Markham Stouffville Review, May 2023

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4 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW COMMUNITY MAY 2023 Markham budget and tax increases finally settled…for now year’s budget by the end of the year as is usually the goal, planning for 2024 will be starting almost immediately. “As the new council term has begun, staff will resume the normal cycle for the 2024 Budget process which means that the 2024 Budget will be approved by December of this year as well,” said Keyes. The mayor was quick to add that he is optimistic the province will come through with funding of some kind before those frightening scenarios are realized. “I really do believe in my heart of hearts,” said Scarpitti, “that in the provincial goal to build 1.5 million homes in the next decade, it was not their intention to destabilize the financial (position) of municipalities. That said, we’ve got some work to do and we’ll continue to do it.” For information on the $669M budget, visit markham.ca/budget. New bike lanes coming this spring Deputy Budget Chief Isa Lee, Markham mayor Frank Scarpitti and Budget Chief Andrew Keyes celebrate the scaled-back budget increase of 3 per cent. BY DUNCAN FLETCHER Due to a fall election that delayed usual budget processes and a complicated dance around provincial legislations that threatened to significantly alter how municipalities acquired financing, the 2023 Markham budget didn’t get approved until April 5. There has been much hand-wringing from council as to how to make up for projected losses of development charges and other related sources. That question hasn’t been decided yet as talks with the province will continue. What is clear, budget chief Andrew Keyes and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti pointed out at the official unveiling of the plan, is that it will not be on the backs of homeowners. So, the 5 per cent increase recommended by planning staff that included a 2 per cent provision to cover projected losses will not happen and council settled on a much more saleable 3 per cent increase to property owners. That includes a 2.4 per cent increase in day-to-day operations and a 0.6 per cent increase in infrastructure investment. Councillor Keyes noted that “the 2023 Budget continues to fulfil the city’s strategic goal of fiscal stewardship of money and resources. It is a budget that not only delivers on the needs of our community today but ensures we are planning and saving for the future. It is a fiscally responsible budget that preserves our high quality of facilities and services to ensure Markham continues to be a vibrant, successful and sustainable city.” York Region will also tack on a 3.9 per cent increase and an increase in wastewater fees will now boost the property tax bill for the average property value of $829,995 by approximately $183.92 this year. But while 2023 was an unusually tough budget to negotiate, next year might be tougher with city staff estimating that increases over the next five years may need to yield increases of over 80 per cent on current amounts. Keyes offered that in order to get city budgeting back on track and okay next Cyclists may feel safer hopping on their bikes to get around thanks to newlydesignated bicycle lanes that will improve connections to existing bicycle lanes. York Regional Council has approved a bicycle lane on Ninth Line just south of Hoover Park Drive in Stouffville to just north of Donald Cousens Parkway in Markham. It also approved a designated bicycle lane on Prospect Street from Lydia Street to Timothy Street in Newmarket. The bicycle lanes will be operational effective May 1. Street signs and pavement markings will be installed this spring. “During development of the 2022 Transportation Master Plan (TMP), we heard that residents want more sustainable transportation options, like cycling, that reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Commissioner of Public Works Erin Mahoney says in a report to council. The move to lower-carbon options also contributes to healthier communities by encouraging more physical activity and reducing traffic-related pollution and noise. To make active transportation easier and safer for all travellers, the TMP identifies road widening projects that include the addition of multi-use paths for bicycle and pedestrian traffic or dedicated cycle tracks in roadside boulevards, Mahoney adds. In January 2021, Regional Council approved Markham’s request for 24-hour whistle cessation on Ninth Line along the GO Stouffville corridor. As part of safety measures for the Ninth Line at-grade railway crossing south of 19th Avenue, Metrolinx will construct an off-road cycle track for cyclists to cross the skewed railway crossing at a right angle. Under the Municipal Act, 2001, a municipal council can pass bylaws respecting highways, including parking, traffic and designated bike lanes. Designating lanes for the exclusive use of bicycles separates cyclists from motorists on the road. Bicycle lanes can be delineated from motor vehicle lanes by pavement markings and/or physical barriers. Delineating lanes may help improve safety and comfort for cyclists by reducing the potential for conflict and injuries and could help improve overall traffic flow along the two-lane corridor.
MAY 2023 COMMUNITY 5 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW Youth-led organization hosts spring gala to honour seniors BY JENNIFER MCLAUGHLIN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Singing, dancing, instrumental performances, poetry, and even a catwalk show were among the features at the South Unionville Greet the Spring and Respect for the Elderly Gala recently held at Infinity Strings in Markham. The event was organized and hosted by the J.A. Children’s Public Foundation (JACPF), a Markham non-profit organization established in March 2022. The foundation encourages youth involvement in the community. Markham youths Julia Guzman and Alysha Xu are JACPF’s presidents. As primary organizers of the gala, the ambitious students designed and distributed posters to encourage performers to sign-up, financed the host venue and sought event sponsors who donated raffle prizes and gifts for participants. With several adult performers scheduled to participate, Guzman and Xu used their creativity to encourage more youth to take part. They trained kids to perform poetry recitations and a catwalk show while preparing for their own singing and dancing performances. Markham-Unionville MP Paul Chiang $120,000 raised for the Canadian Red Cross to support Turkiye and Syria Earthquake Relief MP Paul Chiang presents JACPF presidents Julia Guzman (left) and Alysha Xu (right) with certificates in recognition of their efforts within the community. (Photo supplied by JACPF) attended the gala. Guzman and Xu thanked Chiang and his staff for supporting JACPF and the event. Chiang presented Guzman and Xu with certificates to acknowledge their efforts within the community. He praised them for contributing to a bright future for Markham and its residents. Markham Sunglow Senior members contributed to the event with dance and choir performances. The group’s president Li Zengchun thanked JACPF for holding the gala in honour of Markham’s senior community and presented Guzman and Xu with certificates. Since its inception, JACPF members have performed twice for Markham seniors. The Greet the Spring gala was the organization’s first event to draw together performers from throughout the community. During their welcome speech, Guzman and Xu referred to the saying, “As large as the heart is, the road will be as long.” Markham is fortunate that the road ahead for these young community leaders is undoubtedly long and impactful (L-R): Markham Mayor Frank, Ifhtia Haque (Canadian Red Cross); Michael Bender (Title Sponsor); Michael Lin(Diamond Sponsor); Regional Councillor Alan Ho. Regional Councillor Alan Ho and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti recently hosted a successful fundraising event named “Markham’s Helping Hands Turkiye & Syria Earthquake Relief ” at Xinfilx Media. The fundraiser was aimed at providing much-needed aid and assistance to those affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck Turkiye and Syria in February 2023. “This earthquake has left thousands of families without homes or food. Many of them have lost loved ones, and their lives have been forever changed,” Ho said. “I had the privilege of hosting two previous earthquake donation events many years ago, and I cannot begin to imagine how people suffer after a sudden disaster. “The outpouring of support and compassion from our community has been truly remarkable. I’m humbled to see the continued support of our community for this cause. Their kindness has shown that even in the face of disaster, we can unite as a community and positively impact the world.” The event raised over $120,000, and all the donations were directed to the Canadian Red Cross. Thanks to various donors who came from across the city and beyond to support this cause. “There’s one thing that connects us in a very strong way, and that is humanity when we see a country that has faced hardship and devastation, and the images that we’ve seen over the past several weeks have truly been heartbreaking.” Mayor Frank Scarpitti said, “We don’t have a large Turkish and Syrian community here in the city of Markham, but numbers aren’t what motivates us. Compassion is what motivates us, so I think Markham’s Helping Hands reflect the spirit of Markham.” Ho and Scarpitti credited the success of the fundraiser to their volunteer team’s hard work and dedication, who put together an exciting and memorable event. For more information on how you can contribute, visit redcross.ca/turkiyesyriaappeal/alanho.
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Page 11 and 12: MAY 2023 Leaving a legacy for a lif

Markham Stouffville Review, May 2023

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