February 14 2021
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Right or Wrong?
This week Markham Council supported two Minister's Zoning Orders ( MZO's). The first MZO was justified and was for a long term care and seniors facility near Apple Creek and Woodbine. The second was in the far north of Markham on agricultural land near 19th and Markham Road. I thank RC Heath and Councillors McAlpine, Irish and Rea who voted with me against this MZO. Thank you to both City and Regional staff and the many deputants who also did not support this MZO. I'm afraid that the MZO floodgates may well have been opened in the City. MZO's bypass crucial public involvement in the regular planning process.
I've had neighbours tell me of coyotes approaching them and their pets as they are out walking in parks or ravine areas. One resident sent pictures of her family dog that had been attacked by a coyote. Very sad. Councillor Irish from Ward 1 in Thornhill also has had coyotes confront him as he was out with his dogs. Please take care when out walking in areas where coyotes might be living. See below for tips in dealing with coyotes.
I want to say a personal thank you to Regional Councillor Jack Heath who has devoted much of his professional and personal time and energy to establishing the Rouge National Urban Park. Take a look at the Park update below. Well done Jack!
Stay well, stay safe.
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In this issue
- Stay Safe Stay Home
- Transmission of C19 Variants
- Back to School
- Coyotes - Be Aware
- Canadian Flag Day
- Tell MGA What You Think
- Guide to Calling 911
- Did You Know
- Swan Lake Survey
- MATM - Watch from Home
- Rouge Park Update
- Pathway Pilot Feedback
- Family Day Fun
- YRF Update
- Library Programs
- Fantastic Field Finds-
- Other Items
- 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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Although the State of Emergency has ended, Markham and York Region still remains u nder the emergency Stay Home order until at least February 22 - more detail here.
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Looking for information on the COVID-19 vaccination rollout including a calculator to estimate when you might receive your COVID-19 vaccine? Visit york.ca/covid19vaccine
Responsibilities:
- Federal Government: Ordering Vaccine
- Provincial Government: Distributing Vaccine
- Hospitals and York Region Public Health: Administering Vaccine
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Transmission of COVID-19 variants is occurring in York Region and in other neighbouring communities across the Province. Many of the confirmed cases of the B.1.1.7 variant in York Region have shown no connection to travel, meaning there is evidence of local transmission of the variant in our communities. These variants of concern transmit between people more easily and spread more rapidly than the original strain of COVID-19.
COVID-19 is most commonly spread from an infected person through respiratory droplets, close and prolonged personal contact or by touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands. The virus is not known to spread easily through air, ventilation systems or through water.
You can reduce the transmission of the more contagious COVID-19 variants by continuing to diligently follow public health measures and by staying home, except for essential reasons, such as going to work, grocery shopping or going to a medical appointment.
Household members of someone with COVID-19 symptoms or who are self-isolating as a close contact should stay home. Residents who are unable to safely self-isolate in their own home may be eligible for York Region’s COVID-19 Voluntary Isolation Centre. Eligible residents can recover at the Voluntary Isolation Centre without having to worry about spreading COVID-19 to their family, loved ones or roommates.
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Starting Tuesday York Region elementary and secondary schools will re-open for in-person learning. York Region is working closely with the school boards and taking all appropriate steps for the health, safety and well-being of our school community. This includes updating screening guidance and implementing more stringent protocols. More information can be found here.
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This week I received an email from one of my neighbours advising that he had encountered a coyote while he was out walking his dog in a local park. We have also heard coyotes howling at night from our home. There is a definite need to be extra cautious.
Markham is home to a variety of wild animals including foxes, rats, coyotes and more. To ensure a peaceful co-existence:
- Do not leave food outside
- Do not put green bins out too early
- Do not leave small pets outdoors unattended
If you do encounter a coyote who does not run away immediately, you can do the following:
- Make noise, yell, clap your hands, stomp and wave your arms
- Do not approach the animal
- Carry a whistle or noisemaker if you are walking in known habitat areas.
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On February 15 1965, the red and white Canadian flag was officially raised for the very first time on Parliament Hill at 12 noon. Learn more
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The Markham Group of Artists is celebrating their 40th year! Over the years, MGA has contributed to the vibrant culture of the community through their art shows and sales, workshops, demonstrations, painting mosaics, and art talks.
As they plan ahead for 2021 and beyond, there’s no better time for you to tell MGA what you are looking for in a community visual arts group. Take a few minutes to complete their survey and let them know how they can serve you better. Complete the survey here. If you have any questions, contact MGA directly at markhamartists@gmail.com.
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Over the next few months, City of Markham Council will establish long term goals for Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park. Council asked staff to report back in 2021 addressing ideas for a park improvement program, the establishment of long term water quality guidelines and a long term Fish Management program for Swan Lake.
During 2020, Markham Council recognized the need to address some critical issues in Swan Lake Park and authorized four programs:
- a chemical treatment in spring of 2021, to provide some immediate improvement in water quality in Swan Lake
- a stronger geese management program to reduce the number of Canada Geese
- a park refresh program that will address some of the invasive plant species in the Park
- improved pedestrian safety by adding sidewalks around the Swan Lake Boulevard traffic circle.
More information on these programs and the issues facing Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park is available at friendsofswanlakepark.ca.
Critical to defining a park improvement program or setting water quality goals is to first clarify what is the community role for the Park and Lake. You can help by completing the Park Improvement Survey. The results from this survey will be shared with Council. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of both Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park.
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While the Flato Markham Theatre remains closed and MATM regular programming will need to wait, they have shared some suggestions. While it's a bit late for these Valentine's Day suggestions, all of these films will provide some enjoyment to watch from home during these cold winter days:
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Rouge National Urban Park which is partially located in Markham is one of Canada’s national parks and national historic sites. It offers a great opportunity to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of being outdoors and in nature. The RNUP and all other Parks Canada locations are following all public health advice and best practices to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Read more
- current situation in RNUP - details
- while wandering through the Rouge, it's important to remember that wildlife lives there including coyotes and perhaps even black bears - please take a moment to read these wildlife safety tips - here
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there is no winter maintenance on the trails in the RNUP. Icy trails are a hazard in the park and sturdy footwear is recommended. More winter hiking tips can be found here
- currently the RNUP is planning improvements to the Rouge Beach area - learn more and provide your input here
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ice safety - RNUP does NOT monitor ice surfaces or mark potential hazards. Ice conditions can change quickly and ice thickness may vary across a single body of water - know the dangers of ice
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Why not spread your wings and try birding in your own backyard, neighbourhood or even out your window? Follow RNUP's backyard birding 101 guide - details here.
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You could win a $25 gift card. As a result of the 2019 Winter Maintenance Council Review, a new City-wide Pathway Winter Maintenance Pilot Program was introduced for the 2020-2021 Winter season. Under this program, one pedestrian pathway in each ward is being cleared of snow, salted and sanded.
Please share your feedback on this project here. Your feedback will be reviewed by the Operations team and will be presented to Council for review and recommendation in 2021. Have you had an opportunity to take a walk on these pathways? Here are the locations:
- Ward 1 - Royal Orchard Park from Kirk Drive to Royal Orchard Boulevard
- Ward 2 - Ashton Meadow Park from Calvert Road to Rachel Crescent
- Ward 3 - Quantztown Park from Carlton Rd to Houndsbrook Crescent
- Ward 4 - Robinson Park from Lincoln Green Drive to Robinson Street
- Ward 5 - Nicholas Miller Park from Appleview Road to Alfred Paterson Drive
- Ward 6 - John Baird Woods Park from Mingay Avenue to Prebble Drive
- Ward 7 - Featherstone Park from Middlefield Road to Featherstone Avenue
- Ward 8 - Milliken Mills Park from Milliken Meadows Drive to Milliken Mills Community Centre
- A gravel pathway in Milne Dam Conservation Park is also included as part of this pilot which will run from inside the McCowan Road gate to the East end of the parking lot.
While the pathways are being cleared, please be cautious as winter weather conditions can change quickly and there may still be some ice and snow on the pathways. Also ensure you wear appropriate footwear for walking in inclement weather.
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Tomorrow is Family Day in Ontario. As we continue to follow public health measures, it’s important to stay connected with others in a safe and physically distanced way.
- Get outside! Go for a walk, build a snow sculpture or appreciate the outdoors through a nature hike
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Create ice suncatchers for the birds in your backyard using twigs, birdseed and pinecones (look for the twigs and pinecones on your nature hike)
- Have an indoor picnic with your family’s favourite foods
- Enjoy a great action movie with family and friends using a sharing app to watch the movie together
- Host a family game night, including inviting those outside your household to join in virtually
- Call an older relative or friend and ask about stories from their youth – and then put the stories in writing for them to share
- Go online to find a recipe you’ve never tried before and get everyone involved in the cooking (and clean up!)
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Keep your hands toasty by making DIY handwarmers
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Sustainable tree harvesting has begun at the Bendor and Graves Tract until February 26. The removal of larger trees allows more light, water and other resources to reach native plants and trees underneath.
If you are using the trails, you are reminded to stay clear of equipment and operations - details.
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Do you suffer from mathematics anxiety? Join the Scholars' Hub for "a family-oriented approach to teaching mathematics" for a discussion on Wednesday - details.
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Other items
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In addition to their Good Food Challenge, here are some of the other upcoming events from the York Region Food Network:
- Food Stories - February 18 at 6:30pm - details
- Global Gourmet - cook along and learn how to make your own vegetarian Jamaican patty - February 19 at 10am - details
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Food for the Future - A panel discussion on environment and food - February 23 at 1pm - details
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YRFN Lunch Table - One Pot Meals - February 24 at 11am - details
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The BIPOC Cookbook Club will be diving into 'Provisions the Roots of Caribbean Cooking" on February 26 at 7pm - details.
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From the Markham Board of Trade
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How to build an Instagram and Facebook strategy that converts, grow and maintain a digital community - February 22 at 2:30pm - details
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The Ontario Business Support Grant program has been extended to allow businesses to apply for rebates - details
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Canada 360° Economic Summit hardest hit sectors event - February 17 - details
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From Metrolinx - Powering Up - Why an updating of electric transit may create the tracks forward for Metrolinx
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Upcoming FREE workshops for Markham Business - click here for more information and to register
- February 22 - How to Grow and Maintain a Digital Community
- February 23 - Social Media Strategy Mapping
- March 8 - Building Brand Awareness with Google 1
- March 22 - Building Brand Awareness with Google 2
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as of February 12, 2021 at 7pm - 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 C19 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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February 16 - General Committee Meeting - details
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February 16 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
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February 18 - York Region Education Session - 9am - details
- February 22 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
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February 23 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
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February 24 - YR Accessibility Advisory Committee - 4pm - details
- February 25 - York Region Council Meeting - 9am - details
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March 1 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
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March 3 - Housing York - 9am - details
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March 3 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
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March 4 - Committee of the Whole - Budget Presentations - 9am - details
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March 8 - Development Services Committee - 9:30am - details
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March 9 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
- March 11 - Committee of the Whole - Budget Presentations - 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
As new events are scheduled they will be added to the list.
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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