Aurora Banner, February 02, 2017 by Aurora Banner

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 2, 2017

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’NOT EVERYONE IS HATEFUL’

ONLINE at yorkregion.com News, events and information on your desktop, laptop or mobile device

In Pictures

LISA QUEEN lqueen@yrmg.com Imam Mohammed Bemat was moved when a woman dropped off flowers and a note at Newmarket’s mosque following Sunday’s mass murder of Muslim men during prayers in Quebec City. "It was very heartwarming," he said, adding the gift was one of dozens of messages of support the mosque has received after six men were killed and 19 others injured in the shooting at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Quebec. The note on the flowers brought to the Newmarket mosque was heartfelt. "To our Muslim friends, not everyone is hateful. I am so sorry for your loss. I am so sorry for the fear you are made to feel," said the message signed by Kathy L. The sentiment was echoed in as many as three dozen letters and emails sent to the Newmarket Islamic Centre, Bemat said. "It made us feel good. It made us feel like we had a strong com-

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Events Calendar

See what’s happening by visiting our online community calendar. www.yorkregion.com/events

uReport the News Supplied

Flowers and a hearfelt note were delivered to the Newmarket Islamic Centre following the deadly shooting at a mosque in Quebec.

newsroom@yorkregion.com www.facebook.com/yrmgnews @yorkregion yorkregion.com/ureport

l See COMMUNITIES, page 8

EDUCATION

Parents applaud ministry review of school board TERESA LATCHFORD tlatchford@yrmg.com York Region parents are calling it vindication. Education Minister Mitzie Hunter recently announced the launch of an urgent review of the York Region District School Board’s governance and equity processes. Patrick Case and Sue Herbert have been appointed to review and recommend improvements, especially when it comes to equity, accountability and transparency. A final report outlining next steps is to be submitted to Hunter by April 7. "There have been significant and growing concerns from parents and community members regarding governance and equity issues in the YRDSB," Hunter wrote in a statement. "These include allegations of systemic racism, concerns about the board’s equity and inclusive education policies, accountability for spending on trustees’ international travel and deteriorating relationships between the trustees, the di-

rector of education and the board’s senior staff." Unsatisfied that the issues would be addressed following a meeting with the then school board chair Anna DeBartolo and education director Philip Parappally and a submitted action plan proposal, Hunter felt the need to launch the review that will also address rebuilding relationships between the education director, senior staff, trustees and the community. A coalition of community representatives joins the Vaughan African Canadian Association and the National Council of Canadian Muslims in giving the announcement two thumbs up. Last November, the NCCM and VACA filed human rights complaints on behalf of seven York Region families against the school board over the treatment of black students and issues of Islamophobia. Since then, a school board trustee issued an apology letter following a racial slur uttered to describe Woodbridge parent Charline Grant, who was one of

Simone Joseph/Metroland

Parents Garth Bobb (from left), Hilary Neubauer, Shernett Martin and Charline Grant host a media conference in front of Stornoway Crescent Public School in Thornhill Jan. 27. the first parents to file a human rights complaint against the school board. "This has been a long and difficult journey for us, and our family is hoping that there will finally be some accountability for how our son was treated," Grant said.

"Our struggle has always been about ensuring that all students, no matter what their backgrounds or heritage, are treated with fairness and dignity. We welcome this review wholeheartedly." Some parents at a Jan. 27 news

conference shed tears as they stood outside Thornhill’s Stornoway Crescent Public School in Markham and relayed stories of the suffering and isolation their children experienced as they encountered racism from students and staff within the school board. The experiences included a boy being handed a Ku Klux Klan hat by another student and another student being beaten by a peer. On both accounts, the parents felt their complaints were swept under the rug and sufficient consequences were not doled out to the offenders. "We look forward to the findings of the review," YRDSBKids group’s Naeem Siddiqi said. "We hope they will provide the ministry with the necessary information to institute real and meaningful change for all York students and their families." YRDSBKids, a group of York Region parents who have come together to encourage the school board to increase its transparenl See RECOMMENDATIONS page 8

NEWS

Town, businesses welcome proposed Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham AMANDA PERSICO apersico@yrmg.com Aurora’s business community is welcoming a proposed new hotel with open arms. The town recently announced a hotel is coming to Aurora and it could break ground later this year. "Aurora is thrilled to partner with the premier developer of ground-up hotels in Canada, to address the acute hotel shortage in town," said Mayor Geoffrey

Dawe. The proposed Aurora Microtel Inn and Suites, by Wyndham, is to be built on two acres of town-owned land on Goulding Avenue, southeast of the Leslie and Wellington streets area. "The benefits are enormous," said Aurora’s long range and strategic planning manger Anthony Ierullo. "With a municipality our size, there is a very strong business community with several large headquarters. And that doesn’t

take into account the tourism potential." A site plan for the fourstorey, 98-room, urban-design building is expected in the coming weeks. The hotel, intended to be the brand’s flagship location, will house about 98 rooms and feature highspeed Internet, a fitness centre, swimming pool and spa facilities - as well as electric vehicle chargers. There are plans to connect Goulding Avenue to First Commerce Drive. The site plan also comes

with an accelerated timeline. Shovels could be in the ground later this spring or early summer and the hotel would open in 2018. Several years ago, the Aurora Chamber of Commerce put together a hotel strategy working group, consisting of business leaders and other representatives of the town. "Nothing was happening," said Javed Khan, chair of the chamber. "We wanted to get the l See AURORA page 7

Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham is coming to Aurora and it could break ground later this year. The proposed hotel is to be built on Goulding Avenue, southeast of the intersection of Leslie and Wellington streets.

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Aurora Banner, Thursday, February 2, 2017

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Staff/Metroland

Safe Rail Communities’ Helen Vassilakos stands on the southern approach to the Howland Avenue rail bridge, near the site of an August derailment.

Advocates demand better protocol for train derailments "People need to know about the risks and hazards in regards to where they live. The more they know, the better they can prepare themselves and make short- and long-term decisions based on that."

HILARY CATON hcaton@insidetoronto.com Advocates and municipal politicians are calling for more to be done to protect the public from hazardous materials transported through communities across the province. According to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, there were 144 accidents involving dangerous goods across Canada in 2015, and 33 incidents where a tanker leaked at least 200 litres of the dangerous material it was transporting. For years, municipalities have been asking for more information about what hazardous materials are travelling by train. And a recent train derailment in Toronto’s midtown neighbourhood of the Annex in August was a stark reminder that residents aren’t prepared for a derailment. Safe Rail Communities (SRC), a national, communitybased initiative based in Toronto, released a survey after the derailment asking residents how prepared they felt for a derailment. More than 80 per cent indicated they were not prepared. "There seems to be gaps between what is being done with respect to emergency planning at city hall, and knowledge getting to residents at the neighbourhood level, and that’s because there isn’t enough outreach to communities," said Helen Vassilakos, co-founder of SRC. At the Office of Emergency Management at the City of Toronto, a spokesperson emphasized they "don’t want residents to have a specific plan for a derailment, but an emergency plan for any eventuality, all hazards." Although Vassilakos agrees to the holistic approach, there is still a lack of information about derailment emergencies. "We feel that residents need to clearly understand what

˜˜Ali Asgary/York University the risks of living near a rail line ... in the same way that residents need to understand what the risks are when living in a low-lying area; risk of flooding or insurance implications," Vassilakos explained. She’d like to see a section dedicated to rail emergencies and a more detailed shelter-in-place resource for residents, similar to the one created by the City of Brampton, which informs residents, in detail, of notification protocols, how to prepare a shelter-in-place kit and a list of do’s and don’ts in the event of a derailment. Vassilakos has been working with Professor Ali Asgary, of the Disaster and Emergency Management department at York University, to develop the MySafeRailApp. The app uses yearly historical information rail companies are required to give to municipalities about the nature and volume of dangerous goods moving through cities. The app gives users the ability to determine if they live in an immediate impact zone for a large train derailment. "People need to know about the risks and hazards in regards to where they live. The more they know, the better they can prepare themselves and make short- and long-

term decisions based on that," Asgary said. "People really need to know what they’re up against." Users can input their address into the beta website and see a list of hazardous materials that have passed through the area. "Once that’s identified, it tells you what steps can be taken if it does happen: whether to shelter in place, or evacuate. It’s very basic information based on Transport Canada’s safety guide." At the municipal level, mayors and councillors have for years been requesting the federal government step in and promote better communication between the rail industry and local communities. The August derailment in Toronto prompted Coun. Joe Cressy to bring forward a motion, which was adopted by city council, that asks the deputy city manager to look at what a proper communications protocol should be because the city doesn’t have one. It’s something communities "desperately need," he said. "Although the derailment this past summer was contained, it exposed some real issues, one if which was the complete absence of formal communication from any level of government with residents ... They were left in the dark," said Cressy. "We recognize rail is a federal issue, but as a city, if we can improve communications in the absence of a proper federal protocol, then we will. The city will have to create its own." Cressy added there are things that can be done now with regards to rail safety, such as overhauling the railway management system and looking at alternative rail routes that don’t pass through densely populated areas. "If there is the potential for harm, no matter how small, we need to reduce that potential," said Cressy.

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Aurora Banner, Thursday, February 2, 2017

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NEWS

DOOR-TO-DOOR CLUTTER COLLECTION Get rid of unwanted clothing, textiles and household goods with convenient pick-up at your doorstep. Place any of the accepted items listed below in clear plastic bags. Mark ‘T’ for textile on each bag. Leave the bags outside your front door by 8 a.m. on the first Monday of each month.

First collection will take place Monday, February 6, 2017

Prince Harry will not unveil the new accessible park AMANDA PERSICO apersico@yrmg.com Prince Harry will not be making a stop in Aurora during the 2017 Invictus Games held in Toronto. Recently, the town received a letter from the prince’s assistant private secretary in Kensington Palace declining the town’s invitation. "Having given careful consideration to the possibilities, however, I very much regret that His Royal Highness reluctantly feels he must decline," the letter reads. Last fall, the town reached out and invited Prince Harry to visit and formerly unveil the town’s first accessible playground in Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Park that will be opened later this fall. But due to scheduling issues during the Invictus Games, it would not be possible to add anymore engagements. "I am sorry to have to send you this necessarily disappointing response but

We will collect the following materials in any condition (gently used or worn and torn) as long as they are clean, dry and odourless. WE ACCEPT: • Blankets, bedding, sheets, pillows • Clothing and footwear • Drapery, curtains • Housewares (e.g. home décor items) • Jackets, overcoats • Kitchenware • Linens, towels, washcloths

• • • • •

Reading glasses Purses, hats, belts and ties Sleeping bags Soft toys Toys, sports equipment

WE DO NOT ACCEPT: • Appliances • Furniture • Hazardous waste

For more information, visit aurora.ca/clothingrecycling

Staff photo

Prince Harry makes his address at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel for the 2017 Invictus Games, which will be held in Toronto. The call for volunteers is now open. Organizers are advising people to apply as soon as possible. do hope you understand," the letter reads. "His Royal Highness would have me send you his best wishes and warmest thanks for thinking of him." Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Park, near John West Way and Hollandview Trail, will feature a fully ac-

cessible playground costing the town about $150,000. The 2017 Invictus Games will be held Sept. 23 to 30 in Toronto and will see more than 550 injured and wounded men and women soldiers from 17 allied nations will compete in 12 different adaptive games.

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yorkregion.com

Aurora Banner, Thursday, February 2, 2017

COMMUNITY

Planning for annual multicultural festival underway AMANDA PERSICO apersico@yrmg.com After the success of Aurora’s inaugural multicultural festival las year, the town is gearing up for this year’s event. And planning for Aurora’s second annual multicultural festival is underway. Last year, about 600 patrons attended the inaugural multicultural festival hosted by the town, which included 15 different cultural and community groups and several

different culinary delights from different cultures. The 2017 event is planned for Sept. 9 at the same location, Ada Johnson Park near Bayview Avenue and Hartwell Way. During committee last week, the town opted to create a special ad-hoc committee to help build up the event. But during this week’s council meeting, council reversed its decision and voted instead to leave the event in staff’s hands. "We have a good special

events staff," said Mayor Geoffrey Dawe. There was some concern setting up a committee at this point would delay the planning process. "It could hold up the process," said Coun. Paul Pirri. "We would lose that planning time." The town is hosting two public open houses, tentatively planned for March 2 and 8 at 7 p.m. for residents to present ideas and get involved in the process. For more information, visit aurora.ca

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Aurora Banner, Thursday, February 2, 2017

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EDITORIAL | OPINION

• OUR VIEW •

Trustee should resign over racial slur When allegations of racism and discrimination were levelled at the York Region District School Board last year - resulting in the Vaughan African Canadian Association and the National Council of Canadian Muslims filing a joint human rights complaint - it seemed impossible to imagine how things could have gotten worse. And then they did. Shortly after the press conference announcing the complaints, news broke that the YRDSB was investigating allegations a trustee, later revealed to be Nancy Elgie who represents Georgina, had uttered a racial slur, the N-word, in reference to a black parent during a Nov. 22 meeting about equity. With the conclusion of that investigation, Elgie emailed a letter of apology to those involved. In it, Elgie claimed she accepted responsibility for the slur and will attend an equity training session. She described herself as "overcome with shock and dismay" and said she "felt heartsick and deeply ashamed." She further claimed the N-word was not directed at parent Charline Grant but, rather, she was trying to explain Grant’s concerns as reported in the media. Perhaps, but how does one reconcile those sentiments with Elgie’s statements to the Toronto Star Dec. 8 where she said, twice, there was no merit in the accusation? Understandably, Grant isn’t satisfied with the letter and voiced concern about the lack of consequences. More than 1,000 parents have signed an online petition urging Elgie to resign. Newly appointed board chairperson, Loralea Carruthers, said she hears the parents, but noted neither trustees nor staff have the authority to make an elected official step down. Carruthers went on to say the people have their say on a trustee’s conduct at the ballot box, adding the incident wasn’t indicative of who Elgie is. That may be, but the board needs to send a strong message that this kind of conduct won’t be tolerated and request she resign. Perhaps a mechanism to force a trustee to step down could be explored as part of the probe announced by Education Minister Mitzie Hunter Thursday. Finally, we urge Elgie to truly accept responsibility for what occurred and step down voluntarily - without prompting. To do otherwise, runs contrary to the spirit of her apology and runs the risk of tainting any future steps the board takes to address its issues.

TEENA BOGNER Community Columnist

How did we get here?

• LETTERS • Agree with letter writers on tolls

We were there before the fire trucks were. The flames were about 20 feet high, lots of machines in the rental place, and I’m sure Lucky store got half of their store burnt out! Jodi Nash There goes a landmark. Must have been one of the first places in Kesrock. Lian Humby Jamie Yakeley there goes that convenient store we used to get chai teas from when we were younger. William Alexander

Re: Find revenue other than road tolls, Jan. 13 and Road tolls will have a domino effect on communities, Jan. 4.I read the letters by Craig Hroncok of Sharon and Beth Horton of Newmarket on the above subject in the Jan. 19 edition of The Era and I fully agree with their comments. If I may add my two cents worth, if the councillors had not spent over $20 million (I do not know the exact amount) of public money over the Davis Drive Project to accommodate Viva bus service, which as I see is hardly being used as envisaged, they would not run out of money and adhere now to levy "road tolls." On top of that, businesses which were in that area had to either close down or suffer losses worth thousands of dollars because of lack of parking or because clients could not reach them easily resulting in loss of revenue to the government. God alone knows how much more public money is being wasted over other items that the general public is not even aware of. It is high time that persons in charge use public money wisely to avoid levying tolls and taxes over an already burdened community. Dhun K. Bhaya Newmarket

The story: New pastor brings new kind of church to East Gwillimbury

More action needed to prevent cold, flu

• OPINION •

Saying it on social media A roundup of reaction online The story: Fire at Keswick rental business spreads to neighbouring store

Church is a commitment to learning what God says in His word and keeping each other accountable in that, community is built as we’re strengthened in His word together. Jesus preached the word wherever He went. He’s the reason here not inconveniencing people or reaching people who don’t have the motivation to go hear what God is saying. Starting with community gardening for example as the forefront and having no communion or Sunday service diminishes the actual teaching of the word and is not a church, it’s a community group. Faith without works is dead I agree, but faith without the knowledge of the absolute truth being professed and pondered is fallacy. Lindsay Whitfield How can anyone find this story angering? Regardless of what you might personally think of what she’s doing, she’s trying to make this world a better place. How is that bad? Sue Jag "Instead of Sunday school, think community dinners, parent-child drop ins, house concerts, singing circles, podcasts and gardening clubs, Swan said." Sounds like fun - and she enjoys Guinness and music! Brian O’Sullivan

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The Aurora Banner, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised of more than 100 community publications across Ontario.

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newsroom@yrmg.com www.facebook.com/yrmgnews @yorkregion

Re: Flu cases rising as virus moves cross-country, Jan. 13. It’s once again cold and flu season across Canada, and viruses are spreading quickly. While flu shots and proper handwashing are important, it appears that more needs to be done by residents and public health agencies. As one of the most diverse municipalities in the country, there is no shortage of Asian restaurants in Markham serving delicious foods. With the use of chopsticks and communal food, this creates the perfect environment for viruses and bacteria to thrive and spread. Often, people carry viruses without knowing it. While most restaurants will provide a pair of communal chopsticks upon request, the best model I found is a dim sum restaurant where two sets of chopsticks are provided to each guest: one for personal use, and one for communal food. This greatly reduces the spread of viruses and bacteria either through fluids from the mouth or through the hands (by sharing communal chopsticks).In other countries, people having flu-like symptoms would voluntarily put on a mask.

These measures, along with staying at home while sick, should be seriously considered by all residents and the public health agencies in Ontario. That way, Ontario will be a more healthy and productive place for us all. Edward Choi Markham

Raw milk legal elsewhere, why not here? I have read with interest the two letters supporting the sale of raw milk. I don’t drink raw milk anymore, but went through the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph, and all the strapping young sons and daughters of farmers I met grew up drinking raw milk. I have been to health food stores in the United States and have seen raw milk for sale. I understand that Canada is the only G8 country to outlaw it, supposedly because it is dangerous. How is it that other countries know how to regulate a safe and healthy food, yet we are bullied into believing it is dangerous? The issue is good sanitary handling procedures. We can certainly make the sale of raw milk legal and stop harassing farmers and consumers who want to have this product that is natural and safe if handled correctly. Time for our politicians to listen to reason and not the hysteria of the protected diary industry that fears this niche market. Embrace it and make it available for those who may want to buy it. George Ivanoff Richmond Hill

Letters to the editor All letters must be fewer than 200 words and include your name and telephone number for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters.

Reader questions pedestrian, driver behaviour

What is going on with drivers these days? Have the rules of the road changed? Do we no longer have to stop at stop signs? Speed limits certainly don’t mean anything, and traffic lights should now be yellow and green only, because so many people drive through a red light ... because hey, why should they have to stop for a couple of minutes? Drivers get away with basically everything, because police presence on our roads appears to be at an all-time low. I have been driving for more than 34 years, and until a few years ago, people seemed to, for the most part, obey the rules. Or maybe they didn’t, but there were more police to catch the culprits. I live on a street in the Memorial Park area that people now use to get to and from Main Street. It has become a main thoroughfare whereby no one stops at the stop signs, and the amount of people who speed up and

Often, my husband and I leave for work, and our work location for that day dictates we drive down Trench Street resulting in passing the Mackenzie Health crosswalk. Often, that time coincides with shift change at that hospital. I have never seen so many health-care workers disrespect a crosswalk purpose considering what a few of them must see on a daily basis via the emergency room. Many either neglect to push the button to activate the flashing crosswalk lights, and if they do push the button they do not wait for the oncoming traffic to react! Many also jaywalk across that busy stretch of road between Major Mackenzie Drive and the crosswalk on Trench. Many crossing in both areas wear dark clothing and cannot easily be seen due to the low lighting. Whatever happened to stop, look and listen? Then we have the failure to stops at Richmond and Trench. Wanna see a "car-train"? Check out that track! Carol Ann Speight Richmond Hill

Publisher Dana Robbins General Manager Shaun Sauve Director of Advertising Maureen Christie

Editor-in-Chief Metroland Central Joanne Burghardt Editor-in-Chief York Region Lee Ann Waterman Managing Editor Ted McFadden

What’s up with drivers lately?

CONTACT US Aurora Banner 580 Steven Court Newmarket, ON L3Y 4X1 Phone: 905-853-8888 Fax: 905-853-4626 Web: www.yorkregion.com

down my street is unbelievable. They simply don’t care. The stop signs may as well be moved at Park Drive and Booth Drive because no one uses them unless there is another vehicle approaching, and then one hopes that common sense will take over. I have also spoken with several neighbours who have talked about "near misses" while crossing. The police sit here on occasion, but at a time of the day when most people are at work. York Region is growing very fast. I don’t understand the apparent lack of presence on our roadways. Why is it that there has to be a serious accident or fatality before anything is done? I heard a report not too long ago that said York Region is to hire 300 more police officers. Really? Are they going to be used on our roadways? To change things, there must be visibility. I am obviously unaware of the inner workings of the police department, its budget and how it operates in general, but I do know what I see, or rather don’t see, and that is very little is being done to correct the behaviours of the people living here, which will only get worse as we grow. To the drivers who push the envelope every day by speeding, not stopping, driving through red lights or making an illegal U turn, your luck may one day end, because you will either hit or kill someone. L. Valleau Stouffville

Currently municipalities across the country are navigating the annual budget process. As taxpayers, our curiosity is usually limited to how much our property taxes will increase. This year, however, is different. The Town of Newmarket is currently experiencing a $1.6 million shortfall in its operating budget. To be blunt: the town needs an additional $1.6 million to operate the municipality in 2017. Several solutions have been proposed by the town, including decreasing services to keep the tax increase low, or an increase in parking enforcement to make up the shortfall. Nevertheless, how did we get here? Our organization, the Newmarket Taxpayers Advocacy Group Inc. (NTAG), regularly reviews decisions by our local government to ensure transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility. As an example, the recent renovation of the Old Town Hall was initially budgeted for $5 million and cost $11 million. Why? One of the reasons is the engineering firm contracted for this project did not receive the necessary engineering drawings from the town. In addition, the town did not allow full access to complete the necessary on-site engineering tests. The net: the project took two years longer than projected and was over budget. Fiscal responsibility? No. Another example is the town theatre. It has lost hundreds of thousands of dollars for years. Despite offers of assistance from the arts community and a municipal taskforce, there does not appear to be a concrete strategy to stop the bleeding. This, in lieu of a second theatre at the Old Town Hall. Fiscal responsibility? No. There have been successes. For instance, when NTAG raised concerns with the Town of Newmarket about the $250,000 spent annually on restaurant meals, parties and gifts for staff, the town took action to decrease spending and implement an internal policy relating to restaurant meals. Fiscal responsibility? Yes. In response to several NTAG deputations, the Town of Newmarket also hosted an open house, where residents could speak candidly to town officials and management. Transparency and accountability? Yes. Hence, the need for taxpayers groups. If people do not know what their government is doing, they cannot be truly self-governing. Citizens need to demand accountability from our duly elected officials, and they, in turn, have a duty to ensure that the corporation operates with the highest of accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility. We are the shareholders of this corporation. It is our money. Don’t like the property tax increase? Demand better. Accountability is the essence of democracy. Teena Bogner is president of the Newmarket Taxpayers Advocacy Group Inc., a provincially incorporated non-profit and non-partisan advocacy organization dedicated to fair taxes, less waste, and transparent and accountable government in Newmarket.

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yorkregion.com

Aurora Banner, Thursday, February 2, 2017

NEWS

Aurora welcomes Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham, opening 2018 l Continued from page 1

conversation back on the table. And I think it worked. The business community is ecstatic." There are numerous benefits to having a hotel in town, he added. The hotel adds much needed space for local busi-

nesses and franchisees to host regional meetings. And for larger businesses, such as the Bulk Barns, Magnas or Dejardins of Aurora, who bring visitors on a daily basis. They will have somewhere locally for those visitors to stay, in-

stead of shuttling them off to hotels in Richmond Hill or Newmarket, Ierullo said. This also bodes well with the sporting community that host tournaments and events in town, but ask teams to stay at hotels elsewhere.

And then there is the trickle down effect for small local businesses. "This will help local businesses, too," Khan said. "They will go for dinner or lunch and visit our main

street." When pressed about the lack of conference space available, Khan said: "This is big first step. Now, we can have the conversation about a conference centre

in town." Using the hotel as a springboard, Khan also hopes to start a conversation with the town about establishing a business centre in the heart of town.

TOWN OF AURORA PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC PLANNING MEETING

NOTICE OF COMPLETE APPLICATION AND PUBLIC PLANNING MEETING

Aurora Town Council will hold a public meeting to receive input on the following Planning Application on Wednesday, February 22 at 7 p.m. at Aurora Town Hall, Council Chambers.

APPLICATION:

The Owner has submitted an application for an amendment to Zoning By-law 2213-78 to rezone the subject lands from “Special Mixed Density Residential (R5) Zone” to “Row Dwelling Residential (R6-X) Exception Zone” to allow the development of 12 block townhouse units on the 0.24 ha site.

APPLICATION:

The Owner has submitted a Complete Application for an Amendment to Zoning By-law 2213-78 to change the zoning from “Special Mixed Density Residential (R5) Zone” to “Special Mixed Density Residential (R5-X) Exception Zone”, to allow a business and professional ofﬁce use to the uses currently permitted by the R5 Zone.

PROPERTY:

22 and 26 Centre Street

PROPERTY:

15403 Yonge Street

LEGAL DESC.:

Lots 120 and 121, Plan 246

LEGAL DESC.:

Lot 95 Registered Plan 246

APPLICANT:

1428420 Ontario Ltd.

APPLICANT:

Dorota Smolarkiewicz

FILE NUMBER:

ZBA-2016-08

ZBA-2016-14

CONTACT:

Any inquiries should be directed to Jeff Healey of the Planning and Building Services Department at 905-727-3123 ext. 4349, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Comments may also be mailed to the Planning and Building Services department at the address noted below, faxed to 905-726-4736 or emailed to planning@aurora.ca. Please quote the ﬁle name and number.

FILE NUMBER: CONTACT:

Any inquiries should be directed to Marty Rokos of the Planning and Building Services Department at 905-727-3123 ext. 4350, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Comments may also be mailed to the Planning and Building Services department at the address noted below, faxed to 905-726-4736 or emailed to planning@aurora.ca. Please quote the ﬁle name and number.

Personal Information Collection Notice

The Town of Aurora collects personal information in communications or presentations made to Town Council and/or its Committees under the legal authority of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter c.P.13, as amended. Pursuant to Section 27 of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.56, as amended, (the “Act”) public feedback to planning proposals is considered to be public recorded and may be disclosed to any individual upon request in accordance with the Act. 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. Questions about this collection should be directed to the Town Clerk, Town of Aurora, 100 John West Way, Box 1000, Aurora, ON L4G 6J1 905-727-3123.

Audio and Video Recording of Council and Committee Meetings

The Town audio and/or video records Public Planning Meetings. If you make a presentation to Town Council or its Committees, you may be audio or video recorded. Pursuant to Section 27 of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.56, as amended, (the “Act”) public feedback to planning proposals is considered to be a public record and may be disclosed to any individual upon request in accordance with the Act. Zoning By-law (O. Reg. 545/06)

If a person or a public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written 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 and Building Services.

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Aurora Banner, Thursday, February 2, 2017

yorkregion.com

NEWS

Communities offer condolences after attack l Continued from page 1

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

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

The Owner has submitted an Ofﬁcial Plan Amendment Application to amend the Yonge Street South Secondary Plan (OPA 34) to redesignate the easterly portion of the Owners Lands (Subject Lands) from; Major Institutional, Minor Institutional and Environmental Function Area to, Cluster Residential, Environmental Function Area and Special Policy Area.

PROPERTY:

50 Bloomington Road West

promoting the event said. "Sunday’s events in Québec are a reminder that we need to continue to engage and foster a greater understanding of inclusivity and celebrate diversity within our communities."’ Richmond Hill Mayor Dave Barrow expressed sympathies for the victims and their loved ones at Monday night’s council meeting. "We have a large Muslim community in Richmond Hill and certainly our prayers are with them, but also with humanity, with people who lose their lives and those who have to suffer that loss as members of families," he said. Aurora councillors marked a moment of silence at their council meeting Jan. 31 and Mayor Geoff Dawe is sending a letter of condolences. Meanwhile, security has been stepped up at a mosque in Vaughan in the

munity backing us," he said. Jahan Zeb Amer, a member of the mosque, said Kathy L’s note had special meaning. "It was good to feel that, especially with what’s going on. Those were good words," the 19-year-old York University student said, adding he has also been saddened by U.S. President Donald Trump’s travel ban of citizens of seven Muslimmajority countries. An outpouring of shock at the mass shooting and support for the Muslim community has been expressed across York Region this week. An evening vigil was held Feb. 1 at the Markham Civic Centre. "The City of Markham, the Islamic Society of Markham and members of the community will stand in solidarity to promote harmony amidst this painful tragedy," a statement

wake of the shooting. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of York Region, which has a large mosque on Jane Street in Vaughan that counts thousands of members, has rallied volunteer youth and reached out to York Regional Police to make sure no attacks happen there. "We’re shocked and horrified at this attack," said Safwan Choudhry, spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jammat. "We’re heightening security at all of our prayer centres from Newfoundland to British Columbia to make sure all of the members of our community feel safe. "We collaborate closely with the authorities. However, this one (attack) even shocked them and us. It points to how things can get very volatile, very quickly." The Ahmadiyya community did not have "any immediate threats we are aware of", Choudhry said.

Recommendations to address equity, transparency l Continued from page 1

LEGAL DESC.:

Part of Lot 71, Concession 1, Geographic Township of King, Town of Aurora, Regional Municipality of York

APPLICANT:

Ontario Minister of Infrastructure (MOI)

FILE NUMBER:

OPA-2016-06

CONTACT:

Any inquiries should be directed to Glen Letman or Jeff Healey of the Planning and Building Services Department at 905-727-3123 ext. 4346 or ext. 4349, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Comments may also be mailed to the Planning and Building Services department at the address noted below, faxed to 905-726-4736 or emailed to planning@aurora.ca. Please quote the ﬁle name and number.

Personal Information Collection Notice The Town of Aurora collects personal information in communications or presentations made to Town Council and/or its Committees under the legal authority of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter c.P.13, as amended. Pursuant to Section 27 of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.56, as amended, (the “Act”) public feedback to planning proposals is considered to be public recorded and may be disclosed to any individual upon request in accordance with the Act. 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. Questions about this collection should be directed to the Town Clerk, Town of Aurora, 100 John West Way, Box 1000, Aurora, ON L4G 6J1 905-727-3123.

cy and accountability, also questioned school board expenditures when trustees expensed not one but two trips to Finland. Former associate education director Avis Glaze remembers a time when YRDSB was held up as a beacon of education in Ontario. "York Region has been one of the best boards in the province, people acknowledge that," she said. She, along with former education director Bill Hogarth, worked hard to focus on student achievement, employee pro-

fessional development, student leadership and parental engagement. Professionally, it was the place to be and job candidates flocked to the school board that was considered a trailblazer in the province. "There’s no doubt that the spotlight is there and I’m just hoping for the best in terms of a quick resolution to all those issues that I’ve been reading about in the papers," she said. "I really want to see the board get back to the focus on student learning and achievement."

YorkRegion.com

Town of Aurora 100 John West Way, Aurora, ON L4G 6J1 aurora.ca/publicnotices • 905-727-3123, ext. 4346 or ext. 4349

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Your Region, Thursday, February 2, 2017

YOUR REGION Visit yorkregion.com for more stories from across York Region

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Above, Treblemakers instructor Kevin Eiras working the DJ suite. Below, is professional DJ Andrea Chow.

DJing 101: feel the beat, count the bars A starter control board can start around $200, and the tools to manipulate the beat and tempo are at your fingertips. From there, you can fade out the vocals, kick out the bass and accentuate the hi-hats. Chow is also lending her spinning style to the Centre of Immigrant and Community Services Immigrant Youth Centre in Markham by teaching a DJ for Beginners course. Treblemakers Music Academy - located in Bradford West Gwillimbury keeps things spinning with instructor and DJ Kevin Eiras.

That’s where counting comes into play. "If you’re off beat or off tempo with your mixing, it throws people off," she said. "Jumping from one tempo to another confuses people." Instead of relying on gimmicky effects, Chow prefers to blend songs with similar tempos and beats. "You control the feel of the room," she said. "You bring the event to life - and if it’s bad, there is an instantaneous reaction right in front of you." That’s when DJs often introduce new songs, nestled in between familiar Top 40 hits.

AMANDA PERSICO apersico@yrmg.com Being a DJ is more than plugging in an iPod and playing songs on shuffle. "You need to know the basic structure of music," said Stouffville resident Andrea Chow. Chow, a professional DJ, recently started Out of the Box Music School - a private electronic music school that specializes in music production and DJing. "You need to know the bars and beats. You need to know how to count music." A DJ is there to transition from one song to the next while keeping the audience moving.

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Your Region, Thursday, February 2, 2017

yorkregion.com

WHAT’S ON A round-up of events happening in your communities. Visit yorkregion.com/events

LOCAL l Saturday, February 4 Writing Your Faith Story WHEN: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. WHERE: Cedarview Community Church, 1000 Gorham St., Newmarket CONTACT: Carol Ford, 905-7177033, carolford6@gmail.com COST: $25 A workshop for all levels of writers and speakers. Networking, writers’ panel, writing practice and feedback. Cost includes a copy of book entitled As the Ink Flows. l Sunday, February 5 Splash and Boots WHEN: 1 p.m. - 11 p.m. WHERE: Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham CONTACT: Flato Markham Theatre, 905-3057469, 305_show@markham.ca COST: Prime: $39; Regular: $34 Family 4-Pak: $125 Timeless, universal and fun, their music has just the right amount of - so parents and kids alike can share in the moment.

Dishcloth Workshop WHEN: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. WHERE: East Gwillimbury Public Library Mount Albert branch, 19300 Centre St., East Gwillimbury CONTACT: Heather Alblas COST: $7 Knit grandma’s favourite dish cloth. Perfect for beginners. Participants will need one skein of cotton dishcloth yarn and 4.5 mm needles. Partagez le francais - Aurora WHEN: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. WHERE: Country Style - BistroDeli, 14980 Yonge St., Aurora CONTACT: www.bit.ly/partagez-fr, partagez.york@yahoo.ca, http://bit.ly/ partagez_conversation This group welcomes adults (francophones to beginners) looking to put their French language conversation skills into action. l Monday, February 6 Aurora Historical Society Annual General Meeting WHEN: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. WHERE: Aurora Public Library, 15145 Yonge St., Aurora CONTACT: Erika Mazanik, 905-727-8891, erika.mazanik@aurorahs.com Year in review, AHS business, plans for 2017. Elections for the 2017 board of directors.2017 membership is required to vote.

Public Speaking Club Meeting WHEN: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. WHERE: Town of Aurora, 100 John West Way, Aurora CONTACT: Sue, 416-238-7966, vppr@toastmastersaurora.org Do you have an upcoming professional or social speech?Do you wish to improve your speak-

l GET

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Visit yorkregion.com/events to submit your own community events for online publishing. ing excellence? In the Leksand Room. Book Club - February - Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thein WHEN: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. WHERE: Holland Landing Public Library, 19513 Yonge St., East Gwillimbury CONTACT: 905-836-6492, info@egpl.ca Winner of the 2016 Scotia bank Giller Prize, master storyteller Madeleine Thien takes us inside an extended family in China. l Tuesday, February 7 Free Tuesday Open Studio: Winter Session WHEN: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. WHERE: Aurora Cultural Centre, 22 Church St., Aurora CONTACT: Leanne DiMonte, 905-713-1818, info@auroraculturalcentre.ca, www.auroraculturalcentre.ca Meet artists in the community who enjoy working in a communal space to create.Easels available for use during your session.

Public prayer meeting WHEN: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. WHERE: Newmarket Public Library, 438 Park Ave., Newmarket CONTACT: Homa Daliri, 647-975-5540, homa_daliri@yahoo.ca Please join us for this interfaith prayer meeting. The theme is peace and unity of mankind.You are welcome to bring your favourite prayers to share. l Wednesday, February 8 Putting Pen to Paper WHEN: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. WHERE: Bethel Community CR Church, 333 Davis Dr., Newmarket CONTACT: Carol Ford, 905-8959312, carolford6@gmail.com COST: $6 Journaling - Why not shareyour thoughts?Speaker: Brenda Wood of Innisfil, Ontario on"The Healing Power of Laughter".Babysitting upon request. l Thursday, February 9 Women in Business Luncheon 2017 WHEN: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. WHERE: Silver Lakes Golf and Conference Centre, 21114 Yonge St., East Gwillimbury CONTACT: Suzanne, 905 478 8447, egcoc@egcoc.org COST: $49+HST members, $55+HST non-member guests Come enjoy a delicious lunch, the opportunity to network with local businesses, exhibitor stations, prizes and much more.

PARTAGEZ le francais - Newmarket WHEN: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. WHERE: Tim Hortons (Gates of York Plaza), 17310 Yonge St., Newmarket CONTACT: www.bit.ly/partagez-fr, partagez.york@yahoo.ca, http:// bit.ly/partagez_conversation This group welcomes adults (francophones to beginners) looking to put their French language conversation skills into action. Amnesty International meeting WHEN: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. WHERE: Trinity Anglican Church, 79 Victoria St., Aurora CONTACT: Renee, 905-713-6713, http://www.amnesty.ca Discuss current human rights issues and write appeal letters. Amnesty International’s mission is to stop human rights abuses around the world. l Friday, February 10 Friday Night Blues Party with Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley WHEN: 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. WHERE: Aurora Cultural Centre, 22 Church St., Aurora CONTACT: Jane Taylor, 905-713-1818, info@auroraculturalcentre.ca, www.auroraculturalcentre.ca COST: $30 Advance, $35 day of concert, plus HST The Aurora Cultural Centre, in collaboration with the Aurora Winter Blues Fest, presents the finest couple in Canada’s blues scene with their five-piece band.

Shaun Majumder WHEN: 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. WHERE: Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham CONTACT: Flato Markham Theatre, 905-305-7469, 305_show@markham.ca COST: Prime: $59, Regular: $54 Students: $15 Canadian funnyman Shaun Majumder returns for another evening of non-stop laughs with his uproarious stand-up comedy routine. l Saturday, February 11 Blood donor clinic WHEN: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. WHERE: East Gwillimbury Sport Complex, 1914 Mt. Albert Rd., East Gwillimbury CONTACT: Canadian Blood Services, 1-888-236-6283, elaine.stpierre@blood.ca, www.blood.ca Hundreds of new donors are needed every week in Canada to ensure hospital patients have the blood they need

Metroland file photo

Richmond Hill Firefighters (L-R) Matt Stong, Rob Snowball, Rob Jedrzejek and Steve Eason with Emma Fuller compete in the bed races during a previous Richmond Hill Winter Carnival.

8 things to do this weekend talk-and-art-walk Join Grazyna Tonkiel for a talk on the habitats, breeding and conservation of the butterfly. Registration required.

l Friday, February 3 Richmond Hill Winter Carnival 2017 WHEN: 0 a.m. - 11 p.m. WHERE: Mill Pond Park, Mill Street and Trench Street, Richmond Hill CONTACT: 905-8848887, http://www.wintercarnival.net Midway, competitions, food, games and more. See web site for all the details. Online registration is open for volunteers.

Aurora Winter Blues Festival "BluesBash" Kickoff WHEN: 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. WHERE: Highland Automotive Showroom, 15783 Yonge St., Aurora CONTACT: GushMac Blues Productions, www.awbf.ca COST: $50, includes food An evening full of live music on two stages, dancing, food, auctions, live painting to the beat, door prizes and more.

Some Enchanted Evening WHEN: 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. WHERE: Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham CONTACT: Flato Markham Theatre, 905-305-7469, 305_show@markham.ca COST: Prime: $69, Regular: $64 Students: $15 Four of Canada’s most acclaimed singers salute Canada 150 with a celebration of 150 years of musical theatre and operetta.

l Sunday, February 5 York Region Weddings and Events EXPO 2017 WHEN: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. WHERE: Riviera Parque Convention Centre, 2800 Hwy. 7, Vaughan CONTACT: Monika Allard, 416-723-3701, https:// www.facebook.com/ events/285830258472543/ COST: contact for info Calling all the future brides and grooms for extraordinary experience at our show.

l Saturday, February 4 Butterfly Talk and Art Walk WHEN: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. WHERE: Aurora Public Library, 15145 Yonge St., Aurora CONTACT: Aurora Public Library, http://www.aurorapl.ca/ events/2017-02-04-1400002017-02-04-150000/butterfly-

Newmarket Chinese New Year Celebration 2017 WHEN: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

WHERE: Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St., Newmarket CONTACT: (416) 899-5566, Wasim@WasimJarrah.com, http:// www.yorkscene.com/tc-events/ chinese-new-year-celebration/ Join us for a fun-filled family focused event with a wide variety of games, activities and entertainment free of charge. Young Artists’ Showcase 2017 WHEN: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. WHERE: Newmarket Theatre, 505 Pickering Cres., Newmarket CONTACT: Linda Condy, 905-8982134, lindajcondy@sympatico.ca COST: $20 (adults); $10 (students); $40 (family of 4) Featuring Katherine Utochkina (mezzo-soprano), Duo Con Fuoco (classical piano duo), Jake Runeckles (actor) and The Irish Dance Studio. Tragically Hip Tribute at The Earl’s Open Stage WHEN: 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. WHERE: The Earl of Whitchurch, 6204 Main St., Whitchurch-Stouffville CONTACT: Kevin Ker, 647-5024138, epidemicmusicgroup@gmail.com A Tragically Hip tribute party celebrating lead singer Gord Downie and in support of his fund for brain cancer research.

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yorkregion.com

Your Region, Thursday, February 2, 2017

COMMUNITY

Flashback Film Fest will excite movie enthusiasts TERESA LATCHFORD tlatchford@yrmg.com The Flashback Film Fest is a treat for movie enthusiasts. Formerly the Great Digital Film Fest, it is Canada’s only coast-to-coast film festival. Cineplex Events has put together a lineup of 17 of the most blood-pumping, thrill-inducing and heartwarming films in cinema that will screen in over 24 cities across the country from Feb. 3 to Feb. 9, includ-

ing the SilverCity in Newmarket. The films that will appear on the local big screen include Air Force One, Blade Runner, Blood Simple, Fargo, The Fifth Element, Fight Club, The Fugitive, Groundhog Day, Heat, Jurassic Park, Legend, The Princess Bride, Pulp Fiction, The Running Man, Shallow Grave, Starship Troopers and Trainspotting. Tickets are $8 each, $7 each for five or more, or $70 for all 17.

Submitted

Flashback Film Fest will bring 17 films to SilverCity Cinema in Newmarket.

Alex Karolyi photo

Shadowpath Theatre is bringing James Bond to Newmarket for Valentine’s Day through.

James Bond could be your Valentine TERESA LATCHFORD tlatchford@yrmg.com James Bond lives another day. Treat your other half to the Bond experience as Shadowpath Theatre partners with H.J. Pfaff Audi Newmarket to create a James Bond themed cocktail party, Die Another Valentine’s Day. Take on missions that lead you to plays in cars in underground parking lots and scenes in unique spaces throughout the dealership.

"It’s a new project for us and we’re using local dancers, actors and musicians to create the world of James Bond," Shadowpath’s artistic director Alex Karolyi said. "You’ll come across many Bond girls and even a Bond villain or two." The event features canapés and a flair bartender mixing up Bond’s favourite martinis and mocktails. Ticket holders must 19 years or older and wear cocktail attire or dress as their favourite Bond character. Tickets for the Feb. 11 event that runs from 7 to 9

p.m. are $35 for early birds and $50 after that. Shadowpath Theatre Productions is a not-for-profit charitable organization that bridges the gap between arts and business by reimagining and repurposing everyday spaces as theatrical venues to presents accessible, innovative and creative events for the community on a professional level. The organization also provides public workshops. For more information, visit shadowpaththeatre.ca and for tickets, visit bondjamesbond.eventbrite.ca.

YorkRegion.com The Regional Municipality of York

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK DEVELOPMENT CHARGES ACT, 1997 On Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 9 a.m. York Region Committee of the Whole will hold a public meeting pursuant to the Development Charges Act, 1997. The purpose of this public meeting is to receive input on a proposed Region-wide bylaw for imposing development charges against all lands in York Region (with the exception of wastewater charges in the Village of Nobleton, Township of King). Development charges are fees collected on new development and are a primary funding source for growth-related infrastructure. Regional services funded by this proposed development charge bylaw include water, wastewater, roads, the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension, transit and other municipal services. On May 18, 2017, York Regional Council will consider the approval of the proposed Region-wide Development Charge Bylaw applicable to all lands in York Region (with the exception of wastewater charges in the Village of Nobleton, Township of King). Additional information, copies of the Background Study, proposed bylaw and staff reports will be available online at york.ca or can be obtained from the Regional Clerk’s Office starting on February 16, 2017 until May 5, 2017. Anyone wishing to attend the public meeting and address Committee of the Whole on this matter is requested to inform the Regional Clerk’s Office at 1-877-464-9675 extension 71320 or by email at regionalclerk@york.ca by noon on March 2, 2017. York Region Committee of the Whole meetings are held in the Council Chambers of York Region Administrative Centre at 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket, ON L3Y 6Z1. Dated at Newmarket February 2, 2017 Christopher Raynor Regional Clerk 17250 Yonge Street Newmarket, ON L3Y6Z1

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Your Region, Thursday, February 2, 2017

COMMUNITY

yorkregion.com

PICK OF THE WEEK

6th annual Aurora Winter GoPros, DVDs, ebooks, FitDesks available at library Blues Festival starts this month 4. VIDEOS AND CDS: Virtually every library offers

Five things you can get at

the

library,

BREA BARTHOLET bbartholet@yrmg.com

ing or studying.

TIM KELLY tkelly@yrmg.com

videos and CDs for you to

besides

borrow.

books:

Some

libraries,

like the Vaughan and Rich-

1. DOWNLOADS AND DIGITAL

mond Hill public libraries,

OFFERINGS: Thousands of ebooks

to name two, offer movie

and digital audiobooks are

nights or days, when mem-

available at most York Re-

bers of the public can come

gion public libraries with

and watch a movie togeth-

the use of your library

er at the branch.

card. Books come in digital

5. 3D CERTIFICATION LAB:

form now in addition to

The Vaughan Public Li-

paper.

brary offers a 3D certification lab to teach 3D print-

2. PORTABLE GPS NAVIGATORS AND GOPROS: You can borrow a portable Garmin six-inch

GPS

navigator

preloaded with maps of

Supplied

ing, creating and preparing

You can make 3D replicas of items such as gear shifters at the Vaughan Public Library.

a file using equipment safely. It also has hack labs where tiny gadgets can do "some pretty big things.

Canada and the U.S. You can also borrow a GoPro

in Vaughan offers a combi-

You can learn how the

video camera from your lo-

nation desk and exercise

Makey

cal VPL location with a

bike so patrons there can

and Raspberry Pi can be

loan period of seven days.

stretch their legs, improve

used to make cool projects

3. FITDESKS: The Pierre

health and relieve their

with lights, motors and

Berton Resource Library

stress while reading, work-

sensors."

Makey,

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It’s almost time to embrace the blues at the 6th annual Aurora Winter Blue Festival, taking place Feb. 4, 24 and 25 at St. Andrew’s College. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Festivals in Ontario, the event draws in thousands of blues enthusiasts and artists.Visitors to the month-long lineup of performances - which is a new addition to the festival this year - will enjoy them inside the St. Andrew’s Ketchum Auditorium and Wirth Theatre-in-theRound. The venue will allow for national acts to be booked while maintaining the intimate feel of the performances.You can expect to see The All Start Jam Band as the headliner of the Blues Bash Festival Kickoff on Feb. 4, while Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley headline at A Friday Night Blues party hosted by the Aurora Cultural Centre on Feb. 10. On Feb. 18, Groovestra will be fea-

Metroland file photo

Glenn Marais joined Aurora Winter Blues Festival organizers to provide live music at a media launch event in October. The festival kicks off Feb. 4. tured at the Raise the Roof Blues Dance. Since the festival’s inception, it has donated over $60,000 for local charities. This year, funds raised will go toward the benefit of the

Blue Doors Shelter, CHATS and the AWBF Youth in Music program.For more details regarding dates, performances, venues or tickets, visit aurorawinterbluesfestival.ca

Feb 11th, 2017 | 7pm Promo Code:

YOUR MISSION:

‘Era’ to save

Attend an exciting cocktail party with the lady’s man himself James Bond, his villains, bond girls & the one you love

LOCATION

TICKETS

16775 Leslie Street, Newmarket

www.shadowpaththeatre.ca

Metroland

A local committee has launched a raffle to help financially kick-start plans for the creation of a first class outdoor arena in Newmarket.

ONTARIO GOVERNMENT NOTICE NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF DETAIL DESIGN AND DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REPORT SUBMISSION New Commuter Carpool Lot at Highway 404 and Major Mackenzie Drive Interchange Detail Design and Class Environmental Assessment, G.W.P. 2227-09-00 THE PROJECT The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) retained AECOM to undertake a Detail Design and Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for a new Commuter Carpool Lot (CCL) at the Highway 404 and Major Mackenzie Drive Interchange in the Town of Richmond Hill, Regional Municipality of York.

TERESA LATCHFORD tlatchford@yrmg.com

The approved design of the CCL includes the construction of 250 parking spaces, including 10 designated accessible parking spaces, 5 bus bays, a York Region Transit/Viva shelter, a GO Transit Shelter, bike shelter, illumination, landscaping, storm water management and provisions for future electric vehicle charging stations. The transit shelters will include variable message signs, display boards and ticket vending machines. New traffic signals will be compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). In addition, realignment of the Westboundto-Southbound on-ramp in the SW quadrant of the interchange, as well as localized widening of Major Mackenzie Drive will provide access to the CCL. To facilitate the work, the Project Team has worked closely with local municipalities and transit providers. THE PROCESS This project builds upon the recently completed Highway 404 Class Environmental Assessment and Preliminary Design Study from the 407 Express Toll Route (ETR) to Green Lane Transportation Environmental Study Report (TESR) which received environmental clearance on July 18, 2016. This project has followed the approved planning process for Group ‘B’ projects under the MTO’s Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Transportation Facilities (2000). A Design and Construction Report (DCR) has been prepared to document the Class EA process, the recommended plan for improvements, construction staging, traffic management measures, and the consultation undertaken. The DCR is being made available, for information purposes, for a 30-day review period commencing Thursday, February 2, 2017 until Monday, March 6, 2017. The DCR may be viewed at the following locations: Ontario Ministry of Transportation Central Region 159 Sir William Hearst Avenue Toronto, ON M3M 0B7 Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

AECOM Front Desk 4th Floor, 30 Leek Crescent Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4N4 Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Town of Richmond Hill Clerk’s Office 225 East Beaver Creek Road Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3P4 Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

York Region (Administrative Centre) Regional Clerk’s Office 17250 Yonge Street, 1st Floor, Room 12000 Newmarket, ON L3Y 6Z1 Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Town of Richmond Hill Public Library 1 Atkinson Street Richmond Hill, ON L4C 0H5 Monday to Thursday: 9:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

COMMENTS Interested persons are encouraged to review the DCR and provide comments by Monday, March 6, 2017. To obtain additional information or to provide comments, please contact: Sandra Sadek Project Manager Ministry of Transportation, Central Region 159 Sir William Hearst Avenue Building D, 4th Floor Toronto, ON M3M 0B7 tel: 416-235-4336 fax: 416-235-3576 e-mail: sandra.sadek@ontario.ca

Christopher Schueler, P.Eng. Project Manager AECOM 4th Floor, 30 Leek Crescent Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4N4 tel: 905-882-4401 fax: 905-882-4399 e-mail: chris.schueler@aecom.com

Raffle to help build state-of-the-art outdoor arena

Emma Docherty Environmental Planner AECOM 4th Floor, 30 Leek Crescent Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4N4 tel: 905-882-4401 fax: 905-882-4399 e-mail: emma.docherty@aecom.com

If you have any accessibility requirements in order to participate in this project, please contact one of the project team members listed above. Comments are being collected to provide and obtain information, and to identify concerns in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. This material will be maintained on file for use during the study and may be included in project documentation. Information collected will be used in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record.

Purchasing a raffle ticket will help bring a state-of-the-art outdoor arena to Newmarket. Recognized as a need in the Town of Newmarket’s recreation master-plan, the construction of an outdoor arena would provide opportunities for children and adults of all ages to play hockey and other sports in a casual, low-to-no cost setting, according to regional councillor John Taylor. For the past two years he and fellow outdoor arena committee members have been working on ways to fundraise to move the project along more quickly. "We wanted something that would engage the entire community," Taylor added. "Getting the community involved not only creates excitement around the prospect of a new facility but it could mean it gets built faster and it could mean the difference between a good facility and a great one." A raffle seemed like the perfect fit. Eighty thousand tickets have been printed that will give buyers a chance to win $15,000 in Upper Canada Mall gift cards, a $6,000 credit to Joia Restaurant or a $5,000 golf package donated by Metroland Media. The Newmarket Minor Hockey Association, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, is set to kickoff ticket sales on Feb. 4, $10 each or three for $20. Players who sell the most tickets earn a jersey signed by NHL Canadian ice hockey centre Connor McDavid along with an hour on the ice with him. The Newmarket Skating Club, Newmarket and District Ringette Association and other sport organizations have partnered to sell tickets. Following that, tickets will be sold at the Upper Canada Mall and other partner locations around town. The winners will be drawn live by McDavid at the mall on June 17. "The facility will be a place not only for sport enthusiasts but for everyone to try out sports," Taylor said. The vision is to have the space programmed with slots for pickup hockey and volunteers introducing people to figure skating or ringette. Further down the line, it is hoped donations will be made to the "equipment bank" so those who don’t have skates or sticks can have the opportunity to try. For more information, visit newmarketoutdoorarena.com.

yorkregion.com

Your Region, Thursday, February 2, 2017

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

SPORTS RUN

Olympian Heese brings sport message to Highview students JOHN CUDMORE jcudmore@yrmg.com

Metroland

St Andrew’s College’s Ian MacLean scrambles in front of Pittsburgh Penguins U18 team goalie Lewis Simon in the opening game of the MacPherson Tournament.

Northwood Huskies repeat as MacPherson champs JOHN CUDMORE jcudmore@yrmg.com Let the dogs howl.To be fully accurate, make that the Northwood School Huskies, who chewed up the host St. Andrew’s College Saints 6-1 in Sunday afternoon’s final of the 34th MacPherson Tournament at La Brier Family Arena in Aurora.Four unanswered third-period goals, including the second of the game by Wyatt Wilmshurst, guided the Huskies to their second-straight MacPherson

title in a rematch of the 2016 final. The Lake Placid, New York-based school broke open a 2-1 lead after two periods with its outburst. Kaden Pickering and Wilmshurst opened a 2-0 lead for Northwood in with second period power play goals before Mathew MacDougall responded during a twoman advantage with two seconds left in the period for St. Andrew’s.But it was all Northwood in the final 15 minutes as Jonathan Dugan, Aleksi Peltonen, Wilmshurst and Weston

Butt tallied goals.Both teams advanced as the second seed from their roundrobin pools in the eightteam tournament before winning semifinal matches Saturday night.The Saints topped archrival Upper Canada College Blues 3-1 while Northwood took out Calgary’s Edge School Mountaineers 6-2 to reach the title game.In the bronze medal game, Edge rode a pair of first-period goals by Tanner Sawka and Nolan Spadafore to a 4-1 victory over UCC.

Drop an Olympic medallist into an elementary school gym with a few dozen pre-teen students and watch the place come alive. No surprise, then, that fourth- to eighth-grade students at Aurora’s Highview Public School were rapt Wednesday morning as three-time Canadian Olympian Mark Heese talked for about 40 minutes on Aurora’s sports history, inductees into the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame, and his own beach volleyball career, including three Olympic Games, highlighted by a bronze medal at the Atlanta Games in 1996. A former school teacher, Heese is the athlete face of the ASHOF’s Sport History Alive series, which will bring segments of Aurora’s sports history into 10 elementary schools in Aurora during the remainder of the school year. The ASHOF is part of Sport Aurora, an advocacy group which strives for an active and sport-aware community. "We’re trying to stay on the top of minds of people in Aurora," said Heese, an inductee into the Aurora sports hall in 2015, after the second school visit in the series. "We want to talk about the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame and inspire these kids to try to be active in sports. If they are walking out of the gym thinking they want to try a sport, our

Metroland

Former Olympian Mark Heese and a group of Grade 4-8 students strike their favourite sports poses. job is done. "(Sport Aurora) is committed to growing sports and help this to be a sports town." The series is intended to have a two-pronged attack. First, to raise awareness of the sports culture in Aurora and, of course, encourage youths to be active. The presence of an Olympian such as Heese, who has raised a family in Aurora since moving there in 2001, adds a celebrity level to the project. "We don’t want just to have inductions and a dinner and that’s it," said Nancy Black, executive director for the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame. "We are trying to inspire youth and the best way is via the schools. This is a chance to showcase our Aurora sports heritage and bring it to the youth." In his presentation, Heese tells his own sports story starting in his youth and engages the students in interaction, including a sports-themed mannequin

pose, before a questionand-answer session. On the way out, he offers each student an up-close opportunity to see his bronze medal. The students were enthusiastic and seemed impressed to learn of the history in their community, which includes a rich crosssection of champions and high-performing characters probably none of them knew prior to the assembly. Hopefully, some left intending to try a new activity. "It was a good experience just to meet an Olympian and encourage us to get into sport," said Grade 8 student Callum Young, whose main sport is soccer. "My take-away is to play lots of sports, not just one. I love soccer but this might open me up to a variety of sports to try." One never knows where stars are born. "Who knows, maybe there is a future Olympian in this gym right now," said Heese, to his audience.

Theatre Aurora’s Theatre School is proud to announce its Winter/Spring Session Feb. 4 to May 6. Saturday mornings, Theatre Kids (9 – 12) and Young Company (13 – 16) will meet from 9:00 to 12:30, to work on original productions; from initial discussions and improvisation, to script writing and character development with public performances in early May. Registration is $250.00 and is open on our website. New members welcome. http://www.theatreaurora.com/theatre-school or contact us at youth@theatreaurora.com.

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Your Region, Thursday, February 2, 2017

SPORTS RUN

yorkregion.com

COLUMN

Owner shoots down talk about Tigers moving

Steve Somerville/Metroland

Coach Tony DiNallo’s team has been collecting money for childhood cancer programs based on their performance each game. He came up with the idea when his team was assigned pink sweaters for the season.

Pink jerseys? Pfft! Aurora peewees take on childhood cancers JOHN CUDMORE jcudmore@yrmg.com When served lemons, make lemonade. When Tony DiNallo’s hockey team in the Aurora Minor Hockey Association was handed pink jerseys at the start of the season back in September, he wasn’t sure what the peewee-aged players would think. He decided to make the equivalent of pink lemonade. "For some reason, my team was assigned pink jerseys this year," said DiNallo, who, in addition to being head coach for the SportClips Haircuts team, is vicepresident of the AMHA’s house leagues. "It was iffy how kids this age would react." Initially, DiNallo was a bit uneasy, too. While acknowledging older teens might find the colour stylish, he wasn’t sure how

readily his team of mostly 12-year-old boys wear pink. "I was worried about the players being reluctant," conceded DiNallo. "At the first practice they were quieter than usual. Some parents weren’t pleased and my trainer heard some chirping. So after practice we rallied the team in the dressing room." Since it was still September and that month is designated Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by the Canadian Cancer Society, DiNallo presented the idea to raise funds toward the Childhood Cancer Canada Foundation and unveiled his game plan catchphrase, Pink Fighting For Gold. "I thought we could turn it around," he said. "There is no such thing as negativity. We took a wrong and made it a positive." After each win, the coaching staff is obliged to

pay a toonie into the team’s collection jar at games and practices. After a loss, players are on the hook for a nickel. "You rarely have a loonie in your pocket so it becomes a toonie or a five dollar bill," said DiNallo. "For the players, it’s often a quarter or 50 cents or a loonie." Going into its game Saturday, the team had raised $1,490 for its adopted charity. "Judging by the ways things are going, I’ll take another pink set next year," said DiNallo. The team has established an online donation link and is accepting personal donations. It has also issued a challenge to other AMHA teams for donations. To donate, go to https:// m.akaraisin.com/11262/ participant/2981065 or email DiNallo at amhavphl@gmail.com.

ON NOW AT THE BRICK!

The Aurora Tigers are going nowhere any time soon. In fact, Jim Thomson, who along with wife, Rita, owns the Ontario Junior Hockey League club, has no interest in leaving behind a situation for which he feels he must own responsibility, which of course, is noble. And, morally, correct. Thomson denied Monday afternoon any suggestion that a sale is in motion, or even completed, after two unimpressive seasons as owner. He vows to correct a season that has gone terribly wrong to the extent it will surely be graded among the worst ever in Aurora’s junior hockey annals, record-wise. It’s hardly surprising that the scuttlebutt of a pending sale emerged last week when the Ontario Junior Hockey League community came together in Trenton for the league’s Winter Showcase. Amid opportunities for young talent to show off their game to collegiate and junior scouts, come ample chances for the rink’s other elite sports - gabbing and speculating. At some point chatter turned to the sale of the Tigers franchise, followed by suggestions of a transfer to Richmond Hill or Vaughan, two failed markets in the past, it should be noted. Not so, said Thomson, who plans to be front and centre in Aurora for a 50th anniversary season of Aurora Tigers junior hockey next winter. He also intends to turn the current misfortunes of the program in the right direction.

JOHN CUDMORE Cuddy Shark "I’ve had many offers from people who want to buy them," Thomson said Monday afternoon. "But we’ve said, ’Nope, we’re going to take this in the right direction.’ I have to believe I can build a team to compete for a Royal Bank Cup. "We had a buyer and one of the reasons we didn’t sell is because they wanted to move the team. I think we owe it to the Town of Aurora to see this thing through." Thomson readily concedes he misread the junior hockey landscape as a greenhorn general manager. "I thought I could get players without the experience in junior and make it work," he said. "I’ll admit I made some mistakes. I’m going to surround myself with some hockey experience. It’s been a year of finding out, what can I tell you. There’s no excuse for our record or on-ice performance." From the outset, it was going to be a tough ride this season. With Cobourg Cougars hosting the RBC national championship tournament and Trenton Golden Hawks welcoming teams for the Dudley Hewitt Cup to get to the RBC, the ratio-

nale was that teams in the OJHL’s East would stock up big time. As it stands, that thinking was bang-on. "If I had to eff up a year, this was the one," said Thomson. "I’ll promise you one thing and that is we are going to put a good product on the ice. If we’re going to play with the big boys we’re going to play like the big boys." Certainly it would have been easy to spot indicators that current ownership was ready to move on, starting with the trading by general manager Thomson of his own son and stepson at the trade deadline. That scenario on its own often chases owners in search of a successor with deep pockets. It seems instead that Thomson is in it for the longer run. At least one season, although such is the current state of affairs a redo of the Tigers seems like a multi-year undertaking. It will be no simple task. Much damage has been done to the on-ice product. More players wanted out than in this season. Players will need to be convinced Aurora is a destination for winning once again. It won’t be an easy sell. Hobey wars: A meaningful battle pitting Aurora Tiger versus Newmarket Hurricane may be looming. It is the initial phase of the process, granted, but the initial list for the NCAA’s Hobey Baker Award as top men’s collegiate player includes former Tiger Dylan Sikura and ex-Hurricane Daniel Leavens among 64 players nominated.

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JR. A NOTEBOOK

Hurricanes put pressure on Lindsay Muskies JOHN CUDMORE jcudmore@yrmg.com LAST WEEK: Jan. 26 - Won 2-1 vs. Toronto Patriots ... Jan. 25 - Won 4-3 (2OT) vs. Whitby Fury (at Trenton). COMING UP: Feb. 2 vs. Mississauga Chargers, Ray Twinney Complex, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at Lindsay Muskies. Feb. 5 vs. Markham Royals, RTC, 2:30 p.m. GAME NOTES: Christian Taylor scored in the eighth minute of the third period to snap a 1-1 tie against the Toronto Patriots. Brendan

has created some breathing room and moved the team six points ahead of the Lindsay Muskies in the final playoff spot for the North-East Conference. Newmarket, which has also played three fewer games, could be eight points ahead going into Friday’s showdown in Lindsay. RECORD: 17-23-0-3. 3rd in North Division, 8th seed in North-East Conference. Log on to yorkregion.com for more Hurricanes news and updates.

Young had the other Newmarket goal. The Hurricanes overcame a 3-0 deficit in the third period to defeat Whitby. Alex Ierullo scored the winning goal in the fourth minute of three-onthree overtime. THE SKINNY: The Hurricanes four-game win streak is comprised of four onegoal victories. The Hurricanes’ postponed game at Cobourg on Dec. 17 has been rescheduled to be played Feb. 11. The Hurricanes current win streak

Cougars tame Tigers; Spirit looming next JOHN CUDMORE jcudmore@yrmg.com LAST WEEK: Jan. 29 - Lost 4-2 vs. Cobourg Cougars. COMING UP: Feb. 4 at Stouffville Spirit, 7:30 p.m. . Feb. 5 vs. Wellington Dukes, Aurora Community Centre, 7 p.m. GAME NOTES: Eric Holland and Tyler Davis scored for

50-point plateau . The Tigers are winless against Stouffville in three previous encounters and will be playing to avoid a sweep of the four-game season series. RECORD: 6-34-1-4 . 5th in North Division, 11th in North-East Conference. Log on to yorkregion.com for more Tigers news.

Aurora in the loss to Cobourg. The Cougars led 2-1 and 3-2 at the intermissions and outshot Aurora by a 5422 margin. Jake Sabourin had 50 saves in the Tigers’ nets. THE SKINNY: The loss to Cobourg was the third in a row for Aurora . Team scoring leader Mel Melconian is two points away from the

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Best Entertainment Children’s Entertainment THE FUNNERY • ONTARIO EARLY YEARS CENTRE • TUMBLE TOT COMPANY • YORK NORTH BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION • KIDERGY Driving Range CARDINAL GOLF CLUB • GREENLANE GOLF CENTRE • BLOOMINGTON DOWNS GOLF COURSE Golf Course CARDINAL GOLF CLUB • ST. ANDREW VALLEY GOLF CLUB • PHEASANT RUN GOLF CLUB • SILVER LAKES GOLF & CONFERENCE CENTRE Live Theatre NEWMARKET THEATRE • MARQUEE THEATRE COMPANY • THEATRE AURORA • AURORA CULTRUAL CENTRE Location For Live Entertainment NEWMARKET RIVERWALK COMMONS • SOCIABLE PUB • SNEAKERS Mini Putt CARDINAL GOLF CLUB • TIMBER CREEK GOLF & FAMILY FUN CENTRE • PUTTING EDGE

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Private School ST. ANDREW’S COLLEGE • PICKERING COLLEGE

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Home Decor And Accessories SATURDAY AFTERNOONS • HAVEN ECLECTIC MODERN STYLE • LEMON LIME DESIGN • BLINDS R US

Auto Service THANH DO AUTO SERVICE • NEWMARKET HONDA • NEWMARKET TOYOTA • SHANAHAN FORD LINCOLN SALES • SIMONE PERFORMANCE IMPORTS • HIGHLAND CHEVROLET BUICK GMC CADILLAC • MASTER MECHANIC

All Around Restaurant COM PHO ASIA • HUNGRY BREW HOPS • THE KEG-NEWMARKET

Coffee & Tea TIM HORTONS-NEWMARKET YONGE & LONDON RD • COVERNOTES TEA & COFFEE HOUSE • SECOND CUP AURORA BAYVIEW • TIM HORTONS-NEWMARKET MILLARD AVE

Traffic Ticket Specialist X-COPPER • CASE DISMISSED • TRAFFIC TICKET ADVOCATES

Hardware Store HOME HARDWARE-NEWMARKET • HOME HARDWARE-AURORA • HOME HARDWARE-MT. ALBERT

Art Dealer SELECT ART GALLERIES • BIGGS’ GALLERY & FRAMING SHOP • HAVEN ECLECTIC MODERN STYLE • BARRONS WAREHOUSE

Car Wash AURORA SHOPPING CENTRE CARWASH • THE CARWASH COMPANY • CANADIAN TIRE-NEWMARKET • KISS CARWASH

Chinese CYNTHIA’S CHINESE RESTAURANT • MANDARIN RESTAURANT • 4 SEASONS RESTAURANT

Laundromat BAYVIEW LAUNDROMAT • PARKERS CLEANERS • SUPER BUBBLES INC LAUNDROMAT

Taxi Service NEWMARKET TAXI & LIMO • TODAY’S TAXI • E & M SOLO TAXI

Auto Body Shop ELLIOTT’S COLLISION SERVICE • NEWMARKET AUTO BODY • HIGHLAND CHEVROLET BUICK GMC CADILLAC

Best Places For Food & Drink

Chicken Wings BIG BONE BBQ-NEWMARKET • TOM & JERRY’SNEWMARKET • ST. LOUIS BAR & GRILL-NEWMARKET

Fitness Club AURORA FAMILY MARTIAL ARTS • CROSSFIT NEWMARKET CENTRAL • FUNCTION STUDIOS INC • CROSSFIT NEWMARKET CENTRAL • MAXIMUM FITNESS • LA FITNESS

Lawyer HILL HUNTER LOSELL LAW FIRM LLP • MONTEITH BAKER JOHNSTON & DOODNAUTH • DUNSMUIR RIDLER

Car Rental ENTERPRISE RENT A CAR • BUDGET RENT A CAR • DISCOUNT CAR & TRUCK RENTAL

Casual Dining COM PHO ASIA • THE CROW’S NEST PUB • HUNGRY BREW HOPS

(January, March, May, July, September, November)

Spa, Salon & Esthetics DAWSON MANOR SPA • CARMICHAEL’S HAIR DESIGN GROUP & DAY SPA • SANCTUARY DAY SPA

Italian JOIA RISTORANTE • AL CASALE RISTORANTE • MOLISANA BAKERY • LET’S BE FRANK ITALIAN EATERY • MAMMA MIA’S TRATTORIA

Walk-In Clinic ALL ABOUT HEALTH • YORK MEDICAL HEALTH CENTRE • 404 HEALTH CENTRE

Breakfast & Brunch CORA-NEWMARKET • SUNSET GRILLNEWMARKET • THE MAIDS’ COTTAGE • BAGEL WORLD

Published 6 times per year

Retirement Home HOLLANDVIEW TRAIL RETIREMENT COMMUNITY • THE ROXBOROUGH RETIREMENT RESIDENCE • AMICA • CHARTWELL PARK PLACE MANOR • CEDARVALE LODGE RETIREMENT AND CARE COMMUNITY Roofing Company T. SIMPSON ROOFING • HAWKEYE ROOFING • FIRST CHOICE ROOFING Shoe Repair VIC’S SHOE REPAIR • ART OF SHOE REPAIR • FAMILY SHOE REPAIR

Fireplaces T.H. OLIVER HEATING • CANCO CLIMATECARE • TOPFIRE FIREPLACE & BBQ INC

Paint And Wallpaper Store COLOR TOWN • ESTATE RENOVATION CENTRE • DULUX PAINTS Party Supplies Store PARTY CITY • PARTY & GIFTS 4U

Pools; Spa Supplies & Services DOLPHIN POOLS & BBQ’S • PIONEER FAMILY POOLS NEWMARKET • SUNDANCE SPAS NEWMARKET • THE BACKYARD POOL AND SPA COMPANY • SEAWAY POOLS & HOT TUBS Shoe Store Adults OMAR’S SHOES • WALKING ON A CLOUD • ECCO SHOES Shoe Store Children OMAR’S SHOES • ZONA’S II-THE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE Sporting Goods CANADIAN TIRE-NEWMARKET • PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS • FIGURE SKATING BOUTIQUE Tailor And Alterations CRYSTAL WHITE CLEANERS • UNIQUE FIT ALTERATIONS • MASTER DRY CLEANERS • NEWMARKET PLAZA CLEANERS Tire Store CANADIAN TIRE - NEWMARKET • NEWMARKET TIRE N’MAG • ACTIVE GREEN & ROSS • DUFF’S TIRE DISCOUNTER Toy Store THE ZOOM ROOM • MASTERMIND-AURORA • MASTERMIND-NEWMARKET Used Book Store COVERNOTES TEA & COFFEE HOUSE • BOOKS, CAFÉ & THINGS Vacuum Store VACWORKS • CANADIAN TIRE-NEWMARKET • TOTAL VAC INC

Water Treatment Products And Services WATER DEPOT • CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING • FRESH WATER INDUSTRIES Florist KAREN & TINA’S FLOWERS • GATHERINGS FLORAL STUDIO • GLACIER WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS INC • BLOOMING WELLIES FLOWER BOUTIQUE Window & Doors Sales & Service NORTHERN COMFORT Fresh Fruit And Vegetables VINCE’S MARKET-NEWMARKET WINDOWS & DOORS • SIMON & SON WINDOWS & DOORS • VINCE’S MARKET-SHARON • NEWMARKET FARMERS MARKET • LIFESTYLE WINDOWS & DOORS Frozen Food M&M MEAT SHOPS • LONGO’S SUPERMARKET Window Coverings BLINDS TO GO • SUN SHADES WINDOW • NATURE’S EMPORIUM • NO FRILLS FASHIONS • COMPLETE WINDOW COVERIINGS Furniture Store THE BEDROOM SHOP • OLD MCDONALD’S Wool/Knitting THE QUILT STORE/EVELYN’S SEWING CENTRE FURNITURE & APPLIANCES • THE CHESTERFIELD SHOP • UNWIND YARN HOUSE • NEEDLES & KNITS • BRICE’S FURNITURE & APPLIANCES Fitness Equipment RUNNING FREE • SPARTAN FITNESS EQUIPMENT • CANADIAN TIRE-NEWMARKET

Gardening/Nursery Store HOLLAND VALLEY NURSERY • CARMICHAEL LANDSCAPE DESIGN • VINCE’S MARKET

1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Winners in Order of Finish

yorkregion.com

Your Region, Thursday, February 2, 2017

ALL SMILES DENTAL First and foremost, we would like to thank you our patients for voting All Smiles Dental as the best dental office in York Region for the second year in a row. We truly believe that the key to our success as a dental health provider has been our approach to treating all of our patients as if we were treating a family member. This approach and philosophy is the reason why our staff goes above and beyond what is considered the standard level of care. Our knowledgeable team of doctors and staff are here to answer any questions you may have. We offer many types of treatment and customize care based on each individual’s needs. We often hear how happy our patients are with the service they have received from all of our team, including our receptionists, hygienists, assistants and doctors. We offer direct billing to most insurance companies, along with a complimentary benefits screening when you have scheduled an appointment. This way we can do our best to let our patients know their coverage and cost to them before treatment starts. Our office is open seven days, a week and we have evening appointments available also, so we are sure that we can find a time that works with your schedule. We look forward to helping you on your journey to dental health (905)235-6999.

when they feel safe, valued and secure. No one gets ‘lost in the shufﬂe’ at Aurora Prep. Our small-by-design approach, dedicated staff and caring environment ensure every child can prosper. We are honoured to have been recognized as a Reader’s Choice recipient for Favourite Private School and invite you to come and visit us to see the Aurora Prep difference!

CANCO CLIMATECARE

Canco ClimateCare has been serving York Region since 1984 under the same owner/ management team. Their goal is to provide their customers with the safest, healthiest, most comfortable and energy efficient systems possible. Canco is one of only three companies in Ontario who offer this performance based contracting. This means that they properly assess the home’s needs and customize solutions to meet them rather than just selling and installing “boxes”. Performance improvements are documented by NCI, the National Comfort Institute. Canco constantly looks for products and services that can provide more and better options to accomplish this. Their technicians are fully licensed and continue to take courses to update their knowledge base to ensure compliance with industry standards and emerging technologies in an effort to serve you better. Their comfort consultants are also accredited and provide complimentary, no obligation visits to assess the home’s needs. Financing and non-rental AURORA PREPARATORY ACADEMY Aurora Preparatory Academy provides an unparalleled, co-educational, experience for agreements are also available. Canco offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all installachildren from Junior Kindergarten to Grade Eight, offering an environment in which they tions, twenty-four-hour emergency service as well as regular maintenance plans. The showroom/office located at 1235 Gorham St., Unit 13, has extended hours where are challenged, encouraged, and supported. customers are able to stop by to pick up accessories, ask questions or view the operating Aurora Prep provides children with a solid, comprehensive foundation on which they fireplaces. Canco ClimateCare is very appreciative of this award and your trust. Many can rely for the rest of their lives. Our 19,000 square foot facility houses bright, spathanks to the staff for making it possible. cious classrooms, a gymnasium, lunch room and student lounge, plus ample outdoor play space. Students in every grade are exposed to art, music, French and technology to supplement and enhance their overall academic growth. Learning and development take place inside and outside the classroom, as we offer numerous field trips, social events CARMICHAEL HAIR DESIGN GROUP & DAY SPA and school-wide excursions. Carmichael’s thanks you, the community, the loyal clients, friends and family for supOur approach to education is unique in that, while we follow and often exceed the On- porting and voting Carmichael’s as your favourite Hair Salon and Spa Salon. tario Curriculum, we also acknowledge, nurture and celebrate the strengths and capabiliCarmichael’s has been a winner of Readers’ Choice Awards for 16 consecutive years. ties of all our students. We promote responsibility, independence and effort, recognizing Carmichael’s gives back to the community by supporting events, charities and fundraisthe inherent importance of the learning process, not just the final result. Aurora Prep ing and look forward to the future as a proud member of the York region community. students develop the courage to try new things and the mindset that they are capable of Carmichael’s is celebrating excellence as a full service salon and day spa for over 20 anything. years. Owners Patricia and Samantha, a mother and daughter team, and grand-daughter, Most importantly, we cultivate a tightly knit community, knowing that children flourish Abby, along with the Carmichael’s team of stylists and estheticians are highly trained

Est. 1984

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING The Professionals Who Care Comfort, Accountability, Reliability, Excellence READERS’ CHOICE

• Air Conditioners

• Air Cleaners

WINNER

YEARS

• Boilers/Water Heaters • Duct Systems • Fireplaces • Furnaces

• Heat Pumps/Radiant Heating • Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV) • Humidifiers • Water Treatment • 24 Hour Emergency Service • Maintenance & Warranty Agreements

Showroom: Mon M - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 10am - 1pm

905-898-3912 • 1-800-263-7437 1235 Gorham Street • Units #13 & 14 • Newmarket www.cancoclimatecare.com

016

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU...

Thank you to all our customers who participated in the 2016 Readers’ Choice Awards. We are honoured to have received the following awards.

1st PLACE 1st PLACE 3rd PLACE 3rd PLACE

Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Best Deli Favourite Nursery Store Organic Food

...BECAUSE FOOD IS ONE OF LIFE’S GREATEST PLEASURES! SHARON 19101 Leslie Street 905-478-8241

UXBRIDGE 234 Toronto Street South 905-852-2442

016

NEWMARKET 869 Mulock Drive 905-853-3356

visit us at www.vincesmarket.com

THANK YOU!!

YOU MUST REALLY LIKE US!

At Newmarket Toyota, we are proud to represent one of the world’s best automobile manufacturers. Many of our models are manufactured right here in North America, and the Camry and Corolla have won more CAA awards for Toyota than any other car maker in Canada. Our dealership is dedicated to providing excellent customer service to everybody who walks in our doors, and we are honoured to be a trusted part of the York Region community. At our dealership, we sell new and used vehicles and are always here to help you find the Toyota of your dreams.

“WE STRIVE TO EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS.”

905-953-2890

Harry Walker Pkwy.

Davis Dr.

Newmarket

Hwy. 404

www.newmarkettoyota.ca

Ravenshoe Rd. Mt.Albert Sideroad

Leslie

Newmarket Toyota 1171 Davis Drive, Newmarket

Keswick

Your Region, Thursday, February 2, 2017

yorkregion.com

York Region Superfeet Orthotic Centre Providing C stom nd Over T e Co nter Ort otics

ThaNk YOu

to ll w o voted for s

Yor Region S perfeet Ort otic Centre â&#x20AC;˘ 905-836-2618 17665 Leslie Street S ite 37B Newm r et yor regions perfeet.c

Thank you to everyone who voted us the top accounting ďŹ rm for 2016. It is truly an honour and our successes are a testament of the hard work and constant dedication given by all our staff members. We are thankful to work with such great employees, clients and community members and we look forward to the year ahead. With sincere gratitude,

016 4-355 Harry Walker Parkway North, Newmarket, ON L3Y 7B3 905-895-9922 or 1-888-353-8085 www.cb-ca.ca

016

yorkregion.com

Your Region, Thursday, February 2, 2017

Crystal WHITE Cleaners

Enviromentally Friendly

25% DISCOUNT

ON DRY CLEANING HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

014

THANK YOU to our valued clients who voted for us!

EXPIRES MARCH 31ST/2017

On-site seamstress 150 Hollidge Blvd., Aurora (Tim Horton’s Plaza)

905-841-6969

THANKS FOR VOTING US S A TOP READER’S CHOICE

Favourite Furniture & Appliance Store!

Thank you to all our customers... for making us a favourite caterer

20 years in a row! Specializing in Weddings, Business Luncheons, Cocktail and Dinner Parties 5 8 0 ST E V E N C O U RT, N E W M A R K E T • 9 0 5 - 8 9 5 - 5 0 8 2

016

Years in a Row

19937 W dbin av ., 4 mi s N. f D vis D . www. d cd n ds.c • 905-478-4596

THANKING YOU FOR VOTING US

o d mcD n d’s F ni & app i nc s

HARDWARE STORE OF THE YEAR!

S H s: m n-W d 10 -6p • th s-F i 10 -8p S 10 -6p • S n 11 -5p

Your StYle • Your Home • Your WaY

At Home Hardware, we appreciate your business and look forward to serving you in the coming year

Home Owners helping homeowners®

Aurora Building Centre 289Wellington E. 905-727-4751 A Canadian Company, owned and operated by a member of your community.

EMERGENCIES WELCOME OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 016

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Thanks forVoting #1 Dentist & #1 Dental Hygienist AGAIN!

HELP

905.235.6999

17725 Yonge Street, Unit 104A Newmarket

f f o 0 0 10 es

c a r B

All Smiles Dental

We Can Call Us TODAY

fees dontic o h t r o regular off our

free

Con sulta tion

Dr. Nada Albatish personally overseas your dental care. She has restored thousand of smiles, and her patients include celebrities such as Darryl Sittler and Monika Schnarre. Come see why people love All Smiles Dental.

In the Tim Hortons plaza, across from Upper Canada Mall

Your Region, Thursday, February 2, 2017

yorkregion.com

Thanks for Voting us the

Thank You!

#1 Antique Store!

016

We couldn’t have done it

without you

IF WE HAVEN’T GOT IT, WE CAN GET IT! IF WE CAN’T GET IT, YOU DON’T NEED IT

ON WOODBINE

Limited Dealer & Showcases Available

16,000 sq.ft. of Quality Antiques & Collectibles

20091 Woodbine Ave., Queensville • 905-478-4022 • Fax 905-478-4022 www.queensvilleantiquemall.com • email:queensvillemall@gmail.com

Newmarket: 16655 Yonge Street, L3X 1V6 • 905-898-1844 Vaughan: 2535 Major Mackenzie Dr. W, L6A 1C6 • 905-553-5527 Burlington: 2180 Itabashi Way, L7M 5A5 • 289-427-5075

Thank you for voting us number one for best wings and catering company for 2016. We are proud to call Newmarket home and have enjoyed serving our

016

Celebrating 28 years and 6 time Readers’ Choice Winner!

Best Natural & Organic Food Store

Natural & Organic Foods • Vitamins & Supplements • Whole Body Care • Green Living

Open 7 days a week • 362 days a year • 10:00- 5:00 Daily

Thanks to the readers and our loyal customers

or our incredible team!

southern BBQ for over 20 years!

Sharon Veterinary Clinic

Thanks to our regular patrons and our new ones who made this possible. 207 EAGLE ST, NEWMARKET, EAST OF YONGE

18716 Leslie Street, Sharon www.sharonvetclinic.ca | 905.478.4664

905-853-9888 • BIGBONEBBQ.CA Open MOnday tO saturday frOM 11:00 aM - 9:00 pM • & sunday 12pM tO 9pM

for voting for us! and for all your support for the past 23 years

DISCOVER AN EXCEPTIONAL DINING EXPERIENCE!

Since 1974

Live entertainment twice weekly

• All Work warrantied For 4 Years • Landscape Design & Construction • Interlocking Driveways, Walkways & Pool Areas • Landscape Architects • Flagstone & Natural Stone Installations • Retaining Walls • Grading & Sodding

Reader’s Choice

WINNER for 13 Years in a Row!

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BOOK YOUR VALENTINE DINNER NOW!

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905.830.0278 1.800.351.8978 www.carmimichaellandscape.com

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905.806.7901 www.carmichaelbinrentals.com

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Thank you for voting us a winner for favourite Landscaping!

Snow Plowing • Snow Removal • Salting • We also provide professional Lawn Cutting, Garden Maintenance & Grounds Keeping Services Commercial • Industrial • Residential

Yonge Street (at Mulock) • Newmarket • 905-836-8113 • www.cynthiaschinese.com

016

• Tree Flower & Shrub Planting • Ponds, Waterfalls, Fountains • Landscape Lighting • Lawn Irrigation Systems • Decks, Patios & Fences 003 • Pruning, Trimming, Tree Removal • Excavating & 010 Waterproofing • Fully Licensed & Insured

999

998

997

THANKS AGAIN

This T Means We Meet The High H Standards For Service And A Customer Satisfaction That You Demand!

to our loyal families for voting us

•

Reduce drafts.

•

Save on your heating bills.

•

Increase efficiency.

•

Improve the value and aesthetics of your home.

A Winner for Children’s Shoe Store 20 years in a row!

Established 1981

WINTER SAVINGS

Where SERVICE is “A Step Above”

905-830-9737 • www.zonas.ca

YOUR EXCLUSIVE COUPON TO

SAVE $

600 UP TO

IN REBATES

Quaker Hill Market Place 16925 Yonge St., Newmarket

SHOES complete the look!

DOWNLOAD

From Jan. 6th - Feb. 20th, 2017

COOLING & HEATING

905-727-2323

yorkregion.com

Your Region, Thursday, February 2, 2017

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for people like you, who may be experiencing difficulty hearing in noisy environments to evaluate a remarkable new digital hearing aid and a rehabilitative process that could be the solution to your difficulties. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no cost or obligation to participate! Call us toll-free today to see if you qualify for this Field Test. Potential candidates will be given a FREE hearing test to determine their candidacy. Selected participants will be given a FREE in-office demonstration and the opportunity to evaluate the latest, most advanced hearing aid technology for 30 days. This latest digital technology solves the biggest challenge for hearing aid wearers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; hearing well in noisy environments. Nobody will notice it because of its minute size, fitting snugly and comfortably just behind the ear. Everything works automatically, so you can get back to enjoying your relationships, rather than thinking about your hearing. Following your 30 day Field Test, these hearing aids will be available for purchase, including everything you need for 3 full years.

Thank you for voting us #1

Naturopathic Medicine! Dr. Janice Shouldice B.A, R.N.C, N.D. Dr. Marina Boghossian N.D, C.H. Naturopathic Doctors o

016

615 Davis Dr. Suite 203 (across from the hospital)

Newmarket â&#x20AC;˘ 905-830-1236 Check out our New website

whyborealis.com CONSUMER FEATURE

Are you having trouble hearing? Are you having trouble participating in the conversation? Do you often have to ask people to repeat themselves? Do you tend to withdraw from social gatherings? If the answer is â&#x20AC;&#x153;yesâ&#x20AC;?, Jillian Price, Chief Audiologist of ListenUP! Canada, recommends that you schedule a free, no obligation hearing assessment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The impact of hearing loss on quality of life is significant. An untreated hearing loss causes needless stress, anxiety and embarrassment. It may also lead to selfimposed isolation and even depression.â&#x20AC;? ListenUP! is requesting your support for the National Campaign for Better Hearing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; An initiative to encourage all Canadians 60 years and over to get their hearing tested and begin annually monitoring their hearing health. In 2016, they donated $4.00 for every hearing test they performed in order to provide hearing aids for those who could not afford them. They surpassed their goal to help the Campaign raise over $250,000 and this

year pledge to raise $300,000 by the end of 2017. ListenUP! Canada is the largest hearing aid provider in Ontario with more than 100 convenient locations, including Newmarket, Aurora and Keswick. All of their hearing centres offer free, no obligation hearing tests by certified hearing professionals, and their latest brand-name, digital hearing aids come with everything you need for three full years, lowest price and satisfaction guaranteed. For more information about ListenUP! Canada and the National Campaign for Better Hearing, please call Call Kristen at 1-888-283-9189 or visit ListenUPcanada.com.

Book your FREE appointment today! See the list of clinics below or visit ListenUPcanada.com t "VSPSB ] :POHF 4USFFU ] $BMM .JTUZ BU t ,FTXJDL ] 8PPECJOF "WFOVF ] $BMM .BSH BU t /FXNBSLFU ] %BWJT %SJWF ] $BMM ,SJTUFO BU t /FXNBSLFU )PTQJUBM ] %BWJT %SJWF ] $BMM (BZMF BU

Your Region, Thursday, February 2, 2017

Salon Decorum, home of the prestigious 2016 Contessa Canadian Hair Stylist of the Year Award. One of the highest honours in the Canadian Hair Industry!

016

T hanks for Voting us

A Top Hair Salon!

yorkregion.com

Roadhouse & Rose would like to thank the community for the trust and faith shown in us receiving this award.

Salon Decorum

Sincerely

16945 Leslie Street Unit 24 Newmarket

Wes Playter & Gregg Davey

905.853.7272 Facebook, Twitter and Instagram@salondecorum Contact us through www.salondecorum.com

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED / www.roadhouseandrose.com 157 Main Street South, Newmarket ON • 905-895-6631

Dependable Cleaning David Ashby The Tannery Mall 465 Davis Drive, Suite 209 Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P1 Tel: 905.853.3430 Cell: 705.718.2668 Toll Free: 1.800.545.6471 Fax: 905.853.8404

www.casedismissed.ca Dave@casedismissed.ca Province-wide service you can trust!

905.836.0665 jeanette-wooder@mollymaid.ca

Thanks for Voting us a Favourite Pool & Spa Company!

Thank You for voting us your favourite roofing company since 2002!

from the Professionals you can Trust!

T. Simpson Roofing

Pioneer Family Pools Newmarket

Ltd.

Residential Roofing Specialists 905• 830 • 3664 or 1• 800 • 925 • 3044

200 Davis Dr. NEWMARKET

905-836-9636

17915 Leslie St., Unit 13, Newmarket

www.pioneerfamilypools.ca

Thanks for Voting us a Top Pick for Heating & Air Conditioning and Fireplaces

WE WON... AGAIN

RESIDENTIAL • SALES • SERVICE INSTALLATION

THAT’S 6 YEARS IN A ROW!

• Furnaces • Fireplaces • Air Conditioning • Duct Cleaning • Humidifiers • Air Cleaners

THANK YOU! To our great community for voting us #1 Retirement Residence once again.

In Your Neighbourhood Since 1924!

We appreciate it... so much!

016 Financing Available

We Service All Makes and Models 1 Roxborough Road, Newmarket, ON Across from Southlake Regional Health Centre

www.verveseniorliving.com

(905) 853 4573

THE ALL NEW 2017

LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

905-727-4258

•

136 Wellington St., East, Aurora

www.tholiver.com 18th year - Winner of the Readers Choice Award

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T H A N K YO U YO R K R E G I O N #1 Art Dealer SELECT Stroll through 4 floors filled with fine originals, limited edition prints and unique gift items.

ART GALLERIES

#1 Picture Framer Experience the 2017 Continental

The Lincoln Continental was crafted to present a culmination of interior amenities that create an overwhelmingly graceful experience. Designers worked to eliminate and reduce lines that can divide an interior — giving rise to a more connected ﬂow. The seamless centre console and laser-cut roll-top tambour cup holder door indicate deliberate attention to a purposeful yet pleasing aesthetic. In-door seat controls, a front driver’s seat that fully retracts as you exit, striking wood inlays and rich leather surfaces surround you in an interior execution that is rejuvenating and decidedly Continental.

18001 LESLIE STREET, NEWMARKET (SOUTH OF GREEN LANE)

905.853.5000 www.shanahanlincoln.com

We make picture framing affordable. “You Name it, We frame it!”

www.SelectArtGalleries.ca 16686 YONGE ST. NEWMARKET SW CORNER OF YONGE AND MULOCK

2 SHOPS, 1 LOCATION 905-895-3002

yorkregion.com

Your Region, Thursday, February 2, 2017

Carmichael ’ss

Thank you for voting me as One of the Best Interior Designers!

Great s Lengthions Extens

Hair Design Group & Day Spa

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US A WINNER AS YOUR FAVOURITE HAIR SALON, SPA SALON & ESTHETICS!

Secure the equity in your home by calling... Susan Crema-Martin Master of Real Estate Staging 905-717-7865 susan@martindesigns.ca • www.martindesigns.ca

HOME STAGING – INTERIOR DECORATING

thank you

tive Correcir Ha g in o C lour

Happy Valentine’s JOIN OUR WINNING TEAM

NOW HIRING!

016

Hair Wigs & Pieces

905-830-1886

217 Main St. S, Newmarket • www.carmichaelhairandspa.com I am very grateful for receiving this Reader’s Choice Award again! Thank you to all of my clients for allowing me to add JOY to their design projects! JOYfully yours, Katherine

Classic designs inspired with joy

for voting us 1st Place for or

FAVOURITE DOG WALKING, IN HOME BOARDING & FAVOURITE PET TRAINING!

Your Partners In Pet Care

289-221-4573 • www.yorkprofessionalpetsitting.com

Consulting Sustainable Design Art Complete Design Concepts Accessories 3D Conceptual Planning Kitchen & Bath

Window Treatments Lighting 905.713.9668 | katherinejoy@mac.com | www.katherinejoyinteriors.com

yorkprofessionalpetsitting@yahoo.ca

d hips & am z ng ac ivities! Gre t frien

016 THANK YOU VERY MUCH for voting us a winner for Favourite Day Care Centre in 2016!

THANKS FOR VOTING US THE #1 MOVING COMPANY!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® “Movers Who Care®”

905-952-2229 •

• Residentiall Moves M • Business Moves • Free On Site Estimates With No Obligations • Insured Services • 96% Referral Rate • We Sell Boxes

www.twomenandatruck.ca

RBC Dominion Securities Inc.

016 Voted Best Live Theatre!

THANK YOU!

016

To our valued clients:

Thank you for voting RBC Dominion Securities as your Favorite Financial Planner and your Favorite Financial Planning and Investment Company

$17

14785 Yonge Street, 2nd Floor. Aurora ON, L4G 1N1 | (905) 841-5059

Tickets available at MARQUEE THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS 73 Industrial Pkwy North, Aurora

There’s Wealth in Our Approach.™

CONGRATULATIONS TIO TO

Johnny n dd MacFadden

We’re certainly proud, but not surprised, that Johnny MacFadden, in our Sales Department, has been selected as a Readers Choice Award winner once again. Johnny has been with Highland for 12 years and since this time he has steadily increased his customer base. He has a well deserved reputation for his commitment to customer service and satisfaction before and after the sale. Each of his customers gets his full attention and respect. He works with each of them to ensure they get the right vehicle for their needs, at the best possible price. One recent client told us that in all of his years of buying vehicles, Johnny was the only Salesman he sought out for his next purchase. High praise indeed. He has built a strong following of repeat, loyal customers and has sold vehicles to different generations of many different families. We constantly get positive feedback from his customers. At Highland we say thank you to all his loyal customers for voting Johnny a winner for New and Used car salesperson category for the 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards.

905-727-9444 15783 YONGE STREET AURORA AUTO CAMPUS

www.highlandgm.com

Thank you for once again voting THE FUNNERY Newmarket’s top playground and party place! ELEGANT Treats for grown ups EXCITING play for kids AWARD WINNING birthday parties Safe, clean and secure

Call us today to make UNFORGETTABLE memories!

905-252-1619 funneryplaypark.com Franchise opportunities available

C10

Your Region, Thursday, February 2, 2017

Voted The Best Again!

yorkregion.com

FROM M

997 TO

19 Time Winners!! FULLY COMPLETELY INC. Cleaning & Restoration

NO TAX WEEK! • February 2 - 8th Carpets, specialty area rugs, upholstery and duct cleaning

905-898-3758

www.fullycompletely.com

Celebrating

23 Years in Business!

“To Service, Not Sell”

016

T hanks for Voting us your #1

Craft store and Top choice Fabric Store!

A Sewers Paradise!

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We are thrilled to be voted Readers Choice in the flooring category and we appreciate each and every one of you taking to the time to vote for us. Winning awards like this just makes us want to improve our customer service even more - so thank you for always encouraging us to be better.

100 OFF

your purchase. Limited time offer. Please call store or bring ad in-store for details. No cash value.

www.floorsdirectnorth.ca

Offerin Sew Bi g z Kid Classe s s for 8+

Bring Drama To Your Home With Hardwood Our wide range of stunning hardwood flooring helps to bring style, elegance and drama to any space. Visit one of our locations in Thornhill or Newmarket today to get help from our friendly and knowledgeable team of experts, who will help you to make the perfect choice for your lifestyle and budget.

“First class flooring and service from Floors Direct North” Floors Direct North is your premier source of flooring solutions. We offer hardwood, engineered hardwood, laminate, carpet, and vinyl tile and plank for all of your home or business needs. We specialize in installation, custom made stairs, shop-at-home service, residential, commercial, and industrial.

If you’re passionate about your hobby

905-853-7001

17817 Leslie St. Unit 40, Newmarket Store Hours: Mon-Wed: 9-6 • Thursday: 9-8 • Friday: 9-6 Saturday: 9-5 • Sunday: Closed

whether it be Sewing, Quilting, Embroidery, come explore the endless possibilities... Providing Inspiration for over 30 years. Authorized Sewing Machines Sales & Service

www.thequiltstore.ca

THEUltimate Home Theatre Experience

Thornhill Showroom

Newmarket Showroom

134 Doncaster Ave., Units 1 & 2, Thornhill, ON L3T 1L6 Tel: (905) 709 7999

18025 Yonge St., Unit 18 Newmarket, ON L3Y 8C9 Tel: 1-905-235-2743

www.floorsdirectnorth.ca

Thank You for voting us 1st place for favourite Home Theatre Store! Liptons specializes in custom home theatre sales and installations

CUSTOM INSTALLATION AVAILABLE Newmarket Plaza 130 Davis Drive 2 stop lights east of Yonge HOURS: Tuesday to Friday 10am-7pm • Saturday 10am-6pm • Closed Sunday & Monday

905-898-7133 • www.liptons.ca

yorkregion.com

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Your Region, Thursday, February 2, 2017

Thank you for Voting Hair

#1 Hair Salon!

THANKS FOR VOTING US THE #1 LINGERIE STORE!

Sensation 016

Visit PASSION PLACE

Come visit us to see why we were voted the best.

ffor all your Valentine’s Surprises and see all the new ADULT TOYs for your pleasure!

PASSION PLACE

SEXUAL HEALTH AND WELL BEING. 16700 BAYVIEW AVE, CORNER OF BAYVIEW AND MULOCK

525 Brooker Ridge, Unit 105, Newmarket

905-853-7977

www.passion-place.com

905.235.9002 016 015

013 012 011 010 009

16700 Bayview Ave., Unit 21, Newmarket, ON L3X 1W1 (located at the southwest corner of Bayview Ave & Mulock Drive)

Tel: (905)251-8765 - Email: Info@BayviewLaundromat.ca • www.BayviewLaundromat.ca

Proud to be voted Favourite Years in a Row!

Celebrating 18 Years!

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1999 - 2017

Voted #1 SPA again! Thank you for your continued support and for

“

choosing Dawson Manor Spa as your favourite business in the following categories -

#1 Spa • Salon • Esthetics #1 for Manicures • Pedicures #1 Massage Therapist!

Share the Love this Valentine’s Day!

As a way to thank you for showing your LOVE for our Spa, we’ve got some really special offers for the month of February. Come celebrate this recognition with us. We look Spa Gift Card Offers and Packages forward to seeing you soon.” The Entire Dawson Manor Spa Team

Honda

Thank you for Voting for us!

Number ONE New Car Dealership

HONDA CIVIC Canada’s Best Selling Car 19 Years in a Row

starting from

79 Dawson Manor Blvd., Newmarket | 905-967-0348 | www.DawsonManorSpa.com

Upper Canada hearing and speech centre • AUDIOLOGY • HEARING AID SERVICES AND ASSISTIVE DEVICES • SPEECH PATHOLOGY

winner for favourite

Hearing Centre! At Upper Canada Hearing and Speech Centre our regulated and qualified professionals will help you obtain the best possible results based on your individual needs.

Come to us for sound advice! 679 DAVIS DRIVE • NEWMARKET • 905-895-7399 • www.hearingandspeechcentre.com 9555 YONGE ST. • RICHMOND HILL • 905-780-6687

COMMITTED TO THE COMMUNITY.

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Your Region, Thursday, February 2, 2017

yorkregion.com

016 Thank You for choosing us as your #1 Traffic Ticket Specialist Website www.xcopper.com Thank you for Voting Com Pho Asia the #1 Vietnamese, #1 Casual & #1 All Round Restaurant! Come visit us today and see why we were voted #1!

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16925 Yonge Street Unit #6 Newmarket, Ontario, L3Y 5Y1

Call Us Today

16635 Yonge Street (at Mulock) in the Nature’s Emporium Plaza Newmarket

905-954-1148 1-888-XCOPPER

905.830.9626 www.comphoasia.com

hank you

for Voting for Us!

AuroraPreparatoryAcademy

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NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2017-2018

JK-GR 8

187 Main Street South, Suites 205 & 207 Newmarket

289.340.0320 www.imagineartsinc.com

➤ SMALL CLASS SIZES ➤ ENRICHED CURRICULUM ➤ FULL ATHLETIC, ARTS AND FRENCH PROGRAMMES ➤ AFFORDABLE TUITION ARRANGE A PERSONAL CALL TOUR TODAY!

for voting us a winner for Favourite Private School!

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905-713-1141

81 Industrial Pkwy North, Aurora www.aurora-prep.com

VOTED #1 INSURANCE COMPANY OF 2016!

16700 Yonge Street, Newmarket 1-800-263-1520 • facebook.com/swbins A BETTER WAY TO LOOK AT INSURANCE.

yorkregion.com

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Your Region, Thursday, February 2, 2017

Recognizing the successes and contributions of your local Realtors

3 tips to prepare to sell your home According to Realtor.com, spring is the busiest and best season to sell a home. While a good home can find a buyer any time of year, homeowners might find the buyers’ pool is strongest in spring and into summer. The reasons for that are many, ranging from parents wanting to move when their children are not in school to buyers wanting to move when the weather is most accommodating. Because spring is such a popular time to sell a home, homeowners who want to put their homes on the market should use winter as an opportunity to prepare their homes for the prying eyes of prospective buyers. The following tips can help homeowners during the pre-selling preparation process. 1. Address the exterior of the home. Winter can be harsh on a home’s exterior, so as winter winds down, homeowners who want to sell their homes should make an effort to address anything that might negatively affect their homes’ curb appeal. A study of homes in Greenville, S.C., from researchers at Clemson University found that the value of homes with landscapes that were upgraded from “good” to “excellent” increased by 6 to 7 per cent. If it’s in the budget, hire professional landscapers to fix any problematic landscaping or address any issues that arose during the winter. Homeowners with green thumbs can tackle such projects on their own, but hiring professionals is akin to staging inbuyers are impressed by curb appeal, they side the home. are turned off by clutter. The Appraisal In2. Conquer interior clutter. Clutter has stitute suggests homeowners clear clutter a way of accumulating over the winter, out of their homes before appraisers visit, when people tend to spend more time and the same approach can be applied to indoors than they do throughout the rest open houses. Buyers, like appraisers, see of the year. Homeowners who want to put cluttered homes as less valuable. In adtheir homes on the market in spring won’t dition, a home full of clutter might give have the luxury of waiting until spring to buyers the impression, true or not, that do their “spring” cleaning, so start clearthe home was not well maintained. ing any clutter out in winter, even resolving to make an effort to prevent its ac- 3. Eliminate odours. A home’s inhabitants grow accustomed to odours that might cumulation throughout winter. Just like

be circulating throughout the house. Pet odour, for instance, might not be as strong to a home’s residents as it is to guests and prospective buyers. Because windows tend to stay closed throughout the winter, interior odours can be even stronger come late-winter than they are during the rest of the year. A thorough cleaning of the house, including vacuuming and removal of any pet hair that accumulated over the winter, can help to remove odour. In the weeks leading up

“E

xperience Pays” – Whether it is experience in handling the numerous general real estate details, avoiding legal issues, building code regulations, Gov’t policies, and most importantly strong negotiation Skills, we have the knowledge to handle anything that might arise during the process. Buying or Selling can be a complicated matter. You need experience and dedication on your side in what is becoming a more complicated procedure. Regulations, technology, education requirements and much more, are forever changing. We go above and beyond constantly upgrading ourselves to keep up with all changes.

Andrew & Susan Cowen Sales Representatives

905.727.1961 – Direct info@SusanCowen.com

One of York Region’s Top Real Estate Agents, Susan is in the Top 1% of RE/MAX Agents across Canada having received many awards over the years. She and Andrew serve Aurora, Newmarket, East & West Gwillimbury, Bradford, King, Whitchurch/Stouffville, Oak Ridges. Always thinking of the Client first, Susan and Andrew experience a high level of Repeat business & referrals from past clients & friends. RE/MAX is World Wide - now available in 134 Countries in 41 Languages, offering a huge advantage marketing to a Global audience. Through RE/MAX, the Cowen’s are supporters of the Children’s Miracle Network, with a portion of each transaction going to the Cause.

Jennifer Di Paolo Sales Representative

905-836-1212 905-717-7752 RCR Realty, Brokerage

www.SusanCowen.com S C

Independently Owned & Operated

www.irinadipietro.com

I offer my clients the full package of proven multi media marketing formula that starts with home staging and house cleaning, professional HD photography, customized branding and brochures, interactive virtual tours, drone videos, youtube videos, explosive social media campaign and much more. Sit back and let me do all the work. Whether you are buying or selling my extremely strong negotiating skills will help you get the best deal possible. Let me help you with all your buying and selling real estate needs .

irina.dipietro@century21.ca

I look forward to the opportunity of working for you!

416 550 7819

hatever your real estate needs, I am available and eager to offer my expertise. I work to build long-lasting relationships with each of my clients and enjoy being a resource to them throughout the entire buying and selling process and long after the negotiations are finished. Having 20 years of experience working with investment properties and living in this great community, I can offer you an excellent working knowledge of the local housing market. While working with you, I will tailor our efforts specifically to your needs whether that is selling your home for the best possible value, locating a profitable income property for investment, assisting you to become a first-time homeowner, locating tenants for rental units or finding the next great project for renovators and contractors. My commitment to you is an unsurpassed level of customer service that includes dependability, honesty, availability and the best return on your investment possible. If you are looking for a professional real estate sales person to work for you and assist with your next home purchase or if you are anticipating a move in your future and are getting ready to list your home, please contact me and I will gladly speak with you about these important upcoming decisions and the opportunities that exist.

www.jenniferdipaolo.ca

EAL ESTATE SERVICES FOR SENIOR HOMEOWNERS

s a CENTURY 21® Real Estate professional, I am dedicated to providing you with the highest quality full service possible. My personal knowledge of the local Real Estate market combined with the power of the CENTURY 21 brand, as well as my drive and desire to succeed has made me successful local Real Estate professional with CENTURY 21 Heritage Group Ltd working in Newmarket, Aurora, Nobleton, King City, Schomberg, Richmond Hill and other parts of York Region.

Irina Di Pietro*

to the open house, bathe pets more frequently, using a shampoo that promotes healthy skin so pet dander is not as prevalent. Open windows when the weather allows so more fresh air comes into the home. Spring is a popular and potentially lucrative time to sell a home, and homeowners who spend winter preparing their homes for the market may reap even greater rewards. — MS

Michelle a York region realtor has over 20 years experience helping families make very informed decision about their housing needs.

Michelle Haick Sales Representative

905-853-5955 www.michellehaick.com Sutton Group Future Realty Brokerage

mhaick@sutton.com

Michelle has recognized the unique Real Estate needs of older home owners, many who have not sold a home in years, and offers a very personal approach to guide Boomers and Senior homeowners every step of the way to a smooth stress free move. As a Realtor who is both a certified Senior Real Estate Specialist and Accredited Senior Agent , Michelle’s focus is that her Senior Home Sellers are treated with utmost care and patience. Wether making the transition into a smaller home, condo, retirement residence or moving in with family Michelle has experience and a trusted team of professionals working with her to manage all the details, from home staging and de cluttering to legal and financial resources.

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yorkregion.com

Why choose a local Realtor? Entering the real estate market is both a daunting and exciting experience. You spend your time envisioning the perfect scenario, but a home is the most expensive purchase you can make, and finding the right one to meet your needs should be left in the hands of a professional. Like any professional, a Realtor needs to go to school before they can secure their real estate license. Realtors spend years learning about the importance of economics, demographics and geography on real estate values, how land and property are registered, municipal planning and land use regulations, the construction of homes and buildings, how to determine the value of a property, current trends and issues that impact residential and commercial real estate. Many Realtors continue to update their skills to be on top of an ever-changing real estate market. Realtors bring years of experience to the table to help guide new clients. They know the ins and outs of the desired neighbourhoods, from the demographics to the closest schools. This kind of knowledge only comes with being tapped into the real estate industry. Once they’ve helped you find a home that meets all of your wants and needs, Realtors use their knowledge of the neighbourhood to help get you the best deal. You may know that a comparable home in the neighbourhood was on the market for $600,000, but a Realtor would know how long it was on the market, any upgrades the owners made and the actual selling price, which can help when making an offer. Whether you are putting your home up for sale or looking to purchase, a Realtor has a network of professionals to help you meet your goals. You don’t need to know everything about buying, selling or even renovating when you enter the real estate market, as long as you hire a professional who does.

Jill Renshaw Broker

905-836-1212 416-209-9244

www.homestoview.ca

ROVEN RESULTS! With an Award Winning background for over 30 years and the proud recipient of the Directors Platinum Award (2016) for sales in the top 5%, Jill’s experience has enabled both Buying and Selling Clients amazing results in today’s Hot Real Estate Market. After graduating as a Law Clerk, Jill quickly obtained her Real Estate License enjoying over 20 years in various aspects of New Home Sales including Sales, Marketing, Design & Management. For the past 13 years her focus has been on Resales as a Broker for Royal Lepage. Her lifelong dedication to Real Estate and her continued training, education and designations including Broker, Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRS), Seller Representative (SRS) and Buyer Representative (ABR) broadening her knowledgeable in all aspects of the business and clients have continuously commented on her personal and comprehensive service: “My wife and I hardly expected the sale of our house to be an enjoyable and stress-free process. Thanks to Jill’s knowledge and real estate expertise, that is exactly what it was” “Jill was fantastic…Not only did she sell my home in less than a week, she secured a much higher selling price than I had imagined because of her knowledge of the current market” Anyone looking for a high level of personal attention, dedication and knowledge of the real estate market should call Jill.

URNING DREAMS INTO REALITY ONE CLIENT AT A TIME!

I am a Top Producing, Award Winning Real Estate Broker/ Manager with many years of experience and Countless Clients that are very pleased with my service. BUYERS ... can look forward to an exciting, smooth step-by-step journey finding their “Dream Home” and my negotiating skills can prove to be very beneficial in securing the best possible Purchase Price. SELLERS ... will appreciate my “Unique Marketing Strategy” including all the “Bells & Whistles” to secure the best possible “Purchase Price” for their property.

Gael Fisher Manager/Broker

Direct: 416-704-0014 Toll Free: 1-800-463-0002 x2262

No Obligation Ever & Confidentiality is Guaranteed

sold@gaelfisher.com

ith a reputation as a consummate real estate professional who embodies high ethics, an attentive attitude and quick results, Anita Kotsovos is the agent who will protect your interests and make buying and/or selling your home as advantageous for you as possible.

Marketing your home effectively is the most important piece of the process of getting your home SOLD. Relying on someone who knows where and how to market your home is essential for positive results. His marketing strategy will ensure your home is exposed to the maximum amount of buyers.

A passionate people person, Anita strives to earn a solid, trusting relationship with her clients. Having it means responding quickly to all client calls, thoroughly answering questions, and personally navigating each step in a transaction from start to finish. Her proven business formula is simply that an honest, amiable relationship plus accurate information will deliver positive results quickly.

His business is all about YOU and your WINs (Wants, Interests and Needs)

Sales Representative

Direct: 416-509-0963 ®

Heritage Group Ltd. Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated

www.JulianCasallas.ca

A real estate transaction is a complex process. His experience and expertise will ensure a smooth process from listing to SOLD . Julian understands communication is key, in today’s day and age, each client is different and communication preferences change. That is why he will communicate with you in the way YOU prefer, whether it is by text, email or phone, you will always be kept in the loop. When Julian is not selling homes or helping clients find their dream home, he enjoys spending time with family, being involved in his local community and advancing his learning on new technology. “SELLING YOUR HOME IS MORE THAN A SIGN ON YOUR LAWN”

Anita and her family have lived in York Region for many years so she is well versed about schools, recreation, transportation, and other amenities… all the keys to a happy life in a new neighbourhood.

Anita Kotsovos Sales Representative

Consistently recognized as a high achiever by RE/MAX, Anita has won their Lifetime Achievement and Chairman’s Club awards along with the prestigious RE/MAX Platinum Club, the Titan Award and the Hall of Fame honours.

905-898-1211 416-520-3651

If reliability, a high level of personal attention, and an outstanding and quick home sale or purchase are what you expect, look to Anita. Her dynamic negotiation skills and over 30 years of experience deliver the advantages a client needs.

REALTRON REALTY INC., OMEGA REALTY (1988) LTD.,BROKERAGE BROKERAGE

Read the numerous client testimonials at www.AnitaKotsovos.com to be assured that Anita is your ideal real estate agent.

Independently Owned And Operated

www.anitakotsovos.com

etty has been with the Royal LePage family since 1990 and has achieved top 1% nationally for Royal LePage. Betty believes that buying and selling your home should be an enjoyable experience, not a source of anxiety. Her goal with each and every client is not only to meet their expectations but to exceed them. Betty believes that every client should be given the level of service she would expect for herself if she were buying or selling.

Betty Durocher Broker

905.836.1212 1-866-773-9595 RCR Realty, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated

www.bettyspowerteam.com

reat real estate advice begins long before the purchase or sale of your home. As a Top Producer* in York Region, Jennifer provides the advice you need to get an edge in today’s fast-paced market! Her proven system will help you find the perfect home and get top dollar for yours every time!

In 2010, Betty assembled a dynamic power team dedicated to providing a new and innovative approach to real estate. The team’s main focus is on the client and with over 50 years of combined experience they share Betty’s commitment to integrity, dedication and client service. “IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU”. Dan Hickey has been licensed since 2001 and has had a successful career working with clients in the Newmarket, Aurora and surrounding areas. Knowledge of the local area and expertise in handling sales transactions and negotiations enables Dan to make the process as stress free as possible for his clients. Brian joined the real estate profession in 2011 following a 27 year career as a successful financial executive. Community knowledge and a strategic approach to marketing, market analysis and an individualized approach to each client’s needs helps Brian achieve his client’s real estate goals. It’s Your Move…Plan for Success. Please call us with your real estate questions.

Jennifer donates to Children’s Miracle Network with every home sold - Your Referrals help Jennifer to help others in our community! Upsizing, Downsizing, Investing or looking for a Recreational Property? Put Jennifer’s energy, network and marketing expertise to work for you: Call anytime to discuss your next move!

Jennifer Clements Broker of Record

905-898-1211 office 416-997-4312 cell REALTRON TURNKEY, BROKERAGE Independently Owned and Operated

2016

jenniferclements.ca

Judith Varga Broker

905-715-9414 905-731-2000

The touch of class Judith brings to the industry has made her well known in York Region and beyond as a proficient real estate professional who delivers an exceptionally high level of service through her client-by-client approach – as evidenced by a long list of happy clients. Read the many satisfied client testimonials at www.judithvarga.com or give her a call for a confidential consultation custom designed for your needs. If you are thinking of selling and just don’t know where to start she will be able help you to maximize your current home’s potential. Contact her directly at 905-715-9414 or judithvarga@rogers.com

“A big, thank you for selling our home in one weekend for way over asking! You exceeded our expectations and provided great help getting our home ready to sell. I would highly recommend you to all my friends and family!” Jenny Cossu Morrison, Newmarket * Platinum Award Recipient 2016 & 2015 - Top 2% National Sales

ith over 30 years of well respected real estate experience, Judith brings her personal commitment to each individual client, adeptly evaluating their unique circumstances and real estate goals to deliver a tailored, attentive level of service that meets their needs. Today’s ever-changing real estate market can be overwhelming but at the same time it offers some amazing opportunities. If you are thinking of upgrading for a growing family, downsizing for retirement, buying that first income property for additional cash flow, or helping grown children get into home ownership Judith has some really creative ideas. Those, coupled with her in-depth local market knowledge, enable her to deliver savvy guidance so clients can confidently make these sometimes daunting choices and get on with enjoying life.

AWARDS Centurion Award Master’s Ruby Award Master’s Silver Award

Feel Free to Contact Me Anytime

Independently Owned & Operated

ulian has been in the Real Estate industry for 9 years, Julian comes with a background in marketing and data analysis. His background and thorough understanding of the real estate market allows him to market homes effectively.

Julian F. Casallas

CREDENTIALS Manager/Broker ABR - Accredited Buyers Representative SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist

Heritage Group Ltd. Brokerage

It is all about your dreams, your questions, your life, your family, your future.

MY MOTTO ... God First, Family & Career. My Faith overflows into all aspects of my life. Clients can be assured of my Honesty, my Integrity and Ethical Service at all times.

ooking for an energetic, experienced real estate agent who is dedicated to providing exceptional results and remarkable service? Look no further than Tracee Bowman. Clients describe her as dedicated, articulate, reassuring, professional and caring – someone who always responds in a timely fashion. She makes it a key priority to build long term relationships with her clients – committed to being there before, during and after the sale as much as needed. And Tracee recognizes that every customer has particular requirements. e.g. among the several real estate designations that she holds, she is a Seniors’ Real Estate Specialist Agent (SRES) and is able give counsel and address the unique needs of senior citizens.

Tracee Bowman Sales Representative

905-505-0475 Direct/text 905-898-1211 REALTRON REALTY INC., OMEGA REALTY (1988) LTD.,BROKERAGE BROKERAGE Independently Owned And Operated

www.traceebowman.com

Tracee gives superior service to every client: If you are a seller she will prepare a comparative market analysis to demonstrate what area properties have sold for recently, then will expertly market your home through multiple channels including social media, websites, and multiple listing services. If a buyer she will present a report on current housing market conditions and give the best options that fit your criteria, helping you feel comfortable and confident in the process. Committed to giving back to the community, Tracee donates a portion of every sales commission to the Children’s Miracle Network. Find out more about Tracee at www.TraceeBowman.com, or contact her directly at (905) 505-0475 or tracee@traceebowman.com