January 17 2021
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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To Skate or Not To Skate
That is the Question!
The last few weeks I have received a number of inquiries about tobogganing and ice skating.
Currently in Markham, tobogganing is permitted as long as you maintain proper social distancing and stay in a group of 5 or less. It should go without saying that you should toboggan in a safe area, away from traffic.
Ice skating is a different matter. Some other municipalities have permitted, then revoked permission, then reinstated permission to ice skate. Markham has been consistent in its approach, allowing outdoor ice skating on neighbourhood built natural ice rinks and on artificial ice rinks as long as gathering limits are adhered to. The City requires you to book ahead at the Civic Centre rink.
At outdoor ponds and also storm water management (SWM) ponds, appropriate signage has been posted. These ponds may have water flowing and not be thick enough to support a person's weight. SWM's also may contain road salt which impacts the ability of the water to freeze solidly. To be safe stay off all ponds!
This week I have been deluged with form emails asking politicians to act on Long Term Care and Seniors homes issues. I spoke at York Region Committee in support of our seniors and York Region Council is taking action on their behalf. We need to maintain pressure on the Province as they are in control of seniors affairs.
Stay well, stay safe.
Click here to read the previous edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
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In this issue
- Stay Home Stay Safe
- YRP Celebrating 50
- Stay Off the Ice
- Winter Recreation Programs
- MSBC Programs
- Beat the January Blahs
- Winter Pathway Project
- Send Me Your Pictures
- Getting the C19 Vaccine
- Heintzman House Anniversary
- Markham Food Bank
- Get Online
- What 3 Words
- Need Exercise?
- Signs Your Pet is Cold
- Small Business Grants
- What's On at MPL
- Beware - Coyote Sightings
- Concert of Hope
- GO Service Changes
- York Region Matters
- Markham C19 Report
- YR C19 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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The City of Markham along with the rest of Ontario continues under the emergency Stay Home order .
It is critical to remain vigilant to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Learn more at markham.ca/covid19.
Essential frontline City services are still being provided with appropriate health and safety measures in place to protect the public and City workers. Services currently provided at your Markham Civic Centre and other City facilities will continue by appointment, including library services, parking ticket screenings and hearings, and Clerks services.
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To limit the spread of COVID-19, stay home as much as possible and only leave for essential reasons. During the province wide shutdown, no indoor social gatherings are permitted except with members of the same household.
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Congratulations to the York Regional Police as they celebrate 50 years of policing since the inception of their service in 1971.
To mark this significant milestone, they are highlighting the achievements and people that have helped shape YRP over the past half-century. From the swearing in of the first female officer to the evolution of their investigative and support units, these highlights will be shared throughout the year on their social media channels. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to join the celebration.
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30 years ago, on January 17 1991, York Regional Police opened the doors to a brand new station in Markham at McCowan Road and Carlton Road. At the time, the town was home to 153,000 which has now more than doubled to about 370,000. The City is not only one of the Region's busiest, but also one of its most diverse.
With COVID-19 restrictions, YRP celebration plans are different than they had initially anticipated. Look for more detail at yrp.ca/50years.
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As the winter weather has been warmer than an average winter, we are able to enjoy time outdoors. This warmer weather means that ice is likely not thick enough and can be unpredictable. The City is aware, and I have witnessed too, people venturing out on natural ice whether walking, skating or playing hockey.
Winter conditions on Markham’s ponds, stormwater ponds and waterways can be dangerous. Stay safe, stay off the ice.
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- Taking a walk
- Building a snowman - don’t forget to invite the kids!
- Skating at the City of Markham Civic Centre Outdoor Ice Rink
- Snowshoeing is also an option
- Joining a virtual fitness class
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One pedestrian pathway in each of Markham’s 8 Wards are being plowed, salted and sanded as part of our new Pathway Winter Maintenance Pilot Program.
Learn more and share your feedback - here. You could win one of four $25 eGift cards for your feedback.
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Send Me Your Pictures
While we are all out and about walking for exercise with the latest Stay at Home order, please send me something that you might find along the way that I can share. I'd be happy to show the initiative, creativity and the great spirit of our Markham our community.
Two readers of the DME came upon this snow bear when out for a walk. It was at the south east corner of Birchmount Road and Rougeside Promenade.
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Safe and effective vaccines will help protect us against COVID-19. There are lots of questions about the vaccination timeline.
Click here to learn about and when they will be available in Ontario. Various levels of government have responsibilities to deliver the vaccinations:
- Federal Government: Ordering Vaccine
- Provincial Government: Distributing Vaccine
- Hospitals and York Region Public Health: Administering Vaccine
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The Markham Food Bank has seen a 38% increase in the number of families using the food bank during the pandemic. Read story here
Help our community members in need during these challenging times - details here.
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Has your small business been impacted by COVID-19? Sell your products and services to anyone, anywhere.
Need help getting setup with an online store to sell your work? 350+ Markham-based businesses and artists have already signed up for shopHERE.
Get online at NO COST.
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Do you know about this app that some emergency services are now using to locate people?
This week 2 lost hikers on the Bruce Trail were found by the OPP when this app was used - read more.
The What3Words app is based on global mapping system that assigns a three word tag to every three-metre square around the globe. As long as you have downloaded the app, it works without data services or Wi-Fi. You could be in the middle of the woods and emergency responders can still find you. More information can be found at what3words.
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Need Exercise?
We all need to get outside to get some exercise and connect with nature. The York Regional Forest, local parks and trails can offer much-needed health benefits for you and your family. Residents looking to exercise are asked to respect Ontario's stay-at-home order and it is best to explore local parks and trails within walking distance of their homes; a list of trails can be found in the York Region Trail Guide.
Use of the York Regional Forest continues to be high with parking lots at popular tracts at or exceeding capacity on weekends. Tract parking lots will be monitored on weekends as required. Once they reach capacity, they will be closed and signage will direct visitors to york.ca/trails to find alternative trails. Residents who visit the York Regional Forest should come prepared with directions to alternate tracts. The following rules are in place for all visitors of the Forest:
- All dogs must be leashed at all times
- Do not smoke
- Practice physical distancing of at least 2-metres between yourself and other forest users, both on the tracts and in common parking areas
- Wear a cloth or non-medical mask where physical distancing may be challenging
- Do not litter, including garbage, gloves and masks and pet waste
- Please be kind and act responsibly
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With the winter season upon us, it is important to remember that our furry friends can also get cold. If it’s too cold for you, then it’s too cold for them too.
When the temperature drops below freezing, pets should not be left outside for extended periods. Cats, short-coated dogs and puppies are particularly vulnerable in cold temperatures. Keep cats indoors and protect your dogs from frostbite or hypothermia by only taking them outside for short periods during cold weather. Some dogs, especially puppies and short-coated breeds, may benefit from a dog sweater or coat as an extra layer of warmth.
Do you know how to tell if your furry friend is cold? Would you recognize the signs of hypothermia? Here’s what you need to know to keep your pets safe this winter. Read more
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The Ontario Small Business Support Grant is now available. Eligible businesses required to restrict services under the current Provincewide Shutdown can receive between $10,000 to $20,000. Overview of the program and application details are available here.
Looking for information on interest-free loans, subsidies and other support for your business? Check out the funding program summary below. Visit yorklink.ca/covid19 for the latest version and information on webinars, events and more.
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MPL continues to offer a number of online programs and resources while the physical branches remain closed.
Have a look to see what's new - details here. There's everything from podcasts, Zoom classes, tutoring resources, movies, music and yes, of course books too. |
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Not sure what books to borrow
for your kids?
Start here - check out the list of the most borrowed children's books in 2020.
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Last week the wrong link was published to the most read adult books for 2020.
Here's the corrected link. |
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There have been some sightings of coyotes in the Thornhill area recently. It wasn't so long ago that they were also seen in Unionville.
If you encounter one be BIG and LOUD! Yell “Go away!” Wave your arms above your head, stomp feet, clap hands. Slowly back away. Maintain eye contact. Don’t run. Report it to Coyote Watch Canada.
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Join High Notes Avante on January 18 at 8pm for the Concert of Hope and some much needed cheer.
Show your support to our Community Arts Organizations and tune in. The performance will be available on YouTube and on their Facebook account - here
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COVID-19 has changed how we think and where we go. GO Transit needs to operate their services differently and continue to monitor and adapt as necessary. As a result of COVID-19, ridership has decreased by more than 90%. GO Transit is trying to make best use of their resources. Once the Province starts to recover and more riders return they will work to reinstate service.
Starting January 23, they are temporarily replacing select GO train service with buses and reducing service on UP Express to make better use of resources while demand is low. To better match customer demand, trains during weekday evenings or weekends will be served by buses.
- Stations will have wayfinding signage posted directing customers to the buses.
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Departures times may be adjusted. Riders should be sure to check with gotransit.com before they travel to ensure they always have the latest schedule information.
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GO buses have a new Toronto home. The new Union Station Bus Terminal opened in December and offers a more comfortable and convenient experience featuring a larger indoor waiting area, Wi-Fi, better connections to Union Station and more. Learn more here.
Even though they have taken many safety measures, such as mandating face coverings, installing physical barriers and hand sanitizer dispensers, they can’t do it alone and you need to do your part too if you are a rider. More details can be found on GO Transit’s website.
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The winter 2021 edition of York Region Matters will soon arrive in all 390,000 mailboxes across York Region.
Among the stories in this edition are taking care of yourself during COVID-19, an update on York University’s new campus in Markham, services offered at the new York Region building at 17150 Yonge Street in Newmarket and new CPR steps to save lives. The publication also features winter safety tips as well as water and wastewater, and roads construction information.
Tell York Region what you think about this publication. Complete the survey for a chance to win a $50 gift card from a business in your community.
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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 now includes suspect and confirmed cases in schools. The interactive dashboard is updated seven days a week at 5pm and provides detailed information about C19 in York Region including a breakdown of specific Markham data. Details can be found at york.ca/covid19data.
More information about Markham's response to COVID-19 can be found here. |
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Upcoming Meetings
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January 18 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
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January 19 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
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January 21 - York Region Education Session - 9am - detail
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January 25 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
- January 26 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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January 28 - York Region Council Meeting - 9am - 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
As new events are scheduled they will be added to the list.
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MBT Virtual After Hours Networking - January 21 at 4pm - details
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MBT virtual Business Excellence Awards - January 28 - details
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Unionville Residents' Association - February 1 - 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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