November 15 2020
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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On Monday York Region joins several other local GTHA municipalities in the RED category. See below for what that means for us. This Provincial decision brings even more hardship for businesses trying to survive the COVID second wave. It seems that the Province is following the same unsuccessful steps it took previously. My preference is for a targeted approach that seeks out and closes real offenders. We should be looking to other countries that have successfully brought this virus under control.
For those that enjoy wonderful music see the link below to listen to a recent Kindred Spirits Orchestra's broadcast. The KSO never fails to delight its audiences. There's nothing like live concert music!
It was a fun two hours that I spent this week with the Armadale Older Adults Club. This group of seniors had a ZOOMing good time celebrating Diwali, the victory of light over darkness. AOAC meets regularly to talk, have fun and help support each other through this difficult time.
Congratulations to newly appointed City of Markham Fire Chief Adam Grant. He brings experience, leadership and new ideas to the position. Welcome Chief!
A special thanks to long time Unionville residents Wes Rowe and Ray Smylie for operating the Remembrance Day siren at the Unionville Cenotaph. Thanks also to the YRP officers and MP Saroya and Senator Oh for their impromptu appearance. Thank you to the UBIA for placing the wreaths. Hopefully we can return to a more traditional event next year.
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In this issue
- Move to RED Control Level
- Happy Diwali
- York University Open House
- Congrats to New Fire Chief Grant
- Support Local Businesses
- Markham Housing Summit
- Unionville Shirts and Hoodies
- The Sound of Music
- COVID Culture Survey
- Every Action Counts
- C-19: Fact or Fiction?
- Update from MATM
- Markham Remembers
- AOAC Diwali Celebrations
- COVID Compassion
- Leaf Clean-up
- Seniors Supports
- YRFN November Happenings
- What is Close Contact?
- 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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The Government of Ontario has lowered the thresholds for each classification level in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework as a result of the latest modelling showing that if new cases of COVID-19 continue to grow at its current rate, the Province could register up to 6,500 new daily cases by mid-December. Within the next two weeks, the Province will likely exceed its intensive care threshold of 150 beds under any potential scenario.
On Monday November 16, Markham will move from the ORANGE-Restrict to the RED-Control classification as part of York Region's Public Health Unit to help protect the hospital system and to assist in keeping the community safe - learn more.
Indoor dining and gyms will be allowed to operate with patron limits, group limits, patron contact tracing and with health and safety measures in place. Please refer to Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework for complete RED-CONTROL restrictions and recommendations.
City-owned and operated Markham Fitness Centre locations continue to remain closed at this time. The City of Markham is taking a measured approach to reopening, which is guided by the province’s new COVID-19 response framework and the City's Response, Recovery and Reinvention Plan. The health and safety of our visitors, community and staff remains our number one priority.
Residents are encouraged to visit markham.ca/recreation to see what recreational outdoor, in-person and virtual programs are available. The City understands the social, physical and mental health benefits of staying active and engaged. During the pandemic, 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.
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Visit markham.ca/CovidSafety to find out how else you can do your part to stop the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus.
Please continue to follow public health guidelines to limit the spread. Updated gathering limits will be in effect and apply to organized public events, social gatherings, religious services, weddings and funerals. Learn more
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Happy Diwali to all residents who are celebrating. May this Festival of Light fill your life with joy, happiness and prosperity.
This year stay safe by celebrating with only people in your household or virtually with others.
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Join York University for a virtual Open House on November 16 at 7pm to discover more about the new Markham campus, construction plans and future opportunities.
Register and submit a question - here.
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Chief Grant joined Markham Fire and Emergency Services in 2006 and has previously served in the roles of Fire Prevention Officer, Public Education Officer, Chief Fire Prevention Officer and most recently as Deputy Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator. Chief Grant has also been instrumental in leading the City’s Emergency Operations Centre most recently through the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Support Local
It's hard to believe it is already the middle of November and there's signs of the holidays popping up all over the place. This year it's more important than ever to support local stores, services and restaurants. They are following government mandated regulations and are vigilant about providing a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.
Have you noticed the holiday lights on Main Street Unionville or the new holiday chair at the Bandstand? If you take an Instagram worthy photo don't forget to tag @mainstreetunionville. While you're on the street, take a moment to shop at local businesses. Don't forget about Main Street Markham too and all of the other small businesses in Markham.
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On Saturday December 5th Jolly Old St Nick will be joining Facebook Live on Facebook with Main Street Unionville at 11am. Come visit with Santa, virtually of course, where Santa will answer questions from kids and parents alike and while telling funny and entertaining stories. No pre-registration required just hop online on the 5th at 11am.
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Find out about Markham's draft Affordable and Rental Housing Strategy at the Summit - watch live. More information
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Are you holiday shopping? What about a unique gift that will support Markham Stouffville hospital?
These Unionville shirts and hoodies support the MSH Foundation with $5 from each sale going to MSH Foundation.
Click here and get yours today.
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On October 17 the Kindred Spirits Orchestra presented their first live orchestral music symphony concert after the lock-down.
The concert took place at the St. Maurice and St. Verena Cultural Centre in Markham and was broadcasted to a live audience of 50 patrons and live-streamed to an online audience of over 300 art-lovers from Vancouver, Montreal, London, Toronto, and across the GTHA. The concert was made possible with the support of Heritage Canada, Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund and Celebrate Markham. Enjoy a recording of the event - here.
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It's important that we continue to do our part to keep one another safe.
Your vulnerable friends and family are counting on you.
Protect yourself and others.
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If you’re confused about what is true or false about the COVID-19 pandemic, you are certainly not alone. Complex epidemiological information can be difficult to understand and there is a lot of misinformation circulating. More information is available here including answers to these questions:
- Is it true the virus that causes COVID-19 hasn't been identified or isolated?
- Are 50% of the reported COVID-19 cases false positives?
- Is the test for COVID-19 inaccurate and does it test positive for all kinds of reasons other than the presence of COVID-19?
- Does wearing masks cause hypoxia, oxygen deficiency or CO2 intoxication?
Learn more to help you tell fact from fiction when it comes to COVID-19 as we all work together to keep our communities safe and healthy.
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Are you missing your monthly adventures to Markham at the Movies? While they've had to cancel their programming for the next while, there is a new film program from TIFF they wanted you know about. A new series, The Secret Movie Club, will run from November 27 to April 18. It will provide something to watch and enjoy as we stay home and stay safe over the winter months.
The first rule of Secret Movie Club: Tell everyone you know about Secret Movie Club. This digital series showcases the best new independent cinema from highly anticipated festival favourites to the year’s most buzzworthy art-house films plus virtual visits from special guests each month. Subscriptions are available until November 25 - more information.
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November 11th was certainly different this year.
MP Saroya, Senator Oh and I left our poppies at the Unionville Cenotaph. This impromptu and socially distanced gathering. Thanks to YRP for their presence and to Wes and Ray for sounding the siren at 11am.
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It was my pleasure to join the Armadale Older Adults Club in their Diwali celebration. There was singing, dancing and even bad jokes! What a great group of active seniors who haven't let the pandemic stop them. |
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We know those who contract COVID-19 will have physical health effects to deal with, but did you know there can also be serious mental health impacts brought on by feelings of guilt for catching the virus, or worry about being sick or making others sick?
To support one another, something we can all practice is a little COVID compassion. Remember, everyone copes differently and compassion is about helping to lift each other up. Your kindness and understanding can have a big impact on someone else’s day. Read more
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While thick layers of whole leaves can kill grass, mulched leaves break down faster.
Using a lawnmower, shred leaves into small pieces and add to your garden for a nutrient boost and fewer weeds next spring.
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For seniors who may be struggling during COVID-19, there are a number of support programs available. Vulnerable seniors in need of essential services like prepared meals, groceries and other items may be eligible. Learn more
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YRFN's annual soup fundraiser is back! This year they are featuring a Moroccan Spiced Vegetarian Soup in support of United Way Greater Toronto. Place your order by Monday November 16th for contactless pickup on Tuesday November 17th - Wednesday November 18th. To purchase soup - click here.
As the nights are getting longer so let YRFN bring some sunshine into your kitchen on November 19. Cook along with YRFN's own Chef Maxine Knight as she dishes up a three course Caribbean inspired menu. All proceeds raised through this cook along fundraiser will support YRFN's community food programs. More information
Now is the time for all home cooks to show off your culinary skills using leftovers to create new inspired meals. Until the end of November you have a chance to win a fantastic prize - details.
As the weather gets colder, warm up in the kitchen. Check out some of YRFN's other programs:
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order a Good Food Box - high quality fruits and vegetables supporting local suppliers and farmers available twice monthly
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Interested in their Seasonal Spotlight on Garlic? Learn more.
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They're looking for youth to join their Youth Food Committee - more information
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Have questions?
- Students and teacher in the same class
- Siblings in different grades/schools
- Staff who interacted with the case’s class while the case was infectious
- Students on the same bus
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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 16 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
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November 17 - Budget Committee Meeting - 9am - details
- November 18 - Markham Housing Summit 2020 - details
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November 19 - York Region Council - details
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November 23 - Development Services Committee Mtg - 9:30am - details
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November 24 - Markham Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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November 25 - YR Accessibility Advisory Committee - 4pm - details
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November 25 - Budget Public Meeting - 7pm - details
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November 27 - Budget Committee Meeting - 9am - details
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November 30 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - 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
- York University virtual town hall - November 16 at 7pm - details
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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
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Virtual Visit with Santa - December 5 at 11am - details
- MBT virtual Business Excellence Awards - January 28
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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