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Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014

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Ho, Ho, Ho The Dirt Must Go

Kilometres of roads treated with salt equal to trip to moon and back BY SEAN PEARCE

spearce@yrmg.com

Had enough yet? We’re only one week into our second full month of winter and, for many of us, it already feels like an endurance test. So far, winter 2013-14 has given us an ice storm, freezing polar vortices and, seemingly, endless snowfall. Yesterday brought more of the white stuff, with parts of the GTA, York Region included, experiencing 10 to 20 cm more snow.

For a breakdown of your municipality’s spending, go to yorkregion.com

The latest blast of winter weather led to bus cancellations across the region and resulted in York Regional Police responding to dozens of crashes throughout the day. It’s shaping up to be a rough winter if this keeps up. The region can’t yet say precisely how much it has spent battling blizzards and freezing rain so far, its manager of roads maintenance Joseph Petrungaro said, but the annual budget for winter roads upkeep is about $16 million. The region will go over that budget, thanks in large part to the ice storm, he said. Last year saw the region respond to 104 winter events, Mr. Petrungaro said, whereas a typical winter dishes STAFF PHOTO/SUSIE KOCKERSCHEIDT

Plows have been kept busy clearing area roads all winter.

See REGION, page A10.

Without help, bedtime a struggle Man with muscular dystrophy needs help with most chores BY CHRIS TRABER

ctraber@yrmg.com

Newmarket’s Dan Philion is not one to complain. On the contrary. Struggling with the degenerative effects of muscular dystrophy since he was a teenager and cardiomyopathy requiring a 2011 defibrillator implant, Mr. Philion, 47, is grateful. He’s thankful for the Community Care Access Centre personal support worker who helps him three hours daily, seven days a week in his subsidized house. He appreciates the cleaning service he receives weekly from centre contractors. A monthly $875 Ontario Disability Support cheque helps greatly. His monthly rent is only $85, but he pays his own utility and grocery bills. Not much is left over at the end of the month, said Mr. Philion, who requires an electric wheelchair supplied by the provincial assistive devices program. It’s important for him to feel independent and ensure others he’s not taking advantage of them. “I don’t want to be a burden, but I depend on people,” the softspoken father of three said. “It’s not a choice for me.” Therein lies a dilemma for the

STAFF PHOTO/CHRIS SIMON

Figure skater Gabrielle Daleman (second from left) and her father, Michael, brother, Zach and mother, Rhonda, are in Sochi.

Daleman gets Olympic send-off

STAFF PHOTO/NICK IWANYSHYN

Dan Philion suffers from muscular dystrophy and relies on social supports and CCAC personal support workers. However, no one is available to help him get into his bed at night.

16-year-old skater aims for top-15 finish at her first Olympics

er person. At that hour, it can be onerous for Mr. Philion, who relies on If you can be part of a volunteer team friends for help. It’s a particularly lonely situato help Mr. Philion, call Tom Pearson at tion when weather deters visits, 289-221-0928 for details. as it did during the holiday ice storms. Poverty Action for Change Coalition chairperson Tom Pearman who won’t — can’t — suffer son helps his friend when he can. in silence. One morning, after plodding His usual bedtime is 11 p.m. through the snow to check in on He requires an electric hoist and harness to lift him onto his bed. See EARLY, page A8. The procedure requires anoth-

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BY CHRIS SIMON

csimon@yrmg.com

Gabrielle Daleman got an Olympic-sized send-off from her hometown. Newmarket council hosted a party for the figure skater and her family Monday evening. Gabrielle, 16, will participate in the women’s figure skating competition at the Sochi Olympics. “It’s really amazing I have my hometown behind me,” she said,

CHEER HER ON The ladies short program hits the ice Feb. 19, followed by the free skate Feb. 20. Check your local listings for times.

wearing a red, white and black Team Canada jacket. “They’ve been so supportive. My goal is top 15 and to enjoy the moment. I’m really excited to go.” Gabrielle is the 2013 and 2014 Canadian national silver medallist. See IT’S, page A9.

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