February 27 2022
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
Can't view entire email? Click here to read in your browser.
Thoughts for Ukraine

Although not a municipal matter I must mention my concern for Ukraine and its people. May a return to peace and independence come soon.

It was an honour for me to attend the Cathedral of the Transfiguration in Cathedraltown, Markham to meet the new Bishop Miladel El Jawich from Jesus The King Melkite Catholic Church in Thornhill. Their church is in the process of rebuilding after a fire. The City of Markham continues its supportive effort in the evolution of this Thornhill landmark.
Last week at Regional Council there was a motion calling for the end to the operation of the OLT Ontario Land Tribunal (formerly LPAT, formerly OMB). This body does not serve residents or municipalities well. It is Flawed and Broken.

This week Regional Committee looks at what can/should be done regarding sex trade workers and trafficing of women in licensed establishments. We have been warned that this will draw a lot of interest from various groups.

Do you know a student that is looking for a summer job? There are various positions available with the City, York Region and the Rouge National Urban Park.

Have a safe and enjoyable week.
In this issue
- Still Need a Booster?
- Warden and Kennedy EA
- Say Yes to Birds!
- Attention Box Grove Residents
- February Celebration
- Changes to Garbage Collection
- Volunteers Needed
- Other Items
- Upcoming Meetings
- York Region Update
- Community Happenings
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.
Not to wish Winter away but....
Spring is coming and it will soon be time to move the clocks ahead.
Click here to read the previous edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.

At some point the DME will no longer need to include updates on vaccine availability and other COVID-19 related details. For now the most up to date information can be found at york.ca/covid19 and details about vaccines can be found at york.ca/covid19vaccine.

York Region is looking for your opinions as it starts the process to make improvements on both Warden Avenue and Kennedy Road between Major Mackenzie Drive and Elgin Mills Road.

You can visit york.ca/WardenKennedyStudy to access the online open house materials and provide your comments until March 24. More information about this project can be found here.

Thank you to former Ward 1 Councillor Valerie Burke for bringing to my attention a new initiative by the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP). The Ontario government is reviewing its Building Code which sets minimum requirements for new construction, renovation and change of use of buildings. Despite the availability of proven, affordable techniques to reduce bird collisions with buildings, there are no provisions in the Building Code to ensure they are used. By mandating bird-friendly building construction measures in the Building Code, Ontario could significantly reduce the number of birds that die needlessly each year.

Show your support for the adoption of mandatory bird-safe standards in the Ontario Building Code by submitting comments during the consultation period that ends on ending March 13.

York Region is exploring an opportunity to develop community housing in the Box Grove area at the corner of 14th Avenue and Donald Cousens Parkway. The current proposal includes a mixed-income development with two buildings between four and six storeys in height with both affordable and market rental units. York Region is beginning the planning process and community engagement early on to ensure the site is development ready in the future. Construction will not begin until funding is secured.

York Region is hosting a virtual Public Information Centre on Monday February 28 from 6:30pm to 8pm where there will be an overview of the proposal and the planning application process. Community members will also have a chance to ask questions and provide feedback on the proposal.

More information about the project and details of the meeting can be found here.
February Celebration

This week I was pleased to attend a happy event at the Unionville Community Centre for Seniors along with Ward 3 Councillor Reid McAlpine and our EAs Marina and Hermia. The event was in celebration of both Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year.

Granted it was a bit of a belated event but as you can see from all of the smiles I think a good time was had by all.
Same great service but now collected in separate trucks at different times.

Please continue to set out both your blue box and green bin material by 7am on your regular collection day.

You can learn more about the new collection method by visiting markham.ca/CurbsideCollection.
Join a Markham board or committee for a rewarding, involved and meaningful experience.

You’ll provide advice to Council and help shape Markham’s future on various topics.

Apply before March 7 at markham.ca/volunteering.
Other items
It's great to see that some of the annual events are starting to make a comeback and one of the first will be Union Villa's Garden by the Greens.

This event is planned for April 28 at Angus Glen Golf Course and will help to raise funds to support and enhance the gardens that provide horticultural therapy for the residents. During COVID these courtyard gardens were an invaluable asset as they were the only allowable outdoor space for residents.

Early bird pricing is available until March 31. More detail about the event and how to purchase tickets can be found here.
On Wednesday March 2 at 6:30pm, Metrolinx will host another Open House about the Yonge North Subway Extension.

Learn about the findings of the updated environmental studies for the YNSE. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. Learn more and register here.
Love where you live and discover Markham your way. Visit the Destination Markham site to find top hiking trails, restaurants, coffee shops, activities, events and more around Markham.
Until further notice, there will be no weekend GO train service on the Stouffville line. Bus options will be available.

More information is available here.
MPL virtual spring programs are now open for registration. Explore all the fun and educational programs we have to offer.
MPL is hiring full time summer camp counsellors along with various other positions. More information is available here.
Do you want to learn more about the current exhibition at the Varley? Join the webinar on March 2 at 12:30pm - learn more.

The Varley Gallery is also hiring staff for their summer camp programs - details are available here.

Registration is now open for the Varley Art Gallery's virtual education programs - brochure here. In these free hands-on virtual workshops, instructors will show your Kindergarten to Grade 8 students how to draw step by step, while also introducing them to some new artistic skills, terminology, and concepts. Please ensure that you sign up for the workshop that is appropriate. All of the necessary materials for each workshop are listed in the brochure and should be prepared beforehand.
February is Heart Month and it's the time to take action to reduce your risk for heart disease. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, 90% of Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease.

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any age and at any time. Learn to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest and how to perform hands-only CPR. It's easy and you could help to save a life. Do you know what to do in a cardiac emergency? To learn more visit york.ca/CPR.
Overnight camp is not just a great summer experience – it helps build leadership, outdoor skills and lifelong friendships.

York Region offers subsidies to eligible youth ages 12 to 17. To learn more and apply, visit york.ca/recreationsubsidies.
Upcoming Meetings

  • General Committee Meeting - February 28 at 9:30am - details
  • Special Development Services Meeting - March 1 at 1pm - details
  • YR Committee of the Whole - March 3 at 9am - details
  • Development Services Meeting - March 7 at 9:30am - details
  • Council Meeting - March 8 at 1pm - details
  • Housing York - March 10 at 9am - details
  • General Committee Meeting - March 21 at 9:30am - details
  • Special Development Services Meeting - March 22 at 9:30am - details
  • Development Services Public Meeting - March 22 at 7pm - details
  • YR Council Meeting - March 24 at 9am - details
  • Development Services Meeting - March 28 at 9:30am - details
  • Council Meeting - March 29 at 1pm - details

  • Markham Committee Meetings - details

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

Details of upcoming YR meetings and past sessions are available here. 
Community Meetings and Events


  • MBT After 4 Networking on Zoom - February 24 at 4pm - details
  • New Housing Project in Box Grove CIM - February 28 at 6:30pm - details
  • MBT Women's Networking Luncheon - March 22 - details
  • Union Villa's Garden by the Greens luncheon - April 28 - details

I'd be pleased to highlight other community meetings in future newsletters.
Please forward the details to dhamilton@markham.ca
Working together to make Markham better!
Don Hamilton - City of Markham
Deputy Mayor and Regional Councillor
905-415-7549
Connect with me