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May 8 2022

Edition 1

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New Groups Eligible for PCR Tests and Antivirals

As part of its plan to stay open and manage COVID-19 for the long-term, Ontario has expanded eligibility for COVID-19 antiviral treatments and PCR testing to include more high-risk individuals. Doing so will offer increased protection to the most vulnerable and ensure hospital capacity remains stable. In addition to vaccination, testing and emerging treatments are important tools for protecting the community and our health care capacity. The latest details from York Region on COVID-19 testing, anti-viral treatments and masking updates can be found here.

Vaccine details can be found at york.ca/covid19vaccine. You can also check here to make certain you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations.

As always, york.ca/covid19 remains the trusted source of information for COVID-19 and vaccinations in York Region. We can all continue to do our part to reduce the impact of COVID-19

• get fully vaccinated when eligible
• wear a mask in confined, crowded and close contact situations
• stay home when sick.

Have Your Say

York Region is in its final stages of active consultation on the recently released draft York Region Official Plan. Join the live virtual open house on May 12 at 5pm to hear about the changes York Region is making to the plan after speaking to residents. Register for the open house for your opportunity to provide your feedback and influence the future of your community. Learn more and sign up for the Open House here.

To make a deputation at the statutory public meeting on the draft York Region Official Plan May 19 at the Special Committee of the Whole, complete this form or email regionalclerks@york.ca.

Updates from the 2021 Census



York Region's Census Data Working Group have recently release some interesting stats from the 2021 Census which was conducted by Statistics Canada. These nation-wide surveys are conducted every 5 years.

The analysis of the data offers a glimpse into the number of people living in York Region and reveals some interesting population trends. Here are some of the highlights from the release:

• for the first time, the number of York Region residents aged 65 and over was greater than the number of children younger than 15
• from 2016 to 2021, 70 to 74 year old residents were the fastest growing 5-year age group, growing by 43% or 15,915 people
• 14.2% of York Region residents were close to retirement age (55 to 64) in 2021, compared to just 4.4% in 2001
• while the proportion of single-detached dwellings in York Region decreased from 75% to 62% between 2001 and 2021, they continue to be the most common dwelling type in the Region
• apartment units were the fastest growing structure type since 2016, increasing by 25% or 12,025 units.

Are Your Children Behind on Their Regular Vaccinations?

Last week, York Region Public Health resumed community-based student immunization clinics for vaccination against Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Meningococcal disease. Appointments are available online for students to receive vaccines to protect them against Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Meningococcal disease. More information is available at york.ca/immunization-clinics.

Unfortunately, similar to other public health units in Ontario, all non-COVID-19 vaccinations supported by York Region Public Health had to be paused during the emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a necessary decision given the limited health human resources available as well as the tremendous demand for and uptake of COVID-19 vaccination in our community.

Many York Region residents have been unable to get their routine immunizations as found on Ontario's Routine Immunization Schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This could cause people to be more susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases and potentially allow these diseases to spread in our community.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination against Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Meningococcal disease were typically offered in school-based clinics for grade 7 students as well as YRPH community clinics. These clinics have been unavailable for the last 2 years, leaving thousands of students without these important routine immunizations. York Region Public Health estimates that approximately 60,000 York Region students (between grades 7 to 12) have not received one or more of these grade 7 vaccines.

York Region Public Health has started community-based student immunization clinics for vaccination that will continue throughout the summer of 2022. Details about these clinics can be found at york.ca/immunization-clinics.

Get Your Business on the Map

York Region’s employment survey is back this year after being on hold over the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Summer students with with York Region are hitting the road beginning Monday May 9 and coming to your business.

As a business owner, please take five minutes to speak to our York Region representatives about your business, employees and the work you do. Participating in the employment survey will give your business a free listing in the largest Business Directory and make sure you are listed as an official organization. 

York Region wants to make sure anyone searching for a local business or service can find the most up-to-date information about your business.

Simply updating your organizational details and employment information also helps the Region plan for the future of local businesses as they analyze and market local business sectors. York Region will use this information to create business attraction and retention strategies, map out infrastructure and service requirements and in turn, support and drive economic vitality here in the Region.



If you miss York Region summer students or don’t have a chance to fill out the survey in-person, visit york.ca/employmentsurvey to take part online.  

Be Ready for Anything!

Emergencies can happen at anytime. Now, more than ever, we understand we all have a role to play in emergency preparedness. In York Region, extreme weather events including floods, tornadoes, hazardous materials incidents, power outages and winter storms are just some of the emergencies most likely to happen. By understanding these risks and how to prepare for these emergencies, we can all be ready for anything.

Last week was Emergency Preparedness Week (May 1–7). Did you use it as an opportunity to make a plan to be prepared in case of an emergency? You can visit york.ca/BePrepared for the four actions and simple steps you can take to keep you and your family safe:

1. Know the risks: Learn about five hazards and risks faced by York Region and what to do before, during, and after these emergencies to remain safe. Emergencies covered include floods, tornadoes, hazardous materials incidents, power outages and winter storms.
2. Make a family emergency plan: Emergencies happen when least expected, and often when families are apart. Watch a short video to learn how to make a family emergency plan.
3. Build a kit: Every household should have an emergency preparedness kit to be able to shelter in place for 72-hours (three days). Get started on building your kit with just five items by watching this quick video.
4. Stay connected: If a storm is expected, it’s important to listen to local news and weather reports for information on changing weather conditions. Information about downloading York Region’s mobile application is provided, along with instructions to activate emergency notifications.

By acting now, you and your family can take back control—even during times of uncertainty. Learn more at york.ca/beprepared.

Notice of Construction

Major Mackenzie from Warden Avenue to McCowan Road

Transportation improvements will prepare York Region to meet the needs of motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and transit users today and into the future. York Region is making improvements to Major Mackenzie Drive East from Warden Avenue to McCowan Road that will start in mid-May through to November.

• Road improvements
• partial removal and replacement of asphalt road surface
• catch basin repairs and replacements 
• improvements to guide rails that direct vehicles back to the roadway and away from potentially hazardous situations 
• Intersection improvements 
• upgrading traffic control signals and illumination; there will be temporary traffic control signals during construction
• other improvements to meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements such as audible pedestrian signals and tactile walking surface indicators to alert people with low or no vision of an upcoming intersection
• crosswalk ramp reconstruction at signalized and non-signalized intersections

The work is scheduled to take place weekdays and weekends from 7am to 7pm. The road will remain open to through traffic however lane restrictions will be required to complete road improvements. All access to homes and businesses will be maintained throughout the work.

As with all road construction projects, work may be rescheduled due to weather. York Region will provide advance notice where possible. If you have any questions or concerns about this project, please send an email to transportation@york.ca and note “Major Mackenzie Drive: Warden to McCowan” in your inquiry or you can call 1.877.464.9675 x75000.

Stay in the Loop

Join the Circular Economy Working Group

York Region is inviting those with knowledge and experience in the circular economy to be volunteer members of the Circular Economy Working Group. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and associated with a business or organization in York Region.

What is a circular economy? It’s one that eliminates waste and pollution and conserves resources. It is a shift from a throw-away to a circular mindset that extends the life cycle of goods, food and resources through better design and continuous reuse, so nothing goes to waste.

In a circular economy, instead of industries and manufacturers taking raw materials from the earth, using them once and disposing of them, they will be kept in use. Innovative design will lead to products that are more durable, reusable, repairable and recyclable. This circular mindset can lead to cost savings, less impacts on the environment and new job opportunities.

Circular Economy Working Group members will network, learn and collaborate with each other and Regional staff, to advance the circular economy within their own organizations and communities in York Region. As a member you will also provide expert advice and feedback to York Region’s circular economy programs, policies and plans. 

If you have the knowledge and experience apply today. Applicants must demonstrate their circular economy knowledge and experience in their application. Deadline to apply is Sunday May 29. Only successful applicants will be contacted.

Learn more at york.ca/circulareconomy.

Around the City

The School Streets test program started this week at John McCrae Public School. Thanks goes to the School Principal Helen Hart, YRDSB Dawn Adams and Reena Mistry, City staff and YRP.

More information including FAQs can be found at markham.ca/schoolstreets.

This week, I attended an update at the Cornell Bus Terminal near Markham Stouffville Hospital. The new terminal is expected to be completed later this Summer.

Great to see the Legacy community on Saturday enjoying the sunshine and cleaning up some of the trash that had accumulated over the winter.

Last weekend I was pleased to attend the Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre on Woodbine Avenue for the unveiling of the Sardar Patel statue. He was an Indian Statesman and known as the Iron Man of India.

Summer Company

If you’re a high school or post-secondary student living in the City of Markham, learn how you can get $3,000 as well as hands-on training and mentoring to bring your business idea to life this summer.

Spots are limited and applications need to be submitted by May 30. Learn more at markham.ca/summercompany.

Savings in Markham

Destination Markham has put together a long list of of offerings at various locations across the City.

Why not try something new with the Spring Savings Pass? As you explore Markham, you can enjoy discounts at hotels, restaurants, attractions, retails, spas and more - learn more. 

Congratulations!

Well done and congratulations are certainly in order for the team behind The Canadian Library project on their first public installation this week at the King Township Museum.

Isn't it beautiful!

The Canadian Library is a group of grassroots Canadian coming together to create art installations to honour Indigenous Women and Children that were murdered or have gone missing.

Learn more

Other Items

York Region has pulled together a summary of the resources that are currently available to the people escaping the conflict in Ukraine. The information may help York Region residents and service providers support people affected by the conflict in Ukraine. 

• Federal and Provincial government services and supports
• York Region settlement services and supports
• additional settlement services and supports
• how residents, organizations and businesses can help

As new information and details become available, the resources will be updated. The resources can be found here on the York Region website.

Join York Region Local Immigration Partnership and COSTI Immigrant Services at a live Public Information Session to learn about Ukraine settlement and how you can get involved. The event will take place on Thursday May 26 at 7pm - details.

Spongy Moth egg masses contain hundreds of soon to be caterpillars that will eventually begin eating leaves. Protect your tress now. Scrape your trees of egg masses, install burlap bands or contact a licensed tree care company if trees are severely infested. 

Now is the time to check local trees for their spongy egg masses (shown in picture 3) that are a part of the moth's lifecycle. Protect your trees from the caterpillars before they hatch by scraping egg masses into a bucket of soapy water, stirring and then disposing of them after a day or two - learn more.

While surveys indicate this year may be the start of a declining moth population, they're still expected to reach high numbers in some areas of Markham causing heavy to severe defoliation. More information is available at markham.ca/lddmoth.

The Markham Guild of Village Crafts will be having thier Bits n Pieces and Plant Sale at the Guild on May 28th from 9am to 2pm.

The upcoming sale is like a garage sale for craft materials and is one of the ways that they raise funds. The proceeds fo the sale will allow MGVC to continue to support the community by doing craft demonstrations at various events including the Markham Fair, teaching numerous and varied craft classes and providing a club like atmosphere to those who make things and are often working alone. 

The last two years have been difficult for organizations like the Guild and your support will help as they try to get things back to some semblance of normal.

Consider supporting Ukrainian refugees while acquiring a beautiful work of art for your collection or for a gift. The virtual artshow is taking place on the Markham Group of Artists (MGA) website and will run until June 30. The Sunflower🌻Project Art Show is a fundraiser in response to the war in Ukraine. Artwork in the MGA online Sunflower Project show is selling fast. You can view the art show here.

MGA would like to thank all those that have already purchased through The Sunflower Project. Your contributions are appreciated.

You can read the MGA's May Newsletter here. It provides updates on their upcoming events, projects and challenges.

In 2021, York Region surveyed and consulted residents on single-use items to learn how and why they are used, as well as any potential barriers or impacts reducing them may have on people. The findings from these public engagements have been summarized in a Single-Use Items “What You Said” report and will be used to build a strategy to reduce their use in York Region. Learn more and view the report at york.ca/reducewaste.

Join the Kindred Spirits Orchestra at their performance at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts on Saturday May 21 at 8pm. More inforamtion about the evening and details on purchasing tickets can be found here. 

The City of Markham will join the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Big City Mayors’ Caucus (BCMC).

The BCMC caucus offers a forum for policy development on a range of issues affecting Canada’s largest cities. Learn more here.

Also the City of Markham announced a partnership with My Main Street in conjuction with Destination Markham and the Unionville BIA. This new alliance through the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program will focus on Main Street Unionville, First Markham Place and First Markham Centre. Additional details can be found here.

Business owners in York Region can receive up to $10,000 in financial incentives by replacing inefficient equipment with water efficient equipment. Upgrading can save you money on your utility bills while also reducing unnecessary water wastage. Multiple incentive programs are available to owners and managers of businesses, institutional facilities, farms and multi-unit residences in York Region. Learn more about these water saving incentives at york.ca/waterincentives.

Grab your bike, snap and win with Smart Commute's Spring into Cycling event that will take place from May 16 - 31.

Take a picture while you're out biking for a chance to win:

• 1 of 4 $25 e-gift cards or 
• a CAA Basic Membership

The rules are simple:

• go for a bike ride and take a picture with your bike in Markham or Richmond Hill and send it to info@smartcommutemrh.ca
• each picture is one ballot with a maximum of 15 submissions
• your bike must be featured in the pictures
• the picture must be in Markham or Richmond Hill

Follow Smart Commute on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook for an extra chance to win. Happy cycling!

More information about cycling in Markham can be found here and additional detail about biking in York Region can be found here.

• 1,081 retirement units to be built on Highway 7 - details
• Main Street Markham Farmers' Market back for the 2022 season - details
• Here's how to make your gardens wildlife friendly - read more

Upcoming Meetings

• General Committee Meeting - May 9 at 9:30am - details
• Development Services Committee Meeting - May 10 at 9:30am - details
• Development Services Public Meeting - May 10 at 7pm - details
• Development Services Committee Meeting - May 16 at 9:30am - details
• Council Meeting - May 17 at 1pm - details
• YR Committee of the Whole Special Meeting - Municipal Comprehensive Review - May 19 at 9am - details
• YR Committee of the Whole Special Meeting - Water and Wastewater Master Plan - May 19 at 1pm - details
• General Committee Meeting - May 24 at 9:30am - details
• Development Services Public Meeting - May 24 at 7pm - details
• YR Council Meeting - May 26 at 9am - details
• Development Services Committee Meeting - May 30 at 9:30am - details
• Council Meeting - May 31 at 1pm - details
• General Committee Meeting - June 7 at 9:30am - details
• Development Services Public Meeting - June 7 at 7pm - details
• Housing York - June 9 at 9am - details
• YR Audit Committee - June 9 at 1pm - details
• Development Services Committee Meeting - June 13 at 9:30am - details
• Council Meeting - June 14 at 1pm - details
• YR Committee of the Whole - June 16 at 9am - details
• General Committee Meeting - June 20 at 9:30am - details
• Development Services Public Meeting - June 21 at 7pm - details
• YR Accessibility Advisory Committee - June 22 at 4pm - details
• YR Special Meeting - June 23 at 9am - details
• Development Services Committee Meeting - June 27 at 9:30am - details
• Council Meeting - June 28 at 1pm - details
• YR Council Meeting - June 30 at 9am - details

• Markham Committee Meetings - details

York Region Update

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

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

• York Region April Council Highlights including
• hybrid YR Council meetings to begin in May
• road and transit infrastructure investments
• harmonizing transit fares
• electrifying York Region buses
• changing speed limits on some Regional roads
• and more - further details
• 11 speed limits decreased on Regional Roads to save lives
• YR extends appreciation and thanks to Physicians and First Responders
• What is Red Dress Day?

Community Meetings and Events

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

• MBT Good Morning Markham - May 12 at 7:30am - details
• YR Official Plan Update - May 12 at 5pm - details
• Unionville Clean-Up - May 14 from 9am to 11am - meet at the Bandstand
• Village Voices Homeward Bound concert - May 15 at 2:30pm - details
• KSO presents Love and Turmoil - May 21 at 8pm - details
• MBT B2B Networking Expo - May 26 at 5pm - details
• Ukraine settlement and how you can get involved - May 26 at 7pm - details
• 10,000 Trees for the Rouge Planting event - May 28 - details
• Markham Craft Guild Sale - May 28 from 9am to 2pm - details
• Varley Gallery Lunch and Learn - June 1 at 12:30pm - details
• Unionville Festival - June 4 - details
• Lucky Lion Night Market at Markville Mall - June 16-19 - details
• Markham Village Music Festival - June 17 and 18 - details
• Union Villa Charity Golf Classic - June 22 - details
• KSO presents Metamorphoses - June 24 at 8pm - details
• Taste of Asia - June 24 to 26 - details
• 31st World Hakka Conference - June 24 to 26 - details
• KSO presents Fate and Transformation - June 25 at 8pm - details
• KSO's Canada Day Celebration at the Unionville Bandstand - July 1 at 8pm
• Night It Up - August 6-7 - details
• Markham Jazz Festival - August 19 - 21 - details
• Terry Fox Run - Sunday September 18

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

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

Working together to make Markham better!

Don Hamilton

don.hamilton@rogers.com

www.donhamilton.ca

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