May 23 2021
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Happy May
2-4 Weekend!
The fabulous weather has brought people out in droves to the City parks, Main Streets and neighbourhoods. I suspect our forest trails are also busy. The grass is green (well except where it is yellow with dandelions), flowers are being planted, Spring cleanups are underway and people are retrieving their bicycles from the basement ready for use. Happy Victoria Day weekend to all!
The golfers, tennis players and basketball hoopsters are happy with the return to outdoor play announced by the Province. It's about time say many. Unfortunately indoor and outdoor dining remains closed, hopefully not for much longer. York Region new COVID-19 case numbers continue to fall and vaccination numbers continue to rise.
I was really disappointed to read in the Economist & Sun that the case against the operator of t he Decourcy Court gambling casino has fallen apart. I hope that those responsible will be found and punished. The York Region Police Board oversees the York Region Police Force.
Our City splash pads are getting primed for reopening. Get the kids ready for fun in the sun.
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In this issue
- COVID-19 Vaccines
- Roadmap to Reopening
- New Main Street Market
- Ward 4 Newsletter
- Splash Pads Opening Soon
- Flood Control Meeting
- Planning for Markham's Growth
- Summer Program Registration
- Gypsy Moths
- Markham Village Music Festival
- Race with Me Challenge
- Safety Reminders
- Other Items
- Markham COVID-19 Report
- YR COVID-19 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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Click here to read the previous edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
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Vaccines continue to be administered by appointment only and walk-in appointments are not available. Appointment availability continues to be limited by vaccine supply which is the responsibility of the Federal government.
Eligibility rules continue to expand and the most current information can be found at york.ca/covid19vaccine. A new change this week was the expansion of COVID-19 eligibility to anyone age 12+ living, working or going to school in York Region - details. There is also some limited second dose eligibility including those that receive the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Carefully review the "who can book" details to ensure you are selecting the clinic most appropriate for you as eligibility at each clinic can vary - details here. Should you need help booking an appointment, please call the number listed under the clinic location.
For questions about eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine, call Access York at 1.877.464.9675. For questions about whether the vaccine is right for you, speak with your family doctor or primary care provider.
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- Late this week approval was given to offer the second dose the AstraZeneca vaccine to those that have already received their first dose. You should contact the location where you received the first dose about receiving your second shot.
- New appointments can become available on the same day. If you are looking to book an appointment check york.ca/covid19vaccine often. You can also check currently available vaccines in real time at vaccine-gta.ca. Vaccine Hunters have also been very active in tracking down vaccine availability on short notice.
- As a reminder, please cancel your clinic appointment if you were able to get vaccinated elsewhere.
- Looking for more information about vaccinations? The most up to date information can be found at york.ca/covid19vaccine.
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This week the Provincial government laid out plans for the next step towards a gradual reopening. While we will continue with the current Stay-at-Home Order for another couple of weeks, there have been some loosening of the restrictions.
In response to improving vaccination rates and key public health indicators, the Province has changed to allow select outdoor amenities to reopen, with restrictions in place:
- outdoor gathering limits increased to 5 people
- outdoor recreational amenities such as golf courses, tennis courts, skate parks, sports fields are now open with restrictions, such as physical distancing
- no outdoor sports or recreational classes are permitted.
- select outdoor recreational amenities will reopen, including tennis, pickleball, sports fields (for non-team use), skate parks and basketball courts with outdoor gathering restrictions
- parks and playgrounds remain open
- all park-facility washrooms have reopened
- outdoor, in-person recreation programs remain cancelled
- library, recreation and fitness programs continue to be offered virtually
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city-owned community centres, arenas, pools, fitness centres, the Markham Museum and the Varley Art Gallery will remain closed
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the Flato Markham Theatre is streaming select virtual performances
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the Varley Art Gallery continues to offer virtual school programs and will offer online exhibitions and related programs
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Markham Public Library will continue to offer select online services including curbside pick-up of holds and returns at Markham Village, Thornhill Village and Unionville locations
- the City continues to provide critical services to residents and businesses virtually and in-person (services requiring in-person assistance require an appointment)
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Markham Recycling Depots will remain open
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The new framework will be a new three-step Roadmap to Reopen that will guide a gradual reopening and the safe lifting of public health measures. The Province will remain in each step for at least 21 days, and move forward only if vaccination rates meet targets and key public health indicators improve. Public health and workplace safety measures will continue to apply, including maintaining physical distance, capacity limits and wearing face coverings in indoor spaces and whenever physical distancing is a challenge. The Province expects to enter Step One of the Roadmap the week of June 14.
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Stay home, stay safe. Limit interactions with those outside your household. More information about current public health guidelines, restrictions and closures can be found online at markham.ca/covid19 and york.ca/covid19.
As always should you require any assistance, please reach out to the City's Contact Centre. Please also remember that your local Ward Councillor is also available to assist if you don't know where to turn.
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Although many of Main Street Unionville’s traditional summer events won't be happening again this year due to the pandemic, you will be able to celebrate local food and artisans at the new, re-imagined Main Street Unionville Market.
The Market will be taking place on Sundays at the Stiver Mill from 9am to 2pm and will feature local farmers, bakers, artists, and others. Considered an ‘essential service’ by the government, the Market will be outdoors, in and around the Train Station and Stiver Mill, allowing for plenty of social distancing and the ability to follow all COVID-19 protocols.
This is the same location the Unionville Village Conservancy ran the previous Farmers Market until 2019. The Unionville BIA is now opening a new market and hopes to breathe new life into an even busier, unique marketplace that everyone can feel safe visiting. Businesses on Main Street have suffered through the pandemic. While visiting the Market why not shop and eat local on the Street?
The first Market is scheduled for Sunday June 6 and will be open every Sunday of summer until September 19. Vendors are still welcome to apply for a space by emailing info@unionvilleinfo.com. More information about the Market can be found here.
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Are you a resident of
Ward 4 Markham?
Your local Councillor, Karen Rea, has just published the Spring Ward 4 eNewsletter with updates specific to your area including upcoming projects and approvals coming to Council. |
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Markham's splash pads are a great way to get outside, cool down and have some fun. Splash pads usually open in mid-June but the warm weather seems to be here and kids need things to do so City crews are working to open them early this year.
Most of the locations should be open by next weekend after the water has been flushed and safety inspections are completed.
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Through the study, drainage systems built prior to 1980 in Markham Village and Unionville were reviewed to assess the existing risks and causes of basement flooding. Options were reviewed in each area to determine the best method of reducing flood risk, and future work has been prioritized based on the existing risk and construction logistics, with a proposed plan for designing and constructing the upgrades spanning 2022 – 2032.
In addition to the long term plan, the City also has a plumbing rebate program that allows homeowners to install backflow preventers and complete other improvements to the private portion of the drainage system that will provide an immediate reduction to the flood risk associated with a property.
Learn more about the project and provide your feedback here.
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York Region has prepared a draft forecast identifying how Markham could grow to 2051. Join the Virtual Community Information Meeting on May 27 at 6:30pm to learn more and share your thoughts on the forecast.
Links to join the meeting via Zoom or view the YouTube livestream will be posted one hour before the meeting starts on the project webpage.
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Are you looking for some safe summertime fun? The City of Markham is offering a variety of virtual and outdoor programs this summer. All programs are designed to keep you active and engaged while staying safe as everyone does their part to keep Markham safe.
Try something new or explore an old passion this season. Feature programming for the summer includes:
- Morgan Park Outdoor Pool - lane swim, aquafit, lessons, pool rentals, recreational swim and aquatic leadership programs (weather permitting)
- Virtual art and theatre camps
- Virtual library programs and camps
- Pop-Up Park Program for kids
- Outdoor and virtual recreation programs
- Outdoor and virtual fitness classes
Registration for virtual recreation and library programs is now open. Register for outdoor programs, Pop-Up in the Park Program for kids and virtual culture camps starting May 26 at 6:30am at markham.ca/SummerPrograms.
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This illustration shows the various stages in the life cycle of the European gypsy moth or Lymantria dispar dispar (LDD).
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It is an invasive pest that prefers oak tree leaves but will also eat the leaves or needles of maple, birch, poplar, pine and spruce trees.
Last fall, York Region conducted egg mass surveys and the results predict an infestation this spring and summer.
Find out what to do if you detect this nasty bug feasting on your foliage. Learn more how to protect your trees - details here.
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This video shows you how to make a burlap barrier band trap - more here
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This year the 44th edition of the Markham Village Music Festival will be a virtual event on June 18 and 19. Similar to last year, you can watch through their website and social media channels.
You will be able to join the Festival for a fun weekend full of local entertainment. They have over 40 artists lined up for performances, a Beatbox showcase, tours of Main Street Markham, visits to local stores and much more. More information about the event is available here. |
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We all know the value of sport and being active. This past year has been difficult for people to actively participate in indoor and outdoor team sports but here's an opportunity to get active with the RACE with ME! Virtual Challenge. This free program will take place until June 25 and you can participate any time. This program was sparked by the energy and enthusiasm of 14-year-old Jesse Briscoe of Montreal and inspired by sprinter Andre De Grasse’s commitment to Canadian children and youth.
It is easy to do and encourages everyone to get outside and have fun racing each other. Find a way to run 400 meters as fast as you can at the local track, sidewalk or any green space. Just mark out 400 metres and go for it. Upload your results and see how you compare with other runners across Canada in your age group.
More information about how to participate, leaderboards, prizes and other details can be found at racewithme.ca.
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Dear Pedestrians: A friendly reminder to walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If you need to walk on the street, walk facing traffic and close to the road-side. |
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Dear Drivers: Yield to pedestrians and cyclists when turning – they have right of way.
Check your mirror and blind spot before you turn.
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Planning a night-time walk or bike ride? Remember, reflective clothing, bike lights or a flashlight make a huge difference.
See and be seen.
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Other items
Condolences to the family of former Ward 8 Councillor Alex Chiu. This week Alex passed away peacefully at the age of 82 with his wife Alicia and daughter Cherrie-Marie by his side. Alex served on Markham Council for 33 years and retired in 2018 - read more.
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The opposition continues to grow against Metrolinx's Option 3 plan to tunnel the subway under homes in the Royal Orchard neighbourhood in Thornhill - read article here.
Would you want a subway underneath your home?
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Session 3 of the community information meeting for the Markham Road - Mount Joy Secondary Plan Study will take place on June 3rd at 6:30pm.
This interactive virtual session will introduce the Interim Report and present the draft demonstration plan for the secondary plan area, and include multiple opportunities to provide feedback.
Links to join the meeting via Zoom or view the YouTube livestream will be posted one hour before the meeting starts on the project webpage.
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The Markham Board of Trade with the support of the City of Markham is in the process of making FREE COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits available to Markham businesses with under 150 employees. It is not a requirement to be a MBT member. Complete their short survey to assist the MBT to make the Markham community safer. |
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Alectra's summer Time-of-Use (TOU) hours and summer tier threshold for residential customers are in effect now until October 31. More information about the current TOU and tiered electricity prices can be found here.
If you are having difficulty paying your electricity bills, Alectra has several programs in place for both residential and business customers. More information can be found here. |
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Fireworks Safety - If you're planning family fireworks remember they may only be set off on Victoria Day and Canada Day without a permit. Any other use requires a permit. Family fireworks should only be used on private property, with the property owner’s consent - learn more.
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Want to save money on your water bill? Conserve water by using a rain barrel. 🌧️
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Help us help you! While no one should need a reminder about being polite unfortunately, this is not the case.
Please ensure your interactions with City and Regional staff and partners leading the COVID-19 response are never abusive, insulting or disrespectful. Any form of harassment or abuse will NOT be tolerated. Learn more here.
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The York Farm Fresh 2021 guide map is now available. Support local business, reduce your carbon footprint and purchase locally grown produce.
Visit yorkfarmfresh.com/guidemap or download the mutlilingual app. The app lists farms and farmers’ markets throughout York Region and is available in seven languages to help our diverse communities access fresh, local food.
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Homeowners can learn how to improve your home’s comfort and save money too by joining the free virtual Home Efficiency Retrofit Orientation workshop on June 3 at 6:30pm. This session is in partnership with the City, Humber College and Enbridge Gas. Learn more and register here.
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As we all go outside to walk and cycle to enjoy the nice weather, everyone needs to pay close attention to their surroundings and not assume that cars and trucks know where you are. In turn, vehicles need to do their part to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe, motorists need to take extra care when travelling through school areas, residential areas and near playgrounds - york.ca/slowdown.
According to York Region's most recent statistics, more than one third of collisions are caused by acts of aggressive driving, including following too close, exceeding speed limit, speed too fast for condition, improper passing and improper lane change.
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Learn common bike repairs and basic maintenance in the comfort of your own home.
Check out Markham Cycles 2020 virtual workshop recordings and stay tuned for their new series of upcoming virtual workshops - details here. |
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Do you have a swimming pool that is more than 0.6 metres (24”) deep in your yard?
It must be surrounded with a 1.2 metres (4’) fence and locked when not in use. Protect children from the danger of drowning - more detail.
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Do you know the Outdoor Water-use Bylaw? In Markham, homes with even numbers can water on even-numbered days; odd numbers on odd-numbered days.
- Outdoor water-use is allowed between 6am and 9am or 6pm and 9pm on odd/even days, but not both
- Industrial, commercial and institutional properties follow odd/even, permitted for three hours only between midnight and 6am
- Two-month grace period for new sod and seed
- Water-use bylaw is in effect from June 1 to September 30
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as of May 22, 2021 at 10am - click title or on chart for full report
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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 COVID-19 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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May 25 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
- May 26 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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May 27 - YR Council Meeting - 9am - details
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May 27 - Planning for Markham's Growth to 2051 - 6:30pm - details
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May 31 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
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June 1 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
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June 2 - Housing York - 9am - details
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June 3 - Markham Road - Mount Joy Secondary Plan - 6:30pm - details
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June 7 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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June 8 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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June 10 - YR Committee of the Whole Meeting - 9am - details
- Upcoming Markham Committee Meetings - 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
- MBT - Mental health in the workplace during C-19 - May 19 - details
- Yonge Street Subway Meeting - May 19 at 6:30 - details
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MBT After 4 Networking on Zoom - May 27 at 4pm - details
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Unionville Residents Association meeting - June 7 at 7pm - details
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Markham Village Music Festival - June 18-19 - details
- Vintages at the Varley - June 23 at 7:30pm - details
- MBT After 4 Networking on Zoom - June 24 at 4pm - details
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Markham Flood Control Meeting - June 24 at 7pm - 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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