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WINTER 2021 e-Newsletter | JANUARY 31, 2021 |
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Dear Residents,
I hope all of you are doing well. 2020 was certainly a year like no other, but we continue to support one another in a variety of ways, and for that, I would like to say thank you. Without community, we would not have made the progress we have to this day. With 2020 in the rear view mirror, 2021 will be a much better year. Vaccines have been approved, and are slowly being made available to everyone across Canada. However, please continue to follow the rules and protocols that have been set. It is critically important that we each continue to do our part to keep one another safe. It is not the time to let your guard down. Every action counts.
As you know, the Government of Canada announced new rules on international travel, in addition to the multi-layered approach on COVID-19 already in place. All flights to and from Mexico and Caribbean countries will be suspended until April 30, 2021. This will be in effect as of January 31, 2021. Furthermore, effective midnight (11:59pm EST) February 3, 2021, in addition to proof of a negative pre-departure test, Transport Canada will expand the existing international flight restrictions which funnel scheduled international commercial passenger flights into four Canadian airports: Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Calgary International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport. The new restrictions will include scheduled commercial passenger flights arriving from the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America, which were exempted from the previous restriction. Private/Business and charter flights from all countries will also be required to land at the four airports. Flights from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and cargo-only flights will remain exempt. For more information, you can read the news release here.
You can also find Markham Mayor Scarpitti's statement in response here.
With more Canadians than ever reporting anxiety and depression, the City of Markham understands the social, physical and mental health benefits of staying active and engaged. During the pandemic, the City will continue to provide fun, educational, creative, and active programs for all ages that are adapted to ensure the health and safety of participants at markham.ca/recreation.
I strongly encourage you to continue reaching out to your friends, family, colleagues and neighbours during these unprecedented times. Talk with them over the phone, or do video calls to see how everyone is doing. One conversation can make a difference. Although it is still dark, I see light at the end of the tunnel. We will get through this together.
Please stay well and stay safe,
Alan Ho |
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COVID-19 INFORMATION AND UPDATES |
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The Province has passed legislation to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Enforcement of laws & emergency orders remain a priority. We all need to do our part to protect one another. See a person or business violating regulations? Report it!
markham.ca/CovidEnforcement
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See a person or business violating regulations? Report it at markham.ca/CovidEnforcement
Public Health Inspectors & Municipal Law Enforcement Officers can enforce COVID-19 related regulations under the Emergency Management & Civil Protection Act and Reopening Ontario Act.
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Government of Ontario declares State of Emergency to fight COVID-19 & save lives.
Stay-at-Home Order in effect.
✅ Stay home
✅ Wear a mask
✅ Wash your hands
✅ Keep a safe distance
Protect yourself & others.
markham.ca/covid19
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Here is a graphic that can assist you to appropriate federal and provincial relief programs. Visit yorklink.ca/covid19 for additional programs, industry-specific guides and more.
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Stay connected safely!
Although the COVID-19 pandemic prevents us from seeing one another as we normally would, we CAN stay connected, there ARE safe ways to do it and it’s important for our well-being. Here are some tips to help you stay in touch in a safe and physically distanced way. |
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Safely self-isolate at York Region's COVID-19 Voluntary Isolation Centre
If someone with COVID-19 is not able to safely self-isolate away from others in their household, they risk spreading COVID-19 to loved ones and others in the community. York Region is making it easier for residents facing complex barriers to safely self-isolate by offering a comfortable, private, temporary hotel room for eligible residents. The Centre is funded by the Provincial Government and operated by the Canadian Red Cross on York Region’s behalf.
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Speed Advisory Display Boards |
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Speed advisory display boards have proven to reduce speeding by up to 20%. As a component of the Safe Streets strategy, speed boards will be placed at the following locations from January - March:
- Calvert Road, at Ashton Meadows Public School
- Prince of Wales Drive, at Victoria Square Public School
- Hollingham Road, between Baycliffe Road and Apple Creek Boulevard
If you have any recommendations concerning the locations of the speed display boards, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
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New Pathway Winter Maintenance Pilot Program |
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For the 2020-2021 Winter season, the City of Markham is launching a new City-wide Pathway Winter Maintenance Pilot Program. This program will see one pedestrian pathway in each of Markham’s eight wards cleared of snow, salted and sanded.
Please share your feedback on yourvoicemarkham.ca/Winter about the pilot program and how it has been working for you! Your feedback will be reviewed by the Operations team and will be presented to Council for review and recommendation in 2021.
The Pilot Pathway Location in Ward 2 will be Ashton Meadow Park from Calvert Road to Rachel Crescent.
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Security Camera Registry Program & Digital Evidence Management System |
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York Regional Police reminds residents and business owners in our community they can
partner with us in community safety by signing up for the new Security Camera
Registry. The Security Camera Registry gives members of the community the option to
let York Regional Police know they have installed residential or commercial security
cameras, which may assist police if a crime later occurs in that area.
When police investigate a crime, officers often canvass neighbourhoods or plazas for
security camera footage that may have captured images of suspects or criminal
activity. This is a lengthy process requiring time and resources.
When you register your cameras, officers can see who in the area may have captured
footage and can ask them directly for help. When every second counts, this proactive
step could be crucial in helping to solve a case, make an arrest, recover property or
even save a life.
With just a couple of clicks, you can make your neighbourhood a safer place. Participants can visit yrp.ca/RegisterMyCam and complete the brief online registration form to add their cameras to the registry. Upon completing the form, participants will also be asked to verify their email address in order to complete the registration.
Digital Evidence Management System
York Regional Police Service has commenced utilizing the Axon Citizen for Communities Digital Evidence Management System. This is a public evidence submission
portal that allows agencies to collect evidence from members of the community. This will eliminate the need for officers to physically attend residences and businesses
to collect surveillance footage. It will also make it quicker and easier for the public to support police investigations. Officers will no longer have to attend a location nor will property owners have to deliver digital evidence to the station.
Axon Citizen has two components:
1. Axon Citizen for Communities allows agencies to create public evidence submission portals where the public can submit evidence during both large-scale and smaller, day-to-day events.
2. Axon Citizen for Officers allows officers to send out individual invites for people to upload security camera footage directly to Evidence.com.
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Lace up and hit the ice at one of the largest outdoor ice rinks in the #GTA! ⛸️
FREE public skating at the Markham Civic Centre Outdoor Ice Rink, presented by Kylemore.
Pre-book your skate: markham.ca/skating
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The Markham Food Bank has seen a 38% increase in the number of families using the food bank during the pandemic.
Help our community members in need during these challenging times.
Make a donation today: markham.ca/MarkhamCares
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Have you registered for exciting virtual programs? Check out our active, creative and educational virtual winter programs, brought to you by Recreation Services & @MarkhamLibrary!
Register now ➡️ markham.ca/recreation
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Attention Educators & Parents!
Kids can now explore the world of water with the City of Markham’s FREE award-winning #GetToKnowH2O online education program.
Find out more: markham.ca/GetToKnowH2O
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How can you help after a snow event?
Give snow plows plenty of space whether you’re driving a vehicle, on a bike or are on foot.
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In an emergency, every second counts. If there is a snow-covered fire hydrant near your home, please clear it for easy access and visibility during emergencies. |
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Do not push snow from your property onto the street. It is unsafe for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians and it's illegal. |
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Dear Drivers: Vehicle braking distance increases during winter conditions. Reduce your speed, avoid distractions and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists.
Shorter daylight hours affect visibility!
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Planning a night-time walk or bike ride? Remember, reflective clothing and a flashlight makes a difference.
See and be seen.
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Automated Speed Enforcement Pilot Program |
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It is good news that York Region recently launched the Automated Speed Enforcement. It will be a two-year pilot program that includes one mobile automated speed enforcement unit rotating between 12 community safety zones across York Region. These 12 locations were chosen by reviewing traffic volume, school population and travel speed. In addition, these locations were identified as the highest potential risk for school children. The mobile unit will rotate monthly among these community safety zones covering 19 schools.
Automated speed enforcement is a system that uses a camera and speed measurement device to enforce speed limits in identified areas. If a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit in an automated speed enforcement area, the automated speed enforcement system captures an image which is reviewed by a provincial offences officer. An image of the offence, licence plate and ticket with an associated fine will be mailed within the next 30 days.
For more information, you can click here. |
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LAST CHANCE! Have you registered for Social Enterprise 101? Apply by January 31 for this FREE 8 session program: markham.ca/msbc
Grow your entrepreneurial skills to address a pressing social or environmental challenge. Learn the skills you need to succeed!
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Destination Markham is proud to announce the launch of visitmarkham.ca, in partnership with the City.
It’s your one-stop-shop for your local holiday shopping needs. 🛍️
Shop online &#SupportLocal from the comfort of your home: bit.ly/ShopLocalMarkham
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PROVINCIAL AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CONTACTS
If you have any questions related to the Federal or Provincial government, you can contact your local Member of Parliament (MP) or Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP). Here are their contacts:
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If you have any municipal inquiry or concern, you can send an email to our Contact Centre at customerservice@markham.ca or you can call 905.477.5530. |
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