Issues

Should Markham Implement Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras?

At the City of Markham April 6th General Committee meeting, staff presented their Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) Program (item 2.0,5.12) presentation. As you may know, ASE has been used for the past few years across York Region, with five cameras in the Markham area. The City of Markham is proposing the addition of 16 cameras to new locations across Markham. The implementation of ASE programs on the roads under the jurisdiction of the City of Markham is a recommendation ... Read More

Andrew Keyes2025-05-06T12:00:33-04:00May 6th, 2025|

Markham must compete for transit funding

At this week’s Development Services Committee meeting on Tuesday, April 8th, we were joined by Paul Jankowski, President, York Region Rapid Transit Corporation. I include the presentation for your perusal at this link. While we're grateful there is finally a Canada Public Transit Fund MetroRegion Agreement Stream, many municipalities will apply for a limited amount of funding. At this time, we are competing against 17 other municipalities in the Greater Golden Horseshoe who will also be lobbying their submissions ... Read More

Andrew Keyes2025-04-08T13:54:01-04:00April 8th, 2025|

Recent Winter Snow Clearing – Feb 12th-Feb 18th

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many residents who contacted my office to let me know about your snow clearing concerns this past week, and thank you for your incredible patience. I share your disappointment and frustration, and though I understand the challenges our crews have been facing, I agree that clearing was not done well on some laneways and a number of laneways were missed entirely. This is not our usual standard. I met ... Read More

Andrew Keyes2025-02-21T10:19:10-05:00February 21st, 2025|

A reminder about winter snow clearing policies

I recently met with Senior Operations staff to discuss the concerns we've been hearing over the last few winters - especially in the Cornell area. Last winter we did receive more snow than usual, which contributed to a few of the issues, and we experienced back to back snow falls with 35 cm – 50 cm, which is not common and difficult to manage. These conditions are amplified when applied to our many lane-based neighbourhoods. Laneways pose unique challenges related to ... Read More

Andrew Keyes2024-10-21T13:01:56-04:00November 30th, 2024|

Markham 2025 Budget Tabled by Mayor

On Monday Oct 28th during a Special Council meeting, Mayor Frank Scarpitti presented and tabled the $674.7 million Markham Milestone 2025 Budget. How is this broken down? A $296.2 million operating budget, which is primarily funded through property tax and supports general day to day operations and services. A capital budget of $178.9 million; a waterworks budget of $154.2 million; a planning & urban design budget of $17. million; an engineering budget of $12.6 million and a building ... Read More

Andrew Keyes2024-11-02T16:03:59-04:00November 2nd, 2024|

Ward 5 Winter 2024 Newsletter

The Winter 2024 edition of the Ward 5 Markham printed newsletter was distributed to Ward 5 residents last week. If you haven't had a chance to read the paper copy you can view a PDF of the newsletter here. Ward 5 Winter 2024 Newsletter Outside PDF Ward 5 Winter 2024 Newsletter Inside PDF

Andrew Keyes2024-02-03T15:00:46-05:00February 3rd, 2024|

Winter in Canada usually means “snow”

I recently met with Senior Operations staff to discuss the concerns we've been hearing over the last few winters - especially in the Cornell area. Last winter we did receive more snow than usual, which contributed to a few of the issues, and we experienced back to back snow falls with 35 cm – 50 cm, which is not common and difficult to manage. These conditions are amplified when applied to our many lane-based neighbourhoods. Laneways pose unique challenges related to ... Read More

Andrew Keyes2023-12-22T11:39:58-05:00December 21st, 2023|

Ward 5 Community Meeting Re-cap

One of the benefits of being a Ward Councillor is meeting so many residents, and hearing about the concerns and priorities. Thank you to all who were available to attend Tuesday’s community meeting. I enjoyed seeing you all. Our great friends at Rhenish Church of Canada in Upper Cornell are always so gracious to open their doors to us. As Pastor Mavis said, we both serve the Community. A great sentiment and so true. To kick off ... Read More

Andrew Keyes2023-10-10T17:02:02-04:00May 18th, 2023|

Markham 2023 Budget Consultation is Underway

The City of Markham has begun the Committee work and public consultation phase of preparing the 2023 Annual Budget. This phase would normally begin earlier, in late September, however due to the Municipal Election in October this phase is deferred until after the new Council is in place. If you're not familiar with what the Markham budget is, or how it is prepared, below is an informative video that explains bot the process and some of the major components. ... Read More

Andrew Keyes2024-11-02T15:37:47-04:00February 4th, 2023|

Markham’s Compost Giveaway is Back!

Compost Giveaway 2022 Residents can register for two free bags of garden-friendly compost made from last year’s collected leaf and yard material. Compost comes in 14kg bags and is limited to two bags per household, while supplies last. When picking up your compost, please note that staff are unable to assist with loading the bags in your car. As each bag is 14kg, it is advised to bring help with you if that is too heavy. The City assumes no ... Read More

Andrew Keyes2022-09-05T10:11:29-04:00September 5th, 2022|