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Dear Residents,
I have received a number of calls and emails in the past few days regarding the family of coyotes living in the area of Paramount and Ramona.
This week at our General Committee meeting on Monday, May 31, the City's Animal Care Supervisor, Christy Lehman and Leslie Sampson, from Coyote Watch Canada, provided Council and members of the public with a very informative presentation. A lengthy discussion took place and we asked City staff to come back with additional information on best practices and what can be done to limit the interaction that the coyotes are having with us. The City has posted signs and installed a temporary fence close to the dens to discourage close interaction from humans/animals.
Please DO NOT try and feed and/or take photos of the coyotes or pups, as the coyotes will become accustomed to people, especially if they think you are providing any kind of food source for them. Coyotes can become distressed when protecting their young. Negative interactions between humans and wildlife can lead to unnecessary conflict.
- Link to Christy's presentation
- Link to Leslie Sampson - Coyote Watch Canada will be posted soon
- General Committee meeting minutes will be posted in the next few days - the video from the presentation will also be made available tomorrow and I encourage all of you to take the time to listen to the recording, once available.
If you encounter a coyote during your walks or in your backyard, follow these advices from Coyote Canada:
- Pick up small children and pets
- Never run from or turn your back on a coyote/fox/wolf/domestic dog
- Wave your arm(s) above your head, stomp feet, clap hands. Surprise gestures work best. Be assertive!
- Be BIG and LOUD! Yell “Go away!” Never scream. A strong voice and assertive gestures send a clear message. Take action- Use *Aversion Conditioning or humane hazing techniques.
- Slowly back away. Maintain eye contact and remember never to run. Note if you saw evidence of food attractants left on the ground in the area of your encounter and report your observations to the appropriate agency (Animal Control, Bylaw, City Officials)
**Use hazing techniques such as shaking car keys, popping an umbrella, throwing an object in the direction of the coyote (not at the coyote) such as clumps of dirt, sticks, or blow a whistle. Review and download Coyote Watch Canada Keeping Coyotes Away Pamphlet and read their FAQ sheet.
Be prepared and aware of your surroundings when enjoying the outdoors. Be a good visitor “leave no trace”. Carry out leftover food, garbage, and dog feces. All children should be supervised at the local park, but if your child is on their own, please make sure they know what to do if they have a sighting of a coyote.
I have been asked by some residents to have the coyotes relocated, but under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, we are only permitted to relocate wildlife within a 1 kilometer radius of where they were found. Even if this was possible, there would be a high probability that another family would move in.
We are all concerned about the number of sightings and I agree it can be frightening, but we all need to do our part and not encourage any interaction of any kind. My understanding is once the pups are older they will relocate on their own and find a new home.
Regards,
Karen |
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Comprehensive Zoning By-law
Finally, our comprehensive zoning by-law will be presented on June 7th at 9:30 am. This will include proposed changes to our infill by-law along with accessory dwelling units, hard and soft landscaping, development standards, etc. This will be of interest to all residents that are experiencing new infill being built on their streets.
We will be holding future open houses over the summer to solicit feedback from the public, with a final recommendation report before the end of the year.
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Webinar on the LDD moth (European Gypsy Moth)
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is pleased to provide, in partnership with Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), a free information webinar on the LDD moth (European gypsy moth) on Tuesday June 8th from 6:30 - 8:00 pm.
Webinar participants will learn about the LDD moth life cycle, how to identify them and what actions you can take to minimize their impact to trees. TRCA and CVC experts will be in attendance to answer questions from participants.
Participants can register at the TRCA website.
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LDD in Markham
I have been receiving a number of calls about LDD (gypsy moth) inquiring about what the City is doing to control the gypsy moth population. The Invasive species consultant for The Region of York has recommended not engaging in an aerial spray program in our very densely populated residential areas.
The City of Markham is using an Integrated Pest Management approach.
- BTK Spray is non-selective meaning all species of caterpillars are at risk along with the many other species that benefit from them
- LDD caterpillars (gypsy moth) will defoliate trees but are unlikely to cause tree mortality unless many years of repeated infestations occur
- The City is monitoring, gathering information and partnering with the Region of York for our response.
Some Cities where aerial spray has taken place have typically been dealing with some level of LDD infestations for years/decades. Our position in Markham is that, the LDD presence has not been realized for a long enough duration to substantiate any consideration of aerial spray practices, but rather focus on public education and accessible control methods such as egg mass removal and burlap banding technique detailed at www.Markham.ca/trees. |
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Yonge North Subway Extension
The Federal government has recently committed to fund approximately 40% of the Yonge North Subway Extension. The route’s planned alignment has been rerouted off of Yonge Street and onto the existing CN rail corridor in the north, bringing part of the line above ground and Metrolinx plans to tunnel under 60 houses just north of Royal Orchard Blvd in Thornhill.
This Saturday, June 5th (rain date is June 6th), residents of Thornhill and particularly the Royal Orchard community are holding a “Rally to Keep the Yonge North Subway Extension (YNSE) on Yonge” from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, on Yonge Street between Royal Orchard Blvd and Baythorn Drive (east and west side), to stop the Metrolinx plan from diverting the Yonge North Subway Extension from Yonge Street to go under Thornhill’s houses. You are welcome to attend.
The organizers will be enforcing social distancing with mandatory masks, and please no young children. Click here for event details
Upcoming Community Meetings & Development Applications
- 144 Main St N application - Presentation to Heritage Committee - June 9th at 7 pm
Applications by 2637996 Ontario Inc. c/o SmartCentres for Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments to permit a six storey retirement residence incorporating existing heritage buildings at 134, 136, 140, 144, 152 Main Street North, 12 Wilson St. (Ward 4)
- Heritage Planning Staff Heritage Report
- Full Heritage Agenda
This meeting is open to the public and you are welcome to participate and make a verbal or written deputation.
The Heritage Committee meeting is not live streamed, but you can request to participate in the Zoom meeting and make a deputation. For Zoom access to this meeting only, please email Laura Gold and she will provide a link on the day of the meeting.
- Reminder - Thursday, June 24th
Markham Village & Unionville Flood Control Study
As part of Markham’s Flood Control Program, City Staff will be hosting a public meeting to present the findings of the Markham Village and Unionville Flood Control Study on June 24, 2021. Through the study, drainage systems built prior to 1980 in Markham Village and Unionville were reviewed to assess the existing risks and causes of basement flooding. Options were reviewed in each area to determine the best method of reducing flood risk, and future work that has been prioritized based on the existing risk and construction logistics, with a proposed plan for designing and constructing the upgrades spanning 2022 – 2032.
In addition to the long term plan, the City also has a private plumbing rebate program that allows private homeowners to install backflow preventers and complete other improvements to the private portion of the drainage system that will provide an immediate reduction to the flood risk associated with a property.
Representatives of Markham staff will be present at the meeting to answer questions and discuss next steps. If you have any questions, please contact Rob Grech, Manager, Stormwater.
To learn more about the project and rebate program, and provide your feedback, please visit YourVoice Markham. |
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Keep Markham Beautiful
Click on the flyer for better viewing and to learn more about:
- Pet license
- Lawn maintenance - please remember that pesticides are not allowed on the City of Markham
- Mosquitos - how to avoid them
- Water meter replacement
- Pool safety
- Pets safety
- Backyard Tree Planting by LEAF
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The Region of York is responsible for maintaining grass and collecting litter on all regional roads within the City. For concerns regarding Regional roads contact Access York or 905.830.4444.
To report issues on City's roads or parks, please call 905.477.5530 or email the Contact Centre.
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New Provincial Blue Box Regulation and Preferred Program Transition Date
Markham has formally requested to transition to the new Producer (Steward) led Blue Box program as early as possible. This new program will make the producers of recyclable materials responsible for 100% of all Blue Box program costs. The City is hopeful that the transition process would begin in January of 2023; however, the draft regulations have not yet been approved by the province, so the process may be delayed.
In December, the City provided formal comments to the province in response to the draft regulations for the new Blue Box program. Our comments addressed our residents’ preference to use bags for recyclable materials and urged the province to include them as a preferred collection receptacle as bags are:
- the most effective receptacle to minimize litter and contamination
- the least expensive receptacle for residents
- scalable and provide unlimited capacity for recycling
- the most convenient receptacle for residents (one-way trip to the curb)
I have enclosed below a presentation that we had at the City and the motion that was passed at the City for a bag breaker. The City has asked to be transitioned into Ontario Stewards early as our recycling will be 100 % covered. If the City maintains collection then we are only reimbursed 50 %.
- Presentation - General Committee November 16, 2020
- Motion
If you are interested in contacting the Region regarding the use of bags in the current Blue Box system, you are welcome to reach out to one of your Regional Council representatives or request to speak to York Region Staff. |
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Covid-19 Vaccination Information
COVID-19 vaccination information can be accessed through York.ca or by calling Access York at 1.877.464.9675. Access York is available to receive calls 7 days a week between 8:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. The Health Information Line is 1.800.361.5653. More information on preparing for a vaccination appointment can be found at this link. York Region residents age 18+ can also book a vaccination appointment at any participating pharmacy in the province. |
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Volunteer Services for Seniors
A local group, PinkCars, has been established to help seniors register for vaccines and to drive them to and from vaccine appointments. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact PinkCars.
Volunteer drivers are also welcome.
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Enforcement of Covid19 Related Violations |
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The City of Markham is committed to celebrating the courage and resilience of our LGBTQ2+ community. June is Pride month and brings us together as a community in support of human rights, equality and respect for all.
Pride month celebrates the gender and sexual diversity of the LGBTQ2+ community and raises awareness of the issues faced by LGBTQ2+ communities worldwide, which unfortunately continue to occur around the world today. |
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National Indigenous History Month
In the month of June, we honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. It is a time for learning, reconciliation, appreciating and acknowledging the contributions First Nations, Inuit and Métis people have made in shaping Canada.
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June is Seniors Month
This year’s theme for Seniors Month in Ontario is ‘Stay safe, active and connected.’ This month and always, the City of Markham appreciates our amazing older adults and the contributions they have made in our community. Thank you for their wisdom, knowledge, guidance and leadership.
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2021 MVMF Virtual Edition
Friday, June 18 – Saturday, June 19
Markham Village Music Festival (MVMF) organizers are thrilled to be bringing the festival once again to the Markham Village.
However, due to the current global situation, the festival will run entirely virtual for a second year in a row.
Over 50 artists are lined up for some awesome performances, a virtual vendor village, community and local business profiles, guest speakers, historic Markham Village moment, a beatbox battle and much more.
Starting June 18, watch the Festival on the MVMF Website or visit one of their social media platforms (Facebook, YouTube Channel)
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J u n e N e w s
Volunteer Markham provides essential services across York Region through the generous support of the UW GTA and in collaboration with Volunteer Toronto and Volunteer MBC.
Innovation Month
The City of Markham will mark a special Innovation Month this year during its 50th anniversary of incorporation. On social media, every day throughout the month of June we will highlight a selection of the talent, vision and key moments that were instrumental in transforming our community. We invite you to follow along using #WeAreMarkham and #MarkhamInnovates.
Recreation and Parks Month
June is Recreation and Parks Month (JRPM)! It promotes the benefits of recreation and parks for physical, social and environmental health across Ontario. Markham celebrates JRPM, and is proud of the parks and facilities available in our community for all citizens to enjoy. Get active (safely) during Recreation and Park Month by visiting markham.ca/GetActive.
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Family Firework Permit
You need a permit to use Family Fireworks in the City of Markham.
Family Fireworks are low-hazard fireworks for recreation.
Visit the City of Markham portal - Family Fireworks Permit to apply - on Canada Day you must have a permit to use fireworks.
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?
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Markham Food Bank Needs our Help
The Markham Food Bank has seen a great increase in the number of families using the food bank during the pandemic. Help our community members in need during these challenging times.
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Help to change the lives of homeless and at risk youth in York Region.
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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. |
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