|
|
|
April 16th
Dear Residents,
As we move further into the spring season and the weather warms up, there are many activities happening across the city for you to participate in. The Farmers Market on Main Street is already underway, and Science Rendezvous will return on opening day May 9th.
My spring newsletter has been sent to print and will be delivered to all homes. You can expect to receive it in your mailbox before the end of the month.
One item that I believe is important on next week's council agenda is the proposed framework for Short-Term Accommodations (STA) such as AirBnb or VRBO etc. Staff are recommending that the city permit STA's with a licensing system, including the collection of a municipal accommodation tax on each rental night.
The STA proposal would allow short-term rentals for up to 180 days per year. Unlike other municipalities, it would not be limited to a principal residence - meaning investment properties, entire homes, condominiums, (subject to condo corporation rules), bedrooms and secondary suites could all be used for short-term rentals. There are some restrictions within the proposal. For example, if a basement is rented out as a short-term accommodation, additional rooms within the same dwelling could not also be rented out separately.
Currently, STA's are not permitted anywhere in the city. This proposal represents a significant policy change that could have impacts on neighbourhoods across our community.
There will also be a public statutory meeting scheduled in the near future to hear directly from residents. In the meantime, comments, questions and deputations are welcome at this Tuesday’s meeting (April 21st 9.30 am start time).
I have my own views on this matter, but it is important that I hear from residents. I have included a short survey to gather feedback and would appreciate you taking a few minutes to share your thoughts.
Anything highlighted provides a link to a document or report.
|
|
|---|
|
Want to know what’s being discussed at Council?
General Committee April 21st. Agenda
|
|
|---|
|
How to Participate in Public Meetings All public meetings are 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) |
|
2026 Ward 4 Road Rehabilitation Program |
|
|---|
|
The 2026 City of Markham Road Rehabilitation Program has now been shared with Council. The following streets in Ward 4 are scheduled for road repairs this year. All work will be completed along the full length of each street listed below:
|
|
|---|
|
- Water Street
- Homestead Court
- Conservation Avenue
- Gladiator Road
- Walkerton Drive
- Valleycrest Avenue
- Lakevista Avenue
- Bakerdale Road
- Jolyn Court
- Elm Street
|
|
|
|
|
Additionally - Phase 1C of the flood control will be starting this spring. Impacted roads will be: Parkway Ave, Sir Bedevere, Sir Ector, Sir Constantine, Sir Galahad, Sir Caradoc, Sir Bodwin and Sir Issac Gate.
Please be patient and careful while driving in the neighbourhood to protect all road users, including pedestrians on sidewalks.
To review the presentation from the community information meeting - click here |
|
|---|
|
Hawkridge Avenue - Highway 7 Watermain Rehabilitation
York Region is replacing and rehabilitating a
2.8 kilometre section of the Markham Bullock Church
Highway 7 Watermain, between Hawkridge Avenue and Ninth Line, in the City of Markham. A new alignment is required as the Church Street route cannot accommodate the new watermain.
For additional information, please click the button below to download the Notice of Construction.
|
|
|
|
|
Environmental Services Compost Giveaway
Environmental Services will be hosting its annual compost giveaway during the first two weeks of May. Markham residents will be invited to register online to pick up two free bags of compost at one of the locations listed below. All events will take place from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Registration will take place on Wednesday, April 22nd. Please watch the City of Markham website for updates. |
|
|---|
|
- Wednesday, May 6th - Angus Glen Community Centre
- Friday, May 8th - R.J Clatworthy Arena
- Saturday, May 9th- East Markham Operations Yard
- Wednesday, May 13th- Angus Glen Community Centre
- Friday, May 15th- R.J Clatworthy Arena
- Saturday, May 16th- East Markham Operations Yard
|
|
|
|
|
Missed Recycling Pickup
If your blue bin is accidently missed, please note that the city of Markham is no longer responsible for recycling collection. Recycling is now managed by Circular Materials.
If you have broader concerns related to these provincial changes you may also wish to reach out to our local MPP Paul Calandra. |
|
|
|
|
Join us for Science Rendezvous on May 9 and enjoy a day of hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and fun for all ages—it’s a great way to spark curiosity and connect with the community.
It also marks the opening of the Farmers’ Market on Main Street, where you can support local vendors and enjoy fresh, locally sourced products.
More information available at https://www.mainstreetmarkham.com/
|
|
|---|
|
|
Markham's Youth Science Exhibition
Come out on Saturday, April 25th, for the Markham Youth Science Exhibition from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Milliken Mills Library. The science exhibition will feature projects by students, focused on sustainability and environment and winning projects from the York Region Science and Tech Fair. The event will also include a Zine workshop titled
Envisioning a Sustainable Markham and is open to individuals aged 18-30. |
|
|
|
|
Markham Museum Sustainability Tours - April 25th and 26th The tours will take place at 12:30 PM and 3 PM- the tours are included in the price of museum admission |
|
|---|
|
Join our special Sustainability Tour on April 25 & 26 and explore how early colonial settlers practiced eco-friendly living—lessons that still inspire modern sustainability efforts! Visit Honey House to learn about pollinators, step inside Maxwell Cabin to uncover historic food preservation methods, and stroll through our heritage orchard to see sustainable farming in action. Be inspired by the past and find new ways to live sustainably today. |
|
|
|
|
Unionville Home Society Foundation's Garden by the Greens returns!
Unionville Home Society Foundation's 8th Annual
Garden by the Greens Luncheon
returns on Thursday, April 30th, at the Angus Glen Club. This year's theme is,
Where Kindness Blooms. This luncheon will feature Kate Seaver of Kate’s Garden as emcee, a local vendors market, and a live floral demo. Purchase Tickets by clicking the link |
|
|
|
|
10,000 Trees Community Tree Planting Event- May 2nd and 3rd at Milne Dam Conservation Park
10,000 Trees is hosting its annual tree planting event at Milne Dam Conservation Park on Saturday, May 2nd, and Sunday, May 3rd. The planting of 5000 trees and shrubs will take place on Sunday, May 3, 9:00-12:00 and 1:00-4:00. If you would like to participate, please register at www.10000trees.com |
|
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
| |
|
|
