The
Deputy Mayor's
Exchange
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Tic "TOC" Boom
At tomorrow's Development Services Committee meeting, members of DSC will be receiving more information about the Langstaff Transit Oriented Community (TOC) proposal that was forced on the City of Markham by the Province against the City's will and better judgement. This development has the potential for disaster if it proceeds under the Province's current plan.
One of the biggest complaints I receive is about empty buses. "Why does York Region run buses that are almost empty?". Have your say in a survey and please note upcoming schedule and route changes. In the "Have Your Say" article below.
I'm pleased to hear that the Village Voices are back on key and ready to perform in an upcoming concert. See below for details of their FREE performance.
Thornhill's Heintzman House Art Show and Sale is next weekend. I will be there for the Friday night kick off. See details below.
The ever popular Jane's Walks are happening in Markham again this year. Healthy, interesting outdoor activity led by knowledgeable guides. Details below.
The Markham Little Theatre's play The Ladykillers is ready for it's performance this week. It's a great way to spend an evening out close to home. We're going to see it on Saturday night. See below for more information.
Happy Orthodox Easter to all those celebrating today. ⛪
I continue to remember the Ukraine and its people.
Have a safe and enjoyable week.
Email - dhamilton@markham.ca
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- Who's Eligible for a Fourth Dose
- School Street Pilot Project
- Swan Lake Restoration Plan
- Have Your Say
- Know Your Water
- Markham's Urban Forest
- Safety Reminders
- Homeward Bound
- Be Prepared
- 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.
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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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Are you eligible for a fourth dose of a COVID-19 vaccine? Eligibility has recently been expanded to include:
- Individuals 60 years of age or older
- First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members 18 years of age and older
- Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, elder care lodges or other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services to older adults
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Immunocompromised or high-risk individuals (completed form required)
The recommended interval for a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine is at least five months (140 days) after receiving a booster dose and the minimum interval is three months (84 days). If you meet this criteria, book an appointment online or by calling Access York at 1.877.464.9675. While fourth doses are by appointment only, anyone needing a first, second or third COVID-19 vaccination can walk in to a York Region vaccination clinic or book an appointment.
You can also book appointments through the Ontario COVID-19 vaccination portal, participating pharmacies, the GO Vaxx Bus and participating primary care settings. The new smaller, community-based clinics can be found at:
- 9275 Markham Road, Markham
- 50 High Tech Road, Richmond Hill.
As always, york.ca/covid19 remains the trusted source of information for COVID-19 and vaccinations in York Region. We can all continue to do our part to reduce the impact of COVID-19
- get fully vaccinated when eligible
- wear a mask in confined, crowded and close contact situations
- stay home when sick.
The latest details from York Region on COVID-19 testing, anti-viral treatments and masking updates can be found here.
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Your Input is Requested
The City of Markham, York Region District School Board and York Region are conducting a school street test pilot on Stricker Avenue at John McCrae Public School every Wednesday in May.
This test will involve closing a section of the street to traffic during morning and afternoon bell times, to improve student safety, improve air quality and encourage walking and biking to school. To evaluate this pilot test, the initiative includes surveys of residents before, during and after the closures. The School Streets committee is looking for input from residents across Markham with a view to possibly expanding the program. Please take a moment to fill out the survey. The "before" survey closes on May 3. For more information, please visit markham.ca/schoolstreets.
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Swan Lake Restoration Plan
There will be a community information meeting on April 26 about the Swan Lake area. The City of Markham has partnered with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to address specific challenges and identify opportunities to improve conditions, within and around Swan Lake.
Please join the community consultation where you can provide your input in the development of a Swan Lake Shoreline Restoration Plan. Topics under consideration include invasive species management, creating formal access and viewing points, waterfowl management and addressing shoreline erosion.
There are two ways to participate:
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Attend the meeting at the Swan Club - join the Friends of Swan Lake Park starting at 6:30pm. Registration will be limited to 80 Swan Lake Village Residents. Seating spaced out. Masks will be required - register here - email confirmation will be sent.
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View TRCA Webinar Meeting from home starting at 7pm - 8:30 pm - after registering, you will receive a confirmation email from the TRCA containing information about joining the webinar - register here.
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York Region Transit is planning Annual Transit Initiatives for the year 2023 and is reaching out to the community for feedback on service changes, facilities, routes and new programs.
The 2023 Transit Initiatives presentation will summarize planned changes, understanding that service updates will depend on final budget approvals.
Your feedback plays an important role to improve transit service in York Region. Learn more about the planned initiatives and provide your feedback on:
- COVID-19 Service Recovery
- Frequent Transit Network
- Express Network
- Conventional Service Changes
- Mobility On-Request (MOR) Service Changes
Visit yrt.ca/TransitPlan to view the proposed changes and provide your input. Submit your feedback from now until May 27.
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Walking, biking and taking York Region Transit to school is good for the environment and health.
Students entering high school this fall are invited to virtual meetings about active transportation and riding transit. Register here for spring sessions.
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There are service changes that will take place on May 1st on many YRT and VIVA routes.
To view the upcoming changes and to see if your route has been affected you can visit yrt.ca/servicechanges.
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When you pay for your water, you are covering the cost of delivering clean, safe drinking water to your home along with the collection and treatment of your wastewater - learn more.
Get a behind the scenes look at what your water bill pays for in York Region - watch video here.
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For trees on private property, property owners must apply for a permit before injuring or destroying any tree in Markham with a trunk diameter of 20 centimetres (about 8 inches) or more, measured at 1.37 metres (about 54 inches) above the ground from the base of the tree. Anyone contravening the Tree Preservation Bylaw and found guilty of an offence will be subject to penalties. Want to check to see if your neighbour has a permit? You can search for one here by clicking on Public Search.
When a tree cut permit is issued, often times the City will require that replacement trees be planted. The list of City approved trees can be found here.
Perhaps your boulevard tree is dead or in need of some pruning. If so, you can report a damaged street tree or request street tree service here.
Are you thinking about planting some additional trees on your property this year? You may want to have a look at the Backyard Tree Planting program that offers trees for a discounted price between $50 - $100 per tree - details here.
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Planning a night-time walk or bike ride? Remember reflective clothing, bike lights or a flashlight make a huge difference.
See and be seen.
markham.ca/walkingandcycling
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Drivers, please remember cyclists don’t have airbags. Please keep at least 1m from cyclists when passing.
Share the road. It’s the law.
markham.ca/walkingandcycling
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Join the Village Voices on May 15 at 2:30pm as they perform their first concert since the pandemic began. To celebrate admission to their Spring concert will be free. It is recommended that anyone wishing to attend reserve tickets in advance that can be picked up at the door on the day of the event. The concert will take place at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Main Street Markham. Instructions on how to reserve tickets can be found at villagevoices.ca/upcoming-events.
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The Spongy Moth, new name but same pest, has been responsible for large scale defoliation on trees in Markham for the past few years.
Do you remember last summer when many of the trees in Markham were eaten bare by the caterpillar stage of these moths?
While surveys indicate this year may be the start of a declining moth population, they're still expected to reach high numbers in some areas of Markham causing heavy to severe defoliation. More information is available at markham.ca/lddmoth.
Now is the time to check local trees for their spongy egg masses (shown in the picture) that are a part of the moth's lifecycle. Protect your trees from the caterpillars before they hatch by scraping egg masses into a bucket of soapy water, stirring and then disposing of them after a day or two - learn more.
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In celebration of National AccessAbility Week (May 29 to June 4), you are invited to join the Markham Public Library and the Markham Advisory Committee on Accessibility on June 1 at 7pm for a free virtual event, Can’t Read, Can’t Write: The Journey by author Michael Jacques, and his father Marcel.
Michael cannot read or write. At a young age, Michael was diagnosed with autism and an intellectual disability. Michael is an inspiring public speaker who shares experiences from his life to help audiences understand acceptance and belonging.
We celebrate National AccessAbility Week with a spotlight on non-evident disabilities through Michael’s powerful stories and a panel discussion. More information about the presentation can be found here.
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Ward 8 Councillor Isa Lee has recently sent out her latest newsletter. Read it here to learn more about:
- development application for 7647 Kennedy Road
- notice of construction at John Street and Steelcase Road
- and various other updates
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The Markham Group of Artists is holding the Sunflower🌻Project Art Show, a fundraiser in response to the war in Ukraine. Artwork in the MGA online Sunflower Project show is selling fast. Consider supporting Ukrainian refugees while acquiring a beautiful work of art for your collection or perhaps for a Mother’s Day gift.
The Markham Group of Artists will donate all show entry fees to a registered charity aiding Ukrainian refugees and artists are donating all or a portion of the sale of their works to charity. This virtual show will be featured on the MGA website gallery from April 20 to June 30. You can view the art show here.
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As a reminder now that Spring is here and we are outside more often, it is important to check yourself for ticks when coming inside. Whether you've been at the park, doing some gardening or out for a hike perhaps at the Rouge National Park or the York Region Forest. Please stay on trails and do tick checks now that temperatures are hopefully above 4°C.
Learn more about tick safety here.
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The application deadline closes on April 29 for the Wallace Joyce $1000 Scholarship. This bursary is open to all York Region students pursuing an art or design related field at the post-secondary level.
details here
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Do you play chess and are you interested in earning volunteer hours? If so, please visit the Chess In The Library website to apply.
This will be an in-person opportunity at Unionville Library.
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Will I see you at the Spring Into Colour Art Show at the Heintzman House?
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Next weekend, from April 29th to May 1st, stop by the Heintzman House in Thornhill to admire the incredible work of 30 talented artists, converse with community members and take part in something truly special.
Admission and parking are both free.
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The Markham Little Theatre, an award winning community theatre group, will be performing their latest show, The Ladykillers, at the Flato Markham Theatre from Wednesday April 27 to Saturday April 30 with all shows starting at 8pm. We've got our tickets already and will be going to see the Saturday performance with our masks on.
This play is a hilarious dark comedy that pits a sweet old lady against a gang of criminals masquerading as musicians. They will stop at nothing to escape the law but will they be forced to face the music?
You can contact the Markham Flato Theatre's box office for tickets at 905.305.7469 or online here for tickets. In an effort to keep the production safe for all involved, audience members will be asked to wear masks throughout the performance.
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Have you check yet to see if you're on the the Municipal Voters' List? - have a look.
Our local government and school boards deliver services to residents that they rely on every day. This Fall is your opportunity to run for Markham Council or perhaps a School Board Trustee.
More information about the upcoming election can be found at electionsmarkham.ca.
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This is the week to register and participate in the 10,000 Trees project in the Markham area. More information can be found here including the various times that you can help. It's also a great opportunity if high school students are looking for volunteer hours.
You can find more information here.
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Join the Kindred Spirits Orchestra as they present Handel's Messiah at the SMSV Cultural Centre on Saturday April 30 at 7pm.
More detail about the KSO and the upcoming presentation can be found on their website.
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Electronics and batteries contain heavy metals that are harmful to the environment and are not accepted at the curb.
Learn more about how to recycle these items at markham.ca/eWaste.
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EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free, high quality programs for families and children from birth to 6 years old. You can learn and play with your child, meet people and get advice for early childhood professionals. It’s now easier than ever for families to sign up for their favourite in-person and virtual programs.
More information about EarlyOn Centres in York Region can be found here.
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Did you know that a Markham Public Library card will give you access to eBooks and eAudiobooks?
Join the MPL's upcoming presentation and learn how to use these resources on the go or from the comfort of you home - register here.
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Upcoming Meetings
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Development Services Meeting - April 25 at 9:30am - details
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Council Meeting - April 26 at 1pm - details
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YR Council Meeting - April 28 at 9am - details
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YR Committee of the Whole - May 5 at 9am - details
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General Committee Meeting - May 9 at 9:30am - details
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Development Services Committee Meeting - May 10 at 9:30am - details
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Development Services Public Meeting - May 10 at 7pm - details
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Development Services Committee Meeting - May 16 at 9:30am - details
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Council Meeting - May 17 at 1pm - details
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YR Committee of the Whole Special Meeting - Municipal Comprehensive Review - May 19 at 9am - details
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YR Committee of the Whole Special Meeting - Water and Wastewater Master Plan - May 19 at 1pm - details
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General Committee Meeting - May 24 at 9:30am - details
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Development Services Public Meeting - May 24 at 7pm - details
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YR Council Meeting - May 26 at 9am - details
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Development Services Committee Meeting - May 30 at 9:30am - details
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Council Meeting - May 31 at 1pm - details
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Markham Committee Meetings - details
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York Region Update
York Region Council meetings and live streaming details can be found here.
Details of upcoming YR meetings and past sessions are available here.
- Protecting your loved one in long term care - details
- YR welcomes the advancement of the Royal Orchard Stations as part of the Yonge North Subway Extension - details
- COVID-19 testing, anti-viral treatments and masking updated - details
- Earth Day ideas that just make sense to invest in our plant - read more
- York Region launches an Inclusive Language Guide - details
- Lane restrictions on Red Maple Road - details
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Community Meetings and Events
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Markham Little Theatre - The Ladykillers - April 27 - 30 - details
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Union Villa's Garden by the Greens luncheon - April 28 - details
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MBT After 5 Networking - April 28 from 5pm to 7pm - details
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Heintzman House Art Show and Sale - April 29 - May 1 - details
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KSO presents Handel's Messiah - April 30 at 7pm - details
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10,000 Trees for the Rouge Planting event - May 1 - details
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Virtual Vintages at the Varley - May 5 - details
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Jane's Walk - May 6 to 8 - details
- Unionville Clean-Up - May 14 from 9am to 11am - meet at the Bandstand
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KSO presents Love and Turmoil - May 21 at 8pm - details
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10,000 Trees for the Rouge Planting event - May 28 - details
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Unionville Festival - June 4 - details
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Markham Village Music Festival - June 17 and 18 - details
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Union Villa Charity Golf Classic - June 22 - details
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KSO presents Metamorphoses - June 24 at 8pm - details
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Taste of Asia - June 24 to 26 - details
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KSO presents Fate and Transformation - June 25 at 8pm - details
- KSO presents Canada Day Celebration - July 1 at 8pm
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Markham Jazz Festival - August 19 - 21 - details
- Terry Fox Run - Sunday September 18
I'd be pleased to highlight other community meetings in future newsletters.
Please forward the details to dhamilton@markham.ca.
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Working together to make Markham better! | | | | |
