July 7 2019
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
|
|
|
Well at least that's what the
song lyric says but I have been quite busy with park openings, seniors events, offering greetings at a junior tennis tournament, BBQ's and the usual day-to-day issues that crop up now that warmer weather is here.
I'd like to remind everyone to enjoy the warm weather responsibly. Dress light but cover up if you're in any treed or grassy area. Ticks can carry Lyme disease and it is not something you want for yourself or a family member.
Most of the local Councillors have sent their newsletters to homes in their respective wards. If you haven't received your copy, please contact them directly. You can find your local Councillor
here.
If you like what I refer to as "stinky tofu", don't forget to come to
Night It Up! July 12-14 at our own Markham Civic Centre. It smells like cow manure but apparently is quite tasty! There are lots of things to see and do too.
Mark down Saturday August 24th from 10 am to 7 pm in your family calendar as a reminder to attend the
Markham-Milliken Children's Festival held at the Aaniin Community Centre. It will be fun for all at our newest Community Centre.
Continue to enjoy the summer!
Click here
to read the previous edition of
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
|
|
In this issue
-
YR Council Highlights
- Be Water Wise
- Full Circle Approach to Waste
- Back to Nature Flood Management
- More Planes Overhead?
- Cycling Safety
-
Summer Company Entrepreneurs
-
Roads Capital Acceleration Reserve
- LEAF
- York Region Arts Council
- Ticks - Confirmed Locations
- Milliken Children's Festival
- Did Someone Say Free?
- Night It Up!
- Community Meetings and Events
|
Please forward this update to anyone that may find it of interest.
Make sure you are on the list for future updates.
|
Looking for more information?
Any of the blue text, blue buttons and most of the graphics have links to further detail.
|
|
|
Further detail on topics covered in the most recent meeting on June 27 can be found
here
.
Live streaming of the public session of Council and Committee of the Whole meetings is available on the day of the meeting from 9 a.m. until the close of the meeting. Past sessions are also available
here
.
|
|
|
When Environment Canada issues a heat warning like they did this weekend, please use our water resources wisely.
With prolonged heat, water system challenges can be experienced and thought should be given to restrict water use, including:
- Non-essential indoor and outdoor water use
- Outdoor water use for irrigation
- Pool filling
Restricting water use will help ensure there is enough water in the system for an emergency such as a firefighting capabilities. For more tips on conserving water, please visit
York.ca/waterfortomorrow
|
|
an update from York Region
-
York Region continues to take a full-circle approach when it comes to managing waste. The
SM4RT Living Plan
helps residents participate in initiatives focused on the four Rs; reduce, reuse, recycle and recover with a long-term vision of zero waste.
The
Balanced Scorecard
report is updated annually and measures progress on programs delivered as part of the SM4RT Living Plan. The plan shifts focus from a linear economy of “take, make and dispose” to a more sustainable circular economy which considers product and packaging design, consumer choices and reusing, recycling and composting as a better way to manage waste in the Region. York Region continues to advocate for an Ontario-wide effort to
reduce litter and waste
in our communities. This is a crucial step in addressing the challenges faced by the Blue Box program where increasingly complex packaging is causing consumer confusion over what can be recycled. Convenience products such as resealable plastic pouches, coffee pods, coffee cups, black plastics, plastic bags, recyclables in plastic bags and food left in containers are not recyclable at all. When these products are mistakenly placed in the Blue Box, they negatively impact the blue box system.
Additionally, recycling markets have become increasingly restrictive on what they accept and the level of contamination they will tolerate. Contamination can jeopardize the success of the entire Blue Box program.
|
|
To address the growing concern and challenges to achieving sustainable waste management practices, the scorecard highlights initiatives in the following areas:
- Products and packaging - Advocating the province to make producers fully responsible for collecting and recycling their products and packaging. This will drive producers to make better packaging and product designs that are recyclable, as well as generate more recycling markets to turn these materials into new products.
- Influence consumer choices - Providing residents with opportunities for reuse and repair through innovative programs such as repair cafés, curbside giveaway days, textile diversion and lending libraries. The grand opening of York Region’s first Lendery is taking place on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Milliken Mills Library.
- Increasing diversion through recycling and composting - Providing convenient, easily accessible recycling programs, generating energy and reclaiming resources, such as metals from waste, and increasing the opportunities for recycled material to become new products and packaging. The Region also strongly supports a deposit return program for single use-plastic, aluminum and metal drink containers to augment the curbside Blue Box program.
York Region will continue to update and refine the initiatives of the SM4RT Living plan to ensure it is well-aligned with the province’s shift towards a circular economy. For more information on the plan, visit
york.ca/sm4rtliving
|
|
From nature to industrial, and now back to nature. The City of Markham has been awarded a federal grant for its
Stormwater Management Strategy and Flood Control Program, which includes the Don Mills Channel, West Thornhill and Thornhill Community Centre and Library projects. The Don Mills Channel industrial area is particularly susceptible to floods. This project involves reclaiming the flood plain and will help restore it to its natural state. Past floods in 2005, 2014 and 2017 in Markham have caused significant damage. These infrastructure improvements will help protect vulnerable communities and businesses.
Learn more about Markham’s Stormwater Management Strategy and Flood Control Program -
here
What:
Markham Flood Control Program Announcement and Demonstration
When:
Monday, July, 8, 2019 from 11am to noon - rain or shine
Where:
135 Torbay Road (Woodbine Avenue and Steelcase Road) - behind building and adjacent to Don Mills Channel
|
|
Pearson Airport is conducting a trial this summer on the weekends that may see more planes overhead in the Markham area. The goal is to give some relief from aircraft noise to areas near the takeoff and landing paths. This trial will last until September 8. You can learn more about this program
here
.
|
|
With summer, there are more cyclists on the roads around the City. Everyone has a role when it comes to increasing the safety of cyclists. Everyone needs to be aware of their surroundings whether you are on foot, on your bike or driving in your vehicle. York Region is also doing its part to help by making
intersection improvements to further enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety
.
There are 4 intersections that have been selected for safety enhancements this summer in the Region with Yonge Street and Clark Avenue being the location in Markham.
Improvements can include no right turns on red lights, exclusive left turn signal, pedestrian and cyclist right-of-way signage and advanced pedestrian crossing signal. Click
here
for more information on cycling in York Region.
|
|
As more people are deciding on active travel, the City is working on an
Active Transportation Master Plan
. You can provide your input on ways that active transportation can be improved.
Get involved!
Have your say!
York Region also recently launched a
safety campaign
urging drivers to obey speed limits, pay attention and be alert for pedestrians and cyclists.
|
|
Come and support York Region’s student start-up businesses. Meet and greet nine Summer Company students who will be showcasing their summer businesses.
When:
Wednesday, July 10, 2019 from 11am to 2pm
Where:
Staples Aurora,
14800 Yonge Street in
Aurora
YSBEC’s Summer Company entrepreneurs:
- Meaghan Jamieson, Meg's Microgreens
- Aiden Kirchmair, 3 Bro Mow
- Tanishq Maheshwari, Greenback
- Quintyn McInnis, Quintessential Experts
- Max McInnis, Maximum Driveway Care
- Jinal Patadia, Radhe Krishna Dance
- Zipporah Todd, Ashanti Beauty Naturally
- Nik Wallgren, Simply Students
- David Xing, Tycho Machining
|
|
The Summer Company Program is a youth business initiative of the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, delivered by 47 Small Business Enterprise Centres across Ontario. The York Small Business Enterprise Centre delivers this program in York Region.
Learn more
about Summer Company.
Learn more
about these young entrepreneurs and their businesses.
|
|
With a growing population York Region needs to continually improve its road network and Council has recently committed to additional prioritized funding amounting to $200 million. These funds will be used to create the
Roads Capital Acceleration Reserve Fund with a goal of improving the travelers' experience and
used to accelerate priority road growth projects across the Region.
Approved as part of the
2019 budget
, the additional 1% tax levy will provide better travel options, by improving connections to the provincial highway network and to rapid transit, including
GO
and
Viva
. In addition to the 2019 1% tax levy, the Region will seek additional sources of tax revenue over the next 10 years to fund the associated costs of these road projects.
The Roads Capital Acceleration Reserve Fund is in addition to the $2.8 billion of capital investments planned for the
next 10 years
to build and maintain the Regional transportation network. There is $339 million in transportation investment already committed in 2019. This year alone, York Region is working on more than
100 road construction
projects.
|
|
LEAF is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the urban forest. They offer a number of programs that help you plant, care and give.
- LEAF arborists are booking personalized consultations throughout the summer for residents wanting to plant subsidized trees this fall. Apply to the program now to book an in-person or virtual consultation.
Explore Lake Wilcox Park
- This summer, visit Lake Wilcox Park in Richmond Hill and make sure to bring LEAF's Self-Guided Tree Tour, with a map that identifies the park's historical, rare and ecologically-important trees.
The Perfect Garden Party
- Every summer, they host a garden party for their volunteers. As a result, they know a thing or two about hosting the perfect summer party that's fun for you and safe for your garden and plants. Get some tips for your next outdoor gathering.
Love plants and trees? Why not volunteer?
- Looking for a fun way to get more involved this summer? Want to meet like-minded people while helping the urban forest? Why not become a LEAF volunteer? LEAF offers enriching opportunities year-round; from joining stewardship events to volunteer photographers to representing LEAF at community events, there is something for everyone!
|
|
Interested in turning your art practice into a creative business? Have questions about the
Artrepreneur Program
and how it can help you build your business?
The Artrepreneur Roadshow is making its way through York Region and the Markham event is this week. Learn about what you can expect from the program and hear from alumni on the experiences they gained through the sessions.
Creative State of York Region Study -
Be part of a region-wide study that will help determine the creative state of the arts and culture sector in York Region. Responses taken from this survey will be used to develop a final report and analyze the regional arts and cultural sector. Your individual or company responses will be never be public, and survey results will only ever be presented in aggregate form.
Click here to complete the survey
|
|
Did you know blacklegged ticks are in York Region? Tick populations are continuing to expand. In the spring and the fall, York Region Public Health routinely searches for blacklegged ticks. As new risk areas are found, they are added to the
provincial map.
Look for York Region Public Health’s “
Fight the Bite”
signs if you are out enjoying local parks or trails. These signs let you know blacklegged ticks were found in the area.
Remember, blacklegged ticks can be found in natural areas anywhere in southern Ontario and beyond, not just where they have already been found. York Region Public Health continues to monitor for blacklegged ticks at various locations throughout spring, summer and fall months.
|
|
York Region Public Health found blacklegged ticks in the following locations:
Town of Georgina
- Metro Tract – York Regional Forest
- Sibbald Point Provincial Park
Township of King
- Centennial Park Trail
- Cold Creek Conservation Area
- Happy Valley Forest
- Joker’s Hill
City of Markham
- Bob Hunter Memorial Park – Rouge Valley
- German Mills Settlers Park
City of Vaughan
- Bindertwine Park
- Boyd Conservation Area
- Kortright Conservation Area
Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
- North Tract – York Regional Forest
- Porritt Tract – York Regional Forest
Public Health Ontario has also identified the Rouge Valley, North Tract York Regional Forest, Joker’s Hill, Humber Valley (and the areas surrounding these locations) as
Lyme disease risk areas
. Risk areas are wooded or brushy areas within a 20 kilometer radius zone around the locations blacklegged ticks have been found.
|
|
It's Back!
Beat your end-of-summer boredom with the party your kids have been waiting for all summer. Join us for Ontario’s largest annual children’s festival, now at the
Aaniin Community Centre and Library -
Saturday, August 24, 2019 from 10am to 7pm. More information is available
here.
|
|
The City of Markham is offering free outdoor fitness classes - all summer long!
Do Yoga and Zumba in the park with your human or furry friends!
|
|
|
Night Market happens next weekend (July 12 - 14) at the Markham Civic Centre.
Night It Up!
is an outdoor festival showcasing a mosaic of Asian street foods and treats from over 100 vendors, complemented by performances from local talent and celebrities styled in the vein of night markets found across Southeast Asia. If you enjoy food, sports, music, and art, attend to see some of this year’s highlights including:
- Inaugural CCYAA Celebrity Classic - a charity basketball tournament
- New outrageous food offerings and returning favourites like cotton candy burritos and bubble waffles
- A pop-up art exhibition from Art Take Over
- Attractions such as inflatables, photo booth, and marquee lights!
Night It Up! i
s organized by youth volunteers of Power Unit Youth Organization, the non-profit group that has contributed over $143,000 to charities across the GTA.
|
|
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
|
|
Working together to make Markham better!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
