Councillor Karen Rea - Ward 4 March update
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Dear Residents, 
 
As March comes to a close and we start to see more spring weather, it is hard not to notice the increase in litter lining our streets. While our official clean-up efforts have yet to commence, we urge each resident to take a proactive role in maintaining the cleanliness of our neighbourhood's. Please lend a hand by picking up any debris that may have blown on to your property or the adjacent boulevards and roads. Together, let's ensure our surroundings remain pristine and welcoming for all. 
Council will be approving a number of our secondary plans this year for areas in the city that have been designated for high density. These areas include Langstaff, Milliken, Markville, Markham Centre, Markham Rd-Mount Joy and Cornell. While I support the idea of intensifying development in the appropriate locations rather than promoting urban sprawl. I have some serious concerns regarding the proposed density levels for the Markham Rd-Mount Joy area.
I became aware last night that this particular secondary plan is scheduled for discussion and approval on April 23rd during our development services committee. Given the complexity of development, I believe it's crucial not to rush into providing a high-level summary. Instead I will send out a supplementary newsletter next week to explain the proposed developments along this corridor spanning from 16th Avenue to Major Mackenzie along Markham Rd.
 
A reminder that the Markham District Veterans Association will be holding a service at the Cenotaph on April 6th to remember the Battle of Vimy Ridge. For further details click here  
Wishing everyone an enjoyable long weekend. 
 
Karen Rea  
Please note anything highlighted in this newsletter provides a link to more information 
Mount Joy Secondary Plan 
Meeting scheduled for April 23rd 9.30 am
Documents from the Public Meeting held in  November  HERE (an easier read)  All planning documents can be found on yourvoicemarkham 
Residents can participate in this meeting via zoom or in person.Please check council calendar to confirm that this item is scheduled for this agenda. 
I continue to receive reports of residents using Reesor Park as an off-leash area for dogs. This poses safety concerns, especially for children walking to school. Due to unacceptable behavior towards our enforcement officers, we have had to reach out to York Regional Police for their assistance in ensuring our public spaces are a safe place for all users. 

We kindly request that you demonstrate respect for our community by ensuring your dog remains on a leash at all times. Additionally, we encourage you to utilize the off-leash dog parks recently established in all wards for your pet's exercise and enjoyment. Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a safe and harmonious environment for all residents
 
Friendly Reminder 
There will be no Waste Collection on Good Friday, March 29th. Organic waste, recycling and regular garbage (if this is your week for regular garbage) will be picked up on Saturday, March 30th 
Mayor's 2024 Budget 
The Mayor's Budget was adopted last month with an increase of 2.99%.This means an increase of $39.98 on the city portion of the tax bill for the average home in Markham.
For additional information on the city budget and water budget CLICK HERE 
It has come to the city's attention that scammers are posing as city employees requesting an inspection and installation of flooding protection measures for compliance issues (e.g.sump pumps and backwater valves). The City of Markham does not contact residents by phone to request installation of flooding protection measures. We advise residents to be vigilant and use caution. 
Report calls to 905.477.7000 ext. 5881 or via email to plumbingrebate@markham.ca
 
Other Scams in York Region (Click the links for more info)
Chinese Police Extortion Scam- CLICK HERE Bank Investigator ScamCLICK HERE
Church St Closure Information
Church St will be closed except to local traffic starting the third week of April in order to facilitate upgrades to our storm and sewer infrastructure.   
Please refer to the below boxes for details on the construction.
For a map of the area impacted  CLICK HERE
Tree By-Law Update
Markham enacted its new Tree Preservation By-law regulating the destruction or injury of private and City trees on December 13, 2023.  The By-law replaces Tree Preservation By-law 2008-96 and is effective immediately.
Call Before You Cut - All trees that are 20cm Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) or greater require a Tree Permit, regardless of health, structure, or risk level.
Information on the tree permit process can be found HERE 
Automated Speed Enforcement Coming to Ward 4
An Automated Speed Enforcement Camera will be installed on Highway 7 Eastbound East of Robinson Street (St Patrick's school location) in April. For more information on ASE, visit York Region Automated Speed Enforcement
Testing Your Smoke Alarm 
The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal has highlighted the importance of working smoke alarms, citing many recent fires in which they weren't working. For more information on how to test smoke alarms and testing them and maintaining them for working condition please CLICK HERE
Markham Museum Spring Events 
As spring is arriving, so are the Markham Museum's Pottery workshops! There are a number of workshops available for families and adults. For information on the Family Pottery Programs CLICK HERE
For information on the Adult Pottery Programs, CLICK HERE
 
If you were ever curious about the names of some of the streets in Markham Village, here's some historical information for you! The Markham Historical Society has been kind enough to share some of the history behind streets such as Church St, Robinson St, Station St and more. 
Temporary Stouffville Line Weekend Changes in April
Due to construction on Saturday, April 6th and Sunday, April 7th, the Stouffville line will only operate between Old Elm/Mount Joy GO and Kennedy GO. Customers will transfer at Kennedy GO to Kennedy Station to connect with the TTC Line 2 to continue their journey to Union Station. Further information is available on the GO Transit website. Please CLICK HERE 
 
 
Participating in Public Meetings
 
All public meetings are now hybrid and livestreamed from the city website. 
Residents can attend in person at the council chambers or you can attend virtually. Written submissions can be emailed to clerkspublic@markham.ca by 5pm the day before the meeting.
Residents who wish to speak on a topic can fill out an online request to speak form or email clerkspublic@markham.ca. If someone does not have access to email they can call the clerk's office at 905.479.7760 on the day of the meeting to make a deputation (speak). 
 
 
Aggressive driving continues to be a concern in the city, our own local ward and across the entire GTA. Moving violations are under the jurisdiction of York Regional Police (YRP) and reports can be filed through RoadWatch. For general concerns you can use the community concerns online reporting HERE

 

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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.
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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City of Markham Ward 4 Councillor Karen Rea, 101 Town Centre Boulevard Markham, ON  L3R 9W3 Tel: 905.479.7751


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