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Dear Residents,
WOW! What a start to February! The city received over 50cm of snow within a week and our operations staff and contractors have been working around the clock to respond. While the roads have been cleared, the sidewalks remain a challenge due to the sheer amount of snow. Many were completely buried, requiring specialized equipment for snow removal.
We are also seeing reduced sight-lines at intersections and narrowed roadways, so please drive with extra caution. Additionally, I have received complaints about residents dumping snow onto city streets, which creates hazards and slows down snow-clearing efforts. Please remember that this is prohibited under city by-laws, which I have included below.
Unfortunately, windrows at the bottom of driveways are unavoidable, especially with this much snow. For seniors needing assistance, the city offers a windrow clearing service. You can find the application here Windrow Application
As we continue through winter, please stay safe, dress warmly and take a moment to enjoy the beauty of the season. We have snow shoeing at the Musuem and there are a number of ice-rinks in communities, as well as at the Museum and Milne park for your enjoyment.
On another note, I will once again be spending the night on the street to raise funds and awareness for at-risk-youth through the 360kids experience. If you are able, I would truly appreciate your support in sponsoring this important cause.
Looking ahead, while spring may feel far away. city staff are actively working on a policy for off-leash dog parks. be sure to share your input by participating in the online survey included later in this newsletter.
"We’ve encountered some formatting issues with this newsletter—it works fine at times but doesn’t always display as expected. We apologize if it’s not appearing as it normally does and appreciate your patience as we work to resolve the issue."
Warm regards,
Karen Rea
Please note anything highlighted in this newsletter provides a link to more information |
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Once again, I will be participating in the 360Experience to bring awareness to at-risk-youth. 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. Ward 4 is home to 2 homes for youth, transitional housing, and there are six beds in the city that support young girls that have survived human trafficking. If you are able, please consider a donation to this worthy cause.
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5871 Hwy 7 Development - Update
There were a number of meetings held in the fall to request the applicant to reduce the height of the building. Unfortunately, the applicant wanted to proceed with a 13 story building. Council voted to approve the same GFA (gross floor area) but with a maximum height of 10 stories. The applicant has appealed councils decision. MINUTES
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Be a Hydrant Hero and help keep our Fire Hydrants clear of snow |
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By-law 2018-109
“Depositing snow or ice onto the traveled portion of a highway or onto a boulevard that is not contiguous with the property from which the snow was moved” is prohibited.
Every person who is guilty of an offence under this By-Law shall be subject to the following penalties:
Upon a first conviction to a fine of not less than $500.00 and not more than $50,000; |
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Off-Leash Dog Survey City Staff have drafted an Off- Leash Dog Area Policy and are looking for feedback from residents. The deadline has been extended to February 26th.
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Rock throwing Incidents on Markham Road
Investigators with the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau have laid charges following rock throwing incidents in the City of Markham and Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville. On January 28, 2025, two males were charged in relation to a number of these incidents that began in July 2024.
For further information, please read the press release
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Important- Pet Renewal Notices
Please be advised that pet licenses are due at the end of each year. Renewals not paid on time will be subject to a $11.50 penalty. Renewal notices are provided as a courtesy only but not a mandatory document. It is ultimately the pet owner's responsibility to ensure their pet license remains up to date in accordance with the regulations outlined in the By-law. |
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Recycling & Garbage Schedules
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Click on above links for an overview on what goes to waste, blue and green bins. |
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Important Markham Light Bulb Recycling Information
Effective March 4, 2025, light bulbs will no longer be accepted at Markham Recycling Depots and can be dropped off at York Region’s Household Hazardous Waste Depot for recycling at no charge. Additionally, residents are able to recycle light bulbs at select retailers across Markham at no charge. For additional information www.markham.ca/lightbulbrecycling |
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New Streetlights in Ward 4 - This work is being proposed for inclusion in the 2026 budget. Design would begin in 2026, with construction planned for the spring of 2027. New streetlights will replace the existing lights on Jack, Judy and Jill Court. Lights will align with new city standard concrete poles and cobra head luminaires. |
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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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Wheels of Hope (WOH) Volunteer Drivers Needed - The Canadian Cancer Society is looking for volunteer drivers for their Wheels of Hope program. The program provides rides for people living with cancer to and from their cancer treatment appointments.
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New Exhibition coming to Markham Museum
Not all heroes wear capes, some wear scrubs, tool belts, and uniforms. Everyday Superheroes celebrates the individuals who make a difference in our communities. From firefighters and healthcare workers to educators and volunteers, this interactive exhibition highlights the real-life heroes who keep our world running. Join us as we shine a spotlight on their inspiring stories through hands-on activities and engaging displays that showcase the power of kindness, courage, and resilience.
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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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