Markham gets a green thumbs up, then apologizes for the second time in a week
plus lots to do this weekend!
Good Morning Markhamites,
As most of the trees in the area are in full colour-change mode, now is an excellent time to remind everyone that instead of raking leaves, mulching the leaves on your lawn and leaving it be has tremendous benefits. Not the least is “no raking” and “attempting to shove all of them into a yard waste bag.”
Today’s read is 4 minutes.
Markham gets a “green thumbs up” from the Canadian Geographic Society for planting a mini forest.
Markham recently planted a mini copse of trees in Austin Drive Park in Markham as part of the federal government’s initiative to plant 2 billion new trees by 2031.
Markham, Toronto, and Hamilton are being hailed as a success story by Canadian Geographic for quickly developing these new ecosystems.
The mini forests were planted using the Miyawaki method, which encourages densely planted forests of native species from four different communities: canopy, sub-canopy, small trees, and shrubs. Trees are planted near each other to increase competition for access to light, causing them to grow faster. Native plants also attract other species, such as pollinators, that rely on the mini forests during various stages of their lifecycle. According to the Geographical Society, the resulting ecosystem is small but rich in life.
For the second time in two weeks, the City of Markham apologizes - this time for canceling an art installation featuring a queer subject in drag.
With the Library and Islamic Heritage Month scandal still smoldering, The city is once again apologizing for cancelling an art installation at the Pan Am Centre at the very last minute, at the cost of $40,000 to the city.
“The printed vinyl banner, which measures 127 feet by 30 feet, features a person in drag and was to be unveiled at an event featuring local drag queens, artists and other performers. Then, one day before the installation and over the objections of Markham's own public art curator - the city cancelled.”
The piece was to be the first of many in a joint program with York University. It was part of a year-long creative consultation between the city and the artist. The only time the issue was flagged was the day before the event.
Yan Wu, Markham’s Public Art Curator, told the CBC she's "deeply disappointed" and that "The decision came from City of Markham upper management. I have not received any information about the decision-making process."
Other Quick Links
Rouge National Urban Park has sent a request for proposals for businesses looking to run an event venue within the park’s boundary.
New development breaks ground at Markham Road and Major Mac - promising to turn an eyesore into a vibrant community.
YRP is setting up mobile command units for community outreach and increasing patrols amid Israel-Hamas war security concerns. The mobile command unit will be at Armadale Community Centre this weekend before moving to Hillcrest Mall.
Markham MPP, Speaker, and Minister of Housing Paul Calandra tries to make a joke but mistakenly suggests people call an adult hotline during a parliamentary session this week.
Things to do this weekend
ScaryFest at Markham Museum - Buy your tickets here.
St. Mike’s Buzzers against the Markham Royals - Centennial Community Centre. Tickets are $15.
reduce your food miles and visit Fresh Heads Farm Shop on Reesor Road just south of Hwy 7 for sustainable local goodies. They’re having their first anniversary party on Saturday.
Markham Dog Alliance X Rogue River Brewery Halloween Howl - A dog-friendly event. ( Details below)