September 19 2021
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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The $630 million question will be answered tomorrow. Majority or Minority? Who will hold the balance of power? Blue, Red, Orange, Green or other? Be sure to get out and vote.
I was in Thornhill Friday morning to join residents protesting against having the Yonge North Subway Extension pass beneath their homes. There was full support from all current and future politicians that the YNSE should proceed directly up Yonge Street as was originally planned. Is anybody at Queens Park listening?
I'm pleased to welcome the Pomona Valley Steering Committee to the Thornhill-DME family. Please give their newsletter a read. See details below. I welcome all community interest groups voices.
Our beloved seniors at the Unionville Community Centre for Seniors will be holding a fall bazaar next Saturday and Sunday. It's time to donate those treasures hiding in your basement so they can have a useful second life! Details below.
The Aaniin, Thornhill CC and Angus Glen library branches will be reopening this week. That is a positive sign!
Welcome to the new DME readers this week! If you know someone who would enjoy reading the DME, ask them to send me their email address or they can subscribe here.
Have a great week!
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In this issue
- Don't Forget to Vote
- YR Vaccination Milestone
- Get Your Proof of Vaccination
- Every Child Matters
- Markham Fair in a Flash
- Volunteers Wanted
- Upcoming Fall Bazaar
- Thornhill Update
- Work to Begin Soon
- Drivers, Slow Down!
- Art Therapy for Seniors
- Angus Glen Tennis Centre Reopens
- More Library Branches Open
- Join MGA and Save
- Reminders
- Other Items
- 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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Canadians head to the polls on Monday September 20 for the Federal election. Are you ready to vote?
The Markham Public Library has everything you need to know about the election (except who to vote for - you need to figure that out) all set up in one location that can help answer questions that you may have - check it out here. |
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Make sure to get out to vote on Monday. The polls will be open for 12 hours. Due to COVID-19 protocols there are some new measures in place and you may need to wait a bit due to physical distancing requirements.
Check your Voters Card for your assigned polling station. It's quite likely that your voting location will not be in the same location as it has been for previous elections. I voted at the advance poll last weekend and had to go to a location a bit of a distance from my home.
There are many around the world that don't have the ability to vote and there are many that have died to protect your right to vote. No matter who you chose to vote for and what party you support, the most important thing that you can do on Monday is vote.
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York Region reached a significant vaccination milestones with more than 1,525,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine being administered. This equates to more than 85% of eligible York Region residents 12+ being vaccinated with their first COVID-19 vaccine and more than 80% of eligible York Region residents are now fully vaccinated - read more here.
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Vaccination remains your best protection against COVID-19 infection, severe illness, hospitalization and death. If you still need a first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, make an appointment or visit one of the many pop-up clinics in various York Region communities. A weekly schedule of pop-up clinics, locations and hours is available at york.ca/covid19vaccine.
All COVID-19 vaccines provide protection approximately 14 days following the first dose. A second dose offers a stronger, more sustained level of protection against COVID-19 and variants. If you haven't already received both your doses, visit york.ca/COVID19Vaccine.
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To further protect Ontarians as the Province continues to confront the Delta-Mu-driven fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario will require people to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status to access certain businesses and settings starting September 22. Requiring proof of vaccination in these settings reduces risk and is an important step to encourage every last eligible Ontarian to get their shot. This is critical to protecting the province’s hospital capacity, while also supporting businesses with the tools they need to keep customers safe, stay open and minimize disruptions.
The Province is currently working on a mobile app for vaccine certificates.
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Need a copy of your COVID-19 vaccine receipt?
Visit covid19.ontariohealth.ca to download your vaccination receipt. Remember starting September 22 you will need to have a digital or printed paper copy to enter some businesses or other locations. If you need assistance call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1.833.943.3900.
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Reconciliation is a commitment to creating respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. It is an opportunity to identify meaningful ways to move forward together. Leading up to and on September 30 you are encouraged to reflect, learn about and honour the survivors, their families and communities about the true history and legacy of residential schools in Canada.
You are encouraged to wear orange on September 30 in recognition of the harm residential schools had on the generations of Indigenous children’s sense of self-esteem and well-being and as an affirmation of our continued commitment to ensure that everyone around us matters.
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The Markham Fair will be a bit different this Fall as they celebrate their 177th year. After missing the 2020 Fair, the Markham Fair in a Flash will provide a taste of the annual event in a one-way walk through event and will feature farm animals, agricultural displays, homecraft competitions, a farmer's market, fair food and more.
Markham Fair in a Flash will take place from September 30 to October 3 at the Fairgrounds on McCowan. Learn more and purchase your tickets here. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. The capacity will be limited with social distancing in effect. Masks will be required. |
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Volunteer Markham helps build a stronger, more thoughtful community through innovative programs that inspire, inform, and connect volunteers with the organizations that need them.
Learn more about volunteerism in the community and the impact that people are making by giving their time to help others. Volunteer Markham's most recent newsletter can be read here. It outlines various volunteering opportunities, a community calendar and other resources. |
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Join the Unionville Community Centre for Seniors at their upcoming Fall Bazaar. All proceeds will go to support their programs. This event will be weather dependent as it will be held outside and physically distanced. |
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There are a number of projects in the Thornhill area that are currently in the planning stage that will permanently change the area.
The Pomona Valley Steering Committee has recently released a newsletter - read it here - about the current status of these projects. You can subscribe to future editions of their publication here.
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As if there isn't already enough road construction happening on local roads, the sewer rehab work will begin soon on 16th Avenue between Mingay Avenue and Williamson Road. During the work 16th Avenue will remain open to traffic and access to homes, businesses and St. Brother André Catholic High School will be maintained. More information about this project can be found here.
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In the month of September there are more cyclists on the roads now that students are back in school. Drivers, please slow down. Make certain to look for cyclists and pedestrians especially at intersections when making turns, as this is where most collisions occur. Drivers, pedestrians and cyclists all need to be cautious and make eye contact with each other. Traffic patterns are returning to normal. Learn more at york.ca/slowdown.
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The Markham Arts Council is currently accepting registrations for their next session of art therapy classes.
These sessions will be offered virtually and led by a registered art therapist. Participants will express, explore and understand their emotions through a variety of art mediums.
Limited spots are still available. You can learn more about the classes and register for these free sessions here. |
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and they are excited to welcome you back.
More detail about what to expect and safety protocols can be found here. Players' Card holders can begin court bookings starting Monday September 20.
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The Markham Public Library will be reopening the Aaniin, Angus Glen and Thornhill Community Centre branches on Wednesday September 22. They will also be offering additional in-person services at all six open branches. More information is available here.
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Last week I was happy to attend the 40th anniversary gathering at Milne Park with the Markham Group of Artists. They are currently offering an Early Bird Special – and receive $10 off the 2021-2022 season membership: only $70 until September 30th. Are you Forty or Under? In celebration of MGA's Fortieth Anniversary, join for only $40. Full time student memberships are always $20. Click here for more information about membership and all that it has to offer.
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The Markham Group of Artists invited artists from Toronto and surrounding areas to submit paintings to WINDOWS OPEN 2021. This is a virtual art show that will run from September 18 to October 30 on MGA's website gallery. MGA was honoured to have well-known art consultant and professional juror, Joanne Poluch of Remarque Art Consulting in Guelph jury this show. Congratulations to the award winners and all the artists whose work was accepted in this outstanding show.
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Protect the environment, pets and local wildlife.
Do not drain chlorinated water or salt water from pools directly into a storm drain.
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STOP at Cross-overs! Pedestrians have the right of way. Ensure everyone’s safety, watch for warning signs and flashing beacons.
Wait until pedestrians have crossed the street.
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A friendly reminder to help keep Markham beautiful by cutting lawns and boulevards.
Grass and weeds must be under six inches.
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Other items
As you explore Markham this Fall make sure to take your My Markham Pass. It offers a collection of curated attractions, retailers, restaurants and more including exclusive deals. Get the app and learn more here.
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With the changing weather, outdoor open air fires might be something you're considering. Markham Fire & Emergency Services receive requests from residents to conduct outdoor open burning on their property which includes the use of fire pits and chimeneas. Open outdoor burning is regulated through By-Law 85-97 which details the criteria and establishes terms and conditions that a Fire in Open Air permit may be supported. Most properties not designated as "rural" will not comply with the provisions of the permit - learn more. Please note that the submission of an online application does not indicate a valid permit. Permits are not valid until a request is reviewed and approved by a Markham Fire Prevention Officer. Applicants will receive a separate notification once a permit has been approved.
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Both York Region and the City of Markham are committed to creating a welcoming environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity. Learn more at york.ca/inclusiveyr.
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Did you know that most of the trees in the York Region Forest are between 60 and 90 years old? These trees provide habitat to over 15 at-risk plants and animals and capture over 166,000 kg of pollution from the air per year. Learn more about the York Region Forest and perhaps find a trail to get out and enjoy the great weather.
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“All About Love offers radical new ways to think about love by showing its interconnectedness in our private and public lives. In eleven concise chapters, hooks explains how our everyday notions of what it means to give and receive love often fail us and how these ideals are established in early childhood.” Learn more about the book.
The Gallery is giving away a free copy of the book to the first four people who sign up and RSVP to the Book Club discussion - sign up here.
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Did you know? The City was the first municipality in Ontario to install and host a Level 3 EV Charging Station. There is also a Level 2 Station.
It offers an 80% charge in just 30 minutes! The charging station is located at the Markham Civic Centre at 101 Town Centre Boulevard. There is also a Level 2 station at the same location - learn more.
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The Markham Village Depot is temporarily closed until further notice for emergency repair.
Visit the Milliken Mills Depot at 7600 Kennedy Road. Hours of operation have been temporarily extended - learn more.
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Living healthy starts in the pool. Make swimming a part of your lifestyle!
The City of Markham offer lessons for all ages and abilities. Register now at markham.ca/swimming.
Until September 26 you can make a splash at Morgan Outdoor Pool. There are still some nice days to get out and go for a swim. Book your public swims, lessons, Aquafit and private rentals. New time slots released every Monday at 8am. No drop-ins. Space is limited. Details at markham.ca/swimming.
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Thinking of providing child care at home?
Join York Region online on September 22 to hear about the benefits of becoming a licensed home child care provider and participate in a professional development workshop about mindful movement for kids. Sign up at york.ca/homechildcare.
Today, York Region's Medical Officer of Health made an announcement and issued a Letter of Instruction for licensed childcare facilities with respect to new COVID-19 protocols - more information here. These new measures go into effect tomorrow.
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York Region Transit is looking to help students in York Region get volunteer hours. They are currently testing their automated phone system and are looking for volunteers to help. Visit yrt.ca/YRTphonesystem if you would like to participate.
You can also participate in YRT's survey as a part of the annual transit initiative survey - details here. |
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Good Food Box which contains fresh high quality fruits and vegetables which change each time depending on availability. The next order deadline is September 29 - details
- Everything Garlic workshop - September 21 at 1pm - register
- Lunch Table - Let's Chat: Greens - September 22 at 11am - details
- Charitable Chef - Taste from Home - September 29 at 5pm - details
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Yesterday was World Cleanup Day but hopefully you are doing your park everyday to keep Markham beautiful.
Here are just a few things to keep in mind:
- never litter
- don't use public garbage cans for your household waste
- put those stinky fish entrails in your freezer until next green bin day
- dispose of masks in the garbage
- if you don't know whether something is garbage or for recycling use the What Goes Where tool.
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Now is the time to put in some work to help reduce the LDD caterpillar and moth invasion for next year. Your work now will help protect Markham’s urban forest from LDD in 2022.
Remove LDD egg masses on trees that are on your property to reduce the number of hatched caterpillars in the Spring. Learn more at markham.ca/LDDMoth.
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Upcoming Meetings
- General Committee Meeting - September 21 at 9:30am - details
- YR Accessibility Meeting - September 22 at 4pm - details
- YR Council Meeting - September 23 at 9am - details
- Development Services Meeting - September 27 at 9:30am - details
- Council Meeting - September 28 at 1pm - details
- General Committee Meeting - October 4 at 9:30am - details
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Development Services Public Meeting - October 5 at 7pm - details
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Development Services Meeting - October 12 at 9:30am - details
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Housing York - October 13 at 9am - details
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Council Meeting - October 13 at 1pm - details
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YR Committee of the Whole - October 14 at 9am - details
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General Committee Meeting - October 18 at 9:30am - details
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Development Services Public Meeting - October 19 at 7pm - details
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YR Special Meeting - October 21 at 9am - details
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Development Services Meeting - October 25 at 9:30am - details
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Council Meeting - October 26 at 1pm - details
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YR Council Meeting - October 28 at 9am - details
- Markham Committee Meetings - details
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Markham Budget Meetings - details
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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
- National Tree Day - planting in Milne Park - September 22 at 4pm - details
- MBT After 5 Networking - September 23 at 5pm in person - details
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Heritage Preservation, Building Heights and Built Form regarding Shouldice Hospital lands at 7750 Bayview Avenue - September 23 at 7pm - click here to register
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Markham Fair in a Flash - September 30 to October 3 - details
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Project Update regarding Shouldice Hospital lands at 7750 Bayview Avenue - October 6 at 7pm - click here to register
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Rouge: Virtual Varley Gala - October 15 at 7pm - details
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10,000 Trees for the Rouge planting event - October 16 - 20 - details
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MBT Women's Networking Luncheon - October 26 in person - 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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