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Cycling links and patios extended, contactless curbside library services part of Stage 2 reopening

Markhamstaffnews.ca
June 30, 2020

Beginning on Canada Day, the City of Markham is helping residents to safely get outside by creating temporary active transportation options that link Main Street Markham, Main Street Unionville and Markham Centre, and will be launching its Patio Extension Program. Markham Public Library will also introduce contactless curbside pick-up services at select stand-alone branches.
“As we welcome warmer weather, the City of Markham is preparing to give you more options,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “We have taken a thoughtful and careful approach to reopening and we are creating connections and transforming spaces to give pedestrians and cyclists greater access to all that our community has to offer, in support of our local businesses. This next phase allows for additional outdoor options while adhering to provincial orders, and ensuring public safety.”

These initiatives accommodate the increasing number of residents choosing to walk and cycle during COVID-19 and ensures that they will have enough space to travel, exercise, enjoy nature, dine, shop, and now, keep up with their summer reading while physical distancing during Ontario’s Stage 2 of reopening.

Creating space for pedestrians and cyclists

To provide safe access to greenspaces, accommodate the increasing number of residents engaged in active transportation, and to support transportation initiatives such as Markham Cycles, the City of Markham will be closing Enterprise Boulevard from Andre de Grasse Street to Main Street Unionville on Sundays and statutory holidays from Canada Day to Labour Day. In addition, the Villages and Valley Walking and Cycling Loop that connects Main Street Unionville to Main Street Markham will help our residents get across the city safely.

These initiatives add to the recently launched pilot project to reduce vehicular traffic on Main Street Unionville between Fred Varley Drive and Carlton Road, which supports local businesses and the community by providing a more comfortable environment for cyclists and pedestrians as they show some #LocalLove and shop in Unionville. Find out more at markham.ca/getactive.

The City of Markham continues to explore opportunities to expand cycling and walking spaces in other neighbourhoods. Stay connected with us to find out more as it happens by registering for Markham eNews at markham.ca/eNews.

Drivers are urged to:

Patio Extension Program officially launches July 2

Bars, restaurants and retail businesses who have successfully applied to the Temporary Use Zoning Bylaw to Permit Extended Outdoor Patios and Outdoor Display and Sales Areas are expected to begin offering outdoor services
to provide safe spaces for residents to dine and to #ShopLocal. To apply for a patio extension or outdoor display, go to markham.ca/patios.

Markham Public Library to begin contactless curbside service on July 6
Individuals who have items on hold that are available for pick-up from before the COVID-19 closure will receive a library notice. They will then be able to arrange a contactless curbside pick-up by appointment through Ask MPL or by calling 905.513.7977. Hours are from Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM at:

Individuals will have two weeks to pick up their hold items. Items can be borrowed for six weeks before contactless curbside return.

New holds will be accepted starting on July 15. Please note that new holds can only be placed on materials available at each of the three pick-up locations. Markham Public Library is currently not able to transfer items between branches. Visit markhampubliclibrary.ca for more information.

Markham’s Contact Centre continues to respond to inquiries about municipal services and programs at customerservice@markham.ca and 905.477.5530, Monday to Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM.

For information and updates about the novel coronavirus and affected City services, visit markham.ca/covid19.