April 21, 2019
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
As the Christian and Jewish communities celebrate the Easter and Passover holidays, in many places across the world there is strife and upheaval. Today we learned of the senseless killing of over 200 innocent people in Sri Lanka.

While we have suffered our share of break-ins and other crime, York Region still remains one of the safest places to live work and play. City staff are working with community leaders including the York Regional Police to make this summer's community events as safe as possible for all.

On a positive note, check the articles below on tree planting, the York Region Food Network and celebrating Earth Day.

I recently had a positive discussion with concerned residents regarding homelessness in YR and the need for homeless shelters within YR communities. Discussions are also underway around a hospice for Markham.

Unionville Tennis Club had their "nets up" morning and once it stops raining the courts will be filled with active players. Why not join in?

There's lots going on in York Region. I'm trying my best to stay on top of it all!

As always, I can be reached at dhamilton@markham.ca

Click here to read the prior edition of The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
In this issue
- York Region Council Update
- Save on Trees for Your Garden
- Your Voice Markham
- I Count, I'm Not Just a Number
- Active Transportation Master Plan
- Markham Celebrates Earth Day
- YR Food Network
- April is Oral Health Month
- Our Past Inspires Our Future
- York Region Transit Update
- Celebrate Youth Week: May 1 - 7
- Election Rebate Deadline
- Regional Government Review
- Community Meetings and Events
- Q&A - Green Bin Processing
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Did you know you can listen to York Region meetings on line? Most meetings are on Thursday but the full schedule is available here. The details from past meetings are also available online.

Are you looking to add more greenery or shade to your yard this summer? The City of Markham's Trees for Tomorrow progam, in partnership with York Region, is offering an additional subsidy to Markham residents to save up to $400 when they plant through  Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF) .  This program will help contribute to the City's target of achieving a 30 per cent tree canopy in our community.

LEAF's Backyard Tree Planting Program provides residents with:
  • A 30 minute consultation with a LEAF arborist
  • Full planting service or a do-it-yourself option
  • Tree care guide
  • Follow-up tree care advice by email or phone
The selection of trees and shrubs available are native to the area, which add to the natural biodiversity of our tree canopy.

Each property owner can qualify for up to five trees per property, space permitting. The approval process ensures your property can support the selected trees and shrubs.  Multi-unit and/or commercial properties may also qualify for this program.

Tree supply is limited and arborists book up early! Learn more and book your arborist consultation. Contact LEAF at  www.yourleaf.org  or call 1.866.453.6504. More information

The City has launched this new site as a place for you to contribute your ideas and feedback on City projects.

Your input is important and this new tool should make it easier to provide your insight and help with decisions that are shaping our community.

York Region recently participated in the first province-wide count of homelessness and the results have rev ealed at least 389 people as experiencing homelessness in our Region. During a four-day period in April 2018, York Region mobilized citizen volunteers, community organizations and staff to conduct a homeless count called  I Count – I’m not just a number . Results from the count are intended to serve as a snapshot and reflect the minimum number of people who are experiencing homelessness in York Region.

Results of the count revealed there is no ‘typical’ profile of someone experiencing homelessness. People surveyed ranged in age, household composition, income and reasons why they become homeless.

I Count  will do more than just count people. It will help York Region and its partners prevent, reduce and end homelessness. For more information call Access York at 1-877-464-YORK (9675).

The first Open House for the AMTP is your opportunity to provide input and suggestions on your walking and cycling experiences in Markham.

The Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP) will help to build a well-connected and safe active transportation network for cyclists, pedestrians, persons with assistive devices and parents with strollers. Whether you use Markham streets, trails or parks for recreation or transportation purposes, we want to hear from you!

Thursday April 25
5:30pm - 8:30pm 
Markham Civic Centre
101 Town Centre Blvd
Small actions can add up to have a big impact. During Earth Day and Earth Week, try making some changes that can benefit the environment and your health. Some examples include:
click for more detail
Do you know about the York Region Food Network? They operate programs, raise awareness and promote policy changes for increased access to affordable and nutritious food produced within a sustainable food system. Some of the programs they run include cooking classes, seed exchange, community gardens, good food boxes and other programs. More information

One of their upcoming programs is Smart Serve Training. To legally serve and sell alcohol in Ontario, you must be Smart Serve Certified. Get summer job ready with this training.

When:  Monday, April 29 and Monday, May 6 from 6:30 - 9:30pm
Where: Aaniin Community Centre, 5665 14th Avenue, Markham
Cost: $10 

Places are limited so registration is a must. Register register online  or with Sarah at  sarahe@yrfn.ca  or 905-841-3101 ext. 204.

A healthy mouth is an important part of physical, social and emotional development. Understanding your oral health and having a good routine will help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile and good overall health.

York Region provides a program to make certain that all residents have access to dental services. This program is delivered by registered dental hygienists, certified dental assistants and dental treatment is provided by community dentists. The goal is to promote oral health, prevent dental disease and treat eligible residents. More information can be found here.
 
The Markham Historical Society has published a new book “Markham 1900-2000, Our Past Inspires Our Future”. This new book documents Markham’s history during the period 1900 to 2000. Markham 1900-2000 documents the changes that have taken place in Markham over the last century as the population grew from 10,000 to over 200,000 and changed from an agricultural community to the high-tech capital of Ontario. 

This is a perfect gift for friends, business associates and clients. All proceeds from the sale of this book benefit the Markham Museum. Markham 1900-2000, Our Past Inspires our Future is available at Markham Museum or online.  

There will be changes to schedules taking effect on Sunday, April 28, 2019. The details are all noted here .

The Spring 2019 edition of YRT’s MyTransit ” newsletter is available here.
In this issue:
  • Take YRT to Canada's Wonderland
  • Celebrate National Public Works Week with York Region
  • YRT fares changing July 1
  • A fresh face for YRT.ca
  • Lost something?
  • Safety during construction is crucial
  • Service changes on April 28
  • YRT app upgrade for Android
Each year, Markham joins municipalities from coast-to-coast-to-coast in May to celebrate youth and their active participation in our communities.

Whether it is through recreation, drama, sport, dance, civic engagement, volunteerism or leadership, every day young people are getting involved in meaningful ways that have real impact.

Don’t miss the Markham Youth Expo – the City’s feature Youth Week event – on Saturday, May 4, 2019, from 2 to 9 PM, at Aaniin Community Centre.

Learn more at  markham.ca/youth  

This is a reminder to submit your rebate application to the City.


The fine print
  • Donors who contribute $50 or more
  • Residents of Ontario only
  • the maximum rebate a donor may receive is $350
  • donors are eligible for one rebate, regardless of how many campaigns they contributed to
  • rebate cheques will be issued starting July 2019
  • all details of the rebate program can be found here
Have your say...your input is requested
The Province is reviewing 8 regional governments in total (including York Region) to determine if there should be changes made to how these regions are governed.

In the link below, there is more information on this review process and the 3 ways to participate in this review process:
  • Speak in person in Newmarket on May 6
  • Submit written comments by mail or email
  • Complete an online survey before May 21

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
Frequently Asked Questions...
 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: What happens to the materials that I put in my Green Bin each week?
Answer: All c ompostable materials like food scraps and soiled paper products that you place in your Green Bin are delivered to a central processing facility under contract with York Region. All the m unicipalities  in York Region participate in this shared program. The contents of your Green Bin are then composted at these facilities under very specific conditions. The details of the entire process are outlined in the video. Once the process is complete the final compost is then used in agriculture, horticulture operations and is also available for residents.


Not sure what items are accepted in your Green Bin? Check out the Bindicator tool.

For more information about the Green Bin Program and Composting, click here
Working together to make Markham better!