The Deputy Mayor's Exchange - Honey... Where's the Lexus?

October 17 2021

The Deputy Mayor's Exchange

Honey... Where's the Lexus?

This week it was great to receive some good news from York Regional Police that they had broken a Lexus auto theft ring. See details below. If you think this will be the last Lexus stolen, think again. Thieves are territorial. Once one group is arrested another group moves in to replace them! And they'd love to steal your Lexus.

In my Alectra bill this week I noticed, to my surprise, that wind has a greater grid supply percentage than natural gas does. Have a look here.

Last week at York Region Council, a motion was introduced to investigate how we, as a Region, can work to eliminate illegal human trafficing and sex trade worker activity. Newmarket has already taken steps in this direction. More coming later.

At a Special Development Services Committee meeting this Monday, members will discuss the York Region Land Needs Assessment. Markham is considering a direction that would try to reduce urban sprawl by increasing it's intensification rate (more condos).

Should be an interesting discussion.

This Tuesday evening we will consider the preliminary report to approve a six storey Montessori High School at 16th Avenue and Kennedy Road. Join us!

A warm welcome to area code 742!

Have a great week!

Email - dhamilton@markham.ca

In this issue

- Do You Have Your QR Code Yet?

- Vaccine Hesitant C19 Clinic

- YNSE Virtual Open House

- Ward 4 eNewsletter

- Stolen SUV's Recovered

- Volunteers Needed

- Provincial School Screening Tool

- Safe and Funtastic Halloween

- Help Grow a Greener York Region

- Markham Budget

- GO Train Schedule Change

- New Area Code - 742

- TMP Meeting This Week

- MP Library Survey

- Public Art in Markham

- Other Items

- Upcoming Meetings

- York Region Update

- Community Meetings and Events

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.

Find Your Ward Councillor

Click here to read the previous edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.

Do You Have Your QR Code Yet?

In advance of the rollout of the new Ontario vaccination proof system that goes into effect later this week you can now download your personalized QR code. This new QR code system should make it easier to provide proof of vaccination in select settings where it is required. More information, including how to download your QR code, is available at covid-19.ontario.ca/get-proof.

If you still need a first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, details about pop-up clinics, locations and hours are available at york.ca/covid19vaccine. There are certain situations where third doses are being administered - details here.

As a reminder, proof of full vaccination is required to enter Markham indoor facilities. This policy applies to all participants and visitors who are 12 years of age and older except for those with Provincially defined medical exemptions - details here.

Even after a COVID-19 vaccination, we must follow public health measures to keep everyone safe and healthy. Learn more about measures and enforcement on york.ca/preventcovid19.

Pop-Up Clinic for Vaccine Hesitant Residents

On Monday, York Region will host a special vaccination clinic for individuals who may have anxiety or fear around needles and vaccinations. This clinic is targeted towards individuals who have not yet received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and feel anxious in doing so or for individuals who had a difficult experience receiving their first dose and are hesitant to receive their second dose. The clinic will take place from 9:30am to 4:30pm at 9060 Jane Street in Vaughan. If you are hesitant about receiving your vaccination, it might be worth the drive.

To help reduce anxiety, longer appointment times have been allotted for individuals to receive enhanced support from staff. The clinic staff have been trained to support individuals with needle anxiety and can provide coping mechanisms throughout the vaccination progress. Walk-ins will not be accepted to accommodate the extra time needed for these appointments.

More information about this clinic, how to book an appointment and resources to prepare for receiving your vaccination if you are hesitant can be found here.

Attend the YNSE's Virtual Open House

Metrolinx is hosting the next Yonge North Subway Extension virtual open house on Wednesday October 20 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. It will be an opportunity for residents to ask questions and learn more about the project which currently proposes that the subway extension will travel under Thornhill residents homes.

Metrolinx will provide a project update, discuss the upcoming addendum to the Environmental Assessment (EA) and how residents can participate and share details on their upcoming Community Office and Experiential SoundLab.

You can register for the event and submit/vote on questions now through their dedicated page - here.

Do You Live in Ward 4?

Councillor Karen Rea has just published her latest eNewsletter with updates important to Ward 4. You can read it here. She highlights a number of topics that are not only of concern to her local residents but all Markham residents. Even if you don't live in Ward 4 you may want to give it a read.

Stolen SUV's Recovered!

Congratulations to York Regional Police on their investigation that led to the recovery of 28 stolen vehicles and multiple charges being laid against a car theft ring that has been working in Markham and other areas of York Region. More detail about the investigation can be found here.

CHARGES LAID AND 28 VEHICLES RECOVERED IN THEFT INVESTIGATION

YRP provide the following tips to help prevent your vehicle from being stolen:

if possible, park your vehicle in a locked garage, as the majority of the vehicles have been stolen from driveways
if you own a Lexus or Toyota SUV, place a second vehicle behind your SUV in the driveway as these were the most stolen vehicles. This obstacle acts as a physical barrier
use a steering wheel lock. It will act as a visible deterrent
buy a key box. This prevents thieves copying your key code from outside your home
install a lock on the data port. This simple device can be purchased online and blocks access to the computer port where the thieves gain access to reprogram the vehicle’s keys
consider purchasing a quality video surveillance system. Ensure cameras are properly placed and functioning for day and night time use. Familiarize yourself with the system so it can be reviewed and accessed immediately

More information is available by contacting the YRP Auto/Cargo Theft Unit at 1.866.876.5423 x6651.

Volunteers Needed

There are currently positions available on several City of Markham boards and committees that provide advice to Council on their mandate. There are currently openings on these committees:

Animal Care Committee
German Mills Community Centre Board

For more information and to apply visit markham.ca/volunteering. The application deadline is Monday November 1.

YR Moves to Provincial School Screening Tool

If you have children that are going to school or daycare, as of Monday York Region will be transitioning to the Provincial screening tool. This change will provide York Region parents and guardians with more options to screen, share results electronically and the ability to complete screening in multiple languages. Additional information and the screening tool is available at york.ca/safeatschool.

Have a Safe and Funtastic Halloween

With Thanksgiving past us and spooky season underway, attention has now turned to Halloween. Last year, with high rates of COVID-19 in the community, door-to-door trick-or-treating was not recommended. This year, however, with more than 83.5% of eligible York Region residents having received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, the provincial recommendations for Halloween have loosened. Tips for safe trick or treating can be found here.

With a mixture of virtual and outdoor in-person events, Markham has the perfect Halloween event for you and your family. Gather your family and friends for a scary good time - find a list of activities here.

Help Grow a Greener Region

Take the survey to ensure York Region's Greening Strategy continues to meet the needs of the diverse communities of the area. This strategy creates and maintains healthy natural environments through tree planting, stewardship, education and conserving natural lands.

More information and the link to the survey can be found here.

Understand the City budget and stay informed. Details can be found here.

Have you watched this video about the budget process? Learn more at markham.ca/budget and how the City prepares the annual budget.

There will be no GO train service on the Stouffville Line October 22-24 to accommodate work along the line.

The last southbound train will depart Mount Joy GO at 3:35pm and the last northbound train will depart Union station at 8:14pm.

GO buses will replace trains between Union Station and Lincolnville/Mount Joy GO but will depart at different times than regular weekend trains.

Customers can use the GO Transit trip planning tool here or find schedules here.

New Area Code - 742

An additional area code was introduced this week in the region currently served by area codes 289, 365 and 905 in southern Ontario. The introduction of the new area code is in response to the increasing demand for phone numbers and will ensure that residents and businesses continue to have enough numbers to meet demand well into the future.

existing numbers keep the same area code
local calling areas remain the same
all local calls will require 10 digits (area code + local number)
special numbers such as 211, 311, 411, 611 and 911 will still be dialed using only three digits
business customers using communications systems that restrict long distance calling will need to add 742 as a local area code

Additional information about all new area codes in Canada can be found at newareacodes.ca.

Have Your Say About YR's Future Transportation Plan

Join York Region on October 20 at 7:30pm for the 2nd virtual Public Information Centre for the Transportation Master Plan to gather feedback to develop the long-term vision for transportation in the Region. Share your ideas on the future transportation network and collaborate on focus areas for future policies and initiatives.

2022 Transportation Master Plan Update - Public Meeting #2 - October 20, 2021

MPL Wants to Hear From You

How satisfied are you with the Markham Public Library? They would like to hear from you and learn more about your needs, ideas and thoughts. Take their Customer Satisfaction Survey online by October 31 for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card - find the survey here.

Public Art in Markham

Join the discussion this week on October 18 at 6:30pm and share your ideas and inspiration for Markham's public art program and the opportunities for new public art at the Markham Pan Am Centre - learn more.

Other items

It's your last chance to vote for the first ever Markham Urban Design Excellence Awards - People's Choice Award. Voting ends on October 22.

Visit markham.ca/designexcellenceawards to cast your vote for one of 23 buildings and public spaces that you feel exemplifies outstanding urban design.

The Pomona Valley Steering Committee has published their latest eNewsletter on the Liberty development that is slated for the Shouldice Hospital property lands.

The update includes a summary of the recent meeting that took place on October 6.

You can read the details here.

York Regional Police will be hosting a Virtual Town Hall via Zoom on Wednesday October 20 from 6:30pm to 8pm to introduce their new community safety portal which will feature crime maps and dashboards to provide a better picture of what's happening in your neighbourhood.

If you, anyone in your community or Neighborhood Watch groups would be interested in attending the session, registration is required -

Calling all youth poets!

The City of Markham's annual Remembrance Day Poetry Contest is seeking submissions. It is an opportunity for students to show their appreciation for Canadian soldiers and veterans.

This year participants are asked to write a poem related to the 100th anniversary of the poppy.

The contect is open until October 24. Winners will receive a $50 prize - more information.

Give your lawn a boost and reduce your raking! While thick layers of whole leaves can kill grass, mulched leaves break down faster.

Use your lawnmower to shred leaves into small pieces and then add to your garden for a nutrient boost and fewer weeds next spring - learn more.

Did you know that you can view fall colours in the Rouge National Urban Park from the safety of your vehicle?

Here are the details on the top 5 scenic drives through the Park to see the autumn leaves - details.

York Region is home to one of the last known populations of Jefferson Salamanders. York Region is working with TRCA to help ensure the salamanders survival. At this time of year these endangered species move from their summer breeding grounds to their winter habitat which involves crossing Stouffville Road. When the Jefferson Salamanders cross there will be intermittent road closures to ensure safe passage. The closures will only occur over the next couple of weeks when it's raining as this is when the majority of the salamanders complete their migration.

The City's 2021 Asset Management Plan is now available online. The City continues to deliver approved levels of service and is managing its infrastructure assets in a fiscally responsible way.

Are you interested to know how Markham manages and maintains all of its infrastructure assets? Learn more at markham.ca/AMP.

Kids can now explore the world of water with the City of Markham's free award winning Get to Know H2O online education program.

Find out more at markham.ca/gettoknowH2O.

They're Hiring!

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Destination Markham is looking for a Stakeholder Relations Coordinator.

More detail about the position and how to apply can be found here.

The City of Markham and York University celebrated a milestone this week with the newly named University Boulevard.

Located in Markham Centre, University Boulevard will welcome students to the heart of York University’s Markham Campus opening in 2023 - learn more.

Help protect Markham's urban forest from a LDD invasion next year. This summer many trees around the City had their leaves eaten by the LDD caterpillars.

Each egg mass can have up to 1000 eggs. Removing the egg masses now will help to reduce the number of hatched caterpillars in the Spring. Learn more including how you remove the egg masses at markham.ca/lddmoths.

Fall Ladies Night on Main Street Unionville is this week on Thursday October 21st from 4pm – 9pm.

Join in the fun for promotions, giveaway, live music and more - details here.

Have you seen salmon run in the GTA? You can check out this interactive map to find the best places to spot salmon.

Help the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority monitor migrating salmon in regional streams and rivers. Submit your observations and be entered to win a Conservation Park Pass.

More detail about the salmon run and how to report your sightings can be found here.