Frank Scarpitti Mayor of Markham

MAYOR’S REVIEW - TENTH EDITION SEPTEMBER 2020 York Region’s First Public University is coming to Markham! The York University Markham Campus is a go with doors set to open in Fall 2023. It will transform post-secondary education in York Region, the GTA and beyond, giving students access to a high quality education closer to home.

This is a powerful investment in our future and is the culmination of a solid partnership and significant commitments from York University, the City of Markham, York Region and private donors. The Province of supports this new campus, which makes York University the first project to comply with the province’s new university expansion framework. A BIG THANK YOU The economic impact of COVID-19 has also Construction on the new campus has increased the need for post secondary institu- tions to modernize and focus on job-market already started and it will play a key role relevance in a global economy. The new cam- in the Province’s post-COVID-19 economic pus will provide students with the necessary recovery, as it is expected to generate education, skills and training they need for the jobs of the future, further strengthening more than $350 million in immediate Markham’s position as a hub for innovation, economic benefits and create more while driving the prosperity of the province. A wide range of industry-focused academic than 2,000 jobs. Once open, the campus programs will be offered in the areas of digital is expected to contribute $54 million technologies, entrepreneurship, media and annually to the province’s gross domestic communications. It will provide students with workplace-based learning opportunities while product (GDP). they study and local job prospects when they graduate.

The beautifully designed, state-of-the-art campus will be located in the heart of Markham Centre on Enterprise Boulevard, next to the Markham Pan Am Centre, and is a 5-minute walk to the Unionville GO station. It will include over 400,000 square feet of space and will be able to accommodate up to 4,200 students.

The time for the York University Markham Campus is now. I would like to thank Pre- mier , , Minister of Colleges and Universities, , Par- liamentary Assistant to the Minister, Minister Paul Calandra, Government House Leader and local MPPs for their ongoing support. I would like to recognize York University Pres- ident Rhonda Lenton for her determination, perseverance and commitment to seeing this Pictured (left to right) Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Premier Doug Ford, York University President Rhonda Lenton and York Region Chair project through. Our shared commitment to Wayne Emmerson. this significant project ensured that it moved from vision to reality.

Sincerely,

Frank Scarpitti Mayor of Markham

Markham announces Strategy to Combat Anti-Black Racism

We are taking critical and decisive steps to ensure that no voice is left unheard, because the truth is – as much as we think we have accomplished so far, recent events in the world have shown us otherwise. We need to do more. The reality for the Black community is something many of us are only beginning to understand.

We stand against anti-Black Racism. We are committed to meaningful change. The time for us to prioritize issues facing Black Canadians is now.

Recognizing that more needs to be done to combat anti-Black racism, promote equality and to support diversity and inclusion, Markham Council has unanimously endorsed a Strategy to Combat Anti-Black Racism.

• The City of Markham is updating its Diversity Action Plan – Everyone Welcome and that as one of the first steps the City will meet and seek the advice of members of the Black community.

• City of Markham Council and staff will receive training on anti-Black racism.

• The City of Markham will undertake an equity audit, beginning with our Human Resources Department that is responsible for employee relations and recruitment.

• We are establishing a Mayor’s Anti-Black Racism Youth Liaison Committee.

• Mary Ann Chambers has been appointed as special advisor to provide advice and guidance on measures to address anti-black racism.

Mary Anne Chambers has led a distinguished career in business and politics, and served as Min- ister of Training, Colleges and Universities, and Minister of Children and Youth Services in the Government of Ontario. She is a leader who understands the power of community involvement and has important insights into the possibilities of Canadian multiculturalism. Sydney Baxter, a grade 11 student and young community leader who led a rally to combat anti-black racism will join the new Youth Liaison Committee.

It is our responsibility to foster a greater sense of belonging. We need to remove barriers that limit youth’s ability to thrive. Now is the time to listen, learn, understand and act. Let’s come together to create a new reality for the Black community, and create an environment that is free of racism and full of respect for one another.

“We stand in solidarity, we are in lockstep to ensure that in this community, you can breathe, you can live, you can dream, you can pursue your hopes and reach your full potential without barriers.” – Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Masks in indoor settings Now that Fall is upon us, we will begin to spend less time outdoors, there will be more interac- tions and that means we all need to remain vigilant.

We are only as strong as our weakest link. It is incumbent on all individuals, businesses and or- ganizations to take every precaution possible to ensure public safety.

Each one of us remains a target for this virus.

In June, I presented a motion at York Regional Council to make wearing masks mandatory at all indoor spaces, and in crowded outdoor spaces where physical distancing is not possible. On July 9, York Regional Council unanimously endorsed the decision, which requires operators of indoor establishments and organizations to implement a policy prohibiting people from entering the premises if they are not wearing a mask or face covering. Exemptions include children under the age of five, people with underlying medical conditions and persons who are unable to place or remove a mask or face covering without assistance. York Regional Council had also passed my motion to mandate masks on York Region Transit.

We did not stop there. In late July, I presented another motion to make masks and face cover- ings mandatory in common spaces in condo- minium, rental and multi-residential buildings throughout York Region. York Regional Council strongly endorsed that the Medical Officer of Health issue an instruction under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

I believe these steps are necessary. We are not out of the woods yet and should not let our guard down.

It is important to note that mask use increased across York Region with more than 90 per cent compliance. In Markham at Markville Mall alone, public health officers observed a compli- ance rate of 97 per cent. This demonstrates that legislation followed by education, over enforce- ment is the way to go, and is an effective tool in the fight against COVID-19.

I would like to commend members of the com- munity for their incredible efforts and for tak- ing the necessary precautions to keep us all safe. Together, we have made a difference in the fight against COVID-19. Let’s keep up the good work and not let our guard down. We cannot fall back while the economy continues to recover.

ShopHERE: Support for Small Business I have been moved by the stories I have heard from our small business owners who are experienc- ing anxiety and frustration during these challenging times. Many are looking for ways to rebuild.

The City of Markham became the first municipality to join the ShopHERE Program, a Cana- da-wide initiative, launched by Digital Main Street. Thanks to the Federal Government for providing the funding to expand the program.

The program provides independent businesses and artists with the opportunity to develop an online store, which is built and launched with no fees charged to the business. The program supports local entrepreneurs and artists who may need to rethink their business model be- yond bricks and mortar, and need to fast track their digital transformation. They will receive branding, logos and a customized template designed by marketing and business students who will provide hands on assistance, training and support for digital marketing, shipping and oper- ating the online store.

Digital Main Street and Google are expanding the program to Canadian municipalities with a goal of building 50,000 online stores by the end of 2020. This is a significant collaboration with leading tech partners like Shopify, Google, Mastercard, Microsoft, Facebook and many more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us all and has been especially difficult on small and independent businesses that are struggling to stay afloat. However, our businesses are resilient, innovative and are shifting and recreating in incredible ways.

This innovative program provides critical support for our small and independent businesses, which are the backbone of our economy. By providing this opportunity, we are trying to extend a lifeline. More than 8300 Markham businesses are eligible for the ShopHERE program and I encourage you to learn more about it at Markham.ca/ShopHERE.

Markham Emerges as a Top 7 Intelligent Community On February 10, 2020, The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) named the City of Markham as one of the Top 7 Intelligent Communities of 2020, our first appearance on the global list. This recognizes Markham’s leadership, readiness and performance in the development of inclusive prosperity, social health and cultural richness, built on a foundation of information and communications technology.

Markham is a growing, fast-moving 21st century city. We are a municipal leader in Canada’s in- novation corridor, home to more than 1500 ICT companies generating more than 37-thousand jobs in York Region, which comprises Canada’s second largest tech hub. We pride ourselves on leveraging the latest technologies to better serve our residents and businesses. Markham is a connect- ed city. We are sustainable. We are digitally driven. We are an innovative city and we are an engaged community. We are constantly searching for new ideas to drive economic growth and prosperity.

A virtual site visit is planned by ICF in September to evaluate and judge Markham in its goal to be named as Intelligent Community of the Year. From community support and digital train- ing, to partnerships with high-tech industry, to next-generation upgrades to municipal services, Markham continues to be a digital pioneer. We will continue to engage, innovate, acquire knowledge, innovate and push boundaries as we reinforce our commitment to create a greener, healthier and more connected world now, and for generations to come. Together, we are building intelligent communities that are leading in the global economy and forging the path forward toward a more promising future.

Markham receives financial support

Municipalities continue to be on the front- lines responding to the pandemic, and are experiencing unprecedented costs and sig- nificant revenue losses. The federal and provincial governments recently signed a The Markham-Milliken historic agreement to deliver emergency Children’s Festival goes virtual! financial support to municipalities.

Thank you Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford for collaborating to deliver emergency financial support, and for recognizing the important role municipalities play in delivering essential services as we safely restart the economy.

Thank you to Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, former Finance Min- ister Bill Morneau, Rod Phillips, Minis- ter of Finance of Ontario and Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, for providing financial support to the City Download the app! of Markham. The $6.6 million in funding will be used to offset lost revenues and This is a big step in the fight against additional expenses due to the pandemic. COVID-19. Do your part and download the Health Canada Covid Alert app. Thank you as well to Catherine McKenna, It does not collect your name, address Minister of Infrastructure and Commu- or any other personal information. If nities, Provincial Transportation Min- enough people sign up, it can help pre- ister and Associate vent future outbreaks. Minister for investing $17 million in transit funding to offset oper- Help protect yourself and others! Find out ational losses due to COVID-19. This is if you have been exposed to #COVID19 welcome news for property taxpayers in before symptoms appear. Markham and throughout York Region. Get the app: bit.ly/COVIDAlert

The Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival goes virtual!

The Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival committee remains committed to ensuring kids in Markham can make memories and have fun while we continue to stay safe and practice physical distancing. Millie’s Summer Fun Kit compliments of the Markham-Milliken Children’s Festival contains an exciting collection of free digital and downloadable games, crafts, work sheets, videos and activities created to keep kids engaged. Visit: markham.ca/ChildrensFestival to get connected!

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