Report to: General Committee- Report Date: March 26, 2009

Community Services

SUBJECT: National Public Works Week, May 17-23, 2009, “Revitalize, Reinvest, Renew”

PREPARED BY: Daphne Ross, Supervisor, Administration, ext 3360

RECOMMENDATION:

1) THAT the Mayor and Council proclaim the week of May 17-23, 2009, as ‘National Public Works Week’ in the Town of Markham.

2) AND FURTHER THAT Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Not applicable

1. Purpose 2. Background 3. Discussion 4. Financial

5. Others (Environmental, Accessibility, Engage 21st, Affected Units) 6. Attachment(s)

PURPOSE:

This report is to proclaim the week of May 17-23, 2009, as ‘National Public Works Week’ in the Town of Markham.

BACKGROUND:

Public Works form the foundation of the Town’s services and improve the quality of life for everyone in the community. When the citizens of Markham use the roads, drink the water, dispose of sewage and garbage, use Town facilities, they are using services provided by Public Works.

Since 1960, a week in May is set aside for Public Works awareness throughout Canada by the Canadian Public Works Association (CPWA) and in the United States by the American Public Works Association (APWA). This week is an opportunity to bring awareness to Public Works and to Public Works Staff.

APWA has selected “Revitalize, Reinvest, Renew” as its theme for 2009’s National Public Works Week. These words signal a change in thinking and a new direction in practice. Revitalizing our infrastructure means finding new ways to sustain performance, using new materials, increasing efficiency. Reinvesting in our infrastructure will ensure safety, longevity, positive quality of life. Renewing our infrastructure means replacing and reinvigorating the systems and structures on which we depend.

National Public Works Week is observed each year during the third full week of May. Through NPWW and other efforts, APWA seeks to raise the public’s awareness of public works issues and to increase confidence in public works employees who are dedicated to improving the quality of life for present and future generations

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS & TEMPLATE: (external link)

Not applicable

ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

Not applicable

DEPARTMENTS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

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RECOMMENDED

BY: ________________________

Peter Loukes, P.Eng.

Director, Operations

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