Councillor Karen Rea - December update
December 2020

Dear Residents,

 

As we approach the end of the year, I believe that we will all be glad to wave good bye to 2020 and it is with optmism that we can hope for a better 2021, at least towards the latter part of the year.

This week, you should receive my newsletter in your mailbox with more updates of what is happening in Ward 4 and I included my favorite recipe for this time of year - shortbread. 

You can access the newsletter online or let me know if you wish to receive an extra hard copy.

Below you will find some additional information, such as latest Council meetings items, winter operations and more. 

As always, please reach out to Mylene or myself with any questions and concerns. 

 

We wish you a new year filled with good health, peace and happiness.

Please stay safe and stay healthy.

 

Regards,

Karen
Attack on Conservation Authority - Bill 229 - Schedule 6
 
Please see attached former Councillor Valerie Burke's article on the Provincial Bill 229.
 
The City of Markham and many other organizations expressed their concerns with the Bill 229 - schedule 6. This bill removed the power from the Conservation Authority, giving the Minister and developers more power in making decision on new projects in sensitive areas approved without proper consultation. The consequence of these new rules will be evident in the near future, when new applications start to be approved.
 
Contact your local MPP to hear their views on this matter and to express your concerns or clarify any questions you may have.  

Riding:

Members of Provincial Parliament:

Thornhill

MPP Gila Martow

Markham-Thornhill

MPP Logan Kanapathi 

Markham-Unionville

MPP Billy Pang

Markham-Stouffville

MPP Paul Calandra
City's 2021 Budget - Highlights
 

The City of Markham Council approved its 2021 Budget earlier this month. It's a 0% tax increase, thanks to our reserves funds, with the stormwater fee the same amount as last year.

For 2021, Markham Council has approved a new Property Tax and Stormwater Fee Payment Deferral Program to assist property owners who have been financially affected by COVID-19. This assistance is by application only and is meant to aid residential and business property owners who require payment flexibility throughout the 2021 taxation year - markham.ca/TaxRelief. If you have questions regarding your property tax account or would like to establish a repayment plan, please contact the City at 905.477.5530 or alternatively you can send an email to etax@markham.ca.

 

Full report - Council Meeting, December 9 - item 11.2 - 2021 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGETS

December 10 - Budget Press Conference 
Other items discussed at recent meetings that may be of interest:
 
November 9 - DSC meeting:
 
The speed limit on Main St N between Bullock Dr. and Highway 7 has been reduced from 50km/h to 40km/h. Staff have been asked to review the section of Main St N between Bullock Dr and 16th Ave and report back. 
 
December 9 - Council meeting:
 
Winter Operations
 

 

You can track the progress of our plows by following this link to our Markham Winter Maintenance map .

Check out this video - City of Markham 2020 - 2021 Winter Maintenance.
Winter is officially here and our portal page has been updated with lots of information about how our Operations Department handles the winter events, how the streets are cleaned, etc.
If you have any questions or require assistance from our staff, please call the contact centre and they will address your calls and direct your inquiry to the appropriate department.
All calls need to be logged for tracking purposes. If you have any winter related inquiry, please call 905.477.5530 or send an email to customerservice@markham.ca

 

Parking - winter restrictions in place now - until April 15, you can only park on the ODD numbered side of the street (unless existing parking signs state otherwise).
All parking on both sides of all City streets is prohibited during snow clearing operations.
For more information visit Overnight Street Parking Request page.
Assistance to elderly and residents with disabilities 
The City provides snow windrow removal assistant designed to help elderly and residents with disabilities to maintain road access from their driveways (one car width only) during the winter season. To learn more click here.  
 
Note to local business: Check this Important Graphic about
Federal & Provincial Business Programs
 
Holiday Service Alert: Planning to visit a Markham Recycling Depot? Check hours of operation before you go.  Remember to wear a mask, sanitize your hands & keep a safe distance from others.

 

Are you confused about your Waste separation? 

 

Try our search tool What Goes Where -Type the name of an item and we'll tell you how to recycle or dispose of it. 

 
  Reduce needless waste!
Markham Food Bank Needs our Help
 
The City of Markham is also collecting food, personal care items and toys for those in need.
Drop off donations at any Markham Fire Station.
Due to COVID-19, the need for these items is greater than ever. Learn more
This winter you can change the lives of homeless and at risk youth in York Region this holiday season. 360Kids Gifts That Matter catalogue ensures that you can safely send your gift to a youth in need.
YRP presentation to City council on November 24 - Policing in a changing Environment
YRP - Security Camera Registry
 

The Security Camera Registry gives members of the community the option to let York Regional Police know they have installed residential or commercial security cameras which may assist police if a crime occurs later in that area. The registry does not grant police direct access to your cameras--officers must still seek permission to view and use footage.

For more information, visit the YRP website .

Presentation to City Council Nov 24, 2020 

 

I encourage those with systems or who are considering surveillance system installations, to additionally take that extra step and register your security systems.
Stay safe! Report any suspicious activity to Online Reporting
         Emergency? Call 9-1-1            Non-Emergency? Call 1.866.876.5423
 

The City of Markham EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS page has a source of information to help you prepare and plan for emergencies. Emergencies happen.

Are you ready?
 

 

 
If you have any municipal inquiry, please send an email to customerservice@markham.ca or call 905.477.5530. Our staff can investigate and address your concerns.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
View this email in your browser
You are receiving this email because of your relationship with City of Markham - Ward 4 Councillor Karen Rea. If you do not wish to receive any more emails, you can unsubscribe here.
This message was sent from krea@markham.ca to krea@markham.ca
City of Markham Ward 4 Councillor Karen Rea, 101 Town Centre Boulevard Markham, ON  L3R 9W3 Tel: 905.479.7751

Update Profile/Email Address | Forward Email | Report Abuse