July 25 2019
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
Summer is slipping by!

As I write this article, it is hard to believe it is the end of July. The summer seems to be slipping away, so get out your calendar as there's lots to do in Markham!

This weekend we have a Carnival and Blessing walk at the Markham Wesley Centre (see article below) as well as the Unionville Main Street Exotic Car Show (not to be missed by car enthusiasts).

On Monday there is a Walk With Art on Main Street Unionville which should be interesting. Thursday Night At The Bandstand continues its 2019 season run. We also have some future events listed below that might be of interest to you.

On a personal note, my 95 year old mother continues her recovery from a blood infection at Markham Stouffville Hospital. What a great team of doctors, nurses and support staff at MSH! It's not easy caring for a senior parent.

Get out and about with family and friends. See you around Markham!


Click here to read the last edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
In this issue
- YorkSafe - July 22 Edition
- Walk with Art
- Road Closure
- Beat the Heat
- Exotic Car Show
- Yonge Subway Work
- Calling All Artists
- GO Transit to Caribbean Carnival
- Small Trees for Small Yards
- Break the Silence
- Forest Photography Workshop
- Markham Accessibility Awards
- Love York Region Contest
- Carnival and Blessing Walk
- Community Meetings and Events
- Q & A - Idling By-Law
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.

The YorkSafe inspectors continue their work to make sure that locations such as restaurants, pools, salons, summer camps and childcare facilities meet health standards.

Here is the updated list which includes some local establishments.
Monday July 29th from 7pm - 9pm
 
Tour of Main Street Unionville
 
Join the Markham Arts Council for a historic walk and tour down Main Street Unionville.
 
Meet at Stiver Mill Community Centre and be sure to w ear comfortable shoes and dress according to the weather. Light refreshments will be served.
 

For inquiries, please contact Sam at 905-947-9054 or email
Road Closure

Warden Avenue will be closed between Elgin Mills and 19th Avenue on the following dates for Greek Summer Festival:
Friday, July 26, 2019, 7pm to 12am
Saturday, July 27, 2019, 7pm to 12am

Tips from York Region Public Health to avoid heat related illness

The temperature is continuing to rise across York Region. Stay cool and safe this summer by following these simple tips:
Find ways to stay cool
  • Stay indoors in cool, well-ventilated areas
  • Wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made of breathable fabric
  • If you do not have air conditioning in your home, go to places that do, including shopping malls, local libraries, public pools and community centres
  • When using fans, keep a window or door open to bring in cooler air from outside
  • Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight
Drink extra fluids
  • Increase your fluid intake regardless of your activity level
  • Drink plenty of water before feeling thirsty
Reduce physical activity, especially in the full sun
  • Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day
  • Reduce sun exposure between 11am and 4pm and when the UV Index is reported to reach three (moderate) or higher
  • If you must be outdoors in the heat, rest frequently to allow your body temperature to cool down 
  • Avoid sun exposure by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or use an umbrella
  • Wear sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher 
Everyone is at risk from extreme heat, especially older adults, infants and young children, people who work or exercise outdoors and those with certain medical conditions. Warning signs of heat-related illness include dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, weakness and confusion. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Also remember to check on friends, family and neighbours who may be at risk.

The show will take place this Sunday (July 28th) from 11am to 4pm on Main Street Unionville.

Main Street will be closed to traffic between Carlton Road and Fred Varley, so that visitors can walk the street and enjoy close up views of the cars we all dream about. A variety of the most luxurious cars will be on display showcasing the evolution of the world’s greatest sports cars and classics. This is the chance to see these rare and beautiful vehicles all in one location. More information available here.

Geotechnical work along Yonge Street continues in the preliminary planning phase subway extension. Work will take place at various locations along Yonge Street and some side streets from Finch Avenue to Highway 7. Work will take place from 7am to 7pm. What you need to know:
  • Crews will use a drill rig to bore holes and extract soil samples. At the end of each work day the roadway will be restored.
  • As part of this work activity, there will be temporary lane closures along Yonge through the work areas. Please watch for signs and slow down through the work zones.
  • There will be construction-related noise and dust from equipment and trucks.
  • Please give yourself enough time to get to your destination, and remember to reduce your speed through the work zones.
As with all infrastructure projects, some work may be rescheduled due to weather and other variables.

The Markham Arts Council would like to call on all talented artists to temporarily donate a piece of artwork for display at the Aaniin Community Centre . They are looking for pieces that will engage the community to think about what art is really about. Your artwork will be displayed with your name in public space. Help them fill up the wall!
 
For inquiries, please contact Sam at   905-947-9054 
 
On August 3, special trains will run on the Stouffville line to and from Exhibition GO for the Caribbean Carnival Parade.
 
Stouffville Line
  • A trip from Lincolnville GO at 10:35am will make all stops to Exhibition GO, arriving at 12:01pm
  • A trip from Exhibition GO at 7pm will make all stops to Lincolnville GO, arriving at 8:33pm
 
GO Bus
  • Regular GO Bus service is available to and from Union Station Bus Terminal, with connections at Union Station to the Lakeshore West train to get you to and from Exhibition GO for the parade.

As trains and buses will be busy, make sure to give yourself enough time.

Find out more about the Toronto Caribbean Carnival
In urbanized areas, backyards (even the small ones) are some of the best places to plant. Planting a small growing species would still provide many of the economic, environmental, and health benefits of trees without overwhelming the small space.
Click here to find out more about these four excellent small trees for small yards.
 
Event in support of Yellow Brick House
 
Location:  St. Andrew’s College, Aurora
Date:  Sunday, November 3, 2019


W alking to Break The Silence and Empower Women and Children to Rebuild Their Lives

Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the forest and capture iconic scenes of one of our most scenic forests, including a fabulous sunset! Basic photography lesson included. Please bring your camera.  Registration required.  

When: Thursday, August 8, 2019 from 6pm to 8pm
Where: Happy Valley Forest Tract, 15430 7th Concession, Township of King 
Contact: Registration is required - register online  or call 1-877-464-9675

Further information on this event or other York Region Forest events can be found here.

The Markham Accessibility Awards recognizes the outstanding contributions of businesses, public institutions and individuals who are champions for accessibility.

Click here for more information and to download the nomination form.
Love York Region Contest

Celebrate summer in York Region

What do you love about summer in York Region?

Share your best summer photos of York Region using #loveyr and #contest. You could win a $50 gift card!


The 9th annual Markham Carnival and Blessing Walk will be held this Saturday. The theme of this year's fundraising event is "Embracing Community Harmony" to celebrate friendship among all ethnic groups. There will be an international food fair, various games, sport tournaments and may multi-ethnic performances.
 
Date: Saturday, July 27, 2019
Carnival Time: 10 am - 6 pm (Multi-cultural Show at 4:30 to 6:00 pm at inside of People’s Theatre)
Venue: Outside Parking Lot of MWC at 22 Esna Park Drive, Markham
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.


I'd be pleased to highlight other community meetings in future newsletters. Please forward the details to dhamilton@markham.ca
As an ongoing section in these email updates, I would like to provide answers to some commonly asked questions by residents.

If you have a question that you would like answered, please send me an email with your question.
Question: Does the Markham vehicle anti-idling by-law apply even in really hot (or really cold) weather?
Answer: Yes, The anti-idling by-law applies all year long no matter what the weather. That said, it is impossible to have a City of Markham bylaws officer checking every car in Markham for an infraction. As good stewards of the environment, we hope that drivers will respect the 3 minute idling permission at all times. If you are observed idling for more than three minutes, a By-law Enforcement Officer may issue a ticket for $150.
Working together to make Markham better!