Happy Spring! With the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games now behind us, we are hopefully nearing the end of winter.

 

As noted in my previous newsletter, I recognize that winter maintenance this season has been particularly challenging—especially for residents on local roads. Please know that discussions on the current state of winter maintenance, and how it can be improved, are ongoing.

I will be hosting a Community Information Meeting this week regarding the next phase of the Flood Control Implementation Project. Additional details are included below.

 

What’s New at Council - 

 

I am pleased to share that Council has voted to remove the current moratorium on speed bumps. This provides an additional tool to help improve safety on our local roads. It is important to note that this is not a blanket policy approach. Speed cushions will only be considered on streets that meet established, data-driven criteria. For additional information please review the staff report.  

 

I have moved a Notice of Motion to be discussed at the April 14th Development Services Meeting regarding proposed bike lanes on certain residential streets that would significantly reduce or remove on-street parking. In Ward 4, this includes Parkway Ave, Raymerville Ave, and Edward Jeffreys Ave. The motion requests a temporary pause to allow staff to review impacts on residential parking, identify options for visitor parking, and conduct public consultation. 

 

The City of Markham has submitted comments to Infrastructure Ontario regarding its Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) program. The current process limits the City’s ability to share information publicly or gather community input due to non-disclosure requirements. Council and staff have raised concerns and are advocating for a more transparent, open planning process. 

More details are available [here].

 

The city is currently running two important surveys, and your input will help shape future decisions in our community:

• Parks Revitalization Survey – Share your ideas on how we can improve and upgrade our older parks. What amenities or features would you like to see added or enhanced?
• Markham Museum Survey – Provide your feedback to help guide future programming, exhibits, and overall visitor experience at the Museum.

Both surveys are further down in the newsletter.

 

As always please reach out if you have any suggestions or concerns. 

 

Regards
Karen

Anything highlighted provides a link to a document or report. 

 

I will be hosting a Community Information Meeting on Thursday, March 26 at 6:00 PM at the Markham Village Community Centre (Community Lounge) regarding Phase 1C of the Flood Control Implementation Project.

This phase includes the following streets: Parkway Avenue, Sir Galahad Place, Sir Percival Court, Sir Ector Court, Sir Bedevere Place, Sir Constantine Drive, Sir Caradoc Place, and Sir Bodwin Place.

The meeting will provide an overview of the planned works, including watermain replacement, storm and sanitary sewer upgrades, roadway reconstruction, traffic control and access considerations, as well as the construction schedule and related flood control program activities.

Residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the project and to ask questions of City staff.  Impacted residents would have received this Notification Letter.

• Dedicated pedestrian arms that lower to create a safe crossing path for pedestrians, like vehicular gates at crossings. 
• Tactile warning plates with raised patterns that provide tactile feedback to pedestrians, especially those with visual impairments, indicating the approach to a crossing. 
• Refuge areas designated safe waiting areas providing safety to pedestrians before they cross the tracks. 
• Painted markings to guide pedestrians and vehicles at crossings. 
• Flashing lights to alert drivers and pedestrians that a train is approaching

Please take a few minutes to complete both surveys—your voice matters and will help shape these community spaces for years to come.

 

 

Looking for more information on development applications, tree permits or committee of adjustment applications. Check out the city MappiT application for drawings. Instructions included in the below tab.