October 20 2019
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Should Markham Council continue to allow for the raising of flags of foreign countries at the Civic Centre?
The City of Markham has made proclamations and raised flags at the Civic Centre for many years to
recognize special people, events, organizations, and groups in our community. More detail about the process of proclamations and flag raisings can be
found here
.
All flag raisings, until recently, have been celebratory in nature and have occurred without controversy.
However, the raising of the Republic of China's flag a few weeks ago necessitated the presence of Police and security to maintain order with protesters.
Most are likely aware of the situation with Canadians being held in China and the ongoing protests in Hong Kong as well as ongoing economic sanctions imposed on the import of some Canadian products into China.
Should the City of Markham permit flags of foreign countries to be raised at the Civic Centre?
I'd like to hear from you on this issue.
Click here
to read the last edition of
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
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In this issue
- VOTE MONDAY!
- YorkSafe
- Weekend GO Train Service Coming
- MATM This Tuesday
- Flu Shot Time
- Transit Assistance Program
- LEAF Program Extended
- Windrow Service
- York Region Meeting Updates
- Watermain Work Continues
- A Vibrant and Healthy Community
- Scaryfest 2019
- Road Watch
- Update from Alectra
- Fall Lunch and Learn
- Strategic Plan Twitter Town Hall
- City Budget Meetings
- Community Meetings and Events
- Q & A - Remembrance Day Services
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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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Vote Monday!
Imagine all parties
working together for a better Canada!
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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Beginning November 2, Metrolinx will be introducing
weekend rail service
along the Stouffville line between Union Station and Lincolnville station. There will be hourly service between Union Station and Mount Joy GO every Saturday and Sunday – with some trips extending to serve all stops to and from Lincolnville.
The weekend trains will be six coaches long, so you may need to adjust where you wait on the platform depending on your station.
Not only will this new service result in more weekly train trips for GO customers — it will provide all-day rail service seven days a week between Mount Joy and Union stations. At the same time, Metrolinx will be reducing, removing, or consolidating some bus services.
Check the new schedules here
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Have you ever attended a MATM film showing? It is one of Markham's best kept secrets. Their next films are this week on Tuesday October 22 - $10 at the door of the Flato Markham Theatre.
Matinee show at 1:30pm
- PAPI CHULO -
trailer
Evening show at 7:00pm
- LE GRAND BAIN (Sink or Swim) -
trailer - i
n French with English Subtitles
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Some risks are worth it. The flu is not. There are serious complications from the flu.
Get the flu shot.
It is easier than ever to get your flu shot at:
- Health care providers’ offices
- Medical walk-in clinics
- Participating pharmacies (for individuals five years or older)
- Some workplace clinics
- York Region Public Health immunization clinics. Flu shots are offered to anyone aged three and older by appointment only. Please call 1-877-464-9675 ext. 73044 to inquire about appointments or click here.
More information from Health Canada is available
here.
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York Region is piloting the Transit Assistance Program (TAP) to help make transit more affordable for eligible residents.
The TAP pass can help transit riders who currently do not receive a transit subsidy save money. Eligible residents can purchase a TAP pass for half the cost of a YRT Adult monthly pass. The TAP pass is valid for unlimited travel on YRT services for the calendar month.
Applications are currently being accepted, but space is limited. To find out if you are eligible and how to apply,
click here
or call Access York at 1-877-464-9675.
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In partnership with York Region and
LEAF
(Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests), there will be additional trees available under this program for residents of Markham.
Tree planting on public and private lands is critical towards achieving an urban canopy of 30% in the City of Markham. Trees provide economic benefits by increasing property values, reducing energy consumption and reducing storm-related flooding. With growing concerns about climate change, habitat loss and human health, tree planting is one way to respond to environmental challenges and contributes to a healthier and greener environment.
Fall planting season is underway. LEAF arborists are booking appointments for consultations so call now if you are planning to add new trees and shrubs to your yard.
Learn more
here
or call 1-866-453-6504 to get your tree planted!
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At some point, hopefully not too soon, we will see the snow removal equipment out on our roads clearing snow.
The City has automatically renewed Snow Windrow Removal Assistance Service to all residents who have been approved for the previous winter season. If you haven’t received your notification or if you no longer require this service, please contact the City by
email
or 905-477-5530. To learn more about the City's snow removal program including the windrow service, click
here
.
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Highlights of the this week's meeting can be seen
here including:
- Pilot of photo radar in school zones
- Subsidized housing wait list
- Attracting business and housing to city centres
- Invasive species update
- Smart commute program
- Housing strategy update
A calendar of York Region meetings and other information is available
here.
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Work on the watermain along Bullock Drive near McCowan Road should be completed this week.
The lane closure on Bullock Drive has been extended to October 25 2019.
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On Wednesday October 23, the City of Markham's Operations, Public Realm section, is hosting an event with
Gil Penalosa. He will be
delivering a lecture entitled:
A Vibrant and Healthy Markham for All.
Gil Penalosa is passionate about cities for all people. He advises decision makers and communities worldwide on how to create vibrant cities and healthy communities for all, regardless of age, gender, ability and social, economic, or ethnic background. His focus is on the use of parks and streets as great public places, as well as the promotion of sustainable mobility: walking, riding bicycles, using public transit, and new use of cars.
Daytime Event - Markham Civic Centre - Canada Room - 12pm -
register
Evening Event -
Aaniin Community Centre - 7pm -
register
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Join the fun at the
Markham Museum
, if you dare, for a Halloween scare. The Museum will be transformed into a ghoulishly grand spook-tacular town on October 26 and 27!
With your treat bag in tow, trick-or-treat around the grounds. Have your fortune told, dance the day away at our Monster Mash and more. Come in costume, have fun and enjoy the family activities. Pictures from last year's fun can be found
here
.
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With all of the horrible news reports of road related tragedies lately, have you seen an aggressive or dangerous driver? Do you know how to report these drivers?
Road Watch
, a York Regional Police program, helps residents report these drivers. Here are just some of the infractions that can be reported:
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Failing to yield
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Passing when it is not safe
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals
Road Watch Online Reporting -
If you see someone driving dangerously in York Region, you can
report it online
. You will need to use your real name. Personal information will be kept confidential. It will never be shared with the aggressive driver you reported.
What Happens After I Submit a Report?
- First report: York Regional Police send the registered owner of the vehicle a letter. The letter tells the person about the date, location and details of the incident. It encourages them to drive more safely.
- Second report: police send a second letter. A police officer will also place a phone call to the vehicle owner to discuss the incident.
- Third report: a police officer will visit the vehicle owner in-person. The officer will then decide if additional measures need to be taken to avoid future offenses.
More information about Road Watch can be found
here. Details about other traffic safety programs run by York Region can be found
here.
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Ally is Alectra's newsletter to provide updates from our local utility supplier including energy related developments from the provincial and federal governments impacting Markham. In this issue of ally:
- Billing updates and programs to help those struggling with bill payments
- Alectra's infrastructure work in Markham
- Need funding for a municipal sustainability project?
- Alectra launches pilot examining local energy markets
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Third Wednesday of the month
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Non-Members - $5 | Members - free
- Wednesday November 20
- Wednesday December 18
Every third Wednesday of the month, the Gallery presents Lunch and Learn sessions. These informal artist talks provide our community members with the opportunity to learn about current and future exhibitions, as well as hear about ongoing curatorial research happening at the Gallery. This program also supports emerging and established artists by providing them with a forum in which to present their work.
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Join the
Twitter Town Hall
next week to provide your input on Thursday October 24 at 7pm.
Building Markham's Future Together (BMFT) is the strategic plan for the 2020 – 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 Markham’s future together by letting us know what’s most important to you! We want to hear from Markham residents, business owners, workers, students and community stakeholders. Complete the
online survey
for a chance to win.
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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: What Remembrance Day services are available locally for our family to attend?
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Answer: One of the most powerful and moving ceremonies takes place outdoors at the cenotaph at Crosby Memorial Arena (Main Street Unionville and Carlton Road) at 10:45am on November 11th. There is also an outdoor service on November 9th led by the Markham Veterans Association starting (7 Washington Street Markham at 10am)
and a City led indoor service at the Flato Markham Theatre on November 11th at 10:30am. Please join us in remembering at one of these ceremonies.
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Working together to make Markham better!
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