Aurora Banner July 9, 2015 by Aurora Banner

PANAMANIA

OUR VIEW

LET THE GAMES BEGIN. HERE’S TASTE OF WHAT’S TO COME PAGE B1

SENIOR ISSUES AFFECT US ALL PAGE A6

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SENIORS & BOOMERS — A SERIES, PART II

SENIOR CITIZENS FACE HIGHS, LOWS OF AGING BY LISA QUEEN

lqueen@yrmg.com

rom volunteering and social pursuits to loneliness and health problems, 84-year-old Joyce Elming’s senior years have been filled with the kinds of highs and lows to which many seniors can relate. Her life was upended when her husband, Erich, died in 1989. “I was unfortunate because I was only 57 when my husband died. We had just bought our dream house and I was left with that great big house, so I had to sell it and move,” said Elming, who had lived in Aurora since 1959 before recently moving in with her daughter and son-in-law in Newmarket.

‘Living alone, it’s very depressing because you are not needed by anybody, you think.’ Her son and two daughters, who were living at home when their father died, eventually left home. “They moved out, so I was alone. There’s nothing worse when you’re a senior than being alone,” Elming said, adding she is fortunate that her husband left her well-provided for financially. “Living alone, it’s very depressing because you are not needed by anybody, you think. When you have people at home, you’re planning dinner or you’re planning this and that. There’s always something to do when you’re a mother or father. But when you’re on your own and your children are self-supporting, you’re not on call, so to speak, like you were before, so it’s a question of filling those hours and if STAFF PHOTO/MIKE BARRETT

Joyce Elming, 83, talks about the pros and cons of aging and what services she uses.

See page A3.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Thousands of homes in response-time ‘red zone’: fire chief BY CHRIS SIMON AND TERESA LATCHFORD

csimon@yrmg.com, tlatchford@yrmg.com

It would take local fire crews longer than five minutes to travel to about 6,000 existing and yet-to-be-built homes in Newmarket and Aurora, according to a report from Central York Fire Services Chief Ian Laing. While Newmarket and Aurora have approved a Central York Fire Services master plan update — a document that will guide the municipalities on fire prevention and protection services for the “foreseeable future” — thousands of homes

are still sitting in the “red zone”, sections of the towns firefighters say they need more than five minutes to reach. In Aurora, the red zone includes about 2,800 residences and stretches east of Bathurst Street, from the municipal boundary to Henderson Road. Newmarket’s red zone has more than 3,000 homes and is in the northwest quadrant and along an area north of Davis Drive, between Yonge and Leslie streets. Almost 260 additional homes are expected to be built in the Newmarket red zone in the next year.

The CYFS mandate is delivered to residents … in line with the guidelines from the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, Laing said, noting the areas affected include three elementary schools and St. Andrew’s College. The rationale to have a fifth fire station placed in the central area of the two communities was identified in the 2008 master fire plan, the chief added. Placement of a new station adjacent to a See page A4.

IAN LAING: Central York Fire Services chief raises concerns about response times in a recent report.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Hospital mum on resignations Ex-directors won’t ‘compromise principles’, former member states

T STAFF PHOTO/MIKE BARRETT

Sheryl Thomas, left, and Brenda Hillaby of Marquee Productions represent one of the many charities benefitting from this year’s Magna Wild West Hoedown taking place Sept. 18.

15 charities to benefit from 2015 Hoedown BY TERESA LATCHFORD

tlatchford@yrmg.com

The Road Hammers and Dallas Smith have been announced as the headliners for the 2015 Hoedown. From a humble barbecue to what has become York Region’s largest annual fundraiser, the Hoedown, presented by Magna, has brought country music talent to Aurora for the past 26 years. But what sets the music festival apart

from others like it is the fact all of the proceeds are donated to charities in York Region. “We aren’t selling anything and the costs are covered because it is all about the charities,” spokesperson Steve Hinder said at the kick-off event held at Adena Springs yesterday where representatives from 15 charities the event will support gathered to celebrate. But on the nights of the event, it’s the top-notch musical talent that will take

the stage. On Sept. 18, the doors open at 6:30 p.m. Ticket holders will be treated to a light dinner, silent auction and cash bar as The Jim Cuddy Band graces the stage. On Sept. 19, the Canadian country music group known as the Road Hammers, who received a Juno in 2006 for See page A4.

BY CHRIS TRABER

ctraber@yrmg.com

he reason why all but two Southlake Foundation board directors suddenly resigned last week remains classified. On Tuesday, a week after 12 volunteer members quit the foundation board en masse, a joint statement by the foundation and Southlake Regional Health Centre confirmed the fact. Void of a rationale for the resignations, the message did suggest the board is “undergoing a time of transition”. The missive went on to say, “The decision to tender their resignations was not made lightly,” and that the foundation and hospital are saddened by the decisions. “The former members remain committed to the hospital and the Southlake Foundation and the availability of world-class care close to home,” concluded the message. Ex-directors are mum. Former foundation board chairperson Jim Alexander did issue a statement on behalf of fellow independent directors who opted to resign. “As a volunteer board made up of prominent community leaders, the foundation board was guided by our individual principles and values,” he wrote. “As we were not willing to compromise those principles and values, we felt that the best thing to do for the future of Southlake Regional (Health) Centre and its Foundation was to resign.” Foundation president and CEO Neila Poscente could not offer a rationale for the resignations.

See page A2.

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The Aurora Banner, Thursday, July 9, 2015

You’re invited to take in some theatre at Town Park this summer Enjoy some theatre in the park this summer. The Town of Aurora and the Humber River Shakespeare Company invite residents to attend Town Park, located at the corner of Mosley and Wells streets, for a showing of Falstaff and The Merry Wives of Windsor on July 10, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. Pack a blanket and lawn chair and enjoy the rowdy and hilarious comedy of love, marriage and trickery. This year, an interactive pre-show workshop is being offered on July 11 at 6:15 p.m. The event is open to the public on a payas-you-can basis with a suggested donation of $20 to support the company. Food vendors will be on-site with barbecue-type foods at 6 p.m. For more information, visit aurora.ca/ specialevents

Aurora Movies in the Park releases line-up for 10th anniversary season Catch a flick this summer at one of Aurora’s parks. Aurora’s Movies in the Park series is celebrating its 10th anniversary, allowing residents to enjoy three months of movies under the stars. Patrons are invited to arrive early to enjoy the special pre-movie surprises. All movies begin at dusk. July 17 - Ferris Buller’s Day Off at Lambert Wilson Park, 135 Industrial Pkwy. N. July 25 – Mockingjay Part 1, Machell Park, 2 Aurora Heights Dr. Aug. 14 - Annie, Ada Johnson Park, 60 Hartwell Way

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Aug. 22 – The Mighty Ducks, Aurora Town Park, 49 Wells St. Sept. 1 - Frozen, Hickson Park, 155 Conover Ave. Sept. 3 – The Lego Movie, Norm Weller Park, 250 McClellan Way If you are unsure about the weather the day of the movie, call the special events line at 905-726-4762.

Aurora Cultural Centre summer camps celebrate Pan Am Games Treat your children to a Pan American Art Trip this summer. In celebration of the 2015 Toronto Pan Am games, the Aurora Cultural Centre has selected the theme of Mosaic! A Pan American Art Trip for its summer camps. During the weeks of July 13 to 17 and Aug. 10 to 14, participants aged 4 to 12 years will explore Canadian First Nations print-making, creating a Peruvian Inti Sun, crafting folk pastel paintings and Brazilian Carnival Masks. Students will learn to draw, paint, sculpt and work on larger collaborative projects using a variety of materials. Mornings from 9 to 11 a.m. are for young artists from 4 to 6 years of age and afternoons from 12:30 to 4 p.m. for ages 7 to 12. For more information or to register, visit auroraculturalcentre.ca —Teresa Latchford

Legal Matters

TRAFFIC LAW

Alcohol and Your Vehicle will lose your license for seven days and must successfully complete a remedial alcohol education program. Should you commit the offence a third time within a five-year period, you will lose your licence Ryan Slawson for 30 days and will Paralegal be required to underRyan is a Paralegal at go a remedial alcohol Traffic Ticket Advocates education program Professional Corporation and can be reached at and will have an igni905-898-0542 tion interlock condiwww.trafficticketadvocates.ca tion placed on your licence for six months. Traffic Should you opt out Ticket Advocates of placing the device in your vehicle, you will not be permitNewmarket 465 Davis Dr. Tannery Mall, Suite ted to drive until the 113 Licensed under Law interlock condition is Society of Upper Canada removed from your licence. here’s no doubt that alcohol and Should you provide a driving can be a breath upon deadly mix. Knowing request sample and blow the laws will not only fail or register a read-a help you avoid legal ing over 0.08, your litrouble, but help cense immediatekeep you and other ly be will suspended for motorists safe. 90 days. Should you to comply with If you are a fully li- fail the breath demand cenced driver over or any co-ordination the age of 21 and are tests required by the pulled over by po- investigating officer, lice where a breath you will also receive sample is demanded, an immediate licence you cannot blow over suspension for 90 0.049 in order to be days. Both can result driving within the in charges under legal limits. If you Criminal Code. the blow between 0.05 and 0.079, or register As a driver 21 years of a warning, you will and under with a lose your licence for age full Class licence, a period of three days you G are not allowed on first offence. to have any alcohol in your system at any Should you offend a time while operatsecond time within a ing a motor five-year period from Should you bevehicle. pulled the first offence, you over or drive through

a spot check and are requested to provide a breath sample, you will receive an immediate road side suspension for a period of 24 hours and be charged under the Highway Traffic Act if ANY alcohol is found to be in your system. If convicted, you will lose your licence for 30 days and be required to pay the fine given by the courts. As a driver who only carries G2/M2, G1/ M1, you are required to have a zero blood alcohol level. Should you be stopped at road side or a spot check and are requested to provide a breath sample, you must provide a reading of “0”. Should the result be any higher, you will lose your licence immediately for 24 hours, and if convicted will receive the penalty as per the Novice Driver Escalating Sanctions set up. If convicted for a first offence, licence suspension will be 30 days, for a second offence in five years, license suspension will be 90 days, and if you receive a third offence in five years, your licence will be cancelled and you’ll be required to reapply for a G1.

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“I honestly don’t know the reasons,” she said Wednesday, adding the board’s discussions were held “in camera,” meaning no foundation staff was present. Asked if she could speculate on what prompted the members’ exodus, including possible financial or leadership issues, Poscente said, “I can’t.” The foundation has met and exceeded first quarter targets and she’s confident that performance will continue through the balance of the year. Reiterating the sentiments in the previous day’s joint statement, she said the public should not be worried about the foundation and its near-vacant board — the only remaining two directors are hospital president and CEO Dr. Dave Williams and hospital board vice-chairperson Colette Nemni. “The foundation is continuing to conduct business as usual,” she said. “The trust that the public has always put in us can remain. “And we hope the public will continue to trust us while we work out the situation.”

Community Renewal Fund grants up for grabs to spruce up public spaces Local communities have the chance to refresh their tired community spaces with the help of a $50,000 grant. The Community Renewal Fund, offered by Ontario Tire Stewardship, is offering the cash to communities in the province to help renew playgrounds, fitness tracks and other shared spaces by using sustainable materials made with recycled Ontario tire rubber. Through the program, not only does the community benefit from the space, but it helps the environment as well by using recy-

The resignation controversy has the potential to compromise the foundation brand, she admitted. “It could cause people to ask questions,” she said. “But there’s no issue I’m aware of that would result in mistrust by the public or issues the public should be worried about relating to the foundation’s operation.” One of the next steps is to reconstitute the board and advertise for and recruit candidates for director posts, all of which are strictly volunteer-based and without compensation, Poscente said. She doesn’t have a timeline, saying that candidates must match up to board bylaws, have certain skills and demonstrate a commitment to the hospital. Poscente thanked the foundation’s constituents for their support and understanding. Her organization remains committed to its values, particularly integrity, she said. “The trust the public puts in us is absolutely critical to our success,” she said. In the interim, the whys and wherefores for the resignations are furtively and quietly cloaked.

cled materials that would have otherwise ended up in the landfill. The fund will provide up to $50,000 to eligible Ontario communities for the purchase and installation of recycled rubber products such as rubber mulch, athletic and arena flooring, roof shakes, sidewalk pavers and playground surfacing. Municipalities, non-profit community groups, schools and First Nations communities are already taking advantage of the program with 24 projects complete in 17 different Ontario communities. For more information or to apply for the OTS Community Renewal Fund, visit rethinktires.ca

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TOWN OF AURORA PUBLIC NOTICE

Seeking Citizen Members for The Town of Aurora Community Recognition Review Ad Hoc Committee Aurora Town Council invites you to apply to participate as a citizen member of the Community Recognition Review Ad Hoc Committee.

For information on flyer distribution, call us at 905-853-8888

From Front Page

Application Deadline: Thursday, July 30, 2015

DATE: Thursday, July 9th 2015

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Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation CEO Neila Poscente says she “honestly” doesn’t know why her board resigned en masse last week.

If you drink don’t drive.

The advice offered in this column is intended for informational purposes only. Use of this column is not intended to replace or substitute any professional, financial, medical, legal, or other professional advice.

STAFF PHOTO/MIKE BARRETT

About the Committee Council will appoint up to five (5) Citizen Members to this Ad Hoc Committee. The Committee has been established to review and make recommendations to Council on all aspects of The Town of Aurora’s Community Recognition Awards event. Dates and times of the Committee meetings will be established by Committee members. Applicants are advised that meetings may be conducted during the day. Council will give preference to applicants who have experience in the volunteer sector and/or community recognition awards. To find out more about this Ad Hoc Committee please visit Aurora Town Hall, or the Town website at www.aurora.ca Appointment to Boards and Committees is open to all residents of Aurora, or owners of land within the municipality, or a tenant of land in Aurora. Applications must be submitted to the Town on the approved application form. Application forms and additional Board and Committee information can be picked up at Aurora Town Hall, Aurora Public Library or by visiting the Town website at www.aurora.ca Applications should be addressed to the Deputy Clerk and can be submitted by email to pthoma@aurora.ca or by fax at 905-726-4732. Applications can also be submitted by mail or hand delivered to: 100 John West Way, P.O. Box 1000, Aurora, ON L4G 6J1. Town of Aurora 100 John West Way, Aurora, ON L4G 6J1 www.aurora.ca/publicnotices | 905-727-1375

The Aurora Banner, Thursday, July 9, 2015

SENIORS SERIES — PART II

Alzheimer’s, dementia cases to double by ‘28 From Front Page

you don’t, you get very, very depressed.” While her children visited her, they were busy with their own lives. “They were all at work, of course. If you’re working five days a week, you have stuff to do on the weekend. You can’t waste Saturday going to see your mom,” Elming said. “They’re only human, they want to live their life. Even now, I shouldn’t, but even now, I feel a little guilty when I ask them to take me somewhere and I shouldn’t, I really shouldn’t. It’s not necessary and it’s not right. I gave them all of me when they were growing up.”

‘They were all at work, of course. If you’re working five days a week, you have stuff to do on the weekend. You can’t waste Saturday going to see your mom.’ After a prolonged period when Elming couldn’t even bother getting dressed until after lunch, she finally felt it was time to start a new chapter in her life. For seven years, she volunteered three days a week in the gift shop at Southlake Regional Health Centre, an activity that gave her life a renewed sense of purpose and introduced her to many new friends. “People said ‘You’re so good to come here three days a week.’ Well, I didn’t see it that way. I saw it as what they were giving me, not what I was giving them,” Elming said. Unfortunately, she had to give up volunteering due to health problems. Elming has arthritis and wet macular degeneration, a condition that results in loss of vision in the centre of the visual field and is a major cause of blindness. Having the condition has prompted her to become a strong advocate of seniors getting routine eye examinations. A smoker for 40 years, she was also diagnosed in January with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, for which she is usually reliant on an oxygen tank. Elming is now a regular participant in day programs at Community & Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS). “The thing is, you have to go to a place and meet people and that’s why I love CHATS. I come to CHATS for the people. I love them all,” she said. “We all have the same type of problems and it’s nice to be able to talk to someone who is, more or less, going through somewhat the same as you. I love CHATS, I don’t know what I would do without them.”

RESOURCES There are many resources available in York Region for seniors including: CHATS, which provides homemaking (light cleaning,

SHOES

EST. 1970

seniors

boomers A 3-part series discussing York Region’s growing senior population, the contributions they make, the services they need and the caregivers who provide support

laundry and meal preparation) Meals on Wheels, seniors wellness programs, adult day programs, diversity outreach programs, transportation, a service that transitions people from hospital to home, telephone reassurance, caregiver respite and more. Visit www.chats.on.ca or call 905-713-6596 or 1-877452-4287. Alzheimer Society of York Region, which provides day centres, education programs, support groups and resources. Visit www.alzheimer-york.com or call 905-726-3477. Integrated Partnerships for Seniors (TIPS), which raises awareness of community resources for seniors. Visit www. tips4seniors.ca York Regional Police elder abuse prevention program, which raises awareness of physical, emotional, financial and sexual abuse and neglect of seniors. Visit www.yrp.ca/en/crimeprevention/Recognizing-ElderAbuse.asp or call 1-866-876-5423. In an emergency, call 911. York Region Health Connection, which can answer public health questions and offers a falls prevention guide. Call 1-800361-5653. Saint Elizabeth Health Care, which provides personal and home care services, nursing, rehab and education programs. Visit www.saintelizabeth.com or call 905-940-9655 or 1-800-4631763. The Central Community Care Access Centre (CCAC), serving most of York Region and south Simcoe County, which connects residents with the care they need at home and in the community. Visit www.healthcareathome.ca/central/en or call 905-895-1240 or 1-888-470-2222. For provincial programs and services for seniors, visit www.ontario.ca/seniors

Immigrant senior population set to grow The number of immigrant seniors settling in York Region will grow over the next two decades,

according to a report called A Profile of Baby Boomers and Seniors in York Region. Already by 2006, 69 per cent of York seniors were immigrants, with 4 per cent having arrived in the previous five years, the report said. According to the 2006 Census, 60 per cent of recent immigrants settling in York could not speak English or French. “We know we have a large number of immigrants and visible minorities,” CHATS CEO Christina Bisanz said. “We know that with that population, as they age, that there will be more demand for linguistically and culturally appropriate services.” Tazim Bhanji, program manager for seniors programs with the Social Services Network, agreed. The network is a non-profit charitable organization providing programs for the South Asian community at its Markham community hub and through educational sessions at places of worship throughout the region. It was created after the United Way of York Region in 2002 identified the South Asian community as being underserved by mainstream service providers. “It is important to provide services to the community because the community is isolated, the seniors in particular. Some of them are isolated because they have language and cultural barriers,” Bhanji said. “It is very important to reach out and provide culturally appropriate services. It makes a big difference in their lives, that they have somebody in their lives to look up to and go to a place where they have peers that look like them, talk their language and share their concerns with.” Catering to the South Asian community, which is made up of different cultures, languages and faith groups, the network provides programs in English, Tamil, Punjabi, Gujarati, Hindi and Urdu. Services include cultural and integration programs, healthy living programs, social activities and settlement services. “We encourage isolated seniors not accessing mainstream services to come together and participate in the services and get support from staff,” Bhanji said. “They can communicate their needs to staff in the language of their choice.” Arul Arulanantham, president of the York Region Senior Tamils’ Centre, said his organization provides programs such as yoga and jewelry classes and activities such as last week’s Canada Day celebration to ensure Tamil-Canadian seniors in the community remain active, healthy and connected with their culture. “It provides them with comfort,” he said.

Alzheimer’s disease to pose huge challenge York’s growing seniors population will bring with it several challenges, including a ballooning number of elderly residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias and a lack of the housing options needed by

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seniors. There are 11,855 York residents living with Alzheimer’s or dementia in 2015, which will more than double to 23,670 in 2028, according to information provided by the Alzheimer Society of York Region. “It’s growing and it’s one of the highest (growth rates) in the province,” senior manager of programs and client services, Andrea Ubell, said. York’s high growth rate is due to the region’s rapid overall population increase and also because its traditionally younger demographic is aging. From 2011 to 2031, the region’s senior population will climb 148 per cent, nearly four times faster than the overall population increase. “We were a relatively young community and now we’re just aging like the rest of the world,” Ubell said. “The biggest risk factor for dementia is age.” About one in 10 people over the age of 65 has dementia. That grows to three or four in 10 over the age of 75 and as much as five in 10 once people reach into their 80s, Ubell said. Given York’s rapid growth and quickly aging population, the region may not be as well equipped as other communities to address the needs of the growing number of residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, she said. “We don’t have the same infrastructure that they have down in Toronto, so we are already bucking up against longer-than-average wait lists for long-term care, longer-than-average wait lists if you’re waiting for service,” she said. “We run three-day programs. We are full and we have a three to six-month waiting list.” Meanwhile, much-needing rental housing for seniors is in short supply and the vacancy rate is decreasing, according to the region’s report on baby boomers and seniors. The impact of the aging population will be significant on Housing York Inc., the region’s non-profit housing corporation

Financial hardship a reality for many seniors Jackie Eisen, 75, lives in Keswick with her 78-year-old husband, Donald, who suffers from health problems, including bladder cancer. Like many seniors on fixed incomes, they live with the threat of financial hardship should an even relatively minor unforeseen expense befall them. “My financial situation is hand to mouth,” Jackie said, adding that while they own their home, she and her husband live solely on their Canada Pension Plans and Old Age Security benefits. “It’s hard but you have to learn to manage. I’m on a very strict budget. (An unforeseen expense) would be catastrophic,” she said.

‘It’s hard but you have to learn to manage. I’m on a very strict budget. (An unforeseen expense) would be catastrophic.’ Jackie has volunteered for five years with CHATS as a telephone re-assurance caller, a driver and a lunch and coffee helper. “I love what I do. It’s the most rewarding thing there is. I enjoy it and I’ve made some life-long friends,” she said. Transportation is a major challenge for seniors from York Region’s more rural municipalities who don’t have cars, Jackie said. At the same time, she praised organizations such as CHATS and the Central Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) for providing or organizing a wide range of “wonderful” services for seniors. “The services here in Georgina are excellent, they really are. We’ve had some wonderful, wonderful help. CHATS helped and (so did) so many organizations. I can have respite if I need it when my husband is sick. Also, when he needed doctors, there were organizations that would come to the house and look after him,” she said. “As far as I’m concerned, Georgina has the best for seniors. The only thing I can find wrong is transportation-wise. Sutton by the Lake, I just met a woman (from there) and unless you have a car, you have to walk to Hwy. 48 to get a bus. “That is not the only issue Georgina has. There are not enough doctors.”

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TAZIM BHANJI: Program manager for seniors programs with Social Services Network

providing subsidized housing, said Newmarket Regional Councillor John Taylor, who chairs the York’s community and health services committee. The wait list is dominated by seniors who need social housing, he said. Some relief will come through a new 15-storey, 225unit rental apartment building being constructed in Newmarket. Expected to be home to many seniors, the project by the Rose Corporation is the first privately funded project of its kind to be developed in the region since the 1980s.

We’re looking for caring older adults to help raise awareness and educate your peers on recognizing and preventing elder abuse. Volunteers work with us to offer workshops based on our “Starting the Conversation” presentation. All training and ongoing support is provided by our Program Coordinator.

ARE YOU CONCERNED WITH THE ISSUE OF ELDER ABUSE?

905-967-0687 Ext. 240 www.elderabuse-yorkregion.ca This message brought to you as a community service of York Region Media Group

The Aurora Banner, Thursday, July 9, 2015

‘Significant challenges’ with 4-station service model, CYFS chief says From Front Page.

FILE PHOTO/MIKE BARRETT

Central York Fire Services Station 4-3 on Edward Street is one of two located in Aurora. To address response-time issues, fire Chief Ian Laing is advocating for a third hall in Aurora and possibly a new one in northern Newmarket.

north/south corridor roadway enhances coverage north into Newmarket, as well as the south into Aurora, Laing said, adding response time for the first arriving fire crew will be reduced in the central area by having a new fire station optimally located. Laing has long called for the construction of a new fire hall in the St. John’s Sideroad area, between Yonge Street and Bayview Avenue, to help address some of the response-time issues. However, CYFS may also need to construct a station in northern Newmarket in the coming years, he said. In the past, he has complained the department has been waiting years for some service level improvements. And when combined with population growth in both municipalities, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to meet service requirements that were agreed to when the CYFS formed more than one decade ago. “By maintaining the current four-station deployment model, there are significant challenges … which may have an effect on the results at an incident and the health and safety of those involved,” Laing said. “The

north-central area of Newmarket presents some timely response concerns.” CYFS aims to respond to calls for service within six minutes, 90 per cent of the time. The National Fire Protection Association has set a standard of six minutes, 20 seconds for response 90 per cent of the time — though it allocates one minute of that for transaction (dispatch), one minute, 20 seconds for turnout — the period between when firefighters disengage from non-emergency activities to when they leave for the scene — and four minutes for travel. Both Newmarket and Aurora have set aside funds collected through development charges to build the fifth fire station outlined in the master plan so it won’t cost taxpayers, said CYFS joint council committee chairperson John Abel. However, the new crews and operations will have an impact on the tax base. “But with more homes comes more people paying taxes which will even it out,” Abel said. “The No. 1 priority is to prevent loss of life and the reality is the fire service demand is growing.” Until the new station becomes a reality, CYFS is putting an emphasis on prevention and education, specifically in ‘red zone’ areas.

CYFS even door knocks in the area to assess residential homes for fire safety and working smoke alarms, Abel pointed out. But adopting the plan does have some immediate benefits. It will allow Laing to begin the search for an assistant deputy chief, Newmarket CAO Bob Shelton said. Newmarket staff recommends the approval of the master plan update that will guide both municipal councils, he said. The update attempts to set a number of guidelines for the fire service and it also calls for the hiring of several other new department staff members in the coming years. But Regional Councillor John Taylor said the municipalities are not bound by the recommendations contained within a master plan. “It gives us guidance on the kinds of investments that may be required in the future,” Taylor said. It’s subject to budget process and the budget pressures that occur each year, he added. “I can’t know what the pressures will be in six or eight years, so I can’t necessarily commit to those expenditures.” — With files from firefightingincanada.com

Town welcomes interim CAO after Garbe’s exit Patrick Moyle will take over vacant position Aug. 4 BY TERESA LATCHFORD

tlatchford@yrmg.com

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The image above, depicting information about road re-construction work on Trillium Drive in Aurora, serves as an example of the type of data residents can access via a new online tool now offered by the municipality.

Tool aims to help you avoid summer road work Interactive map offering construction information now live on town’s website BY TERESA LATCHFORD

tlatchford@yrmg.com

Jim Cuddy Band, Road Hammers among acts playing 2015 Hoedown From Front Page.

its first self-titled album followed by numerous awards from the Canadian Country Music Association, will bring down the house. The group is nominated for country album of the year for the 2015 Juno Awards.

For more information about the performances, raffle, Hoedown Showdown competition or tickets, visit hoedown.ca

Hailing from British Columbia, Dallas Smith has climbed to the top of the country music scene. He is a Juno nominee and holds the record for the fastest Canadian country single to go gold in history with the song Tippin’ Point, which has since been certified as platinum. He has headlined at the Boots and Hearts Music Festival and performed at the 2014 CCMA Show. The Wolfe Creek Band, who is back by popular demand after performing at last year’s event, will wrap up the night. New this year is a special Hoedown to be hosted prior to the regular festivities for 500 special needs children in York Region.

Hoedown charity recipients are grateful for the financial donations they receive from the event, which go a long way to helping each enhance their programs or services. Four-time recipient DeafBlind Ontario York Region will use the funds to complete accessibility upgrades in its three residential homes in Georgina. Their plans include the installation of lighting and tactile flooring for the visually impaired. The ministry doesn’t cover such enhancements and it would take much longer for the organization to raise the funds needed on it’s own. “This isn’t our first rodeo,” spokesperson Susan Manahan said. “It not only helps us complete these much needed projects but it also gives us exposure.” First-time recipient Aurora Historical Society will be using the funds to restore the historical kitchen in the Hillary House, add public washrooms, spruce up the historic barn to make it suitable for education programming and put on an exhibit in 2016 about the First World War. Music lovers can also support the charities by purchasing raffle tickets for your chance to win $75,000, $15,000 or $10,000 or by participating in the silent auction.

The Aurora Banner, Thursday, July 9, 2015

A new tool aims to help you avoid road construction in Aurora. The summer months are prime time for road works when general maintenance, sidewalk installations and water main and sewer repairs can delay and frustrate motorists who are eager to get to where they’re going.

For more information, visit aurora.ca

However, a new online tool is available to residents and visitors to help them avoid the impacted areas. “The data of what construction is going on where has always been available to the public,” explained Cory Fagon of Aurora’s engineering department. “This condenses it and makes it more visual.” The interactive map, now live at aurora.ca, maps out all of the year’s expected road projects in one convenient package. The visual allows users to see

the nature of the project, street addresses that will be impacted and contact information for those who have a concern or complaint. All of the information pops up on the screen when a specific project’s icon is clicked. The project began in January when Fagon felt there was a better alternative to the data spreadsheet the department was using to organize all of the upcoming road projects for the year. With the support of his manager, Anca Mihail, and co-worker, Jennifer Schoutsen, he was able to create, layout and complete the digital map by March. The map has been live on the website for a little more than a month and has already been visited frequently. “The best part about this is we can update it as we go, unlike a PDF document, which is static,” Fagon said. With the success of the project, the town will look into developing a similar map displaying all of the town’s parks and facilities. The vision is to have an online map where users can click on a specific park and see all of its features, including play equipment, splash pads, sport courts and fields, as well as what is in each recreation facility.

Patrick Moyle will temporarily fill the Town of Aurora’s vacant CAO position beginning in August. CAO Neil Garbe has accepted a position in Richmond Hill and Moyle will take on the duties of interim CAO until a permanent replacement is hired. He has also accepted the task of overseeing the recruitment process for a permanent CAO and will implement an organizational review. “Patrick Moyle brings a wealth of municipal management experience to the role and his proven record of leadership will be tremendously beneficial to the town,” Aurora Mayor Geoff Dawe said. “I look forward to working with Patrick during the next several months as he provides strategic direction to the corporation and advice to our council.” Dawe pointed out Moyle has an exemplary track record on organizational reviews, policy, administrative best practices and executive recruitment. Moyle previously served as CAO for Halton, Caledon, Orangeville and Huntsville. He has also served

STAFF PHOTO/MIKE BARRETT

Organizers of this year’s Magna Wild West Hoedown and representatives from the various charities selected to benefit from the event were all smiles at the kickoff.

Homeowners and contractors can now get permits after hours with an appointment. Often those who need permits for home renovations or other projects can’t make it to the town offices during regular hours so the department will have extended hours on July

23, Sept. 17 and Oct. 22. The evening, by-appointment program reviews projects qualifying under the town’s residential express permit program. To see if your project falls into this category, visit aurora.ca/REPP Book your appointment by calling 905-727-3123 ext. 4390, 4394 or 4388 or by emailing building@ aurora.ca, at least one day in advance.

a five-year term as executive director of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. Since 2012, he has provided advice to Burlington, Cambridge, Muskoka, Bruce County, Caledon and AMO, including multiple service level reviews and an executive search for city manager in Burlington. While Moyle won’t be taking the seat until Aug. 4, members of the town’s executive leadership team will be filling the position on a rotational basis.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Lois Davies (centre left) receives a David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility from Lt.-Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell. Also present were MPP Brad Duguid and former lieutenant governor David C. Onley.

Resident receives accessibility award BY TERESA LATCHFORD

tlatchford@yrmg.com

Town of Aurora’s building services department extends its hours

PATRICK MOYLE: Aurora’s interim CAO held same post in other municipalities.

An Aurora resident was among four recipients to receive this year’s David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility. The award, which was presented by Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell alongside David C. Onley and Brad Duguid, recognizes individuals and

organizations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership in creating awareness of accessibility and disability issues in their communities. Lois Davies, an employee with York Region, received the employee engagement award for creating a positive and accessible work environment as she continues to work with the region to find new opportunities to build more inclusivity.

The Aurora Banner, Thursday, July 9, 2015

OPINION

THE BANNER

General Manager Shaun Sauve

Publisher Ian Proudfoot

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www.yorkregion.com 580 Steven Crt., Newmarket, ON L3Y 6Z2

Director Creative Services Katherine Porcheron Director, Circulation Carol Lamb

EDITORIAL

Impending senior boom affects us all

ISSUE: York Region’s senior citizen population is expected to skyrocket by nearly 150 per cent by 2031.

Marney Beck

Here are ‘smart’ commute options

ccording to the region, York’s senior population will increase by nearly 150 per cent in a two-decade span that ends in 2031. That growth is nearly four times faster than the growth rate of the overall population. So, why should you care? Maybe you’re not a senior citizen now — you might even be years away from retirement and old age, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore impending changes.

‘We will feel the impact right across everything we do in York Region. We will feel the impact right across every service we provide.’

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

As any baby boomer will tell you, your ‘golden years’ will come a lot sooner than you may think — a time when you will likely depend on a different level of services, but the anticipated high growth rate will impact many people before they even approach their 60s. This kind of growth is a game changer. “We will feel the impact right across everything we do in York Region. We will feel the impact right across every service we provide,” according to Lisa Gonsalves, director of strategies and partnerships with York Region’s community and health services department. Late last month, York Region council approved a seniors strategy task force to come up with recommendations to address the needs of aging citizens and their impact on areas such as long-term care, paramedic services, land-use planning, public health and transportation. In 2011, there were about 125,700 residents aged 65 or older living in the region, making up 12 per cent of the population, according to a new report. By 2031, there are expected to be more than 311,250 seniors and they will make up 21 per cent of the population. Why the growth? There are multiple reasons, including the high rate of people retiring to the area, but also York seniors are living longer than the provincial and national average. That’s because of our high quality of life, research says. But if you’re in your, say, mid30s, you may still be wondering why you should care, right? First off, jobs might be even harder to come by. “There was once a perception you reach 65, you retire,” Gonsalves said. But people are now working well into their 70s, Community Home Assistance to Seniors CEO Christina Bisanz said. And, the surging senior population means government will have to focus on providing services to that aging population.

‘I don’t think this has hit the radar yet.’ There is no doubt a soaring senior population will have an impact on virtually every sector of society, but, unfortunately, no one knows for certain how significant the impact will be. “I don’t think this has hit the radar yet,” Regional Councillor John Taylor said. “I think it will soon. I don’t know the scope of the challenge. I know it won’t be small.” So, just because your retirement date seems a long way off now, you’ll be served well to pay attention to impending changes and speak up to our municipal politicians to ensure your voice is heard.

BOTTOM LINE: Even if you’re years away from becoming a senior citizen, don’t ignore the impact this boom will have.

Seniors need more freestanding homes

Ranked ballots not an electoral system

Re: ‘We will feel the impact across everything’, part 1 in a series, Seniors & Boomers, July 2. I am 74. I still work and maintain my own home. What I would like to see more of in York Region is freestanding housing for seniors. At present, all we have are “seniors apartments”. There are some condo apartment buildings, which, while not specifically built for seniors, have a large population of seniors. Many of us would consider downsizing, but don’t choose to live in an apartment. There are nice developments in other areas, such as Sandy Cove in Simcoe County, where small houses on a person’s own lot can be bought on a “condo” type of plan. The development owns and maintains the land and has a community centre and activities, but each senior owns his or her own house. I have seen a similar development in Port Perry, in Durham Region, but nothing like it in York. Perhaps there are some and I am not aware of them, but, certainly, there are not sufficient options here for the growing number of us. I believe this is a type of housing that is urgently needed in our region.

Re: Ranked ballots important change, guest column by Chris Emanuel, July 2. I feel some clarification is necessary. Emanuel makes a common error of equating ranked ballots with an electoral system. Federal Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau also does the same thing: he should know better. The ability to use ranked ballots in elections opens the doors for meaningful electoral change. Regional Councillor John Taylor put a motion before Newmarket council June 15 to endorse the option allowing municipalities to use ranked ballots in municipal elections; council endorsed it. A ballot is just that, a piece of paper to register your vote, it is not an electoral system. With our present ballot, you mark an X beside the candidates of your choice. This type of ballot is used in the ‘winner-takeall’ electoral system called firstpast-the-post (FPTP). This is the same system used for provincial and federal elections. The shortcoming of this system is that many votes do not count and, therefore, are not represented in our governments. Ranked ballots have the potential to give voters a greater say in who is elected and increase voter engagement, provided they are used with the appropriate electoral system. It is very important to understand we need to use different voting systems for different types of representation. If you require a system to elect a single winner, such as a president, leader of a party, mayor or regional councillor, then the best electoral system would be alternative vote (AV). The province refers to this system as ranked choice voting (RCV). Some federal leaders refer to this incorrectly as preferential ballot. If we were voting to create representation for ourselves in a large body, such as a Parliament, legislature or council, the best system would be single transferable vote (STV). The initiative to allow municipalities to use a ranked ballot is a good one, but must be teamed with the appropriate electoral system to make it as fair as possible for voters. With the AV or RCV electoral system, a single winner would require 50 per cent of the votes to be declared a winner. Using the STV electoral system to elect councillors, the council members would have to attain a threshold of votes, dependent on the number of required members. This system would make more votes count and result in candidates that appeal to a larger number of voters. With STV and multiple candidates running for a position, the voter ranks them in order of preference. Those candidates who meet the threshold are elected.

LEE KALPIN EAST GWILLIMBURY

Seniors rental housing badly needed in York Re: ‘We will feel the impact across everything’, part 1 in a series, Seniors & Boomers, July 2. Housing, particularly senior rental apartments, are very low in number. I live in an apartment on Royal Oak Court in Mount Albert. We have 80 units that are always full with a waiting list. We have a social club in the building that runs barbecues, dinners, cards, bingo, exercise etc., which allows us to socialize and make good friends. When health or other problems occur, we have a support system in place with our friends; you are not alone. This means we do not need as much agency support as we would need if living alone in a house. When my husband and I sold our house, we could not afford to buy a condo and still have enough money to live on. In a rental unit, we do not have to seek government assistance, but can be self sufficient. This is a common occurrence when older people need help, either from agencies or family, to stay in their homes. What I would like to emphasize is that I do not mean subsidized housing. We did not qualify for subsidized housing, but could not afford a condo. I’m sure there are many people in the same situation.

SANDRA AND BRYAN SANSOM EAST GWILLIMBURY

LETTERS POLICY All submissions must be less than 400 words and include a daytime telephone number, name and address. The Era reserves the right to publish or not publish and to edit for clarity and space. SEND LETTERS to editor Tracy Kibble at tkibble@yrmg.com

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The elected councillor’s surplus second choice votes are redistributed to other candidates to meet the threshold. Should the surplus votes still not result in the required number of councillors, the candidate with lowest number of votes is dropped and their second choice votes are redistributed. Using the STV system for councillors, seats would not be won by acclamation. More people would then be encouraged to vote.

DAN DESSON PRESIDENT OF FAIR VOTE CANADA, YORK REGION CHAPTER NEWMARKET

SOCIAL MEDIA Darts and Laurels Transit in York Region: Where is it taking us and when will we get there? bit.ly/1H6h5dK Never mind when and where. Ask who will ride/use public transit other than GO trains. Nnnnooooobody Stewart Glassford Seniors series: ‘We will feel the impact across everything’: bit.ly/1UsNPrN Nope. There is so much that can be done and should be done!! Should start helping out more now and get things in place for the future. So many ideas and we are trying to make a start. Check out thegrandparentconnection.com Valerie Syratt Luttrell On malls opening for Canada Day I don’t agree with this at all. There is no need for the malls to be open. Valerie Syratt Luttrell Transit in York Region: Where is it taking us and when will we get there?

bit.ly/1H6h5dK Time will tell, but I see a bunch of people, that most likely never use transit, trying to dictate OUR future, in an area that was built around the car, based in distances. There has been little to no acknowledgement, that this IS Canada, and six months of winter is a reality, so bicycles are not a reality. That notwihstanding, does anyone see people with a week’s worth of grocerys on the bus? NO. How about a new TV? Now tie this in with the ever increasing senior population and accessablity. This is, yet another, collosal boondoogle, at a time governments should be saving money, not spending it at the taxpayers’ expence. Eric There is a lack of connected transit and I see no planning to connect it either — which is directly opposite to what I am reading above. Why isn’t there a plan to connect the GO bus and the GO train hubs? Why isn’t there transit going into Upper Canada Mall? These are two of the many obvious failures in this linked transit plan. Another is the lack of cohesive support by the province. How can you have land-use planning when you don’t have any control of land use? It’s called the OMB! Our billions are being wasted and we need a top down strategy and commitment to make it happen. R You can have my car keysm but you will have pry them out of my cold dead hand. James

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ot tickets to see a Pan Am Games event and wondering how to get there and where to park? Or you just worried about getting back and forth to work over the next few weeks with the 10,000 athletes and officials, and 250,000 spectators and visitors expected on the roads around Pan Am sites? Smart Commute Markham Richmond Hill has some timely advice: rethink your commute. Smart Commute is a sustainable transportation program of the municipalities of Markham and Richmond Hill, Region of York and Metrolinx. Its aim is to help York employers and commuters explore different commute choices such as carpooling, cycling and transit. The organization’s overall goal to “ease gridlock, improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while making your commute less expensive and more enjoyable” is even more vital and opportune with the Pan Am Games almost upon us — especially as Markham has two Pan Am venues. Here are the suggestions. • Shift your workday to avoid peak rush hours. If you try getting in to work a half hour or an hour earlier, perhaps you can leave an hour earlier, too, avoiding the worst 9 to 5 rush hour crush on our roads. • Ask your boss if you can work a compressed work week, i.e. more hours over fewer days. • If you are a boss or supervisor, try scheduling more conference calls instead of face-to-face meetings that involve managers or staff driving time; and encourage telework options for employees. • Form a carpool at work so there are fewer vehicles on the road and you can use the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes that now are dedicated for three people or more. • Take transit to work for the next few weeks and/or cycle for all or part of the commute. Remember, all VIVA and YRT buses have a bike carrier available for people who want or need to cycle part of their commute to and from work, but use transit for the other portion. • Use real-time travel apps and download local traffic plans to help you find the best routes and avoid road closures. Smart Commute points out that commuters who work or live near Pan Am/Parapan Am competition venues can expect to experience heavier traffic volumes in the area due to temporary traffic changes and more people travelling throughout the area. If you live or work near a Games competition venue, you can download the traffic plan for your area to help you plan ahead. Roads primarily affected around the Atos Markham Pan Am Centre include: Warden Avenue from Hwy. 407 to Hwy. 7; Enterprise Boulevard from Warden to Kennedy Road; and Kennedy from Hwy. 407 to Hwy. 7. Angus Glen Golf Club roads affected by extra Pan Am traffic include Major Mackenzie Drive between Hwy. 404 and Kennedy; Elgin Mills Road between 404 and Kennedy; Warden between Major Mack and Elgin Mills; and Kennedy from Major Mack to Elgin Mills. Even if you are not located close to a venue, your commute can still be affected by those commuters choosing to re-route around competition venues. Perhaps you, like me, didn’t know there is a “local traffic plan” for Markham’s Angus Glen Golf Club or the Atos Markham Pan Am Centre, but there is. There’s a Smart Commute Tool to help you with your commute, plus a Triplinx Transit Planner and even a 2015 Games Trip Planner and a Toronto2015 Pan Am Games mobile app. Find out more at smartcommute. ca/markham-richmond. — Marney Beck is editor of the Richmond Hill/Thornhill Liberals

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The Aurora Banner, Thursday, July 9, 2015

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WHY PAY MORE? YOU NAME IT ...WE FRAME IT 16686 Yonge St., Newmarket (905) 895-4084 Across from Mandarin Buffet Restaurant

Today THE LANDING July 9, 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: admin@newmarketcommunitychurch.org, 905-836-7251, 905-967-4081, www.newmarketcommunitychurch.org. FAMILY STORYTIME July 9, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Holland Landing Public Library , 19513 Yonge St. This program features stories, crafts, and activities. Ages 0 - 5. Meet special guest Sparky the Fire Dog from the EG Fire Dept on July 9. Contact: Heather Alblas, halblas@egpl.ca, 905-836-6492. COMMUNITY BBQ BENEFITING MAKE-A-WISH July 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Innovative Spine & Wellness, 1100 Gorham St, Unit 11A in Newmarket. Innovative Spine & Wellness is pleased to announce, that once again, this year’s annual barbecue will benefit Make-A-Wish! Everyone is welcome to attend and receive a complimentary stress survey, enjoy free BBQ food and test their luck in a prize draw, compliments of our sponsors. Have a wonderful afternoon supporting Make-A-Wish in their mission of fulfilling the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Contact: 905-868-9090. SUMMER SCIENCE LAB July 9, 2 to 3 p.m. Aurora Public Library, 15145 Yonge St. Join us as we transform our program room into a fully functional science lab. Together we will explore scientific principles like force, mass and energy by doing exciting experiments. Some will be messy, some will be loud, but they will all be fun and interesting! Drop In. Ages: 6-9, Optimist Room. Contact: 905-727-9494.

Reader Bev Osczevski sent us this Your Shot of a pair of cardinals. Send us Your Shot. The ongoing theme is Nature & Wildlife. Email your highquality jpegs to editor Tracy Kibble at tkibble@yrmg.com for a chance have your photograph included in our online gallery and published in the newspaper. Aurora Royal Canadian Legion Branch #385, 105 Industrial Pkwy N. Come out for dinner, games and prizes followed by an evening of dancing with DJ Doug Anderson. Dinner, banquet burger and salads for $10 will be served from 4:30 to 7 p.m. followed by the dance. Admission to the dance is $5 for non-members and free for members. Contact: Club Room, nancyds@live.ca, 905-727-9932.

BEAT THE HEAT - MIX IT UP MOCKTAILS July 9, 1 to 2 p.m. Sobeys extra Aurora, 15500 Bayview Ave. Join Sobeys Dietitian Colleen for this fun filled class all about alcohol-free, tasty drinks that are great for summer thirst. Free samples included and you’ll take recipe ideas home. Register early to avoid being on a waitlist. Contact: Colleen Miller, colleen.miller@sobeys.com, 905-726-2499.

This weekend

WING NIGHT July 9, 8 to 11 p.m. Aurora Royal Canadian Legion Branch. #385, 105 Industrial Pkwy N. Come out for wing night at your local Aurora Legion. Wings are $8 per person and will be served from 8 until 11 p.m. Contact: Club Room, nancyds@live.ca, 905-727-9932.

NEWMARKET FARMERS MARKET July 11, 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: pheasanthollowcreations@live.ca, 905-773-9751.

Tomorrow THEATRE IN PARK - FALSTAFF & THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR Starts July 10, 7 p.m. Aurora Town Park, Wells St. The Town of Aurora is proud to partner with the Humber River Shakespeare Company to bring you this dynamic live theatre presented in Aurora Town Park on July 10,11 and 12 at 7 p.m. This is a pay as you can performance and all proceeds go directly to supporting this production and the performers .The suggested donation is $20 per person. Contact: Shelley Ware, sware@aurora.ca, 905-726-4762. FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER AND DANCE July 10, 4:30 p.m. to midnight. TEDDY BEAR FAMILY FUN FAIR July 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Brooks Farms, 122 Ashworth Rd. in East Gwillimbury. Join the Cancer Recovery Foundation of Canada in celebrating its annual Teddy Bear Family Fun Fair at Brooks Farms! There will be fun activities for the kids in addition to all of the great experiences the Farm has to offer. Cost is $25 for a family of four (children under 2 are free). Regular admission price $8 + HST/person. Family Pass available for purchase online until July 10! Info: Danielle Bastien, events@cancerrecovery.ca, 905-477-7743. Info: cancerrecovery.ca/get-involved/events/teddy-bear-fair/

FREE ZUMBA CLASS AT RIVERWALK COMMONS July 11, 8 to 9 a.m. Newmarket Riverwalk Commons, 200 Doug Duncan Dr. Free Zumba Class every Saturday morning in June, July, and August from 8 - 9 a.m. at the Fairy Lake Newmarket Farmers Market, along side the reflecting pool. Instruction will be by The Move fitness and dance studio and will take place weather permitting. Sponsored by Peter C. Geibel, broker - Main Street Realty, and Jerry Montpetit of RBC Insurance. No signup required just come out and enjoy. Like the page if you plan on coming. Contact: Peter Geibel, pgeibel@live.ca, 416-804-5581. YORK RAW /VEGAN FESTIVAL WITH YOGA July 11, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Newmarket Riverwalk Commons, 200 Doug Duncan Dr. Enjoy the tastes of the York Raw/Vegan Festival with yoga for all foodies, with free admission to all exhibits, delicious food demos, samplings & speakers by GTA’s leading raw/vegan chefs as well as cruelty-free cosmetics and health care products and services, including 15 types of vegan cheesecakes., presented by Healthy Festivals Corp. Contact: patty, patricia@yrvf.ca, 905 571 5009, www.yrvf.ca/ ROY ORBISON: SHADES OF YESTERDAY TRIBUTE July 11, 8 p.m. Newmarket Theatre, 505 Pickering Cres. Show celebrates the life and music of the incredible “Big O”...Roy Orbison! Backed by the amazing Memphis Cats band, you’ll hear all of Roy’s greatest hits performed live by internationally acclaimed tribute artist Bernie Jessome, who captures the look, sound and voice of Roy Orbison! Songs

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performed include Only The Lonely, Running Scared, Sweet Dream Baby, and of course, Pretty Woman among other favourites. Tickets: $30 +HST. Contact: www.NewTix.ca, marketing@billculp.ca, 905-953-5122.

Next week BLOOD DONOR CLINIC July 13, 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. St. Maximilian Kolbe CHS, 278 Wellington St. E in Aurora. Give Someone Their Summer. It can take up to 50 blood donors to save the life of one car accident victim. Donate blood in July – You could save a life. Contact: www.blood.ca, 1-888-236-6283. VACATION BIBLE CLUB July 13 - 17, 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. Riverdrive Park Bible Chapel, 20246 Bathurst St. in East Gwillimbury. Games, songs, crafts, bible stories and snacks. Free for kids aged 5 to 13. Contact: Cathy, 905-898-1319. BE-BOP DANCE July 14, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mount Albert Branch, East Gwillimbury Public Library, 19300 Centre St. Get Moving! This action-packed program is filled with movement for little ones Age: 2 - 5 Free Drop In DISCOVERY CLUB July 14, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Holland Landing Public Library, 19513 Yonge St. This weekly club will get you busy with creative and hands-on projects, games and activities! Ages 6-10. Please register. Contact: Heather Alblas, halblas@egpl.ca, 905-836-6492. WING NIGHT July 14, 8 to 11 p.m. Aurora Royal Canadian Legion Branch #385, 105 Industrial Pkwy N. Come out for wing night at your local Aurora Legion. Wings are $8 per person and will be served from 8 until 11 p.m. Contact: Club Room, nancyds@live.ca, 905-727-9932. MAKER MADNESS WORKSHOPS July 14, 2 to 3 p.m. Mount Albert Branch, East Gwillimbury Public Library, 19300 Centre St. Unleash your creative side at these hands-on workshops. Free. Please register. Ages: 4+ July 7 & 21 Ages: 7+ June 30, July 14 & 28.

TEEN HOW TUESDAYS July 14, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Aurora Public Library, 15145 Yonge St. D-I-Y the day away at our drop in makeshops - each week we’ll have a different creative focus. Free, DROP IN, for ages 9-15 years. July 14th: T-Shirt Scarves Bring in an old T-shirt that you’d like to use for your scarf. Contact: 905-727-9494. BLOOD DONOR CLINIC July 14, 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, 17955 Leslie St. in Newmarket. Give Someone Their Summer. It can take up to 50 blood donors to save the life of one car accident victim. Donate blood in July – You could save a life. Contact: Canadian Blood Services, www.blood.ca, 1-888-236-6283. TD PRESENTS CONCERTS IN THE PARK: TRIBUTE TO GORDON LIGHTFOOT July 15, 7 p.m. Aurora Town Park, Wells St This is a free show but a donation for the Aurora Food Pantry would be appreciated. Food vendors will be on site. For your seating comfort, bring a lawn chair. Contact: Shelley Ware, sware@aurora.ca, 905-726-4762. Info: www.aurora.ca/summerconcerts. READ THE BOOK - NOW WHAT DO I DO? July 14, 2 to 3 p.m. Sobeys extra Aurora, 15500 Bayview Ave. New books on nutrition are coming out all the time and with so much information, it can be confusing. Join us to discuss a current nutrition book as we uncover what it means and how it may or may not impact what you do. This month we’ll discuss ‘Got Milked’ by Alissa Hamilton – read it ahead of time and come ready to talk about it.. Contact: Colleen Miller, colleen.miller@sobeys.com, 905-726-2499. MAKER MADNESS WORKSHOPS July 15, 2 to 3 p.m. Holland Landing Public Library, 19513 Yonge St. Unleash your creative side at these hands-on workshops. Please register. Intended for ages 4 and up. Contact: Heather Alblas, halblas@egpl.ca, 905-836-6492.

To have your event included in what’s on, add it to our calendar at yorkregion.com

The Aurora Banner, Thursday, July 9, 2015

Missing Newmarket man’s friends trace his last steps BY JEREMY GRIMALDI

jgrimaldi@yrmg.com

Mystery continues to surround the whereabouts of Newmarket’s Jonathan Adams, the hockey player, son, coach and friend who reportedly checked himself into a mental health facility only days before going missing. One of the last conversations he had was with Matt Piva, his friend and boss at Vaughan’s Bar Down Hockey Development, where he works with youth on hockey development.

STAFF PHOTO/TERESA LATCHFORD

Aurora Historical Society president John McIntyre cuts the ribbon to mark the official opening of the restored grass tennis court at the Hillary House National Historic Site as NewmarketAurora MP Lois Brown and AHS vice-president Bill Albino look on.

Tennis club gets federal funds to help seniors get, keep active BY TERESA LATCHFORD

tlatchford@yrmg.com

More seniors will have the opportunity to get active, thanks to a program made possible by a federal grant. The Aurora Community Tennis Club has received $24,800 to make modifications to its tennis courts and to purchase equipment so local seniors can play pickleball, Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown announced earlier this week. “Our government recognizes the valuable contribution seniors have made to our society and the economy,” she said. “By supporting NHSP projects, we are acting to ensure seniors maintain a good quality of life and continue to be active members of their communities.” The New Horizons for Seniors Program offers federal grants and contributions to projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities. Since its inception in 2006, the program has funded more than 13,000 projects in hundreds of communities across the country. Pickleball is a sport combining elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. Its rules and equipment make it perfect for all ages, especially seniors and those with mobility issues. Participants will be able to enjoy matches at McMahon Park and will have access to the organization’s clubhouse. Since the game is played in teams of two, the social aspect is

For more information about pickleball, visit auroratennis.ca

just as vital as staying active. Equipment is provided and, if needed, seasoned players will mentor those who are new to the game. There are already 40 players registered for the program and organizers expect more to come. While the equipment purchased through the grant is intended for summertime use, the club is looking to partner with local schools to teach students how to play the sport and use the equipment during the off seasons. The club is hosting an open house on July 25 to allow people to try pickleball, tennis and lawn bowling. The funding announcement was made during a celebration at the historic Hillary House in Aurora where the original grass tennis court has been recreated as part of a historical tennis exhibit and to celebrate the 2015 Toronto Pan Am games. Local historian John McIntyre cut the red ribbon to mark the official opening of the grass tennis court just after Brown announced another $24,500 from the federal community celebrations fund for the Aurora Historical Society to open the court, put on the Tennis in Canada: From Early Beginnings to Global Success exhibit and throw a number of Pan Am celebration events.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 1-866-876-5423.

Adams had called Piva Saturday evening before planning to attend Toronto’s Digital Dreams Music Festival with friends, in a bid to find out whether Piva was downtown. The pair never met up, but Piva said he voiced his concern at Adams partying so soon after being released from hospital. “I said I didn’t think that was a good idea,” he said, noting Adams didn’t like speaking about his issues. “I know that drinking and depression don’t mix.” At about 9:30 p.m., Adams also had a conversation over social media app Snapchat with good friend Nathan Sinclair, who said he had trouble recognizing his “hockey mentor”.

JON ADAMS: Newmarket resident still missing.

SEEMED OFF “I was shocked; he seemed off. I said to myself, ‘That does not seem like Jonny’. You could tell he wasn’t himself,” said the 18-year-old, who suffers from depression and developed a tight bond with Adams, often seeking him out for advice. “When I heard he went missing on Sunday, it all clicked. I’ve been nervous ever since. I can’t get him off of my mind.” Although the festival was cancelled due to rain, Adams stayed downtown overnight, before telling friends he was driving back home the next morning, said Piva. The next thing he heard about Adams was that the police were looking for the 26-year-old former Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School student. York police investigators discovered Adams’ car on a dirt road behind the townhouses at Bathurst Street and Keith Avenue in Newmarket, June 28. Although officers refused to divulge any information of what was discovered in the car, Sinclair said he’s heard nothing of significance was found in the vehicle, including a phone or wallet. Police were also mum on whether Adams’ bank cards have been used since he went missing. A follow-up ground search by the force’s search and rescue team in the neighbouring

woods also proved fruitless. Piva said everyone involved has been left “drained and scared” trying to imagine where he is or if something has happened to him. “It’s been a pretty big shock to the community, his friends, the kids and their parents,” he said. “They’ve (the kids) seen it on the news; they keep asking about him. It’s been hard fielding questions from the kids, who all love and miss him. His mom and dad are great people. I can only imagine what they’re going through. “ He said he has heard for years from friends, some of them in the NHL, about depression issues, but has never witnessed it first-hand. “You don’t understand just how serious it is until something like this happens,” he added. Sinclair explained how important Adams was to him. “He was my mentor. We are really close because we’re so alike,” said the Aurora Tigers hockey player. “He helped me with my depression. I would always talk to him on and off the ice. He’d listen to the problems I’ve had for the last couple of years. He didn’t really ever share with me, but I knew his advice was first-hand. He told me never to give up. I just hope he’s OK.” Sinclair added he now spends his time trying to spread the message about Adams’ disappearance on social media. His comments come days after Adams’ former teammates in Blackburn, England created a YouTube video telling how much he meant to them all and how much they wished he would come home. Piva said when Adams returned to work after leaving hospital, he was his normal, high-energy, “happy-go-lucky” self. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 1-866-876-5423.

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