March 21 2021
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange

Join Markham City Council tomorrow morning at 9am for the proposed Yonge Subway extension presentation by Metrolinx. I can tell you that Thornhill Ward 1 Councillor Keith Irish is not happy with the proposal. In a letter he sent to his residents he outlines details of the proposal that suggests tunneling under existing Thornhill homes. See below for his complete letter.

Last week York Region Council dealt with the proposal for a new major highway that would link Hwy 401 to Hwy 400 by going north then east of Vaughan. In spite of opposition from other municipalities including the City of Toronto and Vaughan's own Council, the vote passed 14-7 in favour of Hwy 413 proceeding. Interestingly enough, Vaughan's Regional Councillors all supported the new highway in spite of their own local Councillors being in opposition.

Tuesday morning there will be a major presentation on the Markham Centre Secondary Plan Update. Part of the update will include proposed heights of buildings yet to be built in Markham Centre. I've already been asked to meet with an affected developer. What do you think they would like to talk with me about?

We will likely be completing the budget process at York Region Council on Thursday. It's still up in the air whether we will settle on a 1.54%, 1% or 0% tax rate increase at the Regional level. Since York Region accounts for 50% of your tax bill this discussion will be important.

Get out and support your local restaurants as they now have additional capacity for patrons. See details below.

Stay positive - test negative.

In this issue
- COVID-19 Vaccinations
- A Bit of Good News
- Yonge Street Subway Extension
- Yard Waste Collection
- Ward 4 eNewsletter
- Gypsy Moths
- Slow Down
- Have Your Voice Heard
- Bee Happy
- Pedestrian Crossovers
- Please Be Kind
- Kennedy Road
- Styrofoam Recycling
- LEAF Update
- Many Faces of Markham
- MGA Spring Update
- Markham Centre Presentation
- Best Parks in Markham
- Happenings with MBT
- Other Items
- Markham C19 Report
- YR C19 Dashboard
- Upcoming Meetings
- York Region Update
- Community Meetings and Events
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.
Click here to read the previous edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.

This week the guidelines changed to include residents 75+ years of age and eligible health care workers. Also, a new site opened in Markham at the Aaniin Community Centre.

As the rollout continues, York Region marked 100,000 vaccines administered. All updates and information including the details on the AstraZeneca vaccine being given at pharmacies, can be found at york.ca/covid19vaccine.
  • The interval between the first and second dose has been extended to 16 weeks. By extending the time between doses, health authorities aim to maximize the number of people benefitting from the first dose of the vaccine. Read more


  • Approximately 75% of residents 80+ and 5.5% of residents age 75-79 having now received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. There are approximately 35,000 York Region residents aged 75-79 years and with the increased vaccine supply it is anticipated that the majority of this priority group should be vaccinated within 10 days. 
 
  • Working with community partners, local hospitals and the Central LHIN, York Region will begin vaccinations of homebound individuals and individuals receiving homecare the week of March 22. For more information about this initiative, please contact Access York at 1.877.464.9675. It will take some time to reach the more than 3,000 homebound residents in York Region. If homebound residents or those receiving homecare do have the ability to move, it is recommend they consider booking an appointment at one of York Region’s upcoming drive-thru clinics.
 
  • This week a successful pilot drive-thru clinic was hosted at Canada’s Wonderland and it provided 459 vaccines to homebound individuals as a 168 vehicles visited the clinic. York Region anticipates this clinic will be open for appointments on March 29.
 
  • With vaccine supplies expected to increase in the coming weeks, more York Region-led clinics will open for vaccine appointments, including additional drive-thru clinics. As always, york.ca/covid19vaccine remains the trusted source of information for COVID-19 vaccine information. 

To support the province’s economic recovery, the Government of Ontario on Friday adjusted capacity limits at restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework
 
In Red-Control zone total occupancy in a restaurant, bar or other food and drink establishment  to the lesser of 50% of indoor dining area or 50 people. This is good news for our local establishments. Please get out and support them. All of the details about the changes announced on Friday can be found here.
 
As the situation continues to change and we all need to continue to do our part to keep one another safe. Details about current public health guidelines, restrictions and closures can be found at markham.ca/covid19 and york.ca/covid19.

As always should you require any assistance, please reach out to the City's Contact Centre at 905.477.5530 or email at customerservice@markham.ca. Please also remember that your local Ward Councillor is also available to assist if you don't know where to turn.

Metrolinx is presenting their Yonge North Subway Extension plans at the March 22 meeting of Markham’s General Committee starting at 9am. Some background information can be found in this Toronto Star article.

The details for watching the live stream or how to make a virtual deputation can be found here.

The current Metrolinx plan is to tunnel the Extension under homes in Thornhill's Royal Orchard neighbourhood. Ward 1 Councillor, Keith Irish, has put together more information including a petition in his latest update - read more here.
🌷 Spring is Here 🌷

Leaf and yard material collection starts April 6
Safely store material on your property until your regular bi-weekly collection begins.

Find out when collection starts in your area here or download the Access Markham mobile app.
Are you a resident of Ward 4 Markham?

Your local Councillor, Karen Rea, has published her Spring eNewsletter - read it here.

The update includes details about projects and applications in the Ward along with other happenings in the City.

You can subscribe to Karen's electronic updates here.

Gypsy Moths are an invasive species that attack trees later in the season. There was a Gypsy Moth infestation in many areas of Markham last year.

This video outlines a simple activity that you can do right now to take action to reduce the population of Gypsy Moths and help to protect your trees. More information is available here.

York Region is in the midst of a 2 year pilot project which will see automated speed enforcement in an effort to improve road safety. As it stands now, the project will concentrate near school zones on Regional roads. Currently one of the cameras is located on Highway 7 near St. Patrick's school in Markham. More information

The Mayor’s Black Youth Liaison Committee will be a voice for Black youth in the City of Markham by providing an open forum for youth to convey perspectives on issues and initiatives that are of particular importance to them.
 
The Committee will provide guidance and advice to the City to support Black youth in the community and combat anti-Black racism, in collaboration with key City staff, including the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialist, political leaders and community stakeholders.
 
The City is looking to fill a minimum of eight (8) spots (with 1 to 2 representatives from: Markham, Milliken, Thornhill and Unionville). Applicants must be between the ages of 15 to 19 at the start of the term and be a resident of the City of Markham. Application deadline is April 2 - learn more and apply here.

I would like to thank DME reader Cathie for suggesting that I include some information on how we can all support bees in our gardens. Bees are a very important part to the ecosystem and they need our help.

We are sometimes too quick to remove leaves, hollow stems and other garden materials that bees like to use as their natural habitat. Think about making your garden a bee friendly space too. Some additional resources can be found here:
Drivers and cyclists will be fined for failing to yield to pedestrians at pedestrian crossovers (PXO).
Pedestrians can be fined for leaving the curb and moving into the path of a vehicle that is too close for the driver to stop safely.
There are several new PXO locations. Learn more at markham.ca/PXO

It is hard to believe but there have been reports that Public Health and front-line staff have been responding to abusive language and harassment when assisting members of the community over the phone or in person.
It is a stressful time for everyone.


York Region has now completed the Environmental Assessment (EA) Study for Kennedy Road between Steeles Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive in the City of Markham to identify improvements to accommodate the current and future transportation needs of pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and motorists.

The study report is now complete and the 30 day review period began on March 18. The ESR can be reviewed and downloaded from the Kennedy Road EA Project page.

Further information including how to make comments on the final report can be found here.

Did you ever wonder what happens to the styrofoam after you drop it off at the recycling depot and how it is handled? Watch this video and find out.

Styrofoam packaging has never been allowed in the blue box or green bin and now big styrofoam packaging is no longer being collected in the clear bag garbage - more detail here.

Drop off your clean Styrofoam packaging at any Markham Recycling Depot. Since 2002, the City has been accepting clean, loose styrofoam packaging and food containers at all four recycling depots, giving residents the opportunity to keep this material out of landfill and ensure it’s properly recycled into new products.

Markham residents who are starting to think about Spring planting can benefit from the City's partnership through York Region that offers discounted trees through LEAF. More information is available here.

Want to become a LEAF Volunteer? Join their next Volunteer Orientation on Monday April 5th. Current volunteer opportunities include tree planting, garden stewardship, social media outreach and more. Learn more

Join the LEAF Team - Interested in using your skills and experience to help grow and protect the urban forest? Want to join a team of dynamic, passionate individuals? GO Leafs! They're hiring! - Details here
The Many Faces of Markham contest is an annual initiative that supports the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21. This event is presented by the City of Markham Race Relations Committee.
 
This year’s Many Faces of Markham contest theme is Working Together to Confront Anti-Black Racism. The City of Markham is committed to being a diverse and inclusive city where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging.
 
Submissions should support the contest theme and can be made in the following formats: writing, video, artwork or spoken word. This year due to COVID-19, there will not be any in person components to the contest.
 
The contest is open to students who live in Markham, from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Submissions close on April 23. Learn more and apply
 
The Markham Group of Artists is celebrating the coming of Spring. View their Artists’ Choice paintings in the first MGA show of 2021. The Artists’ Choice Show will be exhibited on their social media accounts and their website’s online gallery on March 15 - April 30. The paintings are for sale on the artists' website. View the show here.
 
MGA is busy preparing an art-inspired line up of activities for artists and artists-at-heart.
  • Watch for their April 7th members’ evening with Helen Walter, who will be demonstrating how to make figures come alive in paintings.
  • En plein air painting will be resuming: soon you will be seeing their artists painting their favorite scenes in Markham and Unionville.
  • Also, since they can’t get out soon enough, you will be seeing MGA artists safely gathering at Milne Dam Park to paint and critique each other’s work.

Want to get out and paint? Consider joining MGA at the reduced spring and summer rate of $40. Click here to join.
Want to know more about the plans for Markham Centre? Watch the preliminary presentation on Tuesday at 9am - link here.

Details of the presentation can be viewed here.
Have you been to all of the 8 parks in Markham noted in this Going Awesome Places article?

With the weather getting nicer, why not check out all of the parks. here's the list.

Last call for registration for the Markham Board of Trade's annual Women's Networking lunch. Register to be a part of this event that will include a panel discussion and virtual networking. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired by the panel of entrepreneurial female leaders and to learn about the business changes they faced on the road to success.

Register for these upcoming events on how to accelerate business recovery. There is also another event offered by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce on March 25 discussing innovation in a business led recovery - details here.
Other items

  • York Region Proposed 2051 Forecast and Land Needs Assessment - This week at York Region Council we discussed this draft report which forecasts the Region's land needs. The full report can be found here. Markham staff will be preparing a report to Development Services Committee in April, providing more detail on the forecasts and recommendations for consultation. 
  • Ontario Small Business Support Grant applications are now open until March 31st. Small businesses affected by the Provincewide Shutdown may qualify for financial support. For more information on application eligibility and requirements, click here.
  • Listen Learn Act - As part of the City of Markham’s commitment to dismantling and disrupting racism, the City is offering their ‘Let’s Talk about Racism: An intro to anti-Black racism’ eLearning session to the public. We all have a role to play in combating racism in all its forms. Get started at markham.ca/LetsTalkAboutRacism.
  • PinkCars, a local volunteer group, has been established to assist seniors (now 75 and over) with online registration and transportation to clinics for their vaccine appointments. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to PinkCars or call 905.479.8880.
  • Do you have a great business idea? Are you 15-29 years old? Apply to the Summer Company program and get up to $3,000 in funding. Pitch your best business idea for a chance to win up to $500. Apply early at markham.ca/msbc. Spots are limited.
  • Let York Region know what places and destinations you want to visit within a 15 minute walk from home. Your response will help shape existing and new communities. Fill out the survey by March 26.
as of March 20, 2021 at 4:30pm - click title or on chart for full report
These Markham specific COVID-19 details are provided by MFES
and the City of Markham Executive Leadership Team.
More information about Markham's response to COVID-19 can be found here.

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.
Upcoming Meetings

  • March 22 - General Committee Meeting - 9:00am - details
  • March 23 - Special Development Services Meeting - 9:00am - details
  • March 23 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
  • March 25 - Regional Council Meeting - 9am - details
  • March 30 - Development Services Meeting - 9:30am - details
  • March 31 - Council Meeting - 1pm - details
  • April 6 - General Committee Meeting - 9:30am - details
  • April 6 - Development Services Public Meeting - 7pm - details
  • April 7 - Housing York - 9am - details
  • April 8 - YR Committee of the Whole - 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.
Community Meetings and Events


  • Building Brand Awareness - Intro to Google Ads - March 22 - details
  • MBT Women's Networking Luncheon - March 23 - details
  • MBT After 4 Networking - March 25 at 4pm - details
  • Varley Gallery Lunch and Learn - March 31 at 12:30pm - details
  • MBT Real Estate in Markham - April 8 at 4pm - details

I'd be pleased to highlight other community meetings in future newsletters.
Please forward the details to dhamilton@markham.ca
Working together to make Markham better!