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- Markham 360 E-Newsletter EP. 160 | December 05, 2025 - |
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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
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Table of Contents:
2. City of Markham News
- Street Sweeping Update
- 2026 Garbage Collection Schedule
- Civic Centre skating rink reopened
- Feeding Birds - Responsibly
3. York Region News
- York Region Budget 2026 approved
- One Fare Program extended for 2 more years!
- Use less winter salt
- YRP's News
4. Community News
5. Regional Councillor Alan Ho in the Community
6. Notice of Regional Road Construction |
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As we approach the holiday season, it's important to remember that not everyone is as fortunate as we are.
To help those in need, I’m hosting a food drive event, "Markham Helping Hands 2025," with Markham Fire & Emergency Service and other community partners.
Starting December 2025 until January 2026, please consider donating non-perishable, unopened food items.
You can drop off your contributions at the entrance of the following locations:
Foodymart: 5221 Hwy 7, Markham
Cherish Integrated Services: 1271 Denison Street, Unit 64, Markham
Santan Mandir Cultural Centre (Markham): 9333 Woodbine Ave, Markham
There is a box where you can easily deposit your donations. Thank you for your generosity and support!
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- Public Meeting Notice -
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Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 7 PM, at the Markham Civic Centre - Council Chambers or on Zoom |
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Learn how Markham is supporting housing affordability in major transit hubs. Join us in-person or online on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 7 PM, at the Markham Civic Centre - Council Chambers or on Zoom, for a public meeting on the City’s phased Inclusionary Zoning approach. Learn how Markham is preparing to provide more affordable home ownership opportunities near major transit hubs.
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Winter arrived earlier than expected this year – before most trees were able to drop their leaves. With freezing temperatures and snow on our roads, our street sweepers can’t operate safely or effectively.
Here’s why:
- Leaves are frozen together – when leaves freeze into clumps, the sweeper brushes can’t break them apart and they get clogged in front of the sweeper’s vacuum.
- Sweepers rely on water – sweepers use water to help loosen debris, prevent dust, and collect smaller particles. In freezing temperatures, water can freeze inside the machinery, potentially damaging or increasing wear on the equipment.
- Sweepers can’t operate when roads are snow-covered or icy.
How can you help: If you see leaves around catch basins, sidewalks or curbs near your home, please be a good neighbour and clear what you can. This helps prevent flooding and keeps our streets and communities safer.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! Our community is your community.
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Three cheers to our Operations team who are helping to keep our road network clear!
A reminder to please not park on City streets because our plows can’t easily move around parked cars.
Learn more at http://markham.ca/Winter
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The Civic Centre skating rink is open!
You are welcome to come for a skate Monday to Sunday 10 AM to 10 PM, opening a little later on Wednesdays 12 PM to 10 PM.
Skate rentals are available Thursday/Friday from 5 to 10 PM, and Saturday/Sunday from 10 AM to 10 PM Always check the status of a rink before heading out.
Learn more at http://markham.ca/Skating |
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Don’t forget to brush the snow from your vehicle before heading out.
Snow built up on the roof, windows, and hood of your car can cause a hazard for yourself and surrounding vehicles.
Be a respectful driver and don’t rush the brush!
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Feeding Birds - Responsibly:
Without proper care, bird feeding can unintentionally attract unwanted guests, most notably rats and other rodents. The key to maintaining a safe, hygienic, and wildlife-friendly environment lies in responsible feeding practices. Two of the most effective tools in this effort are:
·Seed catchers: Seed catchers, also known as seed trays or seed hoops, attach beneath bird feeders to collect seeds that would otherwise fall to the ground. This simple addition significantly reduces the amount of food waste available to rodents.
· No-mess, no-shell seeds: No-mess or no-waste seeds are already hulled. Avoid buying feed with inedible fillers, such as millet or flax.
For more information:
https://www.markham.ca/neighbourhood-services/environmental-conservation/bird-friendly-guidelines
By feeding birds responsibly and not leaving out food for wildlife, we are also ensuring compliance with City of Markham’s Animal Protection and Services By-law 2018-91.
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Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 51st Annual Markham Santa Claus Parade, presented by Tim Hortons, in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Markham! The holiday celebrations continue this week, as we host our Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Skate Party on Saturday, December 6!
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Markham offers vibrant shopping destinations and a wide variety of stores, restaurants, and specialty shops.
Whether you’re wandering through charming historic main streets, discovering a new cuisine, or exploring our cultural and arts institutions, Markham is your holiday shopping destination.
Support local. Shop Markham. |
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City of Markham Current Opening Position:
New Job Positions:
- Skate Instructor - Thornhill Community Centre
- Guitar Instructor - Aaniin Community Centre
For more information & job position
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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. |
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York Regional Council approved the $5.2 billion 2026 Budget on Thursday, November 27, 2025, which responds to current economic pressures with resilience and readiness by continuing to focus on priority areas of investing in safer communities, enabling growth in our communities and keeping people, goods and information moving.
The budget includes $3.7 billion in operating costs and $1.5 billion capital expenditures, which is part of York Region’s $14 billion 10-year capital plan. The budget responds to current economic pressures with resilience and readiness.
Key highlights from the 2026 Budget include:
- Investing in 98 sworn officers and 52 civilian staff at York Regional Police and additional fleet
- Hiring 31 new paramedics and support staff
- Planting 70,000 trees and shrubs to protect green spaces
- Investing in York University’s School of Medicine to help encourage expansion of health care in York Region
Additionally, the following highlights are part of the 10-year capital plan:
- Adding 96 new lane kilometres of roads and improving 150 intersections
- Building over 580 new community housing units across four Housing York Inc. projects
- Expanding new water and wastewater infrastructure capacity to 150,000 housing units
- Expanding York Region Transit electric bus fleet with 315 electric buses, advancing design of priority bus rapidways and continuing to support Yonge North Subway Extension construction
The budget includes a tax levy increase of 3.28%, which includes the approved 3.22% outlook plus an incremental 0.06% increase approved by Regional Council to support a $25 million funding commitment for the York University School of Medicine. The tax levy will support community safety initiatives with a landmark investment in York Regional Police.
The 3.28% tax levy, combined with the continuation of a separate 1% Rapid Transit and Infrastructure tax levy, will add approximately $129 to the average residential tax bill.
For more information, visit york.ca/Budget
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Too much winter salt on the ground can end up in your Drinking Water if you are in a drinking water protection zone and how to help protect municipal d rinking water at york.ca/SaltSmart |
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York Region’s winter maintenance fleet includes 133 vehicles: 126 combination plow trucks and 7 brine trucks!
Our crews are actively clearing snow across four districts and 95 snowplow routes! Drivers, remember to slow down, keep a safe distance and give yourself extra time when driving in poor weather conditions. Stay safe!
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As of December 1, 2025, York Region has transitioned to a new online form for non-potable groundwater submissions, formally known as “Brownfield Development”. Integrated online payment Enhanced data protection Streamlined submission process No more email or mail submissions
Requests submitted before December 1, 2025 will continue to be processed as usual. To submit a request, visit york.ca/NonPotableRequests |
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York Regional Police (YRP) News:
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Keep that holiday smile sparkling! Remember to rinse with water after all your festive meals and snacks. It's a simple and effective way to remove food debris and keep your teeth healthy.
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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. |
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Christmas Celebration on Main Street Unionville
December 06, Saturday.
Due to the ongoing Main Street Restoration, this year’s event will not include a parade or activities at The Bandstand. Instead, festivities will be spread across Main Street and Crosby Arena to ensure everyone can enjoy a safe and magical experience.
More Info: https://unionville.ca/
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City of Markham Christmas Tree Lighting and Skate Party
December 6, Markham Civic Centre
6-9 PM Skate Party
7 PM Tree Lighting Ceremony
Free hot chocolate provided by Enbridge |
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Join us for the City of Markham's Pet Adoption Weekend in partnership with the Ontario SPCA!
The Markham Animal Adoption and Education Centre will be open December 13 and 14, 2025, for its adoption weekend event. No appointments needed — just drop in and find your new furry friend!
Saturday: 10 AM to 6 PM
Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM
Let's give these adorable pets the loving homes they deserve.
Location: Markham Animal Adoption and Education Centre, 7755 Bayview Ave, Thornhill |
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Share your Community Event or Information with Us!
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Excited to join the 8th Markham Scouts Christmas Party. |
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Glad to attend the Trillium School expansion groundbreaking ceremony. |
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My office has “slow down” signs. If you are interested, kindly contact me at alan.ho@markham.ca. |
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-Notice of Regional Road Construction- |
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Current Projects
Future Projects
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
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For general inquiries, please contact York Region Transportation, Public Works, Phone: 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75000 or Email: transportation@york.ca
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Regional Councillor Alan Ho
Chair, Culture & Economic Development Committee
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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