Hello Markhamites,
This week started with the close of a major intersection due to a water main break. Highway 7 and 9th Line are closed from Berzcy Gate to Rose Way. Residents of the Grand Cornell neighbourhood are dealing with a massive surge in traffic to get around the blockage. There’s no timeline when it will be re-opened, So plan accordingly.
Police investigating after accelerant found at community centre fire
York regional police are investigating after a fire started in one of the rooms at the Box Grove Community Centre just after 10 PM last Thursday. After a meeting concluded around 9:15 it’s been determined that a window was smashed and an accelerant was used to start the fire shortly after. The fire was thankfully contained, but extensive damage was done to the floorboards in the room.
York police ask anyone with tips or video to contact them at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7541.
YRDSB dealing with a cybersecurity incident - Schools without internet
Late Friday afternoon, York Region District School Board notified the public that it was dealing with a cyberattack and took the entire network offline to preserve data and systems integrity. There’s no indication that any personal information was accessed or downloaded, but many schools in Markham were without internet for Thursday and Friday This also impacts elementary report cards going out to parents - The board says the report cards will be distributed as soon as the network is fully restored but hasn’t given a timeline as to when that will be.
The school board has called on third-party experts to look into this breach as well as asked the police to investigate.
Community notes
An incredible write-up in the U of T Student paper of the “Standing in the doorway” exhibit on Chinese-Canadian settlers on display now at the Markham Museum
Help Shutout Homelessness in Markham and York Region by supporting or signing up for Hockey Helps the Homeless fundraiser on Dec 15th
Giving Tree Unionville is hosting a peaceful community candlelight vigil, Making the loss and suffering of the people of Israel and Palestine.
What’s Happening in Markham this week
Nov 15th, 1:00 PM, Council Chambers: City Council Meeting - Livestreamed here
Nov 16th, 7:00 PM Unionville bandstand: Candlelight memorial for victims of Israel- Hamas war. (See community note above)
Nov 15th -18th - 2:00 PM & 8:00 pm, Flato Markham Theatre: The Game’s Afoot - A Holiday Whodunnit mystery. Get your tickets here
Nov 17th 7:30 PM, Centennial Community Centre: Toronto Jr. Canadiens vs. Markham Royals. Tickets are just $15
Nov 18th and 19th, Valleyview Gardens: Markham Dog Alliance’s Merry and Bright festival
If you would like to submit your photos of Markham - feel free to follow and tag our Instagram page, and we’ll credit you!
If you’ve got a story pitch, send it to themarkhamite@Substack.com