December 15 2019
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange
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Happy New Decade!
Yes! This year we get to say Happy New Year and Happy New Decade as we move into 2020.
Do you remember Y2K panic and how the world was going to end because computers weren't going to work when the last century ended? Well, we all survived and it is hard to believe that was 20 years ago as we are ready to start yet another decade in the Millennium.
I was pleased with this Budget year's
1.95% Markham tax rate increase. We started with a much higher proposed rate, but after many meetings and long discussion, were able to ratchet it down to a more acceptable level.
Not so I'm afraid with the Regional Budget. We started and ended at
2.96% which is above the inflation rate. I did introduce a motion for a 2% rate increase but only Regional Councillor Joe Li supported my motion. I was disappointed that no other Councillors, especially from Markham, supported my "inflation or below" motion.
Many people ask me about summer jobs for their children in June. It is too late by then as they've all been taken.
Now is the time to apply. See below for more information.
If you are going away for a holiday vacation, e-n-j-o-y yourself! If you are staying in town, there's lots to do. If you have a municipal issue your Councillor is always available by email. Don't hesitate to be in touch!
Merry Christmas! 🎄
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In this issue
- Markham Budget 2020
- Building a Toy Mountain
- Deck the Halls with Fire Safety
- YorkSafe
- Unionville GO Station Changes
-
Eabametoong First Nation Visit
- Student Summer Jobs
- Yellow Brick House
- Holiday Hours
- UVA Special New Year Event
- MATM - Oscar Buzz
- Radon Testing
- Be a Park Person
- Outdoor Skating
- Flooded Basement?
- York Region Update
- Community Meetings and Events
- Q & A - Meeting Space Availability
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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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Click here
to read the last edition of
The Deputy Mayor's Exchange.
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Markham's 2020 Budget delivers value, exceptional services and invests in the future.
Markham has the lowest 15-year tax rate increase in the GTA
MARKHAM, ON – December 11, 2019 – Markham Council approved the City’s 2020 Budget of $522.01 million on December 10.
The budget preserves current service levels and continues investments in Council-approved priorities. The 2020 tax rate increase of
1.95%
means an increase of $24 in property taxes for the average household in Markham.
The tax rate increase includes 1.45% for day-to-day operating costs. An additional 0.50% for infrastructure investment ensures there are sufficient funds to repair and replace City assets for the next 25 years.
“It was important for me to bring the tax rate down to below the anticipated rate of inflation,” said the Mayor.
“Our approach throughout the budget process continues to be thoughtful and measured. The Budget Committee undertook a comprehensive review to find efficiencies and savings, while delivering value for our taxpayers. We are steadfast in our commitment to providing exceptional services, protecting city assets and to investing in a bright and promising future.”
2020 Investments include:
- Improving road infrastructure: In 2020, the City will devote $6.9M for asphalt resurfacing and pavement preservation work on approximately 19 km of two-lane and four-lane roads. Markham is taking a cost-effective and sustainable approach to extend the lifespan of the road network.
- Fighting climate change: Markham will continue to invest in energy conservation and efficiency for its buildings, already having saved $2M per year in utilities and achieving a 14% greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction per resident since 2012.
- Building strong and resilient communities: As part of Markham’s 30-year Flood Control Program to improve storm drainage capacity and to limit flooding risks, the City has earmarked $10.9M for construction in West Thornhill on Clark Avenue to the East of Henderson Avenue, and on Morgan Avenue, between Yonge Street and Henderson Avenue.
- Growing green spaces: Markham will invest $22.1M in outdoor spaces to construct new parks including Box Grove Community Park, Cornell Community Park, Cornell Parkette, Wismer McCowan Woodlot Park, York Downs Park and Leitchcroft Towhhouse Park. In 2020, the City will plant 10,000 trees, adding to the more than 400,000 trees planted through the Trees for Tomorrow program.
- Connecting communities: $1.4M will be invested in a new trail system from Markham Centre starting from the North side of the Rouge River from Warden Avenue to Sciberras Road. $0.2M will be used to design a new trail from the Rouge Valley Trail to Kennedy Road and Austin Drive.
- Leveraging smart city technology: Under the Digital Markham Strategy, Markham will expand digital access and literacy programs, pilot test digital city technology in “living labs”, and implement new technologies to enhance service delivery in 2020. The City will expand the use of Your Voice Markham, the City’s online engagement platform, to offer residents a new way to engage with the City on specific projects and initiatives.
- Driving Markham’s Economic Future: Markham will invest in a new economic development strategy that will establish a vision for Markham’s economic future and chart the path towards strengthening Markham’s competitiveness, vibrancy and prosperity.
Markham collects property taxes on behalf of York Region and the Province of Ontario, with 51% of all Markham taxes going to York Region. The City of Markham retains approximately 25% of the taxes collected with the remaining 24% going to the Province for education.
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Annual Toy Drive 🎄
Building a Toy Mountain 🎄
New unwrapped toys, mitts, hats, gift cards, diapers and baby formula may be dropped off at any of our
Fire Stations
until December 19.
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Find the current listing provided by YorkSafe health inspections
here. As this list is constantly being updated, the establishments are changing all the time.
To view all locations in York Region and to find out if they have had a YorkSafe violation, click
here.
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If you ride the GO train from Unionville, you will need to note that there will be changes to the station starting Monday morning. The new track and island platform are scheduled to be open as they have been doing construction work this weekend.
There are three entrances to the new platform. Boarding restrictions are still in effect.
Click here
for more information
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Next week the
Eabametoong First Nation
(Fort Hope) will visit Markham for an evening of singing, dancing, drumming, story telling and including a talk by a survivor of a residential school.
When:
Friday, December 20 at 7pm
Where:
UPC Community Church, 600 Village Parkway, Unionville
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While it may be December on the calendar, it isn't too early for students to apply for a summer job.
There are a variety of positions available at both the Region and the City.
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On Friday December 6th
Yellow Brick House
and along with other community partners remembered the 14 women massacred at École Polytechnique with a flag raising at the Markham Civic Centre.
Yellow Brick House continues to do good work in the community as a safe refuge for abused women and children in York Region.
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As the holidays are quickly approaching, find out what's open and closed if you are planning to visit a community centre, library, culture site or other City facility.
What’s open
Also don't forget winter parking rules are in effect -
details here
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UVA - Special New Year Event
The first 2020 Unionville Villagers Association meeting is a special event.
A Meet and Greet to start the New Year
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Monday January 13 at the Unionville Train Station. C
ome for refreshments at 6:30pm. The meeting will start at 7:15pm.
Bring a neighbour and listen to Guest Speaker, Kimberley Dunsmoor from the City, who will explain current and future plans for Markham's recycling program and environmental direction.
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While you might be run off your feet with seasonal festivities at this time of year, come January you might be looking for something to do. Markham at the Movies is a great night out as it focuses on bringing award-winning Canadian and international films to our own doorstep at the Markham Flato Theatre.
It is a chance to see excellent films in Markham. The January movie,
Parasite
, is receiving a lot of Oscar buzz -
check it out
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York Region Public Health completed a radon study across York Region. Radon is a radioactive, odourless, naturally occurring gas that is released into the air when uranium in rock and soil breaks down.
The majority of homes tested had low levels of radon below the Health Canada guideline. The only way to know your household radon level is to test for it. Study results are
here
and more information is available
here
.
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The
Walk in the Park
program provides training and support to start community led walking groups. They are looking to start their programs in Markham.
These volunteer groups help seniors get fit while helping build connections with nature and each other.
If you love to walk and connect with neighbours and are willing to play a volunteer role in your community, this is the program for you! The deadline for applications is December 24.
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Have you skated at the outdoor rink at the Markham Civic Centre? It is one of the largest outdoor rinks in the GTA. It is a great way to enjoy a winter day, have some fun and exercise and its free!
As it is an outdoor rink, skating days are subject to weather conditions. As long as it is cold enough to keep the ice, the rink is there to be used. For everyone's safety, it is a pleasure skating rink only. Hockey is not allowed.
Hours of Operation
- 10am to 10pm - daily except Wednesdays (weather permitting)
- 12pm to 10pm - Wednesdays (weather permitting)
- Skate and helmet rentals are available Friday, Saturday and Sunday
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Severe weather and aging infrastructure can unfortunately lead to a flooded basement. While the City is investing millions to update sewer systems, you may be able to further protect your property if you qualify for the City's Private Plumbing Protection Rebate Program.
The program offers financial support for property owners who make certain improvements to their plumbing system. These measures can be implemented to help protect your property:
- Backwater Valve Installation
- Weeping Tile Disconnection and Sump Pump Installation
- Sanitary and Storm Lateral Relining and Repair
You may be able to receive a rebate of up to $2,500 toward this work. If you have already completed these improvements, you may also be eligible to claim a retroactive rebate. More information is available
here.
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Highlights of the most recent Regional Council meeting can be found
here.
A calendar of York Region meetings and other information is available
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.
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: I sometimes need a meeting room for my small group. Does the City have space available?
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Answer: Yes. The City does rent space to groups. Library branches, community centres, the Civic Centre and other City owned buildings such as the Unionville Train Station have meeting space. Call 905 477-7000 for more information.
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Working together to make Markham better!
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