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Dear Residents,
Happy New Year! I hope you had the opportunity to relax and spend quality time with your loved ones over the holiday season.
The start of the year has been relatively quiet, offering a welcome opportunity to catch up. While municpal matters have been calm, the federal government has been active and there is growing speculation that the Province may head to the polls this spring. The next few weeks will be particularly interesting as we wait to see when we'll be heading to the polls.
I have received a few inquiries about snow plowing and wanted to provide some clarity. Attached you will find the city's Winter Maintenance Newsletter which outlines the conditions for snow plowing. For residents living on local roads, please note that the City plows these areas only after a snowfall of 7.5 cm or more. This season, this threshold has only been met once - on Christmas Eve, when all roads were plowed.
Below you will find updates on upcoming city initiatives that may be of interest. We have an update to the City's Official Plan this Thursday and staff have started a study on the Transportation Master Plan. Additional information on both and how to participate is further down in this e-newsletter.
As we endure a few more days of this deep freeze, please keep an eye out for anyone in need. If you come across a homeless individual who may require assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I will ensure the appropriate outreach program is notified to provide support.
Warm regards,
Karen Rea
Please note anything highlighted in this newsletter provides a link to more information |
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Notice of Special Public Meeting on January 23
The City invites you to a public meeting to introduce the Official Plan Review Project and gather your input and feedback. Meeting is scheduled for January 23rd at 7 PM. You can attend in-person or virtually. Your feedback will help shape the future work and studies conducted as part of the Official Plan update. Public notice. Agenda Here |
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An Official Plan (or OP as it is sometimes called ) is a document that provides a blue print for how a municipality will grow and how land in our community should be used. It’s like a roadmap to help make decisions about building and improving the area.
An official plan deals with issues such as:
- where new housing, industry, offices and shops will be located
- what services like roads, watermains, sewers, parks and schools will be needed
- when, and in what order, parts of your community will grow
- community improvement initiatives
This project is to update our existing 2014 Official Plan to see if any revisions are needed to implement any provincial policy changes and to ensure that our OP continues to address local priorities and changing community needs. |
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Participating in Public Meetings
All public meetings are now hybrid and live streamed 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).
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Road Safety Workshop Presentation
A workshop was recently held with councillors and city staff to discuss road safety and the Markham Vision Zero Plan. You can find details about what was presented, including common speed management and traffic calming measures at the below link:
As we move into the winter months, we encourage everyone to take extra care when using the roads, whether you are driving, walking or cycling. Safety is a shared responsibility and small actions can make a big difference. Pedestrians - wearing dark clothing in the evenings especially in poor weather can make you invisible to drivers. Drivers - when turning, always take an extra moment to check for pedestrians before proceeding. By being a little more diligent, we can work together to ensure the safety of everyone in our community. Let's keep Markham safe! |
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Hwy 7 & Wideman St/Christman Crt.
Based on York Region's Traffic & Pedestrian Signal Policy and recent traffic study, a traffic signal is recommended at Hwy 7 & Wideman St./Christman Court, to enhance and support safe school crossings and provide a beneficial improvement to the safety of vulnerable road users. The new traffic signal is scheduled for installation in 2026, subject to the annual program prioritization and budgeting approval process. |
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Transportation Master Plan (TMP)
The City of Markham is initiating its TMP to shape the future of transportation throughout the City. The Plan will provide a blueprint for improving and expanding transportation options for everyone, whether you walk, bike, use public transit, drive, or explore new ways to travel.
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Recycling & Garbage Schedules
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Once again, I will be participating in the 360Experience to bring awareness to at-risk-youth. This is our 12th annual experience - a powerful overnight event that raises funds but also brings attention to the reality faced by homeless youth in York Region, aged 12-26 years old. Over 3000 young people rely on 360kids every year for shelter, guidance and hope. If you are able, please consider a donation to this worthy cause.
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Markham Museum
From January 11th to March 2nd, join us as we shine a spotlight on the unique buildings, hands-on activities, and exceptional services that make Markham Museum a true community treasure. Each weekend will feature a new focus, giving visitors the chance to explore historic buildings, enjoy interactive demonstrations, and take part in family-friendly fun. Visit Spotlight Weekends on the Markham Museum Website. |
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Markham Community Skate Day
York University's Markham Community Skate Day is back! Bring your family and friends to enjoy an afternoon of outdoor ice skating, including refreshments, a photobooth, giveaways & the York U mascot YEO the Lion! Join us on Saturday, February 1st from 1.00-3.00 PM at the Civic Centre Outdoor Rink. |
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Traveling to the UK? You will need an Electronic Transfer Authorization (ETA)
As much as this is not local news, I have not seen any information about this in the media. Many residents in Ward 4 are from the UK and travel back home often.
Please be aware that Canadian Citizens are now required to obtain an Electronic Transfer Authorization to enter the UK. For more informatiion visit the UK Government's Website |
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Aggressive driving continues to be a concern in the city, our own communities 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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Visit YourVoiceMarkham.ca to learn about great projects our staff are working on! Consider joining the conversation by registering on the site or signing up to follow specific projects that interest you. Share your ideas and opinions! |
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Markham Food Bank Needs our Help
The Markham Food Bank has seen an increase in the number of families using the food bank in these challenging times. For ways to help our community please visit
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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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