Ward 4 Connection - City & Community Updates June

Dear Residents,

I hope everyone's summer is off to a great start and that you are enjoying the warmer weather. You should have recently received my mailed newsletter in your mailbox. If you missed it, you can also read the electronic version on my website.

The Main St Markham Farmers Market is in full swing every weekend - come out and support our local vendors. Don't forget our Markham Village Music Festival which is happening next weekend! Please note that Main St will be fully closed from Hwy # 7 to Bullock including all side streets, starting Friday at 1.30pm until midnight on Saturday. Expect heavier traffic on surrounding roads and thank you in advance for your patience.

I am receiving a number of emails regarding the repeal of Bill 5. Please be advised that this is a provincial matter and I encourage you to share your concerns with our local MPPs;

Paul Calandra, Billy Pang and Logan Kanapathi.

Please be advised that a portion of the trail system along Rouge Valley Trail near Mill Street and Markham Rd will be closed from July to approximately end of November, in order for the city to complete the erosion restoration of the slope adjacent to Mill Street. Mill St will also undergo road improvements and the installation of a new street light. Copy of Map showing closures.

Councillor McAlpine often covers different topics in his updates. His June update can be read here if you are interested in a broader perspective on Ward 3 & other city-wide issues.

Finally, a reminder that there will be a public meeting on Tuesday June 17th at 7pm to discuss the draft Cornell Secondary Plan. The plan outlines the future of this growing community, including a proposed build-out of 40,000 new residents and additional employment opportunities. Your input is important and we welcome your comments and questions.

Wishing you a safe and enjoyable summer.

Regards

Karen

Anything high-lighted provides a link to a document or report.

Cornell Centre Secondary Plan Public Meeting - June 17th 7pm.

The City of Markham has prepared a draft Official Plan Amendment for the Cornell Centre Secondary Plan. The secondary plan consists of approximately 244 hectares and located north and south of Hwy 7 between Ninth line and Reesor Rd. The secondary plan establishes a framework to create a higher density, walkable, and complete community. The long term vision for this area will include 20,000 housing units, 40,000 residents and 6000 new jobs. Public Notice

Markville Secondary Plan

At our Development Services Committee meeting last week the draft Markville Secondary Plan was discussed and deferred by committee to a future workshop to discuss concerns that was raised during the meeting, including: loss of employment on the east side of McCowan, location of parks, heights, amount of people and jobs, lack of infrastructure and traffic. A meeting date has not yet been set.

How to Participate 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)

Upcoming Changes to Markham’s Blue Box Program

As of January 1, 2026, Markham’s Blue Box Program will be managed by the producers of recyclable materials, who will take over the operational and financial responsibility for the program across Ontario. Here’s what you need to know:

No change to collection frequency, schedule, or container type.
Miller Waste has been awarded the contract for Markham. They will handle all recycling collection and manage blue box-related customer service inquiries.
Blue bins at community mailbox locations will no longer be collected under the new program.
Staff are recommending these bins be removed, and residents are asked to take recyclable materials home and place them in their personal blue bins for curbside pickup.
Blue box transition presentation

Stouffville Line GO Closed June 21-22

On Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22, due to track level construction, all weekend trains on the Stouffville line will be suspended. GO buses will run direct between Union Station Bus Terminal and Unionville GO. Remember to always check your schedule before you travel.

Ecological Restoration at Milne Dam West Wetland

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) plans to begin the Milne Dam West Wetland Restoration Project. This project is located adjacent to the Milne Dam Conservation Park. The work will restore 1.32 hectares of wetland and 2.73 hectares of forest, improving local habitat and flood mitigation. Construction is planned to be completed by late June, with tree and shrub planting to follow in fall 2025.

Russell Carter Tefft Pedestrian Bridge Construction Update

Construction on the Russell Carter Tefft Pedestrian Bridge is scheduled to begin in early July and is expected to be completed by the end of September 2025. The bridge will connect Russell Carter Tefft Park and Bruce Boyd Parkette. The site will be fenced off during construction.

Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) for Animal Licensing

Please be advised the city will begin issuing Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMP's) to pet owners who have not renewed their pet license. Notices will be sent by mail or email. If you receive an AMP, you have the right to request a screening review and if necessary a hearing before an independent hearing officer. Please note that members of council cannot intervene in this process. To avoid additional penalties, please renew your pet license.

City of Markham is accepting eWaste

Residents can now drop off their unwanted electronics at any of Markham’s four Recycling Depots. Proper recycling ensures that these items are handled safely to protect our environment. To learn more please visit Electronics Recycling

Join the Markham Accessibility Advisory Committee

The City of Markham is looking for dedicated community members to join the Accessibility Advisory Committee!
Deadline to apply is June 23. Help shape a more accessible and inclusive city for everyone. Download the application and email your completed form to lgold@markham.ca

Kickin' It Country arrives at the Markham Museum

Markham Museum is launching a brand-new summer celebration with Kickin’ It Country. Join us on Saturday, July 5 from 3-8 PM . This inaugural event will feature high-energy line dancing from Cheatin’ Hearts and refreshing local brews courtesy of Rouge River Brewing Company. Come out for a fun filled event as the summer starts! Purchase Your Tickets

Student Summer Memberships

Memberships run from May 1 to August 31, 2025, but you can join anytime - your fee will be prorated based on your registration date. Student Rate: $164.92 + tax. Students must be 14 years or older. Students under the age of 18 years must have a parent or guardian present at the time of registration.

For more information visit www.markham.ca/fitness

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 Markham Food Bank