November 8 2020
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Thank You and We'll Miss You
We learned today of the death of Canadian Alex Trebek from pancreatic cancer at 80 years of age. He was the long time host of Jeopardy! He's been a part of many homes nightly television program schedule. I know our family will miss him very much.
This week marks Remembrance Day. Please take the time to visit a Cenotaph located in Markham Village and Unionville and place your poppy on one of the wreaths. Please join me in honouring our fallen armed forces members.
Although I looked foolish putting my snow tires on this week, I don't think that this warm weather can hold for much longer. Check out the roads report below in preparation for Winter in Markham.
I wish all of our Hindus, Sikhs and Jains a very Happy Diwali season. May Peace and Good Health be a part of your life always.
The City of Markham Budget Committee continues to look at its spending needs for 2021. I am doing everything I can to try and keep the tax rate increase as low as possible.
Halloween just behind us, I wanted to say a BIG thank you to Juanita and Peter of Main Street Unionville for their annual Halloween pirate ship presentation. This lavish display brings people from near and far to enjoy Halloween fun. It's a lot of work and is appreciated by everyone in Unionville.
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In this issue
- Lest We Forget
- COVID : Orange Level
- Winter Road Maintenance
- On Street Parking
- Drop the Rake!
- MAC Upcoming Programs
- Get Your Flu Shot
- What Can Drivers See at Night?
- YR Arts Council Update
- Diwali Celebration
- Join the Force
- Support Local
- Markham Budget 2021
- YRF - Adventure Awaits
- MGA Art Show
- Update from MP Saroya
- MBT Update
- Understanding New COVID Rules
- Woodbine and 19th Avenue
- Volunteer Markham
- 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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Click here to read the previous edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
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Every year Canadians gather at Remembrance Day ceremonies to honour our surviving Veterans and to remember those who fell answering the call of duty. This year, to protect our Veterans and our community from COVID-19, the City will mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II virtually - details here. There will also be other commemorative initiatives across Markham.
Although we can't gather this year for Remembrance Day commemorations, there are many ways to pay tribute to our Veterans. To provide social distancing space and time to reflect on our freedoms as Canadians this year, you are invited to visit Markham’s memorial sites during Remembrance Week, from November 7 to 14, to place a poppy and pay your respects to our veterans. The memorial sites are:
This year the City continues to host the Veterans’ Memorial Banners Program. Commemorative banners of both former and active service members are installed on street poles in Markham Village. This year the program has been extended to Thornhill where seventeen banners can be seen along Yonge Street from Elgin Street to Thornhill Summit Drive highlighting Veterans with roots in Thornhill. Each banner bears a veteran’s photograph, their name and era of service.
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Earlier this week, the Ontario Provincial government released its COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open to ensure public health measures are targeted, incremental and responsive while keeping schools and businesses open, maintaining health system capacity and protecting vulnerable people. The City continues to monitor and follow advice from public health officials at the federal, provincial and regional levels.
The new framework came into effect yesterday and works by categorizing public health unit regions across Ontario into one of five classification levels: Green-Prevent, Yellow-Protect, Orange-Restrict, Red-Control and Lockdown being a measure of last and urgent resort.
Markham has moved from Modified Stage 2 to the Orange-Restrict classification level as part of the York Region’s Public Health unit region. Specific details of the new restrictions can be found here.
Indoor dining and gyms are now reopened with slight modifications to health and safety measures. City-owned and operated Markham Fitness Centre locations will remain closed at this time and will continue to provide fitness services through virtual programming. The City is taking a responsible and measured approach to reopening guided by Ontario’s new COVID-19 response framework and the Markham's Response, Recovery and Reinvention Plan. The health and safety of the community and staff remains the City's number one priority.
There are social, physical and mental health benefits of staying active and engaged as we are faced with COVID restrictions. The City will continue to provide fun, educational, creative and active programs for all ages that are adapted to ensure the health and safety of participants. Residents are encouraged to visit markham.ca/recreation to see what recreational outdoor, in-person and virtual programs are available.
It is critically important that we each continue to do our part to keep one another safe. Visit markham.ca/CovidSafety to find out how else you can do your part to stop the spread of the coronavirus. For more information and updates about COVID-19 and affected City services, visit markham.ca/covid19. Now is not the time to let your guard down.
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While we have been experiencing some warm weather over the last few days, we all know that at some point, winter will be here with a bang.
This winter, Markham will launch a new City wide Pathway Winter Maintenance Pilot Program where one pedestrian pathway in each the eight wards will be cleared of snow, salted and sanded - details here. This pilot program resulted from the 2019 Winter Maintenance Council Review. It's one of the ways the City is encouraging residents to stay active and explore Markham during winter. Residents can share their feedback here.
Markham's winter maintenance services meet, and in many areas exceed, provincial legislative service standards. Crews work hard to maintain and clear a network of more than 2,100 km of road and more than 1,100 km of sidewalk to make Markham streets and neighbourhoods safe.
The City uses weather monitoring technology and science-based practices to monitor roads before, during, and after bad weather to adjust to conditions and to ensure public safety. There are 241 personnel on standby 24/7, 146 snow plows, 32 salt trucks and 53 sidewalk plows under contract to the City.
Road plowing in residential areas starts at the end of the snowfall if snow reaches 7.5 centimetres (the length of a bank card or 3 inches) deep, and is usually complete within 12 to 16 hours after the end of a snowfall. Sidewalk plowing begins when snow reaches 5 centimetres (the length of a house key or 2 inches) deep, and is completed within 24 hours after the end of a snowfall.
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Snow clearing starts with the largest, busiest roads, known as arterial or primary roads, that connect critical services such as hospitals, ambulances, fire stations, police and GO stations when snow reaches 3 centimetres (the length of a paper clip or 1.2 inches). Once clear, these main roads allow plows to reach secondary roads that serve schools, libraries, community centres, industrial and commercial areas. Finally, the plows can reach local roads and lanes which are usually residential areas. |
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If you do not see plows immediately after a snowfall, please be patient and check the Winter Maintenance App at markham.ca/Winter to find out your road status.
After plowing, it is normal for some snow to be left on the surface of roads and lanes especially on local roads. Busy moving traffic on busy arterial and secondary roads helps melt the snow, creating a bare surface faster than residential roads with less traffic. It is still safe to drive on snow-covered roads as long as drivers drive according to weather and road conditions. Slow down and give yourself extra time to arrive at your destination safely. Brine, salt and sand are used to prevent roads from becoming icy. Remember, salt is only effective at temperatures of -12 degrees Celsius and above.
What can you do to keep yourself and our community safe?
- Clear snow away from fire hydrants and catch basins if you can do so safely.
- Push snow away from the street. Pushing snow onto the street makes it unsafe for drivers and pedestrians in your neighbourhood and it's illegal.
- Park on the odd numbered side of the street from November 15 to April 15.
- If there is a snow storm or snowfall, you must remove your parked car from the road even if you have a permit. Plows are too big to squeeze past parked cars, delaying snow clearing for everyone.
There is help for seniors and persons with disabilities. If everyone in your household is a senior (60 years of age or older) or a person with a disability (12 to 60 years of age), you can apply for Markham's Snow Windrow Removal Assistance Program.
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As a reminder between November 15 and April 15, street parking is only allowed on the odd numbered side of the street (unless existing parking signs state otherwise). Please note however that all parking, including permitted parking, is not allowed during snow clearance operations. It is important to watch the weather and plan accordingly as you can be fined $150 for blocking or interfering with snow removal. City plows cannot effectively clear the streets when cars are parked on the road and it can also make access by firefighters and emergency personnel very difficult.
Parking is not allowed on Markham streets between 2:30am and 6am at any time of the year although exceptions can be granted for driveway repairs and overnight guests - details here.
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This fall, there are many reasons to leave fallen leaves on the ground and in garden beds. Leaf litter returns nutrients to the soil, helps protect roots from the extreme cold, provides shelter to beneficial insects and so much more. Learn more from LEAF.
However, if you do chose to clean up your leaves please remember Markham by-laws prohibit you from blowing or leaving leaves on streets, City property or anyone else's property. Leaves can be collected into yard waste bags or containers and placed by the curb for collection. The City has now started weekly pick up of yard waste - details here. Residents are reminded to keep the street in front of their home clean of debris and leaves. |
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Markham Arts Council continues to adapt their regular programming to virtual events.
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Remembrance Day - join Textile Artist Elina Ten as she shows you how to make Remembrance Day poppies using eco-friendly fibres and textile materials. Check out the tutorial here.
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Healing Dance - join MAC for the last two sessions of Healing Dance for 2020 with the wonderful Munni Subhani on November 10 and November 24 at 10:30am. Register here for these sessions.
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Artist Unplugged Web Series - join MAC every Thursday at 12.30 pm for an episode of Artist Unplugged featuring artists from Markham and York Region to showcase the diversity and inclusivity of the Region. Support local artists during these challenging and unprecedented times - details here.
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Reducing the spread of the flu is more important than ever as we battle the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Protect yourself and the people around you from the flu and help reduce the strain on health care systems currently responding to COVID-19 by getting your flu vaccine as soon as you are able.
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Are you visible? Now that our clocks have moved back, the evenings are getting darker and drivers need to be on high-alert for walkers and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists should wear bright or light-coloured clothing, to make sure they are visible to drivers.
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This month YRAC is accepting applications from York Region artists and arts workers for 2 programs.
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Arts Mentorship Program is a chance to connect, learn and grow through a one on one mentorship with an experienced artist within their discipline. Further information about the program and how to apply can be found here. Applications are being accepted until December 6.
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Micro Grant Program is an opportunity for York Region based artists and arts workers to receive funding to produce and create their work. YRAC identified a gap in the funding available to artists in York Region and they are committed to filling this gap by providing artists and arts workers with funds that will support their career development, offer opportunities for new work to be created, serve underrepresented communities, and advance professional arts in York Region. Applications are being accepted until November 29 - details.
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Join the Diwali celebrations organized by the Armadale Older Adult Club. Diwali, a festival of lights, symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.” Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated every autumn and after the conclusion of the summer harvest. Millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world celebrate the festival, which also coincides with the Hindu New Year.
The AOAC represents members from many different backgrounds, cultures, ethnicity, language and religion. Diwali is a time to share with each other and remember that light always triumphs over darkness. During these unprecedented times, festivals like Diwali, hold special significance in bringing all people together.
So please join them for a virtual Diwali celebration on Zoom with live streaming on their Facebook page on November 12 between 10am - 12pm. The program will feature performances by club members, which will include traditional dances, skits, jokes and speeches describing the significance of Diwali.
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Learn about the steps you need to take to earn a constable's badge at YRP. More information can be found here. |
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There has never been a better time to support local Ontario businesses. Ontario is home to some of the world's greatest manufacturers and 750,000 workers. Visit supportontariomade.ca to make informed purchasing decisions, search through product categories, and discover where to buy Ontario-made goods.
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Do you ever wonder how your tax dollars will be used? The Property Tax and Water Budget supports City operations and more than 40 services. Join the Markham Budget 2021 discussion by attending one of our virtual meetings or listen online.
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Planning a hike in the York Region Forest? Find out more about the 21 tracts that are ready for you to explore. |
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MGA's first year of Plein Air painting was a resounding success! After weeks of isolation, it was a joy to meet safely with other artists, enjoy nature, and stretch our creative muscles. MGA is celebrating this popular new initiative with an online art show featuring the wonderful work from this year's outdoor sessions. Artists were out and about Markham painting lovely scenes. See if you can recognize any of the locations in their online art show running until November 14.
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As the COVID pandemic has made it more difficult to meet with constituents in person to discuss issues, Bob will hosting a virtual fall open house on November 12 at 7pm. Any resident of Markham-Unionville is welcome to attend. Bob will be sharing an update on his work in Ottawa and will answer any questions you may have. Register here - more detail including the Zoom passcode will be sent out closer to the date.
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They continue to offer their After 4 networking events for members and like all other meetings now this event is taking place on Zoom. Join other local businesses and November 26 at 4pm - details here. |
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Do you have questions about how the new COVID-19 guidelines impact your business? Join a conversation to share your concerns and get answers from leaders in public health, business, HR and and other professionals. This free YRBiz webinar session will focus on clarifying the new framework and how it applies to your business.
A short presentation will be followed by a Q&A session - Thursday November 12th from 12pm - 1pm - register now.
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York Region is working to improve the safety of our roads for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. New traffic signals along 19th Avenue at Kennedy, Warden and Woodbine are being installed.
Two right turn on red prohibitions will be implemented at the intersection of Woodbine Avenue and 19th Avenue to improve safety for travellers. The right turn on red prohibitions will avoid collisions between right turning vehicles and opposing left turning traffic in the eastbound and westbound directions. The turn prohibitions will be implemented the second week in November when the new traffic signals are operational.
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The latest edition of their bi-monthly newsletter outlines the work done by their volunteers and their "first time ever" collaboration with all the GTA Volunteer Centres. Volunteer Markham is now working on emergency winter needs and highlighting other volunteering opportunities in the community. Find out new ways to get involved! - details here
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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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Upcoming Meetings
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November 9 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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November 10 - Budget Committee Meeting - 9am - details
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November 10 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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November 12 - Water and Waste Water Rate Public Mtg - 6:30pm - details
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November 13 - Budget Committee Meeting - 9am - details
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November 16 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
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November 17 - Budget Committee Meeting - 9am - details
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November 17 - Development Services Public Meeting - details
- November 18 - Markham Housing Summit 2020 - details
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November 19 - York Region Council - 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 session is available here.
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Community Meetings and Events
As new events are scheduled they will be added to the list.
- Markham Public Art Summit - Tuesday weekly to December 8 - details
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AOAC Diwali Celebration - November 12 - 10am - here
- York University virtual town hall - November 16 at 7pm
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Markham Housing Summit - November 18 at 9am - details
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MBT After 4 Networking - November 26 at 4pm - 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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