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Murdered woman’s family hosts memorial Shirley Lewis-McFarlane was killed in Jamaica BY JEREMY GRIMALDI

jgrimaldi@yrmg.com

STAFF PHOTO/MIKE BARRETT

A Green For Life truck does its rounds collecting recyclables in Aurora. The collection service has been delayed several times recently.

Contractor apologizes for garbage service Northern York Region councils inundated with your complaints BY CHRIS SIMON

csimon@yrmg.com

They’re sorry. Representatives of Green For Life, the waste collection contractor for municipalities in northern York Region and several other municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area, have apologized for the company’s oft-delayed local service over the last month. The statement was made to Newmarket council members at a committee meeting Tues-

day night. “I wish we could have done something to improve the collections,” GFL Environmental Corp. district manager Craig Nelson said, noting the company is proud of its record and is taking the complains seriously. Newmarket is one of several local municipalities that has experienced delays in collection over the last few weeks. Aurora council has asked for an immediate review of its collection contract, while Whitchurch-Stouffville councillors met this week to debate the issue. GFL blames last month’s ice storm, heavy snowfall and recent extremely cold temperatures for the bulk of the problems. The weather

caused driver injuries and vehicle breakdowns for the company. Increased collection volume from the holiday season and GFL staff turnover also contributed to the backlog. Everyone appreciates there were unique weather events, Councillor Chris Emanuel said, but these issues go back much further. Councillor Joe Sponga refused to accept the apology. “GFL is a national company. You expect me to buy this story?” he said, addressing GFL representatives. “You’re making money on my

Cop sues police force for $15M Halted officer’s hearing had nothing to do with court action: chief

A memorial will be held today for an Aurora woman who moved to Jamaica months ago, only to be brutally murdered. Shawn Gavigan, 27, of Newmarket said although his mother Shirley Lewis-McFarlane’s remains will not be brought back to Canada for a few weeks, he and other family members thought it important to have a farewell event for loved ones and people touched by her story. When her ashes are finally buried, they will be placed beside her grandmother and uncle, he said. She was 53. The investigation in Jamaica remains slow, Mr. Gavigan said. Police in St. Ann’s parish in northern Jamaica have released the person of interest investigators were interviewing and although they are still following up on leads, there are no suspects, Supt. Yvonne MartinDaley said. “Generally, it will take long because no one saw or heard anything,” she said. “The people we would have taken into custody would have been the people that would have been seen in her company. We are pursuing leads and hope it will bear fruit.” The murder was about money, said Mr. Gavigan, a local mechanic. His mother borrowed $300 from someone in Jamaica to access goods she wanted shipped from Canada, he said. The memorial will contain eulogies, memories and stories from

See DELAYS, page A10.

See FAMILY, page A10.

Gardner skates for Swiss Aurora hockey player heading to Olympics BY JOHN CUDMORE

jcudmore@yrmg.com BY JEREMY GRIMALDI

jgrimaldi@yrmg.com

A controversial police hearing against a York Regional Police officer has been dropped only weeks after the constable launched a $15-million lawsuit against the force and those involved in the tribunal. The decision to halt the “unusual” hearing regarding charges of insubordination, discreditable conduct and neglect of duty was made Monday after it was found to be causing more damage than benefit to “members, citizens and taxpayers”, Chief Eric Jolliffe said. However, he insisted the lawsuit has nothing to do with his decision to scrap the proceedings. The case began in May 2011 after Const. Dameian Muirhead was called to a bush party in Auro-

Const. Dameian Muirhead has launched a $15-million lawsuit against York Regional Police and tribunal members. ra where there had been reports of violence against a woman. Once there, the officer was subjected to racial taunts by a party-goer. Three days later, Rheal Duguay, a local landscaper who was at the party, encountered Const. Muirhead at a gas station and was

arrested and charged with uttering threats after a heated conversation. Mr. Duguay later complained to police about the incident, which triggered a police investigation into Const. Muirhead’s behaviour. See HEARING, page A7.

Countless Canadian hockeyplaying children dream of wearing the country’s familiar colours on the world stage. Ryan Gardner is no different and he’s preparing to don red and white on the Olympic stage next month. The Aurora resident will compete as a member of Team Switzerland when the men’s hockey tournament faces off in Sochi, Russia. Wait a minute. Switzerland? After representing Switzerland at three world championships in Switzerland, Slovakia and Sweden since he received his Swiss passport in 2009, a process that took 12 years, the A-licence player is poised to become an Olympian for his hockey home away from home. “For a Canadian, it’s a great opportunity and a lot of fun,” said Gardner, a former OHL player for the London Knights and North Bay

RYAN GARDNER: Aurora native plays professional hockey for SC Bern in Switzerland. Centennials who left to play in the Swiss National A League as a 19 year old. “Obviously, the opportunity to play for a national team is great. Making the Canadian team is

See GARDNER, page A8.

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