Dear Neighbour,

I hope your February was enjoyable, but also that we can all look forward to spring. It has been an unusually harsh winter and we all deserve some relief. On the enjoyment side, in February I was pleased to participate in a number of well-attended Black History and Chinese Heritage events. At many it was particularly gratifying to see people from different communities able to enjoy other cultures. That is one of the great privileges of living in a place like Markham.

In my February newsletter I neglected to mention that Ramadan began on February 17.  This is a time of year for observant Muslims to focus on spiritual rejuvenation, self-discipline and charity, with fasting during the daylight hours and Iftar meals in the evening to break the fast with family and friends. This year again, Ramadan takes on special meaning with turmoil in the Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Ramadan ends on March 19 with Eid celebrations. March 15 is also the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Ramadan Mubarak.

 

 

 

 

 

In February council approved a new development by Remington (recommendation report and Mappit site) on their lands in the triangle between Rouge Valley Dr W, Verdale Crossing and Birchmount Rd. While this is a high density development, it is in keeping with the draft Markham Centre Secondary Plan. But of course, with the state of the real estate market, it is unlikely to be built any time soon.

Council also approved the Vision Zero Road Safety Plan. This is a long term strategy to make our roads safer for all users, including drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. It builds on successful experience with similar Vision Zero plans across Canada and around the world. Unfortunately however, approval did not include adding “speed cushions” to the repertoire of measures available to control road speeds on minor roads. Speed cushions are a sophisticated form of speed bump that is more friendly to emergency vehicles. I receive regular requests for new speed bumps, but the city stopped installing new ones in 2010. The speed cushion issue will come back to council at the development services committee meeting on March 3.  The first phase of the program will be funded by almost $900K received from the province as compensation for the recent banning of speed cameras.

I trust that you and your family are looking forward to the month ahead.. Days to celebrate include International Women’s Day on March 8 and St Patrick’s Day on March 17. Don’t forget the Guiness! March Break is the week of March 16 and of course spring begins officially on March 20. I don’t think it can come soon enough (though a bit more skiing would be welcome.)

Best,

Reid