- Markham 360 E-Newsletter EP. 163 |  December 26, 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
 
Table of Contents:
1. Public Meeting Notice
2. City of Markham News
  • 2025 Markham Helping Hands
  • Video: City of Markham is ready for winter!
  • Holiday curbside collection services & depot hours
  • Video: New Blue Box program
  • Main Street Unionville Restoration Project
  • Snow Windrow Removal Assistance
  • MPL Reading Challenges
  • Markham Summer Student Jobs 2026
3. York Region News
  • Video: Salt Smart this winter!
  • Cold Weather Alert
  • YRP's News
4. Community News
5. Regional Councillor Alan Ho in the Community 
6. Notice of Regional Road Construction

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!

 
Markham’s Municipal Law Enforcement is responsible for enforcing parking regulations, property standards, and tree preservation by-laws to help maintain safe and well-kept neighbourhoods.
- Public Meeting Notice - 
 
All meetings are video and audio streamed on the City of Markham’s website at:https://pub-markham.escribemeetings.com/ 
-City of Markham News-
Video: City of Markham is ready for winter!
 
Our operations staff are out ensuring our roads are clear as the active weather system continues. All combination units have been dispatched to plow and apply winter material where necessary on Primary and Secondary roads, and the cycle track.  Local roads and sidewalks continue to be monitored at this time.  Learn more at http://markham.ca/Winter
 
Help keep fire hydrants accessible, whether near your home or down the street. In an emergency, every second counts. Remove any snow and ice from the hydrant, Clear enough to walk around it (about 1-meter) and Clear a path from the hydrant to the street For more information, visit http://markham.ca/Water 

There will be no curbside collection services on:

- Thursday January 1 (New Year’s Day) 

- Thursday & Friday collection moves ahead one day. 

 

Ensure your material is set out by 7AM as service may be earlier than usual. 

Follow your collection schedule at http://markham.ca/CollectionSchedule

 

All depot locations are closed: December 26, January 1 

Markham Recycling Depots will be closing early:  December 31

For hours and locations, visit http://markham.ca/RecyclingDepot

 

The City of Markham's 2026 Recycling and Garbage Collection schedule is now availableRemember to sign up for personalized reminders so you never miss a collection day or important service alert. 

 

Planning to visit a City facility this holiday break? Check out what’s open and closed before leaving home! http://markham.ca/HolidayHours

Starting January 1, 2026:  All blue box-related inquiries, such as missed collections and requests for new or replacement blue boxes, must be made directly to Miller Waste, not the City of Markham.  
 
Contact: Miller Waste 1-855-752-3762 or area10@millerwaste.ca
To learn more about the new Blue Box program, visit http://markham.ca/Recycling.
We are thrilled to announce that the roadworks for the Main Street Unionville Restoration Project are all “wrapped up”! A huge thank you to our resilient residents and downtown business owners for your patience and support throughout the necessary closures and detours. Your understanding made this project possible. The best part? Main Street Unionville is now reopened to through traffic, making it easier than ever to visit, dine, and enjoy Unionville, just in time for Christmas!
 
What's Next: There are a few final project details and minor restorations that we will continue to work on over the winter and spring. 
 
This includes removing the old lamp posts, switching the new lamp posts to the permanent power supply, and completing the works on Victoria Avenue and surrounding area. Come experience the newly refreshed Main Street Unionville!
 
The City of Markham offers windrow removal to residents who require assistance in removing their snow windrow and who meet the requirements below. 
  • Must be 60 years of age or older. If less than 60 years old, a current valid doctor’s certificate must be provided confirming that the individual is unable to shovel snow. 
  • Persons 11 years of age and younger are exempt from having to complete this form.
  • Persons between 12 and 59 years of age must provide both proof of age as well as a current valid doctor’s certificate identifying that they are unable to shovel snow. 
More Info:
https://www.markham.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/Wndrow-Removal-Application.pdf

Stormwater ponds can be dangerous. Water levels can rise quickly, especially when snow and ice melt. Stay safe by staying on Markham's designated trails when walking near stormwater ponds.

 

Learn more about stormwater ponds and other water programs at http://markham.ca/Water

Return your empties to a Beer Store or authorized retailer for cash back! Take back all packaging too – including cardboard, bottle caps, bladders and plastic rings.

 

For drop off locations, visit http://thebeerstore.ca

During a Winter event, remember not to park on City streets. Parking restrictions run from November 15 to April 15 every year. These temporary restrictions help ensure that snow can be removed quickly and efficiently, keeping streets safe and accessible for residents, service vehicles, and emergency responders.

 

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

Markham Receives Platinum-Level WCCD ISO 37120 Certification for Seventh Consecutive Year.

 

Learn more: http://markham.ca/WCCD-2025-Certification

Join the MPL Reading Challenges! We offer different challenges for every age group—from kids to teens to adults—so everyone can read in a way that fits their interests. Reading helps spark creativity, build knowledge, and can be a great way to relax. To make things even more fun, we also offer prizes for our Adult, Kids, and Read It Your Way challenges. Discover your next favourite read and enjoy reading all year long!

 

Learn more: https://markhampubliclibrary.ca/mplreadingchallenges/

Are you a post-secondary student looking for unique summer job opportunities? The City of Markham is currently recruiting post-secondary students for summer 2026 for a variety of roles across various departments.

 

Learn more and apply by January 11, 2026: http://markham.ca/careers

 

Please see below for the opening positions

City of Markham Current Opening Position: 
 
New Job Positions:
  • Community Program Supervisor - Adapted & Inclusion
  • Engineering Development Program (EDP) - Engineering Associate
  • ITS Project Manager, ERP Replacement (2 Year Contract)
Summer Student:
  • Summer Student – Tree Preservation (May to August)
  • Natural Heritage Planning Student
  • Fleet Summer Student
  • Summer Students - Parks
  • Operations Research Analyst - Student
  • Summer Student – Project Management, Strategy & Innovation
  • Summer Student – Survey
  • Parks Planning Student
  • Summer Student Planner – Policy and Research
  • Summer Student - Business Operations Student
  • Summer Student – Sign Remover (May to August) – 4 positions
  • Summer Student - Markham Fire and Emergency Services
For more information & job position
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-
Winter salt helps clear our walkways, driveways and parking lots of snow and ice. You only need one tablespoon of salt per square metre area, or a sidewalk slab, for it to be effective at melting ice. Remember that winter salt is most effective when temperatures are between 0°C and -10°C.
 

York Region has issued a Cold Weather Alert for people experiencing homelessness for December 25 to December 28. If you or someone you know needs emergency housing, contact the Emergency Housing Central Intake Line at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 76140. 

York Region Paramedic Services warmed hearts this holiday season by hand-making and delivering blankets to elderly and pediatric patients on Christmas Eve.
 
These thoughtful gifts brought smiles, comfort, and a sense of connection to seniors who may otherwise spend the holidays alone.
 
Thank you to our incredible paramedics for going above and beyond to spread joy and kindness.
York Regional Police (YRP) News:
 
Cleaning out your closet? What’s not in style for you may be for someone else. Spread more cheer by donating to a local charity or swapping with a friend.Recycle unwanted textiles rather than placing them in the garbage. This includes items like holiday sweaters, hats, shoes, stuffed animals, purses, belts and towels. Items should be clean, dry and odourless, but may be ripped or torn.
 
Find a location near you at york.ca/WasteDepots
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-

One of the deadliest fires in Hong Kong’s history has claimed 161 lives, and displaced thousands, with about 2,000 households urgently needing support.

 

The “Toronto Responds: Support for Hong Kong Fire Victims” Fund to provide urgent financial aid, medical care, long-term recovery support, and community rebuilding.

 

All funds will be directed to the Community Chest of HongKong: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/141237

Downtown Markham invites the community to come together for Illuminate the Night, a vibrant New Year’s Eve celebration welcoming 2026 in the heart of our city. 

 

Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Time: 10:30 PM – Midnight
Location: 169 Enterprise Boulevard, Downtown Markham

 

Get into the holiday spirit by visiting the one and only Main Street Unionville, featured by torontodot.com!

 

Read more: https://ow.ly/xRav50XJKk8

Share your Community Event or Information with Us!
Contact us at sxie@markham.ca
-In the Community-
Attended The Toronto Global Film Festival 2025, which is focused on diverse themes, emphasis on women, war and migration. It aims not only to showcase powerful cinema but also to encourage collective reflection on how societies can response with compassion, justice and humanity.
Many thanks to Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Canada for his visit and full support for Cherish Integrated Services future development.
We were thrilled to share the joy and laughter with all those who celebrate the holiday with us, starting from the Annual Markham Santa Claus Parade, to festive lights taking place at Main Street Markham Village and Main Street Unionville, as well as Markham Civic Centre.
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: 2026
Construction ends: 2030
 
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: Late 2026
 
Warden Avenue south of Major Mackenzie Drive East
Culvert rehabilitation
Construction starts: Early summer 2025
Construction ends: Summer 2026
 
York Durham Line from Bethesda Sideroad to 14th Avenue
Road resurfacing
Construction starts: Early summer 2025
Construction ends: Spring 2026

 

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

 

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
Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Boulevard Markham, Ontario, L3R 9W3
 
 
Tel: (905)-948-5112 or (905)-479-7780
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