Markham Now (February 29, 2024)

Get the latest City news delivered digitally! 

Markham Adopts Budget 2024

At a Special Council Meeting on February 28, the City of Markham adopted A Strong Markham: Budget 2024, which was presented by Mayor Frank Scarpitti on January 29, and confirms a 2.99% tax rate increase – equivalent to less than $40 for the average Markham home. Markham continues to have the lowest average tax rate increase in the GTA over 19 consecutive years.

The budget adoption follows input from staff, Council and the community. A Public Meeting was held on February 15, as part of the City’s ongoing commitment to budget transparency. Recognizing the financial realities residents face today, Markham’s Budget 2024 demonstrates a lean and efficient approach to prudent fiscal management.

Key highlights of the Budget 2024: 

• City of Markham’s budget for 2024 is $590.5M
• Investing in road repairs, rehabilitation and traffic management improvements ($56.0M)
• Constructing and maintaining our parks and trails ($14.7M)
• Preparing responsibly for changing climate conditions. This year’s investment of $10.9M will include flood control, stormwater management construction, ponds and culverts.
• Incorporating leading-edge technology to modernize systems and services ($5.8M for systems and technology infrastructure)
• Taking positive steps towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 ($1.8M in green initiatives and environmental strategies)
• New in 2024, Markham is introducing the Low-Income Seniors Property Tax Assistance Program. It supports low-income seniors with an interest free repayment plan to help them clear their tax arrears.

For full details about Budget 2024, visit markham.ca/Budget.

March Break Fun at Markham Museum – Drop In Program

March Break Makerspaces activates the Museum grounds to explore new technology, historic crafts and artisanship, with interactive stations perfect for experiencing STEAM learning come to life.

Explore the exhibitions, express your creativity, and experience the marvels of engineering and technology.

If you want to learn more, please visit MarkhamMuseum.ca.

Drop-In Arts and Crafts March Break program at Varley Art Gallery of Markham

Change up March Break with a day of interactive activities for the family.

You can then explore historic and contemporary works by First Peoples’ artists, Frederick Varley of the Group of Seven, and more, on display in our exhibition spaces.

For more information, please visit VarleyArtGallery.ca

• March 5
  9:30 AM - 3:00 PM - Development Services Committee Meeting
   
• March 6
  7:00 PM - 11:45 PM - Electronic Committee of Adjustment Meeting

Members of the public have the option to attend either remotely via Zoom or in-person in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre. Learn how to participate in meetings, email a written submission or request to speak.

Committee of Adjustment mainpage has general info on how to participate in virtual meetings and COA Meeting Agendas, Minutes & Staff Reports page which would provide specific meeting date information and materials.
 

For more information, contact the COA Secretary-Treasurer at coa@markham.ca or 905.477.7000 extension 4721

• March – Amyloidosis Awareness Month
• March – Epilepsy Awareness Month and Purple Day
• March – Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn to stay connected with your city! Register for Markham Now email notifications here.