June 20 2021
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Happy Fathers Day!
Father's Day is almost done but it's still my hope that every father had an very enjoyable day today. I was surprised by a visit from Calgary by my son. He made my day!
The invasion of the gypsy moths continues as people try their best to combat these nuisances. They are everywhere and there's very little the City can do to fight them.
Of special interest to all Thornhill residents, the Development Services Committee viewed preliminary plans for the Shouldice property near Bayview and John. At York Region Council, Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster gave a presentation furthering what appeared to be a commitment to Option 3 that goes under homes. He did say GO-Metrolinx would 'dig deeper' into Option 3. I'm not sure if he meant digging deeper under peoples homes or digging deeper into other options. Please read a summary report from Councillor Keith Irish below.
I dropped by Morgan Pool this weekend to see many moms, dads and kids enjoying themselves. Why not book a visit during these hot summer days!
Next weekend, on June 27th it's Canadian Multiculturalism Day. Please join our Hindu neighbours in celebrating. See below for details.
Have a pleasant week!
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In this issue
- COVID-19 Vaccinations
- The Road to a Full Reopening
- Thornhill - Changes are Coming
- Combatting Gypsy Moths
- National Indigenous Peoples Day
- Morgan Pool is OPEN!
- Get Active
- 12 Artists - 12 Weeks
- Summer Watering
- Protecting Our Seniors
- Seniors Art Therapy
- Culture Camps to Go
- Strawberry Season
- Dogs in the YRF
- Canada Day
- 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 and anyone age 12+ living, working or going to school in York Region is now eligible for their first dose - details. The most current information can be found at york.ca/covid19vaccine.
As it stands now, individuals who live, work or attend school in York Region that received their first dose on or before May 9 are now able to receive their second dose. Appointments can be booked online or by phone by visiting york.ca/covid19vaccine. As of June 23, York Region residents that received their first dose of a mRNA vaccine on or before May 30 will be eligible to book or rebook their second dose appointment - details.
All previously booked second dose appointments will be honoured and will not be cancelled unless a new and earlier appointment is confirmed. More information can be found here.
Today (June 20) York Region announced that there will be additional COVID-19 vaccine appointments for first and second doses - details here. |
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- If you are looking to book an appointment check york.ca/covid19vaccine often as new appointments can appear on short notice and sometimes even on the same day.
- You can see currently available vaccines in real time at vaccine-gta.ca to assist in booking an appointment. Learn how two Markham students developed this tool - read more.
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Vaccine Hunters have also been very active in tracking down vaccine availability on short notice.
Should you need help booking an appointment, please call the number listed under the clinic location on the york.ca/covid19vaccine page or perhaps reach out to one of these local groups that might be able to help: |
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Markham and Stouffville Vaccinates is another community group helping seniors get their vaccination appointments and if needed, help seniors get to their appointments too. If you are a senior and having difficulty securing your first or second vaccine appointment, reach out to this group and they can lend a hand. This free service is offer by a group of local volunteers - more detail here.
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PinkCars is also available to help any seniors that are struggling to get appointments or may have a language barrier. They also offer free rides to and from the vaccination centres should you need one. More information is available on their website, by calling 905.479.8880 or emailing info@pinkcars.ca.
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Along with the sun and warmer weather, York Region is experiencing lower daily cases of COVID-19 and record setting vaccination rates. The Province has cautiously eased public health restrictions and residents can now enjoy the following activities under Step 1:
- Outdoor gatherings with up to 10 people
- Outdoor dining up to four people per table
- Essential retail capacity at 25% and non-essential retail at 15%
- Day camps, campsites and campgrounds
- Religious services, rites and ceremonies with indoor capacity limits of 15% and outdoor capacity limits to allow for physical distancing of 2 metres
Please continue to adhere to all existing public health measures, even after vaccination, to ensure the safety of all members of our communities including maintaining physical distance, capacity limits and wearing face coverings in indoor spaces and whenever physical distancing is a challenge. More detail about what is permitted in Step 1 can be found at york.ca/preventcovid19.
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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The YSNE battle is just one of the issues in Thornhill as there are several large scale development projects on the horizon. To that end, I asked Ward 1 Thornhill Councillor Keith Irish to submit some commentary. Take it away Keith -
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Thornhill is facing significant development pressure. The Provincial Planning Act permits owners of land to entertain any changes, regardless of current zoning, by submitting an amendment to the Official Plan and/or a Zoning By-law amendment application. All municipalities, by law, must consider them.
I have lived in Thornhill 33 years and there have been rumours about redevelopment of the Shouldice Hospital lands that entire time. In fact, the current zoning (Institutional, High Density Residential, and Open Space) for this land was adopted by Markham Council in 1994. It already permits a maximum of 725 units including dwelling units, hotel suites, private hospital beds and a building up to a maximum height of 10 storeys adjacent to Bayview Avenue. This zoning designation supersedes both the 1987 and 2014 Official Plans for the city.
I believe Liberty Development’s current plan to redevelop the site to be incompatible with this part of our community. The buildings are too tall and the density too large considering our local infrastructure, particularly the existing road network and the lack of higher order public transit. Liberty knows that; I told them months ago. And, close to 50 residents did that in-person and 255 others by written submission at the June 15 Statutory Public Meeting.
I examine each development application on its individual merits as well as its context relative to others that I am aware of, such as Timbercreek’s plans to redevelop Thornhill Square, and how it fits or does not fit our broader community. I carefully consider the ability of our local infrastructure to absorb it, the impact it is likely to have on our quality of life and natural environment, as well as its compatibility with the fabric of our established Thornhill neighbourhoods that we all cherish.
Markham Council is a long way from making a decision on this development application and Timbercreek’s. The work continues.
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I'm sure you've already noticed but this Summer, the European Gypsy Moth, Lymantria dispar dispar (LDD), is infesting Markham trees and also trees in many other parts of Canada, the United States and Mexico for a second year. This is a natural part of the LDD’s lifecycle which includes a very noticeable population boom every 7 to 10 years.
The City of Markham uses a sustainable approach to managing LDD that combines biological, cultural and physical factors to control a specific pest in a way that minimizes impacts to others. At this time, the City has not sprayed affected trees as a method of control.
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This Spring, the City sent staff to manually remove and destroy LDD egg masses from approximately 6,000 City street trees and encouraged residents to do the same for trees on their property.
LDD caterpillars prefer to feed on oak tree leaves but they will also eat the leaves of many other species including maple, elm, birch, poplar and willow trees.
The damaging caterpillar stage lasts for about seven weeks. At this time the caterpillars will crawl down the tree to hide from natural predators during the day, and then crawl back up the tree to eat at night. From now until August, residents can trap the caterpillars by burlap banding trees. It is important to check underneath the burlap every afternoon and put the trapped caterpillars into a bucket of soapy water for a day or two before putting them in the garbage. Remember to wear gloves to prevent skin irritation and reactions. See video below on how to burlap band your trees.
While caterpillars are a food source for many animals such as squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, skunks, birds and other insects, they will not be able to eat all the caterpillars.
Even if caterpillars end up eating most of the leaves on your tree, it is still alive and will try to produce more leaves later this year or store up energy to try again next year. You can help by watering the trees on your property to encourage new leaves to grow.
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In the late Summer and Fall, the LDD caterpillars will turn into moths and lay more egg masses. From August to April, scrape their egg masses off the trees and soak them in soapy water for a day or two before putting them in the garbage. Every egg mass that you can remove means less caterpillars the next spring.
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Monday June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. A day of all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
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Morgan Outdoor Pool is
NOW OPEN!
Book your public swims, lessons, aquafit and private rentals.
New time slots released every Monday at 8am.
No drop-ins. Space is limited.
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Enjoy the summer weather and make sure to get active safely.
Support your mental, emotional and physical well being and get outdoors.
Take a walk, ride a bike, go on a hike, a trip to the park.... the list is long but get active. More ideas and information can be found at markham.ca/getactive. |
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The Markham Group of Artists are currently showing their abstract artwork at the new Terrace by Draco at the Toronto Marriott Markham until Labour Day. MGA artists are so excited to finally be able to show their work in a physical space for the first time in over a year. Enjoy a refreshing drink while viewing an exhibition of their paintings. Twelve MGA artists will each be displaying their work in pairs over two weeks. This is your opportunity to view up close affordable abstract art created by local artists. The Terrace by Draco is open from 3pm to 10pm daily and it is best to make a reservation .
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Did you know that outdoor summer activities such as watering lawns nearly doubles water demand?
There are ways to use less water on a day to day basis. Find out how much water you are using and learn tips on how to use less - details here.
As a reminder, here are the details for the City of Markham's outdoor water use bylaw which is now in effect:
- Outdoor water-use is allowed between 6am and 9am or 6pm and 9pm on odd/even days but not both - your day is determined by your house number
- 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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Every day York Regional Police Senior Safety Officers work closely with social workers and others to keep senior members of our community safe through crime prevention and education.
Learn more about how you can protect yourself and loved ones and the programs that are available through YRP.
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Attention Seniors! The Markham Arts Council is offering free art therapy classes . The creative process can foster self-esteem and self-awareness, promote insight, and support cognitive functions, among other benefits for wellbeing. Spots are filling up fast - register now. |
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Building on the success and expertise of last year, the Flato Markham Theatre is once again offering their Camps To Go programs for ages 6 - 15. There will be 4 virtual camp sessions which are live interactive and hands-on daily programs ranging in length from 1 - 2 hours, Monday to Friday at the same daily meet up time. Professional camp staff engage and interact with campers through a variety of fun, educational and interactive performing arts activities relating to the performance of the camp. All content required for rehearsals, crafts, games is provided.
Engage, connect and perform in safe, high-quality programs designed for summer fun. There's something for everyone - more detail. |
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It's strawberry season again! 🍓
York Region has plenty of farms where you can pick your own or grab a pre-packaged basket to go.
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Feedback is encouraged from all forest visitors, not just dog owners.
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It's hard to believe that it's quickly approaching July 1st and Canada Day.
This year Canada Day will once again be celebrated safely through the City's virtual celebration plus there are other activities planned. Colour, cut and paste, test your knowledge of Canadian provinces or make a tasty treat. Learn more - markham.ca/CanadaDay. |
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Other items
Eat, Play, Stay and Save when you d iscover all that Markham has to offer with your My Markham Savings Pass. This mobile exclusive passport is a collection of curated local attractions, retailers and restaurants offering deals and discounts to redeem in Markham. You will also have a chance to win - learn more.
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On Saturday, Reid McAlpine, Ward 3 Councillor, and I attended the opening of JW Cosmetics, a new shop on Main Street Unionville.
JW Cosmetics is a new family-owned Canadian cosmetics retailer focusing on customer service, professional services and are an official authorized retailer for over 30 domestic and international brands. Stop by the store at 155 Main Street the next time you're on Unionville Main Street.
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There is more information available about this meeting in Ward 1 Councillor Keith Irish's most recent edition of his newsletter. |
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The Markham Economic Development office this week published their latest update - read it here. It outlines upcoming events and seminars, recent government announcements and additional opportunities and resources. |
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- Outdoor and Virtual Fitness
- Rec Programs
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Outdoor public swimming, lessons, aquafit and private rentals at Morgan Pool - markham.ca/swimming
- Pop-Up Park Program
- Culture Camps
- Virtual Library Programs and Camps
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The Markham Public Library has offered numerous programs and have continued to be a source of entertainment for many during COVID-19.
Are you curious what Markham has been reading over the last year? Here is the list of the most popular books by checkouts - details here.
MPL continues to offer curbside service and a vast array of online courses, entertainment and other resources - have a look.
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The Markham Board of Trade with support from the City has 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 to access these kits. More information about this program can be found here. |
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June 27 marks the 50th anniversary of Canadian Multiculturalism Day. It serves as is an opportunity for all Canadians to celebrate our diversity, inclusion, equal opportunity and mutual respect. We can appreciate the linguistic and cultural diversity each one of us brings and the way it has enriched us.
One of the events for the day has been organized by the United Hindus Federation of Canada. For information, please visit their website at UHFCAN.com. You can join their virtual celebration which is scheduled to start at 6pm - click here to join the event.
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Are you ready to take the Shop Local YR challenge to support local businesses? There are over 50,000 York Region businesses that are ready and waiting to safely welcome you back as we slowly move to the reopening of the economy. They have had a tough go of it since last year. Now is the time to get out and support these businesses that call Markham and York Region home. Learn more
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There will be an online open house on June 23 to learn more about the project the microtunnelling construction method and the details of the new sanitary sewer that will be installed in the Yonge Street, Highway 7 and Bayview Avenue area this summer. The project is needed to accommodate the anticipated population growth in the area - more information. Join the online open house here at york.ca/waterconstruction.
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This week Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region’s Medical Officer of Health, announced his retirement effective September 30. Dr. Kurji initially planned his retirement for early 2020 but when the pandemic was declared he postponed retirement to help lead York Region’s Public Health response - more information.
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Protect yourself and others and place used masks, gloves and wipes which are considered hazardous waste in the garbage.
While it should go without saying, don’t flush them either if you want to avoid costly repairs.
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Water and Wastewater Open House - From the comfort of your own home, you can participate in the online Open House from June 24 to July 8 at york.ca/waterplan. Learn more about York Region’s plans to continue providing safe, cost-efficient and reliable water and wastewater services to residents, businesses and communities. More information about this project including the details from the prior Open Houses can be found here.
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All Markham splash pads are now open.
Beat the heat and cool down at one of splash pads in a local park.
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Once again this week there have been a number of new subscribers. Welcome!
The DME continues to be my weekly effort to update the residents of Markham on various topics in the City and across York Region. I hope that all readers find something of interest each week. If there is something that you would like covered in the DME or you are a part of a group that would like a shout-out, please send more information by a reply email.
Please feel free to forward the DME to other Markham residents that you think may find it of interest. New readers are always appreciated and can sign up here.
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as of June 18 2021 at 11:00am - 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 includes suspect and confirmed cases in schools. The interactive dashboard has moved to a 5 day a week reporting model 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.
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Upcoming Meetings
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June 21 - Development Services Meeting - 9:00am - details
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June 21 - Thornhill Yonge & Grandview Park Open House - 6pm - details
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June 22 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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June 23 - YR Accessibility Committee - 4pm - details
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June 24 - Regional Council Meeting - 9am - details
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June 28 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
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June 29 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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July 12 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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July 13 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
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July 14 - Council Meeting - 1pm - 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
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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