Aurora Banner, September 8, 2016

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COUNCIL

No English or French? You might be breaking proposed bylaw BY TERESA LATCHFORD

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an individual basis for their own community. Kim, who speaks English and Korean, can see both sides of the argument, but still feels this is the right direction for the town, which could find it an issue 20 years down the road. In 1990, the City of Markham passed a bylaw that requires business signs contain English or French as 50 per cent of the total text displayed. Neighbouring Richmond Hill was experiencing the same issue but did not see the need to impose a bylaw. “People may feel they are unwanted in a store if they don’t speak the language on the sign, but I don’t think it is any business’ intention to exclude people,” Kim said. “Bottom line is we need to have a conversation.” He expects council will discuss the matter further at the Sept. 13 council meeting and any comments from the public and business community are welcome. Kim is expecting some push-back from a few businesses, but notes they have the right to comment as well. “Their comments are just as valid, will be listened to and will be taken into consideration when council makes a decision,” he said. Kim is requesting that town staff report back by the end of the year on a potential amendment to the current sign bylaw to include a requirement that a sign contain at least 50 per cent of its text in one of the two official languages.

tlatchford@yrmg.com

proposed bylaw would disallow the use of business signs that do not contain English or French. Aurora Councillor Harold Kim has submitted a proposal for council’s consideration at next week’s meeting, which, if approved, would require business owners within the town’s borders to include one of the two official languages on business signs. “At first, I didn’t notice there were examples of signs excluding English and French in Aurora,” Kim said. “It wasn’t until residents emailed (council members) with pictures that showed examples that I took notice.” His notice of motion points out that Canada has two official languages, giving English and French preferred status in law over all other languages, according to the Official Languages Act that came into effect in 1972. Incorporating text on a sign that does not include English or French could be viewed as exclusionary and not honouring the town’s theme of inclusiveness, he added. “English and French are part of Canada’s identity,” Kim said. “We need to grab onto something common that brings people together and I believe language does that.” It is a grey area since federal legislation regarding the use of the two official languages only applies to federal institutions, leaving local municipalities to discuss the matter on

Mike Barrett/Metroland

Aurora Councillor Harold Kim has submitted a proposal, which, if approved, would require business owners to include one of the two official languages on business signs.

CRIME

York police receive smallest contract in decade, in line with GTA trend BY JEREMY GRIMALDI

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Metroland file photo

York Regional Police agreed to a four-year deal that inclludes pay increases of less than 2 per cent annually.

jgrimaldi@yrmg.com

ork Regional Police officers will still be getting a raise every year, but it’s been scaled back from previous annual rises. The news comes days after the police union and the York Regional Police Services Board signed their new contracts, some six months after their last agreement expired and mere days before conciliation was scheduled to begin. The new four-year deal will be the trimmest in decades, with employees receiving just less than 2 per cent annually, having restrictions put on some of the health benefits and an elimination of a three-month salary gratuity after 30 years of service.

The rise is the lowest it has been for at least 10 years and possibly 20 years, years where police in York saw their salaries rise 3 and 4 per cent: In 2013 it was 3 per cent, 2014, 2.35 per cent and 2015, 2.65 per cent. However, these numbers appear to be part of a growing trend in GTA policing, with both Peel and Toronto police receiving similar deals recently. About 85 per cent of union members voted in favour of the new deal. Union members will see limits set on physiotherapy and course tuition reimbursement, however they will see an extension of benefits to other physical and mental health benefits, namely psychological services, vision care, retirement healthcare spending and chiropractic care. The contract comes months after

services board chairperson and Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti made comments to yorkregion.com suggesting the negotiations were going to be more difficult than in the past. “For many municipalities, the cost of police compensation is up to 90 per cent of the service’s operating budget and that is not sustainable,” he said at the time. “Arbitrated salary and benefit awards in policing have exceeded the rate of inflation, the cost of living and the salary adjustments negotiated or provided to other unionized and non-unionized staff in our communities. This is not sustainable.” When asked how he felt about Scarpitti’s comments, Todd Sepkowski, See page A8.

HOCKEY

Hometown Hockey to launch season in Newmarket BY JOHN CUDMORE

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jcudmore@yrmg.com

One of hockey’s prime TV properties will launch its new season next month with Newmarket’s hockey community in its focus. Rogers Sportsnet announced Tuesday it is bringing its Hometown Hockey broadcast property to Newmarket with a two-day festival and celebration of hockey Oct. 15 and 16, culminating with its Sunday night broadcast of the National Hockey League game between Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres. The weekend will also help highlight the Newmarket Minor Hockey Association’s 60th season, but is also expected to focus on stories across the Newmarket hockey community’s landscape. It will also mark Hometown Hockey’s 50th airing. “It’s an incredible milestone and we’re happy to be celebrating that with you here today,” Hometown Hockey co-host Tara Slone, with partner Ron MacLean by her side, said to an eager audience

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at Riverwalk Commons before breaking off into a ball hockey game with minor hockey aged kids during a two-hour late afternoon flurry of hockey-related activities. Entering its third season, the broadcast production is known for profiling the communities it visits and highlighting the people in and around the hockey community. The visit to Newmarket is the first of 24 scheduled for the 2016-17 season. “It’s been in the logistics stage for a few months,” Town of Newmarket recreation and culture director Colin Service said. “We’re really excited.” The weekend of activities will be anchored at Riverwalk Commons, the site of the former Newmarket Community Centre.

Mike Barrett/Metroland

Rogers Hometown Hockey made a special appearance at Riverwalk Commons, Tuesday, announcing the popular series will come to Newmarket this fall. Hosts Ron MacLean and Tara Slone cemented the deal with a selfie, courtesy of Mayor Tony Van Bynen.

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