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The

Markham

Exchange

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June 5 2022

Edition 5

God Save the Queen


There was no rain during two significant events this week, the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and the Unionville Festival. Both events were very well attended and everyone appeared to enjoy themselves. Our thanks to the Unionville Business Improvement Area (UBIA) team who were responsible for the Festival this year. A job well done!


The City continues to cleanup after the brutal storm that we suffered in late May. City staff and contractors will continue their diligent efforts until all the debris is collected.


The Provincial election results are in, and in spite of the low voter turnout, the government will view this as a mandate to continue with all their plans including Highway 413, the Bradford bypass, the Langstaff development and the Yonge North Subway Extension. 


It was a hot start to last week but things have now cooled off. Be aware that all City of Markham splash pads are now open and ready for action. Get out there and have fun. 


A heads up in preparation for next weekend's rail crossing work on Highway 7 beside Union Villa and Volvo. Highway 7 will be closed making for possible traffic chaos in that area. Be ready!


Don't forget that COVID is still out there and you should take appropriate cautionary measures. 


Have a safe and enjoyable week.


email - don.hamilton@rogers.com

In This Issue

  • Storm Update
  • Splish Splash
  • Highway 7 and Warden
  • Traffic Chaos on Highway 7
  • Summer Fun
  • New Electric Charging Stations
  • Settling Storm Insurance Claims
  • Slow Down
  • Other Items
  • Upcoming Meetings
  • York Region Update
  • Community Meetings and Events

Please forward this update to anyone

that may find it of interest.

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Please continue to remember the Ukraine and its suffering people in your thoughts and prayers.

Click here for my last eNews

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Storm Update


Due to the severe storm on May 21, there is still a large amount of tree debris across the City. Some areas of the City and certain types of trees are impacted more severely than others. City crews are prioritizing public areas that pose safety concerns such as hanging limbs and blocked roadways. As a reminder, residents are responsible for the maintenance of trees on private property.


Miller Waste will be collecting tree debris set out for leaf and yard material collection that is prepared as follows:

  • branches, brush and sticks less than 1.2 metre (4 feet) in length
  • branches less than 15 centimetres (6 inches) in diameter
  • bags, bundles and containers less than 22 kilograms (50 pounds) in weight
  • all bundles must be tied with string, not wire
  • for everyone’s safety, a friendly reminder to residents to please set tree debris on the boulevard behind the curb, and not on the road.

You can place properly prepared tree debris at the curb for collection on your regular leaf and yard material collection day - markham.ca/CollectionSchedule. Also on upcoming Saturdays and Mondays, Miller Waste crews will be working due to the increased amount of leaf and yard material at the curb.


There have been some questions about why some tree debris hasn't yet been collected. Miller Waste trucks are equipped to handle typical leaf and yard material, but not large branches, trunks, logs or other large tree debris.This large tree debris that cannot be collected by Miller Waste will be marked with orange spray paint and left to be “chipped” by specialized staff and equipment. It is anticipated that the specialized crews will move through Markham at a slower pace as chipping is a slow, labour intensive processes. Additionally, the storm on May 21 resulted in similar damage to surrounding municipalities which limits the City’s access to additional resources to speed up the process. Please be patient as crews make their way across the City to collect and dispose of tree debris as quickly as possible.


You can report a damaged City tree by visiting the City's Request a Service page. If you have more questions, please contact the City of Markham Contact Centre at 905.477.5530 or by email at customerservice@markham.ca.

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Splish Splash!


The City's splash pads are now open!


Enjoy the great weather and cool off on a hot day.


Find a splash pad near you at markham.ca/SplashPads.

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Highway 7 and Warden Redevelopment


The Statutory Public Meeting for the application to redevelop the No Frills Plaza at Highway 7 and Warden Avenue will be held on June 21 at 7pm. You will have the option to attend either in-person in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre or remotely via Zoom. All meetings are video and audio streamed on the City’s website - here


If you wish to speak at the Public Meeting may do so by completing the Request to Speak form (located here) or by emailing the Clerk’s Office at notifications@markham.ca or by calling 905.477.7760 prior to the meeting. Please provide a full name, contact information and identify the item you wish to speak to, so that information can be provided on how you can make a deputation. You may also submit written deputations by email to notifications@markham.ca

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Be Ready for Traffic Chaos at Highway 7 Unionville Crossing


Metrolinx workers will be removing and replacing all of the ballast and installing a new track panel, concrete and asphalt at the rail crossing by Unionvilla. This work will require a full closure of Highway 7 and construction activities will continuously take place 24 hours a day from June 10 at 9pm to June 13 at 5am.


Every effort will be made to minimize noise as much as possible. Please be patient as this necessary work is completed. As with all construction notices, work may be adjusted, rescheduled or extended due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. The official notice can be found here.


Also on June 10 and 11, overnight work will take place at the Kennedy Road and 16th Avenue intersection. The City has granted a noise exemption for the hours between 7pm and 5 am.

Summer Fun!


Were you there? It seemed like all of Markham was at the Unionville Festival yesterday. It was a beautiful day and it was great to see so many people out enjoying the day and all the the Festival had to offfer.

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Next up is the Markham Village Music Festival which is also back this year in person on Main Street Markham. I'm sure they're hoping for the same glorious weather we had this weekend.


With 5 stages, food trucks galore and a family fun zone the festival promises to have something for everyone.


Learn more about the Markham Village Music Festival that will take place on June 17-18 - details.

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Markham Welcomes 22 New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations


In an effort to help reduce emissions caused by traditional motor vehicles, the City of Markham, in partnership with Alectra Energy Services and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), have installed 22 Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout the City.


These new charging stations will allow EV drivers to more easily charge their EVs and help reduce battery range anxiety. This initiative is funded through Alectra Energy Services and NRCan, as part of their Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP).


The City is aiming to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This partnership will allow the City to host the EV infrastructure at no cost to the City while offering market based rates for EV users. The City looks forward to continuing this partnership with Alectra and on other projects to achieve the City’s overall goal of net zero emissions.


The new locations are in addition to the stations found in the parking lot of the Civic Centre (shown above). You can find the new EV charging stations at:


EV drivers can check charger location and availability using ChargeHub, PlugShare or FLOnetwork mobile apps. To learn more about Markham’s EV charging stations, visit markham.ca/ElectricVehicles.

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Settling Insurance Claims from the Recent Storm

 

If you suffered damage from the recent storm and have questions or concerns about your insurance claim, there is free, impartial help available from the General Insurance Ombudservice. 


GIO is an independent body set up to help find a fair resolution to disputes with insurance providers. GIO can provide advice on dealing with your insurance company as a first step. If you are not satisfied with the decision from your provider on your claim, GIO can also launch an impartial complaint resolution process to help resolve your claim. You can contact them here at giocanada.org/contact.

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Slow Down


Pedestrians and cyclists are the most vulnerable travellers on the road network. The rates of injuries they sustain are higher compared to other modes of travel. More than 90% of pedestrian collisions and more than 80% of cyclist collisions result in injuries or fatalities.


To keep pedestrians and cyclists safe, drivers need to take extra care, especially when travelling through school areas, residential areas and near playgrounds.

 

There are more cyclists on the roads now and the cycling communitys continues to grow. Drivers, please slow down and watch for bikers. Cyclists are riding for both purpose and pleasure - enjoying the protected and on-road bike lanes, multi-use paths, trails and shared roadways.


Road safety measures continue to be a priority. In 2020, cyclists sustained injuries in 84% of all cyclist collisions. Drivers need to slow down and watch for cyclists, especially at intersections and when it’s necessary to enter or cross a bike lane. More than 80% of cyclist collisions occur at intersections where vehicles are turning. This is due to high cyclist presence and a high occurrence of conflict points between vehicles and cyclists.


For cyclists that are riding for the first time or tuning up your reliable old bike, these important steps will make for a safer trip:

  • Equipping bicycles to meet Ontario law requirements
  • Wearing a properly fitting helmet
  • Using hand signals
  • Checking over shoulders
  • Scanning intersections
  • Proceeding only when it’s safe
  • Maintaining a safe distance


Did you know:

  • More than 90% of all collisions involving pedestrians and more than 80% of all collisions involving cyclists result in injuries or fatalities
  • Pedestrians and cyclist collisions primarily occur at signalized intersections
  • About 50% of collisions with pedestrians and cyclists are caused by drivers failing to yield
  • Pedestrians and cyclist collisions involving a turning vehicle make up 62% of all collisions


Motorists, pedestrians and cyclists need to be aware of one another, obey traffic rules and make eye contact.


For cycling information and safety tips visit york.ca/cycling and here for Markham's information for cyclers including maps and trails close to home.

Other Items

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York Region has pulled together information that may help York Region residents and service providers support people affected by the conflict in Ukraine including:

  • Federal and Provincial government services and supports
  • York Region settlement services and supports
  • additional settlement services and supports
  • how residents, organizations and businesses can help.


As new information and details become available, the resources will be updated at york.ca/supportUkraine.

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This Summer, the YRP Community Safety Village is openin its doors to aspiring detectives, would-be superheros, biking entheusiasts and young change makers.


Check out the full lists of camps for kids in grade 3 through high school - details.

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Are you a parent or caregiver who wants to brush up on some important crime prevention tips for you and your children?


If so, you can join York Regional Police for their first ever online Parent Crime Prevention Academy on June 9 and June 16. To register at volunteers@yrp.ca.

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The Markham Museum is expanding a select group of Museum Summer Camps to include 4 and 5 year olds. More information can be found here.


There is still some space in some of the camps run by the City of Markham and there is before and after camp are too if that is needed - details here.


There are also culture camps available at the Flato Markham Theatre (details) and at the Varley Art Gallery too (details).


There are also volunteer opportunities available at the Varley Gallery for students aged 14 and up. More information can be found here.

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You should stop by the Markham Group of Artists Annual Juried Show at the McKay Art Centre on Main Street Unonville. MGA is very happy to be displaying their artwork in person again after online shows for over the last 2 years.

 

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but you lose a few words when you view artwork in photos. You can view the show until June 12th. Congratulations to Brenda Bornstein (best in show), Margaret Grandison (award of merit) and Judith Livingston (juror’s choice award). To view the show and for information about gallery hours, please visit their website at markhamartists.org.


The June edition of the MGA newsletter can be found here.

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June is a busy month at it's also National Brain Injury Awareness Month.


This campaign is focused on raising awareness of brain injury in Canada and shining a light on this often invisible disability that affects over 1.5 million people in unique, complex ways. More information is available here.

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Did you know that pollinators such as birds, bats, bees and butterflies are responsible for pollinating one-third of the food we eat? Unfortunately, food and shelter for these awesome creatures is disappearing at an alarming rate due to pesticide use, land development and invasive species. Learn more about pollinators and how you can create a pollinator friendly habitat in your own garden.


You could volunteer to help York Region plant a pollinating bee and butterfly meadow this week on June 9details here.

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Looking for a great day out with something to show for it at the end? 10,000 Trees for the Rouge is sponsoring a wildflower planting event on Saturday June 11 to create habitat for pollinators like bees and other insects.It will take place at Robinson Creek, across from 17 Percy Reesor Street, Markham which is near Major Mackenzie Drive and McCowan Road

  • Session 1: 8:30am - 10:30am
  • Session 2: 11:00am - 1:00pm  


Register here - you are requested to bring a small trowel or shovel, gloves, a hat and a water bottle. Long pants are recommended.

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Subscriptions for the Kindred Spirits Orchestra 2022-2023 concert season are now available for their 9 concert series. 


The KSO concert season opening night gala will be on October 22 at the Flato Markham Theatre, where they will also perform in December 2022 and February 2023. The performances in March, May and June 2023, will be at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. In April 2023, they will co-present the 12th annual Markham Contemporary Music Festival at Cornell Recital Hall, in June 2023, they will conclude the season with a concert at the CBC Glenn Gould Studio and also perform at the 2023 Canada Day celebration at the Unionville Millennium Bandstand. More information is available here.

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Have you seen them yet? The Spongy Moth caterpillars have hatched and we are starting to see the damage they can inflect on trees. Soon they will grow to about 2.5 cm and begin moving down trees during the day to hide from the sun. 


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.


  • 10 things York Region residents need to know to protect trees from spongy moths - read article
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While burlap bands DO NOT stop spongy moth caterpillars from climbing trees and eating the leaves, they are a safe and effective collection method. If you haven’t already installed burlap bands on your trees, now is the time. Burlap bands can be used to collect caterpillars to help protect your trees - learn more.

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The latest update from the Director at the Varley Art Gallery can be found here. It includes details on the happenings at the Varley including:

  • current exhibits
  • volunteer opportunities
  • summer programs including camps
  • details about plans to mark their 25th anniversary

FLATO Developments donates additional $125,000 to the FLATO Markham Theatre supporting innovation and programs recovery - details

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The June edition of Ward 3 Councillor Reid McAlpine's monthly eNewsletter is now available.


You can read it here. Even if you aren't a resident of Ward 3, you may want to have a look as Reid covers a number of Markham wide topics.

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Explore historic Unionville by taking a free guided walking tour. Learn more about Unionville Main Street with the George Duncan, the author of Historic Unionville – a Village in the City.


The walks will take place every Sunday from 10am – 11am

Reserve your spot by emailing info@unionvilleinfo.com.

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The Women's Centre of York Region is kicking off the 2022 #HelpKeepHerSafe Campaign just in time for the Great Canadian Giving Challenge which runs until the end of June where every dollar donated online enters WCYR into a draw to win $20,000.


The pandemic has impacted women's mental health, ability to work from home or seek new employment and even affected their safety, all with long-lasting impacts. As the world begins to reopen and a sense of normalcy returns, an influx of women who after being stuck for so long, are seeking to regain their economic and social security. In the last three months alone, WCYR has received a 46% increase in service calls and 127% increase of referrals to shelters and community services.


In 2022, WCYR's focus is helping women rebuild safely and their programs are the wrap-around support needed to push towards a sustainable livelihood. You can help WCYR kick off their #HelpKeepHerSafe campaign and a chance for them to win $20,000. You can donate here. More information about WCYR and their programs can be found at wcyr.ca.

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Have you ordered a Good Food Box yet from the York Region Food Network?


You can place your order by the end of the day on June 8 for pickup on June 15.


Contents of the boxes change each time but the goal is to have 7 - 8 different types of fruits and vegetables in each box. YRFN works with local suppliers and farmers to purchase good quality fresh produce at a wholesale price and then they pass the wholesale price along to you.

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York Region Public Health is providing student immunization catch-up clinics. Eligible students can get immunized against Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Meningococcal ACYW-135. Learn more or book an appointment here.


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Are you part of a non-profit group with a brilliant idea to reduce waste?


York Region is offering up to $25,000 to eligible projects that support a circular economy. Apply before midnight July 4- details here.

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You're invited to review the Region's updated Water and Wastewater Master plan - details here.


You can submit comments until July 3 at water@york.ca.

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Spring is here and with the warm weather comes more wild animals. Keep your distance, vaccinate your pets and never feed, touch or relocate wildlife.


For more information on rabies visit york.ca/rabies.

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Black-legged ticks that can spread Lyme disease are active in York Region. Pictures of ticks can be submitted to etick.ca for free identification services.


For more information on how to protect yourself and your family, visit york.ca/lymedisease.

Upcoming Meetings


  • General Committee Meeting - June 7 at 9:30am - details
  • Development Services Public Meeting - June 7 at 7pm - details
  • General Committee Meeting - June 8 at 1pm - details
  • Housing York - June 9 at 9am - details
  • YR Audit Committee - June 9 at 1pm - details
  • Development Services Committee Meeting - June 13 at 9:30am - details
  • Council Meeting - June 14 at 1pm - details
  • YR Committee of the Whole - June 16 at 9am - details
  • General Committee Meeting - June 20 at 9:30am - details
  • Development Services Public Meeting - June 21 at 7pm - details
  • Development Service Committee Meeting - June 22 at 9:30am - details
  • YR Accessibility Advisory Committee - June 22 at 4pm - details
  • YR Special Meeting - June 23 at 9am - details
  • Development Services Committee Meeting - June 27 at 9:30am - details
  • Development Services Public Meeting - June 27 at 7pm - details
  • Development Services Committee Meeting - June 28 at 9am - details
  • Council Meeting - June 28 at 1pm - details
  • YR Council Meeting - June 30 at 9am - details
  • Development Services Committee Meeting - July 5 at 9:30am - details
  • Special DSC Meeting - July 8 at 10:30am - details
  • Development Services Meeting - July 11 at 9:30am - details
  • Council Meeting - July 14 at 1pm - details 


  • 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

Community Meetings and Events



  • MBT Good Morning Markham Networking - June 9 at 10am - details
  • Group of Seven Walking Tour in Thornhill- June 12 - details
  • Lucky Lion Night Market at Markville Mall - June 16-19 - details
  • Markham Village Music Festival - June 17 and 18 - details
  • Union Villa Charity Golf Classic - June 22 - details
  • MBT AGM and Networking - June 23 at 4pm - details
  • KSO presents Metamorphoses - June 24 at 8pm - details
  • Taste of Asia - June 24 to 26 - details
  • 31st World Hakka Conference - June 24 to 26 - details
  • KSO presents Fate and Transformation - June 25 at 8pm - details
  • Markham Garden Club - Perennial Cacti - June 27 at 7:30pm - details
  • KSO's Canada Day Celebration at the Unionville Bandstand - July 1 at 8pm
  • Night It Up - August 6-7 - details
  • Markham Jazz Festival - August 19 - 21 - details
  • Markham Garden Club - Never Seen Plants - August 22 at 7:30pm - details 
  • Terry Fox Run - Sunday September 18
  • Markham Garden Club - The Magic Six - September 26 at 7:30pm - details


I'd be pleased to highlight other community meetings in future newsletters.

Please forward the details to don.hamilton@rogers.com.

Working together to make Markham better!

Don Hamilton


don.hamilton@rogers.com

www.donhamilton.ca

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