here for last week's eNewsletter.

All prior editions of my weekly eNewsletter can be found here.

It's Time for Change!

Voting started Friday and will continue until Monday (October 24) at 8pm. There are various ways to vote - details here.

If you haven't voted yet, I hope I can count on your support to be the new Mayor of Markham. Thank you if you've voted already and marked your ballot for me.

I would appreciate any support that you may be able to provide. Markham residents may* be eligible for the City's contribution rebate program - make a donation here.

There are still a few lawn signs, both large and small, that are sitting in my garage that would like a home on your lawn during this final week of the campaign. Our sign crew will also pick the sign up after the election. If you would like to show your support with a lawn sign, you can request one here.

Thank you for your continued support and to everyone that has reached out with words of encouragement, requested a sign and have made a donation to my campaign. I say THANK YOU!

If you know other Markham residents that might like to read this eNewsletter, please forward this edition to them.

* Donors can receive a 75% rebate to a maximum of $150. A $200 donation could be eligible to receive a $150 rebate. Contribution rebates are based on the sum total of all eligible donations made to one or more candidates who are participating in the Candidate Contribution Rebate Program.

further detail is available here

Voting is Now Open

Voting is now open for the 2022 Markham Municipal Election and I hope I can count on your support as I run to be the new Mayor of Markham.

Voting is open until October 24 at 8pm. There are several voting options for residents. Paper ballot voting is available at any Voting Place in Markham during Early Voting Days (October 20, 21 and 22) or by appointment at the Elections Markham Returning Office (October 14 to 22) from 10am to 8pm. On October 24th, the final voting day, voters can vote online or in person at any Voting Place in Markham using a touchscreen until 8pm.

There are many convenient and accessible ways to vote in this Fall’s municipal election. If you plan on casting a ballot you will need your Voter Information Letter. If you haven’t received your Voter Information Letter in the mail and you are eligible to vote, you may not be registered to vote. To vote in the municipal election, a voter needs to be:

• a Canadian citizen
• at least 18 years old
• a Markham resident, property owner or tenant (or the spouse of one)
• registered to vote.

If you haven't received your Voter Information Letter, you can register to vote online at ElectionsMarkham.ca/register or in person at the Clerk's Office at the Markham Civic Centre, at any Markham Public Library branch until October 19 or at any Voting Place during Voting Days. Voters registering or voting in person are reminded to bring IDs with them to show election workers who they are. The Municipal Voters' List isn’t the same as the ones used for provincial or federal elections, so it’s important to always check if you’re registered. You can check here.

By casting a ballot for Markham City Council and local school board candidates in the municipal election, Markham voters are playing an important role in local democracy and helping create a more vibrant, inclusive and diverse community.

Visit ElectionsMarkham.ca for the latest and most reliable information about the 2022 Markham Municipal Election.

The Voter Helpline is open during Voting Days from 8am to 8pm and offers support in 150+ languages at vote@markham.ca or 905.477.7000 x8683 (VOTE).

• Voter Checklist
• How to vote online
• New homeowner? Try our Voter Information Tool!
• Ways to vote
• Accessible voting options

Elections Markham reminds you not to vote using a candidate or campaign team's device.

If you need help voting, contact the Elections Markham Voter Helpline at 905.477.7000 x8683 (VOTE) or by emails at vote@markham.ca.

Learn more at ElectionsMarkham.ca.

Climate Change Action Plan

York Region recently released its Climate Change Action Plan, setting a path for reduced emissions and preparing for York Region’s future climate. 

The Action Plan identifies 20 actions to achieve the following outcomes: 

• Mitigation: Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions with the long-term goal of becoming a net-zero Region by 2050 
• Adaptation: Increase resiliency and capacity of the Region to withstand and respond to current and future climate events

Action areas of the plan include a focus on resilient communities and infrastructure, low carbon living and helping residents, businesses and communities thrive in a low-carbon economy. York Region has a number of actions underway including incorporating sustainable building policies and focusing on transportation projects including electric fleet vehicles.

How can I lower carbon emissions and help combat the impacts of climate change? While no one can solve the climate crisis alone, there are several actions residents, along with community partners, governments and other stakeholders can take to work towards net-zero emissions. Some easy actions you can take to make a difference include:

• empty and scrape food from containers before putting them in the blue box and properly sort your curbside waste, recycling and green bin items 
• use the what goes where tool for items you no longer need to find the best options for where it should go
• take batteries, cell phones and other hazardous materials to a waste depot
• turn off the tap while you brush your teeth – this can save up to 16 litres of water each time you brush
• drink tap water for a safe, clean and affordable solution to drinking bottled water
• use a reusable water bottle or mug for beverages and a reusable bag when shopping
• take transit, walk and cycle to get to your destination
• choose local ingredients and buy fresh food at your local farmers’ market 

Eliminating waste and pollution while conserving and reusing resources will lead to less impact on the environment, allowing earth’s resources to recover and regenerate. 

Visit york.ca/circulareconomy to find resources for residents and tips on how you can help support a circular economy and stay informed. York Region heard your feedback about Climate Change and has incorporated them into our Climate Change Action Plan. A Circular Economy Roadmap among other plans are in place to see through an active circular economy and approach waste management from a reduce, reuse, recycle and recover perspective. 

York Region will continue to play an active role and coordinate strategies with its partners to bolster communities and prepare in the best way possible. Learn more about the Climate Change Action Plan and how everyone can help combat a changing climate at york.ca/climatechange.

I am proud of my voting record on environmental issues at York Region Council during the latest term.

Construction at the Angus Glen Community Centre

There are construction projects currently occurring at the Angus Glen Community Centre property, resulting in the following alternative accesses to the facility:

• The west entrance to the facility remains closed for replacement of the exterior walkway. The south entrance remains open for customers who park on the west side of the facility or take public transit. It's recommended that arena users enter the facility through the north or south entrances as they are the most accessible for the arena.
• A portion of the ring road on the east side of the building will be closed for sewer construction starting Monday October 17th.
• Bus routes have been re-routed through the parking lots on the west side. Please note that there will be parking spot closures to accommodate this new route. Additional parking is available on the north side of the facility next to the park and customers can enter through the north entrance to the facility.
• Parking lots on the east side of the facility are still accessible however, customers will have to drive through the lots instead of on the ring road. Please use extra caution driving and walking.

Please allow for extra time to navigate through the parking lot when visiting the Angus Glen Community Centre. Projects are estimated to complete by mid-end of November 2022.

Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines

All individuals 18 years of age and older who have completed their primary vaccine series (two doses for most) are now eligible. Learn more here including answers to:

• When should I get the bivalent COVID-19 booster?
• Do I need the bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine?

York Region Public Health has increased clinic capacity and you can book an appointment at york.ca/covid19vaccine, through the provincial booking system and participating pharmacies. For more information click here.

You're Invited To The Blanket Exercise

The Blanket Exercise is an experiential teaching too and effective learning, relationship and community building exercise. It's the history of Canada we rarely learn. 

The experience is both difficult and rewarding. Only through uncovering our hidden history will we be able to move towards building healthier and more sustainable communities where true and meaningful justice is enjoyed by everyone.

The Blanket Exercise uses Indigenous methods to build understanding about our shared history as Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. Get actively involved as you step onto blankets that represent the land and into the role of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

By engaging on an emotional and intellectual level, the Blanket Exercise effectively educates and increases empathy. It is a unique and impactful way to begin, or continue, the conversation about Truth and Reconciliation.

• where - Unionville Presbyterian Church, 600 Village Parkway, Unionville
• when - Saturday October 22 from 10am to 12:30pm
• cost - freewill donation
• register - contact the Unionville Presbyterian Church as soon as possible at 905.475.6233 or by email Julie@upc.community

As small and imperfect a grain of sand as it may be, the Blanket Exercise is an important component in the sea of work and efforts to build a better world.

Learn more about the Blanket Exercise - details here.

NRTOR

I have been receiving a steady stream of comments expressing concerns, frustration and opposition about all of the new the new "No Right Turn on Red" signs that have popped up at a number of intersections across the City. Residents seem most upset about the traffic delays that these new signs have caused especially when there are no pedestrians or cyclists present.

The signs are the work of York Region and have been placed where data and video analysis show particularly dangerous conditions for pedestrians. 

• York Region announces new intersection safety improvements at Kennedy Road and Carlton Road - read more.

In a previous edition of the TME, I mentioned changes that were made at Kennedy Road and the Bridle Trail intersection as there were safety concerns for children crossing to get to Unionville Public School. York Region has advised that the NRTOR signs at this intersection will soon be replaced by pedestrian-activated or time-of-day digital signs. Unfortunately York Region is noncommittal about doing the same at other intersections.

At a recent York Region Council meeting there was apparently no backing down from the placement of the signs. If you would like to express your concerns, please contact transportation@york.ca. 

NRTOR signals and other road safety enhancements such as automated speed enforcement and school zone speed safety reductions are a part of York Region's 2021 Traveller Safety Report. 

In Case You Missed It

• Reid McAlpine - Special Edition October newsletter - read more
• The Importance of Pruning Young Trees - read more
• Collisions on Regional Road decreased by 7% in 2021 - read more
• Volunteers needed for the YR Accessibility Advisory Committee - details
• YR's Planning Advisory Committee is seeking members for 2023-2026 session. This Committee provides a community perspective on the long term vision of the Region - learn more
• YR's Agriculture and Agri-Foods Advisory Committee is seeking new members for the next term of Council - learn more
• Residents urged to help rescue bird window collision survivors - learn more
• Halloween fun around Markham - details

Are You Ready to Vote?

Still looking for details on how to vote and where to vote? More information is available at electionsmarkham.ca.

The Voter Helpline is open during Voting Days from 8am to 8pm and offers support in 150+ languages at vote@markham.ca or 905.477.7000 x8683 (VOTE).

Other Items

October is Small Business Month and small businesses account for 84% of York Region's business community. They are the back bone of our local economy.

Markham Small Business Centre has a number of events to help these ventures grow and prosper in our City. Their October newsletter can be read here. MSBC has numerous resources for small businesses. Here are 2 of their upcoming events:

• Navigating the City of Markham's Zoning and Building process - October 18 - learn more
• free in-person Grow Your Small Business on Instagram workshop on October 20. They’ll explore different ways small businesses are strategically building a following on Instagram and generating sales from their efforts - register here.
• see the complete list here.

There are also more resources available through York Link - here.

Have you heard? Ladies Night on Unionville Main Street is back again. It will take place on Thursday October 20 from 5pm to 9pm with specials, promotions, giveaways and live entertainment too.

More detail about the event can be found here.

Markham at the Movies is back again on Tuesday October 25 at the Flato Markham Theatre. Doors open at 6pm for ticket sales ($12 at the door), you can choose your seat at 6:30pm and then sit back and enjoy the film starting at 7pm.

This month MATM will present Scarborough which is based on the award winning novel of the same name by Catherine Hernandez. Scarborough is also an award-winning film: TIFF's People's Choice (runner-up), Best Canadian Feature Film and Changemaker Awards and 8 Canadian Screen Awards. You can watch the trailer here.

Have you been out to the York Region Forest lately? Now is an excellent time to discover the trails and see the amazing fall colours. The colours seem to be quite brilliant this year.

You can join the Discover Your Forest introductory walk on Saturday November 5 at the Hall Tract - 15681 McCowan Road. It is a great way to discover hidden gems while learning tips and tricks to identify various trees found across York Region. Registration is required - details here.

Please note that work is being done on the accessible trail on the Hollidge Tract. While the area remains open some of the accessible area may need to be closed while the work is underway - details here.

Would you like your home to be more energy efficient but don’t know where to start? Markham Power Homes is here to help!

Free home energy consultations are available to eligible Markham residents. Learn more about this program at markham.ca/PowerHomes.

York Regional Police is looking for students aged 13 - 17 who are interested in crime prevention to apply and then take part in their virtual 2022 Youth Crime Prevention Academy. 

Applications need to be submitted by October 25 and the program begins on November 1. Students will earn volunteer hours for participation in this program.

More detail about the program and application details can be found here.

Have you participated in one of the Markham Public Library's programs? There are numerous offerings, both in person and online. Here's a sampling:

• finding career clarity and happiness - October 17 - learn more
• everything you need to know about the Canadian Passport and your SIN - October 20 - learn more
• Seniors Tech Support - October 25 - learn more
• Big October Reads - learn more
• Dementia Care Kits to help improve memory and cognitive abilities - details here

A full list of events at MPL can be found here.

The City wants to hear from you as they are conducting a service delivery review for By-Law enforcement services and residential infill development. 

Your feedback is important as the City works to improve services and make Markham a better place to live, work and play.

The survey is available until October 31 - survey is here.

The Markham Group of Artists is launching their online juried show: Windows Open 2022. Juried by award winning artist Ernestine Tahedl, this show explores two sides to an artist: the cloistered creator and the exhibitionist. View the artists' bold, fearless and unapologetically unique artwork in daily Instagram and Facebook postings and, as part of Ontario Culture Days, have your say by "telling this painting's story" in Instagram comments. Many artworks are available for sale and the show can be viewed on their website.

Fall is a great time to plant new trees on your property and it's also a great time to take advantage of this great offer.

In partnership with York Region, the LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program offers native trees to residential, multi-unit and commercial property owners for a subsidized prices.



Learn more here.

Call before you cut. Property owners must have a tree permit before injuring or destroying a tree with a trunk diameter of 20 centimeters (8 inches) or more - details here.

When a tree permit is issued, often times the City of Markham will require replacement trees to be planted. Check out the City approved replanting list here.

Join the Kindred Spirits Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Kristian Alexander, for their first concert of the season on Saturday October 22 at 8pm at Flato Markham Theatre.

The KSO will be joined by National Arts Centre Principal cellist Rachel Mercer. There will be an intermission discussion and Q&A with Rachel and the Classical 96.3 FM radio personality Daniel Vnukowski along with a post-concert reception. 

Tickets and information can be found at KSOrchestra.ca or 905.604.8339.

York Region Update

York Region Council meetings and live streaming details can be found here.

Details of upcoming York Region meetings and past sessions are available here.

• York Regional Council September highlights - details
• YR mourns the deaths of South Simcoe Police Constables - details
• YR critical infrastructure assets remain in good condition and will continue to serve reliably - details
• YR renews plan for seniors - read more

York Safe Inspection Program - details here

Community Meetings and Events

• What's on at the Library? - click here

• Markhaven Colours of Fall Luncheon and Fashion Show - October 19 - details
• CFUW Monthly Meeting - October 19 at 7pm - details
• MBT Women's Networking Luncheon - October 20 at 10:30am - details
• Main Street Unionville Ladies Night - October 20 - details
• Kindred Spirits Orchestra - Saturday October 22 at 8pm - details
• Markham Concert Band - British Invasion - October 23 at 2pm - details
• Markham at the Movies - October 25 at 7pm - details
• CFUW Yellow Brick House Fundraising Fashion Show - October 26 - details
• MBT After 5 Networking - October 27 from 5pm - 7pm - details
• Home Energy Retrofit Orientation Workshop - October 27 at 6pm - details
• Halloween in the YRP Safety Village - October 29 - details
• Trick or Treating on Main Street Markham - October 29 12pm - 2pm - details
• Halloween Glow Ride - October 29 - 6pm - details
• Scaryfest at the Markham Museum - October 29 and October 30 - details
• Union Villa With Love - November 4 at 6pm - details
• Varley Gallery Lunch and Learn - November 16 at 12:30pm - register
• Aspirin & Elephants - Markham Little Theatre - November 16 - 19 - details
• MBT Business Excellence Awards - November 17 - details
• Holiday Tree Lighting at Markville Mall - November 18
• Home Energy Retrofit Orientation Workshop - November 24 at 6pm - details
• Festival of Lights - Main Street Markham - November 25 from 6pm to 9pm
• Markham Santa Claus Parade - Main Street Markham - November 26 at 11
• Markham at the Movies - November 29 at 7pm - details
• Home Energy Retrofit Orientation Workshop - December 15 at 6pm - details

I'd be pleased to highlight other community meetings in future newsletters.

Please forward the details to don.hamilton@rogers.com.

It's Time for Change!

Vote Don Hamilton for Mayor

visit www.donhamilton.ca for more information

Don Hamilton

don.hamilton@rogers.com

www.donhamilton.ca