HAPPY SENIORS’ MONTH
Our seniors deserve immense respect and gratitude for their many valuable contributions to family and community. They have helped build the strong and prosperous society and quality of life that we are so fortunate to live in today and for generations to come.

FREE EVENTS FOR EVERYONE
MUSIC ON THE STREET, FRIDAYS, JUNE 13 – SEPTEMBER 15, 5:00 – 8:00 PM, VARLEY ART GALLERY COURTYARD
Every Friday, enjoy free live performances by local musicians that bring Main Street Unionville and the Varley courtyard to life with music and community spirit. This lively summer music series is presented in partnership with the Varley Art Gallery, UBIA, and Markham Arts Council. For more information, click below.

VARLEY ART GALLERY SUMMER EXHIBITIONS NOW OPEN
Until September 1, visit the Gallery to explore two new summer exhibitions: “Between the Current and the Echo” and “All Aboard!”. Admission is free. For more information, click below.

MARKHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU
Please provide feedback by completing a Customer Satisfaction Survey online in English, French or Chinese and enter for a chance to win one $50 Amazon gift card.

MARKHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY BICYCLE LENDING LIBRARY IS NOW OPEN
Markham Public Library’s Bike Hub, in partnership with Markham Cycles, is the only one of its kind in York Region and offers a unique opportunity to borrow bikes and cycling accessories using your library card! Open each year from May to October, the Bike Hub is conveniently located at Milliken Mills Community Centre and Centennial Community Centre. For more information and to register, click below.

MARKHAM PRIDE CELEBRATION, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 9:30AM – 11:00AM, MARKHAM CIVIC CENTRE
Join the community to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and show support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community! This free event will include a special flag raising as well as speakers, followed by light refreshments. To learn more, click below.

MARKHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY SENIORS SOCIAL AND GARDEN PARTY, MONDAY, JUNE 16, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, THORNHILL VILLAGE BRANCH
Celebrate Seniors Month in the beautiful garden at the historic Thornhill Village Library. Enjoy an afternoon of refreshments. laughter, garden tours and new friends. This event is geared to Older Adults but all are welcome. To register and for more information on this and other Senior events in June, click below.

MARKHAM SENIORS ROUNDTABLE AND OPEN HOUSE, FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 1:00PM – 5:00PM, MARKHAM CIVIC CENTRE
This free annual event is an opportunity for an engaging discussion about current emerging topics and information booths showcasing City services. It is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow seniors and learn about resources available to support your well-being. Don’t miss out on this chance to socialize, learn, and have fun! The theme this year is Safe and Sound: A Senior’s Guide to Community Safety. To learn more and register, click below.

UNIONVILLE FESTIVAL LITE, SATURDAY, JUNE 7 – SUNDAY, JUNE 8, MAIN STREET UNIONVILLE
This annual event is a celebration of the local community, featuring live music, local arts and craft vendors, delicious food, retails shops, community performance groups, and a wide range of activities for people of all ages. Due to the ongoing Main Street Restoration, the 2025 Unionville Festival will be a smaller-scale event held at Crosby Park and the parking lot of the Unionville Curling Club (located at Main Street Unionville and Carlton Road), and there will be no parade this year but will return to full-scale in 2026. For more information, click below.

MARKHAM CYCLING DAY, SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM, NEW LOCATION THIS YEAR –96 Main Street Markham at Robinson Street
Markham Cycling Day is an annual cycling event, started in 2008 and hosted by City of Markham. It is a great way to explore Markham on bicycles with your friends or families. Riders of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate in this FREE event which offers entertainment, light refreshment and activities from various exhibitors. For more information, click below.

MARKHAM PET ADOPTION WEEKEND, SATURDAY, JUNE 21 & SUNDAY, JUNE 22, THORNHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE, 7755 BAYVIEW AVE., THORNHILL
Since opening in 2016, the Markham Animal Adoption and Education Centre (MAAEC), in partnership with the Ontario SPCA, has helped find new homes for more than 1200 animals. Appointments are not required. For further information, click below.

MARKHAM SMALL BUSINESS CENTRE FREE ONLINE EVENTS
FRACTIONAL HR FOR STARTUPS, SCALEUPS & SMB’S, TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 1 – 3:00 PM

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS 101, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 12:00 – 1:30 PM

FREE MARKET RESEARCH TOOLS FOR YOUR BUSINESS SUCCESS, MONDAY, JUNE 16, 1:00 – 3:00 PM

COMMUNITY NOTICES
MARKHAM SUMMER REGISTRATION OPENS JUNE 3
Join an exciting lineup of summer recreation programs and swimming lessons! From thrilling activities to educational adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Registration for summer general programs and swim lessons opens June 3 starting at 6:30 am. For more information, click below.

RECYCLE YOUR E-WASTE FOR FREE
E-waste is now accepted at any of Markham’s four Recycling Depots. Drop off your unwanted electronics for safe, responsible recycling. Know before you go! For all drop off guidelines and depot locations, click below.

SUMMER WATER RESTRICTIONS
During summer months, Markham’s Water By-law limits residential watering of lawns and gardens. To learn more, click below.

CONSERVING WATER – BE WATER SMART
Conserving water is important for our communities. Using less water helps protect our environment and ensures we have enough supply for emergencies. Did you know the average household in York Region uses about 716 litres of water per day? That’s more than two full bathtubs worth of water! For more information on how to minimize your water footprint and save money on your water bill, click below.

MARKHAM ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteering is a fun and engaging way to give back to your community. People of all ages and abilities can volunteer with the City of Markham. The City of Markham is currently looking for volunteers to serve on its Markham Accessibility Advisory Committee, with a submission deadline June 23, 2025. For more information, click below.

TASTE OF ASIA 2025 VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
The Taste of Asia executive committee has created a unique opportunity for exceptional members of the community to get involved with the planning of this huge event. If you are interested in developing leadership skills to coordinate Canada’s largest Asian Festival held from June 27-29, this position is for you! For more information on how you can help make the festival an unforgettable experience, click below.

MyHEAT PROGRAM
Air leaks in your home, especially around windows and doors, force your air conditioner and heater to work harder throughout the year. This can lead to higher energy bills and uncomfortable rooms. Enbridge Gas is working with MyHEAT to provide Markham homeowners with free, personalized, cool air loss information. For more information to see where your home could benefit from more insulation, sealing or efficiency upgrades, click below.

LICENCE YOUR DOG OR CAT ONLINE
Dogs and cats in the City of Markham need a pet licence and you can do it online. You need a licence even if your pet has a microchip implant. Licensing pets with the City helps promote public safety, supports the safe return of lost pets to their owners, and provides essential funding for the City’s animal-related services, including the animal shelter contract, by-law enforcement, veterinary care for stray animals, and wildlife rehabilitation programs. Residents found without a licence are in violation of the By-law and may be fined.

I DON’T FLUSH – A PRESCRIPTION FOR CLEAN WATER IN YORK REGION
The “I Don’t Flush” campaign encourages residents to dispose of pharmaceuticals at local pharmacies instead of down the drain or in the garbage. Remember, there are only three things that can be flushed – Number “1”, number “2” and toilet paper. Flushing anything else can cause damage to the wastewater treatment system and may potentially cause sewer backups in your home. For more information, click below.

COMMUNITY SAFETY
PAY ATTENTION. DON’T TEXT
Dear Pedestrians, Drivers & Cyclists: Always be aware of your surroundings and don’t text while walking, cycling or driving. To learn more safety tips, click below.

BE MINDFUL. STOP AT PEDESTRIAN CROSSOVERS (PXOs)
Pedestrian Crossovers are used to help pedestrians cross the street. They are found at low-medium volume roads, intersections and at roundabouts. PXOs are identified by specific signs and pavement markings. In some cases, but not always, they may also have pedestrian activated flashing beacons. For more information on the rules and fines, click below.

CALL OR CLICK BEFORE YOU DIG
Planning an outdoor project? Whether you’re building a fence or planting a tree, you must contact Ontario One Call before digging. Call at least 5 days before starting any work. It’s free and it’s the law. For more information, click below.

STAY SAFE AROUND STORMWATER PONDS
Stormwater management facilities, or stormwater ponds, have been used to control stormwater from urban areas in Markham since the late 1980s, intended to ensure that new development does not increase or change the conditions for downstream landowners. These ponds may look calm and inviting, but they are not safe for recreation. NEVER swim, fish, or play near these ponds as they hold untreated water and have rapidly changing water levels. For more information, click below.

YORK REGION AUTOMATED SPEED ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM (ASE) – SEE THE LIMIT? STAY WITHIN IT.
Automated speed enforcement (ASE) is a system that uses a camera and speed measurement device to enforce speed limits. ASE helps keep kids safe and is an important safety tool that can reduce collisions by 48%. This year, York Region will be installing 20 new ASE cameras in fixed locations across all nine local cities and towns, with three mobile cameras continuing to rotate every three months in select community safety zones. For more information, click below.

“NO RIGHT TURN ON RED” GOING DIGITAL
Starting in Summer 2025, York Region will replace the static “No Right Turn on Red” signs with new digital signs at the intersection of Kennedy Road and Carlton Road for both the eastbound and westbound directions. As part of York Region’s Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan, these digital signs will continue to be rolled out at other locations throughout Markham and across the region. For more information, click below.

LET’S KEEP OUR WILDLIFE, WILD!
Humans are not the only ones that live in Markham. Foxes, coyotes, rats and other wildlife can be spotted from time to time. Residents can take measures to ensure a peaceful co-existence with our wild neighbours. Don’t approach – Don’t’ feed – Don’t take pictures.Please note there is an immediate fine of $615 in effect for feeding wildlife. To learn more, click below.

OVERNIGHT BREAK AND ENTERS IN MARKHAM
Investigators with the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau are seeking witnesses and surveillance video after reports of three overnight residential break and enters in the City of Markham between April 25 and May 18, 2025. For more information, click below.

Leave a Reply