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October 16, 2021
Dear Residents,
Fall is here and it is a wonderful time of the year to take a walk in our local parks and conservations areas to enjoy the fall colours.
Going forward, we will be including a survey in our e-newsletters. This is the first time using this platform, so please be patient if there are any "glitches" that may have gone unnoticed.
There is always something going on at Council and the big topic item at the moment is the expansion of the Urban Boundary which will be discussed again this Monday, further information is below. The comprehensive zoning bylaw is being worked on, along with the Mount Joy Secondary Plan, which I encourage everyone to participate in.
If you have an issue of local concern, please reach out to Mylene or myself and we will do our best to resolve.
Regards,
Karen |
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New!! I want to hear your feedback on the direction of some of Markham's initiatives and future projects.
I will be asking you questions on different topics and below is my first survey for you. |
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The survey is going to be open for two weeks. Please participate! |
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Vaccination Mandatory in Markham recreation facilities
Effective now, proof of full vaccination will be required to enter indoor recreation facilities by all visitors who are 12 years of age and older.
Provincially defined medical exemptions apply. |
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When entering, you must show:
- Ontario Ministry of Health COVID-19 vaccination receipt or other government issued vaccination record indicating that you are fully vaccinated, plus 14 days from your second shot;
- Identification which includes name and date of birth (photo ID is not required); and,
- Proof of completion of City of Markham COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire on your mobile device or a printed copy.
For more information and updates about COVID-19 and affected City services, visit markham.ca/covid19.
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Hwy 7 and Washington/Albert Street
Bollards were installed on Highway 7 between Main Street/Markham Road and Albert Street/Cosburn Road. Movements will be right-in and right-out only for improved road safety. A concrete median will be installed in the future. Please see attached information for the centre lane median extension.
Visit york.ca/roads for information about road safety initiatives and road improvements in the City of Markham.
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Urban Growth - York Region Council Meeting
During a special meeting on September 16, York Region staff recommended council to approve an intensification growth rate of between 50 to 55 per cent. After a lengthy discussion and strong participation from residents and environmental groups, the item was deferred for further discussion until October 21.
Virtual deputation requests will be accepted by the Regional Clerk's Office until 12 pm on Wednesday, October 20th. Registered deputants will be provided with a link and instructions for joining the meeting. Livestreaming of the meeting will be available to the public at york.ca.
The current staff proposal would see the urban expansion of white belt (farm land) of 1,490 hectares in Markham, 1,290 hectares in the Vaughan and King City area, 375 hectares in Stouffville and 245 hectares in East Gwillimbury.
- Proposed 2051 Forecast and Land Needs Assessment - March 18, 2021
- Planning for Markham’s Growth to 2051
An overview of the proposed forecast and land needs assessment, and what it means for Markham was provided in a City staff report to Markham’s Development Services Committee (DSC) on October 12th. Markham Council has concerns and as such is holding a special development services meeting on Monday, October 18th at 9 am to further discuss intensification scenarios - Agenda
Request to speak or email deputations can be sent to City of Markham's Clerks.
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- By-law Enforcement Services
Councillor McAlpine and I moved a motion for staff to report back with recommendations to improve bylaw enforcement services. For further details see BY-LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES (2.0)
This motion will be discussed at General Committee on October 18th at 11 am - Agenda
- Lobbyist Registry
Councillor McAlpine moved a motion, seconded by me, to direct city staff to report back with recommendations with respect to the establishment of a Lobbyist Registry to improve the transparency of the decision-making processes at the city. The report should be presented on November 29.
- Vacant Tax
Last July, Councillor McAlpine and I moved a motion asking staff to investigate the feasibility of implementing a vacant tax in Markham, similar to the City of Ottawa, Vancouver and Toronto. This would help increase the housing supply by making vacant homes available for rent or sale, which means people will actually live in them. You can find more information on my previous e-newsletter - Councillor Karen Rea - Ward 4, Vacant Tax Motion
This item is also coming back for further discussion on November 29.
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Markham Road - Mount Joy Secondary Plan Study
City staff will continue public consultation during the Fall and we hope to have participation and feedback from our residents.
Check YourVoice Markham for more information about this plan. I encourage all of you to participate in this public process on how Markham Rd will ultimately be built out. This section of Markham Rd will be intensified and you could see building heights up to 40 story's in some locations. You can watch the last meeting that was held on June 3, 2021 by following this link - Markham Road – Mount Joy Secondary Plan Study Public meeting video
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 Visit YourVoiceMarkham.ca to learn about great projects our staff are working on. Consider joining the conversation by registering on the site or sign-up to follow specific projects that interest you.
Share your ideas, thoughts and opinions! We always want to hear from you.
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Comprehensive Zoning By-law
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Speaking about by-laws, below are some friendly reminders. This summer, most of the complaints we received were "neighbour related". So please be a good neighbour and do your part.
- Autumn leaves - a Natural Resource
Please be advised that our “Keep Markham Beautiful” By-law prohibits anyone from blowing and leaving leaves on City property (this means blowing leaves on City streets) or anyone else’s property. Leaves can be mulched, composted or placed in lawn bags for pick up by Miller.
Weekly pick up starts at the end of October and continues for approximately 6 weeks - please check your schedule to confirm pick up days.
Leaves not picked up will eventually end up on your neighbour’s lawn and can also end up in the storm drain, clogging pipes which could cause street flooding.
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Garbage bins should be placed on the boulevard
Please do not place your garbage bins on the street or on the rolling curbs.
The blue bin, green bin, waste and any material must be fully placed on your property.
The City has started to sweep all streets. Placing items on the City right of way interferes with the cleaning and our winter operations. |
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Update: Markham Village Depot repair should be complete at the end of this month; however, that is dependent on whether the contractor can obtain steel components that are required for the repair. |
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2022 BUDGET SCHEDULE
City Council and staff started discussion about the 2022 Property Tax & Water budget. The budget supports City operations and more than 40 services!
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This is your chance to participate and provide your feedback on how the City should spend your tax dollars.
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LDD infestation - the problem is not over yet
City staff will be hosting information sessions in early spring to demonstrate to our residents how to burlap band your tree. The City has hired extra staff this fall to remove and destroy the egg masses in hot spot areas. |
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Coyotes in Markham
As of today, we are still waiting to hear from City staff on when this item will be discussed at Council. I will keep you informed when a date has been confirmed.
Learn more: markham.ca/wildlife
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Reeson Park, Wooten Way N - Future Winter Tennis Club
An exciting project is coming to Reesor Park this winter. On December 2019, the City approved a lease agreement with Karl Hale, a well-known and respected tennis person in the industry, to acquire, install, operate and maintain two seasonal tennis bubbles over the existing tennis courts of Markham Tennis Club, annually for 7 months from early October to the end of April.
The project was delayed due to the pandemic. Early this month, construction of two air-supported structures has started. The anticipated project completion date is May 2022.
During a normal season, without COVID-19 restrictions in place, the Markham Tennis Club will continue operating from May to September providing great tennis for our community.
Please note that the winter tennis club and MTC wil be independently operated.
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Markham is offering a free virtual Home Efficiency Retrofit Orientation workshop on October 21 in partnership with Humber College and Enbridge.
Learn how to improve energy efficiency and save money! Register here.
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C o m m u n i t y N e w s |
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City of Markham Firefighter Memorial
We are happy to announce that the Markham Firefighters Memorial was unveiled on September 25th.
This new monument located beside the Veterans' Square at Highway 7 and Markham Road was a collaborative effort among Markham Fire and Emergency Services, the Markham Professional Firefighters Association and the City of Markham.
The memorial honours firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Family members from all 5 of the firefighters honoured were in attendance at the unveiling. |
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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
Participate in the monthly 50/50 lottery. Don't forget to get your tickets... who knows you could be the next big winner.
October 50/50 - draw on October 31
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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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