Ward 2 E-Newsletter | February 1st, 2024
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Access Council & Committee Meetings and view a list of Proclamations at markham.ca.
Happy Lunar New Year!
- 2024 Budget Announcement- 

It's budget time! On January 29, Mayor Frank Scarpitti presented A Strong Markham: Budget 2024 of $590.5 million, continuing its proven track record of strong fiscal leadership, with a proposed property tax rate increase of 2.99%, which is even lower than last year's 3%. Combining with our already low base tax rate. That makes Markham having the lowest overall tax rate in the entire GTA. 

 

To view the presentation and video of 2024 Budget Announcement:

As part of the City’s ongoing efforts for budget transparency, you can join the Public Meeting scheduled for Budget 2024 on February 15 at 7PM. The Final Budget Meeting (final vote) will be held on February 28 at 9AM-NOON.

Meet Natalie!
Executive Assistant to Councillor Ritch Lau

Hello Ward 2 residents! My name is Natalie, new assistant to Councillor Ritch Lau. I will be assisting you with all your concerns from now on and I look forward to a chance to meet you all in the community. If you ever need to get in touch with me, feel free to contact me at 905.475.4891 or ntang@markham.ca :)
 
- More about me -
  • Born and raised in Hong Kong, I just moved to Canada with my husband,  Benedict in August last year
  • I have been working in public affairs and communications for years in both public and private sectors back in my hometown
  • I love travelling, movies, music, food, coffee, history, arts and culture. Cinemas, museums, art galleries and all kinds of restaurants are my top places to go wherever I am
  • Markham is my first home in Canada and I am more than happy to have an opportunity to work here and serve the community of Ward 2 :)
SAVE THE DATE!
Councillor Ritch Lau willl be hosting his first ever Live Concert for charity on April 28, 2024 at Flato Markham Theatre. More details will be announced in March. Stay tuned!
- City of Markham News -

Seniors and residents with a disability can sign up for the Snow Windrow Removal Assistance program. To qualify for this program, all individual(s) residing in the household must be 60 years or older (proof of age is required) or younger than 12 years of age. If any members of the household are between the ages of 12 years and 60 years, a current and valid doctor’s certificate confirming they are physically unable to clear snow must be provided.

 

For more information, visit: markham.ca/Winter 

To sign up: Snow Windrow Removal Assistance Form for New Applicant(s) (PDF)

 

Help prevent street flooding. Keep stormwater drains clear of snow and ice. To learn more, visit markham.ca/Stormwater

Would you like your home to be more energy efficient but don’t know where to start? Markham Power Homes is here to help! We are offering free home energy consultations to eligible Markham residents.

 

Learn more: markham.ca/HomeEnergyRetrofits

 

Planning a night-time walk during the winter months? Remember, it’s darker earlier. It’s harder for drivers to see you. Wear reflective clothing, stay on sidewalks and use a flashlight on your bike.

markham.ca/WalkingAndCycling

Markham Recreation offers hundreds of exciting, safe, educational, creative and active Summer Camps! Let your child discover the joy of learning while having fun. View programs and activities starting February 1. Registration opens February 13. markham.ca/SummerCamps

 Did you know? Pedestrian Crossovers (PXOs) are a type of traffic control used in Markham to assist pedestrians crossing the street. They prioritize pedestrian accessibility and mobility over the movement of vehicular traffic.

Learn more: markham.ca/PXO 

Until April 15, please don’t park on the street when snow clearing operations are in effect. Plows need room to get by and can’t properly clear roads if cars are in the way, which may also result in them being plowed in. 
 
Skating season is here! The following outdoor rinks are now open throughout the City of Markham for residents to enjoy:
 
- Huntington Park
- Milliken Mills Park
- Victoria Square Park
- Markham Civic Centre
- Markham Museum
 
Please note: Milne Dam Park is not yet open due to ice conditions.
The Markham Museum location will be closing at 3 PM the following days:
February 8 to 11, 14 to 19, and 22 to 25. 
Remember to always check the status of our ice rinks before heading out for a skate! To view the status of our Markham Civic Centre outdoor ice rink and outdoor ice rinks at parks, visit: markham.ca/Skating

For the fourth consecutive year, the City of Markham has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Employers 2024. Announced earlier in the month, the City of Markham is ranked the top city in Ontario and in the top 10 for Government Services.

Winter can be unpredictable. Are you ready?

Be prepared by having a 72-hour home emergency kit and a car emergency kit in your vehicle. Include flashlights, booster cables, non-perishable food, bottled water, warm clothes, and more so you are prepared for the unexpected.

For more Winter tips, visit: markham.ca/AreYouReady 

Your 2024 Recycling & Garbage Collection Schedule is available online. 
View, download or print your schedule and remember to sign up for weekly reminders and service alerts!
Get it at markham.ca/CollectionSchedule or on the Markham mobile app.

- Community Event -
In celebration of the Lunar New Year, Markham Museum is proud to host the City of Markham’s first ever Lunar Nights: Year of the Dragon Festival. Winter nights come alive at Markham Museum, from Feb 8 to 25. Enjoy a mesmerizing display of 20 scenes featuring 250+ colourful lanterns. Festival admission also includes access to the Museum’s three indoor exhibits and a wide array of interactive activities.
 
Learn more and purchase your tickets at MarkhamMuseum.ca

-Kids Wellness Day-

"Li et le Nouvel An spectalunaire!" is a French children's book written by Brenda Lee Gladman, a new Chinese Canadian author who is also a long-time French Immersion teacher in York Region. She recently wrote this book specifically for children who are learning French. The main character is a biracial seven-year-old girl named Li who lives in Markham. It is an inclusive story with fun activities to engage French language learners and celebrate Chinese Canadian heritage and the Lunar New Year!
 
To purchase the book: Joy Ink Press
 
Vibrant Markham Foundation and Brenda are co-organizing a Kids Wellness Day, featuring the book, "Li et le Nouvel An spectalunaire!" to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with the community on Sunday, 25 February at Cornell Community Centre at 2-3 pm. FREE ADMISSION. ***REGISTER HERE***
 
 

 Markham Museum and the York Region District School Board Museum & Archives have worked in conjunction with YRDSB students, and the University of Toronto Museum Studies program to develop this exhibit. It is on display at Markham Museum from September 28, 2023 to February 25, 2024, and is available as an online exhibit here. The exhibit will then travel to public venues and schools in York Region. 

- York Region News -
Are you ready to showcase your photography skills and love of nature? Starting January 29, York Region's Forest100 Photo Contest is here and it's your time to shine! This is a fantastic opportunity for York Region residents, 18 years and older. Whether you're a pro with the camera or just enjoy capturing the beauty of the outdoors, this contest is for everyone. No professional experience needed.There are plenty of prizes up for grabs so get ready to explore, snap and share your best photos of our beautiful Forest!
 
Learn more at york.ca/Forest100
 
York Region installed a left turn signal for westbound drivers at McCowan Road and Carlton Road/Raymerville Drive in the City of Markham. A left turn signal should improve traffic safety and reduce collisions. 

Learn more: 
 
One tonne, or 6,000 disposable diapers, is the average amount a baby uses in their first two years!  Choose cloth diapers. Did you know? One cloth diaper can replace 235 disposable diapers. You may qualify for York Region's $100 cloth diaper rebate.

Apply today at york.ca/ClothDiapers
 
- Councillor Lau in the Community -
Councillor Lau in the City's Tamil Heritage Month and Thai Pongal celebration.
May the harvest festival bring you new beginnings and success. Happy Pongal 2024! 
Ward 2 Councillor Ritch Lau
City of Markham
Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Boulevard Markham, Ontario, L3R 9W3
Tel: (905)-479-7763
 
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If you have any municipal inquiries or concerns, please email our Contact Centre at customerservice@markham.ca or call 905.477.5530. 
This message was sent from RitchLau@markham.ca to RitchLau@markham.ca
101 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, ON L3R 9W3, Canada


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