- Markham 360 E-Newsletter EP. 103|  November 01, 2024 -
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Access City of Markham Council & Committee Meetings and view a list of Proclamations at markham.ca
 
York Regional Council:
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 at york.ca/councilandcommittee
 

Mayor Frank Scarpitti presented  A Markham Milestone: Budget 2025 of $674.7M. The tabled 2025 budget represents the 20th year Markham has had the lowest average tax rate increase in the GTA. This year's budget enhances services, ensures facilities are well maintained, protects against the impacts of climate change, invests in programming while recognizing affordability challenges.

 

The budget was designed to support residents and businesses during continued uncertain times while making important investments in strengthening our community. It includes a property tax rate increase of 3.88%. This represents an increase of $53.54 on the City portion of the tax bill for the average home in Markham.

 

"Budget 2025 marks a Markham Milestone. We have achieved the lowest average tax rate increase for 20 years in the GTA," said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "This year's budget will make necessary infrastructure investments to keep our community strong and resilient while maintaining our assets in a state of good repair. We continue to provide the exceptional services our residents and businesses have come to expect. We know how much our residents love to come together through community celebrations. We're increasing funding to the Celebrate Markham program to provide more community groups grant funding to showcase arts, culture and sports. This milestone budget keeps affordability in mind while continuing to operate an efficient government with strong fiscal management."

 

Markham's  Budget 2025 demonstrates Markham's continued track record of lean, efficient and prudent fiscal management. Maintaining assets in a state of good repair, while proactively planning for the future, ensures the City is:

  • Ensuring climate resiliency with a historic $81.7M investment in flood control, stormwater management construction, ponds and culverts.
  • Investing in road repairs, rehabilitation and traffic management improvements ($40.3M)
  • Constructing and maintaining our parks and trails ($10.3M)
  • Incorporating leading-edge technology to modernize systems and services ($6.7M for systems and technology infrastructure)
  • Keeping our facilities in good condition with $12.1M for exterior interior improvements and repairs.

Our 2022 and 2024 community surveys told us that residents place a high value on coming together through various cultural and sporting events. A focus of Budget 2025 will on increasing funding for community events through the Celebrate Markham grant program.

 

Markham is enriched by the diversity of people and businesses that call it home. Over 90% of residents are satisfied with their quality of life in Markham and over 70% believe they get good value from the City for their tax dollar.

 

This year's budget continues Markham's efforts to streamline service delivery. From 2009 to 2025, the City's Excellence through Efficiency and Effectiveness (E3) Program will have delivered $36.8M in annual operating savings, equal to a tax rate increase avoidance of 28.8%.

 

As part of the City's ongoing efforts for budget transparency, a Public Meeting has been scheduled for  Budget 2025 on November 4th at 7 PM at Markham Civic Centre.

York Regional Council Highlights - October 2024

Invitation to the Markham Civic Centre Meeting: Stop Crimes, Safer Community

 

You are cordially invited to a critical community meeting aimed at addressing rising concerns about crime in our neighbourhoods. Join us as we come together to discuss an essential review to The Canadian Criminal Code and the bail system—issues that impact us all.

 

Event Details:

Date: Friday, November 8th, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Markham Civic Centre (101 Town Centre Blvd, Markham ON L3R 9W3)

 

This event is co-hosted by the Markham Community Alliance, with the support of Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Regional Councillor Alan Ho. We are honoured to welcome local representatives, including MPs, MPPs, and members of the York Regional Police, including the Deputy Chief, Superintendent, and Inspector.

 

We encourage you to show your support by signing the petition: https://chng.it/9nQ8dTwWZX

 

Together, we can make a difference. Let’s unite for a safer Markham! We look forward to seeing you there.

 

Warm regards,
Markham Community Alliance
Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Regional Councillor Alan Ho

- Public Meeting Notices - 
2880, 2890, 2900, 2910, and 2930 Steeles Avenue East
 
Date: Tuesday, November 05, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Council Chambers at the Civic Centre or remotely via Zoom.
 
7441-7455 Victoria Park Avenue & 200-248 Steelcase Road East
 
Date: Tuesday, November 05, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Council Chambers at the Civic Centre or remotely via Zoom.
 
 
2300 John Street
 
Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Council Chambers at the Civic Centre or remotely via Zoom.
 
 All meetings are video and audio streamed on the City of Markham’s website at:https://pub-markham.escribemeetings.com/ 
-City of Markham News-

Enter to Win Free Recreation Activity Passes!

1) Download the Good Neighbour Handbook http://markham.ca/GoodNeighbour

2) Find all 7 Millies, our City of Markham mascot

3) Complete the entry form: https://bit.ly/4f4WaQA A pack of four passes will be given to 20 winners.

 

The contest ends Nov. 30, 2024. 

 

One entry per household. 

 

Good Luck!

 

Follow these guidelines to keep unwanted critters away:

 

- Don’t leave food outside

- Put garbage in garbage cans with fitted lids

- Clean around the house

- Don't include organic food waste in compost heaps 

 

Learn more: http://markham.ca/GoodNeighbour

Weekly leaf & yard collection begins this week until December 6.

 

Set out by 7 AM on your regular collection day. Sod, soil, and grass clippings are not accepted. 

 

For more guidelines, visit http://markham.ca/YardMaterial

With a focus on experiential education and cutting-edge biotechnology programs, students at York University’s Markham Campus are empowered to innovate and lead in emerging fields.

If you encounter a coyote, remember to:

 

- Properly dispose of all garbage in city parks and on trails.

- Keep all pets on a leash.

- Never feed wildlife.

- Do not run when approached by a coyote

- make yourself large and loud. 

 

To learn more at: http://markham.ca/wildlife

 

Do you have concerns about road safety near schools in your area? We want to hear from you!

 

Join our virtual public consultation and give us your feedback! Tuesday, November 12 from 6 PM to 7 PM 

 

Please register at http://markham.ca/SchoolZoneSafety

A Markham Public Library Card is the key to unleash your creativity at our Makerspace where we have the latest DIY technologies like vinyl cutter, 3D printer, laser engraver and more!

 

Don't have a library card? Get started here: https://markhampubliclibrary.ca/card/

 

Join us for the Urban Forest Management Plan public engagement night. Learn more about the future of Markham’s urban forest and to improve greenspace.

 

Virtual Session – Nov 12 from 6 to 8 PM

 

In-Person – Nov 14 from 5:45 to 8 PM

 

Learn more: http://markham.ca/Trees

 

 
 
City of Markham Current Opening Position: 
 
New Job Positions:
  • ITS Project Manager, ERP Replacement
  • Manager, Environmental Engineering
 
 
For more information & job position

Join Markham Business' Social Media & Content Marketing Workshop and learn strategies to captivate your audience and grow authentic engagement. 

 

 Date & Time: Tues Dec 10th @ 1pm (Online) Click the link below and book now! https://zurl.co/Bjqh#ContentStrategy…

If you have any municipal inquiry or concern, you can send an email to our Contact Centre at customerservice@markham.ca or call 905.477.5530. 
-York Region News-

Wishing a very happy Diwali to everyone celebrating! York Region is committed to creating a welcoming & inclusive environment.

 

Learn more at http://york.ca/inclusiveyr

Last week, York Regional Council approved the 2024 to 2027 Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector Strategy. As a key part of York Region’s economic vitality, the new strategy aims to sustain and support the local agri-food sector.
 

As Circular Economy Month ends, we thank all York Region community organizations who support a circular economy. With projects like furniture sharing, bike repair and reuse, and zero waste events we’re all moving towards a circular future. Visit http://york.ca/CircularEconomy

Well water owners: Test your water at least three times a year: spring, summer and fall.
 
For detailed sampling instructions and more information on this free service, visit http://york.ca/WellWater or call Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653.

Packaging on baby and toddler snacks can be misleading.

 

It may claim to include words and pictures of vegetables but only contains a tiny amount of veggie powder! Learn about nutritional content at http://york.ca/FeedingKids

 

Leftovers are an easy way to save time and eat healthy foods.
 
Quick tip: When plating your food, portion smaller amounts and go back for seconds. Uneaten food on your plate goes in the greenbin, but uneaten food still in the pot can be saved.
 

York Regional Police (YRP) News:

 

SUSPECTS SOUGHT FOLLOWING SHOTS FIRED IN MARKHAM:https://www.yrp.ca/en/Modules/News/index.aspx?newsId=9e0bec69-024b-421d-95f6-b98a8af1e161

 

Investigators with the York Regional Police Hold-Up Unit have charged three youths and are seeking two additional suspects after a home invasion in the City of Markham: https://yrp.ca/en/Modules/News/index.aspx?newsId=2ffeccf3-145a-4c6c-919a-a800eea520c9…

 

HUMAN REMAINS IDENTIFIED IN DECADES OLD COLD CASE:https://www.yrp.ca/en/Modules/News/index.aspx?newsId=061b2718-3224-4976-9588-60245bd5b2f1

If you have any regional inquiry or concern, you can send an email to Access York at accessyork@york.ca or call 877.464.9675.
-Community News-

Please join us on November 9th & 10th, 2024, from 10 AM to 5 PM for the *52nd Annual Heintzman House Artisan Craft Show*.

 

This City of Markham’s magnificent heritage home will host talented artisan vendors on all three floors of the house. With over 40 artisans, there will be something for everyone!

 

*Entrance is $5.00 at the door, and children 12 years and under are free.

* Cash and Debit will be accepted.

 

Address: 135 Bay Thorn Dr., Thornhill

Additional information and details.

Remembrance Day event:

 

Date: November 9th, 2024 (Saturday)

Remembrance Day Service
Time: 0930 - 1030 Hours
Venue: MDVA Upper Hall

 
Remembrance Day Parade & Ceremony
Parade March Off: 1030 Hours

Venue: City of Markham Cenotaph, Veterans Square, 6031 Hwy 7 E, Markham.

 

In addition to the Markham ceremony, there will also be a Remembrance Day event in Unionville at the cenotaph in front of Crosby Arena and another ceremony at the Stouffville Legion. Both events take place on November 11.

 
If you want to share information with Regional Councillor Alan Ho's weekly E-newsletter, please contact us at sxie@markham.ca
-In the Community-
My office has “slow down” signs. If you are interested, kindly contact me at alan.ho@markham.ca.
-Notice of Regional Road Construction-

Current Projects

 

16th Avenue, from Leslie Street to Kennedy Road
Road widening from four to six lanes 
Construction starts: 2025
Construction ends: 2030

 

Donald Cousens Parkway at 14th Avenue
Donald Cousens Parkway at Copper Creek Drive
Intersection improvements
Construction starts: Summer 2024
Construction ends: Fall 2024

 

Highway 404 Road Crossing North of 16th Avenue
Construction of a new bridge to link Orlando Avenue with Markland Street
Construction starts: Summer 2023
Anticipated completion: Early 2026

 

Ninth Line, Donald Cousens Parkway to Main Street
Road Preservation
Construction starts: September 2024
Construction ends: Late October 2024

Warden Avenue from Elgin Mills Road to south of Stouffville Road and from Bloomington Road to Vivian Road
Road Preservation
Construction starts: Early October 2024
Construction ends: Late October 2024

Woodbine Avenue and Esna Park Drive/John Street
Intersection Improvements
Construction starts: July 2024
Construction ends: December 2024
*Construction will occur in the next six months depending on the contractor’s scheduling.

Woodbine Avenue from Major Mackenzie Drive to south of 19th Avenue
Road Preservation
Construction starts: Early October 2024
Construction ends: Late October 2024


Future Projects

16th Avenue from Leslie Street to Warden Avenue
Road widening from four to six lanes 
Construction starts: 2025

 

Kennedy Road from North of Highway 407 to Highway 7
Road widening to accommodate Bus Rapid Transit facilities
Construction starts: 2026

 

McCowan Road from 14th Avenue to Highway 7
Road widening from four to six lanes, including Transit-HOV lanes
Construction starts: 2028

 

Ninth Line from Steeles Avenue to Fieldside Street
Road widening from two to four lanes
Construction starts: 2025

 

For general inquiries, please contact York Region Transportation, Public Works, Phone: 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75000 or Email: transportation@york.ca
For more information: york.ca/roadconstruction
Regional Councillor Alan Ho
-Chair, Culture & Economic Development Committee (City of Markham)
-Chair, Markham Subcommittee (City of Markham)
-Director, Housing York Inc. Board (York Region)
-Member, Audit Committee (York Region)
-Member, Accessibility Advisory Committee (York Region)
 
City of Markham
Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Boulevard Markham, Ontario, L3R 9W3
Tel: (905)-948-5112 or (905)-479-7780
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City of Markham Regional Councillor Alan Ho