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April 30th 2026
Dear Residents,
This will be the last e-newsletter update until after the municipal election this year. If there is a matter of city-wide importance, an exemption may be requested to notify residents.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the Short-Term Accommodation (STA) survey. There was an overwhelming response. At this time, the staff recommendation did not pass, meaning STA is not a permitted use. Any rentals must be for a minimum of 30 days.
We will see a significant amount of construction this summer, including road work, flood control projects, and street resurfacing. Please be patient as you travel through the area. To all road users, pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, please take extra care so we can keep everyone safe while navigating construction zones.
If you live in a construction area and are not currently on my distribution list for flood protection updates, you can find the most recent notices below:
Phase 1C - Parkway / Sir Bodwin / Sir Bedevere area - Presentation
My mailed newsletter should be in your mail box this week and I hope you find something of interest in it. An electronic copy is available here.
I look forward to seeing many of you at some of the community events that are taking place over the summer. The first event is Science Rendezvous on May 9th which is also the opening of the Markham Village Farmers Market.
To all the Mothers, Happy Mother's Day!
Anything highlighted provides a link to a document or report.
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Over the past year, a number of residents have reached out asking about installing a Veterans Crosswalk as a permanent and visible tribute to honour our veterans. These crosswalks serve as a meaningful, everyday reminder for our community to pause and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy, while also helping to educate younger generations about the sacrifices that have been made.
Last year, Regional Councillor Ho and I brought forward a motion directing staff to review the feasibility of a Veterans Crosswalk at an appropriate location in Markham. Staff have since completed their review, and the report coming forward to the Development Services Committee on May 2 outlines considerations related to decorative crosswalks more broadly.
While the report does not support moving forward with this type of installation, I appreciate the work that has gone into evaluating the request and identifying the broader policy implications. At the same time, I know this is an initiative that has strong community interest. Veteran crosswalks have been implemented in municipalities across Canada and are supported by the Royal Canadian Legion.
I have heard from many residents and veterans who feel this would be a meaningful addition to our community, and I welcome further input as this discussion continues.
I would encourage you to share your thoughts on the idea of a Veterans Crosswalk. You can send your comments to clerkspublic@markham.ca by May 4, 2026.
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Example above is the proposed design for a veteran crosswalk being installed in Bowmanville. |
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Want to know what’s being discussed at Council?
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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). |
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Markham Village Heritage Conservation District Plan
Hold the date! The next meeting to discuss the Markham Heritage Conservation District Plan will be held on Wednesday, June 17th at the Markham Village Community Centre. Please visit yourvoicemarkham to confirm the date, time and for additional information. |
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Markham GO Station.
Why can't Metrolinx lift the crossing arms at Markham GO Station? The train sits on what is called an island circuit, which automatically triggers the crossing arms when the train is occupying that space. For safety reasons, this system cannot be manually overridden.
Metrolinx and City staff are continuing discussions to look at what can be done on issues of mobility safety, and traffic congestion.
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Bike Lanes
The Active Transportation Master Plan is a long-term municipal strategy that helps guide how we design and improve infrastructure to support walking, wheeling, and cycling. The plan includes a 1-5 year priority list. As projects move forward, there will be opportunities for residents to provide input through community engagement sessions during the early stages of the design process. If you live on a street where bike lanes are being proposed, I encourage you to participate and share your feedback. |
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Notices will be distributed to impacted residents with details on how to get involved.
Below is a list of streets in Ward 4 that have been identified for bike lanes:
Stone Mason Dr/Mingay Ave -16th Ave to Major Mackenzie Dr E
Edward Jeffreys Ave-Roy Rainey Ave to Markham Rd
Wilfred Murison Ave/James Parrot Ave-Castleglen Blvd to Roy Rainey Ave
Raymerville Dr-McCowan Rd to Stone Mason Dr
Parkway Ave-Main St Markham North to Wootten Way North |
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Police warn residents of Senior Assassin Game
The warning comes as officers have seen a re-emergence of the game in the last several weeks.
The game involves students competing to eliminate fellow participants by shooting them with water guns, gel projectiles or foam darts within an allotted time period.
York Regional Police is warning parents and teens of the dangers of replica firearms that look real. Police respond to weapons calls and are required to make quick decisions regarding whether the weapon is real, a toy or a replica.
Media Release Here
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Rooftop Thermal Imaging Program Initiative
Enbridge Gas is working with MyHEAT to collect aerial rooftop infrared heat loss information in Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Burlington, and Markham. MyHEAT is a technology company that uses aerial thermal infrared images of rooftops to help customers assess heat loss and visually pinpoint where heat may be escaping from their homes. All homeowners in Markham are encouraged to visit enbridgegas.com/heat-map to receive a free, detailed home heat loss report, which includes a heat map, heat rating, heat rating calculator and heat loss exploration tool. You can access your home’s heat loss information online for free, with no home visits or assessments required. Residential homeowners will have unlimited access to their heat loss report online until Feb 28, 2027. |
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Janes Walk 2026 Markham - May 2nd and May 3rd. Join us on the first weekend of May of the 2026 edition of Jane's Walk. This is an annual festival of free, community-led walking conversations inspired by urban acitvist Jane Jacobs. Additional details are on the City of Markham website here. |
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Join the Markham Museum for a special Teacher Appreciation Day at the Markham Museum! As a thank-you for your incredible work, teachers are invited to enjoy free admission for themselves and up to four guests.
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Spend the day exploring our beautiful museum grounds, take part in guided tours, and experience our featured exhibition, Everyday Superheroes. It’s a great opportunity to relax, have fun with your family, and learn more about the exciting educational programs we offer.
No registration required – just bring your teacher ID and we’ll take care of the rest!
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Kick off Emergency Preparedness Week at Markham Museum with a free, family-friendly event focused on helping our community get Prepared Together.
Join the City of Markham and a wide range of community partners for a hands-on learning experience featuring interactive booths, emergency readiness activities, and live demonstrations.
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10,000 Trees Community Tree Planting Event
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 Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm (set-up day). Sunday, May 3, 9:00 am or 1:00 pm. If you would like to participate, please register at www.10000trees.com |
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I’m pleased to be participating in McHappy Day on Thursday, May 8th at the McDonald’s at Highway 7 and McCowan Road.
On McHappy Day, 10% of all food and beverage sales will support the Ronald McDonald House Charities, with proceeds going to the York Region Ronald McDonald Family Room at Markham Stouffville Hospital.
If you’re able, please stop by, say hello, and support this important cause- whether its for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or by purchasing one of the items available for sale. Your support helps make a meaningful difference for families in our community.
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Celebrate International Museum Day 2026: Bees, Bugs & Pollinators!
Join Markham Museum for a buzzing celebration of International Museum Day on Saturday, May 16 from 11 AM to 5 PM as we explore the fascinating world of bees, bugs, and pollinators—the tiny heroes that help our ecosystems thrive!
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This year, we’re excited to welcome our new partners Alvéole for a special 1 hour hands-on workshop from 2 PM to 3 PM: What’s the Buzz! This is a free ticketed event.
Registration is coming soon!
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York Regional Police Home Security Day- Saturday, May 30th.
Visit these Home Depot locations (1201 Castlemore Avenue and 3155 Highway 7) on May 30 for discounted crime prevention products, including cameras, outdoor lighting, security film, strike plates and heavy-duty locks. Learn important crime prevention tips from police officers on site and join our Security Camera Registry. |
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Barkham Returns to the Markham Museum
York Region's largest Dog-Focused Festival is returning to Markham Museum on June 13th and 14th from 11 AM-6PM. There will be something for everyone from a lure course, a dog-themed cafe, meetups, a family fun zone, a vendor zone and much more. You can find more information at www.markhamdogalliance.com/barkham. |
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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 Markham Food Bank |
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