There’s a lot going on in Ward 5 and there are always questions being asked. Here are some of the more common questions along with the answers. If you have a question that we haven’t answered here, feel free to contact us.
- All
- Financial Aid 02
- General 01
- Legal
- News and Data 03
- Parking
- Public Health 04
- Recreation
- Safety
- Services
- Snow Removal
- Taxes
- Waste
The City of Markham and the Ontario Provincial Government both offer some financial relief for low income seniors designed to help them remain in their homes longer.
City of Markham
All those over 65 qualify, and also low-income owners from 55-64 (a limit of less than $23,000 income per year if you are single), as well as those on ODSP. Your taxes must go up at least $100. The amount is deferred until the sale of their home, except in the case of a transfer to a spouse, which does not trigger repayment.
Provincial Program
Since 2007, the province created its own property tax relief program which is available to help both moderate and low income seniors stay in their own homes.
It’s called the Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant and is applied for on your annual tax return.
The maximum grant has been $500 since 2010. A single person’s adjusted net income must be $35,000 or less. The grant amount goes down as income increases. The upper income limit for a single person is $50,000. Couples qualify for the maximum with an adjusted net income of $45,000 or less, and the income cap is $60,000.
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
Support your community! Drop 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 5 Councillor is Andrew Keyes. You can reach him a number of ways:
- Contact him using the form on this website here.
- Call his office at (905) 948-5105
- Call his Executive Assistant Michelle Gibbons at (905) 475-4865
- Write to Councillor Andrew Keyes 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
Community mailboxes are managed by CanadaPost, a service provided by the federal level of government. The life cycle of a community mail box is approximately 20 years. Though the new ones are aesthetically more attractive, the boxes are not replaced unless they are damaged or past the life cycle period.
The City of Markham places blue boxes at each site to hold all the junk mail and leaflets residents do not want to take home, these blue boxes are NOT for household recycling or garbage. We are frequently contacted to remove extra garbage from the sites. Please let us know if the blue box is missing from your site and we will have it replaced.
Snow clearing and maintenance is done by Canada Post not the City. For any information regarding mail service please contact Canada Post directly at 1-844-454-3009.
Snuggled at the entrance of Cornell, beside Markham Stouffville Hospital is a wonderful residence.
An enthusiastic group of parents concerned with Cerebral Palsy organized and founded the Cerebral Palsy Parent Council of Toronto in 1947. This organization became highly respected and effective in awakening public interest and understanding of Cerebral Palsy.
As the Council’s residential pilot project, Participation House, Markham opened its doors at Butternut Lane to its first group of residents in November 1972.
Don’t be shy…if you want to get involved in any way to support the residents or their programs with fundraising initiatives, reach out to say hello.
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 Parking During Snow Clearing:
All parking on both sides of all City streets is prohibited during snow clearing operations. Existing parking permits and overnight exemptions held by residents are not valid during snow clearing operations however there are designated areas for Cornell permit holders. The following are the 6 streets which offer overnight parking for permit holders during snow removal operations: Northvale Road; White’s Hill Avenue; Cornell Rouge Boulevard; Country Glen Road; Cornell Park Avenue; Silverdale Road. The signs will read “Snow Removal : Parking – Permit Required”. Please note that this is for overnight parking until 7am only.
Between November 1 and April 15, and only when snow clearing operations are not in effect, vehicles may only be parked on the odd numbered side of city streets, unless posted signs indicate otherwise. On-street parking can resume in accordance with City parking regulations once snow clearing operations are complete. All permit regulations are in effect thereafter.
The following link will provide hourly updates on snow operations as well, a convenient app can be downloaded to check with your phone. https://bit.ly/2RHvoHg
When in doubt, check it out by calling our office 905-475-4865 or the City Contact Centre
905-477-5530, after hours Information Markham 905-415-7500
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“.
Welcome, you have picked a great Ward to live and play in. Both Cornell and Greensborough boast Residents Groups who volunteer to bring you great community events as well as bi annual community clean ups.
Both groups would love more hands to assist with their many initiatives.
Cornell hosts a community garage sale, Picnic, Christmas tree lighting as well as a spring and fall community clean up.
Greensborough hosts an Easter Egg, movie in the park night and both spring and fall community clean up. We are happy to pass on your interest to New Greensborough Community Associaton, let us know!
Join in to keep Ward 5 clean, green and healthy.
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.