- Markham 360 E-Newsletter EP. 168 |   January 30, 2026 -
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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:
2. City of Markham News
  • City-wide Snow Windrow Clearing Service Survey
  • Extreme Cold Warning
  • Summer Camps registration is almost here!
  • Is your home losing heat in the winter due to air leaks?
  • No animal should be abandoned.
  • View ebooks on MPL!
3. York Region News
  • Good News from York Regional Police #5 District
  • Call us if you or someone you know needs emergency housing due to the cold 
  • York Region Transit 25 Years Celebration!
  • Dental Care for Children
  • York Region New Sign Bylaw
  • YRP's News
4. Community News
5. Regional Councillor Alan Ho in the Community 
6. Notice of Regional Road Construction

Recently, I met with York Regional Police (YRP) #5 District Superintendent Chirag Bhatt and Inspector Brad Weick to discuss key community safety issues, including local crime trends, B&E incidents, Chinese New Year safety, support for the Neighbourhood Watch program, bail reform, and protecting children from speeding during school hours.

 

A big thank-you to the YRP #5 District for their recent operations that led to the arrest of four suspects connected to 20 break-ins and the recovery of more than $150,000 worth of stolen property: https://www.yrp.ca/en/Modules/News/index.aspx?newsId=9f05aea2-d219-47c0-956a-9e585d7beb2c

My 2026 newsletter is now live on my website, and the printed version will be arriving in Markham residents’ mailboxes soon.

 

I invite you to take a moment to read it for important updates on our city and region.

You can access the newsletter online or in your mailbox soon!

 

https://www.alanhomarkham.ca/newsletter

City-wide Snow Windrow Clearing Service Survey:

 

During the winter season, our office received a number of complaints from residents about snow windrows left at the ends of driveways. At this time, the City only offers a Snow Windrow Removal Assistance Program for senior over 60 years old or individual who are unable to shovel snow. 

 

In 2019, the City conducted a public survey through Your Voice Markham to ask residents whether windrow clearing should be provided city-wide, given the service limitations and associated costs. Of the 71 responses received, 40.8% were in favour, while 59.2% were opposed.*


As this feedback is now several years old, I'm launching a new survey here to gather updated input from residents.
Please share your views so I can bring your feedback to the Council.

 

*Winter Maintenance Workshop – Special General Committee, June 17, 2019

- Public Meeting Notice - 
City-wide Zoning By-law Amendment (File PR 26 108710) to update the Parking and Transportation Demand Management standards

 

-February 10, 2026, 7:00 pm 

-Zoom or in person at Council Chamber:

101 Town Centre Boulevard Markham, ON

 

-February 10, 2026, 7:00 pm 

-Zoom or in person at Council Chamber:

101 Town Centre Boulevard Markham, ON

 
All meetings are video and audio streamed on the City of Markham’s website at:https://pub-markham.escribemeetings.com/ 
-City of Markham News-
Summer Camps registration is almost here!
 
Preview programs starting February 1, with registration opening February 10 at 6:30 AM. Explore a variety of camps including Robotics, Basketball, and High Ropes at Camp Chimo, plus programs in art, cooking, education, martial arts, performing arts, music, science, technology, skating, sports, and more. Some camps also feature special events like recreational swimming, park visits, and visits from special guests.
 
The City of Markham offers fun, active, educational, and safe programs for everyone. Mark your calendars and learn more at http://markham.ca/RegisterNow.

Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for Markham. Staying warm and safe is important. If you or someone you know needs a heated place to go in Markham or across York Region, use the Warm Spaces Tool to find the closest warm shelter.

 

Access the tool at http://markham.ca/Winter

The City of Markham held a Public Meeting on Markham Transportation Master Plan in last November. If you missed it, you can still participate through our Virtual Open House. Share your ideas, learn about proposed changes, and help shape the future of transportation in Markham.

 

Learn more and provide your feedback: http://markham.ca/MarkhamTMP

Is your home losing heat in the winter due to air leaks?

 

Find out with MyHEAT! Enbridge Gas is working with MyHEAT to provide Markham homeowners with free, personalized, heat loss information. See where your home may have air leaks and tips on how to improve insulation.

 

Learn more at http://markham.ca/MyHeat

No animal should be abandoned.
 
If you can no longer care for your pet, Markham’s Animal Services can help! This little guy was found at Kennedy Road and the 407 after rolling down a snowbank and trying to cross the road. Contact us for help at 905.415.7531 or email CustomerService@markham.ca

Thousands of eBooks & eAudio books waiting for you to discover: enjoy reading and listening from anywhere, anytime!

 

Visit with the MPL Account! https://libbyapp.com/library/markham

For the sixth consecutive year, the City of Markham has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Employers 2026. Announced earlier today, the City of Markham is ranked third among municipalities in Canada and 15th overall for Government Services, Learn more: https://ow.ly/KgJ150Y0jES
 
City of Markham Current Opening Position: 
 
New Job Positions:
    • Arborist - Temporary 12 months
    • Occupational Health & Safety Nurse
    • ITS Solutions Specialist (1 Position) - 1 Year Contract
    • Technical Coordinator - Waterworks (6 months contract)
    • Elections Community Engagement Specialist (Contract)
    • Licensed Fleet Technician - Temporary (6 months)
     
                For more information & job position

    As you enjoy the winter weather, remember to be cautious when on our City trails and parks.

     

    If you encounter a coyote, remember the following:

    - Keep all pets on a leash.

    - Never feed wildlife.

    - Do not run when approached by a coyote, make yourself large and loud.

     

    By working together, we can co-exist with wildlife and protect our eco-systems!

     

    To learn more about our Coyote Response and Coexistence Strategy, visit: http://markham.ca/Wildlife

    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-

    Good News from York Regional Police #5 District!

     

    Investigators with the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau have charged four suspects linked to 20 residential break and enters across York Region and have recovered $150,000 in stolen property.

     

    The investigation began in October 2025 after officers responded to a break and enter in the City of Vaughan. Four suspects, operating a white Toyota RAV4 sport utility vehicle, were identified.

     

    As the investigation continued, the same vehicle and suspects were identified in numerous other residential break-and-enters across the cities of Markham, Vaughan and Richmond Hill.

     

    On Friday, January 23, 2026, police received information that the suspects were in the area of Chiltern Hill in the City of Richmond Hill. With the assistance of York Regional Police Air Support, the suspects were observed exiting a residence through a second storey window.

     

    Officers on the ground stopped the suspect vehicle and arrested four individuals. Approximately $50,000 worth of stolen property was recovered from inside the vehicle.

     

    https://www.yrp.ca/en/Modules/News/index.aspx?newsId=9f05aea2-d219-47c0-956a-9e585d7beb2c

    The Cold Weather Alert is still in effect for people experiencing homelessness in York Region.

     

    The cold weather is expected to last until January 31. Call 1-877-464-9675 ext. 76140 if you or someone you know needs emergency housing.

     

    Visit york.ca/EmergencyHousing for more information.

    York Region Transit is turning 25! To honour this milestones, we will be hosting special events, displays and contests throughout the year. Be sure to check back regularly for updates on upcoming events. 

     

    -Transit Memories Contest : Every eligible entry will be entered into a monthly random draw to win one of nine (9) YRT prize packs.

     

    -Open House Events: Join us for a free, family-friendly Open House at one of York Region Transit’s (YRT) Operations, Maintenance and Storage Facilities!

     

    For more information: https://www.yrt.ca/en/news/celebrate-yrt-s-25th-anniversary-with-us.aspx

    Batteries are hazardous and must never go in your garbage or recycling.
     
    Be sure to remove any embedded batteries from items like toys or electronics before dropping them off at York Region waste depots or other battery collection sites.
     
    Find a location near you at york.ca/HHW

    Could you benefit from free preventive dental care to protect your children’s teeth?

     

    HSO provides no-cost emergency care and routine dental care, including checkups, x-rays, fillings and cleanings for eligible children 17 years of age and under!Visit york.ca/health/dental/preventive-dental-clinics or call 1-877-464-9675 extension 74388 to see if your child qualifies for preventive dental care.

    York Region has a new Sign Bylaw and it’s now in effect. It helps improve safety for all road users by reducing clutter, improving visibility at intersections and ensuring signs are placed responsibly.
     
    Whether you’re a business owner, developer or real estate agent, it’s important to understand the new rules before placing signs.
     
    York Regional Police (YRP) News:
     
    Snow plows are winter safety champions and travel slowly to clear roads properly. Crews work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to keep roads safe.
     
    Maintain a safe distance behind a plow Do not try to pass Give yourself extra time during winter weather.
     
    Learn more at york.ca/LeaveSpace
    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-

    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 Hong Kong: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/141237

    Valentine Talk and Tour at Markham Museum

    Event Details:

    Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
    Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
    Cost: $25* (Adult ticket) 
    Location: Markham Museum, 9350 Markham Rd. For entry, please arrive at the main visitor building, the John Lunau Centre.
     
    Note: This is a 19+ event, presented by the Friends of Markham Museum.
     

    *Limited number of tickets available. Must be purchased in advance.

    https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/valentine-curatorial-talk-and-tour?utm_source=BenchmarkEmail&utm_campaign=Friends_Valentine_Talk_and_Tour_Blast&utm_medium=email

     

    Looking for a Valentine’s Day experience that’s a little wild? Join us for Love in the Wild, a guided winter hike through the beautiful York Regional Forest.

     

    Whether you’re celebrating with someone special or simply embracing the peaceful beauty of nature, this unique outdoor adventure promises a memorable Valentine’s Day surrounded by winter’s charm.

     

    Bundle up, breathe in the crisp forest air and fall in love with the wild side of nature. Reserve your spot at york.ca/ForestEvents

    MARKHAM CONCERT BAND PRESENTS

    IT’S ALL ABOUT THE‘ JAZZ

     

    March 1, 2:00-4:30 PM

    Flato Markham Theatre

     

    For tickets: 905-305-7469
    MCBand.ca
    FlatoMarkhamTheatre.ca

     
    Share your Community Event or Information with Us!
    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: 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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    City of Markham Regional Councillor Alan Ho