- Markham 360 E-Newsletter EP. 170 |   February 13, 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
  • Parks Redevelopment Strategy
  • Catch us at the Canadian International AutoShow
  • Congratulations, Paul and Piper! 
  • City’s Heritage Property Grant Program
  • Join a committee or advisory board
  • Mount Joy GO: Upcoming Tree Removals
3. York Region News
  • YRT Family Day Hours
  • New advanced left‑turn signals at Woodbine Ave and Rodick Rd / Hilmount Rd
  • York Region’s Greening Action Partnership Fund
  • Leave Space from the Snow Plow
  • Thank a Paramedic
  • YRP's News
  • YPR's Lunar New Year Tips
4. Community News
5. Regional Councillor Alan Ho in the Community 
6. Notice of Regional Road Construction
Our hearts go out to the community and all those impacted by the tragic shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in B.C.
 

My 2026 newsletter is now live on my website, and the printed version has arrived in Markham residents’ mailboxes.

 

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!

 

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 - 
Northeast corner of Highway 404 and Elgin Mills Road East

 

-Wednesday 25, 2026, 7:00 pm 

-Zoom or in person at Council Chamber:

101 Town Centre Boulevard Markham, ON

 

-Wednesday 25, 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-

All recycling depot locations are closed on Monday, February 16.

 

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

The City of Markham is developing a Parks Redevelopment Strategy, and we want to hear from you! We’re exploring how to refresh and revitalize some of Markham’s most beloved parks so they continue to meet the needs of our growing and diverse community. Tell us about your favourite parks, what’s working well, and what could be improved. Complete our survey and add your ideas to the interactive map here: http://Markham.ca/ParkRedevelopmdevelopmentStrategy

 

The survey and map will be open for your feedback until March 15. Have your say today!

Catch us at the Canadian International AutoShow February 13 to 22 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre – South Building, Level 800, Booth M800-3.

 

While you’re at the show, visit our booth to see our Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham IndyCar show car up close, learn about the race weekend, and enter for a chance to win tickets and more!

 

See you at the show

Unionville's Paul Poirier is an Olympic bronze medallist in Milan! In their third Olympic Games, alongside partner Piper Gilles, the Canadian duo finished with a total of 217.74 points to finish third in the Ice Dance competition, earning Canada's fourth medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games!

 

Congratulations Paul and Piper! 

Markham Wins Two Awards for Innovation in Road Maintenance!

 

The City of Markham is proud to be recognized with both the CITYROVER Community Award for Industry Advancement and the 2025 International Road Federation Global Road Achievement Award.

 

These honours highlight Markham’s leadership in using AI powered technology to improve road safety, enhance pavement assessments, and deliver smarter, more sustainable infrastructure management. They also recognize our growing role as a global leader in municipal innovation and high tech excellence.

 

Congratulations to all staff who played a role in these outstanding initiatives!

Do you live in a heritage home, or operate a business in one of Markham’s Heritage Districts?
 
We are now accepting applications to the City’s Heritage Property Grant Program. 
 
The deadline to apply is April 3, 2026, Learn more at http://markham.ca/Heritage

Help shape Markham’s future by joining a committee or advisory board. We’re currently recruiting for:

 

- Design Review Panel, specifically the following professions: Urban Designer, Landscape Architect, Architect

- Markham Environmental Advisory Committee

 

Apply by February 27, 2026 http://markham.ca/Volunteering

City of Markham Current Opening Position: 
 
New Job Positions:
  • Customer Service Representative - Contact Centre (Part Time)
  • Spin Fitness Instructor – Thornhill Community Centre
            For more information & job position

Mount Joy GO: Upcoming Tree Removals- As early as February 16th, 2026 until March 31st, 2026, Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Metrolinx will be removing approximately 190 trees along the Metrolinx ROW to facilitate future second track and platform installation.

Residents may observe crews working near the rail corridor and can expect some noise and vibration from construction equipment including excavators, trucks, woodchippers, and chainsaws

 

 

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-

All YRT services and TTC routes in York Region will operate Sunday/holiday schedules on Monday, February 16 for Family Day.

 

The YRT Contact Centre and Live Chat will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

Visit https://yrt.ca/en/news/family-day-service.aspx.

For over two weeks in January, York Region experienced back-to-back winter storms. During this 16-day stretch, our crews worked 24/7 through challenging conditions:

-175,000 metres of snow removed

-2,300 truckloads of snow hauled away 

 

That’s equal to: Almost the entire length of Yonge Street from Toronto to Lake Simcoe and enough snow to fill 11 Olympic sized swimming pools.

 

Thank you to the incredible efforts of our Roads teams. We’re proud to keep York Region’s roads safe, clear and moving all winter long!

 

 Visit https://www.york.ca/.../york-region-responds-back-back... for more information!

Did you know York Region received an average of 66 cm of snow during the recent winter storms?

 

With a fleet of 133 maintenance units, including snow plows, brine trucks and combination trucks, our crews worked day and night to help maintain safe travel across the Region.

 

 

Learn more at https://www.york.ca/.../york-region-responds-back-back....

My office has received feedback from residents regarding the traffic issue at the intersection of Woodbine Ave and Rodick Rd / Hilmount Rd, particularly during the peak hours in the morning when school starts. The lack of advanced left‑turn signals for southbound traffic has caused significant inconvenience and safety concerns. Therefore, my office requested that the York Region Transportation Department review the intersection for an advanced left-turn signal.

 

Regional Staff completed left‑turn movement studies for both southbound and northbound approaches at the referenced intersection on January 20, 2026, during the morning and afternoon rush hours. Based on the findings, installation of new advanced left‑turn signals will be implemented this spring.  These improvements will enhance overall signal operations and address the growing travel demands associated with nearby schools.

 

For suggestions regarding traffic signals on Regional roads, please contact my office at alan.ho@markham.ca

Pregnancy can bring a rollercoaster of new emotions like sadness, anxiety and hopelessness but you're not alone! The nurses who lead our FREE Transition to Parenting CBT group understand what you're going through.

 

They can help support you as you learn skills, strategies and tools for changing thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

 

See if this program is right for you at york.ca/TTP

Are you part of a religious, educational or healthcare organization that’s making some outdoor improvements?

 

York Region’s Greening Action Partnership Fund may be able to help get your shovels in the ground! York Region is offering between $1,000 and $10,000 for eligible projects that support the enhancement and rehabilitation of the natural environment on public, institutional and conservation lands.

 

Apply by Friday, February 20, 2026 at https://ow.ly/PGAe50Y8pPm

Winter roads can change quickly. Here’s how you can help keep roads safe during snow, ice and freezing rain: 
  • Slow down and give yourself extra travel time
  • Leave lots of space behind snowplows 
  • Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle
  • Stay visible when walking 
Don’t try to pass a plow as they may not see you! 
 
Let’s keep everyone safe this winter. Learn more by visiting https://www.york.ca/.../leave-space-around-snow-plows...
Yesterday, these crews had the opportunity to reunite with a patient who suffered a cardiac arrest- but whose story didn’t end there.
 
Thanks to the skilled care of the paramedics, he regained a pulse and a second chance at life. This morning, he walked into our headquarters to shake the hands of the team who helped bring him back. 
 
Moments like this don’t happen often, but when they do, they remind us why we do what we do. 
 
To every paramedic: your training, your commitment, your steady presence in the toughest moments- it all makes a difference.Say thank you at york.ca/ThankAParamedic
As Lunar New Year quickly approaches, York Regional Police is providing the community with safety tips to keep your homes safe from potential break and enter thieves.
 
Remember, break and enters are crimes of opportunity. 
 
The more difficult you make it for thieves, the more likely it is that they will move along. Swipe to see crime prevention tips  and share with your friends and family to help keep them safe too.
 
For more information, visit yrp.ca/BandE.
York Regional Police (YRP) News:
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-

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 February 21 and 22 for its adoption weekend event.

 

No appointments needed—just drop in and find your new furry friend! Let's give these adorable pets the loving homes they deserve.

 

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

As the Chair of Markham’s Culture and Economic Development Committee, I cordially invite you to join us in celebrating Chinese Culture Month performances on February 28, 2026, at the FCCM Cultural Center.

 

February 28, 2026, Saturday 11 AM - 6 PM

FCCM Cultural Centre 

King Square Shopping Centre 

#327-9390 Woodbine Ave, Markham

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

 

Markham-Stouffville Fifty Fifty Hospital Foundation:

 

What would you do if you won over $10,000? Purchase your 50/50 Early Bird tickets and you'll be entered to win $1,500 and the guaranteed Grand Prize of $10,000. 

 

The deadline to purchase Early Bird tickets is Thursday, March 5 at 11:59 p.m.

 

https://mshf5050.ca/

Walk, run or roll with your friends, family or colleagues at the Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women Markham on Sunday, May 24th. All proceeds will support women’s mental health at MSH.

 

More Info:https://www.mshf.on.ca/events/26runforwomen

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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