Ward 2 E-Newsletter (Vo.8 July 5th 2023)

Access Council & Committee Meetings and view a list of Proclamations at markham.ca.

Greetings Ward 2 Residents,

In the month of July, we celebrate the 156th birthday of our nation, our home and our land. We acknowledge the importance of educating our children about our indigenous history. As immigrants, we also celebrate and take pride of Canada's diversity and multiculturalism. I was humbled to attend a citizenship ceremony held in the council chambers on Canada Day, witnessing 52 newcomers becoming Canadian Citizens. I came to Canada when I was 14 in the year of 2000, and I understand the many challenges we face as newcomers. If you know a friend or family member who recently moved to Markham from a foreign country and needs assistance, please feel free to contact my office. We will do our best to direct you to the resources you need to succeed in Canada. Happy Canada Day and I wish you and your family a wonderful summer holiday!

Best regards,

Councillor Ritch Lau

– Canada Day Celebration! –

Thank you to each and every one of you who came out to celebrate Canada Day with City of Markham! The event was a tremendous success, filled with joy and laughter. It was heartwarming to see residents of all ages coming together to honor our great nation and enjoy the festivities!

- Mon Sheong Foundation Fun Run and Walk Charity Event -

Thrilled to have the opportunity to represent Team Markham at the event! Happy to reunite with all my wonderful friends from Mon Sheong Chinese School and Fairchild Radio Toronto.

- Markham Cycling Day -

70 volunteers, almost 1000 participants for this year's Markham Cycling Day! Debuting our York Region's Cycling without Age program led by Alfred Sung

- City of Markham News -

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Markham today through to Thursday. Extreme heat affects everyone.

Drink plenty of water even before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place.

Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.

If you need to be outside, consider cooling off at one of our splash pads, or community centres.

Learn more: markham.ca/HeatSafetyTips

Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement.Smoke from wildfires can be harmful to everyone’s health, even at low concentrations.

Take action to protect your health: bit.ly/3oUg2ko

The City of Markham is rolling out its Park and Play Fun Tour this summer!

It’s a FREE outdoor summer program for children that travels to community parks across the City.

Activities include:

• Giant board games

• Mini sports

• Inflatable ride-on animals

• Activity pass giveaways

• And much more!

Keep an eye out for our Park and Play Fun Tour near you!

markham.ca/ParkandPlay

Make a difference and have your say!

Currently recruiting for the following:

• Flato Markham Theatre Advisory Board

• Doors Open Organizing Committee

Apply by July 14!

markham.ca/Volunteering

Night at the Museum returns with thanks to our generous sponsors!

On four different summer nights, bring your family, friends, and some lawn chairs and watch a movie under the stars.

Wednesday, July 12— Luca

Wednesday, July 26— Top Gun: Maverick

Wednesday, August 9— Turning Red

Wednesday, August 23— The Super Mario Bros. Movie

These events are FREE, but registration is required.

Learn more at http://MarkhamMuseum.ca

Visit the Varley Art Gallery this summer to see a community engagement project and exhibition organized by the collective Long Time No See (LTNS).

Enjoy a curated collection of photos and stories from the local Markham community marking the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act. Part of the Leading while Remembering series.

markham.ca/LeadingWhileRemembering

Friendly reminder that Fire Routes are for emergency vehicles only. Please do not park, idle or leave your vehicle unattended at any time. This includes dropping off and picking up campers at our community centres and facilities. Thank you for your cooperation.

Learn more: markham.ca/Bylaw

Be polite and respectful of others! #Markham trails are for everyone to enjoy. Cyclists, slow down, yield to walkers, use your bell and pass on the left! Walkers, stay to the right and be alert.

Learn more: markham.ca/WalkingAndCycling

#StaySafe #MarkhamCares

Markham’s revamped Artificial Intelligence Virtual Assistant 2.0 is here!

Our latest innovation provides residents with 24/7 access to a wide range of topics.

You can even connect to live customer service assistance during business hours.

Try it at markham.ca!

Have you switched to the new Recreation, Culture and Library Registration and Facility Booking System? Create your account in the new system and be automatically entered into weekly prize draws!

http://markham.ca/RegisterNow

Tow truck concerns? The Province is taking over tow truck licensing, as of July 1.

Find out more: bit.ly/3Pdr5jB

Grass on your property & boulevard needs to be 15 CM or lower. If you do not comply with the Keep Markham Beautiful Bylaw, a fee may be charged to you, for the City to cut the grass. Do your lawn & your neighbours a favour, and tidy up your yard.

http://markham.ca/Bylaw

Stay hydrated this summer. Markham is committed to providing you with high quality drinking water.

Remember to fill up at your tap before spending time outdoors.

Pedestrian Crossovers are used to help pedestrians cross the street.They are found at low-medium volume roads, intersections and at roundabouts.Be mindful. Stop at Pedestrian Crossovers.

markham.ca/PXO #StaySafe #MarkhamCares

- York Region News -

About the annual report The York Regional Police annual report details initiatives that safeguard and protect communities.

These accomplishments demonstrate the importance of partnerships with all levels of government, our stakeholders and the citizens of York Region to ensure successful, safe and strong communities.

View the 2022 report: yrp.ca

As one of Canada’s fastest growing communities, York Region welcomes many newcomers. The Newcomer Guide, available in English, French, Ukrainian, Persian, Tamil & Simplified Chinese, offers resources to help you settle into your new home.

Get your copy http://york.ca/NewcomerServices

Get up close and personal with the York Regional Forest on Saturday, July 8.

Discover hidden gems at Hollidge Tract while learning tips and tricks to identify various trees and plants found across the Region. The walk is open to ages six and up; children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Spots are limited so register soon!

Blacklegged ticks, the tiny parasitic arachnids responsible for spreading Lyme disease, are becoming increasingly prevalent in York Region. If left untreated, symptoms of Lyme disease can last for months or years and may include recurring arthritis (muscle and joint pain), nervous system and/or neurological problems, numbness and/or paralysis. If you're heading outdoors to enjoy the summer weather, make sure to take these steps to protect yourself from tick bites:

Wear light-coloured long-sleeved shirts, closed-toed shoes and long pants tucked into your socks
Use insect repellent with DEET or icaridin

Check yourself, your children and pets after being outdoors and remove any ticks promptly

Why choose cloth diapers? They’re better for the environment and your wallet! To make choosing cloth diapers even more economical, York Region is offering a $100 rebate for purchases of cloth diapers or cloth diaper rental services made in 2023. Rebates will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 50 eligible applicants.

Cloth diapers are better for the environment because they can be reused, reducing the number of disposable diapers going to waste. Cloth diapers can also save families up to $2,000 per child.

Please help Kelly beat cancer!

Kelly Wong, has recently been diagnosed with advanced stage 4 breast cancer. At only 38 years old, Kelly's life has taken an unexpected turn, leaving her and her loved ones grappling with immense challenges.

Kelly's journey has been marked by years of heartbreak, as she faced multiple miscarriages. However, amidst the pain, a ray of hope shone through when she welcomed her precious rainbow baby, Casper Chan, into the world.

We have established a fund to provide essential financial assistance to Kelly, Casper, and Casper's father, Kaho Chan. The donations we receive will help alleviate the financial strain brought upon by medical expenses, treatments, and the challenges of everyday life during this battle against breast cancer.

Your contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant impact on their lives. It will help ensure that Kelly can focus on her treatment and recovery without the added stress of financial worries.

To donate, please visit https://gofund.me/5c8c0710 where you will find more information about Kelly's story and the impact your generosity can make. Additionally, please feel free to share this message with your friends, family, and colleagues who may also be willing to help.

If you have any municipal inquiries or concerns, please email our Contact Centre at customerservice@markham.ca or call 905.477.5530.