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Sunnyside Manor, aka The Heintzman House, (c. 1817) is a designated heritage site owned by the City of Markham. It is a unique 30-room mansion embodying an eclectic blend of Classic, Georgian and Regency style architecture. Charles and Marion Heintzman (of the Heintzman Piano family) bought the house in 1930, undertook major renovations and were the last private owners to call it home. Now managed by a Board of volunteers appointed by Markham Council, it is rented for business meetings, community events, film work and weddings.
Yet, in 1959, after the death of the Heintzman’s, it was a candidate for demolition by the home builder rapidly turning the surrounding fields into what became a beautiful neighbourhood and close-knit community. If not for the efforts of a small group of residents who banded together to protect it, the House would have met the blunt force of a wrecking ball.
If you’re interested in joining the Board and contributing your time to fulfilling its mandate to preserve, protect and enhance the House while engaging with the Markham community, please contact Laura Gold at lgold@markham.ca.
You are also encouraged to follow the House on Instagram at @heintzmanhouse and Twitter at @HeintzmanHouse. For more information, visit: https://theheintzmanhouse.ca
Yes, the Sabiston Landfill (in the John and Leslie Streets area of Thornhill), covering a total of 26 hectares (65 acres), was closed and capped in 1975. Prior to its closure it served as an aggregate extraction pit from 1940-60 and then as a landfill. The City of Markham purchased the land in 1983 and is responsible for ongoing maintenance and monitoring of methane gas and leachate.
Today, this natural park is part of the German Mills Creek system and the East Don watershed. It is an important ecosystem that supports an abundance of flora and fauna, including over 70 bird and 15 mammal species. The park is also home to amphibians and reptiles, including frogs, snapping turtles, garter and little brown snakes, several species of fish and many varieties of insects.
The large grassland on the west side of German Mills Creek provides a valuable nesting site for ground nesting birds. The vegetation in this area consists of tall and short grasses, broad-leaf plants, as well as scattered shrubs and trees. This provides for a variety of habitats and helps create a healthy ecosystem supporting diverse and abundant wildlife.
The city, working closely with the community, is a good custodian of the land ensuring the safety of residents and properties while protecting and enhancing the environment. Over the past 10 (2010-20) years $2.1M has been invested in new plantings, infrastructure, remediation and monitoring activities.
While York Regional Police have an obvious and important role to play, so do we. For speeding concerns, I recommend that residents participate in Road Watch, an effective, universal speed management and aggressive driver program.
For it to be effective, you must record the licence plate number of the offending vehicle and report it (anonymously) online. Program details can be found here: https://www.markham.ca/wps/portal/home/neighbourhood-services/traffic
You can also file a report with YRP by calling the non-emergency line at 1-866-876-5423 or https://www.yrp.ca/en/Online-Reporting.asp
The city permits residential property owners to rent up to two bedrooms in a house provided the individual lodging rooms do not contain separate bathroom and cooking facilities for the exclusive use of individual occupants. This type of rental must be for periods of 30 days or more by way of a rental agreement, lease or similar arrangement.
The city does not permit short-term rental accommodation of less than 30 consecutive days, unregistered second suites or the rental of three or more individual rooms in a residential property.
If you see a property that you suspect is operating in contravention of what is described above, please report it to the city’s Customer Service team at 905-477- 5530 or customerservice@markham.ca.
A house in my neighbourhood is not cared for. What can be done to improve its appearance and upkeep?
Markham By-law 2012-119 stipulates that the grass on private property and on the boulevard at the front and/or side of a home must be cut and maintained to 15 centimetres (6 inches) or lower. Hedges and bushes must be kept from being overgrown, the exterior of homes in good repair, painted and maintained, and garbage and recycling containers placed for pick-up no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the day prior to collection.
If you see a property in chronic violation of the By-law, please report it to the city’s Customer Service team at 905-477-5530 or customerservice@markham.ca. Those that do not comply are likely to receive a visit from a By-law Enforcement Officer. A minimum fee of $475 may be charged if the city is forced to cut the grass.
The York Region District School Board (YRDSB) has received approval from the Ministry of Education and the new school is under construction. It is scheduled to open in September 2023.
For more information, contact:
Community Education Centre – West
36 Stornoway Crescent
Thornhill, ON L3T 3X7
Phone: (905) 764-6830
Fax: (905) 764-0261
cec.west@yrdsb.ca
Contact the CN Public Inquiry team at 1-888-888-5909 or contact@cn.ca
Thornhill is one of four Heritage Conservation Districts in the City of Markham. Information can be found here: https://www.markham.ca/wps/portal/home/business/planning/heritage-services/heritage-protection/02-heritage-districts
Please contact the City of Markham’s Contact Centre at 905-477-5530 or customerservice@markham.ca.
https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/ call 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
Seniors Help Line The Seniors Safety Line is a 24/7, confidential and free resource that provides information, referrals and support in over 150 languages for seniors experiencing abuse. Call 1-866-299-1011 for support. If you are in danger right now, call 911 or your local police
Women’s Assault Line 1-866-863-0511 / 416.863.0511
Talk 4 Healing Indigenous Women’s 1-855-554-4235 (HEAL)
Hope for Wellness Indigeneous counselling and crisis intervention. If you’re experiencing emotional distress and want to talk, contact the toll-free Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Kids Help Line need help now-text connect to 686868 or call 1-800-668-6868 or live chat
Front Line Workers Support Services 1-866-531-2600
ConnexOntario: Adults and frontline workers who are dealing with the realities of COVID-19 can call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 for mental health, addictions and problem gambling support.
211 Ontario: For information and referrals for community, government, social and health services, including mental health resources across Ontario, call 211 or 1-877-330-3213. Live web chat is also available.
BounceBack: A free, evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program that offers guided mental health self-help supports for adults and youth 15+ using workbooks, online videos and phone coaching. Call 1-866-345-0224
Resources for health care professionals: Get the latest case definition and guidance for your discipline.
Emergency child care: Some health care and frontline workers can send their children to emergency child care while they are at work.
Find out if you are eligible to send your child to emergency child care.
To get more details about registration, contact your local Child Care Service System Manager
Good to Talk service for Post Secondary Students 1-866-925-5454 and text good2talkon 686868
TeleHealth 1-866-797-0000 – TTY 1-866-797-0007 Get fast, free medical advice
York Region Public Health 1 877-464-9675
Markham Location 4261 Hwy 7, Unionville, ON L3R 9W6 call for hours
The Markham Food Bank is open to help you, please visit them, no appointment is required and no questions asked at 11-190 Bullock Drive, Markham, ON (905) 472-2437, their hours are:
Tuesday 6pm-7:45pm ; Thursday 12:30pm-2:15pm ; Saturday 9am-10:45am
Other resources: York Region Emergency Food Resources During COVID-19
On March 13, Mayor Scarpitti launched MARKHAM CARES citing that as we navigate through these challenging times, we must remember that we are all in this together. Many are preparing by purchasing groceries and supplies but we should not forget others who may not be as fortunate.
Please support your local charities and food banks. You can drop off donations at all City of Markham Fire Stations and several grocery chains throughout Markham. Longo’s, No Frills, FreshCo and Whole Foods will have Markham Food Bank boxes at their entrances.
Yes, on June 26, 2013, Markham Council approved the appointment of ADR Chambers Inc. to provide Integrity Commissioner services for the City of Markham. The Integrity Commissioner helps the City be accountable and transparent to the residents of Markham. The Integrity Commissioner investigates complaints about the conduct of Members of Council. It also looks into whether there have been violations in the Code of Conduct.Members of the public who wish to contact the Integrity Commissioner (IC), must go through the City Clerk’s office.
Further information regarding the IC and their role can be found on the City’s website under the Accountability & Transparency section at the following link:
Crime Prevention and Safety Awareness is important to all of us. If you see something say something. Cars parked on streets for long periods of time with people in the vehicle can mean they are staking out the area- do not approach the vehicle but mark down the license plate, make and model and let the police know. Unknown people walking around the neighbourhood or on your neighbours properties when they are not home, mark down a description and let police know.
Some tips for keeping your home and property safe, though these are well known, they are a good reminder to us all:
Never share on social media that you intend to be away from your home; do not leave cartons for newly purchased items like televisions and computers at curbside unless you cut them down and tie them, its best to drop those to the recycling depot; ask a trusted friend or neighbour to watch your home while away, take flyers and newspapers away from the porch, shovel the driveway and walkway, ask them to park their car in the driveway, keep your lights on timers and install outside sensor lights. Always lock your home door to the garage and remove gps/ garage door opener from your the cars, it is cumbersome but thieves love these two items to easily access homes. Do not keep your valuables in the master bedroom, it’s the first place thieves go. If you do not want to answer the door, make noise or turn on a light to let the person know someone is in the house as criminals will ring just to see if someone is home.
YRP non emergency 1-866-876-5423 and Crimestoppers 1-800-222 TIPS
ALWAYS 9-1-1 for emergency and urgent situations.
Access the crime map for incidents which have occurred in your area to be aware. Are you interested being part of the District Community Liaison Committee? Each ward is represented by 2 residents. Contact Josie Rose, Police Community Advisory Council Chair for more information.
We’re proud to maintain our state of the art water distribution system. Through a system of pipes, valves, hydrants, pumping stations, and reservoirs, we deliver high quality, reliable drinking water to our residents, businesses, and industries. Learn where Markham’s water comes from and how it’s treated, tested for quality and delivered to your home.
The City of Markham owns, operates and maintains the Markham Distribution System. The City of Markham is committed to: Trusted supply of safe and reliable drinking water for the customer Achieve compliance with applicable legislation and regulations, while ensuring staff are trained and competent to perform their duties Protect our drinking water and provide necessary resources for the maintenance and continual improvement of the quality management system.
Emergency Preparedness is our own responsibility! Get yourself and your family ready for all sorts of emergencies!
The best way to deal with an emergency is to prepare for it.
- Are you ready to evacuate your home?
- Are you ready to be confined to your home?
- Are you ready to survive without basic services like water, gas, electricity, or phone?
- Are you ready to be confined to your workplace?
This web page may be used as a source of information to help you prepare and plan for emergencies in the City of Markham. Emergencies happen. Are you ready?
take these steps to prepare for an emergency:
- Know the risks in your community
- Make a plan with your family
- Make a 72-hour emergency kit
- Do not forget your pets!
- Grab n Go kits
For more information on Emergency Preparedness visit:
Have a look at this great page about fire safety in Markham.
the City of Markham provides resources about fire safety. This information will help you to:
- Learn how to prevent fires
- Improve life safety
- Reduce the loss of life or property in a fire
The videos are available in many languages. Some of the brochures are available in Chinese.
RECYCLING DEPOTS & DROP OFF CENTRES
The City of Markham makes it easy to recycle! Markham Recycling Depots provide residents with convenient locations to drop off household recyclables, batteries, metal, tires and much more.
What Can I Bring to the Recycling Depots?
- All Blue Box Items
- Cardboard
- Cell Phones
- Fluorescent Lights and Tubes
- Household Batteries
- Ink Cartridges
- Polystyrene (Styrofoam)
- Plastic Bags
- Scrap Metal
- Textiles Donate All your textiles
- Tires (maximum of ten per day)
Recycling Depots do not accept these items:
- Garbage
- Organics
- Hazardous Waste
- Yard Material
- Electronics
- Appliances
Electronics
What Do I Do With Unwanted Electronics?
Electronics and batteries cannot be collected with your garbage or recycling – they contain heavy metals that can be harmful to your health and the environment. Electronics are filled with valuable resources like glass, plastic, gold, silver, copper, palladium and more. These components can be recycled when handled properly.
Electronic equipment in good working condition should be donated to a local charity, such as the Salvation Army Thrift Store or ReStore Markham. Always call ahead to confirm if your item is acceptable. If the item no longer works, drop off at Markham Household Hazardous Waste Depot. Residential customers only.
Tips:
- Protect your privacy! Clear all personal information from computers, cell phones and electronics prior to drop off. The City is not responsible for personal information contained on your electronic devices.
- Remove all batteries from electronic items.
- Household batteries can be dropped off at any Markham Recycling Depot, community centre or library.
TEXTILES
You can help support others in your community by dropping off all your unwanted textiles at any City of Markham textile donation bin. With over 147 public access locations and 63 multi-residential properties, Markham bins are easy to find.
In April, 2017, Markham became the first municipality in North America ban textile waste at the curb. Learn more in our Textile Recycling Program Strategy – Next Steps [PDF].
Markham’s unique textile recycling program accepts all textiles. Items can be worn, torn, or stained. Even single socks and shoes are welcome.
We accept:
| Clothing (adults & children) |
Household Textiles |
Footwear (singles or pairs) |
Accessories |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
Which Textiles Can I Not Recycle?
All donated textiles must be dry. Your textiles can’t have any medical or dangerous liquids on them such as grease or oil, blood, or vomit. We won’t take textiles if we have health or safety concerns. We can’t accept infant car seats.
Here are the City of Markham’s rules for garbage:
- You must use clear bags for all garbage.
- We won’t pick up black, dark, tinted, coloured, or white garbage bags.
- There is no bag limit.
- You can use up to 4 privacy bags. See below for more information on privacy bags.
Markham’s garbage will be processed for energy recovery and not put in a landfill. Clean waste means clean fuel. Clear bags indicate if recyclables, organics, hazardous and electronic material is in the garbage.
Using clear bags for garbage also keeps our collectors safe from injuries. It also supports Markham’s Mandatory Separation Bylaw. Clear bags that have large amounts of recyclable material may not be collected.
Hint: Use fewer bags by emptying your household waste baskets directly into your clear garbage bag!
Put out your garbage using any of the following containers:
- Regular size clear garbage bag, under 18 kilograms
- Garbage can (0.5 metre by 0.9 metre), under 18 kilograms
- 1 group of 4 privacy bags of garbage, under 18 kilograms
You need to prepare certain items before putting them on the curb. For example:
- Carpets must be rolled up and tied with rope or string. Make sure the rolled carpet is safe to handle, with no protruding nails or staples. Carpet rolls can’t be longer than 1.2 metres in length or weigh more than 18 kilograms. You can put out up to 8 rolls.
- Wood must be bundled and tied securely with rope or tape. Each bundle must be under 1.2 metres in length and not heavier than 18 kilograms. Make sure the bundles of wood are safe to handle by removing all nails, or by hammering the nails in.
- Broken Glass must be placed in a cardboard box, sealed shut, and labelled “broken glass”. Glass sheeting (from a window pane) must be taped with masking tape and completely covered with cardboard to cover any exposed or sharp edges.
In the winter, please place your materials at the side of the end of your driveway. Please do not put your garbage on top of snow banks or behind them.
Styrofoam doesn’t go in the Blue Box or Green Bin! But you can drop off clean Styrofoam to any Markham Recycling Depot including meat trays and packaging. The City has a condenser which is then recycled into other items such as photoframes! Please rinse and collect in a bag until its full, drop off at any of the depots.
The City of Markham collects leaf and yard material every other week from April to December. To find out when we will pick up your material, please follow your Collection Schedule.
You need to put your leaf and yard materials at your curb by 7 AM on your collection day. Or, you can put it at the curb after 7 PM the night before.
We accept:
- Leaves
- Shrubs
- Twigs/branches
- Weeds
- Pumpkins
- Flowers/garden plants
- Root balls (under 18 kilograms and stump must be under 10 centimetres in diameter)
We won’t pick up:
- Grass/thatch clippings – leave it on the lawn for extra nutrients
- Sod
- Dirt
- Gravel
- Cement
- Topsoil
- Rocks/stones
- Animal droppings/carcasses
- Driveway/road sweepings
- Tree stumps/root balls over 10 centimeters in diameter and over 18 kilograms
- Tree branches/brush larger than 15 centimetres in diameter or longer than 1.2 metres in length
Grass clippings are not accepted in clear bag garbage or yard material curbside. Feed your lawn with them instead! Here are some helpful tips:
- Raise the wheels of your mower to make grass clippings shorter. This means no bagging or raking!
- Attach a mulching blade to your lawnmower.
- Spreading grass clippings evenly over the lawn creates a natural fertilizer and keeps the weeds away!
- Add grass clippings to a backyard composter to create your own mulch.
- If necessary, take your grass clippings to the Bloomington Compost Site.
Broken bulky items are collected every other week on your regular Clear Bag Garbage collection day. You don’t need an appointment. Items must be placed neatly at the curb by 7 AM. If you are in an apartment or condominium, contact your property manager.
Bulky items include:
- Couches
- Chairs
- Mattresses
- Toilets
Local charities accept donations of new and gently-used home furnishings, appliances and renovation items. Always call ahead to confirm if your item is acceptable or arrange for a free home pick-up. See the list of donations locations though there are many others out there
When fats, oils, and grease are poured or flushed down your sinks, drains, or toilets they enter the sewer system where they cool, harden and stick to the inner walls of sewer pipes.
FOG includes animal and vegetable fats, as well as oils used to cook and prepare food. ..
- Butter or margarine
- Shortening
- Lard
- Salad dressings
- Cooking oils (includes deep frying oils)
- Olive oil
- Sauces and gravies
- Meat fats
- Milk and cream
- Marinades
- Sandwich spreads
Ensure fats, oils and grease are disposed of properly to avoid harmful impacts to human health and the environment. Repairing sewage infrastructure because of fats, oils and grease damage can also lead to increased water rates.
What You Can do to Prevent FOG From Going Down the Drain
Fats, oils and grease are organic waste and should be placed in your green bin.
- Before washing pots, pans and dirty dishes, wait for fats, oils and grease to harden
- Wipe with a paper towel or scrape it into the green bin
If fats, oils and grease are in liquid form, leave it in the pan to cool or pour the liquid into a container such as a tin can or bowl to cool then empty into green bin.
DID YOU KNOW?
Waste fats and grease can also be used to make suet to feed birds.
Liquid cooking oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, sunflower oil and olive oil that won’t solidify can be dropped off at one of York Region’s waste depots for recycling into biodiesel.
Please cool it, scarp it and put into a lidded coffee can or other disposable container. Once hardened, put it in the green bin
If you have a broken appliance, we can collect it for recycling once a month. You will need to make an appointment. Some of the appliances that we collect include:
- Refrigerators
- Stoves
- Washers
- Dryers
- Dishwashers
- Water heaters
- Water softeners
Please call 905.477.5530 to book and pay for a collection appointment. It costs $16 for each appliance.
All registered items must be set out at your curb by 7 AM on your appointment day. You can also put them out after 7 PM the night before.
For safety reasons, please remove all fridge and freezer doors from your appliance before placing it at the curb.
Refund Policy: For a refund, cancel your appointment by 12 PM the Friday before your Monday appointment.
Large metal items are collected for recycling once a month. You will need to make an appointment. Smaller metal items can be dropped off at any Markham Recycling Depot.
Some items include:
- Bicycles
- BBQs (propane tanks removed)
- Lawn mowers
- Metal bed frames
- Microwaves
- and more!
Please call 905.477.5530 to book an appointment for a free pick-up.
All registered items must be set out at your curb by 7 AM on your appointment day. Or, you can put them out after 7 PM the night before.
Household Hazardous Material includes anything and everything poisonous, corrosive, flammable plus prescription drugs- ie, Batteries, Bleach and other household cleaning solutions; Gasoline, Motor Oil, Paint and Paint Thinners (empty dry paint cans can be placed in the blue bin with lid off), mercury thermometers- see site for full list
Note:
- Residential hazardous waste materials must be in well-labelled, sealed containers.
- Do not mix different products together
- Needles and syringes need to be in puncture-proof containers.
- There is no cost to Markham residents
What Waste Can I Not Drop Off?
Please do not bring any of the following items to the depot:
- Ammunition and Explosives: Please contact your local York Regional Police Branch.
- Hazardous waste generated by Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (IC&I) business sources.
- PCBs, asbestos, lighting ballasts for fluorescent lights, medical and radioactive waste. Please contact York Region at 1.866.665.6752 for disposal information.
How to Start a Neighbourhood Watch Program
If you are concerned about crime in your neighbourhood and wish to implement a NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH program in your area, you must first contact the Police Services Community Relations or Crime Prevention Bureau. If there is a program already organized in your area, you will be referred to the local program representative who will assist you in getting involved.
- If there is not a program ongoing in your area, you should follow these steps:
- Canvass your neighbourhood to determine how many of your neighbours are as concerned as you, and those who are interested in participating in the program. This may be done by contacting them in person, or distributing brochures and questionnaires, usually available from your local Police Services.
- After this has been completed and you are confident you have neighbours interested in participating, arrange for a meeting place large enough to hold your group.
- Contact the Police Liaison to arrange a mutually agreeable date and time for the meeting. Flyers and letters may then be prepared and distributed. Enlist the aid of a few of your neighbours in distributing these.
- Supply the Police Liaison with a map outlining your desired NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH boundaries, this will include dividing your area into coverage blocks.
At the meeting, the Police Liaison will explain the NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH concept, Home Security Audit, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), and the method of reporting incidents to the Police Services. The purpose of the meeting will not only be to convey this information to your neighbours, but also to identify Block Captains and Assistants for those Blocks not having a volunteer. One volunteer on each block will ensure at least one candidate for Block Captain or Assistant. Once the above steps are completed, check with the local Police Service or local representative of Neighbourhood Watch in your area as to the requirements needed for recognition of the Neighbourhood Watch program. Neighbourhood Watch is different in each community, in some the Police Services Liaison will require complete residents list and in others, the names of the Watch Coordinator and Block Captains are sufficient.
There is a $26.00 fee for a duplicate property tax bill however you can print this at home anytime after you sign up for e-billing! E-billing is convenient and safe as well, simple to print anytime from anywhere. Sign up today at www.markham.ca/epropertytax or https://bit.ly/2FOXLdT
Please note to mark NO for ebilling only to receive a paper copy as well. Please contact us for more information.
The City of Markham has introduced GPS tracking on most off its vehicle fleet, including snow plows. If you’re wondering whether your street was plowed recent you can now check for yourself with a new app:
Bill payment assistance – we are here to help:
If customers in Markham are having trouble paying their electricity bills, there are a number of programs available to provide financial assistance and help prevent disconnections. Alectra gives at least ten days’ notice for scheduled service disconnections, providing the account holder with an opportunity to contact us for payment arrangements during nonwinter months. During winter months (November 15 to April 30), the Ontario Energy Board has banned winter disconnections for non-payment. For low-income households, there are additional programs that can help:
• The Ontario Electricity Support Program provides ongoing monthly credits directly on the bills of eligible low income customers. To apply, please visit OntarioElectricitySupport.ca or call 1-855-831-8151 (toll-free in Ontario)
. • The Low-income Energy Assistance Program provides a one-time financial assistance grant to low income customers who are struggling to pay their electricity bill. For more information, contact Alectra customer service.
• Ontario’s AffordAbility FundTM is intended to assist electricity customers who do not qualify for low income conservation programs but need financial assistance to undertake energy efficiency improvements in their homes. Visit affordabilityfund.org to find out eligibility information and how to apply
In May 2018, Markham City Council amended a series of Zoning By-Laws to define and effectively prohibit short-term rental accommodations within the City, therefore property owners are not permitted to use their residential property as a short-term rental.
How Can You Help ?
- Plan and practice a home escape plan for each member of your family to get out of your home quickly and safely should a fire occur
- Remove any ice and snow away from fire hydrants on your property
- Clear a perimeter around the hydrant for a firefighter to work (about 1m)
- If possible in winter, keep the catch basins on the road near your home or in your yard clear for melting snow, in the spring summer and fall, keep the catch basins clear of leaves, twigs, garbage
- Let us know if you see random trucks taking water from the fire hydrants
- Do not pour paints, grease, oils down the sink or in the catch basins
- Keep an eye on your neighbours homes if they are away, or seniors/shut-ins in case they need some help
- Stack heavier blue bins on top to prevent materials blowing around the neighbourhood
- Let us know if the mail box recycling bins are missing or full or material
- Contact us if you have any questions
Skunks, racoons, rabbits, squirrels and chipmunks are part of our communities. The City does not remove animals or relocate. For wild animals living on your property or in your attic causing damage please contact a Wildlife Removal company.
Foxes and coyotes are adaptable intelligent animals that can be found in rural and urban areas throughout Ontario. They are often found near ravine systems, large grassy fields, and large parks; small mammals are a main staple in their diet. Foxes and coyotes are an important part of our shared, local ecosystems. By understanding their behaviour, we can learn to coexist peacefully and even develop a deeper appreciation for our wild neighbours. Typically, foxes and coyotes are unlikely to initiatiate contact with people. But we understand, occasionally, they get too close for comfort.
Limiting human food sources is the best way to prevent encounters with these animals – but, most importantly, to help keep them wild: • Do not put out food for animals. • Keep waste in secure bins or store bins in a secure building or container. • Do not put waste bins out until the morning of pick-up. • Make sure outdoor compost containers are wildlife-proof. • Remove fallen fruit from trees and scattered bird seed from feeders. • Keep pet food inside, and do not leave small pets outdoors unattended. If you do encounter a coyote who does not run away immediately, you can do the following: • Make noise, yell, clap your hands, stomp and wave your arms. • Do not approach the animal. • Carry a whistle or noisemaker if you are walking in known habitat areas.
If you find that the animal is sick or injured, please report it to our wildlife service provider, by calling 905.310.7722. It is also important to keep your furry family members safe. Keep your cats or small dogs indoors or supervised outside. Walk your dogs on a leash and do not leave them out unattended
Do we ever! Whether you are hosting a child’s birthday swim party, a special birthday, anniversary, family reunion or even a wedding, you have many places to choose from within the City.
To name a few:
Milne Park on McCowan Road is a terrific outdoor space for a family reunion, Markham Museum a beautiful location to get married, Victoria Square Community Centre boasts baseball diamond and centre for a dinner afterwards; how about a bridal shower at the Markham Train Station or Varley Art Gallery.
The link below will give you the information you require for all our rental facilities!
City of Markham Rental Facilities
Community Safety is all about making our communities safer and better places to work and live. It is concerned with reducing crime and disorder, responding to public fears and perceptions, tackling the problems through multi-agency working and supporting victims.
York Regional Police provide information on identifying crime and crime prevention habits on their website.
York Regional Police
Did you know all Committee and Council meetings are open to the public as well as livestreamed – listen and watch from home. Agendas are available online prior to the meeting for your perusal. All meeting dates are published on line.
Would you like to speak at a meeting?
Please complete a REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM if you wish to address a matter scheduled on a General Committee, Development Services Committee or Council meeting agenda and if you wish to receive further notice on planning applications.
The City’s Procedural By-law limits all deputations to a maximum of five (5) minutes. Persons may appear as a Deputant before Council or Committee, but not both.
Your submission of a “Request to Speak Form” is important however, Council and Committee reserve the right at or before the meeting to determine whether any or all deputations will be heard on any matter. There are few restrictions on your deputation however, in accordance with Council’s Procedural By-law, deputants will not be permitted to:
Make a request for financial assistance from the City during a Meeting, unless it is an item listed on an Agenda and prescribed by legislation or pursuant to or in accordance with a City-approved program, policy or procedure. Any such Deputants shall be directed to submit a request in writing to the Treasurer and the request will be administered within the context of existing policies and procedures; or, promote products or services for the purpose of soliciting business. Any such Deputants shall be directed to submit a request through the City’s existing procurement procedures; or, Read another individual’s written submission/comments.
Personal information on this form is being collected pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and may form part of the public record which may be released to the public in hard copy and/or electronically.
Questions about this collection should be directed to:
Markham’s City Clerk, City of Markham
101 Town Centre Boulevard
Markham, ON L3R 9W3
Phone: 905-477-7000.
Information Markham delivers quality information and volunteer services that enhance community character and promote Markham.
Staff at Information Markham are able to provide volunteering opportunities in and around the City of Markham as well, post your event if you require volunteers. www.volunteermarkham.ca
Our events page will list many events in Ward 5 and surrounding areas;
The City of Markham hosts numerous events and activities throughout the year;
Tourism Markham is another great resource for activities, festivals, dining, shopping and more…
Your Markham Ward 1 Councillor is Keith Irish. You can reach him a number of ways:
- Contact him using the form on this website here.
- Call his office at 905-948-5101
- Call his Executive Assistant Lauren Patton at 905-415-7512
- Write to Councillor Keith Irish at:
101 Town Centre Boulevard
Markham, Ontario, L3R 9W3
Overnight parking is NOT allowed on any street in the City of Markham between 2:30am-6:30am unless an exemption is granted or you have a monthly parking permit in a permitted neighbourhood. Most homes in Cornell qualify to purchase a monthly permit. For an overnight exemption please ensure your request is received by the City by 1:00am.
Please note that overnight parking in the winter, between November 1 – April 15 is prohibited during snow clearing operations, even with a monthly permit – there are designated parking areas that may be used to avoid being ticketed. Overnight exemptions are subject to weather conditions. Follow the posted street signs.
Vehicles which overhang the sidewalk and/or the boulevard and street will be ticketed.
When in doubt, check it out, please call for more information.
CALL BEFORE YOU CUT!!!
Tree Preservation Bylaw 2008-96 states that property owners must apply for a permit before injuring or destroying any tree in Markham on private property.
Residents are prohibited from trimming or cutting any City tree in any park or boulevard.
When in doubt, check it out, please call for more information
Please check the resources section for a list of numerous organizations who assist with emergency temporary places to stay during the winter.
Alternatively, make a quick call to York Region –If you are homeless or fleeing an abusive situation, an emergency housing facility can provide you with temporary housing and support. For more information please call: 1-877-464-9675
Winter Maintenance
Road Classification and Snow Removal Standards
Our roads are plowed, salted or sanded based on a roads classification system which prioritizes all roads maintained by the City of Markham. Roads not maintained by the City of Markham are maintained by the organization that owns the road. For a listing of which organization owns which road in Markham, view our Roads e-Map.
During snow storms, Markham’s Winter Maintenance App* will show the progress of road and sidewalk plows in Markham. Residents can watch as snow clearing efforts start with primary roads and then move to secondary roads, local roads, and sidewalks to help keep Markham moving. This new feature is also accessible as part of our mobile app, available for download from the App Store, Google Play, and BlackBerry World.
*This link should be used for information purposes only.
Stay Updated During a Storm or Emergency
- Listen to Markham’s local radio station 105.9 The Region.
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
- Download Markham’s mobile app – get it from the App Store, Google Play, or BlackBerry World.
- Call our Contact Centre for live updates during an emergency or severe weather conditions at 905-477-5530.
- Winter Operations Frequently Asked Questions.
How can you help?
- Remove snow from fire hydrants and drainage catch basins near your property, please refer to the attached TRCA statement.
- Do not push snow from your property back onto the street. It is illegal and it obstructs the work that our operators are doing.
- Pile snow on the right side of your driveway (when facing the road) when shovelling. This helps minimize the ridge of snow (windrow) created by the snow plow at the end of your driveway.
- Remove plowed snow at the end of your driveway (see above bullet). Snow plow operators must push snow to the curb or shoulder which can possibly cover recently shovelled driveways.
- Avoid on-street parking. Parking Control By-law 2005-188 prohibits the parking of vehicles on streets at any time if it interferes with snow removal operations. Parked vehicles which interfere with snow removal are subject to a $150 fine and/or towing. (Note: Parking of vehicles between 2:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. is prohibited year-round on all City streets – unless otherwise noted or allowed by a City-issued permit.)
The City of Markham is a leader in waste management, with more than 75% of all household waste being recycled and diverted from landfill. To find out what items are garbage and what items can be recycled, visit the City of Markham website:
The City of Markham collects garbage and recycling material on regularly scheduled days, depending on where you live in Markham. To find out when collection is scheduled for your home please visit the City of Markham website:
Garbage and Recycling Collection Schedule
If you’d like to be reminded when your waste is scheduled for collection, by text or by email there’s a handy FREE service that can help. Check out “GarbageDay.com“.
We are frequently contacted about garbage dumped in construction areas, in parks, on boulevards, on the street, and at the community mailboxes.
The weekly City collection takes most of your regular waste and recycling. Twice a month, large items and unlimited clear garbage bags are picked up.
Textile bins are located throughout the City for easy drop off and 4 conveniently located and open community recycling depots take Styrofoam, metal, larger quantities of cardboard, plastic bags including Milk bags for sleeping mats and even 4 car tires.
Batteries and electronics, paint and oils can be dropped off free of charge at the Miller’s hazardous drop off. Once a month the city will pick up appliances from your curb, just book an appointment. A new Habitat for Humanity Restore opened at 16th and Fincham Avenue, alternative the Salvation Army store on Markham Road will take many items.
The Region of York has many other locations to take unwanted items.
Please help us keep our communities green and clean.
Markham, Ontario is one of the most culturally diverse and fastest growing cities in the Great Toronto Area. Of the over 353,000 residents, 40,000 live in Ward 5. Markham was founded over 220 years ago, is a multiple award winning municipality and is recognized as Canada’s HighTech capital anchored by 1,000 high-tech and life science companies that generate 37,000 jobs. Of the 10,400 companies in Markham, there are more than 400 Canadian head offices located in the city.
The City collects residential property taxes on behalf of the Region of York for your regional services; the Province of Ontario for education; and the City of Markham for local municipal services.
50.45% of your tax bill goes to York Region to fund regional services including York Regional Police, York Region Transit and Viva Rapid Transit, emergency medical services, community and health services, social housing, water delivery and wastewater treatment, regional roads (16th, McCowan Rd, Major MacKenzie, Donald Cousens Parkway to name a few) and solid waste management.
24.20% of your tax bill goes to the Province of Ontario to fund education. The Province determines how much money is to be collected on behalf of the Boards of Education.
25.35% of our tax bill goes to the City of Markham to support local muncipal services such as park maintenance, park lawn cutting, snow removal, waste and recycling pick up, road maintenance, Recreation, Fire and Libraries and much more)
Sign up for e-billing which provides information and convenience to paying property taxes.
Contact us if you need further information or clarification.
It is the home owner and or landlord that is responsible and required to provide working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every storey of the home outside all sleeping areas. Once the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have been installed, it is also their responsibility under the Ontario Fire Code to make sure they remain in working condition. At least once a year, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with removable batteries (not 10 year lithium batteries) should be provided with new batteries, please change the batteries.
Each alarm itself must be replaced based on the manufacturer’s instructions and warranty. The length of time can vary, but it is NEVER longer than 10 years. This applies to all battery and hard wired units. Many new smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have a built in 10 year battery.
Push the button often, make sure it works, it could save your family’s life!
A number of special programs are available in Ontario to help low-income energy consumers. You need to meet certain criteria to qualify for these programs:
Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)
This program provides low-income consumers with a monthly on-bill credit to reduce their electricity bill. This program provides ongoing help.
Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
This program provides a one-time grant towards your electricity or natural gas bill if you are behind on your bill and may face having your service shut off. It is for emergency situations.
Community Legal Clinic of York Region
21 Dunlop Street Suite 200
Richmond Hill, Ontario
L4C 2M6
Toll free 1-888-365-5226
855 Major Mackenzie Dr E,
Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4X7
The Landlord and Tenant Board is an adjudicative tribunal operated by the government of Ontario that provides dispute resolution of landlord and tenant matters under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
Contact 1-888-332-3234 for free information.
A rich assembly of natural, cultural and agricultural landscapes, Rouge National Urban Park is home to amazing biodiversity, some of the last remaining working farms in the Greater Toronto Area, Carolinian ecosystems, Toronto’s only campground, one of the region’s largest marshes, unspoiled beaches, amazing hiking opportunities, and human history dating back over 10,000 years, including some of Canada’s oldest known Indigenous sites.
Parks Canada is excited to work towards the establishment of Canada’s first national urban park – Rouge National Urban Park – in the Greater Toronto Area.
Once fully established, Rouge National Urban Park will be one of the largest and best protected urban parks of its kind in the world, spanning 79.1 square kilometres in the heart of Canada’s largest and most diverse metropolitan area, overlapping the cities of Toronto, Markham and Pickering and the Township of Uxbridge. Indeed, Rouge National Urban Park will be 23 times larger than Central Park in New York
Residents in Ward 5 are just steps away, visit the Markham Welcome Centre for more information.
VOLUNTEER ICE RINKS
The City works with groups of volunteer residents to install and maintain ice rinks, where winter water services exist. If you are interested in an outdoor rink close to your home, please review the requirements. A group of 10-12 is best for maintaining a successful neighbourhood rink.