Support Friends of Swan Lake Park – Saturday, June 18th
Councillor Andrew Keyes has been working closely with the Friends of Swan Lake Park (FOSLP) for over three years now, primarily on water quality issues but also on general park improvements that includes pathway upgrades, accessibility, parking, and shoreline restoration.
On Saturday, June 18th, 2022 the public is invited to come out and visit Swan Lake Park. You’ll have an opportunity to meet some of the FOSLP volunteers and some of your neighbours, and see some of the progress made so far and learn about plans for future initiatives.
Date: Saturday, June 18th
Time: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Tours: 10:30am / 4:00pm / 2:00pm
There is more information on the issues and the group’s recommendations on their website https://friendsofswanlakepark.ca/
Fireworks Safety in Markham
Fireworks, a class of low explosive pyrotechnic devices used for aesthetic and entertainment purposes. The most common use of fireworks are fun spectacular displays in the sky on special occasions. Many cultures celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, weddings with Fireworks. Victoria Day and Canada Day are the two events most municipalities across Canada celebrate without a special permit required.
Like many municipalities, the City of Markham permits fireworks on the day proceeding Victoria Day and the Holiday Monday and the day preceeding Canada Day June 30 and the Holiday July 1st on private property only. Fireworks are NOT permitted in any City parks, pathways, forests, roads. The City of Markham has been hosting a Canada Day celebration of many years at Milne Park, with the exception of the past 2 Covid years. The day long events end in a fabulous fireworks display. Thousands of residents have joined in over the years. This year, the event will take place at the Markham Fair Grounds, more details will be advertised in the coming weeks.
Family fireworks must be used legally and appropriately. Permit information is available on line for residents who wish to do their fireworks on other days for celebrations. Of course, respect for neighbours is expected as many residents are frightened by the loud noises as are pets. We receive many complaints that fireworks continue through the night, past 11pm, this past Victoria Day until 2am. We also receive complaints that parks are littered with the remnants of fireworks, garbage from attendees, damaged and vandalized receptacles, grass, trees, pathways, benches. This is inappropriate and careless behaviour. Improper disposall of fireworks can cause fires and they should be soaked in water overnight before placed in the household garbage for pick up. Unused fireworks should be stored safely for future use or also soaked overnight prior to placing them curbside.
For more information visit https://www.markham.ca/fireworks
Friends of Swan Lake Park need to hear from you
As I have written about many times previously, a local group of Ward 5 residents, the Friends of Swan Lake Park, are working with the City of Markham on the restoration of Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park. There is more information on the issues and the group’s recommendations on their website https://friendsofswanlakepark.ca/
Over the past year significant progress has been made, with Council approvals to invest in improving water quality and investing in longer term efforts to improve the Park.
There is still more work to be done, and the Friends of Swan Lake Park are asking for your input. They have prepared a survey seeking suggestions and opinions on what the Park role should be and what other initiatives should be considered.
The more voices that are heard the better the outcome, so please take a few minutes to complete their survey:
Should wearing masks be made mandatory in public indoor places?
Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti recently introduced a motion at York Region Council that would see the wearing of masks made mandatory in all public indoor places. This would include all shopping centres and retail locations, schools, daycare centres, libraries, community centres, and more.
You can read more about the Mayor’s motion here: York Region council considering law to make face masks mandatory
In addition, much has been written on the subject of mandatory face masks, both for and against the measure. Here are links to some recent articles:
CTV News: As public spaces begin to mandate face masks, studies show they prevent infections
OCLA: Opposing Mandatory Face Masks in Ontario Municipalities
The Case Against Mandatory Face Masks For COVID-19
Since the motion was announced by Mayor Scarpitti, I have received numerous messages from residents, mostly expressing concern. One email in particular presented a compelling argument against mandatory face masks and I’ve copied it (with permission) below:
Dear Markham City Council Members:
I understand municipalities are currently under pressure from Public Health Ontario to adopt mandatory masking policies to control COVID-19.
I am an Operating Room Nurse with 25 years of experience who is VERY concerned about the misuse of masks I see in the community and the infection risk posed by them. I tire of academics without real-world experience, lacking in practicality, that offer simple fixes like “reminders” to teach mask skills.; skills that take significant training and experience to master.
Not only does the misuse of masks increase viral transmission but they isolate mentally and physically impaired populations such as the hearing impaired. Also, many populations cannot wear a mask due to physical and mental issues.
To better help you understand grades of evidence used by Public Health Ontario, I have provided you a picture below of what is called the hierarchy of evidence. Note the highest forms of evidence are well-conducted meta-analysis or systematic reviews and that the highest grades of studies are called randomized control trials (RCT).
Considering this diagram, please truly read their report including complete findings. Note that high grades of evidence ( RCTs and systematic review) fall short on demonstrating the merit of masks to control viral spread. Indeed. the majority found masks could not show benefit. Low grades of evidence such as ecological reports and retrospective cohort observational studies presented are prone to bias and should be recognized as such.
The Public Health reports one “study” that found cloth masks increase infection risk by 13%. This study is in fact the only RCT conducted on cloth masks. This worrisome finding should carry considerable weight. Rather it is mentioned only in passing.
Public health Ontario neglected to include ample, compelling top grades of research. This includes a May 2020 meta-analysis published in the CDC journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. This review examined studies from 1946-2018 and found surgical face masks don’t significantly reduce viral transmission and in fact, improper use increases the risk of infection spread. Several trials on masks in community settings, including a 2015systematic review found participants who wore masks had just as many infections as those who did not. A May 2020 review, also highlighted the transmission risk associated with mask use, could not prove that masks do or do not prevent viral transmission. Scientific advice to the UK government also found inconclusive evidence in their review to support any benefit from community mask use.
Dr. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center of Infectious Disease and Research Policy, has spoken out about the inadequate evidence to support the public use of face masks. In relation to the CDC’s recommendation of cloth masks he stated,
“Never before in my 45-year career have I seen such a far-reaching public recommendation issued by any governmental agency without a single source of data or information to support it.“
Despite this. Ontario Public Health has now sent out a polished guide to encourage municipalities to enforce mask use that barely touches upon the fact that there are significant risks and evidence gaps therein
I have included further evidence in a paper I wrote that I ask you to please read before making any decisions. For it offers the perspective of a front line worker who is highly experienced with masking who understands science and the limitations of masking in real-world settings.
For an easy read, look at this article on the four consequences of wearing face masks
Furthermore, consider the argument presented by The Ontario Civil Liberties Associationwho requests the WHO retract their mask recommendation because they are based on inadequate evidence.
Also, the New York Times ran a recent article on the retraction of a dishonest paper promoting universal mask use that confirms the previous warnings of Dr. Michael Osterholm on low grades of supporting evidence.
I leave you with the words of leading epidemiologists found in April 2020, British Medical Journal who note serious potential side-effects of wearing masks who conclude:
“it is necessary to quantify the complex interactions that may well be operating between positive and negative effects of wearing surgical masks at the population level. It is not time to act without evidence.”
Thank you for your very valuable time and consideration on this very serious matter
Cindy Gough RN, BScN, MScAH, CGNC
Toronto Ontario
PS. As you are aware, a policy must be reasonable and proportionate to the threat. That said, could you also please review this Charter Analysis report by the Justice Centre of Canada. For it presents questions that demand immediate answers as to why ANY restrictions, let alone masking, remain upon the citizens of Ontario. Such restrictions pose significant risks to the citizens of Ontario due to continued restricted access to surgery, no visitor policies and the risk of pushing people into poverty (a health scourge of the top order)
This decision should not be taken lightly, and I am seeking more input from residents. Please take a few moments to complete the poll below. I’d like to make sure your voice is heard and your concerns are represented.
Restoration of Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park
Do You Support Restoration of Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park?
A local group of residents, the Friends of Swan Lake Park, are lobbying Markham Council to support the restoration of Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park. The group wants Council to address poor water quality issues in the Lake, the invasive plant species in Swan Lake Park and to commit to a long term restoration plan for all of the environmental elements in Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park. There is more information on the issues and the group’s recommendations on their website https://friendsofswanlakepark.ca/
Swan Lake Park, 25 Swan Park Road in the Greensborough area of Markham, is located north of 16th Avenue, midway between Markham Road and 9th Line. The Park is home to over 90 species of birds and mammals. The group states that Swan Lake is dying, that fish and plants cannot survive in the murky water, that invasive plant species are overtaking the Park and that the Lake contains bacteria that can be harmful to animals and humans.
The City of Markham currently takes limited measures to attempt to maintain water quality in Swan Lake. These activities include; water quality monitoring, geese control, and signage maintenance. The annual cost for these activities is $45,000. In addition, in 2013 Markham conducted a chemical Phoslock treatment to address very poor water quality at that time. The one-time Phoslock treatment costs approximately $250,000.
Markham Council is being asked to commit to a long term plan for the restoration of the water quality in Swan Lake. Preliminary estimates are that a sustainable plan for restoring and maintaining Swan Lake are in the order of $1.5 – $2.0 million over 20 years, or about $75,000 – $100,000 per year. The cost of restoring the land based elements has not been determined yet.
What are your views? Please complete our poll below.
Should Markham replace street lanes with temporary bicycle lanes?
Dear residents, neighbours and friends of Ward 5,
Markham City Council has been asked by staff to consider a temporary measure that would see a selection of 4 lane roadways reduced to 2 lanes to accommodate dedicated cycling lanes. This issue will be discussed at the upcoming Development Services Committee meeting on Tuesday, June 8th. The full staff report can be reviewed at this link: Traffic Operational Changes Related to COVID-19
Markham Roads Being Considered
Markham staff has prepared a list of 21 potential sections of Markham roads that could be considered for this program, totalling 40.6km of roadway. Staff is recommending that two of these locations be implemented. The two streets are 1.8km of Bullock Rd between Hwy 7 and Laidlaw, and 2.2 km of Enterprise Blvd between Warden and Main St Unionville. The estimated cost for these two closures, over the 5 month period from June to October is $105,000. This would convert to approximately $26,250 per km of road.
Design for Temporary Bike Lanes
As mentioned, the recommended closures are temporary, and staff is recommending orange traffic pylons and temporary signage be installed along the routes.
Have your say
In light of the financial pressures the City is experiencing, which I recently wrote about, I feel it’s important to hear from residents on this issue. It’s your money, after all. Please take a moment to complete the Poll below and let me know your thoughts.
Andrew
P.S. At Markham’s next Electronic Development Services Committee meeting staff will be presenting their recommendations. The meeting begins at 9:30am on Monday, June 8th. There are also opportunities for you to speak. Instructions on how to do so are on the weblink.