October 3 2021
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Markham Council is Back to Work
Last week the City of Markham Council ordered a resident to remove a very large concrete hockey/recreation pad from his backyard. We also took steps to curb incursion by another resident into a ravine behind his home. In both cases healthy trees were destroyed without permission.
A Council vote was held in open session regarding the 28 Main Street Unionville project. That vote was lost.
It's also budget time at the City. Initial indications are for a 5% tax increase but given next year is an election year, I don't think we'll be anywhere close to that when the final budget comes to Council.
Opposition is growing to tunneling under existing Thornhill homes for the Yonge North Subway Extension. Read the letter from Ward 1 Councillor Keith Irish and resident Ian Reid refuting statements made by GO-Metrolinx. I continue to support the YNSE going straight up Yonge Street, not under people's homes!
I enjoyed touring the John and Bayview area this week with Councillor Irish and area residents. The Thornhill Square and the Shouldice lands are coming forward for redevelopment, so it was good to see and hear residents concerns.
If you live adjacent to the GO rail corridor get ready for tree and bush removals. See the details below. This is in preparation for the electrification of GO trains. It won't be pretty!
Next weekend is Thanksgiving. Why not go and pick some apples at a local orchard? See below for suggestions.
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In this issue
- Are You Fully Vaccinated?
- Proof of Vaccination
- It's That Time Again
- Fire Prevention Week
- Things To Do
- Fall on Unionville Main Street
- Markham Design Awards
- Ward 3 eNewsletter
- Pomona Valley Update
- Salmon Run
- GO Updates
- Markham Fair 2021
- Be Aware and Stay Safe
- Keep Markham Beautiful
- Crossing Guards Needed
- October is Small Business Month
- 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. |
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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to read the previous edition of
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
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Over 85% of eligible York Region residents age 12+ have been vaccinated with their first COVID-19 vaccine and more than 80% of eligible residents have received two doses. As we all want to have this pandemic behind us vaccinations remain the best course of action 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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As a reminder, you are now required to provide proof of full vaccination to enter Markham indoor recreation facilities. This policy applies to all participants and visitors who are 12 years of age and older except for Provincially defined medical exemptions - 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? Understand the City budget and stay informed.
All meetings are open to the public and are taking place on Zoom. Agendas, materials and topics are available online in advance of each virtual meeting. Details can be found at markham.ca/budget.
- Property Tax Budget
- October 1, 6, 13, 22, November 2 - 9am to noon
- October 20 - 1pm to 4pm
- Public Meeting - November 23 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
- Water Budget
- Report to General Committee - October 18 - 9:30 am
- Public Meeting - November 18 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Have you watched this video about the budget process? Learn more at markham.ca/budget including the upcoming budget meetings and how the City prepares the annual budget.
We will soon also be working through the York Region Budget process too. York Region Council recently approved water and wastewater rates for April 2022 to March 2028, equivalent to 3.3% increases each year to achieve and maintain full cost recovery.
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October 3 - 9
This year's theme is Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety. This week is a great time to discuss fire safety with your family and to learn how to stay safe from fire.
Do you know what to do when a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm sounds? When an alarm makes a beeping sound or a chirping sound, you must take action to keep safe.
- Smoke alarms have 3 long beeps, pause and repeat
- CO alarms have 4 quick beeps, pause and repeat
When your smoke or CO alarm sounds, get outside to fresh air as soon as possible and call 9-1-1 - learn more.
In the event of a fire, you may have as little as 2 minutes to escape safely. A fast, pre-planned escape with two ways out is critical to survival - learn more about home escape plans which should be practiced regularly with your family because when there's a fire, there are no second chances.
Join Markham Fire on their upcoming virtual workshops to learn more about being Fire Safe - register here.
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Things to Do
Did you enjoy that glorious Saturday? Whether you went for a walk, got on your bike for a ride or just took a drive in the car, now is the time to get out and appreciate the lovely weather before winter arrives.
If you are looking for something new to do outdoors, here are a couple of ideas:
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The leaves have started to change but the fun vibe on Main Street is still here! Why not spend a gorgeous Fall day and take in all that Main Street Unionville has to offer?
The highlight of October is their First Annual Ladies Night on Main which will take place on the street on Thursday October 21 from 4pm to 9pm. No registration is required. Just pop on over to the street and check out a wide variety of promotions, deals, selfie walls, giveaways, and live music! There will also be a caricature artist offering free drawings. It should be a fun night.
The street will also host many local musicians until Sunday October 24th. Grab a delicious ice cream, coffee, do some shopping, take a stroll, and check out the live music from 2pm to 5pm every Saturday and Sunday.
Please continue to support the local merchants along the street. Getting through the pandemic has been difficult for them and they rely on your business even more than ever before. Please consider them for gift ideas over the holidays.
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The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced at the 2021 Markham Urban Design Excellence Awards virtual ceremony on October 28, together with the winners of the juried Building of Significance Award, Institutional Building Award, Community Design Award, Open Space and Public Realm Award and Urban Intensification Award.
The Markham Urban Design Excellence Awards, first held in 1999, recognize and promote excellence in building design. This is the first year the Markham Urban Design Excellence Awards People’s Choice Award is being offered. All past winners of the Markham Urban Design Excellence Awards and all entries for this year’s awards are eligible for public voting.
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Residents should take a moment to read the October edition of Councillor Reid McAlpine's monthly newsletter. It contains updates and information for all Markham residents. It can be found here. You can find more information about various topics including why the new home being built at 32 Fred Varley is so high, why the pathway along Berczy Creek is still under construction along with other updates and projects.
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The October edition of the Pomona Valley Steering Committee's eNewsletter can be read here.
It deals with the development of 7750 Bayview Avenue in Thornhill and the density and height of the proposed development on that site. Details about the upcoming Community Information Meeting on October 6 are also contained in the update.
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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. |
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Beginning Saturday October 9 until the end of service on Monday October 11, there will be no GO train service on the Stouffville Line to accommodate important work on the tracks and GO stations along the Stouffville Line - more information here.
The Lincolnville GO Station is getting a new name and will be renamed Old Elm GO Station effective October 16 to acknowledge a historic 200 year old elm tree. The tree had been slated for removal but with lobbying from the local community the tree was preserved and became a top priority for the project. Read the full story here.
Are you a GO Transit rider? Here's your opportunity to provide them with some feedback and also have a chance to win $100 worth of travel on GO. Fill out the 5 minute survey and you could win - find the survey here.
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Stouffville Corridor Vegetation Removal - from Bethesda Side Road in Whitchurch-Stouffville to Highway 7 in Markham. This work is scheduled to start on Monday October 4 for up to 16 weeks and will take place 7 days per week from 7am to 7pm. This work will take place as a part of the GO Expansion Program and prepare for the future electrification of GO service. Metrolinx will clear, remove and prune designated trees and vegetation located within the Stouffville Rail Corridor. Once cleared, growth control zones will be established to manage vegetation inside the corridors over the long term. Native trees removed as part of this work will be replaced within the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville and City of Markham through a compensation program based on the Metrolinx Vegetation Guideline. What to expect:
- work will be conducted as quickly and efficiently as possible to minimize disturbances
- residents and businesses near the corridor can expect to hear noise caused by trucks, chainsaws, woodchippers and other construction equipment
- residents and businesses may see dots on trees within the rail corridor for trees identified for removal
- invasive tree species will be chipped on site, while wood from native trees may be taken off site for reuse
- work may be delayed or rescheduled due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances
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more information on this work is available here.
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On Thursday I had the pleasure to attend the opening of the Markham Fair. While the Fair was different this year, it was great to see the annual Fall tradition back again. I even got to see the Markham Faircrow while I was there! Next year the 178th edition of the Markham Fair will be bigger and better than ever! |
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There continues to be a number of unsuspecting individuals that fall prey to scams whether they are online or someone appears at your front door.
York Regional Police are reminding citizens to be wary of online investment scams after an increase in incidents being reported - details.
Recently I received an email from Reliance Home Comfort about a scam that is happening in the Markham Area (below are excerpts from their email).
"We have recently been made aware of Reliance customers receiving unsolicited calls with offers of free energy audits as a means to gain entry to the customers’ homes. Customers then receive water heater inspections, are told their water heaters require replacement and enroll with other rental companies, often at higher rates, for longer terms and with expensive exit penalties.
This sort of solicitation may be illegal as the Ontario Consumer Protection Act only permits in-home sales and rentals of water heaters where consumers have initiated contact with suppliers, subject to limited exceptions. Beware of such potentially illegal solicitation.
Here are 7 tips that will help give you peace of mind:
- Never let anyone into your home if they show up unannounced.
- Upon arrival, if a service technician’s identification badge is not visible, ask to see it. If they cannot produce one with a Reliance logo, don’t let them in your home.
- Always ask to see their Reliance identification badge before you permit entrance into your home.
- We will not call you to schedule annual water heater inspections.
- We will not call you regarding any “potential safety concerns” related to your water heater or gas appliances. These simply cannot be diagnosed without being in your home.
- Be wary about providing personal information over the phone, particularly for incoming calls. We will never call and ask customers for their date of birth.
- We always follow-up your service request with an email confirming the date, appointment window, service location and confirmation number."
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A friendly reminder to help keep Markham beautiful by cutting your lawn including your front and side boulevards if you have them. Leave the clippings on your lawn to help nourish it.
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You can help keep our children safe and provide a valuable service to our community.
Staffing Services is hiring for school crossing guards in Markham. This paid part-time position covers a morning and afternoon shift during the school year.
Call Staffing Services at 905.737.1600.
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October is Small Business Month
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The gates at the Markham Museum will reopen on October 6. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the apple orchard, gardens, historic buildings and more.
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Safely and responsibly recycle your unwanted electronics. They contain heavy metals that can be harmful to your health and the environment.
Drop them off at eWaste Recycling Pop-Up events this week:
- Thornhill Depot - October 5, 6 and 7 from 8am to 12pm
- Angus Glen Community Centre - October 5 and 6 from 1pm to 5pm
You can also take your unwanted electronics to the Markham Household Hazardous Waste Depot at any time the site is open. Find out more at markham.ca/eWaste.
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Markham Village Depot is closed until further notice for emergency repair.
You can visit the Milliken Mills Depot at 7600 Kennedy Road where the hours of operation have been temporarily extended.
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While the Flato Markham Theatre remains closed at this time, they are offering programming online for you to view in the comfort of your own home.
Their upcoming presentation, Women of Song and Story, will take place on Saturday October 16. The Sultans of Strong will be performing with 5 talented women all with interesting stories to tell. This special concert will be a multimedia event featuring live performances, guest appearances and video exclusives. This interactive concert will be held on Zoom and the performers will be able to see and hear you and you can see and hear them live. More details about the event can be found here. |
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Now that Fall is here, you may be considering an open air fire in your backyard. That's a NO NO!
As a reminder all open air fires including those in a fire pit, fire drum or chiminea (even with a lid) require a permit. Most properties in Markham, unless designated as rural, will not comply with the provisions of this permit. Learn more at markham.ca/openairfire. |
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Markham is offering a free virtual Home Efficiency Retrofit Orientation workshop on October 21. Learn how to improve energy efficiency and save money - learn more and register here. |
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If you wish to cut down any trees in Markham with a trunk diameter of 20 cm (7.8 in) or more, please remember to apply for a permit.
Details can be found here.
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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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What is wrong with some people? Unfortunately there have been a number of cases recently of illegal dumping in the Rouge National Urban Park. Even dumping of yard waste is not allowed. Just because it may be a natural substance doesn't mean it's okay to dump it in the Park. Besides yard waste is picked up at your home - details here.
Do your part to protect the rare ecosystems, wildlife and farmland. Please dispose of waste appropriately. You can drop off your household hazardous waste for free - details here. Report incidents of dumping in the Park to 416.282.1019. |
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The most recent edition of the Markham Small Business Centre's eNewsletter can be read here. It highlights a number of upcoming free seminars, available government programs and other resources for business owners. |
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Learn more and register here. |
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The deadline to apply for the York Region Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund has been extended to October 14.
Don't miss out on this chance to receive up to $10,000 for your business or an initiative that drives innovation in York Region - learn more.
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Upcoming Meetings
- 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 1pm - 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
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General Committee Meeting - November 1 at 9:30am - details
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Budget Committee Meeting - November 2 at 9am - details
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Development Services Public Meeting - November 2 at 7pm - details
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Budget Committee Meeting - November 9 at 9am - details
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Council Meeting - November 9 at 1pm - details
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Water Budget Public Meeting - November 18 at 6:30pm - details
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Property Tax Budget Public Meeting - November 23 at 6:30pm - 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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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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Ladies Night on Main - October 21 - details
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MBT Women's Networking Luncheon - October 26 in person - details
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MBT After 5 Networking - October 28 in person - details
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Unionville Ratepayers AGM - November 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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