aurora banner september 24, 2015
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Aurora Banner September 24, 2015TRANSCRIPT
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Duringthe month ofSeptember
WHAT’S HARM IN LETTING ALL DEBATE ISSUES PAGE A9
OUR VIEWREAD OUR SERIES ON SENIORS
AND DEMENTIA PAGE B1
IMPENDING WAVE
FEDERAL ELECTION 2015
JIM ABRAM
PATRICIA GRANT
RON METROPOLIT
DOUG LEITCH
YRAA FOOTBALL FUTURE SEEMS UNCERTAIN PAGE B11
CUDDY SHARK
ANDREW DARKE
NICOLE KIM
MEADE HELMAN
JOHN PYNN
“For us seniors, it’s about security, our pensions and the economy. A lot of seniors rely on income from investments and if the economy isn’t strong, it has an impact on that. Also, tax breaks for seniors and working with other levels of government on issues like health care is very important.”
Jim Abram, Aurora
“The election is an important opportunity for people to express their feelings about the government. I think it is time for change.”
Doug Leitch East Gwillimbury
“I don’t think I’m going to like the results. I think we’ll be in real trouble if the NDP is in power. I think the Conservatives have been doing OK.”
Ron MetropolitEast Gwillimbury
“It’s very important. We need more democracy.”
Patricia Grant, Newmarket
“It means everything. It’s time for change. It’s improving social assistance and welfare for the disadvantaged, not continuously worrying about de� cits and not saying we’re not going to raise taxes.”
Andrew Darke, Newmarket
“It means same old, same old to me. But if there is one issue, I would say I’m interested in the pensions, of course, because I am of that age.”
John Pynn, Keswick
“This election is a chance for Canada to get back on track. We’re a very social country, but in the last 8 to 10 years we’ve become warmongers. The best government for us is one that has all parties working together.”
Meade Helman, Bradford
“It means a lot of confusion to me. I’m not even sure who to vote for at this point. All I keep reading about is a cut here, another cut back there. Everyone says they can do things for us but I’m not convinced.”
Nicole Kim, Bradford
s a regular feature leading up to the Oct. 19 federal election, we will ask you to weigh in on issues that matter.
Last week, we asked:What does this election mean to you? Here’s what you said:
A
FEDERAL ELECTION 2015
DORIAN BAXTER, PC
Baxter calls for debate
boycottBY CHRIS [email protected]
orian Baxter is so incensed that he will not be permitted to take part in the Oct. 6 Newmarket Chamber of Commerce all-candidates debate that he is asking other candidates
to boycott the event.The Progressive Canadian Party candidate
has been gaining public support since learn-ing he would be excluded from the debate portion of the event at Newmarket Theatre.
“I’m outraged,” Baxter said. “There’s no valid reason for doing this. It’s totally bizarre. I see this as a move to sideline me completely.
“What they’re doing is assaulting the dem-ocratic rights of the residents of Newmarket-Aurora to have a clear view of what’s available to them. When you stop and think of the ramifications of this, how can somebody in my position ever get into Parliament? It just doesn’t give you the opportunity.”
Now, he’s calling on other candidates to boycott the chamber debate.
“I will be asking the remaining four can-didates to boycott your undemocratic debate if you and your purported cohorts do not relent as it sets a very dangerous precedent that undermines everything democratic that Canada stands for,” Baxter said in an open letter to chamber president and CEO Debra Scott Tuesday. “Democracy denied is democ-racy destroyed.”
In an email sent last week and since obtained by The Era, Scott told Baxter the chamber’s election policy requires debate participants to have party representation in the House of Commons or provincial legis-
See page A6.
GET CONNECTEDTELL US what you think about this issue. Email [email protected].
❑
D
Federal candidates vow to push for ways to assist local families
From daycare improvements to tax credits, promises abound from all parties
BY CHRIS [email protected]
mproving the lives of local families starts with ensuring they have a well-built community, Newmarket-Aurora Liberal candidate Kyle Peterson said.
There’s no doubt residents are having a more difficult time making ends meet than they were a decade ago, Peterson said. So, if the federal government is going to help improve the lives of Canadians and, more specifically, Newmarket-Aurora resi-dents, it has to create high-paying local jobs and invest in infrastructure projects.
“Modern families are juggling more con-straints on their time than ever before, from commuting and raising kids to caring for a sick relative or (aging) parents,” Peterson said. “Government really hasn’t adapted to this generational reality.”
The Liberals would enhance the child benefit for lower income earners, cut
taxes for the middle class, and introduce the national early learning and childcare framework comprehensive policy. Changes to current legislation to allow for more flex-ible working hours and proposed amend-ments to the employment insurance pro-gram will also aid families, he said.
NDP candidate Yvonne Kelly says her party will implement a $15-per-day child-care program across the country, work to create more affordable housing through the introduction of a new national housing strategy and create higher paying, “green” industry jobs in the area.
“The commitments needed to sup-port families come in a variety of different (ways),” she said. “A cornerstone for our platform is making life more affordable. In Newmarket-Aurora, life is becoming more unaffordable. People are accumulating a lot of debt. They are paying out of pocket for things beyond their capacity. Wages have stagnated. For families, the stress of not knowing if they’re going to be able to secure a childcare spot is enough to be a burden; we need to be able to provide those spaces. Most families are in a position where they have to have two income earners. We want to invest in communities and local econo-mies.”
Conservative incumbent MP Lois Brown said the government must stay on its cur-rent course, though the party does promise, if re-elected, to implement a $2,000 tax
CANADA Decision
2015
See page A6.
yorkregion.com
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015 905-853-8888 $1 store sales / 52 pagesPublicationmail agreement #40051189
STAFF PHOTO/MIKE BARRETT
Running back Adre Simmonds of the Saint Andrews Saints is forced out of bounds by Mike Strumos (left) and Skyler McMurtry of the Huron Heights Warriors during an exhibition match played Saturday in Aurora. The Saints won 20-3.
SIDELINED
Council debates Mavrinac propertyBY TERESA LATCHFORD
Limiting the land to green and open space for the town-owned Mavrinac property is too restricting, according to one Aurora councillor.
Councillor Harold Kim urges town staff to begin exploring possible uses for the 2.4-hectare property the town now owns and, while fellow Councillor Paul Pirri supports the proposal, he feels look-ing only at greenspace uses could hinder the town from using the property to its full potential.
“I would still love to see some sort of affordable housing on a portion of the property, maybe partnering with Habitat
for Humanity,” Pirri said. “I don’t know if community halls or meeting places are being considered.”
He made two attempts to change the wording of the request and have staff report back with a variety of usage options space, but he couldn’t gain sup-port.
See page A2.
GET CONNECTEDTELL US what you think about this issue. Email [email protected].
I
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A2 The Aurora Banner, Thursday, September 24, 2015
TOWN OF AURORAPUBLIC NOTICE
Town of Aurora 100 JohnWestWay,Aurora, ON L4G 6J1www.aurora.ca/publicnotices | 905-727-3123, ext. 4343
NOTICE OF COMPLETE APPLICATION ANDPUBLIC PLANNING MEETINGAurora Town Council will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, October 14 at 7 p.m. atAurora Town Hall Council Chambers to receive input on the following planning application.
APPLICATION: The Owner has submitted Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law AmendmentApplications to permit the development of 101 single detached residential lots with5.1 hectares of open space on 12.5 hectares of the subject lands.
PROPERTY: 1756 St. John’s Sideroad
LEGAL DESC.: Part of Lot 26, Concession 3
APPLICANT: Coppervalley Estates Inc.
FILE NUMBER: SUB-2015-05 and ZBA-2015-09
CONTACT: Additional information may be obtained from Lawrence Kuk of the Planning &Development Services department at 905-727-3123 ext. 4343, Monday to Friday from8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Comments may also be mailed to the Planning & DevelopmentServices department at the address noted below, faxed to 905-726-4736 or emailed [email protected]. Please quote the file name and number.
The Town of Aurora collects personal information in communications or presentations made to Town Counciland/or its Committees. The Town collects this information to enable it to make informed decisions on therelevant issue(s). If you are submitting letters, faxes, emails, presentations or other communications to theTown, you should be aware that your name and the fact that you communicated with the Town will becomepart of the public record and will appear on the Town’s website. The Town will also make your communicationand any personal information in it, such as your address and postal code or email address available tothe public unless you expressly request the Town to remove it. By submitting a fax, email, presentation orother communication, you are authorizing the Town to collect and use the above-noted information for thispurpose. The Town audio records Public Planning meetings. If you make a presentation to Town Counciland/or its Committees, the Town will be audio recording you and Town staff and may make these audiorecordings available to the public. Please direct any questions about this to the Town Clerk at 905-727-3123,ext. 4771.
Plan of Subdivision (O. Reg. 544/06)
If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at the public meeting or make written submissionsto The Town of Aurora in respect of the proposed Plan of Subdivision before the approval authority gives orrefuses to give approval to the draft Plan of Subdivision, the person or public body is not entitled to appealthe decision of The Town of Aurora to the Ontario Municipal Board.
Zoning By-law (O. Reg. 545/06)
If a person or a public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissionsto The Town of Aurora before the bylaw is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal thedecision of the Council of The Town of Aurora to the Ontario Municipal Board. If a person or public body doesnot make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to The Town of Aurora in respectof the proposed Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment before the approval authority givesor refuses to give approval to the draft Plan of Subdivision and the bylaw is passed, the person or public bodymay not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Municipal Board unless in theopinion of the Board there are reasonable grounds to do so. If you wish to be notified of the decision of TheTown of Aurora in respect to the Zoning By-law Amendment, you must make a written request to The Town ofAurora to the attention of the Director of Planning & Development Services.
TOWN OF AURORAPUBLIC NOTICE
Town of Aurora 100 JohnWestWay,Aurora, ON L4G 6J1www.aurora.ca/publicnotices | 905-727-3123, ext. 4374
NOTICE OF PUBLIC OPEN HOUSEDesign for Installation of Speed Cushions Pilot Project
The Town’s Infrastructure & Environmental Services department will be holding a public open house topresent the proposed engineering design plans for the installation of speed cushions for the followinglocations:
• Kennedy Street West – McGee Crescent to Murray Drive
• Stone Road – Clift Road to Hawtin Lane
• McMaster Avenue – Hollidge Boulevard to Hollandview Trail
• Mavrinac Boulevard – Borealis Avenue to Spring Farm Road
• Conover Avenue – River Ridge Boulevard to Borealis Avenue
The work primarily consists of the installation of asphalt speed cushions, pavement markings and trafficsigns.
The open house will be held on Thursday, October 1 from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Aurora Town Hall,100 John West Way, Holland Room, 1st floor. Town staff will be available to answer questions. Please dropby to see the plans and provide your comments.
If you have any questions, please contact Jamal Massadeh at 905-727-3123, ext. 4374 by fax to905-841-7119 or by email at [email protected].
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Councillor John Abel suggested the town remove the fence surrounding the property, clear the brush, lay a cross path and put up signage informing residents public input opportunities will be coming soon.
“We should take the fence down and make it part of the town for now,” he added.
Mayor Geoff Dawe protested, feeling it could make residents think it will remain that way indefinitely when the town has yet to determine the land’s use.
Council voted to explore recreation and open space uses, as well as to take down the fence with only Pirri and Dawe not lending support.
In July, the town announced it purchased the property, known as Block 208 on Mavri-nac Boulevard from Minto Communities Inc. The transfer of the land wrapped up a legal dispute over allowing the town to purchase it when the local school board deemed it wouldn’t be needed for a new school site.
In the meantime, some residents are already vocalizing how they feel the property
should be used.Olivia Werden would like to see the town
add a soccer field or two to the property, an amenity she feels is lacking in a town where the sport is so popular. Having been part of a house league soccer club growing up, she feels giving more people the opportunity to play would be a win for everyone involved.
“With all the new development on the east side of town, there is not a proportion-ate number of soccer fields being put in for the number of potential children we could have coming into our town,” she said. “Public soccer fields not only benefit the youth but adults as well, young or old, who look for space to go and kick a ball around.”
David Rossi feels the space would be the perfect space for tennis courts and a club-house considering Timberlane Athletic Club will be permanently closing its doors come December.
“This land would be a great place for additional play space for older children and adults,” he said. “It would have the benefit of teaching the younger kids a great outdoor activity and adults can use it even when the children grow up and move away.”
From Front Page.
Council votes to explore recreation, open space uses for Mavrinac land
By Teresa [email protected]
The upcoming creation of master plans for parks and recreation and sport has sparked the interest of local residents.
Residents gathered on the second floor of the Aurora Family Leisure Complex to pro-vide input and feedback to the town regard-ing the future of sport and leisure. Attendees were asked to fill out a survey, use sticky notes to provide ideas and have informal conversations with staff and project planning consultant Todd Brown of Monteith Brown.
“Public input is one of the most important steps when it comes to developing a master plan,” he said.
After some formal remarks from the orga-nizers, residents mingled and began to pro-vide their thoughts.
Karm Amer, owner of Crossfit Ark, would like to see the town tap into local expertise when it comes to programming. For exam-ple, the town could partner with local busi-nesses to offer sport and leisure program-ming that would benefit both parties.
“There are plenty of experts in town; train-ers, gymnastics or anything like that could offer a higher level of service than is currently being offered,” he said. “An experienced instructor can offer more than a part-time high school student.”
He also feels that it would allow the town to overcome some limitations it has with facility capacity and operating costs and would boost the local economy at the same time.
Aurora Soccer Club’s Paul Dunbar just came out to see what the plans were all about and feels many people will be watch-ing this process closely.
“I think these two areas are of great inter-est to people living here, especially with the growth that is coming,” he added. “Anytime people have the opportunity to come togeth-er for a common interest, it usually produces something good.”
The sport plan is intended to increase collaboration between the town and com-munity partners to make better use of exist-
ing facilities in the next five years. The goal is to deliver quality sport programs in town by focusing on public engagement and invest-ments that will enhance delivery.
The parks and recreation plan will provide the town with a vision for leisure facilities until 2021. Through consultation, research and analysis, the plan will focus on indoor recreation facilities such as aquatic centres, arenas and gymnasia, outdoor recreation facilities such as sports fields and play-grounds, and parks and open spaces.
Collecting input from the public is the first step in creating the two master plans, according to Aurora parks and recreation director Al Downey.
“This is the initial kickoff meeting; the first step in the process,” Downey said. “We want people to help us form points for discussion and to help us form recommendations.”
Attendees were asked to complete three statements: “The best thing I like about parks and recreation in the town is…”, “The town’s parks and recreation opportunities can be improved by…”, and “When planning the future of the town’s parks and recreation opportunities, we need to consider…”.
Downey said there are no wrong answers and the public input collected would only contribute to the possibilities.
“The public should have input on the services and facilities they are using or need,” he said. “They are part of the puzzle we are trying to put together.”
In addition to the professional consulta-tions, research and general public input, the town will host a series of focus groups in the fall to include local organizations and sport groups.
Drafts of the master plans are expected to be available for review at a meeting Nov. 26.
GET CONNECTEDHAVE YOUR SAY: Take the survey at surveymonkey.com/r/auroraprs until Sept. 28.
Citizens share ideas for master plans
Karm Amer, owner of Crossfit Ark, posts a sticky note on one of the discussion boards during the launch of the Town of Aurora’s sport and parks and recreation master plans consultation at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex.
STAFF PHOTO/TERESA LATCHFORD
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A3The Aurora Banner, Thursday, September 24, 2015
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FEATURE
A
POLICE BRACE FOR BREAK-AND-ENTERS
York Regional Police Const. Brian Hinds, who works in the crime prevention unit, recommends a dead bolt lock to better secure your front door and to make your home a less-enticing target for would-be thieves.
Break and enters are often a crime of opportu-nity. The more difficult you make it for a thief to break into your home, the more likely it is they will move along. Citizens are reminded to:
Be certain to lock your doors and windows when leaving the house;
Do not discuss the contents of your home with oth-ers;
Be aware of suspicious people or vehicles in your neighbourhood and call police immediately if you’re concerned;
Store valuables in a safety deposit box;
Install dead-bolt locks on all exterior doors and self-tapping screws in the upper track of patio doors
BY JEREMY [email protected]
s the summer fades and fall looms, crimi-nal behaviour
begins to alter.
Afterwards, he added, they would use Hwy. 407 in their get-away rental car.
One of the men arrested in the latest operation was Maurice Beckles, who was also nabbed in a very similar investigation by York cops last year.
He was in custody for a few months before being released.
“It’s the same guys over and over. If we were to keep them in jail, our numbers would go way down,” explained Cardwell, add-ing courts are often light on these criminals because burglary is only viewed as property crime.
Police estimate about 38 homes were struck by the alleged gang over the summer, but admit the number could be much higher.
In the winter, others become more prevalent, including mem-bers of the alleged Columbian gangs and Eastern European out-fits from the nation of Georgia.
According to Cardwell, they will spend time “casing” streets they want to hit, choose their residence, walk up and try a rear sliding door.
He said they’re after similar items, including cash and jew-elry, which can be pawned off or melted down.
“It’s the little things they pick up on,” he noted. “If you see a television on in the family room, are you really going to take that risk and go in? When you’re trying to protect your home, just think, what can I do to make it look occupied?”
According to Cardwell, resi-dents can protect homes by put-ting lights on timers, moving their valuables to other rooms, picking up newspapers and collecting mail.
He said a recent burglary surveillance video, available at yorkregion.com, shows how a simple security system or even a dummy camera can help ensure your home is secure.
The video shows two men try-ing to break into a Vaughan home via the back door only to notice a camera and run off.
However, Cardwell said, by far, the best way to protect your home is to get to know your neighbours and take an interest in everyone’s security.
“I believe that if there’s a will to get in, there’s a way,” he said. “But I also know that people need to engage with us: it helps. If they see something suspicious, they should call. Residents and their neighbours need to realize they’re part of the solution.”
For Const. Brian Hinds from the York police’s crime prevention unit, protecting your home is all about property maintenance.
He said the biggest issues are people leaving on vacation with-out making plans with neighbours and leaving hedges untrimmed.
“You need to make your house look lived in, whether that is someone shovelling your drive-way or cutting your grass,” he said.
Const. Hinds added trimming bushes and trees to give neigh-bours “clear sight lines” to your house is essential to making sure others pitch in and help you stay safe.
He added if residents are keen on a home security audit, they can call 1-866-876-5423 and ask for him at the crime prevention unit.
PROTECT YOURSELFand windows;
Consider installing a home security system and ensure everybody in the house knows how it works;
Secure all basement and ground-level windows and patio doors. Use protective glass or window film where possible. Never leave accessible windows open, espe-cially while sleeping;
When away for an extended period of time, give your home the lived-in look, with light-activating automatic timers and motion sensors. Have your newspapers picked up, lawn cut or snow removed; and
Make a video or take photographs of all household valuables. Maintain a record of these possessions and include the make, model and serial number.
As a result, police are, yet again, bracing for an increase in evening-time break and enters as days grow shorter.
Whereas in mid-June it was get-ting dark at 9 p.m., Sept. 30 will see the sun set at 7 p.m. and, on Oct. 18, daylight will be gone by 6:30 p.m.
Often times, shorter daylight hours can creep up on residents and there are those looking to capi-talize on this.
“In the summertime, it’s usually front doors getting kicked in, while people are out at work,” said Det.-Sgt. Don Cardwell. “But as the winter rolls around, break-ins often occur via people’s backyards under the cover of darkness between 6 and 9 p.m..”
Those entering through the rear can benefit from the vulnerabil-ity of sliding doors, according to Cardwell.
He said many people either fail to secure doors by placing a piece of wood in the frame or can forget to lock them entirely.
“It’s easy for these guys to tell when people are home. Lights and televisions help, so do cars in the driveway,” he said. “If there’s no movement though, certain houses can provide easy targets.”
Throughout the region, the number of home entries has fallen by 35 per cent or about 1,000 inci-dents since 2007, when there were 2,858 reported break-ins.
The numbers can be deceptive, though, as Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill – where about 40 per cent of the region’s home break-ins take place – have either remained largely constant or seen a small uptick.
Richmond Hill saw a decrease of nine, from 253 in 2014 to 244 in 2015, Vaughan an increase of 26, from 220 to 246 in 2015 and Markham, which grew by 47, from 221 to 268 in 2015.
These numbers are fuelled by alleged theft groups, including the GMC – Get Money Committee – which, police say, spent this sum-mer committing daytime robberies while most neighbours were out to work.
The alleged crew’s operation consisted of knocking on front doors and then promptly kicking them in if no one answered.
The men would run directly upstairs for cash and jewelry, which, police say, tend to be stored in the master bedroom.
“They can leave with up to $30,000, watches alone at between $15,000 and $20,000,” said Cardwell, who added criminals are not opposed to leaving the homes with heavy safes.
“They can be out of there in sometimes less than one minute. They keep succeeding, that’s why they keep coming back.”
To view the burglary surveillance video referenced in the story, visit bit.ly/1DaSCSbTo view the burglary surveillance video referenced in the story, visit bit.ly/1DaSCSbi
STAFF PHOTO/STEVE SOMERVILLE
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C M Y
A4 The Aurora Banner, Thursday, September 24, 2015
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By Teresa [email protected]
Tim McClure thanked Aurora Terry Fox participants for saving his life.
The local father of two took to the stage Sunday morning at Sheppard’s Bush to share his story before runners and walkers hit the pavement for Aurora’s annual Terry Fox Run. His words echoed among the silent crowd as he spoke of receiving a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer in 2011.
“I was a healthy and athletic father of two daughters, so it was a real blow to me,” he said. “Imagine being told you only had months to live.”
His health began to fail and he lost 50 pounds in 15 weeks. Only a little more than one month after his diagnosis, McClure was making his own funeral arrangements.
Following aggressive treatment, his doc-tors ran a round of tests and concluded that he had beaten the disease and could begin to recover.
“They were calling it a miracle and I only survived because of advancements in treat-ment,” he added. “What you are doing today is so important because it is events like these that help keep people like me stay alive.”
McClure admits he will always be in remission and never cancer free but made the experience positive by founding the Great Next Chapter, an organization dedicat-
ed to guiding and supporting people through their cancer journey.
Emcee Greg Smith told the crowd they were part of a legacy and Aurora Mayor Geoff Dawe said all who participate represent the hope of finding a cure.
Once Aurora Councillor John Able sang the national anthem, participants set out to cycle, run and walk a two, five or 10-kilome-tre route.
Cameron Palmer, along with his son Mike, cycled during the event.
“I think everyone should be involved on some level because everyone is touched by cancer at some point,” Palmer said. “Terry Fox really was a hero and an inspiration.”
Catie Keon and Anastasia Tassopoulos gathered a team of hockey moms to come out to the event.
“We wanted to do something together and this is such a great cause,” Keon said.
Organizers Darlene Morrison and Janet Delong consider the event to be a success since they had already surpassed last year’s donations by 10 a.m. with $17,762 recorded and more filtering in.
On April 12, 1980, Terry Fox began the Marathon of Hope and since, Canadian com-munities from coast-to-coast have raised more than $650 million in support of cancer research.
Aurora cancer survivor shares story at annual Terry Fox Run
Cancer survivor Tim McClure shares his story with Terry Fox Run participants during the annual Aurora event held at Sheppard’s Bush Sunday morning.
STAFF PHOTO/TERESA LATCHFORD
Celebrate Cultural Days this weekend
Take in a little culture during Aurora Cul-tural Days.
Organized by the Aurora Cultural Round-table, a variety of events will be held around town Sept. 26 to celebrate culture in the municipality.
Participants can start the day at the Auro-ra Farmers’ Market for Soup Fest, move onto the Hillary House National Historic Site to discover the heritage of tennis in Canada and
to build a family tree.Activities continue at the Aurora Public
Library with live music, drama, vocals per-formed by Theatre Aurora and make shops.
From 1 to 4 p.m., the Aurora Cultural Cen-tre will be hosting a tea with Queen Victoria, meet and greet with local artists and a cre-ative safari.
Passports can be picked up at any of the participating sites during the day.
For more information about the event, visit auroraculturalcentre.ca
C M Y
A5The Aurora Banner, Thursday, September 24, 2015
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Dance for SouthlakeSept. 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.CDA Dance Academy, 16715 Yonge St. Unit #28.Event will have a variety of FREE dance classes available for you to try at CDA Dance Academy. Fee is for any donation at the door or simply donate online at www.mfisher.zumba.com. Everyone is welcome whether you are an experienced dancer or have two left feet. There will also be prizes to give away so please come out and help!Contact: Michelle Fisher, [email protected], 289-338-8995.
what ’s onTo have your event included in what’s on, add it to our calendar at yorkregion.com
the lanDingSept. 24, 3:45 to 5:30 p.m.Newmarket Community Church, 145 Pony Dr.The Landing is a free, weekly program offered at Newmarket Community Church that aims to equip teens (ages 12 to 17) with the tools needed to overcome life’s struggles.Contact: [email protected], 905-836-7251, 905-967-4081, www.newmarketcommunitychurch.org.
local colour aurora: PaintS the townOngoing until Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Aurora Cultural Centre, 22 Church St.Opening Reception – Sept 26 from p.m. to 4 p.m. Artists will be in atten-dance. Join members of Local Colour Aurora for a fresh look at the town they call home. This unique exhibition showcases Aurora as seen through the eyes of local artists who have been producing work for this show for over a year. Fifteen artists’ contributions – paintings, drawings, and an entire section dedicated to the art of plein air – will grace the galleries of the Aurora Cultural Centre. The exhibition begins Sept. 17 and runs until Nov. 14. Gallery Admission is at no charge. Tuesdays, Thurs. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesdays: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Enter at north glass doors.Contact: [email protected], 905-713-1818.
ron gooDlin: a lenS on africa exhibitionOngoing until Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Aurora Cultural Centre, 22 Church St.Large-scale photographs capture the energy and drama of Tanzania through the textures, movement and lighting of the landscape, animals and cultural experiences. A photographer and avid traveler, local dentist Ron Goodlin is featured in the Great Hall Gallery during Fall 2015. Exhibi-tion throughout the Aurora Cultural Centre runs from Sept. 19 - Nov. 21. Culture Days Artist Reception: Saturday, September 26 from 1 to 4 p.m.Contact: [email protected], 905-713-1818.
the reign of the Queen of canaDa exhibitionOngoing until Dec. 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Aurora Cultural Centre, 22 Church St.On Sept. 9, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s reign will surpass that of Canada’s other great Mother of Confederation, Queen Victoria. The Aurora Cultural Centre, in partnership with the Monarchist League of Canada (York Region Branch), celebrates the long reign of Her Majesty with artifacts and archival materials. Hours: Tuesdays, Thursday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesdays: 10 am - 8 p.m.Contact: [email protected], 905-713-1818.
aStronomy: the artS, the Science, the technologySept. 24, 7 to 9 p.m.Aurora Public Library (Magna Room), 15145 Yonge St.Astronomer/educator Chris Vaughan leads a 3-part series. Part 1, Sept. 24: The Art. Appreciate the beauty of our galaxy through space images and learn some of the science behind them. Register for 1 or all 3 sessions.Contact: Information Desk, [email protected], 905-727-9494 x275.
exhibit at the elman w. camPbell muSeumOngoing until 2015, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Elman W. Campbell Museum, 134 Main St. S in Newmarket. The Great War in pictures and objects, to commemorate the First World War Centenary. A wide range of pictures, uniforms and artifacts dating back to 1914-1918. On display until November 2015. Open Tuesdays-Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Free admission.Contact: [email protected], 905-953-5314.
beboP & DanceSept. 26, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.Mount Albert Branch, East Gwillimbury Public Library, 19300 Centre St.Ages 2 – 5 Free. Drop In. Get moving! This action-packed program is filled with movement for little ones.
mixeD meDia fun! art claSS for kiDS ageS 7 - 10Sept. 26, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Aurora Cultural Centre, 22 Church St. Art class that combines the fundamentals - with a great dose of fun and exploration along the way. Learn with classic and innovative art materials - everything from drawing, painting, sculpture elements and design. All wrapped up in a gallery setting. Saturdays for eight weeks. Cost: $160.Contact: [email protected], 905-713-1818.
Drawing & Painting for teenS 11 - 15Sept. 26, 1 to 3 p.m.Aurora Cultural Centre, 22 Church St. A studio-style class perfect for the emerging artist interested in expanding their skills. Painting, sketching, sculptural work - plus a focus on obser-vational techniques to bring out the inner artist. Forays into the Centre’s various galleries for inspiration. Saturdays for eight weeks. Cost: $160.Contact: [email protected], 905-713-1818.
newmarket farmerS marketSept. 26, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.Riverwalk Commons, Doug Duncan Drive. Fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, baked goods, food vendors, hand-crafted artifacts and products such as jewelry, furniture, soap, horse and wagon rides, musical entertainment, buskers, fresh flowers, etc.Contact: [email protected], 905-773-9751.
beyonD abilitieS centre 6th annual golf tournamentSept. 26, 12:30 to 6:30 p.m.Shawneeki Golf Club, 18543 Woodbine Ave.,in East Gwillimbury. Tee-off start $200 per golfer includes: lunch, golfing and dinner. Not a golfer, but would like to support a great cause, come for dinner only $85. With your support, organization will be able to sponsor individuals to participate in our recreational programs improving their lives.Contact: Vicky, [email protected], 905-478-2888.
culture DayS at the aurora cultural centreSept. 26, 1 to 4 p.m.Shawneeki Golf Club, 18543 Woodbine Ave.,in East Gwillimbury. Visit Sept. 26 for free, hands-on interactive activities as part of this exciting pan-Canadian movement. So much to discover - for the whole family.Contact: [email protected], 905-713-1818.
haPPy hoPPerS SQuare Dance club - fall fantaSy DanceSept. 26, 2 to 10:30 p.m.Newmarket Seniors Meeting Place, 474 Davis Dr.
Happy Hoppers celebrates 40th years of square dancing in Newmarket. Calling duties shared by Doug Holmes and Jim Lee with rounds dancing by Jerry Callen. Come 2 - 5 p.m. or 7 - 10:30 p.m. or for the full day. Cost: $30 per couple all day or $15 per couple for half-day. Singles half price.Contact: Anne Currie-O’Brien, [email protected].
workShoP - the Seven f’S to a fantaStic lifeSept. 27, 2 to 3 p.m.Newmarket Public Library, 438 Park Ave. Do you need to make some changes in your life? Come and listen to Lynn talk about how you can have a Fantastic Life! Learn how to apply Lynn’s Seven F’s to your life today! Visit www.myjourneybacktomyself.ca.Contact: Lynn Rae, [email protected], 905-898-0727.
beginning guitar - 8 week Starter courSe (ageS 16+)Sept. 28, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.Aurora Cultural Centre, 22 Church St. Beginning Guitar is an accompaniment-based group course designed to introduce you to a range of chords and strums that will get you on your way. Bring an acoustic guitar in working order, and a tuner. Instructor David Partridge is a singer/songwriter and longtime instructor at the Centre. Fall 2015 8 weeks Sept. 28 - Nov. 23, 2015. Advance registration required.Contact: [email protected], 905-713-1818.
tueSDay oPen StuDioSept. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Aurora Cultural Centre, 22 Church St. Open Studio space is now available to makers ages 16 and up. Drop by the Centre this season on Tuesdays between 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. to work on your visual arts projects in the Activity Room. You’ll have table space, use of table top or floor easels and access to water. This is a non-facilitated, non-registered drop in program, and is offered at no charge. Bring all of your own materials, as none are provided.Contact: [email protected], 905-713-1818.
oneS & twoSSept. 29, 11 to 11:30 a.m.Mount Albert Branch, East Gwillimbury Public Library, 19300 Centre St.Ages 18 – 30 months. Free. Join our interactive program that stimulates the imagination with early literacy activities including books and songs.
twinkle toeSSept. 29, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
East Gwillimbury Public Library - Holland Landing, 19513 Yonge St.This program will allow children to explore different roles. Children will engage in active, imaginative play which leads to physical, intellectual, emotional and creative growth. Ages 18 months-6 years Free. Register.
aurora chamber networking breakfaStSept. 30, 9 a.m.St. Andrew’s Valley Golf Club, 4 Pinnacle Trail. Networking with hot buffet breakfast and an informative talk by a sponsor or guest speaker. Each person will be asked to present an elevator speech, a 30-second self-introduction and is given a list of all those in attendance.Contact: [email protected], 905-727-7262.
PreSchool StorytimeSept. 30, 11 a.m.East Gwillimbury Public Library - Holland Landing, 19513 Yonge St. Enjoy books, music, puppets, and activities that help preschoolers get ready to read. Ages 31 months-5 years Free.
watercolourS for beginnerS one-Day workShoPSept. 30, 10 a.m.Aurora Cultural Centre, 22 Church St. Join Artist Instructor Nancy Newman in an introduction to painting, focus-ing on watercolours. All materials provided in the workshop fee of $75. Bring a lunch & refreshments. Register for the workshop in advance.Contact: [email protected], 905-713-1818.
oneS & twoSSept. 30, 10:15 a.m.East Gwillimbury Public Library - Holland Landing, 19513 Yonge St.Ages 18 – 30 months. Interactive program that stimulates imagination.
Today
Reader John Wright sent in this great Your Shot of an albino chipmunk having a snack. Send us Your Shot. The ongoing theme is Nature & Wildlife. Email your high-quality jpegs to editor Tracy Kibble at [email protected] for a chance to have your photograph included in our online gallery and published in the newspaper.
To have your event included in what’s on, add it to our calendar at yorkregion.com
where DiD your rightS come from, anyway? muSingS about magna cartaSept. 30, 7 to 8:30 p.m.Aurora Cultural Centre, 22 Church St.A Heritage Lecture presented by Wayne Reeves, Chief Curator, City of Toronto. This year marks the 800th anniversary of King John of England putting his royal seal on the Magna Carta. This fall, Durham Cathedral’s copies of Magna Carta, and the Charter of the Forest, will be on exhibition at Fort York National Historic Site in Toronto.Contact: [email protected], 905-713-1818.
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what ’s onGET CONNECTEDq TALK TO US: Have a story idea?
Email editor Tracy Kibble at [email protected] or reporter Teresa Latchford at [email protected].
q BE SOCIAL: Follow us on Facebook facebook.com/TheNewmarketEra facebook.com/AuroraBanner or Facebook.com/ EastGwillimburyExpress
A6 The Aurora Banner, Thursday, September 24, 2015 A7The Aurora Banner, Thursday, September 24, 2015
Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill candidates pledge to make life affordable
BY TERESA [email protected]
Federal election candidates pledge to help make life a little more affordable for local families.
From 2012 to 2013, the average Ontario household expenditures increased by $3,772, from $78,495 to $82,267 in 2013, according to Statistics Canada.
In one year, your food bill increased an average of $378, the cost of shelter by $951, household operations by $312 and income tax by $578.
However, the average household income in the province only increased by $1,620 over the same period.
Conservative candidate Costas Menegakis feels family credits and enhancements his party has provided while in power and those proposed in the party platform will go a long way to helping families.
“I’m a firm believer in leaving more money in the hands of those who know what’s best for their family; mom and dad,” he said. “We want families to have more dis-posable income to be able to do what they want to do.”
York Region residents enjoy the lowest federal tax burden in 50 years, thanks to the leadership of the Conservative govern-ment, he said, adding the party, if re-elected, intends to keep taxes low and cut payroll taxes by more than 20 per cent in 2017 — so workers can take home more money.
In 2006, the Conservatives introduced the universal child care benefit. This year, the benefit for children six years and younger was increased from $100 to $160 per month and a new benefit was created for children six to 17, Menegakis said.
The children’s fitness tax credit also sup-ports families with children who participate in physical activities.
The party also plans to reintroduce the retrofit program, which will help families complete home renovations such as replac-
ing windows, doors and roofs.“Basically, our plan leaves an extra $6,500
in York Region families’ pockets a year,” he added.
Liberal Party candidate Leona Alleslev said no party is more focused on making life more affordable for residents of the rid-ing than the Liberals. By decreasing income taxes for the middle class and helping com-munities with a $60-billion injection for infrastructure over the next decade, her party will invest in families, she said.
A third of the funding bump would be invested in public transit, which would help make transportation more accessible and affordable in York Region.
Another $20 billion would be earmarked for social infrastructure, meaning more qual-ity daycare spaces and affordable housing.
“There is a huge lack of affordable hous-ing in York Region,” Alleslev said. “This funding would help us create incentives for developers to provide the housing that is so desperately needed for families that are just starting out.”
The remaining $20 billion will be invested in green infrastructure technology.
The funding is intended to help attract companies to locate in York Region, in turn creating well-paying, high-skilled jobs and having a positive impact on the economy, since local families will have more money in their pocket to spend locally.
NDP candidate Brenda Power did not respond prior to press time.
CANADA Decision
2015
Newmarket Chamber of Commerce hosts all-candidates debate
The Newmarket Chamber of Commerce will host an all-candidates debate and open house Oct. 6, from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Candidates will be on-hand to meet resi-dents and answer questions in an informal setting in the lobby of the theatre, beginning
at 6 p.m. Candidates from all parties have been invited to the open house.
The debate portion of the event begins at 7 p.m. and a moderator will ask candidates questions pertaining to various policies and platforms of interest to the chamber.
Questions from the audience will also be allowed, time permitting.
The theatre is at 505 Pickering Cres.
Meet Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill candidates at event this evening
Meet your federal candidates during an all-candidates event in Aurora tonight.
Hosted by the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, Richmond Hill-Markham Chinese Business Association, Rotary Club of Richmond Hill, York Region
Media Group and OnRichmondhill.com, you can meet and chat with Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill federal candidates from 6:30 to 7 p.m. at Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School, 39 Dunning Ave. in Aurora.
After the meet and greet with Conserva-tive Costas Menegakis, Liberal Leona Alleslev and NDP Brenda Power, candidates will par-ticipate in a moderated Q&A session.
For more information, call 905-884-1961 or visit rhcoc.com
C M Y
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lature, or proven popular support of at least 5 per cent in polling across the country or province. Five local candidates have reg-istered to run in October’s federal election — Baxter, Conservative incumbent MP Lois Brown, Liberal Kyle Peterson, New Democrat Yvonne Kelly and Green’s Vanessa Long.
The chamber’s criteria means only Baxter would be excluded.
While the Greens have consistently polled at around or lower than the percentage cri-teria, Long qualifies because the party has earned seats in the House.
While the chamber first established a policy around elections in 2011 — and has hosted all-candidates debates for provincial and municipal hopefuls since then — this specific criterion was added March 2015. The addition is based on feedback provided by chamber members on several occasions, Scott said, adding all candidates are invited to set up displays in the open house portion of the event.
“We looked at what is being done in debates across the nation, at different lev-els of government,” she said. “Historically, they’ve limited participants to main parties (or) frontrunners. We’re not breaking new ground here. In the past, we’ve had many different parties who have registered when we’ve run debates.”
Scott compared the format to the recent Globe and Mail leaders debate, which only included Prime Minister Stephen Harper, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau.
“We looked at fair ways to do it,” Scott said. “This is our debate. We are not funded by government. This is the best way we can provide value to all who attend.
“It’s not a policy that was put into place for one debate; it was a long-term policy. It has to be manageable for future debates as well. When the (chamber) board adopted the policy, it was with careful and prudent consideration… with the full understanding of what the ramifications might be for parties that didn’t qualify.”
Baxter has run in municipal, provincial and federal elections since the beginning of 2014.
He earned roughly 7 per cent of the vote while running for Newmarket mayor last October and 1.7 per cent during a bid for provincial office in June 2014. He also received 1.7-per-cent support in the 2011 federal election.
“If there’s enough noise, I’m hoping they’ll be put in reverse,” he said. “I’m not trying to be paranoid and presume it’s a vendetta against me, but I can’t help but feel a little bit affronted. If there was nine or 10 (candi-dates), I could see some rationale, but there’s just little old me. If there were a candidate running independently for the first time, they’ve struck out.”
Baxter encourages residents to vote for the individual who will best represent the riding in Parliament, not a specific party.
— with files from parl.gc.ca, elections.on.ca and newmarket.ca
From Front Page i To read more stories on this issue and to see comments from readers, follow: bit.ly/1Ouzqd5
Greens would abolish tuition, forgive debtcredit to single seniors.
“We’re going to do more of the same that we’ve already done,” she said.
“Our policies are to put more money back into the hands of Canadians. People who are single seniors have a very special financial need. I was so proud last week to hear Prime Minister (Stephen Harper) announce this tax credit. It’s going to help every one of them that’s struggling to make ends meet.”
Easing the burden on families starts with ensuring a standard quality of life and reduc-ing household debt, Green candidate Van-essa Long said.
“If families don’t work, then Canada doesn’t work,” she said. “If families don’t have enough money, they can’t function properly. We’re looking at changing dynam-ics — investing in youth so they can get jobs, investing in a national pharmacare program to make sure people can afford to get the medication they need (and) better home care for seniors. What I hear from the other parties are little bribes. Here’s 150 bucks or $75 a month. (The Greens are) talking about actually putting in place national measures to affect Canadians, it’s much more sweep-
ing. You won’t see little tweaks to an already broken system.”
Long said the Greens would invest in education, skills training and apprentice-ship programs, allocate 1 per cent of the GST toward municipal infrastructure improve-ments, abolish tuition fees and forgive uni-versity student debt over $10,000.
Meanwhile, Progressive Canadian can-didate Dorian Baxter pledges to donate half his MP salary to battle poverty in the riding, if elected to office. However, he has already helped residents for years, by offering free “family life” counselling and assisting on marriage, divorce and child welfare issues.
“Immediately upon election to office, one half of my salary will be returned to our rid-ing to battle poverty at large,” he said. “My current ‘Lone Ranger’ efforts in these areas would be infinitesimally enhanced with the greater powers bestowed upon my office as MP.”
From Front Page
GET CONNECTEDTELL US which promises resonate with you? Email [email protected].
❑
Chamber not ‘breaking new ground’
C M Y
A8 The Aurora Banner, Thursday, September 24, 2015
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he blend of hot days and cool evenings is a sure indicator that autumn is on our doorstep. I hope each of you had a wonderful sum-
mer with family and has successfully made the transition back to normal work and school routines.
We had some fantastic events in August and September. Movies in the Park and Con-certs in the Park were family favourites. Our celebration of the Queen’s Reign Sept. 9 was an elegant affair and a fitting acknowledg-ment of the milestone reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The 10th anniversary of Aurora’s ribfest, from Sept. 11 to 13, was a fun-filled collec-tion of tasty food and live entertainment with headline acts Chilliwack and The Spoons delivering awesome performances. As well, the Hoedown, sponsored by Magna, Sept. 18 and 19 proved another great community event supporting local charities and non-profit groups.
To all the staff and volunteers who helped put this great line-up of summer events together, thank you for all your dedication and hard work.
At town hall, our focus shifts to the 2016 budget. Budget discussions begin Monday and we are aiming for approval in December. The town is responsible for delivering most of the direct services that affect the every day lives of residents including roads, sidewalks, drinking water, parks and garbage collection, to name a few. Budget discussions are critical to ensuring we are delivering the appropriate services to our community.
It is important to hear from taxpayers that we are spending their property tax dollars effectively. If you haven’t done so, I strongly encourage you to take our citizen budget survey to indicate if you are satisfied with the level of services we deliver.
Citizen budget is available at aurora.citi-zenbudget.com or aurora.ca/citizenbudget until Oct. 30. It takes only a few minutes and provides valuable information to our coun-cil. It’s your money. You should have a say in how it is spent. Residents who complete the
survey are eligible to win a $250 Cineplex gift card. See our website for contest details.
Just last week, council approved operating guidelines for the 2016 budget. Our intention is to keep service levels the same, continue to contribute to our infrastructure reserves and aim for an overall tax pressure increase of 1.8 per cent.
Additionally, we are aiming for an increase to Central York Fire Services of 1.03 per cent overall, as we move forward with the implementation of our fire master plan and we are going to decrease our reliance on interest from our hydro funds by $100,000. Using the proceeds of the sale of a significant town asset should be a contingency, not a common practice.
I think each of these guidelines serves as a useful starting point for our discussion and reasonable, considering the rate of inflation and cost pressures. I look forward to a pro-gressive discussion and hope you will attend to voice your opinions or concerns. Budget details will be updated at aurora.ca/budget.
I would like highlight the town’s efforts to create a sport plan and update our parks & recreation master plan. These plans will help guide efforts to use our sport and recreation facilities to their maximum potential and determine what types of facilities our tax dol-lars should fund.
Please take our survey at aurora.ca/sport-plan or aurora.ca/masterplan to help guide the process.
COLUMN:
With summer over, attention turns to 2016 budget process
Mayor encourages you to have your say with Citizen Budget tool
Geoff Dawe
Aurora Mayor
T
MORE LETTERS
Let’s hear from candidates who have chance of being MP
Re: Newmarket-Aurora candidate angered by decision to exclude him from debate, yorkregion.com: bit.ly/1Ouzqd5
I, for one, applaud the Newmarket Cham-ber of Commerce for finally implementing criteria on participation in its all-candidates debate.
Those advocating every single candidate should participate, I assume, are of the mind that the leaders of the Rhino Party, Marijuana Party, Communist Party, all of which exist this election (and many more), should join the stage for our leaders debate?
I think many agree it’s appropriate to draw the line at some point.
And, specifically, with respect to Progres-sive Canadian Party’s Dorian Baxter, for years he has monopolized the debate stage with no chance of winning.
He rarely gets more than 1,000 votes where it will take more than 20,000 to stand a chance: enough already with his self-promo-tion and grandstanding.
I want to hear from candidates who actu-ally have a chance of being my MP.
A. WestonNewmarket
Large vehicle owners should pay more
Re: Why hit us where our plate stickers are?, editorial, Sept. 10: bit.ly/1KHM06m
Increasing the cost of a plate renewal is a good idea if applied correctly (clearly tar-geted) and for the right reasons.
Our roads should be viewed as real estate assets which wear out, need to be periodi-cally replaced and cost money to purchase and occupy.
The problem with the approach currently used is that it is not progressive and does not recognize that different users use different amounts of these real estate assets and have differing levels of impact on the wear and tear of these depreciating assets.
Larger vehicle owners occupy larger amounts of space and should be charged more for their stickers: look at these as higher condo maintenance fees. They generally weigh more and, therefore, do more damage to the asset.
They use more fuel and generate more greenhouse gases. A compact should pay 1/5th of what a large SUV pays.
The incentive to move to smaller, lighter vehicles would spur innovative research into making those vehicles and would make for more efficient use of our roads. And using a smaller, lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicle will help you avoid higher fees. Isn’t a choice what everybody says they want?
e.L. springoLo aurora
Street parking issue needs to be solved this winter
I have a complaint that is getting extreme-ly worse each and every year.
I live on Ostick Street in Aurora where most everyone has more than one car and seems to use the street for all cars every eve-ning between April and November.
If we have company over, they must find another street on which to park. We live on the sidewalk side, which gives us less parking space for the extra car and anyone parking with back tires on the road or front tires on the sidewalk, gets a ticket.
A few neighbours and I would be inter-ested in having a parking permit to park the extra car on the road, especially during win-ter. This would pertain to those residents liv-ing on the sidewalk side of the street only.
It is important this issue be looked at and solved for this coming winter season. This has been happening on my street for more than 10 years and has never been addressed. To wait until 2016 is just a waste of time as neighbours of Ostick are getting more frus-trated each year and getting annoyed at hav-ing to pay parking tickets, especially during winter months.
susAn soLeaurora
STAFF PHOTO/STEVE SOMERVILLE
Town Crier John Webster announces the town’s ceremony to celebrate of the Queen’s ReignSept. 9. The event took place at Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Park, Civic Square Gate. Queen Elizabeth II surpassed the reign of Queen Victoria Sept. 9, mak-ing her Canada’s longest reigning monarch. The celebration began with a flag-raising ceremony, citizenship affirmation, greetings from federal and provincial dignitaries and performances by the Evergreen Choir and the White Heather Band. 4
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C M Y
A9The Aurora Banner, Thursday, September 24, 2015
The BANNeR www.yorkregion.com
580 Steven Crt., Newmarket, ON L3Y 6Z2Publisher Ian Proudfoot
General ManaGer
Shaun Sauve
Director, business aDMinistration
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creative services
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Director, circulation
Carol LambOOPINION
L E T T E R S T O T H E E D I T O R
Middle class certainly does need saving
Re: Middle class doesn’t need saving, letter to the editor by Eric Smith, Sept. 17: bit.ly/1j2YCdZ
Smith feels the middle class doesn’t need saving, but I dis-agree.
Nortel goes bankrupt leaving many out of work and pension-ers without pensions. $70 million in bonuses is paid to 43 manag-ers. CEO John Roth takes home $135 million in bonus and stock options. The temporary foreign workers program is becoming the norm over hiring Canadians.
Smith says, “We are all in this together”, yet feels a government daycare is another level of tax-ation. There are lots of people who need help with daycare. Not every parent has grandparents on standby. There are many single parents, due to abusive relation-ships and deaths, who need help. In some households, it takes both wages to meet basic needs.
True, climate changes itself, but only to a point. Gone are coal-burning generators. Solar energy, hopefully, will be a mainstay some day. Eliminating car emissions is getting closer to a reality. Govern-ments have had to put tax dol-lars into private research facilities to bring this about. Smith may consider research and develop-ment as gambling, but I consider it hope for a healthier environ-ment.
As Canadians, it is our respon-sibility to vote and make sure a promise made is a promise kept.
Terry CoppsNewmarket
Candidates didn’t openly debate terrorism
Re: Candidates debate anti-terrorism law, Sept. 17: bit.ly/1OpTiht
This headline is mislead-ing since there was no debate between candidates. A debate should be a formal discussion in a public meeting with argu-ments and counter-arguments put forth.
This appeared to be a series of prepared sound bites from the candidates made in separate locations where they control all aspects.
I lay the blame for this primar-ily with the Conservative Party, which has created the longest election campaign, but has shut down virtually all debates, media access and unscripted scenarios.
This is a sad state of affairs for Canadian democracy. Let the candidates and leaders explain and defend their policies in an open forum, so voters can make a truly informed decision.
DaviD DownerNewmarket
Most who need it, don’t use food banks
Re: LifeCorps ensures food goes to where it’s needed, Sept. 17: bit.ly/1YwduBG
E D I T O R I A L
Policy sends wrong message to voters
Really? Research into food insecurity in Canada shows that only somewhere between 20 and 25 per cent of those who are food insecure actually use food banks.
There is nothing in this article to suggest that LifeCorps’ deliv-ery channels come anywhere near reaching the other 75 to 80 per cent.
And is it really “imperative that food collection and distri-bution hubs such as LifeCorps remain operational and sustain-able”?
What about a basic income guarantee (York Region leaders hear calls for basic income guar-antee, yorkregion.com, June 10: bit.ly/1KHIlW4) to ensure every-one has an income sufficient to meet their basic needs for food, shelter, heat and clothing and live with dignity, regardless of their work status.
As we read last June, the basic income guarantee has the potential to prevent poverty and to help individuals and families deal with insecurity and setbacks when they most need it. Surely that’s a better solution than the food charity being served up by LifeCorps.
GeralD FoxNewmarket
Parking idea one of sanest presented
Re: Old fire hall should be park-ing lot, Sept. 3: bit.ly/1hTRZcM and Listen to Kerwin on fire hall suggestion, letter to the edi-tor by Mary McKinnon, Sept. 10: bit.ly/1gfbsDT
I completely concur with McKinnon’s comments. I, too, feel it is one of the sanest ideas to be proposed by any council member in a very long time.
Shopping on Main Street, Newmarket is very enjoyable, but parking is often a frustra-tion. It makes profound sense to convert the land where the old fire hall sits into a parking lot. This would, no doubt, stimulate business on Main, supporting merchants who try to make a living there.
I would simply point out to other council members that If they want us to support our his-toric part of town, then more parking is not only a good idea, it is a must.
Thank you, Kerwin for bring-ing a level-headed idea forward. Let’s hope others will see the wis-dom in this suggestion.
ruTh aDamsNewmarket
Cyclists don’t litterRe: Hey bike clubs: have
some respect, letter to the edi-tor by Gloria Moore, Sept. 10: bit.ly/1KwcEuo
In yet another letter from an East Gwillimbury cyclist hater, Moore has, unfortunately, stated some very mistaken ideas about cycling and cycling club mem-bers.
First, it is the responsibility of motorists to determine when
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he Newmarket Chamber of Commerce may have good intentions by limiting the number of candidates it allows into its upcom-
ing federal election debate, but by excluding one person because he fails to meet imposed qualifications, the organization is sending the wrong message to voters.
Dorian Baxter, the local Progressive Canadian Party candidate, will not be allowed to participate in the chamber debate at the Newmarket Theatre Oct. 6. He can set up a display in the hall-way of the theatre, but that is where his participation ends.
The chamber recently added cri-teria to its election debate policy that requires participants to have party rep-resentation in the House of Commons or the provincial legislature, or proven popular support of at least 5 per cent in polling across the country or province.
There are four other candidates — Conservative incumbent MP Lois Brown, Liberal Kyle Peterson, New Democrat Yvonne Kelly and Green Par-ty’s Vanessa Long — and each meets the chamber criteria for participation. The chamber says it added new rules following discussion with its members.
But here is a case where arbitrary numbers are being used to justify a rash decision. For example, if the circumstances changed slightly, the Green Party would also be excluded. Nationally, the party has consistently polled at 5 per cent or less for the past month and while it has earned seats in the House this term, a few hundred swing votes in ridings that have very little to do with Newmarket-Aurora could have pushed Long out of the local debate entirely. We should not let events in other areas of the country determine the suitability of our local candidates.
And, remember, although Baxter
has received 1.7 per cent support in recent provincial and federal cam-paigns, the results of his mayoralty bid last October — where he earned about 7 per cent of the vote — would easily qualify him for a local chamber debate.
In certain circumstances, the cham-ber should narrow the field. As recent American Republican presidential debates demonstrate, too many candi-dates can muddy purposeful dialogue and discussion on important issues.
But the Newmarket chamber hosted a larger provincial debate last year, with much success. Residents, in general, appreciate the business com-munity’s leadership in supporting the democratic process.
But the chamber’s current criterion creates an imbalance in the local elec-tion and makes it impossible for a can-didate without the backing of a major political party to have an equal voice.
It doesn’t matter how organized a platform may be or whether or not a candidate has worked hard to deliver a message throughout the campaign; he or she won’t be able to prove support across a wider jurisdiction.
This policy just looks exclusionary, even if that wasn’t the intent.
There’s a relatively simple and fair solution here, which could be applied to future debates. The chamber should enact a policy that sets a maximum number of candidates allowed in a “main event” debate, leaving enough room for a “fringe” candidate or two to participate.
Justify the number based on the experience of previous debates. Then, apply the disputed percentage and seats criteria to determine which can-didates do not qualify.
Then allow anyone who did not qualify to be given a few minutes on stage early in the evening to make a pitch to voters or answer a question from a moderator. That way, everyone has an opportunity to at least reach out to a larger audience.
Let’s hope the chamber reconsiders and reviews its policy before the next election.
T
GET CONNECTED
READ All our published letters at yorkregion.com or send your
letter to the editor to Tracy Kibble at [email protected]
ISSUE: Newmarket chamber’s federal election debate rules exclude
candidate Dorian Baxter.
BOTTOM LINE: All federal election candidates should get fair, equal
chance to be heard.
they can safely pass a bike with-out hitting an oncoming vehicle. When cars pass cyclists, even when they are riding single file, the Highway Traffic Act now requires the driver to allow one metre of clearance. This will mean the car will have to cross the yellow centre line when pass-ing a cyclist and the risk of hitting an oncoming car will always be present unless the driver is sure the road ahead is clear.
Second, serious cyclists do not smoke – that would clearly be incompatible with riding a bike for 100 kilometres at 30 km/h, therefore, they do not leave butts on her driveway.
Third, bottle racks on racing bicycles are round, therefore, they cannot hold juice boxes that are littered on her driveway — cyclists use specially designed round bottles that they always take home to refill.
I can only assume Moore has not taken the time to read the signs on Kennedy Road that state the Newmarket Cycling Club has, for many years, held regular cleanups of this road through the Region’s Adopt-a-Road program.
These cleanups always gener-ate many garbage bags full of cig-arette butts, beverage containers and other detritus left by local residents and motorists on the idyllic tree-lined streets of East Gwillimbury.
anDrew DarkeNewmarket
On Disciplined OPP officer from Sutton still a high-ranking cop:
bit.ly/1WbDrEB
I used to have a lot of respect for the OPP. Had no idea they would allow such
a disgraceful act to forever tarnish the good image of the force and that of the good men and women that remain. Is it
that hard to get rid of a bad apple under Ontario LAW? Sad!
By Mike
Another OPP uniformed (officer’s)wrongdoings have been finally exposed.
What a surprise! He was having fun while being suspended with pay, of course. And
is still a police officer! What a nonsense! Unfortunately, this is, by far, not an
isolated incident of corruption and law breaking in the OPP. They do not seem to
care much about those incidents either. Google the ‘Ontario Provincial Police
Block’ and see for yourself. By OPP
Will federal election go to the dogs? got sick last week, one of those summer colds that forces you to sit at home for a day with a box of tissues, thinking about your own mortality. And hanging out
with the dog.Oh, life would be so much easier
as Fido, don’t you think?Don’t have to get up and go to
work in the morning. Unless work is maybe wagging your tail and giving your love and affection to your owner.
Don’t have to battle traffic, unless maybe it’s really busy at the dog park and a French poodle and a Labrador are fighting over a Frisbee (that is now in the most disgusting condition anyone could possibly imagine... put it under a microscope and I’m sure you’d see some stuff waving back at you).
Don’t have to pay any bills because hey, you don’t even have a bank account, a wallet, pockets. A bill? What’s a bill?
(Money? What’s that? Didn’t I eat a penny one time? Then you went on about the “vet bill”?)
When you’re a dog, you eat the food that’s put in front of you.
You don’t have to pour over the 300 items on the menu, or wonder through the aisles at the grocery store until you end up in the frozen pizza section.
You go out for a walk when your owner takes you for a walk. Sleep when it’s time to sleep.
Sounds a lot like prison, don’t you think?
Yes, in terms of the law, family pets are property, but we all know that’s just a technicality.
Think of them as family members who need some gentle control mea-sures akin to what you would do to a two-year-old. Just to keep them and everyone else safe.
If you’re a dog and you’re feeling good, hey, you can sleep all day.
If you’re not feeling so hot, you can sleep all day, too. No need to feel guilty about work.
And of course, one of the other perks of being a dog would be not having to endure elections.
They say you shouldn’t read too much into the polls, but it has been interesting to watch the three main parties in next month’s federal elec-tion, all hovering around 30 per cent, for what now seems like weeks.
Collectively, we’re a bit like a dog, who is not going to pick one of the humans in the household over the others. Whoever will scratch my back is OK with me.
Conservative: “I will scratch your back, but look, there’s only so much free back scratching to go around. Maybe you can figure out a way to scratch your own back every once in a while. Can’t reach your back? Really?”
NDP: “I will scratch your back more than the other guy scratches your back and I’ll do it without impacting any of our other activities, such as dog park visits or chasing the cat. Although I find your treatment of the cat to be discriminatory and will move to outlaw it.”
Liberal: “The other two cannot possibly scratch your back as much as I am going to scratch your back, since I am willing to buy an innovative new back scratcher with my credit card to give you only the best back scratching experience possible — I’ll be able to scratch your back and rub your belly at the same time — which is what you deserve, little fellow. We can worry about the bills and the money later (which is not a big deal since I believe you have no concept of either).”
Green: “I’d scratch your back, but then I don’t want to increase our car-bon footprint by expending energy. Go back to sleep.”
But then we aren’t dogs and will all have to make our choice about who we want to be top dog in the House of Commons the next term of parlia-ment.
Although the way things are going, I tend to think we’re going to be ruled by a coalition of some kind, just like most households.
— Bernie O’Neill is editor of the Markham Economist & Sun
I
Bernie O’Neill
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C M Y
A10 The Aurora Banner, Thursday, September 24, 2015
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Abby of Aurora writes, “We are planning to re-do our floors this fall. I think I want to install hardwood. Can you tell me how we deal with the hardwood where it meets existing cabinetry? Is there one hardwood you recommend that is harder than all the others? What else do we need to think about when it comes to the installation?”
You’re making a good investment Abby. Add-ing hardwood can improve the value of your home and make it more desirable to future homebuyers. Be sure to start getting quotes now because good
installers are booking weeks or months in advance and, depending on the flooring you select, it could take you several weeks to get materials delivered.
Be sure to determine if your existing floor is flat or not. Note that I did not say “level” because hard-wood can generally be installed on floors that have some slope to them. If your floor has what I’ll call a “wave” of any kind and is uneven, the subfloor may require extra work in order to avoid any potential in-stallation or long-term product performance issues.
Ideally, all flooring is put in prior to any cabinets being installed; if you have the option, the time and the budget, my preference is always to remove cabinetry and re-install it once the hardwood has been laid. More realistically however, it may be an option to simply remove existing cabinetry kick plates and install hardwood as far under the cabi-nets as will be hidden by the kick. The final and, in my opinion, least desirable solution is to simply butt the hardwood up against the kick plates of ex-isting cabinetry. It’s difficult to get a perfectly even cut on the edges of the planks that butt against the kick, so you may find installing a small cove or a shoe moulding in front of the kick is required to
clean up the installation. Finish these mouldings to match the cabinets. Don’t try to stain them to match the flooring.
A natural material, wood is susceptible to scratch-ing, denting, moisture and dryness. If treated prop-erly, however, it can also be a flooring option that will last for years to come.
Brazilian cherry (Jatoba) is the hardest of the woods with hickory, maple and oak also falling into the category of those considered the hardest of the species. That said, hardness is not necessarily an in-dicator that the product won’t scratch. Know that all species of wood regardless of hardness will scratch or mark under the wrong conditions.
If this is a real concern for you, consider choosing mid-tone to lighter stains coupled with lower sheen finishes that are a little more forgiving when it comes to showing imperfections. The darker the wood, the more dirt, dust balls and scratches are visible. There are also great wire-brush and hand-scraped finishes that give the wood a somewhat distressed look and can potentially reduce any anxiety you may have over imperfections.
I recommend purchasing a humidity level moni-tor for your home so you can avoid shrinkage, crack-ing and cupping that can result from a home that’s too dry or too humid.
Purchase doormats for all home entrances and the area in front of the kitchen sink in order to re-duce the likelihood of moisture damage and the ef-
fects of dirt and salt in the winter months. Be sure to shut off the water in your home when you travel for extended periods to reduce the chance of water damage while you’re away.
You’ll need to make a decision between whether or not you use engineered or solid hardwood floor-ing. Engineered wood is made by adhering sheets of wood to a composite surface, so it is a stable product for most applications. Consider engineered options if the subfloor is concrete, if you want wider wood planks or if you don’t have the option of nailing the hardwood down during installation.
If you have thoughts of being able to refinish the flooring, note that you will only get one or two sands out of engineered products. Should you want the option to sand and re-stain your floors several times, you may want to consider a 3/4” solid hardwood.
Opt for better quality hardwoods that guarantee a certain percentage of longer-length boards in or-der to avoid a patchwork look.
I don’t recommend installing hardwood below grade (in basements) or in areas where water can be or is an issue, so opt for another flooring material in these areas of your home.
Cheers!Janice
Janice Clements is a certified interior decorator and a member of CDECA. Visit Janice on the web at www.
clementsinteriors.com or on Facebook at www facebook.com/clementsineriors
Janice Clements
Take your kitchen up a notch with hardwood
C M Y
A11The Aurora Banner, Thursday, September 24, 2015
Locally owned and operated905-235-1651
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Lack of cleaning and maintenance is the major contributor to dryer fires. Lintaccumulates on the inside of dryer vents and also finds its way into the dryerhousing. It only takes a spark to ignite lint. Once lint is burning it can smolder orblaze very quickly. The fire will follow the path of the lint and ultimately burn throughthe venting system. Having metal foil or plastic venting allows the fire to escaperesulting in a laundry room / house fire. Dryer vents should be constructed of rigid orsemi-rigid piping as these materials will contain a fire and allow for proper operationof your dyer. Warning signs of a potential dryer fire include, clothes take longer thana regular cycle to dry, build up of lint in and around the back of the dryer or the dryergets very hot to the touch. Your Dryer Vent Wizard specialist cleans,installs, repairsand alter vents. We also de-lint the inside of most dryer models
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A dripping faucet is the most common plumbing problem as well as one ofthe easiest to repair. Yet many people ignore it and leave the dripping faucetunrepaired, that costs money. A steady drip can waste $20 or more in waterin a short time. Multiply that figure by the number of faucet drips in yourhome, and you can calculate howmuch of your money is literally going downthe drain. The waste from a dripping hot water faucet is even more becauseyou’re also paying to heat the water before it goes down the drain. Waterconservation is also a big issue, every drop of water used must be filtered,purified and treated before it can be used again.
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Teeth can break and chip for many reasons. Large fillings help restore teethfor chewing but are much weaker than the original tooth. These teeth canbreak very easily. The dentist will often recommend a “cap” or “crown” forthis tooth. The “cap” covers the tooth strengthening it so it is less likely tobreak. Another common reason is clenching and grinding of the teeth. Manypeople do this at night while they sleep and they are often unaware that it ishappening. The dentist can often tell that you are doing it just by looking atyour teeth as the teeth will show signs of heavy wear and tear. A night guard(a custom made appliance similar to a sports guard) is often made for theperson to wear at night to protect the teeth from this excessive wear andtear. The dentist will often recommend these things to you at the check upvisit. If you have not been to the dentist in a while why not consider comingin? We are accepting new patients right now! Give us a try!
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KEEP 28 DENTAL CENTRE
I’m shopping for Luxury VinylPlanks and Tiles. Should I
get the “click” version or theglue down version?
FlooringRUSS GALE
Certain lines of Luxury Vinyl Planks and Tiles will onlycome with one installation method or the other, so youwon’t have much choice. With wood look planks, thefinished appearance will be the same whether glued orclicked. However, with the tile look, you can only groutthe tile if it is glued down. Gluing down Luxury VinylPlanks or Tiles has the added expense of the adhesive,but has a much more “permanent” bond to your floor.
435 Davis Drive (at Main St.) Newmarket • 905-895-8822www.KleinHorsmanCarpetOneNewmarket.com
Auto ServiceMIKE McGRAW
Our advice is to put your snow tires on nearing theend of October or beginning of November. Mostmajor fleets have their snows on before Halloweenand remove them by April Fools day. Rememberto have your car check for winter at the sametime! And don’t forget some insurance companiesgive you a price reduction for having 4 snow tiresinstalled on your vehicle for the winter season.
When should I put mysnow tires on?
30 Charles St., Newmarket905-898-0514
www.mrmsauto.com
Injury to any of the bones, ligaments or tendons in the anklecan cause ankle pain. An injury can occur traumatically duringa sudden forceful motion or it can occur over timewith overuse.A very common cause of ankle pain is a sprain, which occurswhen the ankle joint is put through a forceful twist or bend.This causes the ligament to over-stretch or even tear. Othercommon causes of ankle pain include fractures, tendinitis,and arthritis. It is important to have ankle pains examined andtreated to prevent its further progression.
My ankles hurt when I standor walk for a long time.What is causing this?
Foot HealthSARAH CHAN
200 Davis Drive, Unit #1 Newmarket, ON L3Y 2N4905-830-1010
Sarah Chan, chiropodist/foot specialist
Funeral ServicesWES PLAYTER
157 Main Street S., Newmarket905-895-6631 • www.roadhouseandrose.com
[email protected] Owned & Operated Since 1842
Bereaved Families of York Region is a not-for-profit organization who provides free bereavementservices to the community. Is there any upcomingevents where I can support this organization and
help them continue to do their good work?
Bereaved Families of York Region is a charitable partner with theMagna Hoedown this year. By purchasing tickets to the September18th event ($45), September 19th event ($75), or purchasing araffle ticket (3 tickets for $20, with a 1st prize of $75,000), you canprovide support to this organization. For more information or topurchase event or raffle tickets, please call Wes Playter, BoardMember Bereaved Families of York Region at 905.895.6631 [email protected]. Thank You.
2015 Hoedown wrangles UP $464K
Photography by Nick Iwanyshyn
Jim Cuddy performs with his band dur-ing the first day of the 2015 Magna Hoedown Friday. For more Hoedown photographs, visit yorkregion.com
Beverley Mahood and Frank Stronach share the stage on day two of the Hoedown.
Dignitaries, including Magna founder Frank Stronach (centre in black hat), reveal the grand total raised during the second day of the Hoedown at Magna Headquarters in Aurora Saturday.
C M Y
A12 The Aurora Banner, Thursday, September 24, 2015
Dance for Southlake!
Fundraiser at CDA Dance AcademyCDA Dance Academy is proud tosupport the Southlake Regional
Health Centre Foundation!
southlakefoundation.ca | www.cdadanceacademy.com | mfisher.zumba.com
Come out and try Acro, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Tap and Zumba.Prizes to be won! Hope to see you there!
Join us for our Dance Fundraising Event for Southlake RegionalHealth Centre Foundation. Everyone is Welcome from Children to
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Saturday, September 26th, 2015 from 11am–1pm16715 Yonge Street, Unit #28, Newmarket (Mulock and Yonge) 905-836-8040
For more information,please contact [email protected]
To make a donation, please visit www.southlakefoundation.ca and look for our fundraising event page “Dance for Southlake!”
*** Refer a Friend & Receive a $25 Credit to Your CDA Performing Arts Centre Account ***
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STAFF PHOTO/MIKE BARRETT
Tom Taylor Trail Ten Miler race directors Paolo Di Petta (right) and Mario Duduca test out the route for Sunday’s event along the Newmarket trail. Proceeds benefit Inn From the Cold.
Run raises cash for Inn from the ColdBy Chris simon
t’s nearly 4TMiler time.The sixth annual Tom Taylor Trail
Ten Miler is scheduled to return to Newmarket Sunday and is anticipated
to attract nearly 300 people.Also known as the 4TMiler, the event is
expected to raise about $10,000 for Inn From The Cold.
“It’s a really big event,” race director Paolo Di Petta said. “We’re trying to get everybody to reconnect with nature and the commu-nity.”
The event begins at George Richardson Park in Newmarket, includes 10-mile or five-kilometre run or walk options and winds its way through East Gwillimbury and Aurora.
Di Petta and marketing director Mario Duduca took over organization of the race because it was at risk of going defunct.
“I’ve run the race twice and I actually contacted the organizers and asked if they needed help with marketing,” Di Petta said. “They said they wouldn’t be running the race (this) year. I thought that was a bit of a trag-edy. But they were kind of exhausted from organizing it for the past five years. They passed it on to me. It’s too beautiful to not keep it going.”
The 4TMiler has raised more than $60,000 for Inn over the past five years.
“Inn has been really excited we’re help-ing them out,” Di Petta said. “It’s a good opportunity to give back to the community. They’re not a huge charity, so we can really see the impact. The homeless here could just be everyday people who have fallen on hard luck.”
Inn assists homeless and at-risk individu-als by offering shelter, training and oppor-tunities to reintegrate as contributing mem-bers of society. This year, proceeds from the 4TMiler will be directed to Inn’s compre-hensive employment program, which gives residents a chance to work toward economic self-sufficiency by learning kitchen or wood-working skills.
“They’re a very good cause and already well known in York Region,” Duduca said. “There’s an emotional attachment that makes you push yourself a little bit more. You’re doing something you love and giving back to the community at the same time.”
I4TMiler expected to raise about $10K for local charity
GET CONNECTEDFor more, visit innfromthecold.ca or call 905-895-8889.
q
FLY AWAY, PAINTED LADY
Bereaved Families of York Region’s eighth annual Butterfly Release and Walk to Remember took place at Fairy Lake Park Sept. 19. The event included the release of hundreds of painted lady butterflies, a barbecue organized by the Optimist Club of Aurora, children’s colouring activities and inspirational songs and readings. The butterflies help grieving participants remember loved ones.
PHOTO/ROLAND PFEIFFER
Please recycle this newspaper
Please recycle this newspaper
Please recycle this newspaper
C M Y
A13The Aurora Banner, Thursday, September 24, 2015
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Savings for all offers are off our regular prices, unless otherwise specified. Friends and Family oFFers excludes One Day Sales, Hudson’s Bay Company Trading Post (Airport locations) and Hudson’s Bay Gift Cards. Other exclusions apply. See store for complete listing. 15% and 20% offers exclude Diesel, Kate Spade New York, UGG Australia, Kleinfeld, The Room,TOPSHOP, TOPMAN, NYDJ, Hugo Boss, Burberry, Polo Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Vince, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Diane Von Furstenberg, Theory, Alice + Olivia, Moose Knuckles, ALC, Helmut Lang, T by Alexander Wang, Frye, Dr. Martens, Hunter, Aquatalia, West End Shop/Boutique le President, Wacoal, Swarovski, Amor, Pandora, furniture, mattresses, bedding and sheets by Sferra,Frette, Marimekko and Ralph Lauren, patio, major appliances, barbecues, small appliances, vacuums, confectionery, personal care electrics, cookware, gadgets, cosmetics and fragrances. 10% offer excludes cosmetics and fragrances, Dyson, GE CAFÉ, Vitamix, Sub Zero, Wolf Gourmet, GE Monogram and Kate Spade New York. 10%, 15% and 20% offers are mutuallyexclusive and cannot be combined with New Account discount. No price adjustments on purchases made prior to September 25, 2015. Offer cannot be combined with any other coupon(s). Hudson’s Bay, Hudson’s Bay Credit, hbc.com and their associated designs are trademarks of Hudson’s Bay Company. Credit is extended by Capital one Bank (Canada Branch).Capital One® is a registered trademark of Capital One Financial Corporation. MasterCard and the MasterCard brand mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated. All marks used under licence. All rights reserved. Women’s fall arrivals: Select styles available in Petite and Plus Sizes. style&Co. excludes F15 September and items with99¢ price endings. Chaps excludes HL ACT I, HL CLS I, HL DNM I, HL SPW I, FA ACT III, FA CLS III, FA DNM III, FA SPW III and items with 99¢ price endings. allison daley excludes Bay Exclusive, Navy News, Berry Burgundy and items with 99¢ price endings. Bras and panties: Second item must be of equal or lesser value; Excludes Warner’s boxed styles, ’3-for panty’offers and items with 99¢ price endings. small appliances exclude items with 95¢ price endings. men’s shoes exclude Clarks Original, Clarks TOR and Clarks 1825. *Before taxes. One gift per customer. While quantities last. Values are based on our per mL and/or g price for regular-sized products.
On the campaign trail: Long hopes to extend base of supportBY CHRIS [email protected]
Journalist Chris Simon is on the campaign trail with Newmarket-Aurora candidates in the lead up to the Oct. 19 federal election. Each week, he’ll focus on a different polit-ical hopeful, in an effort to learn a little more about their campaigns and the issues about which they are passionate. He starts with the Green Party’s Vanessa Long:
ou’re about to go out with a candidate for a party no one knows exists.”
It was a statement with unexpected candour from Green Party candidate Vanessa Long as I met up with her for a round of door knocking on a sunny and hot afternoon last week.
She wore a green shirt and is quite tall and was trying something new because she’d never before canvassed in the Arnold Crescent area of Newmarket. Vanessa was alone, but held a stack of party pamphlets.
She is running in a riding that has been dominated by Canada’s traditional ruling parties — the Liberals and Conservatives — for decades. So, perhaps it’s little shock when the people who answer their doors in the neighbourhood admit they are unfamiliar with her name. But she smiles and offers to answer any questions the residents may have.
She ran in the 2011 federal election, earning 2,628 votes (4.5 per cent). And she’s attended two local debates, so far during this campaign, earning a strong chorus of applause after speaking at both engagements. She chokes up when talking about social issues, specifi-cally poverty. It’s clearly a passion for the Salvation Army church
member and former Green social services critic.
So, perhaps her name is begin-ning to resonate with anyone pay-ing attention.
“I wouldn’t be human if it didn’t bother me,” she said, of being turned away at the door. “There’s a belief that a successful politician has to be dry as toast. Why be like that?”
Still, the underdog carries on, observing the landscaping as we approach houses and she jokes about jumping from one driveway to another, rather than walking to the road. The humidity forces us to stop under the shade of trees every few houses. A woman watches us from the end of her driveway.
Arnold is under construction, a work in progress like Vanessa’s campaign. So, when she sees a house with Liberal candidate Kyle Peterson’s lawn sign out front, she doesn’t hesitate to knock on the front door. It’s a practice based entirely on her mood at the time.
A woman answers, but quickly dismisses Vanessa’s pitch and
closes the door. On the way to the next house,
we chat about Green policy. For her, this campaign is about sharing the party message and expanding its support base. There are long-term goals and while the party is often recognized for its environ-mental stance, there’s depth to the platform that should appeal to all local residents, Vanessa says.
“If we had proportional rep-resentation, I’d do very well; but unless you vote for the winner, your vote doesn’t count,” she said, admitting a tight race can nega-tively affect her ballot count, as res-idents cast their votes strategically. “I’m really excited about the plat-form this time. There are a lot of big, bold moves. It’s not hard when you reallocate your priorities.”
She talks about the guaranteed livable income that aims to end poverty, abolishing tuition, reform-ing the electoral system and elimi-nating corporate welfare.
There is little that is off limits during the walk and she doesn’t hesitate to pause to contemplate before making a comment.
“I want to be in a Canada that I’m proud to hand to my kids; a Canada that has sustainable indus-try and economy, that takes care of its people,” she said. “Not one that is more greedy and isolationist. Right now, we’ve basically sold our-selves out to China and the U.S. We don’t own our own mining, forestry or oil industries. That’s appalling.”
CANADA Decision
2015
Green Party’s Vanessa Long speaks to the audience at a debate earlier this month.
‘Y
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C M Y
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Presents... Indulge Your Senses at DeafBlind Ontario fundraiser this evening
BY TERESA [email protected]
Go ahead; indulge a little.DeafBlind Ontario invites you to the 10th
annual Indulge Your Senses fundraising event at the Club at Bond Head Sept. 24.
From 6 to 10 p.m., guests will be treated to pampering spa services, wine tasting and delicious hors d’oeuvres. Spa treatments will include massage, reflexology, manicures, makeup and hair styling.
This upscale affair for women also features the signature dessert-in-the-dark experience,
where guests are blindfolded and dependent on their senses of taste, touch and smell to identify the tasty eats.
A silent auction, raffle and beauty product swag bag make it the ultimate girls’ night out.
Local firefighters will also be on hand lend-ing their support for the cause.
The funds raised during the event will go to support residential and specialized services provided by the organization.
The non-profit organization helps peo-ple who are deafblind increase their inde-pendence and improve their quality of life through specialized services.
The group provides services provincewide, including residential locations, such as the six homes and two apartment programs in York Region and Simcoe County.
For more information about the event or the organization, visit deafblindontario.com or call 1-855-340-3267 ext. 233.For more information about the event or the organization, visit deafblindontario.com or call 1-855-340-3267 ext. 233.i
FILE PHOTO
A participant tries the dessert-in-the-dark experience at last year’s DeafBlind Ontario Indulge Your Senses event.
Fire Prevention Week returns to Newmarket and Aurora next month
“Hear the Beep where you Sleep” this year.
That’s the theme of Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 4 to 10.
As part of the initiative, Central York Fire Services will host open houses in New-market and Aurora, where visitors will be treated to some morning coffee, afternoon barbecue, fire safety games and informa-tion, vehicle rescue demonstrations, rides on the Tim Hortons Express Train, arts and crafts and an appearance by Sparky the Fire Dog.
The Aurora open house takes place at Station 4-4, located at 1344 Wellington St. E., on Sept. 26. Parking will be available at
the Stronach Recreation Complex, 1400 Wellington St. E., and a shuttle service will be provided.
Newmarket’s open house runs at Station 4-1, 984 Gorham St., the following week on Oct. 3.
Both events will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The week’s theme stresses the impor-tance of having a working smoke alarm on every level in the home and outside all sleeping areas.
Established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the public informa-tion blitz focuses on education and fire safety.
For more information on the week, visit firepreventionweek.org. Details can also be found at nfpa.org and sparky.org.
— Teresa Latchford