March 15 2020
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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So far, so good for Markham!
On top of all the COVID-19 and stock market news this past week, I was reminded that we are fast approaching the April 30
th tax submission deadline. The reminder came when my wife returned from shopping with a "tax-in-a-box" program but no hand sanitizer or toilet paper as the stores had sold out. If you might enjoy a bit of levity after a tough week, check this
video clip.
Along with Councillor Keith Irish and two of our senior staff, I had the pleasure of meeting with Swan Lake Community residents to discuss what the City plans to do to return the "lake" to a more pristine state. The lake is in a state of phosphorus overload which has killed fish and threatens the existence of other wildlife. Along with local Councillor Andrew Keyes, we are ready to work with stakeholders to try and resolve the problem.
During this COVID-19 crisis, live life as normally as possible but take sensible recommended precautions. Many facilities are closed for at least the next 3 weeks, but as long as weather permits, enjoy the outdoors!
Don't forget to check on all your neighbours, especially if they are seniors! A friendly phone call is always appreciated.
I am always just an email away if needed.
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In this issue
- Markham COVID-19 Advisory
- York Region COVID-19 Update
- Have You Travelled?
- GO Schedule Changes
- Markham Cares Food Drive
- COVID-19 Scam Alert
- YorkSafe Inspections
- What's on in the Park
- Are you a Friend of Swan Lake?
- York Region Forest
- Make a Splash
- Top 7 Award Winner
- Keeping Biodiversity Outdoors
- York Region Update
- Community Meetings and Events
- Q & A
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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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While the risk of acquiring the virus remains low in the community, the City has taken the measure to close a
ll community centres, libraries, Varley Art Gallery, Flato Markham Theatre and Markham Museum until April 5, 2020.
The Markham Civic Centre will remain open during regular operating hours. Residents are encouraged to access the City's
services online
or the Contact Centre at 905.477.5530 or by
email
.
Although meetings and events are cancelled, elected officials and our City staff are still working and will continue to provide services to our community.
The due dates on all library materials have been changed to April 10 and
Markham Public Library
is asking you to keep library materials at home until they reopen. Please also remember that they have a great collection of books, movies, magazines and courses available to you through their online resources.
To learn more or view other closures and cancellations -
click here.
There was an
interesting article in the Washington Post yesterday "Why outbreaks like coronavirus spread exponentially, and how to
flatten the curve" that helps to explain social distancing.
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The risk to York Region residents continues to remain low and there is no evidence of community spread within York Region. Latest update on COVID-19 from York Region Public Health is available
here.
The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. You may also contact Telehealth Ontario at 1.866.797.0000 for medical advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Further detail
can be found at the
Ministry of Health which is
translated into 19 different languages.
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York Region's Associate Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Karachiwalla, sat down with Rogers TV on Friday night to talk about COVID-19.
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Are you traveling during the March Break or have you recently traveled?
York.ca/covid19
has been updated with several travel scenarios to help you make informed decisions as well as self-isolation and self-monitoring fact sheets.
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Changes to take place starting Wednesday, March 18, to align service with demand
Metrolinx is announcing that there will be a selective reduction in
GO train and bus
and
UP Express
service in continued support of provincial action and to protect Ontarians from COVID-19. full statement can be
read here.
These changes will take effect starting on Wednesday, March 18. Revised schedules are
here.
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While you may have been out to the stores purchasing groceries and other supplies, please remember that some in Markham may not be as fortunate.
The Markham Cares Food Drive has been launched in support of the
Markham Food Bank
which is experiencing a high demand at this time. You can make an
online donation here
or drop off non-perishable food items at:
- All Markham Fire Stations
- No Frills (Markham locations)
- Longos (Markham locations)
- Freshco (Markham locations)
- Whole Foods (Markham location)
Please refrain from visiting drop-off locations or leaving your home if you are experiencing any
COVID-19
symptoms.
Also with the need to practice social distancing due to
COVID-19
, many seniors and vulnerable people will face challenges with picking up essentials and caring for themselves. Call and check on them. Help make sure they have the proper supplies and support at this time.
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Beware of Fake COVID-19 Maps
It has become apparent that cyber-criminal activity has emerged as a result of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 situation. Maps illustrating the spread of COVID-19 infections are showing up online, some from legitimate sources and some that are being created by cybercriminals.
Those created by cybercriminals entice visitors to download and run malicious applications that on the front-end may look like a legitimate map from a credible source. However, in the back-end, it’s actually malware software that infects your computer and steals valuable information.
Please beware and do not download and install these maps. Be cautious if you receive emails or social media posts directing you to download a COVID-19 map.
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The listing of YorkSafe health inspections has been updated to reflect recent findings.
Click here to see if there are any Markham establishments on the list.
You can review all locations in York Region
here.
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Looking for something to do? As many activities have been cancelled, experts have advised that it is safe to spend time outside. While guided walks have been cancelled for the next number of weeks, this may be a great opportunity to get out and explore the Park on your own.
Plan ahead and be prepared.
There are a number of trails that are just a short car ride away. Details are
available here.
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This week I attended a meeting to support local Ward 5 Councillor
Andrew Keyes
along with Ward 1 Councillor
Keith Irish
.
The public meeting was to discuss Swan Lake and to explore cost effective and long term options for a sustainable lake and park in that community.
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If the weather is good, get out and explore the great outdoors. While we have walked many of the trails, there are still more that we haven't gotten to yet and as long as it isn't too muddy, we will be ready to explore.
The
York Regional Forest
is open to the public 365 days per year with no cost to enter. The York Regional Forest is made up of 2,300 hectares of protected land, located in different parts of the Region. Eighteen properties with more than 120 kilometres of trail are available to the public.
Find trail maps and more information about the Forest in the
Everyday Guide.
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Now Hiring
Lifeguards and Swim Instructors
Looking to get paid doing something you love while staying fit? Land one of the best jobs in Markham and get paid for doingsomething you love while staying fit. Make new friends and build valuable skills that will set you apart in the workforce. Apply now and start this summer.
Learn more
Some of the perks you’ll enjoy:
- A flexible work schedule
- Free access to any aquatics drop-in program
- Exclusive discounts
Not certified?
Check here
to find out what you need to join Team Markham!
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The City's award winning 2018 Municipal Election drew the most voters in decades, and the highest recorded early and online voter turnouts – 91.3%!
More information here
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It’s March! Spring is only a few short weeks away and wild animals are already prepping for the next generation of wild babies (and some are already here).
Building the perfect den or nest is critical to successfully raising young and wild moms often find optimal spaces in human-built structures such as houses. And although many of us appreciate seeing our wild neighbours in our yards, having a wild family move into your home can be less appealing.
Read more here
to learn more about how to wildlife-proof your home.
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A calendar of York Region meetings and other information is available
here
.
More information about the items highlighted in the Council Highlights 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.
As it stands now, these are the upcoming events. While it is unknown whether more events will be cancelled, the current changes have been
struck through
as they maybe rescheduled.
- 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, please email it to me.
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Question
: What can residents do to help the City during this COVID-19 crisis?
Answer:
The City hopes that you will check to make sure your neighbours are okay during this difficult time. While the City uses media such as newspapers, radio, television and social media for general messaging, it relies on family, neighbours and friends to keep an eye on all community members. A friendly "hello how are you" is always welcome!
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Working together to make Markham better!
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