Aurora Banner August 27, 2015 by Aurora Banner

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JUSTICE

Former Aurora institution named in class action suit ‘If staff was in a bad mood, they would put us in a cold shower and lock us up naked’, former resident says SARA CARSON AND TERESA LATCHFORD

scarson@simcoe.com, tlatchford@yrmg.com

n wake of the $35-million Huronia Regional Centre settlement, residents of 12 similar Ontario institutions have launched their own class action lawsuit. Included in the list of institutions is the former Aurora-based Pine Ridge Centre, a converted school for boys that re-opened as an institution for people with a developmental disability in 1950 to help accommodate the overflow from the Huronia Regional Centre in Orillia.

GET CONNECTED TO LEARN MORE: contact Kosie Minsky LLP at 1-888-723-4304 or by email at institutionalabuse@kmwlaw.ca or visit www.kmlaw.ca/institutionalabuse.

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The three-storey brick building housed 170 residents until it closed in 1985. Martin Levine, 72, was one of the residents transferred from Orillia to Aurora where he lived from 1959 to 1973. He will be sharing his story and is one of a possible 8,000 people who were allegedly abused in the centre, which was created to offer care and support to those with developmental disabilities. “People and the (Canadian) government labelled us as mentally retarded and violent people but we aren’t,” Levine said. “They started beating us up in the hospital and we were not getting the help we needed.” He remembers one instance where he offered to help the staff clean up rooms and

make beds when visitors were coming. But his good intentions were reciprocated with punishment and physical abuse. “If the staff were in a bad mood, they would put us in a cold shower and lock us up naked in the side room with bars and with only a bare mattress,” Levine added. He remembers walking on eggshells and refraining from asking for help for fear of being verbally abused by staff that didn’t have time to speak with him. “It didn’t make us feel good and I wondered every day when I could get out,” he said. He would like to see more people come forward to share their stories, which would help everyone get on with their lives and, hopefully, get the help and support they need to be functional members of society. Levine currently lives in an apartment in Toronto with his wife of 18 years. “I think everyone deserves a life,” he said. “Everyone deserves to get the help they need to have a life.” Also among the named institutions is the Edgar Adult Occupational Centre in Oro-Medonte, which housed more than 260 people at its peak. “The same bad decisions that were made for Huronia were made for each of these 12,” said Jody Brown, associate lawyer with Toronto law firm Koskie Minsky LLP. Koskie Minsky is class counsel for the former residents. The class action suit was certified last Thursday by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The case began last year with former

See page A4.

PHOTO/WWW.MCSS.GOV.ON.CA

The Aurora-based Pine Ridge Centre, which operated as an institution for people with developmental disabilities from 1950 until 1985, is one of several such facilities named in a recently launched class action lawsuit.

SWEET, CORN!

COMMUNITY

Friends pay tribute to Lake Huron drowning victim Garrett Lewis BY JEREMY GRIMALDI

jgrimaldi@yrmg.com

riends and family are paying tribute to “beautiful soul” Garrett Lewis, days after his body was pulled from Lake Huron after drowning while on holiday near a vacation spot with his family.

STAFF PHOTO/MIKE BARRETT

Alex Merrikin-Daly, 3, contemplates his corn as sister Mia, 4, looks on during Saturday’s Community Corn Roast, hosted by the Aurora Farmers’ Market and Artisan Fair, held at Town Park.

According to media reports, family members and onlookers tried desperately to save the Aurora man after he was pulled out into rough waters last Thursday as heavy winds swirled off of Saugeen First Nation. It was Sunday morning when OPP divers recovered his body, to the horror of residents who have witnessed four deaths on those shores in recent years. The 23-year-old had been planning to attend a Knox Presbyterian Church overnight camp as a counsellor for the last week of the summer before going back to Carleton University, where he was studying civil engineering. Members of his church, Cornerstone Community Church, in Kleinburg, had

PHOTO/FACEBOOK.COM

Aurora resident Garrett Lewis, 23, drowned in Lake Huron while on holiday last week. high praise for a young man who they said dedicated much of his time to helping others. “This week, our church lost a beautiful soul,” June Looi posted on her Facebook account. “You were always so kind, funny and courageous. You’re the most genuine and kind-hearted person I’ve ever met in my life. You will forever be missed and See page A4.

EDUCATION

Board’s transportation refusal jeopardizes autistic son’s therapy, mother says BY LISA QUEEN

lqueen@yrmg.com

Keswick mother says the York Region District School Board is “sabotaging” her son’s wellness by refusing to continue transporting him from school to therapy treatments for his severe autism. “Of course, their response is upsetting,” said Robin Konstantopoulos, who is scrambling to figure out how to make sure six-year-old Anthony gets to his therapy

sessions, which are making a dramatic improvement in his condition. While board spokesperson Licinio Miguelo said the board is simply applying its transportation policy fairly and equitably, Konstantopoulos accused school officials of “sabotaging my son’s critical leaning opportunity because they don’t want to set precedence on transporting children to therapy.” She is so upset with the board’s decision, she is taking her concerns to higher authorities.

The provincial advocate for youth and children is now investigating,” she said, adding the Human Rights Commission will be her next step because the board has a “duty to accommodate” her special needs child. Konstantopoulos, who runs a support group called Autism Unplugged, worries the board’s decision will hurt many York families who have children with autism. Anthony has severe autism and has been non-verbal. He also suffers from chronic yeast infections and severe food allergies,

said Konstantopoulos, whose nine-year-old daughter, Aristea, has dysgraphia, dyslexia and severe sensory, executive functioning and self-regulation issues. Although the family lives in Keswick, the board transports Anthony by taxi to school in Newmarket, where he is in a class for children with autism. While schools in Keswick offer similar classrooms, Konstantopoulos See page A12.

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The Aurora Banner, Thursday, August 27, 2015

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TO W N O F AU R O R A P U B L I C N OT I C E

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ork Region Media Group is thrilled to announce an exciting change to further strengthen and grow our already highly successful Thursday newspapers. You’ve told us what you want and we’re going to deliver. After many discussions with readers, advertisers and community groups over the past year, YRMG will take steps to bolster our already solid distribution for Thursday’s editions, adding 4,200 more homes and 7,000 new readers to our award-winning package that delivers excellent local editorial content, and brings you the best local retail deals, real estate options and classified sections that resonate with readers. To bring our communities even more of what they have come to expect, we will stop publication of our Sunday editions and reinvest in Thursday’s package.

No dollar figure on lawsuit

NOTICE OF COMPLETE APPLICATION The Town of Aurora has received the following application under the Planning Act: APPLICATION:

The Owner has submitted an application to Amend the Zoning By-law to allow a four-storey maximum 250 suite senior citizen retirement home on the 1.8 hectare site.

PROPERTY:

14314 and 14338 Yonge Street

LEGAL DESCRIPTION:

Part of Lot 75, Concession 1 & Parts 14, 15, 18, 21 & 31 Plan 65R35315

APPLICANT:

Rod Coutts and Brian Coutts

FILE NUMBERS:

ZBA-2015-07

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Any inquires should be directed to Drew MacMartin of the Planning & Development Services department at 905-727-3123, ext. 4347. Comments may also be mailed to the Planning & Development Services department at 100 John West Way, Aurora, ON L4G 6J1, faxed to 905-726-4736 or emailed to planning@aurora.ca. Please quote the file name and number.

Town of Aurora 100 John West Way, Aurora, ON L4G 6J1 | www.aurora.ca/publicnotices | 905-727-3123, ext. 4347

TO WN O F AUR O R A PUBL IC NOT IC E

Difficult to estimate how much abuse case is worth, law firm says From Front Page

Edgar resident Marlene McIntyre, who lived in the institution between August 1973 and December 1974. She was also housed in the Huronia Regional Centre (HRC). Brown said this class action is an offshoot from three 2013 settlements against the province by residents of HRC, Rideau Regional Centre and Southwestern Regional Centre. “There were individuals who actually went to those institutions who also went to other institutions that weren’t included. The basic sentiment was, ‘Hey, what about these other places?’” Brown said. The 12 intuitions in this class action include: the St. Lawrence Regional Centre, D’Arcy Place, the Edgar Adult Occupational Centre, Pine Ridge, Muskoka Centre, Oxford Regional Centre, Midwestern Regional Centre, L.S. Penrose Centre, Bluewater Centre, Durham Centre for Developmentally Handicapped, Prince Edward Heights and Northwestern Regional Centre. “They were all part of the province’s program in the early ’60s up until the ’90s of institutionalization,” Brown said. “They all played a role in that and they all served to house individuals at the time who were labelled as developmentally delayed.” Former residents of the 12 institutions allege they were physically and verbally assaulted, Brown said. The class action also alleges institutions were overcrowded and understaffed and it is alleged, the province failed to address abuse

NOTICE OF PUBLIC PLANNING MEETING Aurora Town Council will hold a Public Meeting to receive input on the following planning application on Monday, September 21 at 7 p.m. at Aurora Town Hall, Council Chambers, 100 John West Way. APPLICATION:

The Town of Aurora is proposing to amend the ancillary use policies of the Aurora 2C Secondary Plan “Business Park 1” designation in order to conform to the employment ancillary use polices in the York Region Official Plan. Ancillary uses are small-scale retail and commercial uses. Currently no more than 20 per cent of the employment within the “Business Park 1” designation is permitted to be used for ancillary uses. The Town is proposing to change this policy so that no more than 15 per cent of the total employment area within the Business Park 1 designation would be permitted to be used for ancillary uses; thus conforming to the policy in the York Region Official Plan.

PROPERTY:

The Aurora 2C Secondary Plan Business Park located along the Highway 404 Corridor; on the east side of Leslie Street and north of Wellington Street East.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION:

Part of Lots 23, 24, 25 & 26, Concession III

APPLICANT:

The Town of Aurora OPA-2015-02 Other known planning applications filed within the subject land area are Plan of Subdivision File SUB-2014-01 and Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment Files SUB-2015-02 & ZBA-2015-05.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Any inquires should be directed to Fausto Filipetto of the Planning & Development Services department at 905-727-3123, ext. 4342. Comments may also be mailed to the Planning & Development Services department at 100 John West Way, Aurora, ON L4G 6J1, faxed to 905-726-4736 or emailed to planning@aurora.ca. Please quote the file name and number.

PRIVACY INFORMATION: The Town of Aurora collects personal information in communications or presentations made to Town Council and/or its Committees. The Town collects this information to enable it to make informed decisions on the relevant issue(s). If you are submitting letters, faxes, emails, presentations or other communications to the Town, you should be aware that your name and the fact that you communicated with the Town will become part of the public record and will appear on the Town’s website. The Town will also make your communication and any personal information in it, such as your address and postal code or email address available to the public unless you expressly request the Town to remove it. By submitting a fax, email, presentation or other communication, you are authorizing the Town to collect and use the above-noted information for this purpose. Please direct any questions to the Town Clerk at 905-727-3123, ext. 4771. OFFICIAL PLAN (O. REG. 543/06): If a person or a public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to The Town of Aurora before the bylaw is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision of the Council of The Town of Aurora to the Ontario Municipal Board. If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to The Town of Aurora before the bylaw is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Municipal Board unless there are reasonable grounds to do so. If you wish to be notified of the decision of The Town of Aurora in respect to the Zoning By-law Amendment, you must make a written request to The Town of Aurora to the attention of the Director of Planning & Development Services. Town of Aurora 100 John West Way, Aurora, ON L4G 6J1 | www.aurora.ca/publicnotices | 905-727-3123, ext. 4342 C

properly, Brown said. These allegations have not been proven in court. It is estimated 8,000 people lived at the 12 institutions at some point, Brown said. Many of the former residents attended as children and young adults. The population of all 12 institutions combined is similar to the numbers housed at the HRC alone. HRC was the largest institution in Ontario, Brown said. “All these other ones were, geographically and population-wise, smaller and they operated for often shorter periods of time,” he said. Koskie Minsky has not put a dollar figure on the class action lawsuit. “It’s mainly because it’s hard to estimate how much an abuse case is necessarily worth because it depends on the type of abuse that occurred,” he said. Koskie Minsky is now in the process of gathering paperwork from the province related to the case. “These include things like policies, abuse investigations, any number of things that would relate to our allegations. We basically use that to prove our case and move toward trial,” Brown said. Brown is unsure how long the case could take. The HRC class action was settled in five years. “We would hope this case will be resolved earlier,” Brown said. Former residents are encouraged to contact Koskie Minsky LLP. Formal notice will be sent to residents in about three months.

Lewis a ‘fantastic young man’ From Front Page

FILE NUMBER:

Our final Sunday paper will be delivered Aug. 30 and you won’t want to miss it! Our news team will dig deep and retell some of the best, most endearing Sunday stories, features and reprint our best photographs over the past several years, taking readers back to those crucial events that affected, changed or improved our communities. As part of our commitment to readers, we will continue to bring you even more compelling daily content to our website, yorkregion.com, which is growing in leaps and bounds every month. More than 600,000 readers enjoy our online content now and we will bring even more of what you expect to our community online news sites. We hope you enjoy our last Sunday paper and are confident you will see that our reinvestment in Thursday’s products will bring you even more of what we deliver each week to your doorstep.

never forgotten.” Tyler Moore further praised his friend, saying he’ll never take for granted the memories contained in the photographs he still has of he and Lewis. “RIP buddy,” he wrote. “You were by far one of the best human beings I’ve ever heard of, let alone had the pleasure of knowing.” A fellow counsellor shared a story on the Knox church Facebook page that she felt encapsulated Lewis. “I will never forget walking into the gym in the morning and seeing five campers hanging off his shoulders, laughing and smiling with joy,” Michelle Quaye wrote. “Garrett’s kindness was evident to all who knew him; he showed us all what God’s love looks like. My prayers to Garrett’s family.” “A true friend that I will always miss and never forget,” Chris Rodriguez added. “I’ll always remember the good times and the way you carried yourself as a man. Watch over me bro.” Alvin Kim, the director of the family ministry at Knox, echoed the tributes, explaining just how little Lewis ever seemed to worry about himself, instead focusing on others. “He was sacrificial, giving with his time and energy. If someone needed him, he would have been there,” he said. “He was a fantastic young man and we’re all very sor-

rowful that we’ve lost him. He thought of others before himself, constantly just serving and exerting himself 100 per cent. A big part of his story was his faith. It made him who he was and he lived it in words and deeds.” He added that the campers will spend days paying tribute to his memory at camp and said his thoughts are with Lewis’ parents and younger brother. Only two weeks before the tragic incident, Troy Patterson, editor of the Kincardine News, wrote an editorial calling for the erection of a memorial near the Kincardine pier to act as a tribute and a reminder to those swimming in the area. He also suggested that photographs be mounted on the memorial. “It’s a human way of looking at it,” he said. “When you see their faces, you realize these people have families.” It’s unclear if Lewis’ death will put a greater emphasis on safety in the area, where, Patterson added, southwest winds can cause dangerous conditions, including a powerful riptide. Three weeks before Lewis’ death Lucas Johnson, 16, from Goderich died in the area. Years before, a father died while trying to save his 13-year-old daughter. Lewis’ visitation will be held Thursday between 7 and 9 p.m. at Ward’s Funeral Home in Woodbridge. The funeral is Friday at 11 a.m. at Cornerstone.

The Aurora Banner, Thursday, August 27, 2015

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Green Gables author comes to life on stage! Closing Weekend

905-862-0808

www.lucymaudmontgomery.ca

Today The Landing Aug. 27, 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. Passage Between Two Worlds Exhibition & Sale by Erika Takacs and Marissa Sweet Ongoing to Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aurora Cultural Centre, 22 Church St. The story of Canada’s immigrants is a shared journey of creating a sense of space & place in a new country. With the exhibition Passage Between Two Worlds, artists Erika Takacs and Marissa Sweet present courageous interpretations of their personal immigration experiences. Exhibition continues through until Sept. 12. Galleries open Tuesdays and Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Gallery admission is at no charge. Galleries are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Contact: Clare Bolton, info@auroraculturalcentre.ca, 905-713-1818. Mino Miikana Bimaadiziwin: The Path of Life: Exhibition of Works by Donald Chretien Ongoing to Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aurora Cultural Centre, 22 Church St. Solo Exhibition of the works of local First Nations artist Donald Chretien from July 18 to Sept. 12. Large new works in the Great Hall Gallery and small works in Reception Gallery. Exhibition continues through until Sept. 12. Galleries open Tuesdays and Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Gallery admission is at no charge. Please note that the galleries are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Contact: Clare Bolton, info@auroraculturalcentre.ca, 905-713-1818. BLOOD DONOR CLINIC Aug. 27, 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aurora Legion, 105 Industrial Pkwy. Canadian Blood Services needs about 170,000 additional donors per year to maintain the blood supply. We ask eligible donors to consider booking an appointment by downloading the GiveBlood app or visit blood.ca. Contact: elaine.stpierre@blood.ca, 1-888-236-6283.

This weekend Newmarket Farmers Market Aug. 29, 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. Free ZUMBA CLASS at RiverWalk Commons Aug. 29, 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 BLOOD DONOR CLINIC Aug. 29, 9 a.m. York Region Administrative Centre, 17250 Yonge St. in Newmarket. Canadian Blood Services needs about 170,000 additional donors per year to maintain the blood supply. We ask eligible donors to consider booking an appointment by downloading the GiveBlood app or visit blood.ca. Contact: elaine.stpierre@blood.ca, 1-888-236-6283. Cawthra Mulock Family Fun BBQ Aug. 29, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cawthra Mulock Nature Reserve, 18462 Bathurst St. Celebrate nature with the whole family at Cawthra Mulock Nature Reserve! Weaving Words Festival of Stories Aug. 30, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sharon Temple National Historic Site and Museum, 18974 Leslie St. Weaving Words is a celebration of stories and the many ways that we tell them, through written and spoken word, through music, film and dance. Event welcomes award-winning Canadian author Joseph Boyden as its featured performer this year. For additional information and a complete schedule, visit www.weavingwords.ca. Contact: megan.houston@sharontemple.ca, 905-478-2389.

Reader Jim Churchill sent us this close-up Your Shot of a bee on some flowers. Send us Your Shot. The popular theme is Nature & Wildlife. Email your high-quality jpegs to editor Tracy Kibble at tkibble@yrmg.com for a chance to have your photograph included in our online gallery and published in the newspaper. Join Ontario Nature staff in celebrating pollinators with a Bee-BBQ picnic, nature hike, crafts, games, and more! Explore nature with new eyes on a kid-friendly guided trail hike. You might catch a glimpse of a bobolink, painted turtle, or red fox! Talk to experts about welcoming wildlife to your own backyard and great ways to support nature in the community. Kids of all ages can decorate butterfly wings, join bee relays, and learn about the amazing world of pollinators. Menu includes basic BBQ fare, with fresh salads, fruits and other bee-pollinated delicacies. RSVP by Aug. 17. Contact: Megan Anevich, megana@ontarionature.org. 8th Annual Back to School Bash Aug. 30, 1 to 4 p.m. Holland Landing Community Centre, 19513 Yonge St. FREE school supplies, Zoo to You, juggler, bouncy castle, $2 haircuts, silent auction and more. All proceeds from haircuts, silent auction and food sales will go to Habitat for Humanity. Contact: backtoschoolbash@lakesidenazarene.com.

brief business meeting and the presentation will commence after a short refreshment break and run until 9 or 9:30 p.m. depending on the number of questions. Aimed at ages 13 plus with an interest in technical subjects. Contact: 416-673-2210.

directors culminating in the opportunity to audition for the Chorus. No cost to participate and no obligation to join the Chorus, but when you experience how much fun it is to sing four-part harmony, you’ll want to join! Contact: Rene Frappier, info@uccchorus.com, 289-648-6300.

Movies in the Park - Frozen Sept. 1, 8 p.m. Hickson Park, Conover & Borealis Ave. in Aurora. Join us for a free movie in the park on Tuesday September 1. Frozen will be shown at dusk (approx. 8 p.m.) A food donation for the local food pantry is appreciated. Delicious food vendors will be on site selling food. For your seating comfort, bring a lawn chair. Contact: Shelley Ware, sware@aurora.ca, 905-726-4762.

Movies in the Park - THE LEGO MOVIE Sept. 3, 8 p.m. Norm Weller Park, McClellan Way north east of Bathurst Street, in Aurora. Join us for a free movie in the park on Tuesday, Sept. 3. The Lego Movie will be shown at dusk (approx. 8 p.m.) A food donation for the local food pantry is appreciated. Food vendors will be on site. Bring a lawn chair. Contact: Shelley Ware, sware@aurora.ca, 905-726-4762.

Next week

Family Storytime Sept. 2, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.. Mount Albert Branch, East Gwillimbury Public Library, 19300 Centre St. Ages 0 – 5 years with caregiver. Free. Drop In. Drop in with music, rhymes, stories and a craft.

Taste & Learn - Mediterranean Aug. 31, 7 to 8 p.m. Sobeys extra Aurora, 15500 Bayview Ave. Taste and Learn is a FREE class series offered by Sobeys Dietitians. Each class is focused on a particular food (this month is all about Mediterranean cuisine). During the class, you will receive some intro/background info about the food and the dietitian will prepare a recipe or two for everyone to taste. You will leave the session with new knowledge, a few free recipes and some great ideas to try at home. Registration is required. Contact dietitian Colleen to register. Sign up early to avoid being on a wait list. Contact: Colleen Miller, colleen.miller@sobeys.com, 905-726-2499.

Big Top Circus Open House & Registration Sept. 2 & Sept. 10, 4 to 8 p.m. Big Top School of Circus Arts, 1119 Ringwell Drive, Unit 1 in Newmarket. Big Top Circus is offering free trial classes in the circus arts for all ages. Come dressed to participate and get a taste is on offer. The fall programs begin Sept. 14 and include aerial classes, circus for all ages, circus tots and new this year ... a family class on Thursdays from 7:30 - 9 p.m.! The open house classes run Sept. 2 and 10 as follows: Tots (18 mos-3 yrs): 4-5 p.m. with parent; 3-5 yrs: 5 - 6 p.m.; 6-9 yrs: 6 - 7 p.m.; 10+ yrs: 7 - 8 p.m.; Adults: 7 - 8 p.m. No registration required--just come out and have some FUN!!! Contact: info@bigtopcircusschool.ca, 905-898-0699.

Happy Hoppers Square Dance Club - Open House Aug. 31, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place, 474 Davis Dr. The Happy Hoppers Square Dance Club is a modern, western-style club offering programs in the BASIC, MAINSTREAM & PLUS levels. Come to the free Open House for an evening of fun and laughter. Contact: Anne Currie-O’Brien, annereg@rogers.com.

End of Summer Blues Concert in the Park Sept. 2, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Aurora Town Park, Wells St Free community concert featuring JUNO Award Winner Jack De Keyzer Band. Plus Youth Bands, Aurora Classic Car Club Cruise Night and Celebration of Arts & Culture organizations. Contact: Jamie MacDonald, gushmac@bell.net, 905-713-6318.

Model Rocketry & Amateur Radio Sept. 1, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sharon Temperance Hall, 18974 Leslie St. The York Region Amateur Radio Club meetings for the fall of 2015 are space-themed, starting in September with a presentation on applying amateur radio to model rocketry. The club meeting starts at 7:30 with a

So You Think You Can Sing? Sept. 2, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Sharon-Hope United Church, 18648 Leslie St. Male singers wanted to participate in a free 5-week training programme to learn 4-part a Capella singing, hosted by the Upper Canada Chordsmen. Take your singing to the next level with small group instruction by our

Hear More, Spend Less

Bingo World Newmarket Gaming Centre Sept. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Bingo World Newmarket, 1230 Kerrisdale Blvd. Bingo World Newmarket has undergone a Charitable Bingo and Gaming transformation and now offers new products and technologies - like electronic bingo, Tap Tix and more. Customers can kick back with friends in a welcoming, comfortable environment and have some fun! Must be 18 years of age or older. Government- issued identification may be required. Info: Bingo World, newmarket@bingoworld.ca, 905-836-4861. The Reign of the Queen of Canada Exhibition Starts Sept. 4, 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 pm. Contact: info@auroraculturalcentre.ca, 905-713-1818. Shout Sister Choir York/Newmarket Sept. 8, 1 to 3 p.m. St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 227 Church St. Shout Sister! takes an unorthodox approach to choral singing. There’s no audition and they sing a fun variety of music from pop and Motown, to folk, to a touch of country and blues. No reading of music required. Contact: Oriole Claxton, members@shoutsisterchoir.ca, shoutsisterchoir.ca.

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

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The Aurora Banner, Thursday, August 27, 2015

OPINION

The BANNER

General Manager Shaun Sauve

Publisher Ian Proudfoot

Director, Business Administration Robert Lazurko

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

Director Creative Services Katherine Porcheron Director, Circulation Carol Lamb

EDITORIAL

Yeah, thanks for the notice, politicians

ISSUE: Politicians need to inform local media when they are in town so we can alert readers.

Marney Beck

rime Minister Stephen Harper was in York Region last week for a public event in King Township. What’s that? You didn’t hear about the visit? Well, you’re not alone. The media release indicating Harper and local Conservative candidates Peter Van Loan (York-Simcoe) and Lois Brown (Newmarket-Aurora) were going to speak at WaterStone Estate & Farms on Dufferin Street, Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. (media was to be onsite by 9 a.m.) was emailed by the Conservative Party National Campaign and delivered to a York Region Media Group reporter’s account at 10:59 p.m. Aug. 19. There are certainly logistical issues to address when arranging a visit by the country’s leader — his time is very limited and there’s always a chance he gets called off to something else, so sometimes there’s a reluctance to make a commitment until organizers are confident there will be no changes — but giving 10 overnight hours of notice certainly gives the impression the public event wasn’t meant to be public at all. Doesn’t the Conservative campaign team want coverage from local news outlets? Don’t party members want the general public to come out and hear Harper’s message? It doesn’t seem so. It seems Harper is content to not only handpick the media that get access to him, but also the members of the public who are welcome to take part. How many people do you know who could find out about an event at 11 p.m. one night, be able to do everything necessary to clear their schedule overnight, when the majority of the province is sleeping, and be in attendance at 9 a.m.? How many people do you know who would even try? Van Loan and Brown have much better records when it comes to media/ public invites. For example, on Sept. 5 at 3:10 p.m., Van Loan’s office issued a release that he would be making a GO Transit facility announcement in East Gwillimbury at 10 a.m. Sept. 8. Then, Oct. 10 at 2:03 p.m., Van Loan’s office issued an email about a Georgina Ice Palace announcement Oct. 15 at 10:30 a.m. Brown also understands the importance of providing notice. Her Nov. 8 announcement about the citizen coffee and tea with the MP program was issued at 11 a.m. Nov. 6. That means the media and public were given a minimum of two days notice for a coffee and tea event, but a visit by the PM merits only 10 hours. Perhaps Harper could learn a thing or two from his area MPs. But we’re not picking on Harper, here. The fact of the matter is, he was the only federal party leader since the election call, to make a campaign stop in the region, although Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau was expected in Newmarket yesterday morning, according to a media release received at 1:10 p.m. Tuesday. What’s even more worrisome is this recent trend isn’t isolated to federal politics. Ontario Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne was in Newmarket Aug. 20 to announce a provincial investment of more than $224,000 to Special Olympics Ontario for the Partners in Play program. The project, according to a media release, will introduce young special needs athletes to sports such as track and field, basketball, soccer and swimming. Unfortunately, the aforementioned media release was sent after the actual announcement took place and was simply a recap of the day’s event. There was no advance notice to the media that Wynne would be in the area. Those politicians who appear to be attempting to control the media and the message have to realize their efforts only make it look as though they have something to hide.

BOTTOM LINE: Now that the campaign is in full swing, citizens deserve to know who is coming to town and media should have opportunity to ask questions.

Here’s what you can do to encourage voter turnout

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Engage Canada ignores important facts Re: Election campaign deceitful, manipulative, letter to the editor by Wendy King, Aug. 20: bit.ly/1NESLH6 I consider myself a self-respecting Conservative and don’t have a problem looking in the mirror. Maybe King is getting her information from groups such as Engage Canada, which just hates Conservatives of all stripes, doesn’t care much for the truth and is bankrolled by unions, Liberals and NDP socialists. Engage Canada is ignoring facts and willfully burying them in favour of their ideology. Case in point, in one ad it says there has been a $36-billion cut to health care when, in fact, federal health care transfers to the provinces will be 6 per cent more this year and 6 per cent more next year. It also claims the government made “no new investment for jobs” and made “cuts to economic development”. Wrong again. The 2015 budget was filled with new money for both jobs and economic development. King calls the Conservatives deceitful. Well, talking of deceit, could she please explain when her party is going to return the $2.75 million it has been ordered to by Board of Internal Economy and Public Disclosure to repay for breaking Parliamentary rules by using taxpayer money to run its offices for party purposes? While looking in the mirror next time, she may want to ask where Angry Tom (Mulcair) is going to get the $9 billion per year to pay for the universal children’s day care. I’ll stay with the mirror I have, thanks.

John M. King Newmarket

Elections wonderful; time to make change Elections are wonderful. I’m tired of political deception and lies. I’m tired of my mailbox being routinely loaded with unwanted political partisan propaganda, paid for using tax dollars. I’m tired of distorted facts, phony photo-ops, scandalous behaviour and a local representative that panders to a dictatorial PM rather than his constituents.  Elections are wonderful because they provide us with an opportunity to do something about these things. Our country is in dire need of change in Ottawa and, for us, it begins right here at home. It’s time to vote for real change. It’s time to deliver a clear message to those who have arrogantly abused their powers and the democratic process and freedoms we so value. It’s time to say, “Pack your bags and leave.”

‘ABC’ has never sounded so good.

David Payne Mount Albert

Mulcair’s plans would take billions of dollars Re: NDP best choice for middle-class Canadians, letter to the editor by Chris Lewis Aug. 20: bit.ly/1WOlNrT I cannot help but be amused by the naivety underlying Lewis’ recommendations. First, he would foist the child care responsibilities of parents onto a new federally sponsored national day care (baby sitting) program. Then, he would increase the ranks of the unemployed by bumping the minimum wage to $15 per hour. Then he adds a couple more items, all of which will add up to many, many billions. He conveniently fails to spell out how all of this will be paid for, but it is fair to speculate that neither he nor his fellow NDPers expect they will be hit with higher taxes. Perhaps they believe the economy will grow fast enough to generate enough new tax revenues. If so, they should look around. Global economic weakness has put Canada’s resource sector in the tank. The Ontario Liberal government’s open-ended buildup of the provincial debt, combined with an ill-conceived, highly expensive energy program, has contributed directly to massive job losses in the manufacturing sector. For evidence, just look at the empty industrial space around Newmarket. Bottom line, current economic conditions do not support new social programs and it would be fiscally irresponsible to use deficit financing for this purpose.

Editorial

Province, not unions to blame for financial mess Re: Lock out teachers, break union, Sunday Forum opinion by Rod Urquhart, Aug. 23: bit.ly/1NETFDF Yes, Urquhart, I agree my union should be busted. I mean, the financial mess Ontario is in is certainly a result of the decisions and actions my union and I decided to undertake. Let’s look at what I am responsible for: 1. eHealth 2. Ornge 3. Moving gas plants for an election 4. The $1.4-billion dollar Windsor Parkway 5. Financial mismanagement of the GM and Chrysler bailout. I really hope we get all of our money back. 6. Deciding to bring the PAN

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Am games to Toronto, causing the budget to balloon and then paying $7 million bonuses to 64 executives. I really hope we make an Olympic bid! 7. Creating a bloated bureaucracy in education: we certainly need more consultants. Also, I have many, many adult friends whose children had to go overseas to teach. Wait, I guess that’s a result of the faculties of education not capping enrolment. Why turn down thousands of dollars in tuition, right? I think you see my point. The mismanagement of Ontario’s finances do not lie on the backs of people in my profession. Corruption and mismanagement at the provincial level is to blame. I would invite you to research further into the issues that I and my colleagues have with the province right now. Oh, by the way, I know many, many teachers that would be in favour of year-round schooling. The tired line of “summer’s off” ... that’s a ministry decision.

David Moore Keswick

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READ All our published letters at yorkregion.com or send your letter to the editor to Tracy Kibble at tkibble@yrmg.com

James R Crysdale

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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Surprise... surprise.... bet the unions loved this... more members, more money and more political power. I think we have enough cops just hanging around drinking coffee and passing out tickets, which is something a $60k not a $100K+ per year resource can do. The only cops that deserve $100k per year are those who work in dangerous areas such as Jane Street and Finch Avenue. Maybe these so-called politicians can address the issue of these increasing costs, the impact on services we need, especially in smaller, quieter communities who don’t need police state-like police services! Greg

That worries me — no, actually, that alarms and angers me. For my entire career as a journalist — and especially as an editor — I have believed it is my/our civic, patriotic duty to encourage people to find out about the issues, get to know their local candidates and — most importantly — mark their ballots on election day. According to Elections Canada, only 61 per cent of eligible voters turned out in May 2011. The three previous federal elections turnout ranged from a low of 59 per cent to a higher 65 per cent. Am I dreaming of Utopia or Neverland to think Canada should be hitting 75 per cent voter turnout, at least, which is what we achieved back in the 1960s and 1970s? Why should you care? What does all this have to do with you, you may be wondering? There are 10 ridings in York Region. There are eight weeks left until Oct. 19 voting day. Let’s make sure there is at minimum one all-candidates event in each of those 10 ridings or, preferrably, two or three. If we allow voter apathy to worsen — then the party that wins will have more power and less legitimacy, if fewer Canadians bother to mark their ballots. That does not benefit Canada and it sure does not improve democracy. If you haven’t heard about an allcandidates meeting in your riding, there’s still time to encourage community organizations to organize one. Call your chamber of commerce, board of trade, your service clubs. Often, ratepayer groups work together in a community to find a location and stage a debate or meet and greet. York Region Media Group newsrooms are willing partners. Already we have helped organize all-candidates events in Aurora-Oak RidgesRichmond Hill, Markham-Souffville and the Richmond Hill ridings, with more to come.

Let us know If you know of such a candidate event in your community, let us know, so we can share that news. And as reaching out to the younger generation is so important, share this news via social media and, better yet, plan to attend the candidate event in your riding and insist your adult children accompany you. Robocalls, attack ads and unfair election regulations serve to turn off many voters. If you care about Canada and the state of our democracy, you can help reverse the lethargy and apathy. — Marney Beck is editor of The Era/Banner/Express sister papers, The Richmond Hill/Thornhill Liberal newspapers.

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On Baloney Meter: Mulcair on police numbers More smoke and mirrors from the NDP. Just like the $15 FEDERAL minimum wage that only applies to FEDERAL employees NOT a person working in a warehouse making $13/hour. Look it up... Adam

s a journalist and as a civic-minded Canadian, one of my big fears concerning this Canadian election is that voter apathy will plummet even lower than it was for the last federal election. Like most of you, I haven’t read every clause in the Harper Government’s Fair Elections Act. But from the news stories and opinion columns I have read, I understand that it is no longer Elections Canada’s mandate to encourage voter turnout. The Globe and Mail warned: “The Conservative government is stripping Elections Canada of its authority to encourage Canadians to vote in federal ballots under changes to the agency’s mandate.” BC journalist, Andrew Nikiforuk, wrote that the Fair Elections Act “bans Elections Canada from educating the public about their civic duties or low voter turnout”.

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EDITORIAL 905-853-8888 ADVERTISING 905-853-8888 / Fax: 905-853-4626 250 Industrial Pkwy. N., Aurora, ON L4G 4C3

York Region Media Group community newspapers The Era, The Banner and The Express, published every Thursday and Sunday, are divisions of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised of 100 community publications across Ontario. The York Region Media Group includes The Liberal, serving Richmond Hill and Thornhill, Newmarket Era, Aurora Banner, East Gwillimbury Express, King Connection, Vaughan Citizen, Markham Economist & Sun, Stouffville SunTribune, Georgina Advocate, Bradford Topic, GoodLife, beingwell and yorkregion.com

The Aurora Banner, Thursday, August 27, 2015

RAISE YOUR STEAKS BY LISA QUEEN

lqueen@yrmg.com

t’s time for a steak out. Time to get outdoors with family and friends to grill up some juicy steaks. What are the best cuts to buy for the barbecue? How do you cook them properly for the best mouth-watering results? Is there anything special you need to do with your barbecue? What can you grill up for the vegetarians around the table? We asked York Region butchers and grilling experts to give up some tips on the tricks of the trade. There is no one single best answer to grilling the perfect steak, Daniel Peisz, one of three butchers at Thornhill’s Stuart Carroll Quality Meats. “Everyone has a different grilling method, right?” he said. Peisz likes his steaks 1 ¼ to 1 ½ inches thick because they remain juicy inside and don’t cook too fast, especially for smaller steaks. His favourite cut is a rib eye with the bone, also called a capless rib steak, “because there’s a little extra to gnaw on.” Other prime cuts for barbecuing include a New York strip loin, a rib eye and beef tenderloin, the most tender and expensive cut, Peisz said. “Rib eyes have a bit more fat so more flavour and juices get cooked within the meat,” he said. As people get older, they often tend to want to cut down on the fat in their steak so fillet is a good choice, he said. Peisz recommends buying high-quality, grass-fed beef over corn-fed. “Corn creates bloat in the animal, unless it’s given antibiotics to counter-act the bloating,” he said.

‘‘

My $299 barbecue will cook a steak just as good as my $30,000 one. The quality of the steak coming off is all about the quality of the steak and the cook.

Peisz puts kosher or sea salt or a steak seasoning on the meat shortly before he throws the steaks on the grill on medium-high. “I like to keep it simple,” he said. “I don’t like wet marinades. It hides the flavour of the steak.” Don’t keep flipping your steak while it’s cooking because it won’t cook evenly throughout, Peisz said. It should only touch the grill four times to cook each side and create a criss-

cross pattern on the meat. Tim Maunder, head butcher and owner of Maunder’s Food Shop in Aurora, agrees that over-flipping is one of the biggest mistakes backyard grillers make. “Most people, as far as barbecuers, tend to flip it upside down, left,

right, all over the place,” he said. “Really, a steak should be one side down and then wait until a little bit of juice pools on the raw side and then flip it so the cooked side’s up and then wait until the cooked side gets a little shiny and a little bit of liquid pools.” Maunder dismissed concerns that overcooking the meat will make it tough. “Tenderness is the quality of the meat, it won’t change with cooking,” he said. If a steak is thick, Maunder starts it on high and then moves it off direct heat so the barbecue works more like an oven. “What that does is keep the outside of the steak from getting over-charred, but you have enough time on the grill that it heats all the way through and cooks through,” he said. He also favours New York strip loins and rib eyes for the barbecue.

The last thing you want is for anyone to get sick from the barbecue dinner you cooked up for them. Here are some tips:

• Wash your hands for 15 to 20 seconds before and after handling food

• Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils

“You can get beef tenderloin, which is a cut above. It’s more tender, but it has less flavour.” Make sure to oil and season the steak before putting it on the grill, Maunder said. The leaner the cut of meat, the more oil you need to put on the outside, he said. “If you’re in a

STAFF PHOTO/MIKE BARRETT

In photo: Tim Maunder, owner of Maunder’s Foods in Aurora, shares tips on how to grill the perfect steak. restaurant and they’re doing a steak, they’re always seasoning the outside and adding oil, so when they grill, it doesn’t stick and you get nice grill marks and it helps protect the meat, get that good sear on the outside,” he said. If you are barbecuing a poorer quality of meat, such as a flank steak for fajitas, Maunder recommends marinading it for 24 hours before cooking. The marinade should contain a fat or oil and an acid, such as lemon juice, wine or balsamic vinegar to break down the tendons to make the meat more tender.

“I always try to taste the marinade before I use it to marinade. If it doesn’t taste good before it goes on the steak, it’s not going to taste good on the steak,” he said. Make sure the steak is at room temperature before throwing it on the grill and let it rest for five to 10 minutes after it comes off so the pores have a chance to close and seal in the juices, said Maunder, who sell grass-fed and dry-aged beef. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on a barbecue to cook the perfect steak, Duff Dixon, president and owner of Ontario Gas Barbecue in Concord, said. “My $299 barbecue will cook a steak just as good as my $30,000. The quality of the steak coming off is all about the quality of the steak and the cook,” he said. A good barbecue will provide even heat distribution and also heat to a high temperature for cooks who like to sear the outside of their steaks, Dixon said. He prefers a charcoal barbecue for its high heat and its ability to produce a better tasting steak. More and more people are starting with a good gas barbecue and then adding charcoal grills and smokers, Dixon said. “People just love to get outside and enjoy outdoor cooking and entertaining. We are seeing indoor chefs are taking their talent out of doors and looking to cook a lot more things out of doors. And with that comes the desire to get the accessories and equipment that goes along with that,” he said. “The passionate cooks have all kinds of gadgets for indoor cooking and we are seeing them trending to all these gadgets for out of doors to go way beyond steaks and burgers and chicken.” A big mistake people make when barbecuing is over-cooking the meat, Dixon said. “Once you overcook it, it’s beyond what you wanted, so you can’t return. So it’s getting your timing down,” he said. Cori Doern, of Cori’s Café in Sutton, said there are many options that allow the vegetarians at the table enjoy barbecued fare. Her suggestions include grilled Portobello mushroom burgers with grilled eggplant, Portobello mushrooms with a red pepper aioli or pesto, grilled halloumi cheese, grilled veggie pizza, grilled rainbow skewers with spicy chimichurri sauce and grilled corn, sweet onion and jalapeno taco or burrito with guacamole and salsa. If you’re sticking with steak, make sure you start with good quality meat, the experts said. “Enjoy your steak. Go to a butcher. Don’t cheap out. If you’re going to get a strip (loin) and it says $9.99, you’re probably not getting a good piece of meat. Know what you’re eating,” Peisz said.

and counters with hot, soapy water after preparing each item

eggs or unwashed fruits and vegetables

water cycle of your washing machine

www.york.ca/wps/wcm/connect/yorkpublic/f373e5e0-fa27-4c98-ab9b3c5a6707c8e8/food+safety+safecooking temps+fact+sheet.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

• Make sure food is cooked to safe • Wash all dish cloths after use in the hot temperatures available at http:// • Don’t put cooked food on dishes that

have touched raw meat, poultry, seafood,

TO W N O F AU R O R A P U B L I C N OT I C E

PROPERTY:

The Owner has submitted a Zoning By-law Amendment Application to allow the construction of two freestanding commercial buildings. Building ‘A’ is proposed to be a freestanding restaurant and Building ‘B’ is proposed to be a multi-tenant commercial building. There is a related Site Plan Application (SP-2015-04) currently filed with The Town of Aurora on the subject lands to implement the proposed commercial development.

NOTICE OF COUNCIL’S INTENTION TO REMOVE A HOLD “(H)” SYMBOL Aurora Town Council intends to consider an Amending By-law under section 36 of the Planning Act to remove the “(H)” Holding Symbol on for the lands described below on Tuesday, September 22 at 7 p.m. at Aurora Town Hall, Council Chambers, 100 John West Way. APPLICATION:

1452 Wellington Street East

An Application by Casing Developments Inc., File Number: ZBA-2006-03 (H-1) has been submitted to Amend the Zoning By-law to Remove the “(H)” Holding Symbol. The lands are located at Part of Lot 21, Concession 2, municipally known as 1114 Wellington Street East. The conditions for Removal of “(H)” Holding Symbol as set out in By-law 4944-07 have been fulfilled. The Removal of the “(H)” Holding Symbol will allow for the development of residential Plan of Subdivision. The Holding (H) Symbol was established to ensure The Town of Aurora has allocated sufficient servicing capacity to this development and represents a logical and orderly progression of development, and complies with the policies of the 2B Secondary Plan (OPA No. 30).

PROPERTY:

1114 Wellington Street East

PRIVACY INFORMATION:

LEGAL DESCRIPTION:

Part of Lot 21, Concession 2

The Town of Aurora collects personal information in communications or presentations made to Town Council and/or its Committees. The Town collects this information to enable it to make informed decisions on the relevant issue(s). If you are submitting letters, faxes, emails, presentations or other communications to the Town, you should be aware that your name and the fact that you communicated with the Town will become part of the public record and will appear on the Town’s website. The Town will also make your communication and any personal information in it, such as your address and postal code or email address available to the public unless you expressly request the Town to remove it. By submitting a fax, email, presentation or other communication, you are authorizing the Town to collect and use the above-noted information for this purpose. Please direct any questions to the Town Clerk at 905-727-3123, ext. 4771.

APPLICANT:

Casing Developments Inc.

FILE NUMBER:

ZBA-2006-03 (H-1)

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Any inquires should be directed to Lawrence Kuk of the Planning & Development Services department at 905-727-3123, ext. 4343. Comments may also be mailed to the Planning & Development Services department at 100 John West Way, Aurora, ON L4G 6J1, faxed to 905-726-4736 or emailed to planning@aurora.ca. Please quote the file name and number.

ZONING BY-LAW (O. REG. 545/06):

LEGAL DESCRIPTION:

Part of Lots 3 and 4, Registered Plan No. 525

APPLICANT:

Leswell Investments Inc.

FILE NUMBER:

ZBA-2015-04

CONTACT INFORMATION:

If a person or a public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to The Town of Aurora before the bylaw is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision of the Council of The Town of Aurora to the Ontario Municipal Board. If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to The Town of Aurora before the bylaw is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Municipal Board unless there are reasonable grounds to do so. If you wish to be notified of the decision of The Town of Aurora in respect to the Zoning By-law Amendment, you must make a written request to The Town of Aurora to the attention of the Director of Planning & Development Services. Town of Aurora 100 John West Way, Aurora, ON L4G 6J1 | www.aurora.ca/publicnotices | 905-727-3123, ext. 4343 C

TO W N O F AU R O R A P U B L I C N OT I C E

PRIVACY INFORMATION:

Please direct any questions to the Town Clerk at 905-727-3123, ext. 4771.

Town of Aurora 100 John West Way, Aurora, ON L4G 6J1 | www.aurora.ca/publicnotices | 905-727-3123, ext. 4343

A10

The Aurora Banner, Thursday, August 27, 2015

Registration Dance! Sing! Act!

Spaces Fill Up Quickly! Register at the Studio September 1, 2, 8 & 9 from 4–8pm

Dance & Music Lessons, Vocal, Triple Threat Program, Birthday Parties & More!

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Free Trial Class With This AD or Register For 2 Classes & Get The 3rd Free!

Specializing in Irish Dance Since 1996!

Call 905-836-8040 for details or email info@cdadanceacademy.com

Register Now To Secure Your Dancer’s Spot! Open House & In-Person Fall Registration Available: • Tues., Sept. 1st from 5–8pm • Wed., Sept. 2nd from 5–8pm • Thu., Sept. 3rd from 5–8pm • Sat., Sept. 5th from 10am–3pm

Ballet, Musical Theatre, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Acro for ages 3 to adult.

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Beginner and Advanced Recreational Classes Award Winning Competitive Programs Pre-School Program for ages 2-3 Tues & Thurs 9:30am-11:30am Triple Threat Performing Programs Teacher’s Assistant Program PA Day & Summer Camps Adult Programs Why Dance with CDA? Improve Confidence & Self-Esteem Increase Muscle Strength, Tone and Flexibility Relieve Negative Stress Increase Grace and Poise Friendly Staff that have a PASSION for helping their students!

• Recreational • 8 week mini sessions

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Fall House League starts Sept 26, 2015 Register online NOW! Financial assistance available upon request

Come see why CDA was voted #1!

We won the 2015 Top Choice Award for Best Dance Studio in Newmarket Aurora! This award was voted on by the entire Newmarket/Aurora community.

ALSO: OBA Rep Team tryouts in September Learn to Play Programs Advanced Training Program Camps & Clinics Home of the 2016 U17 Boys ONTARIO CUP

16715 Yonge Street, Unit #28, Newmarket (Yonge & Mulock)

905-836-8040 | cdadanceacademy@gmail.com www.cdadanceacademy.com

School

Teaching skating in Aurora since 1953!

Skate Canada Programs for Boys and Girls Ages 3 and Up • Learn to Skate • CanSkate • STARSkate • Power Skating • Skate Canada Test Stream • Competitive Programs

2015 FALL REGISTRATION

Ice Sh ow Year!

Wednesday Sept 2 & Thursday Sept 10 from 6-8pm

Seeing Is Believing Bayview Campus (18 Months to Grade 6) A Flagship Montessori Program Internationally Recognized Since 1961 Info Session: Thursday, September 24 at 9:15 am

IN PERSON:

Aurora Family Leisure Complex, 135 Industrial Pkwy N. Aurora at the ASC office at the back of the ALFC rink

905-853-9102 | www.ynba.ca Make Excellence a Habit

Not-for-Profit Club Fully Sanctioned by Skate Canada

Elgin Mills Campus (Grade 7 to 12) An IB World School (No prior Montessori education required) Info Session: Tuesday, October 6 at 9:30 am

www.tmsschool.ca

The Lighthouse Learning and Development Centre is York Region’s only private school dedicated to academics for children on the autism spectrum. › Individual learning plans customized to your child’s abilities › Team atmosphere with parents & external treatment teams › Additional services: psycho-educational assessments & academic profile to assist with IEPs in public / separate schools

Are you ready to take the first step towards your child’s academic success? Let’s make it happen. 219 Old Yonge St.,Aurora | (905) 727.6666 | www.lhldc.com C

Hurry... Ladies’ Curling League

Wednesday Nights All Positions Available New Members Welcome $25 Off Pro Shop Purchase With New Ladies’ League Registration

Bradford Curling Club www.bradfordcurlingclub.ca membership@bradfordcurlingclub.ca (905) 775-7849

A11

The Aurora Banner, Thursday, August 27, 2015

Registration Bringing a slice of the Big Apple to York Regionn

PETER PAN Sept.26th – Dec.17th/15 Saturdays: 10:00 – 11:00 am (ONLY 3 SPOTS LEFT) OR 11:30 am – 12:30 pm SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE Registration fee: $265

Disney’s CAMP ROCK Sept. 14th – Dec.17th/15 Mondays & Wednesdays 4:30 – 6:00 pm FILLED (waiting list only) OR 6:30 – 8:00 pm SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE Registration fee: $595

(905) 726-8600 2799army@cadets.gc.ca www.rangers2799.com

16700 Bayview Avenue, #17, Newmarket (Corner of Bayvie Bayview & Mulock)

905-895-7469 • www.suesdancecentre.com •suesdancecentre@gmail.com

Competitive & Recreational Classes

For Your Parents:

John Graves Simcoe Armoury, 215 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora

Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acrobatics, Modern, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre

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U Target Rifle Shooting, Free Uniforms Biathlon, Orienteering, Free Weekend Activities Geocaching, Camping, Free Summer Camps Sports & Fitness, Band, No Registration Fees! Canoeing, First Aid, Serving York Region Rock Climbing & R Since 1965 C MY T Abseiling, Travel, CADE Summer Camps, FALL OPEN HOUSE & REGISTRATION and lots more! Friday September 18 7:00pm

Bringing Dance to the Community since 1990 REGISTER AT THE STUDIO SEPT 1 & 2 4-8 pm

For You:

Sue’s Dance Centre

Ages 12-18

27 9

• JAZZ • TAP • BALLET • ACROBATICS • LYRICAL • HIP HOP • MUSICAL THEATRE • CONTEMPORARY • Qualified instructors with BATD, CDTA, DMA, RAD • Fun, Recreational classes • Monthly payment sch • Exam and Competitive Programs edule • Safe and easy access wit h • Personal Attention well lit parking • Evening & Saturday Classes • Lessons eligible for Ch ild • Monthly payments with Family Plans Fitness Tax Credit

Girls & Boys THE

Dance Classes for Ages 3 & Up

URINETOWN Sept. 17th/15 – Feb. 27th/16 Thursdays 6:00 – 8:30 pm (Sept.- Dec.) Thursdays 6:00 – 9:00 pm (Jan. – Feb.) 6 SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE Registration fee: $695

New 5800 sq. ft. Facility, 3 Studios with Large Viewing Windows, Kitchen, Spacious Change Room & Playroom

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REGISTRATION DATES August 27th Sept 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 3pm-8pm

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The Aurora Banner, Thursday, August 27, 2015

OPINION

Partnerships help municipalities meet infrastructure needs

hile it has been a bit cooler in August than July, we have been treated to really great summer weather. I hope you have taken the opportunity to join us for Movies in the Park or our Concerts in the Park series to help enjoy our great summer evenings here in Aurora. If not, I encourage you to check out our schedule of events at www.aurora.ca. Last week, I attended the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Annual Conference and General Meeting, which took place in Niagara Falls. This conference offers a tremendous opportunity to network with various elected representatives and experts in municipal affairs from communities across the province. Among the many issues with which municipalities are grappling is securing consistent and sufficient levels of funding to manage the increasing burden of infrastructure costs. It has been well established that municipalities shoulder approximately 70 per cent of these costs, relying on about 8 to 9 per cent of the overall tax base to do so. Communities in a more mature state of development are acutely aware of these challenges and their elected officials have been very vocal discussing the daunting task of supporting modern infrastructure with only property taxes. AMO has been integral in bringing funding issues to the forefront of municipal and provincial agendas, focusing on the need for strategic partnerships and appropriate funding from senior levels of government. Some of the discussions at AMO concerned sharing the burden of development more equitably through the use of private-public partnerships, as well as generating third-stream revenues through advertising or other means. These tools are not new and there have been varying degrees of

Armoury and facilities at Fleury Park. These types of investments are sorely needed to ease the burden on municipalities and the Ottawa deserves due credit for acknowledging this infrastructure deficit and “stepping up to the plate” to help address this long-term need. Speaking of infrastructure, I am pleased to report I have been selected to sit on the transportation committee for Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton (GTAH) mayors and chairs group chaired by Durham Region chairman Roger Anderson. Transportation is, and continues to be, a critical priority for the GTAH and its surrounding communities, so I am encouraged at the prospect of helping to determine solutions to these pressing needs. Closer to the home front, there are a number of things on the horizon in Aurora. The organizers of the Aurora Winter Blues Fest host the End of Summer Blues Concert in the Park Sept. 2 in Town Park featuring a classic car cruise night and Juno award-winning artist Jack de Keyzer. On Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. we will be hosting a celebration in Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Park to commemorate the anniversary of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Details are available at aurora.ca. From Friday, Sept. 11 to Sunday, Sept. 13 in Machell Park, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Aurora’s Ribfest. This eagerly anticipated event is tremendously popular and will feature iconic Canadian rock bands Chilliwack (Friday) and The Spoons (Saturday). There will be an inflatable midway for kids, the Magna Showdown talent competition, professional rib cook-off and the People’s Choice Award for best ribs I hope to see you there.

Geoff Dawe Aurora Mayor success in their implementation, but I believe there is merit in their exploration. Aurora recently executed a very successful partnership with the York Catholic District School Board regarding the construction of an all-purpose artificial turf field at St. Maximilian Kolbe High School. The town had the resources to build and maintain the field and the school board had the property. The students at St. Max are able to use the field during the school day and town activities take place in the evening. It is a very harmonious relationship that ensures mutual benefit and a sharing of responsibility. It’s a constructive model I intend to revisit in future articles in The Banner, as we examine these cost-sharing opportunities more closely. With respect to financing from senior levels of government, Ottawa recently made funds available to municipalities through its Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, which recognizes Canada’s sesquicentennial in 2017. I am pleased to announce the town successfully applied for $422,100 in grants through this program, which will be used for improvements to the Aurora Community Centre, the Stronach Aurora Recreation Complex, the Aurora

Mom says Newmarket school best From Front Page

believes the school in Newmarket provides the best environment for her son. A year ago, after a four-year wait, Anthony was placed in government-funded IBI autism therapy program in the afternoons. The board agreed to transport him by taxi from school at lunch to his treatment. Konstantopoulos picked him up at the end of the sessions and drove him home.

For the full story, visit yorkregion.com

But at the end of the last school year, the board said it would no longer transport Anthony to his medical appointments, which are five minutes from the school. Instead, it would transport him 30 minutes from school to home. Now, Konstantopoulos and her husband, who is on disability, have to decide whether to pay a taxi to take Anthony to his daily treatments or have Konstantopoulos drive down at lunch time to take him to therapy, drive home and then drive back to pick him up at the end of the treatment. Either option could create some financial hardship for the family, Konstantopoulos said.

Registration • Recreational & Competitive classes from 3 years to adult in: Acro, Classical Ballet, Pointe, Hip Hop, Jazz, Latin/Salsa, Musical Theatre, Tap and more...

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Sept. 2nd and 3rd 1:00 – 8:30 pm Sept. 8, 9 10 4:00 – 8:30 pm Classes for Students, 3 Years & Up In: Contemporary / Modern Ballet Acrobatics Tap Est. Jazz Hip-Hop 1993! Twinkling Tots (3 yrs) Sparkling Stars (4 yrs) Musical Theatre

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Our camp offers multiple activities each week including: • Rock Climbing • Laser Tag • Martial Arts • Trampoline • Reptile Zoo • Bowling • Movies • Swimming • and much More! We also offer birthday parties, school elective programs, corporate groups, camps and much more! Our parties are suitable for those aged 4 to 104, so don’t be shy!

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NATALIE MACMASTER & DONNELL LEAHY: FAMILY, FIDDLES & BEING THE BEST YOU CAN BE by DUNCAN FLETCHER To take a step into the home of Canadian Celtic music duo Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy is to step into the heart of the music itself. Fiddles, piano, bag pipe chanters, drums and voice fill every room as the younger Leahy-MacMasters pick up the tools of their parents trade and begin to forge their own legacy. In fact they are well on their way. The younger clan – now numbering six, from 16 months to 9 years of age, are already a fixture in the rollicking, foot-stomping, step-dancing, down-home Ceilidhs that people have come to expect of Leahy-MacMaster shows. That seems to be a natural progression to anyone acquainted with the legacies of Leahy and MacMaster both of whom have music and family at the heart of what they do. But for MacMaster, the “natural talent” everyone seems to attribute to her and her family is not nature’s magic, but rather the result of old-fashion practice and dedication. With a laugh, she explains, “everyone says ‘oh they must come out playing.’ Well, no they don’t” she corrects, adding that a well-placed push is often in order. “You just shove a fiddle in their hand,” she begins. Once they gain some ability, “they extract their own enjoyment” that, in turn, motivates them to go further on their own – even in the face of a competing nature to go out and play instead. What does seems natural for the clan is the inclination to promote a collaborative environment that focuses on making the best music possible -- the kind of environment that both Leahy and MacMaster come from. Before they joined forces, both MacMaster and Leahy were already Celtic music royalty in their own right. MacMaster, the Cape Breton Girl – a prodigy of sorts herself, learned from and inspired by masters like her uncle, Cape Breton legend Buddy MacMaster and others. She began performing as a young girl in community centres across Nova Scotia, beginning her recorded career at 16. Embraced for her musical prowess, boundless energy and love of her home, she not only helped to bring the

“Cape Breton sound” to millions but also sought out and incorporated contemporary and international influences creating a sound and audience all her own. Appearances on high profile television shows like Good Morning America, Conan O’Brien and even Sesame Street only heightened her appeal.

“I’m a big fan of Natalie and she’s a big fan of mine” ~ Donnell Leahy Similarly Donnell Leahy, the elder sibling in the award-winning Leahy family, came to the realization early that he was meant to play. Having a fiddle put in his hand at the tender age of two by his fiddling parents, he says, “I knew right away. I wanted to be like my dad and play like my dad.” That meant being very good, and he was. He and his siblings brought their Ontario blend of traditional and contemporary fiddle music to international acclaim. With the Leahy trademark, thousand-notes-a-minute pace and Donnell’s technical mastery, they broke out big with their 1996 album, Leahy. Anchored by the incendiary Call of the Dance single and video, they wowed a whole generation of fans that had no idea they liked the fiddle. They went from filling halls on their own, to playing stadiums backing up Shania Twain for almost two years. Along the way, they continued to pick up influences that show in their music today. That natural, collaborative tendency is found in the couple’s long-awaited, new album, One – their first together. Released earlier this year, it encompasses styles from across the world, but always imbued with the Ontario and Cape Breton “accents” that each has become famous for. “Making this record is something people always expected,” relates Leahy. “We always expected it, but it was always delayed because it was never the priority.”

“I’m a big fan of Natalie and she’s a big fan of mine,” says Leahy. “So we’re also cheerleaders for each other. It’s a great environment, a great spirit to work in.” The delay also allowed some big name talent to get on board in the form of famed, Juno award-winning rock producer Bob Ezrin who is also a fan. Introduced by Scottish-Canadian country star Johnny Reid, Leahy relates that far from forcing his rock side on the project Ezrin turned out to be a true collaborator who “broadened” and “affected” the music but did not change it. Any rock influences, like the addition of some electric guitar in parts, Leahy says is his doing. He relates how Ezrin reacted. “He shook his head and started laughing and said ‘I love it, but they’re going to blame me for this.” Life doesn’t promise to become any less busy for the duo, who bring their multi-media show to the Flato Markham Theatre, where they will perform at the 30th Anniversary Season Gala on October 17 with special guest Heather Rankin. Their appearance also sets the stage for a number of other high profile Canadian and international performers that also include a few other Celtic inspired evenings including Leahy: The Next Generation – a performance by Donnell’s brother, Doug, and his talented family on December 19, as well as Canadian Irish music icons, the Irish Rovers on November 5 and Celtic Nights – a spectacular presentation of Irish music, dance and art from Ireland’s most talented performers, March 12. MacMaster and Leahy, will also receive one of the first Markham Performance Awards, an annual presentation to those who have contributed to the performing arts in that city. September 25 will also see them starring in Canada’s Walk of Fame celebrations headlining a Massey Hall show, which MacMaster describes as a career highlight, knowing that once again they have the opportunity to make great music and be the best they can be. If they can do that, concludes Leahy, “everything else will look after itself.” Naturally.

“But when it did happen,” adds MacMaster “it was a monumental big deal.”

Platinum Blonde on having fun and never growing up by DUNCAN FLETCHER For those who remember the 80s first hand, it’s hard to have memories that don’t include a soundtrack with Platinum Blonde hits. From the searing guitar intro of Doesn’t Really Matter on the hit-laden 1983 Standing in the Dark album, to the opening harmony of Crying Over You and the catchy Situation Critical from 1985’s Alien Shores, they were everywhere. The group’s edgy, new wave songs screamed from every contemporary radio station, their faces looked out from every record store’s front racks and their videos were high-rotation staples on Much Music and MTV. Juno nominations, sales records and other accolades followed. It was quite a ride for the young trio of singer-bassist Mark Holmes, guitarist Sergio Galli and drummer Chris Steffler, who rocketed out of the Toronto club scene to international prominence. The addition of a fourth member, Scottish ex-pat Kenny MacLean in 1985, did nothing to slow their rising star. Holmes credits MTV, Much Music and other video programs for much of their sudden fame, offering tongue-in-cheek, that “a whole generation of teenagers got to see us in tight trousers.” Mass media video allowed a larger, closer, more “intense connection with fans who could not only hear their songs, but experience their energy, flashy style and swagger. The success took the band by surprise, according to Holmes. After a tour with 80s stalwarts The Romantics, on which they found that more people each show were C

coming to hear them play rather than the headliner, they returned to Canada to find 30,000 fans filing in to see them at Nathan Philips Square. “The whole time (before the show) we were thinking, ‘they must think we’re someone else’ because we were so new,” he says. But they did know. The band ultimately went their separate ways in 1990. But with electronic superstars Crystal Castles backed by The Cure’s Robert Smith releasing a hugely popular version of Not in Love in 2010, a new generation of fans began to clamour for their unique sound. It wasn’t a surprise to Holmes, who also stays active as a club DJ. “What we do now really fits in well with the current electronic indie rock stuff,” notes Holmes.

That renewed demand, combined with a promise to Kenny MacLean the night before he passed away in 2008 to carry on the legacy, helped prompt the remaining members to reunite. But Holmes steadfastly refused to rely on past laurels, and was determined to bring new material to the table. While conceding they still play their hits in concert, he says, “I’m not into glorifying the past. It’s not where we’re at.” The newer material includes the 2012 release Now & Never that turned out to be a huge success with hits like Beautiful and Valentine becoming concert staples that are as embraced as fully as the old hits – especially by younger fans, who Holmes notes comprise the bulk of modern day Platinum Blonde concert attendees. Fans old and new can look forward to a new album coming this fall, tentatively titled, Symphony Orchestra, that Holmes promises will be a relevant expression of what Platinum Blonde was and is – a band that has always embraced creative energy, new sounds and technology. “Once you make the fatal mistake of growing up, your art is over,” says Holmes. “But we’re still doing relevant things and I’m still having fun.” Luckily, you don’t have to wait for the new album to get a sneak peek of the new material and hear the hits as Platinum Blonde rocks Flato Markham Theatre on September 25. Get tickets at the Theatre Box Office or at www.markhamtheatre.ca

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The Aurora Banner, Thursday, August 27, 2015