June 27 2021
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Hair Today
Gone Tomorrow
I'm sure that you've noticed Toronto Mayor John Tory's hair on television! While mine is not quite as long as his, I am certainly well past my normal trim date. It's getting done this week! Hurrah! It's all part of being in Step 2.
There is a cloak of darkness surrounding this year's Canada Day celebrations. The discovery of so many unmarked Indigenous graves has led many communities to declare a day of reflection rather than a day of open celebration. Please let me know how you feel about Markham holding Canada Day celebrations this year.
I am pleased to show support for Gabrielle "Gabby" Smith, a local Markham Olympic athlete. Do read the story and watch the video below about this world class athlete, who will be participating in the Tokyo Summer Olympics. Go Gabby!
Check out the new Markham at 50 banners in several locations around the City. Featured are notable City locations and Markham personalities such as Lloyd Robertson and Bill Crothers.
Did you know that there are at least six ice cream vendors on Main Street Unionville? Try them all and let me know your favourite!
Have a pleasant week!
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to read the previous edition of
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
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In this issue
- Expanding C-19 Vaccinations
- Next Step on the Road to Reopening
- Happy Birthday Canada
- Remembering Tokyo 1964
- Go Gabby Go!!!
- Combatting Gypsy Moth Invasion
- Open Streets Markham
- Family Fireworks
- Markham Celebrates 50 Banners
- Travel Restrictions Changing
- YRT Upcoming Changes
- Markham Heritage Estates
- Holiday Garbage Reminders
- Summer Safety Reminders
- 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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York Region is continuing to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to eligible individuals as quickly as possible. On Monday June 28 at 8am approximately 31,000 new COVID-19 vaccine appointments will be available to individuals age 12+ who live, work or go to school in York Region for a first dose OR any individuals age 18+ who have received their first dose of an mRNA vaccine and wish to book a second dose appointment or an earlier second dose appointment. New appointments can be booked online or by phone by visiting york.ca/COVID19Vaccine. It remains critically important for all those who have not received a first dose to get one.
- Anyone age 18+ or older who lives, works or goes to school in York Region will be eligible to book a second dose at least 28 days after their first dose.
- Previously booked second dose appointments will be honoured and will not be cancelled unless a new and earlier appointment is confirmed.
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Individuals who received AstraZeneca as their first dose are also eligible to book a second dose of AstraZeneca or an mRNA vaccine at participating pharmacies, primary care clinics and mass vaccination clinics as early as eight weeks after the first dose with informed consent.
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York Region works to align with the provincial approach. However, York Region is not yet expanding eligibility of second doses for those age 12 to 17 beyond eight weeks. Certain exceptions will be made for youth age 12 to 17, including youth with identified high-risk health conditions, essential workers who cannot work from home and Indigenous youth. As additional appointments become available, York Region will review timing for accelerating second doses for youth and ensure youth have an opportunity to be fully vaccinated before returning to school in September. Accelerated second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for those age 12 to 17 are available through the provincial booking system and participating pharmacies.
Interchanging mRNA vaccines:
- Both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines are over 90% effective at preventing serious illness and death due to COVID-19.
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The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) considers these mRNA vaccines to be interchangeable, if the same first dose product is not readily available.
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The Ministry of Health encourages all people living in Ontario to get their second dose as soon as possible due to the recent increased circulation of the Delta variant throughout the Province.
- If the vaccine you received for your first dose is not available at your second dose appointment, it is recommended you receive the mRNA that is available rather than delaying your second dose.
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York Region Public Health is working with our local health care partners to provide COVID-19 vaccines at various locations across York Region. Clinic dates and times vary for each location. Please visit york.ca/COVID19Vaccine for specific clinic details .
New appointments will be released as vaccine supply becomes available and you should check back regularly for new appointments. Please do not visit a vaccination clinic without an appointment, unless otherwise directed.
On Friday June 25, York Region transitioned to a new booking platform. All appointments previously booked at a public health-led clinic, including existing second dose appointments, have been migrated to the new booking system.
Given the expected high volume of web activity and telephone support, wait times may be longer than usual and service disruptions on york.ca may occur. Please continue to be patient and kind.
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Looking for credible COVID-19 vaccine information? York Region has put together a digital toolkit with online resources to provide information directly to you. Visit york.ca/covid19vaccineresources.
Should you need help booking an appointment, please call the number listed under the clinic location on york.ca/covid19vaccine page. These are some of the other resources that are available to assist with finding or booking an appointment:
- 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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Markham and Stouffville Vaccinates is another community group helping residents get their vaccination appointments and if needed, help seniors get to their appointments too. If you are having difficulty securing your first or second vaccine appointment, reach out to this group and they can lend a hand. This free service is offered by a group of local volunteers - more detail here.
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PinkCars is also available to help those 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. More information is available on their website, by calling 905.479.8880 or emailing info@pinkcars.ca.
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As of Wednesday June 30 at 12:01am, Ontario will enter Step Two of its Roadmap to Reopen. This change is based on the the continual improvement to public health and health care indicators and provincewide vaccination rates. Step Two of the reopening plan focuses on the resumption of more outdoor activities and limited indoor services with small numbers of people where masks or face coverings are worn with other restrictions in place. The specifics can be found here.
- Select outdoor recreational amenities are open, including tennis courts, pickleball courts, sports fields, skate parks and basketball courts
- Milne Dam Park is open
- 300 cars maximum
- Admission fees (holidays and weekends)
- Picnics allowed (subject to gathering limits)
- Morgan Pool is open for public swimming, rentals, lessons and Aquafit (pre-booking required)
- Parks, splash pads and playgrounds are open
- All park-facility washrooms are open
- Outdoor, in-person and registered recreation and fitness programs will continue
- Library, recreation and fitness programs continue to be offered virtually
- City-owned community centres, indoor tennis facilities, indoor soccer domes indoor arenas, indoor pools, fitness centres, the Markham Museum, the Flato Markham Theatre and the Varley Art Gallery will remain closed
- Flato Markham Theatre continues to stream virtual performances
- Varley Art Gallery continues to offer virtual school programs, virtual ART-to-Go summer camps (July and August) and online exhibitions from mid July
- Markham Museum continues to offer online exhibitions and activities
- Markham Public Library continues to offer select online services and curbside pick-up of holds and returns will be available at Markham Village, Thornhill Village and Unionville locations
- City services continue to be offered to residents and businesses virtually and in-person (services requiring in-person assistance require an appointment)
- Markham Recycling Depots are open
While the Province has exceeded Step Three vaccination targets, Ontario may remain in Step Two for a period of approximately 21 days to allow the most recent vaccinations to reach their full effectiveness and to evaluate any impacts of moving to Step Two on key public health and health care indicators. When it is determined to be safe, the Province will move to Step Three of the reopening plan.
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- Wear a mask or face covering
- Keep a safe distance of 2 metres/6 feet
- Wash your hands
- Monitor your health
- Follow gathering limits
It is critically important that we each continue to do our part to keep one another safe. It is not the time to let your guard down. Every action counts. Visit markham.ca/covid19 and york.ca/covid19 for more information.
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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Canada Day 2021 has taken on a different tone this year. Initially it was the pandemic changing how and what we can do as we move towards reopening the economy but most recently with the discoveries of mass graves at former residential schools, there have been calls to cancel or modify traditional Canada Day events.
Canada is a great country with lots to celebrate and we should all be proud Canadians. However this year perhaps all Canadians should also take time to acknowledge that our country's history is not perfect, recognize that we have work to do and that we need to do better as we move forward. We all need to work together on how we can all make even Canada better.
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As it stands now (Sunday June 27), Markham's Canada Day efforts will once again be virtual. Activities will include a new ‘Canada Day in Markham’ video featuring Canada Day greetings, some history and pictures from past celebrations and a Canada Day-themed downloadable activity ‘Fun Kit’ for families. Visit markham.ca/CanadaDay on July 1 for links to this year's virtual activities.
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National Canada Day celebrations from Ottawa - details here.
Wishing you a happy, safe, healthy and reflective Canada Day.
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It will be a timely discussion as the start of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics start later in July. More information can be found here.
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We all need some good news and something to cheer about. Please send me details of local Markham athletes that will be representing Canada at the upcoming Olympics so I can highlight their efforts. |
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This week I received an email from The Smith's of Unionville, longtime DME readers but more importantly very proud parents of their daughter Gabrielle.
Gabrielle Smith is one half of the Women’s Double Sculls Rowing Team that will represent Canada at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Rowing events take place from July 23rd to 30th. Gabby grew up in Unionville, attended Parkview Public School and later Unionville High School.
This week she was interviewed about her road to Tokyo - you can watch it here.
Good Luck Gabby!
All of Markham will be cheering for you!
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I'm sure that you have noticed some of the our local tress have been eaten bare of their leaves. European Gypsy Moths or Lymantria dispar dispar (LDD) are infesting parts of Canada, the United States and Mexico for a second year. This is a natural part of the LDD’s lifecycle which includes a very noticeable population boom every seven to 10 years. The caterpillars tend to only feed and damage trees for a short period in June and July.
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The City’s response is an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach and part of the larger strategy being employed by the Region of York and all lower tier municipalities. IPM is a sustainable approach to managing pests that combines biological, cultural and physical factors to control in a way that targets a specific pest and minimizes impacts to others. At this time, the City of Markham has not employed spraying as a control measure. The City continues to monitor Markham neighbourhoods to collect data that will inform future IPM strategies.
What Can You Do?
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From May to August, you can wrap your trees with burlap banding to trap and destroy LDD caterpillars. Steps:
- Burlap band trees
- Remove trapped caterpillars with gloves
- Place caterpillars in soapy water for 48 hours
- Dispose of caterpillars in the garbage
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From June to July, you can handpick caterpillars by removing them while wearing gloves, and place them in a bucket of soapy water for a day or two before disposing of them in the garbage.
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From August to April, scrape egg masses off of trees and place in a bucket of soapy water for a day or two before disposing of them.
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During severe outbreaks, trees can be completely defoliated. The tree may produce a new set of leaves but may also store the energy to set buds for next year’s leaves. It is unlikely that the tree is dead. Even if all of the leaves are gone it is important to water the trees on your property to provide them with the energy to grow new leaves. Learn more at markham.ca/lddmoth or york.ca/LDDMoth.
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This summer the City of Markham is making even more outdoor space and opportunities for residents to get active and support local with Open Streets Markham. This year, more than ever, it is important to find safe ways to support your mental, emotional and physical well-being. This initiative will give you more options to enjoy the outdoors safely by transforming spaces to give pedestrians and cyclists greater access to all that our community has to offer.
Restricting vehicular traffic along two routes creates opportunities for residents to get outside. This year’s routes include:
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Main Street Unionville – has been transformed into a Slow Street from Carlton Road to Fred Varley Drive with traffic calming measures, extended patios and temporary pedestrian routes are in place now until late September
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Middlefield Road – will be a Shared Street from Highglen Avenue to Denison Street every Sunday (July 4 to September 6)and on statutory holidays (July 1: Canada Day, August 3: Civic Holiday/William Berczy Day, and September 6: Labour Day). There will also be free drop-in Zumba classes to participants on a first-come, first-serve basis (space will be limited in accordance with Provincial restrictions). The Markham Cycles crew will host a pop-up community bike booth offering on-the-spot simple repairs and a limited number of bikes available for short-term loan
Visit markham.ca/GetActive for more information on Open Streets Markham . Make sure to post a picture of yourself getting active with the hashtag #MkmOpenStreets for a chance to win. 😎
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Permit or not, you need to ask yourself these questions first before discharging:
- Can I create a safe distance from my home?
- Can I create a safe viewing area for my family?
- Can I ensure the fireworks will stay above my property?
- Can I accommodate for wind conditions?
If your answer is NO to any of these questions, then do not set off family fireworks. Also, you cannot set off fireworks on City property which includes all parks, fields and roads. Family fireworks can only be set off on property you own or have permission from the owner - more information.
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Celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Markham’s incorporation continue with the unveiling of street banners highlighting significant people and places in the community’s past and present. These new banners will line Highway 7 and Warden surrounding the Civic Centre, Main Street Markham, Main Street Unionville and the Yonge Street Heritage area until the end of 2021. Each of the 21 designs will include a photograph or drawing, some quick facts and the commemorative colours of red, black and gold.
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To celebrate Markham's 50th, the banners will highlight some of the many people and places that have put our City on the map including athletes, entertainers and business leaders that have represented our country on the global stage along with photos of municipal landmarks.
The roots of the current The Corporation of City of Markham date back to the creation of the Regional Municipality of York on January 1 1971 when Unionville, Milliken, Thornhill and Markham Village were consolidated to form the Town of Markham.
The 50th anniversary commemoration of Markham’s incorporation will celebrate “50 Years of Excellence” and residents will have an opportunity to participate in activities that spotlight the community’s journey from a town into a modern city.
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The Federal Government has announced changes to border rules for fully vaccinated travellers. Starting July 6, passengers who are permitted into Canada (Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents) who are fully vaccinated with Health Canada approved vaccines will no longer be required to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day 8 - learn more.
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York Region Transit (YRT) fare categories have changed effective today (June 27, 2021). The age requirements for each fare category will be updated to create consistency with other Greater Toronto Hamilton Area transit agencies:
- No fare increases taking place at this time
- All children up to the age of five ride for free
- Child fares apply to any person between the ages of 6 and 12
- Youth fares apply to any person between the ages of 13 and 19 and no longer require a student ID
- Adult fares apply to any person between the ages of 20 and 64; proof of age is required upon request for all categories
There will also be schedule and route changes on York Region Transit that will take effect on Sunday July 4. These changes are being made to adjust to changing customer demand. Details of these changes can be found at yrt.ca/servicechanges and also by on-bus announcements and posted notices.
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The Markham Arts Council has recently posted a video about Markham Heritage Estates, Canada's first heritage subdivision. It details many of the homes, how they were moved and restored. All of these homes were rescued from demolition. The homes date from 1825 to 1916. The video provides a glimpse into the early days of Markham. |
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Holiday Service Alert
All Recycling Depots are
closed on July 1
Thursday moves to Friday July 2
Friday moves to Saturday July 3
Sign up for service alerts and
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Now that we are all out enjoying the lovely summer weather, it is important to remember that we all must safely share the roads. Safety tips, trail maps and more information can be found here at markham.ca/walkingandcycling. |
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Planning a night-time walk or bike ride? Reflective clothing, bike lights or a flashlight make a huge difference.
See and be seen.
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It is important that you are always aware of your surroundings.
Don't text while you are out walking, cycling or driving.
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Cyclists don’t have airbags. Drivers please keep at least 1m from cyclists when passing.
Share the road. It’s the law!
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Drivers must yield to pedestrians when turning as they have right of way. Check your mirror and blind spot before you turn. |
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Markham is getting two new Pedestrian Crossovers (PXOs)
- Village Parkway at Landmark Court / Amberwood Court in Ward 3
- Williamson Road at Swan Park Road in Ward 5
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The York Regional Police Community Advisory Council is hosting its annual Leadership in Social Justice Achievement Awards. They're looking for York Region's future leaders, dreamers and community builders. This year, 12 awards will be presented to graduating Grade 12 students in York Region who have contributed to social justice, equity and human rights in their schools and communities. The application deadline is Friday August 27. More information is available here.
The YRP Community Advisory Council is hosting its annual youth poster contest open to students in Grades 7 to 12. The theme is - United: Together We Are More. One winning entry from each grade will receive a cash prize. Further detail about this contest is available here.
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Did you know that York Paramedics attending an opioid overdose call can provide patients, their family and friends with opioid overdose prevention and response education, naloxone kits and training on how to use them. More information is available here.
Paramedics are often the first and sometimes only healthcare professionals to intervene in an overdose. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately and stay with the person until help arrives.
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If you see an animal unattended in a hot vehicle, act fast and report it!
You could save its life.
Do not hesitate to call 911.
You can also report animal related concerns to the City’s Animal Care team at 905.415.7531.
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There is more information available about this meeting in Ward 1 Councillor Keith Irish's most recent edition of his newsletter. |
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Please be advised that the following roads will be closed for culvert replacement work:
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Elgin Mills Road East between Victoria Square Boulevard and Warden Avenue on July 5 and 6
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Reesor Road between Elgin Mills Road East and 19th Avenue on July 19 and 20
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The City of Markham is collaborating with Ritual to help support local restaurants as they welcome diners back.
Participating Markham restaurants will receive:
✅Online ordering
✅Marketing resources
✅Paperless payments
✅Easy-to-use contact tracing software
Restaurants play an essential role in our diverse community. They help drive the economy and bring character and vitality to our neighbourhoods. Markham restaurants can sign up for the Reopen with Ritual program FREE for a lifetime. Learn more
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Join the Markham Group of Artists current effort, 12 Artists and 12 Weeks, a showing of the ir abstract artwork at the new Terrace by Draco located in the new Toronto Marriott Markham until Labour Day. MGA artists are so excited to finally be able to show their work in a physical space for the first time in over a year. Enjoy a refreshing drink while viewing an exhibition of their paintings. Twelve MGA artists will each be displaying their work in pairs over two weeks. This is your opportunity to view up close affordable abstract art created by local artists. The Terrace by Draco is open from 3pm to 10pm daily and it is best to make a reservation .
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York Region Food Network's Good Food Boxes offer fresh, high-quality vegetables and fruit and endless opportunities.
They're a convenient, affordable way to eat healthy, local food. Open to all. Order your Good Food Box by June 30 for the next pickup on July 7. More information is available here.
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Applications are open until June 30th for you to join the City of Markham's 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. Learn more - markham.ca/accessibility.
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In this video Lauren Crawford, Manager of Transportation Long-Term Planning for York Region explains the Transportation Master Plan and why it’s important to get involved as it is updated.
If you’re ready to shape our future transportation network, register for the virtual meeting on July 15. Learn more and register at york.ca/TMP.
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Have you been to all 8 of these Markham parks?
See the list here. These parks offer easy hikes, forest therapy and a great escape to enjoy all the Markham has to offer.
Why not make it a goal to visit all 8 parks this summer?
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You're invited! Until July 8, participate in York Region's online Water and Wastewater Open House from the comfort of your own home at york.ca/waterplan. Learn more about York Region’s plans to continue providing safe, cost-efficient and reliable water and wastewater services to residents, businesses and communities. More information about this project including the details from the prior Open Houses can be found here.
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Welcome to all of this week's new subscribers to the Deputy Mayor's Exchange!
The DME continues to be our weekly effort to update the residents of Markham on various topics in the City and across York Region. I hope that all readers find something of interest each week. If there is something that you would like covered in the DME or you are a part of a group that would like a shout-out, please send more information by a reply email.
Please feel free to forward the DME to other Markham residents that you think may find it of interest. New readers are always appreciated and can sign up here.
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as of June 25 2021 at 11:00am - 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 includes suspect and confirmed cases in schools. The interactive dashboard has moved to a 5 day a week reporting model 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.
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Upcoming Meetings
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June 28 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
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June 29 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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July 8 - Development Service Meeting - 9:30am - details
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July 12 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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July 13 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
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July 14 - 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
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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