September 26 2021
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Visit the Markham Firefighter Memorial
Led by an honour guard, piper and trumpeter, Fire Chief Adam Grant welcomed the families of fallen Markham Firefighters to the unveiling of this new memorial. It is located adjacent to the Markham Cenotaph beside the Markham Village Library. It was my honour to attend this event along with other members of Markham Council.
In Ontario, the restrictions on the number of people permitted to attend certain indoor and outdoor events continues to increase. See details below.
On the Regional front, York Region received a AAA credit rating for having strong finances, steady debt levels and lower interest costs. Markham begins its annual Budget Meetings this week.
Many roads across York Region will have lower speed limits as a result of approvals at last week's YR Council meeting. Watch your speed!
At a Shouldice property development meeting held last week, Councillor Keith Irish was successful in removing 20 storeys (cumulatively) from the plan originally proposed by the developer. Still too much density? Are the buildings still too tall? This is a step in the right direction. The Thornhill community is to be commended for it's involvement in this proposed project and the move to realign the YNSE underneath Yonge Street.
Have a great week!
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In this issue
- Are You Fully Vaccinated?
- Proof of Vaccination?
- Vaccine Proof at City Facilities
- Every Child Matters
- Firefighter Memorial Unveiled
- Watch Your Speed
- Bollard Installation on Highway 7
- It's Budget Time in Markham
- York Region September Highlights
- Markham Reopening More Facilities
- Tree Planting at the RNUP
- Public Art Workshop
- Markham Fair Next Weekend
- It's Not Too Late
- Art Therapy Session for Seniors
- Other Items
- 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. |
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Welcome to this week's new DME readers!
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Click here to read the previous edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
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Vaccination remains your best protection against COVID-19 infection, severe illness, hospitalization and death. If you still need a first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, make an appointment or visit one of the many pop-up clinics in various York Region communities. A weekly schedule of pop-up clinics, locations and hours is available at york.ca/covid19vaccine.
All COVID-19 vaccines provide protection approximately 14 days following the first dose. A second dose offers a stronger, more sustained level of protection against COVID-19 and variants. If you haven't already received both your doses, visit york.ca/covid19vaccine.
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Even after a COVID-19 vaccination, we must follow public health measures to keep everyone safe and healthy. Do your part by ensuring all social gatherings are within capacity limits, stay home if unwell, practice physical distancing, wear a mask where required and wash your hands often. When attending public or private events, it is also extremely important to provide accurate contact information to venues and hosts to support public health follow-up in the event of a COVID-19 exposure. Learn more about measures and enforcement on york.ca/preventcovid19.
Capacity limits have recently increased at select indoor and outdoor settings where proof of vaccination is required - learn more. |
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To further protect Ontario from the Delta-driven fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Provincial government will require, in certain settings, proof that you are fully immunized against COVID-19 before entering.
You can get your proof of vaccination receipt in various ways:
- from the email you got from the Ontario Ministry of Health after your second vaccination appointment
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download a copy from covid19.ontariohealth.ca
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call the Provincial Vaccine Booking line at 1.833.943.3900
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if you don't have a printer you can call Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1.833.943.3900 to request a copy be sent by mail, visit your local library or ask a trusted friend to help you print a copy
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You are now required to provide proof of full vaccination to enter indoor recreation facilities. This policy applies to all visitors who are 12 years of age and older except for Provincially defined medical exemptions.
When entering, you must show the following 3 things:
- Ontario Ministry of Health COVID-19 vaccination receipt or other government issued vaccination record indicating that you are fully vaccinated, plus 14 days from your second shot
- Identification which includes name and date of birth (photo ID is not required)
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Proof of completion of City of Markham COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire on your mobile device or a printed copy.
The City of Markham will implement further guidelines to support our community sport groups governed by a recognized Provincial or National Sport Organization.
Requiring all visitors who are 12 years of age and older to be vaccinated provides safer recreation experiences that support mental, emotional and physical well-being and keep our community safe. The health and safety of our visitors, community and our staff remains our number one priority as we navigate the pandemic.
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Reconciliation is a commitment to creating respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. It is an opportunity to identify meaningful ways to move forward together. Leading up to and on September 30 you are encouraged to reflect, learn about and honour the survivors, their families and communities about the true history and legacy of residential schools in Canada.
You are encouraged to wear orange on September 30 in recognition of the harm residential schools had on the generations of Indigenous children’s sense of self-esteem and well-being and as an affirmation of our continued commitment to ensure that everyone around us matters.
Join the Markham Public Library on September 30 at 12pm as Indigenous educator, Curtis Vinish, discusses themes such as anti-racism, decolonization and reconciliation - register here.
York Region will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Thursday September 30 and as a result many Regional services will be closed for the day - more detail here.
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Firefighter Memorial Unveiled
On Saturday, the new Markham Firefighter Memorial was unveiled at the Markham Community Library near Highway 7 and Markham Road. This new installation was a collaborative effort between Markham Fire, the Markham Professional Firefighters Association and the City of Markham to salute and remember our fallen firefighters. Family members from all 5 of the firefighters honoured were in attendance at the unveiling. |
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Speed limit revisions are made to protect travellers and support safety for all modes of road users as the Region continues to grow and traffic volumes increase. These changes take into account places where pedestrians and cyclists are also travelling, residential and business development and overall traffic patterns. There are also reduced speed zones for schools that were announced earlier in September with the start of school.
To help notify travellers of the speed limit changes, “New” signs will be posted above speed limit signs at the beginning of each changed speed zone. More detail can be found here.
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Soon York Region will be making improvements to a section of Highway 7 in Markham in an effort to improve safety.
In the next few weeks, bollards will be installed on Highway 7 from Main Street (Markham Road) to the Albert Street and Cosburn Road intersection. The bollards, often described as flexible posts, will improve safety by changing traffic operations to right in and right out only. These bollards will prevent conflicts between vehicles that are turning left in and out of local streets and travellers along Highway 7. The bollards are an interim measure and a raised concrete median will be installed in the future.
The installation is expected to take a couple of days to complete. Crews will modify the current pavement markings and then install the bollards. While work is underway, lanes will be reduced. Access to homes and businesses will be maintained and signs will be in place to guide travellers - details here. |
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Did you know that the 2022 property tax and water budget supports City operations and more than 40 services?
Learn more at markham.ca/budget including the upcoming budget meetings and how the City prepares the annual budget. |
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September has been a busy month with the return to regular meetings. Here are some of the highlights from the York Region Council meeting held this month:
- ongoing response to C-19
- 3.3% increase to Regional water and wastewater rate for 2022 to 2028
- decisions of growth deferred until October 21 meeting
- YR continues to have a healthy supply of residential inventory undergoing development review
- York Region Transit 5-year fare policy and outlook
- YR turns on more electric buses
- and more - find all of the details here.
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The City of Markham is working to reopen select facilities, amenities and programs for the public to enjoy. The City is taking a balanced and cautious approach to reopening in order to effectively manage costs, minimize impacts to taxpayers and to keep our community safe.
More information about facility reopening and specific services available at facilities can be found at markham.ca/reopening. |
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The Varley has turned the lights back on and is now OPEN!
Enjoy a self-guided tour of their new exhibits that have been installed while the Gallery has been closed.
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The Markham Museum’s gates reopen on October 6!
Enjoy a self-guided tour of the apple orchard, gardens, historic buildings and more.
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Will proof of vaccination be required to enter a City facility? To enter a City facility, a COVID-19 self-assessment is required. As the City of Markham reopens its facilities for the public to enjoy, we will continue to follow advice from public health officials at the regional, provincial and federal levels.
When will Flato Markham Theatre reopen? Plans for reopening Flato Markham Theatre programs and facilities are ongoing, and decisions regarding reopening are anticipated to be made soon.
Are drop-ins for programs allowed or do I need to pre-book? The City's programs follow all health and safety precautions as outlined in the Province of Ontario’s reopening plan and will require pre-booking and a COVID-19 screening before each visit. Visit markham.ca/reopening to find out more.
What COVID-19 health and safety protocols are in place? The City has made some changes to ensure a safe experience for our participants and staff, but you can expect to see the same friendly faces and quality customer service from City staff. The following health and safety precautions are in effect:
- proof of full vaccination is required for all visitors 12 years of age and older
- mandatory COVID-19 self-assessment before entering
- safety and directional signage
- limited capacity and physical distancing
- mandatory masks and face coverings
- hand sanitizing upon entry
- washrooms are not available, except for visitors to the exhibitions
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A tree planting event will take place next month from October 16 to 20 at the Rouge National Urban Park. These sessions are being organized by 10,000 Trees and will be a part of the restoration work happening in the Park. Registration is on a first come first served basis - details here. Don't miss the opportunity to get involved and help restore the RNUP for future generations to discover. |
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In the fall of 2019, Markham City Council approved its Public Art Master Plan 2020-2024, and the related Implementation Plan in winter 2020. The objectives of the Master Plan are: to inspire people to live, work, visit and invest in Markham; to celebrate the city's diverse cultures and heritage from multiple points of view; and to connect residents to Markham's built and natural environment.
The 2019 Master Plan identifies the piazza of the Markham Pan Am Centre as a potentially significant public art site under the category of Key Civic Sites and Gateways and recommends the site for a major commission in year one of its five-year strategy.
It is time to begin conversations with community members and stakeholders about the potential for public art at the Pan Am Centre and for the City of Markham as a whole through active participation.
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The Markham Fair will be a bit different this Fall as they celebrate their 177th year. After missing the 2020 Fair, the Markham Fair in a Flash will provide a taste of the annual event in a one-way walk through event and will feature farm animals, agricultural displays, homecraft competitions, a farmer's market, fair food and more.
Markham Fair in a Flash will take place from September 30 to October 3 at the Fairgrounds on McCowan. Learn more and purchase your tickets here. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. The capacity will be limited with social distancing in effect. Masks will be required. |
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Why not try a new activity this Fall. The City of Markham is offering programs to help keep you active and engaged while staying safe. There's something for all ages and abilities:
- virtual and in-person general programs
- indoor swimming lessons
- virtual fitness classes
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The Markham Arts Council is currently accepting registrations for their next session of art therapy classes.
These sessions will be offered virtually and led by a registered art therapist. Participants will express, explore and understand their emotions through a variety of art mediums.
Limited spots are still available. You can learn more about the classes and register for these free sessions here. |
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The Markham Public Library locations are now open and they continue to offer online programming too. Please remember to wear your mask and maintain physical distancing even if you have been fully vaccinated. Find out more here. |
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Did you know? The City of Markham has a plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050 by:
- decreasing energy consumption
- using low carbon renewable sources of energy
- increasing energy generation from renewable sources
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Night paving will take place along Elgin Mills Road to Victoria Square Boulevard on Monday September 27. This is the final stage of the work that has taken place over the summer in the area.
Expect delays in the area. For more information can be found here.
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Join the Markham Group of Artists and enjoy their Early Bird Special to receive $10 off the 2021-2022 season membership. This offer is available until September 30th. Are you under forty? In celebration of MGA's 40th Anniversary, join for only $40. Full time student memberships are always $20. Click here for more information.
The Markham Group of Artists invited all artists from Toronto and surrounding areas to submit paintings to WINDOWS OPEN 2021 virtual art show. This virtual show will run until October 30th on their website. Congratulations to the award winners and all the artists whose work was accepted in this outstanding show.
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York Region is supporting property owners by helping to replace ash trees killed by the Emerald Ash Borer with a $100 rebate. This program is being assisted by LEAF to offer subsidized tree planting and consultation to help you pick the right tree for your specific location. More information about this program can be found here.
In addition to the above rebate, endorsed by Markham's Trees for Tomorrow initiative, LEAF's Backyard Tree Planting program provides trees to Markham residents at an additional discounted price through the Full Service or Do-It-Yourself programs. From a select species list, for up to a total of 5 trees per property (space permitting), Markham residents now pay $50 for evergreen trees and $100 for deciduous trees - more information here.
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The Markham Board of Trade continues to offer programs for the business community in the City. Here is just a sampling:
- they are offering a free workplace self-screening COVID-19 program with rapid antigen screening kits - more detail
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COVID-19 and Your Workplace Webinar Series - COVID-19 Vaccination Policies - on September 29 at 9:30am - Throughout Canada, employers are considering whether they must or should mandate COVID-19 vaccinations. For certain employers, mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for their workers is required. For other employers, having a COVID-19 vaccination policy is required, but the details are more flexible. Join this webinar to gain more information on COVID-19 vaccination policies options and obligations - click here to register.
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Fall Women's Networking Luncheon will take place on October 26. This will be an in person event at the Bayview Golf and Country Club - more information can be found here
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This release offers updates on their emergency assistance program, ideas for reducing your electricity bill, preparing for severe weather events, Alectra's ongoing work in the community and more - read it here. |
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The next meeting of the Unionville Villagers Association which is normally scheduled for the second Monday of the month, which is Thanksgiving in October, will be rescheduled to Monday October 18 at 7pm. While it is likely that they could have an in-person meeting at the Train Station like they did pre-COVID many have indicated that they are not ready for that yet and the meeting will again take place on Zoom.
Some of the topics that will be discussed at the UVA meeting include:
- the Unionville Street Plan which should be coming to Markham Council in early October
- the Unionville Heritage Plan
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there are several other issues to be addressed by UVA and its residents and a list of that is being compiled to create priorities. If you have any please email them to laketrevelyan@gmail.com, President of UVA.
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Markham-Unionville MPP Billy Pang has published his September eNewsletter. You can read it here. |
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As a reminder the Markham Village Depot is temporarily closed until further notice for emergency repair.
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When you winterize pools, spas and hot tubs please remember to drain the water onto your lawn and not down
the storm drain.
Protect the environment and our community.
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Markham is offering a free virtual Home Efficiency Retrofit Orientation workshop on October 21 in partnership with Humber College and Enbridge.
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Markham is home to a variety of wild animals including coyotes, foxes, raccoons and more. To ensure a peaceful co-existence:
- Do not leave food outside or feed wild animals
- Do not put waste bins out too early
- Do not leave small pets outdoors unattended
- Do not use park garbage cans for household waste
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Now is the time to put in some work to help reduce the LDD caterpillar and moth invasion for next year. Your work now will help protect Markham’s urban forest from LDD in 2022.
Remove LDD egg masses on trees that are on your property to reduce the number of hatched caterpillars in the Spring.
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Upcoming Meetings
- Development Services Meeting - September 27 at 9:30am - details
- Council Meeting - September 28 at 1pm - details
- Budget Committee Meeting - October 1 at 9am - details
- General Committee Meeting - October 4 at 9:30am - details
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Development Services Public Meeting - October 5 at 7pm - details
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Budget Committee Meeting - October 6 at 9am - details
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YR Housing Affordability Task Force - October 7 at 9am - details
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Development Services Meeting - October 12 at 9:30am - details
- Budget Committee Meeting - October 13 at 9am - details
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Housing York - October 13 at 9am - details
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Council Meeting - October 13 at 1pm - details
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YR Committee of the Whole - October 14 at 9am - details
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General Committee Meeting - October 18 at 9:30am - details
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Development Services Public Meeting - October 19 at 7pm - details
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Budget Committee Meeting - October 20 at 9am - details
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YR Special Meeting - October 21 at 9am - details
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Budget Committee Meeting - October 22 at 9am - details
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Development Services Meeting - October 25 at 9:30am - details
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Council Meeting - October 26 at 1pm - details
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YR Council Meeting - October 28 at 9am - details
- Markham Committee Meetings - details
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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
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Markham Fair in a Flash - September 30 to October 3 - details
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Project Update regarding Shouldice Hospital lands at 7750 Bayview Avenue - October 6 at 7pm - click here to register
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Rouge: Virtual Varley Gala - October 15 at 7pm - details
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10,000 Trees for the Rouge planting event - October 16 - 20 - details
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Unionville Villagers Association - October 18 at 7pm
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Home Efficiency Retrofit Orientation workshop - October 21 - details
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MBT Women's Networking Luncheon - October 26 in person - details
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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