Victor Woodhouse, Councillor for Ward 2 Newmarket

Wednesday, February 24 is Pink Shirt Day or Anti-Bullying Day in Canada. (It's always the last Wednesday in February in Canada.) This is something close to my heart, strongly supporting the message of Anti-Bullying and believe it is a cause everyone, everywhere should support. Like so many other good things, this is an idea that originated in Canada and is celebrated on various dates around the world. Every year, we Canadians take a stand against bullying showing our suppor...t for this cause by publicly wearing a pink shirt or another article of pink clothing. But when we see it, we should rally against bullying, whether in person or online. Find out more here: http://www.pinktshirtday.ca/ International Day of Pink is April 14, 2021 United Nations Anti-Bullying Day is May 4 Every Year See more

New! Free Seniors 55+ activity kit Each kit will contain a variety of activities, puzzles, games and creative things to do. These activities will challenge your mind and put a smile on your face. There is a limit of one kit per household and you need to order a kit online by Sunday, February 28, 2021. Order here: https://play.newmarket.ca/Start/Start.asp Pick-up of your kit is on March 2 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Municipal Offices, 395 Mulock Drive. If transportation to the M...unicipal Offices for pick-up is an issue, please let us know by email [email protected] or by calling 905-953-5300. Kits will also be available for April as well. Check back at newmarket.ca/adults55+ for more information on the April Seniors Activity Kit release date.

A reminder that the virtual Meeting of the Committee of the Whole is being streamed live on Monday, February 22, starting at 1:00 PM directly from the Municipal Offices. Please visit https://www.newmarket.ca/meetings to watch the Meeting or to review a video of it afterwards.

On Friday, it was announced that York Region, including Newmarket would be reopening and moving to the Red-Control Zone effective Monday, February 22. York Region will no longer be subject to the stay-at-home order; however Public Health strongly advises people to stay at home and avoid social gatherings to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Under the red-control zone, restaurants are permitted to open for indoor dining. Retail stores, gyms and hair salons are permitted to re...open, all with reduced capacity and with strict guidelines in place. Outdoor gatherings with a maximum of 25 people and indoor gatherings with a maximum of 5 people are also permitted in the red zone. Weddings and religious services can resume with 30 per cent indoor capacity and no more than 100 people outdoors. For more information please refer to the Provincial Reopening Framework A report is coming forward at Monday’s Committee of the Whole meeting that will provide further direction for staff around reopening plans and you can expect an update communicated here early next week. Outdoor recreation activities, like skating at Riverwalk Commons and other community outdoor rinks, Pickleball (Quaker Park) and tennis (Keith Davis) will remain open with existing health and safety measures in place. And a reminder that the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex main lobby area is available for use as a warming facility from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Capacity limits remain at 10 and strict health and safety measures are in place for all patrons of the facility. Those who require assistance outside of these hours can contact York Region's Transitional Shelter by calling 1-877-464-9675 or emailing [email protected] Daily Drop-in Program at the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex for those in need York Region in partnership with the Town of Newmarket, Inn from the Cold, and the Krasman Centre continue to offer a daily drop-in program at the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex (multi-purpose room). This program is available Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will provide a warm and safe environment and access to vital services like lunch, snacks, personal care, mental health support, access to a computer/Wi-Fi and more to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Have you heard about Home Sweet Home yet? It's the Town of Newmarket's virtual Recreation & Culture hub. The page features a collection of healthy, educational and fun ideas for the family to enjoy while at home and social distancing. Town staff share their favourite links and resources to help stay active, healthy and connected at home. Until the Town can reopen all our facilities, this may provide a healthy alternative for you! Find out more here: https://www.newmarket.ca/homesweethome