October 6 2019
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Fall is Here
With Thanksgiving next weekend and Halloween just around the corner, it's time to take a stroll in one of the many colourful
York Region forests.
I hope you had a chance to attend the 175th
Markham Fair this weekend. From the midway and the monster trucks to the chicks and bunnies, it's a fun family time. Thank you to our farming community for their hard work in providing our food.
Congratulations to Jeanne Ker-Hornell on her parkette naming located next to the Unionville Train Station. Jeanne, along with Bob Stiver, spearheaded the restoration of the
Stiver Mill in Unionville.
Somewhat controversial was the Republic of China flag raising at the Civic Centre this weekend. Given the tenuous position of two Canadians being held in China and the present strife in Hong Kong there were questions from members of the community to the appropriateness of raising this flag.
If there is a closure of schools, the City of Markham is prepared to offer some
special programming at various City locations. See the notice below for more details.
Join members of the Unionville Residents Association
Monday night at 7 PM and meet the local federal election candidates. There is more detail below about meetings in other local ridings.
Remember to change your smoke detector batteries when the clocks move back this fall. Modern smoke detectors have permanent batteries that do not require changing. Older smoke detectors (even though wired into your house wiring) also have a fixed useful life. Check them this week ...
Fire Prevention Week!
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In this issue
- Markham Marks 225th
- Just in Case There's a Strike
- All Candidates Meetings
- YorkSafe
- Fire Prevention Week
- York Region Update
- Temporary Lane Restriction
- Colourful Time of Year
- Alectra AffordAbilitity Fund
- Rowan's Law
- York Region Forest
- Seniors Health Fair
- YRFN October Beet
- Accessibility Plan Input
- MAC October Events
- Varley Gallery Events
- Strategic Plan Survey
- YR Arts Council Events
- Budget - Have Your Say
- Community Meetings and Events
- Q & A - Smoke Detectors
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Please forward this update to anyone that may find it of interest.
Make sure you are on the list for future updates.
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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 last edition of
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
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On Saturday September 28, the City of Markham hosted its historic 225th anniversary celebration at the
Markham Museum
, as part of its iconic Applefest.
To mark the occasion of Markham 225, the City will plant 225 Bur Oak Trees at the Milne Dam Conversation Park on October 26.
The Bur Oak Tree is the official tree of the City of Markham. The Markham 225 forest will significantly add to the Cityโs urban canopy, while improving air quality and preserving the environment.
It was also announced that in honour of the historic birthday celebration, the Civic Holiday in August will now be known as William Berczy Day in the City.
William Berczy
was one of Markham's founding pioneers and designated national historic person.
More information about Markham's 225th celebrations can be found
here
.
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While writing this week's edition of the DME, the Province and CUPE are still negotiating a settlement and it is currently unknown whether school will be open this week or not.
If a deal is not reached, the City of Markham is planning to offer day camps and drop-in programs in response to the pending school closures. Kids can enjoy a variety of fun, creative, active, and educational opportunities.
Learn more
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All Candidate Meetings
As the Federal Election on October 21 approaches, here are All Candidate Meetings where you can get out and hear what your local candidates have to say.
Find out more about the upcoming election, advanced polls and check to make sure you are registered to vote. More information is available
here
.
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Find the current listing provided by YorkSafe health inspections
here. Again there are some Markham establishments on the list.
You can review all locations in York Region
here.
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๏ปฟ
This yearโs Fire Prevention Week runs from October 6-12 and is aimed at educating everyone about the small but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe. This yearโs theme is โNot Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!โ
If thereโs a fire in your home, you may only have one to two minutes to safely escape from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Home escape plans and practice are critical to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Learn more
from Markham Fire and Emergency Services.
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Visit the National Fire
Protection Association
to learn more.
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The calendar of York Re
gion meetings is available
here
.
You can listen to meetings on line. The details from past meetings are available online. More information
here
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Beginning October 7 to October 11, York Region is replacing the existing watermain and valve chambers on the eastbound lanes of Bullock Drive. The road will be closed from McCowan Road to 150 metres east of the intersection, due to the construction. Bullock Drive will remain open east of the watermain work and for all westbound traffic. Further information is available
here
.
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The Most Colourful Time of the Year
Fall marks a time of many magical changes. Trees that were once lush green transform into brilliant shades of yellows, golds, oranges and reds, creating an extraordinary spectacle. Ever wondered why some leaves turn yellow while others lend themselves to bright reds?
Read more...
Here might be
some good news
for home owners that face the task of raking all of the fall leaves. Perhaps you might want to consider leaving your leaves and not raking them. The benefits include adding nutrients back to the soil, regulating soil temperature and moisture plus animals and insects rely on leaf litter. More information is available
here.
LEAF (Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the urban forest. They offer a number of initiatives including a
tree planting program offering native trees and shrubs to property owners at a subsidized cost. More information about LEAF and their programs is available on their
website
.
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An update from Alectra
Alectra Utilities is working with community service organizations to deliver Ontarioโs new
AffordAbility Fund
to help those most in need ease their monthly cost of electricity. The
AffordAbility Fund
is part of Ontarioโs Fair Hydro Plan and is designed to help you identify how to reduce your electricity use by replacing old, inefficient products with state-of-the-art energy-efficient products. The AffordAbility Fund can help you:
- Improve your homeโs energy efficiency
- Lower your homeโs energy use
- Lower your electricity bill
You may qualify for an in-home energy assessment and free energy-saving upgrades such as LED bulbs, weatherstripping, insulation and even new energy efficient appliances.
Whether you rent or own, live in a house or an apartment, you are eligible. To find out what you qualify for and how to apply
Call: 1-855-494-3863 or
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Rowanโs Law Day
was established in 2018, and is observed across Ontario on the last Wednesday in September each year. The purpose of Rowanโs Law Day is to improve concussion education and awareness, especially in schools and sport organizations. Concussion symptoms can last some time if not managed properly and a helmet and mouth guard, although you still want to use them, wonโt protect you from a concussion.
Rowanโs Law Day was named after Rowan Stringer. Rowan loved rugby. A competitive and keen athlete, she was captain of her high schoolโs team. Tragically, in May 2013, 17-year old Rowan died as the result of head injuries she sustained while playing rugby. In the week before her last game, Rowan was hit twice while playing, likely sustaining a concussion after each blow. Her concussions went unreported, and she continued to play. Rowan suspected something wasnโt right. She texted a friend about her condition and used Google to search for information about concussions. When she was hit again in her final game, Rowan suffered what is known as Second Impact Syndrome, a catastrophic swelling caused by a second injury to a brain still healing from previous trauma. Rowan collapsed on the field on May 8, 2013, and died four days later.
In 2015, a coronerโs inquest into Rowanโs death made 49 recommendations for how the governments, school boards and sports organizations should improve the manner in which concussions are managed which paved the way for provincial concussion legislation. Ontario is the first province to have concussion legislation.
The new rules requiring the review of Concussion Awareness Resources and Concussion Codes of Conduct came into effect on July 1, 2019. To learn more about concussion safety visit:
york.ca/concussion. For more information about Rowan's Law and concussion safety can be found
here.
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Spending time in nature can relieve stress and improve your memory performance and attention span. Registration is required and begins one month before the event. Register online by linking on the blue event title or call 1-877-464-9675. Make sure to wear seasonally appropriate clothing and footwear.
Saturday, October 26 | 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Dress up in your best Halloween costume and explore the forest while listening to magical stories and folklore.
Saturday, November 2 | 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Bring your grandchildren and discover different birds that visit or live in the York Regional Forest. Build a bird box or bird feeder to take home (bird box kits supplied).
Saturday, December 14 | 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and learn about the traditions of bells and Christmas trees. Make a holiday decoration to take home. Enjoy a self-guided walk. Bring a non-perishable food donation for a local food bank.
Looking for other places to explore? Check out York Regionโs partner event listings:
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Date:
October 17
Time:
10am - 2pm
Location:
Aaniin Community Centre
Brought to you by the Markham Seniors Advisory Committee.
Free Admission includes:
- More than 30 health and wellness displays
- Engaging talks
- Giveaways
- Refreshments and more!
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Program Spotlight:
YRFN's Good Food Box is an easy way to get fresh, local and delicious fruits and veggies.
How does it work? This program runs once a month. Good Food Box customers order and pay for their Good Food Box by the 5th day of the month. The Good Food Boxes are available to pick-up on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.
York Region Food Network partners with a local farm to purchase lots of produce at a wholesale price. We then pass that wholesale price along to our Good Food Box customers.
On the 3rd Wednesday of the month, hundreds of pounds of fresh produce arrive at York Region Food Network. A team of volunteers portion out the produce and pack the Good Food Boxes for pickup. Each month, the contents of the Good Food Box change based on what's available seasonally.
More information
Preserve the Season:
In this introduction to fermenting class, participants will learn the basic of preserving and fermenting local and seasonal foods.
Date:
Thursday, October 17
Time:
1pm - 3pm
Location:
Aaniin Community Centre
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York Regionโs DRAFT 2020 - 2023 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan has been
posted
for review and comments until Friday October 18th.
York Region is seeking input from residents and organizations. The draft plan can be found
here
and you can provide your comments by completing this
survey
.
This current draft includes prior feedback. As a member of the York Region Accessibility Committee I would encourage you to provide commentary. Should you know of others that may also want to provide comments, please share the details with them. Any input that you can provide can help to improve accessibility efforts in our community.
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The
Markham Arts Council is hosting a series of workshop and events in October. Why not try your hand at something new or get out and learn about your community?
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Art for Seniors: Visual Art Workshops
Markham Arts Council is hosting a series of 'Free for Seniors' visual art workshops exploring different techniques. Our October workshops are:
What
: "Tangles" on Paper and Pumpkins
Where
: Stiver Mill Cultural Centre, 9 Station Lane
When
: Tuesday, Oct. 8, 11 am - 1 pm
Instructor:
Judith Livingston
What
: Acrylic Paint on Canvas
Where
: Stiver Mill Cultural Centre, 9 Station Lane
When
: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 11 am - 1 pm
Instructor:
Anu Kalra
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Walk With Art is an initiative of the Markham Arts Council acquainting participants with their local artists and the story behind local art on display, heritage sites and local businesses.
What
: Walk with Art
Where
: McKay Art Centre, Main Street, Unionville
When
: Saturday, October 20 from 2pm
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Panel Discussion -
Navigating value, access and visibility - ๏ปฟSaturday, October 19 | 1pm
A one hour tour and performance in the gallery will be followed by an informal round table discussion. Learn more about these important issues. This event takes place in an accessible venue and will include ASL interpretation and live captioning.
Register Now
October 18 | 6:00 p.m. โ 11:30 p.m. |
Learn More
October 27 | Free Tours at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. |
Learn More
Members Matter -
Become a patron of the arts, contributing to programming and exhibition research, essential to the growth and vitality of the Gallery. Receive exclusive discounts on programs, gift shop items and reciprocal admission to over 100 OAAG organizations.
Become a member today!
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Building Markham's Future Together (BMFT) is the strategic plan for the 2020 โ 2023 term of Council. It provides a framework for City decisions and plans. The Plan is reviewed at the start of each Council term to update priorities for the City.
Help build Markhamโs future together by letting us know whatโs most important to you! We want to hear from Markham residents, business owners, workers, students and community stakeholders. Complete the
online survey
for your chance to win one of these prizes
:
- iPad (6th Generation, 32GB, Wi-Fi)
- Apple Watch (Series 3, 38mm, Space Gray Aluminum Black Sport (GPS))
- Pair of Apple AirPods (with charging case)
- One-year fitness membership at Markham Fitness Centres
- Pair of tickets at the Flato Markham Theatre
- Tim Hortons Gift Card
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With leaves changing and pumpkins turning to jack-o-lanterns, now is the perfect time to see what is going on at the York Region Arts Council.
There is no "trick" up their sleeves when they ask you to save the date for their "treat", a Member Social, happening on Friday November 29. More details to come on their
website.
During October they will be launching an Artist Mentorship program and YRAC Youth Committee. Keep an eye on their
Facebook
and
Instagram
for more updates.
Looking to rent a creative space in York Region, learn more
here
.
Some upcoming events around York Region that may be of interest:
Lunch and Learn: Scott Sawtell
- Join artist Scott Sawtell as they will be discussing his progression as an artist, with special emphasis on how he overcomes artist blocks, how important transitional work is to his practice, and how his life teaching has influenced how he thinks about the creative process.
- October 16, 2019 - 12:30pm โ 1:30pm
- Varley Art Gallery of Markham, 216 Main Street Unionville
- Register Now
Meet the Chef!
- Owner of NishDish Marketeria and Catering, Indigenous Chef Ringuette will discuss the role that food plays in traditional Indigenous communities. With complimentary food tastings, learn about food sovereignty, sustainability, plants and medicines.
- October 26 - 1:00pm โ 2:00pm (Pre-registration required)
- Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum & Community Centre
- Register Now
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The initial meetings for the 2020 Budget have started and there is still time to provide your input. More information about the meetings can be found
here.
Understand your City Budget and stay informed. The Budget Committee and General Committee discuss the draft budget during this series of meetings. All meetings are open to the public.
More information can be found here:
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Community Meetings and Events
All City of Markham meetings are listed on the City's website at
Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings
. Unless noted differently on the link above, meetings are held at the Markham Civic Centre and are open to the public. If you aren't able to attend in person, meetings are live streamed.
The calendar of York Region meetings is available
here.
You can listen to meetings on line. The details from past meetings are available online.
- Upcoming Markham Public Library Events - here
- Upcoming Varley Gallery Events - here
I'd be pleased to highlight other community meetings in future newsletters. Please forward the details to
dhamilton@markham.ca
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If you have a question that you would like answered, please send me an email with your question.
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Question: Do I need to replace a hard-wired smoke detector that is currently attached to my upstairs hallway ceiling? The green light is still glowing.
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Answer: Even hard-wired smoke detectors have a certain useful life ... even if the green light is still glowing. Check the expiry date and if it doesn't have an expiry date, replace it! More information on smoke detectors and fire safety can be found
here.
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Working together to make Markham better!
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