Commemorative Tree Planting in Markham, Ontario Would you like to have a Commemorative Tree planted in the Town of Markham?  Commemorative trees are a great way to honour family and friends as well as to commemorative special events.  Commemorative trees can be sponsored by individual residents, families, schools, businesses and community groups. The Town of Markham will plant a mutually agreed upon standard-sized tree in a Town of Markham Park.  The town will provide scheduled maintenance to the tree as well as the surrounding area.  You will also receive a commemorative certificate. As of the date of writing this post on January 30, 2011, the cost for a Commemorative Tree was $250.00.  The cost may change in the future. To learn more about the Town of Markham's Commemorative Tree Plan... 01/30/2011

Events Calendar for Markham, Ontario, Canada The Town of Markham in Ontario, Canada has an events calendar on its website that displays events occurring within the Town of Markham or Region of York that are open to the general public and that support the concept of community involvement.  The Town of Markham has sole discretion regarding whether any particular event qualifies for inclusion in the calendar.  If you are submitting an event, please allow Markham sufficient time to review and process your request. The events calendar is at www.markham.ca/Markham/Departments/NewsCentre/Evnts/Current.htm The community events policy is at www.markham.ca/Markham/Departments/NewsCentre/CommEvnts/Event_Policy.htm The online submission form is at www.markham.ca/Markham/aspc/requests/index.asp Even... 01/29/2011

Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund - Application deadline February 18, 2011 The Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund is a program operated by the Town of Markham in Ontario, Canada that provides funidng for innovative and leading environmental initiatives that contribute to the health of the natural environment. There are currently two application and funding cycles each year.  The spring 2011 funding application deadline is Friday February 18, 2011.  The Town of Markham website has a webpage that explains the program including application process and eligibility guidance.  It also provides examples of prior projects that have been funded. Visit http://www.markham.ca/Markham/Departments/StratServ/EnvrLdshp/SustainFund.htm for more details. Markham Environmental Sustainabilit... 01/27/2011

Markham Property Tax Rebate for Charities for 2010 The Town of Markham offers a property tax rebate for property taxes relating to the 2010 calendar year.  Up to 40% of the property taxes can be rebated for registered charities in certain circumstances. The registered charity must complete the Registered Charity Tax Rebate Application and ensure that it is received at the Town of Markham tax office or post-marked by the last day of February of the following tax year.  Thus, applications for the 2010 calendar year must be filed or post-marked on or before February 28, 2011. The Registered Charity Tax Rebate Application is available on the Town of Markham's website at http://www.markham.ca/Markham/FormsApps/ in the taxes section. Contact the Town of Markham's tax department for complete d... 01/25/2011

Composting in Markham, Ontario Do you want to compost household and garden material into basic nutrients to enhance your soil in Markham, Ontario? The Town of Markham has some excellent guidance on how to do: Backyard Composting Grasscycling Vermicomposting Simply visit the Town of Markham website at http://www.markham.ca/Markham/Departments/WstMgt/Compost/Compost_Overview.htm Composting in Markham, Ontario 01/22/2011

Earlybird Savings on 2011 Summer Camp Registration in Markham, Ontario Are you thinking about summer while you shovel the snow in Markham, Ontario? Save 10% on the cost of your child's 2011 Summer Camp registration when you register between February 7, 2011 and February 13, 2011 when you register for Town of Markham Summer Day Camp.  The Day Camps have many sessions which run between July 4, 2011 to September 2, 2011. For full information about Summer Day Camps operated by the Town of Markham including registration information, locations, sessions, activities and more, visit the Town of Markham's website at http://markham.ca/Markham/Departments/RctnServ/Camps/SummerCamps.htm You can also call 905-475-4731. Earlybird Savings on 2011 Summer Camp Registration in Markham, Ontario 01/17/2011

Markham 2011 Interim Tax Bill Due Dates The Town of Markham has announced the payment due dates for 2011 interim tax bill. The due dates for taxpayers who are on the regular installment plan and the six installment pre-authorized tax payment plan are: February 7, 2011 March 7, 2011 April 5, 2011 The due dates for taxpayers who are on the 11 month pre-authorized tax payment plan are: February 1, 2011 March 1, 2011 April 1, 2011 May 1, 2011 June 1, 2011 Fur further information, contact the Town of Markham taxation department at (905) 475-4864. Markham 2011 Interim Tax Bill Due Dates 01/15/2011

Multimedia Film Festival of York Region - Contest The second annual Multimedia Film Festival of York Region is in May 2011. Do you want your film or multimedia format screened at the Multimedia Film Festival of York Region?  A contest is being held where you could win an award in these catagories: Top 3 Documentaries Top 3 Photo-Voices Best Drama Best Animation Best Cinematography Best Editing The deadline for entries is on February 18, 2011. Visit www.yorkregionfilmfestival.com for submission rules, requirements and application forms. Multimedia Film Festival of York Region - Contest 01/06/2011

Markham - Residential Driveway Snow Plow Windrow Removal Assistance A Snow Windrow is the pile of snow at the end of driveway that is created by snow plows plowing municipal roads and sidewalks. SNOW WINDROW REMOVAL SERVICE The Town of Markham offers a service to remove Snow Windrows from the end of the driveway that were created by road snow plows.  However, Snow Windrows left by sidewalk plows will not be removed. In general, within 8 hours after the roads have been plowed, the Town of Markham will send crews out to clear the centre portion of the Snow Windrow at the road.  The width of the Snow Windrow that will be cleared is one car width only.  Therefore, if you have a two car wide driveway or wider, only a portion of the Snow Windrow will be cleared. If your residential property i... 01/02/2011

Markham Civic Centre - Days Closed in December 2010 and January 2011 The Markham Civic Centre will be closed on the following days because Christmas Day and Boxing Day fall on the weekend during 2010 and New Years Day falls on the weekend in 2011: Monday, December 26, 2010 Tuesday, December 27, 2010 Monday, January 3, 2011 Markham Civic Centre - Days Closed in December 2010 and January 2011 12/26/2010

When will Christmas Trees be Collected by the Town of Markham? The Town of Markham will be collecting Christmas trees on your regular collection day between January 11, 2011 and January 21, 2011. Check your new 2011-2012 collection schedule that you should have received in the mail between December 13, 2010 and December 23, 2010. If you did not receive your new 2011-2012 collection schedule, call Markham's Customer Service Department at (905) 477-5530, e-mail customerservice@markham.ca, pick up a new schedule at the Customer Service Department at the Markham Civic Centre or at Markham Community Recyling Depots. You can also search your schedule at Markham's website at http://www.markham.ca/Markham/Departments/WstMgt/CollSchs.htm  When will Christmas Trees be Collected by the Town of Mar... 12/26/2010

Markham moves to 4 day garbage collection schedule on January 1, 2011 Effective January 1, 2011, the Town of Markham in Ontario, Canada is moving to a 4 day per week garbage collection schedule from a 5 day per week schedule. Almost 50% of Markham households have been assigned a new pickup date and some residences have been assigned a new service area. If your schedule has changed, you should have received a door hanger. Everyone should have received the new 2011-2012 collection schedule in the mail between December 13, 2010 and December 23, 2010. If you did not receive your new 2011-2012 collection schedule, call Markham's Customer Service Department at (905) 477-5530, e-mail customerservice@markham.ca, pick up a new schedule at the Customer Service Department at the Markham Civic Cent... 12/26/2010

Winter Parking Restrictions in Markham, Ontario The Town of Markham in Ontario, Canada has implemented their annual winter parking restriction rules for the winter season.  Winter parking restrictions are in effect from November 15, 2010 to April 15, 2011. Vehicles parked on streets in Markham that interfere with snow removal or winter road maintenance operations can be tagged or towed.  There is a fine of $100 for interfering with snow removal. You can call the Town of Markham at (905) 477-7000 extension 2050 to register a complaint relating to vehicles parked illegally on Markham roadss. Winter Parking Restrictions in Markham, Ontario 12/19/2010

Markham Santa Claus Parade This post provides an index to the various articles I have written about the 38th annual Santa Claus Parade (2010 edition) in Markham, Ontario, Canada. Ho, ho, ho!!! Santa Claus arrives in Markham, Ontario, Canada for the 2010 Parade! Markham Official Town Crier John Webster at 2010 Santa Claus Parade 38th Annual Markham, Ontario Santa Claus Parade - Saturday, November 27, 2010 This index will be updated as I write more articles. Markham Santa Claus Parade 11/28/2010

2011 Markham We Love Our Pets Calendar Is Now Available The 2011 edition "Markham, We Love Our Pets!" calendar is now available for pick up and purchase.  The calendars cost only $10 each.  The 14 month calendar contains all months from November 2010 to December 2011.  All proceeds from the sale of the calendar go to support animal care in Markham. Pre-paid copies and calendar sales are available from: Contact CentreMarkham Civic Centre 101 Town Centre Boulevard (Warden Avenue and Hwy. 7)Markham, Ontario (Unionville entrance) Monday to Friday, 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. To find out third party store locations where you can purchase the calendar, visit http://www.markham.ca/Markham/Departments/Bylaw/Licensing/AnimalServ/animal_news.htm For more information, contact the Town of Markham's Conta... 11/28/2010

Markham Annual Toy Drive - 2010 Markham Fire & Emergency Services and Markham Salvation Army are now conducting their Annual Toy Drive  for the 2010 holiday season. They advise that toys and gifts of all kinds and for all ages are needed. Donations are being collected until Monday, December 20, 2010 at paticipating drop-off locations. All donated items will be distributed to Markham families and the Children's Centre at the Markham Stouffville Hospital through community organizations. Gifts of the following are requested: movie passes or bookstore gift certificates for teenagers new unwrapped toys for children and infants new hats, scarves, mitts and other winter clothing Drop-off boxes are located at: All Markham fire stations Fire Administration Offices, 8100 Warden Ave.  Markham Thea... 11/28/2010

Ho, ho, ho!!!  Santa Claus arrives in Markham, Ontario, Canada for the 2010 Parade! It was quite exciting yesterday earlier afternoon on Saturday, November 27, 2010, as everyone watched the 2010 Markham Santa Claus Parade on Main Street Markham, just north of the City of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. Where I was watching the parade, delighted children (and adults) of all ages waited with eager anticipation while watching over 100 floats and bands participate in the 38th annual edition of the Town of Markham Santa Claus Parade. Who were we all waiting for? Santa Claus, of course, on his sleigh.  He always seems to be at the end of the parade.  He was as jolly as ever. Here is Santa Claus looking right into my camera. Ho, ho, ho!!! Santa Claus arrives in Markham, Ontario, Canada for the 201... 11/28/2010

Markham Official Town Crier John Webster at 2010 Santa Claus Parade Yesterday, Saturday, November 27, 2010, was the 38th annual Town of Markham Santa Claus Parade.  It was a beautiful day for the parade with sunny skies with some cloud, cool and a great day for photographs.  The parade started at the Markham Village Community Centre located on the southeast corner of Highway 7 and Main Street Markham.  The parade proceded north on Main Street Markham and ended at the Markham Museum on Main Street Markham just north of 16th Avenue. At the lead of the Markham Santa Claus Parade was The Official Town Crier for the Town of Markham, Mr. John Webster.  John Webster was appointed as Official Town Crier in 1987 and has held this position ever since that time.  John Webster has participated in m... 11/28/2010

38th Annual Markham, Ontario Santa Claus Parade - Saturday, November 27, 2010 Ho, ho, ho!!!  It's that time of year when Santa Claus will appear in Markham's 38th Annual Santa Claus Parade!!! Where:  Main Street Markham between Highway 7 and 16th Avenue. When:  Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 11 am.  The parade will start at Highway 7 and Main Street Markham (Markham Village Community Centre) at 11 am.  The front of the parade will be near the train tracks at approximately 11:30 am and at 16th Avenue at approximately 12 noon.  Viewing locations will be on both sides of Main Street Markham on the south side of 16th Avenue. Arrive early to the parade.  Many roads will be blocked off at 9 am. More than 100 floats and fabulous bands will be participating.   For more details, visit www.markha... 11/26/2010

Need advice on how to cook a turkey on Thanksgiving? Call the Butterball hotline! It is Thanksgiving Day in the United States of America today, our great neighbor (or neighbour for Canadians) to the south (and northwest for Alaska). Do you need advice on how to cook a turkey, stuff a turkey, carve a turkey, roast a turkey or anything else to do with your turkey Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day? Butterball, the well known turkey company, has had a toll-free hotline to help you for approximately 30 years. Call 1-800-BUTTERBALL or 1-800-288-8372.  Service is available in English and Spanish (español).  Throughout the year, the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line® is available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Standard Time.  The toll-free number can be reached from Canada and the USA.  T... 11/25/2010