Selling Aurora Homes For Over 20 Years www.RealEstateAurora.comwww.RealEstateAurora.com Karen Walker Sales Representative, Residential Real Estate Services 14799 Yonge St., Aurora 905-727-3154

Aurora’s Community Newspaper

Vol. 13 No. 15 905-727-3300 theauroran.com FREE Week of February 19, 2013 Morris did not breach Conflict of Interest Act: Judge By Brock Weir

Former Aurora Mayor Phyllis Morris was not in breach of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act with the commencement of the $6 million defamation lawsuit against three local bloggers, according to Justice Cory Gilmore. Justice Gilmore rendered her decision February 11. In her ruling, the Judge sided with Ms. Morris on the two primary issues argued in the lawsuit, namely whether a conflict existed at all, and the time in which it took Aurora resident George Hervey to launch his lawsuit against Ms. Morris the following spring. She dismissed Mr. Hervey’s application right out of the gate on the basis that his application was not filed in time under the rules of the Municipal Conflict of Interest, but went a step further and addressed the elephant in the room – whether Ms. Morris was actually in viola- tion of the Act. Mr. Hervey launched his lawsuit in May 2011, alleging Ms. Morris breached the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act by participating in the closed session meeting of Council in September 2010 which ultimate- ly lead to a $6 million defamation lawsuit against Aurora residents Bill Hogg, Richard Johnson and Elizabeth Bishenden, among others. The original lawsuit alleged the three local bloggers had informa- tion to identify anonymous posters on the Aurora Citizen blog which Ms. Morris claimed were defamatory. The motion passed by the previ- ous council leading to the lawsuit called on the Town to take “any and all actions to bring a resolution” to the matter. Continued on page 8 Maple Leafs’ Mike Kostka thrills Tigers fans with homecoming By Jeff Doner

One of the players who helped the Aurora Tigers capture their first RBC Championship title in 2003-04 was back at the Community Centre for a visit on Friday night. Mike Kostka of the Toronto Maple Leafs was in town to relive some old memories, talk with fans and of course sign some autographs. “It’s pretty special,” said a smiling Kostka. “I haven’t been back in about 10 years, so being able to come back on a night like this, everyone has been so great in honouring me tonight. It’s a really exciting time.” Nearly a decade after playing his last game as a Tiger, Kostka is now playing a big role on a young Toronto Maple Leafs squad. But success hasn’t come easy for the 27-year-old “rookie” defenceman. Passed over in the NHL entry draft, Kostka got his break into pro hockey after signing with the Buffalo Sabres as a free agent in 2008. He then spent the better part of six seasons in the American ARCTIC ADVENTURE Hockey League, playing for the Rochester Americans, Portland Hundreds of Aurorans braved the cold but basked in the sun Monday to mark Family Day at Town Pirates, San Antonio Rampage, Norfolk Admirals and then started the Park. A new, one-time-only attraction at this year’s Arctic Adventure was the presence of the storied 2012-13 season with the Marlies after inking a deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs last summer. Grey Cup which was brought to Aurora by the Schuetze Family after winning it for the day in a Since going pro, Kostka’s hard work and determination eventually contest. Pictured above with the cup are Toronto Argonauts cheerleader Nikki, the Schuetze Family started to pay off, now logging big minutes on Toronto’s blue line. – Rob, Madison, Rebecca and Sabrina – and cheerleader Alessia. Inset: Lisa kept the crowds Although his journey into the NHL was a long, hard fight, Kostka entertained, carving ice into a work of art. For full coverage of Arctic Adventure, look in next said the past year has been a whirlwind. week’s edition. Auroran photos by David Falconer Continued on page 13 classic chicken souvlaki 2 cancan dinedine DINE-IN forfor $18.9518.95 TAKE-OUT YourYour cchoicehoice ooff ttwowo ooriginalriginal

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838 FirstFirst CommerceCommerce DDr.,r., AuAurorarora *Valid*Vaalid at 83 FFirstirst CommeCommercerce DDr.,r., AuAurora.rora. MustMuust presentpresent coupon. TTaTaxesaxes not included. ded. 905-727-88489905-727-8848 | mrgreek.commrgreek.ccom ExpiresExpires MarchMarch 29, 2013 CATERING Aurora TownTown Hall 1001000 John WestWest WayWay P.O.P.OP.O. Box 1000 0 Aurora Ontario L4G 6J1 Phone 905-727-1375 727-1375 FFaxax 905-726-4732 Email [email protected] a.ca WebsiteWebsite www.aurora.cawww.aurora.ca LikeLike us on FacebookFacebook TownTown of Aurora COUNCIL ANDD COMMITTEE MEETINGS Tuesday,Tuesday, FebruaryFebruary 19 7 pp.m..m. GeneralGeneral CommitteeCommitte ee FollowFollow us on TwitterTwitter Wednesday,Wednesday, FebruaryFebruary 20 7 pp.m..m. AuroraAurora Public LibraryLibr rary Board @Town_of_aurora@TTown_of_auroraown_of_aurora Wednesday,Wednesday, FebruaryFebruary 20 7 pp.m..m. Sesquicentennial AAd Hoc Committee Thursday,Thursday, FebruaryFebruary 21 7 pp.m.mm

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CANCELLED NOTNOT REQUIRED Tuesday,Tuesday, FebruaryFebruary 26 7 pp.m..m. Council Wednesday,Wednesday, FebruaryFebruary 27 7 pp.m..m. Public Planning TOWNTOWN OF AAURORAURORA PUBLIC NOTICENOTICE Meetings are open to the public andan nd held at AurorAuroraa TTownown Hall. Council meetingsm can be seen on Rogers TV,TVV,, channelcha annel 10. ForFor a full list of upcoming meetingsmeetings, s, please visit www.aurora.ca/calendarwww.aurora.ca/calendaar GeneralGeneral Committee meetings can beb viewed online by visiting wwwwww.aurora.ca/gcstream.auroora.ca/gcstream

BusinessBusiness Retention and Expansion n NOTICENOTICE OF SALE OF PUBLIC LANDS S AURORAAURORA 150 FACT:FACT: ConsultationConssultation on FFebruaryebruary 28 The TownTToown of f AuroraAurora is in the processprocess of selling approximatelyapproximately 0.6 hectareshectares of the In 2012,20 012, TTownown staff met with more than 15150 50 local propertyproperty described scribed as PartPart of Lot 19, Concession 3 in The TownTToown of Aurora.Aurora. businessesbusinnesses as part of the Business Retention on and ExpansionExpannsion progrprogram,am, to find out about the aadvadvantagesantages and disadvantagesdisaddvantages of doing business in Aurora.Aurora. Now that the results are in, the TownTown is consultingcon nsulting with the businessbusinness community on how to best address ss the top trends that haveh arisen from our business visitation on surveyssurveys.. BusinessBusinness owners and those interested in the e local economy are invitedinnvited to join us for a Business Retentionon and Expansion actionn planning session on Thursday,Thursdayy,, FFebruaryebruuary 28 at 7 pp.m..m. in the e Holland Room at TownTown Hall. TheThe proposed enactment of the Bylaw approving this sale will be considered by TTownown Council on ForFor mmore information, please contact MichaMichael ael Logue at Tuesday,Tuesdayy,, FebruaryFebruaryuary 26 in the Council Chambers,Chambers, AurorAuroraa TTownown Hall, commencing at 7 pp.m..m. 905-727-3123905-7727-3123 ext. 4324 Written commentscomme ents or inquiries for information relating to this matter may be directed to Anthony IerulloIerullo,, Eade’sEade’s AuroraAurora HarHardwaredware (1910)(191 10) Manager of StrategicStr rategic Initiatives at 905-727-3123, extension 4742. Comments may also be mailed to the Planning & Development Services department, faxed to 905-726-4736 05-726-4736 or emailed to ThisThis full encompassing hardwarehardware storesto ore waswas well stockedstocked with [email protected] prior to the meeting. AuroraAuroora SeniorsSeniors CentrCentree trips items one would need for maintainingmaintainin ng their homestead. Please note,note, TheThhe TTownown of AurorAuroraa collects personal information in communications or presentations made TheThe AAurorAuroraa Seniors Centre offers many exciting ting trips for both to TownTown Council cil and/or its Committees.Committees. TThehe TTownown collects this information to makmakee informed decisions membersmembers and non-members.non-membersnon members. on relevantrelevant issue(s). ue(s). If you are submitting letters,letters, faxesfaxes,, emailsemails,, presentations or other communications to the TTown,own, youyo ou should be awareaw that your name and the fact that you communicated with the TTownown will become part art of the public record and will appear on the TTown’Town’soown’s websitewebsite.. TThehe TTownown will also makmakekee EMPLOYMENTEMPLOYMENT TripsTrips this spring include: your communication cation and any personal information in it, such aas your addressaddress,, postal code or email addressaddress,, avavailableailableble to the public unless you expressly request the he TTownown to remove it. By submitting a fax, OPPORTUNITIESOPPORTUNITIES t
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$BSPMJOB at 905-727-3123, 123, ext. 4771. Saturday,Saturdayy,, April 13 to Monday,Mondayy,, April 222 TripTrip includes transportation,transportation, accommodations,accommo odations, TownTown of Aurora 100 John WWestest WWay,ayy,, AuAurora,urora, ON L4G 6J1 shopping trips,trips, meals and shows and more.more. wwwwww.aurora.ca/publicnotices.aurora.ca/publicnotices | 905-727-3123 27-3123 ext. 4742 WHAT’SWHAAT’ST’ST S HAPPENINGHAPP PENING ForFor morem information, please contact Karie PPapillonapillon at AreAre you u preparedprepared for an emergencyemergenccy or disaster? Dinner and a Movie 905-727-3123905-7727-3123 ext. 3610. Don’t be e scared.scared. Be prepared.prepared. Men in Black 3 Be prepared for a variety of weather or civil related emergencies by Where: AuroraAurora Public LibraryLibrary JoinJoin us for MarchMarch Mania Camp knowing the different types of risks, making a household emergency plan When: Saturday,Saturdayy,, FebruaryFebruary 23 fromf 7 p.m.p.m. to 9 p.m.p.m. Join usu during your school break for a week k of fun filled and assembling an emergency survival kit. Rating: Rated PG activities.activities. For more information, please visit Ages: 11 to 14 year-oldsyear-olds When:Whenn: Monday March 11 to FFridayriday MaMarch arch 15 www.aurora.ca/emergencypreparedness Price: Entry is $3 per person anda nd pizza will be served. Where:Wherre: Stronach AurorAuroraa Recreation ComplexCom mplex Time:Time: 9 a.m to 4 p.m.p.m. ForFor more information, please call 905-726-4760.90 05-726-4760. Ages:Ages: FourFour to 11 years old Cost: $150 for all five days Another exciting event brought to you by WinterWinter ParkingParking Restrictions in effect fromfrom November 15 to April 15, 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. ExtendedExtennded care is avavailable.ailable. FForor more informinformation ation please contactcontaact 905-841-PLA905-841-PLAY. AY. Please ensure that vehicles are not parkedparked over sidewalkssidewalks or onto the roadway.roadway. An AAdventurAdventuree a Day! MarMarchch BrBreakeakk Edition for ThisThis is a hazard for residents and it severely hinders the agess 11+ ability of our InfrastructureInfrastructure and EnvironmentalEnv vironmental Services staff Boredd of staying home watchingwatching TV and playing aying video to efficiently plow our roads and sidewalks.sid dewalks. n gamesgamees during March Break? Join us for a day or a week of ForFor more information, please call 905-726-475190 05-726-4751 or visit adventure.advennture. Bring your friends and register ffor or the days you want.want. Saturday, March 30, 2013 www.aurora.cawww.aurora.caaurora ca 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. When:Whenn: Monday,Mondayy,, March 11 to FFriday,ridayy,, MarchM 15 Aurora Seniors’ Centre 2nd Annual AuroraAurora WinterWinter BBlues FFestivalestival on Actual Egg Hunt starts at Saturday,Saturdayy,, MarchMarch 2 Activities:Activities: 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. t
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satisfactionsatisffaction survey by visiting wwwwww.aurora.ca.aurora..ca clicking on est W must be in good health and should eat something before Aurora Proudly Sponsored By: Seniors’ Industrial Industrial onge Street Centre Yonge Street Yonge TownTownn Departments > InfrastructureInfrastructure and EnvironmentalEn vironmental Y Yo Robinson’sRobinson’s John W John West Way John West Parkway North they come to donate.donate. Parkway North KarateKarate ScSchoolhool www.teamrks.comwwww.t.tteamreamrks.com ServicesServicces (Public Works)Works) > InfrInfrastructureastructure and d Environmental WellingtonWellington Street East ForFor more information or to book an n appointment, please call ServicesServicces FeedbackFeedback FForm.orm. 1-888-2-DONATE,1-888-2-DONATE, or visit wwwwww.blood.ca.bloood.ca For more e information,information, please visit www.aurora.cawww.aurora.carora.ca or call 905-726-4762. YourYour feedback is greatly appreciated! TThankhankk you! *We*We rreserveeserve the rrightight ttoo ccancel,ancel,, amend or change hange acactivities.tivities. THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Page 3 One of Canada’s “Next Top Ad Execs” finds inspiration in competition By Brock Weir team will win two 2013 thing like copywriting but Chevy Cruzes, two $2,500 they only had an opening in It wasn’t the weekly scholarships, two $1,000 their accounts department, pitches on Dragon’s Den, nor cash prizes from Chevrolet but I took it and ended up the booze-drenched smoky Canada and other products. loving it.” boardrooms of Mad Men “We want to see what This, she says, is a prime that attracted Cailyn markets they weren’t tap- example of how people can Farquhar to the fast-paced ping into,” says Ms. follow their dreams. world of marketing and Farquhar on their secretive Networking is essential, she advertising, but rather work- strategy. “In the first phase, said, finding similar intern- ing with clients and “han- we had to come up with a ships help put you on the dling large sums of money”. creative idea to figure out map. She describes herself For a film student, evi- what kind of target market as “artsy” and internships dently this sharp change in you would want to bring the allow opportunities – over a career path from the direc- Equinox and the program summer job like waitressing tor’s chair to a potential seat provided us with a lot of – to gain unique experiences, in the boardroom was well information to get us start- meet new people, get a hand founded as the Aurora resi- ed. From there, they have a on the business world, and dent and student at the panel of top ad execs in give you that extra push out- University of Western Toronto that get to review all side the box. Ontario was named a finalist the submissions. It’s sup- This little extra push, on the road to being posed to be the ‘Top 25’, but however, lead the way for Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec. I guess they really liked it marketing to supplant film Aurora’s Cailyn Farquhar, a student at the University of Western Ontario, is pictured Cailyn and her partner, and picked the top 30!” in her list of passions. As a at Yonge and Wellington’s venerable Coca-Cola advertising mural on Sunday Rahul Srinivasan, a student Their next round of sub- film student, she had to get afternoon. The student has reached the next level in the search to name Canada’s at the Richard Ivey School of missions is due on February special permission from the Business, were one of 30 stu- 25. If the judges still like program and an endorse- Next Top Ad Exec. Auroran photo by Brock Weir dent teams making it to the what they see, it is off to the ment from professors to next round in the competi- Top 10. enter, but with that in hand tive program which sees The competition might there was no looking back. teams of university students be, in some ways, a signifi- Luckily for her, however, she go head to head developing cant shift in career trajecto- sees advertising in giving marketing plans for the ry for someone like Cailyn, a her the best of both worlds. same product with plans graduate of Country Day “You get something that judged by “Canadian indus- School, who is still a film is really analytical and busi- try experts.” major at Western with a ness related, but you also get With their plans firmly in minor in creative writing. to be really creative and place, Cailyn and Rahul are She says she knew, however, think outside the box,” she spending this week working moving ahead with market- says. “I was able to use both on their next pitch for the ing and advertising was the skills and that is kind of second round and sitting path to take after doing an what appealed to me – it’s not back on pins and needles to internship at Spring your typical 9 to 5 job. see if they advance to the Advertising in Vancouver. Sometimes you’re working next level. “I absolutely fell in love over hours, or you get to talk This year’s teams are with it,” she says. “It was the with clients, you get to work tasked with preparing new most incredible experience. I with creative, so it is a very and innovative marketing originally wanted to do an dynamic industry and that is campaigns for the Chevrolet internship in the creative why it appeals to me the Equinox and the winning department doing some- most.” Chamber puts Business Achievement Awards on ice until 2014

By Brock Weir just look at the whole thing Awards. We just decided, again and review it.” ‘let’s stop for a year, let’s If you were planning on 2012’s Business evaluate where we are, and kicking your heels up this Achievement Awards were let’s evaluate the whole summer at the Aurora held at The Manor in process and try to make it a Chamber of Commerce’s Kettleby. While local Remax little more attractive to annual Business realtor Bill Jenkins took everyone.’ Achievement Awards, home top honours as “We’ve got some ideas, you’re out of luck. Aurora’s Business Person of but I don’t think they’re The Chamber has decid- the Year, other honourees ready to go out yet – we’re ed to put their annual gala included Maunder’s Food just starting the process.” on hiatus for a year, while Shop, Permaboss.com Inc., If this news leads to some they look to retool the event. Neighbourhood Network, disappointment amongst “We’re not cancelling St. Andrew’s Valley Golf members of Aurora’s busi- them, we’re just taking a Course, Jack’s Landscaping, ness community, more year off to revamp the T.H. Oliver Heating and Air mindful local bean counters whole process,” Judy Conditioning, and Cupid & could take small comfort in Marshall, Executive Psyche. a little bit of silver lining. Director of the Aurora “Attendance is declining The Town of Aurora is an Chamber of Commerce, told like many other major active sponsor of the The Auroran. “We’re trying events across York Region,” Business Achievement to add more excitement to it says Ms. Marshall. Awards, and no event in 2013 and try to make it more “Everyone is seeing a means a $9,000 savings in attractive to all the commu- decline in the number of this year’s 2013 municipal nity, not just a chamber people attending their operating budget, shaving a function. We need to look at major events, such as the whopping 0.03 per cent off our nomination process and Business Achievement the proposed tax increase.

Experience & Commitment 14799 Yonge Street Aurora, ON L4G 1N1 Working for you – call today [email protected] www.carmstrong.ca 905-727-3154 2011 & 2012 Page 4 THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Letter to the editor Machell’s Corners An apology would get new music fest off to “fresh start” I watched the February 12th council meeting with particular interest to the discussion about a new music festival in Aurora. It started with a lovely and lengthy speech by Councillor Buck about the old Aurora Horse Show. My kids and I enjoyed that show for many years at Machell Park and were saddened when it ceased to be. Councillor Buck went on to say that the new proposed music festival could be that kind of exciting event; an annual one with plenty of supporters, and could put Aurora “on the map”. An impressive oratory indeed – apparently Councillor Buck has no sense of irony what-so-ever – for four years the Aurora Jazz Festival was just that kind of annual event, run by local volunteers and attracting people from within and outside our commu- nity. It was a motion by Councillor Buck, supported by a majority of council and the Mayor that killed the jazz festival and sent it packing to Newmarket. Later, Councillor Abel, doing his very best to help the organizers of the proposed festival garner support, stat- ed unequivocally that Machell Park will not be fenced on the north and the south. The park will remain open to dog walkers, he stated. It’s a complete mystery to me how the organizers will charge ten dollars admission without the site being fenced exactly as the Jazz Festival was in the Town Park. Perhaps they will rely on the honour system or invis- ible fences. I am not opposed to a fence at all, but since that issue is what was Council cited as the main com- plaint against the Jazz Festival, I wonder how Councillor Abel is going to reconcile all that in July when the fences go up. So, it looks like we will have a music festival in Aurora in July. To submit a letter to the editor please send your email to That’s great, I support the notion. I liked the one we had. [email protected] – deadline for submissions is Saturday at 1 p.m. People from outside this community, like Lucid, the organizers of the proposed festival, are probably won- dering what all the fuss is about. What they won’t know Ward Cleavers is that many people feel betrayed by this Council that, for personal vindictive reasons, threw the Jazz Festival So, that was certainly an eventful pick an area with a perceived weak- out of the Town Park, using trumped up reasons. week. Ontario’s newest Premier was er candidate to pick-off in a relative Now those same Councillors are falling over them- sworn in. The Pope resigned. A deci- waltz to the Council table? selves to replace it with a slick venture from outside our sion was finally reached in Hervey v. Forget sugar plums. Visions of community, complete with fencing, admission charges Morris – and that was only Monday! certain parties fighting to the death of ten dollars and our youth shilling coupon books to Tuesday was a little bit more to represent whichever ward gets pay for it. sedate, but at least one thing came custody of the Cultural Centre are Why don’t the organizers just apply for a permit to from it – the wheels were put in dancing in my head. It isn’t use Machell Park for their July weekend and have that motion for a new summer music fes- pretty...but it might be good for a permit approved on merit. tival in Aurora. BROCK’S laugh. Perhaps to get this new event off to a positive start in When that wraps up at the end of our community there could be an apology from council July and the following couple of BANTER LIVING (AT) LARGE to the organizers, the many volunteers and the atten- months are spent crunching the Brock Weir Should that happen to be the ulti- dees of the former Aurora Jazz Festival for the shoddy numbers, determining its success, mate solution, the outstanding ques- treatment and the double standard. and seeing how things fared for the reason to get out door knocking to as tion will be what will that do to the Starting fresh may give the new music festival a former Aurora Jazz Fest north of many homes as possible and reach – number of chairs needed around the chance of success. our border, many people’s attentions or perhaps even engage – voters they Council table. While Councillor will turn to the future of Aurora’s might not otherwise have the oppor- Pirri’s motion calls for the numbers T.C. Smith electoral system. tunity to do so? of councillors to be reduced from Aurora This is, of course, a subject that (b) When it rains, it pours. If you eight to six with one tasked with comes back from the dead for debate have over 20 candidates gunning for being Aurora’s Regional Councillor, (Editor’s Note: When the Town decided to open Town with more regularity that the the same seat, it is a sign of a others may feel shortchanged. Park up for bids on Civic Holiday Weekend, “no fencing” Town’s Code of Conduct and not-so- healthy community. These people Personally, I have no opposition to was stated as a “preferred” option rather than a require- dearly-departed Integrity want to give something back to their reducing the number of Councillors ment. The Aurora Festival of the Arts, organizers of the Commissioner. Given how things community, whether it is fighting for at the table but from the perspective Jazz Festival, decided not to place a bid for the use of the went on the last election campaign, a particular cause or a political of an Aurora voter, I am not con- park. For more on Council’s approval of Lucid’s propos- it is pretty certain how that debate is stance. This shouldn’t be viewed as a vinced that people will be happy al, please see Page 22.) going to go. hindrance. While you’re bound to with having only one municipal rep- Nothing is likely to happen to the have a few hoary chestnuts come out resentative in the long run. On this Code of Conduct. Those who want to to bat again, you’re equally bound to point, I firmly agree with Councillor THE AURORAN sign it have already done so. Those have a few previously hidden gems Evelyn Buck. Aurora’s Community Newspaper who won’t will certainly maintain in the process. If a ward system were imple- The Auroran Newspaper Company Ltd. the status quo and the position will (c) Where exactly are these geo- mented today, given my own place of 15213 Yonge Street, Suite 8 Aurora, ON, L4G 1L8 remain as empty as a downtown graphic areas going to be? abode and their general proximity, It is this last point that concerns Founder storefront. my own ward councillor would most Ron Wallace Too soon? me the most of Aurora moving likely be Councillor John Gallo. Publisher Emeritus Rosemary Schumaker Every time the ward question towards a ward system. Will there That’s fine. percolates to the surface, it is cov- ever be a way to divide this Town up If I brought a concern to him as a Editor General Manager Production Manager ered in these pages and this year – into wards that will make everyone – civilian, such as the ridiculous Brock Weir Bob Ince Cynthia Proctor or even anyone – happy? If wards [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] heck, even this week – is no excep- traffic situation at the corner of tion. Stephen Somerville touched are designated on physical charac- Hollidge Boulevard and McMaster teristics of the community, whether Advertising Photography upon this issue as well a few weeks Avenue where overgrown and David Falconer heritage or density, that could be Diane Buchanan ago in his Front Porch Perspectives. obstructive medians invariably [email protected] [email protected] He stated his support for the pro- construed in many different ways. leave both vehicles and pedestrians Classifieds posal in principle, citing previously Dividing the Town by Regional Zach Shoub 905-727-7128 scrambling like ants in a fire due to [email protected] [email protected] held positions by former mayors roads into four quadrants, for non-existent sightlines, he’s likely to Jones and Morris that (a) first-time instance, that could be the path of have witnessed this nightmare and candidates find it too difficult to least resistance, but still cause its be in accord with the concerns. Main Number 905-727-3300 • Facsimile 905-727-2620 own problems. Subscriptions available within Canada and U.S. reach the majority of homes in In the off-chance, though, he email: [email protected] Aurora, (b) an over-abundance of However the chips fall, there thinks everything is just peachy at Editorial policy won’t likely to be any requirement Opinions expressed by columnists, contributors and letter writers are not candidates, (c) accountability to a this corner, as a voter I would like necessarily those of The Auroran. Letters must include name and phone number, although number will not be published, and be limited to 700 words. for a candidate in a ward to live in Letters may be edited or refused. All contents protected by copyright. particular geographical area. the luxury of shopping the concern the same. Is this more likely to lead Advertising policy Let me play Devil’s Advocate around until I found a Councillor Publisher is not liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. Disputes must be brought to the atten- here. to a candidate choosing a particular with a sympathetic ear. tion of the publisher prior to the following edition. (a) What better way for a first- area to fight for because there is an Selfish, I grant you, but that’s one time candidate to have a legitimate interest there close to their heart, or of the beauties of living at large. THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Page 5

50 years ago, word got AURORAN around Town and beyond about Aurora’s Centennial Celebrations through POLL this pamphlet from Centennial Headquarters at Mosley Street and New Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne took over from Dalton McGuinty on February 11. So far, what is Victoria. The flyer boasts your impression of Ms. Wynne as she gets down to of Aurora growing from a business? small town of 2,107 to a whopping 10,000 and a) Favourable “over 30 manufacturing firms in 1963” and herald- b) Unfavourable ed momentous moments in Aurora’s history from c) Indifferent the 1837 rebellion to the arrival of the Hartmans, the Fleurys, and even the Favourable Unfavourable Indifferent family of Lester B. 50% 38% 12% Pearson. Image courtesy of the AS OF FEBRUARY 18, 2013 18, FEBRUARY OF AS RESULTS Aurora Historical Society Please participate in our POLL –go to www.theauroran.com, scroll down and look to the bottom right of the home page to VOTE.

A Reckless Law + Irresponsible Reporting = PANIC

On my drive to Queen’s Park this member since 1989, and I the state to ask if this understand bills and their unintended past Thursday morning, I heard a news wouldn’t leave home law was being enforced. consequences. This one I just missed. I report that effective January 2013, all without it). My suspicion was that if want to tell the people in Canada I am non-U.S. driver’s license holders in the we didn’t know about it, sorry.” state of Florida would be required to I’m a satisfied customer of they didn’t either. It’s also a text book example of irre- carry a valid International Drivers the CAA, but in this case Jacksonville, Miami, sponsible reporting on the part of the Permit (IDP), and that failure to carry they got it wrong! Tampa, Naples...... as CAA and the panic that can ensue when such a permit would be considered to the calls went out, my far-reaching issues aren’t dealt with be driving without a license. When I got to my suspicions were con- effectively. The CAA should have gone I knew this news would create panic office, I immediately firmed. No one was to the source – like we did – to confirm among hundreds of thousands of asked my staff to call the FRANKLY aware of the law and the facts before sparking a media fren- Ontarians heading south for vacation Governor’s office in most confirmed they zy with an irresponsible press release. or for the winter, and wondered Florida. None of this SPEAKING had no intention of It’s worth noting too that the CAA is whether it was some kind of joke. But made any sense to me. No enforcing it until they the only issuer of the IDP in Canada, Frank Klees as I started hearing it all over the radio advance warning or were instructed to do so. and charges $25 for the service. It’s dial I realized it was the real thing. grace period for some- MPP Newmarket-Aurora I had heard enough hard to know whether that may have The law, passed by the Florida legis- thing that would have an and sent out the follow- clouded the judgment of those in lature late last year, is intended to make effect on thousands of Canadians who ing message on my Twitter account: charge there, but interestingly its web- it easier for State Troopers to under- winter there? “Florida’s International Driver’s site still encourages drivers to buy one stand non-English driver’s licenses. One day, you’re driving in accor- Permit law will not be enforced against even though refunds are being offered But there were no exceptions for dance with the law and the next day Ontario drivers. That’s the word from to anyone who purchased one during Canadians or those from any other you’re not? Even if the state legislature my canvass of Florida police.” last Thursday’s frenzy. English-speaking jurisdiction. The con- was as dysfunctional as ours, they Within minutes, I got a call from And while it was gratifying that my sequences of driving without a valid couldn’t get it this wrong – or could Newstalk1010 asking me to join Jim staff and I were able to get to the bot- driver’s license carries serious implica- they? Richards on his show to discuss the tom of this on behalf of my con- tions, and it didn’t take long for that to I then instructed my staff to put issue. It was the first of many inter- stituents, and the thousands of settle in as people began reacting to the calls in to every government office that views throughout the day and the Canadian snowbirds who were justifi- news. would have any jurisdiction over this beginning of the end of this panic. ably concerned, I had to wonder where The media picked up on this story issue and within a matter of minutes the Ontario Government was while through a press release issued by the we’d registered concerns with offices So, what went wrong? people were scrambling. It was radio Canadian Automobile Association, an that included the Secretary of State silence on their end. organization that was founded in 1913 and Florida’s Lieutenant Governor. This is a classic example of bad law- So what becomes of this reckless for the purpose of furthering the inter- While we waited to hear back on making. Here’s a quote from law? It will be repealed in Florida’s ests of Canadian motorists. (My CAA those calls, my staff called police Representative Ben Albritton, who next legislative session. membership card tells me I’ve been a departments in several major cities in sponsored the bill: “ I work hard to www.frankklees.com

Burning Questions about the Larter Mural

Over the years we’ve all enjoyed and the mural, like an not “First Canadian tributed to our history? been educated by the Canadian election sign, it’s Nobel Prize Winner”, Does it bother people at our first Achievements mural at the corner of always covering the but “Record of 8 consec- trans Canada railway, the Canadian Yonge and Wellington. But its content picture of Emily utive detentions while Pacific Railway (CPR), that they are does raise some questions, such as: Stowe? attending Church often referred to as their chief rivals, With Marc Garneau having visited Where else but in Street School”? the Canadian National Railway (CNR), the sign at least twice, when will Canada would a fig- Isn’t it sad that one as is suggested on the mural? Aurora get on the “places to visit” lists ure like Mr. Dressup of Canada’s greatest If signatures were to be included for of the other people up there, like be included (and technological achieve- any of the people up there, why were Marilyn Bell, Queen Elizabeth II, and rightfully so) on a INSIDE ments, the Avro Arrow, they added for the scientists (Banting Bonhomme? mural depicting had such a brief histo- and Best), who are not traditionally And speaking of Marc Garneau, did great national fig- AURORA ry? associated with signatures, and not the anyone else notice that the perspective ures and achieve- How much older do artists (Group of Seven), who are? of the photo of him in last week’s ments? Scott Johnston you feel when a person With the penny, nickel, dime, loonie Auroran made it look like his claim to How many people younger looks at the and toonie represented on the mural by fame was “First in donut consump- catch the incorrect upper case “D” in mural and asks “who’s Rick Hansen?” the maple leaf, beaver, Bluenose, loon tion”? “MacDonald”? With the success of the efforts of and polar bear, why was the quarter’s Did you know that the average Did the sponsors who originally con- local resident Harry Lumsden to bring caribou passed over for inclusion? Wellington commuter will spend a total tributed to the mural and whose compa- the Trumpeter Swan back from the What sort of paint did they use that of at least 4 hours each year sitting in ny names and logos appear on it realize edge of extinction acknowledged withstands the exposure to the harsh traffic westbound beside the mural they would have this advertising at the around the world, why is the Canada elements of each season so well, and waiting for the light at Yonge Street to main intersection of Aurora for at least Goose the waterfowl displayed on the can someone please come over and turn green? 10 years? mural? paint my deck with it? Apart from the train station, why With the space shuttle retired, will it What happened with the proposal Is not one of the great things about aren’t there more historical references be repainted over with a picture of the from several years ago to replace the living in Aurora the fact that we have to Aurora, such as a Fleury plough, international space station, so that mural with a new one depicting private companies like Larter that Sisman shoe, Hillary House, or an Canadarm’s continued use can be Canadian Juno winners? make the effort to produce public art integrity commissioner? acknowledged? While there is some representation, like this for everyone’s enjoyment? Why is that whenever some sort of Did you know that the original could they not have found a few more Feel free to e-mail Scott at: temporary notice goes up over part of description for Lester B Pearson was examples of women who have con- [email protected] Page 6 THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Timing threatens to jeopardize the Victorian Tea & Picture Show What an adventure! sponsor “thank you” display, flowers and the front just as taken by our committee son who worked diligently to On Wednesday, every- wrapping the final tea sam- raced back. the guests and members Bev and Don. ensure all the tables, thing was going according to ples, and gathering all the The event sponsors were Eight people won the audio/video equipment and plan. We were down to our items together, ready to pack just wouldn’t p o u r i n g wonderful door prizes. All displays were in place. last 15 tickets and it was into the car on Sunday. have been the through the were thrilled at the special The volunteer reception- quite possible we’d sell out Saturday, 11 p.m.: I’m sit- same without door in a rush to touches like the chocolate ists who sold tickets and by Friday. And then, the ting at the computer down- those flowers. experience the hearts, the handouts and the answered questions. storm hit. loading old images from the As I col- event. beautiful carnations they Without them, there would Fortunately, the forecast- Victorian era for the display lected myself Throughout took home. They even had have been no Victorian tea. er called for clear weather table. “Oh, no!” I screamed. and began SENIOR the afternoon, the chance to try the Oolong And lastly, my committee: Saturday and Sunday, just in “I forgot to pick up the flow- work on the the committee tea, just one of three teas in Jan Freedman, Mike Ilkiw, time for the Victorian tea. ers.” parlor, I was SCAPE continued to their samples. Bev Will, Don Keel, Virginia They say timing is every- Bodnar, and Elfriede What a relief! In desperation, I tried to very pleased Sylvia Dickens come through Friday, I ventured out contact the florist who does- to see just and helped to thing, but I’m not sure this Greupner who offered a into the storm to pick up the n’t open on Sundays. Sunday how well my clear the tables, chaos was what they meant. wealth of insight and assis- handouts from the printer. morning, I got online to committee members came since we were a little short If you don’t mind, I‘m tance throughout. To make sure things were search in vain for a home through at the last moment. on kitchen staff, and then going to take the liberty here I’d also like to thank the set at the Centre, I spent the number and to send her an While I was gone, they had cleared away the room décor of thanking all those who three ladies who generously rest of the day there ensur- urgent email. set the tables, complete with at the end. They are a speedy helped make this happen. loaned us the beautiful silver ing the necessary services Around 10 a.m. as I was handouts and tea samples, bunch! They don’t always get tea services and the gentle- were in place, and envision- loading the car, she called and begun work on the front Guests thoroughly enough recognition for the man who surprised me with ing exactly how the day back to say she’d have some- display. Everything was enjoyed themselves, espe- incredible work they do as the fantastic old portrait of would go. one at the shop at 11:30 a.m. looking great, just as I envi- cially the chance to step volunteers and the sacrifices Queen Victoria. Feeling confident we I rushed out the door, sioned it. And then they back in time and be pam- they make. The event was sponsored were all set, I headed home. picked up one of my com- dealt with the food and little pered. Some came in won- In this particular case, in part by the Real Estate Saturday brought anoth- mittee members, hurried to surprises, ensuring every derful period costumes, their service was especially Ladies, to whom we are er surprise. My furnace died the Centre and unloaded the aspect was as planned. while others wore fancy hats appreciated because it hap- grateful. overnight, which meant car. I had 10 minutes left. We were down to the and dressed very nicely for pened on a Sunday, a time spending the day waiting for After a brief encounter with wire, and I hadn’t changed this special occasion. They they normally reserved for For more information on the repairman to arrive, put- some of the committee, I into my period dress yet. By were happy for the opportu- their own families. the aurora seniors’ centre and ting the final touches on the raced to the florist, got the the skin of my teeth, I was at nity to get their pictures The kitchen staff: Irene all it has to offer, drop by 90 Hunter, Don Stevenson, Joan john west way, visit the web Stevenson and Joan Levert site www.auroraseniors.ca, Letters to the editor who sewed the beautiful email auroraseniors@ white lace aprons for the rogers.com or call 905-726- servers. 4767 between 9 a.m. and 4 Downtown Aurora needs a new identity: Abel Bill Hawke, the staff per- p.m. Monday to Friday. Aurora, what you hear is to re-establish the proud resi- Let the surplus properties Aurora’s Downtown Core true. dential community in the become a common area with would become a live music The Town of Aurora has downtown heritage district, a performing arts building at destination, with restaurants, identified within the Yonge complete with a vibrant the north end of the site. The supporting shops, and a focus Wellington Downtown Core retail and commercial sector. open space would be adjacent on performing arts. (YWDC) the old Library and It wasn’t like that 15 years to the Cultural Centre and In the coming months the Fire Hall properties on ago. What was once a blight, the Library. The common Town will be asking for your Victoria St as surplus. is now the envy of many area would mirror in the ideas on what to do with the Aurora has an outstand- cities with decaying down- same fashion as the old library. You can make a ing heritage district in the town cores. Austin is an inno- Newmarket’s Riverwalk difference. “Aurora, only YWDC, along with our treas- vator. Commons. Let the “inclusive Sounds Too Good to be True.” ured Cultural Centre and The ATRA shows us that creativity” design an inter- vibrant Library. Aurora has we must promote a positive esting gathering place for our Councillor John Abel lots of small town charm and community working part- community featuring our Aurora character. The Library gives nership. Called upon to Farmers’ Market, live music, us a bit of an education bend, invest resources into Social performing artists, artisans so you would think we’d be Capital. and novelty vendors. able to sustain an economic Aurora’s Core Focus Flowerboxes would be sector within. However, would be: engaging con- made to look like accordions, Councils have heard for over sumers, supporting our bike racks - guitars, benches a decade the YWDC needs to youth, and building business- like piano’s, garbage cans – be revitalized. es. drums, etc. This theme We have the Promenade The cycle: a healthy econ- would be taken from the com- Study from last term. Cost omy that helps fund the mon square out to Yonge St. $141,000. Recently a Cultural Centre, they in turn The YWDC streetscapes Streetscapes Study. Cost engage the community, would now take on the music $25,000. You’d be disappoint- which in turn has con- theme to backstop the live ed if you expected these stud- sumers spending time and music identity. Along with ies to address the revitaliza- money on businesses. the Aurora’s fabulous trade- tion of the Downtown Core. An Identity must be creat- mark mural – The Larter The Austin Texas ed. I draw your attention to Building on Wellington, we Revitalization Authority the Big Apple and Webers could compliment buildings (ATRA) is quite a story Burgers. Both stories illus- on Yonge Street with huge The ATRA is a private, trate how an identity created murals depicting music. nonprofit corporation. The a reason for speeding com- Our Youth Centre would strategy adopted was to part- muters to be drawn to stop at have recording studios and ner government, local organi- their locations. The hugely workshops supporting the zations and private resources successful operations now live music industry and to form a Community have accompanying gas sta- performing arts. Development Group. This tions, Tim Hortons and The money invested will group or Authority as they shops. Economies that did be recouped in tax assess- call it, was tasked to revitalize not exist before are now ment of the new businesses the neglected and decaying vibrant and sustainable. attracted to the Downtown Downtown Core. As well, this Amazing what an identity Core. Ripple effect on job cre- district had major social and can do! ation, engaged community, residential issues that Austin In Aurora, I propose as an will attract higher values for had to overcome. Identity – Live Music. That’s our home and new business- Their focus paid off large what Austin Texas did. es relocating to our Town. Resident has suggestions for downtown improvements Aurora’s “historic Unionville and it is not come. downtown core” is clean, Markham. Planners Markham proposes to pleasant and dull. should suggest more spend $325-million to Planners suggest more development. develop an arena. trees, more lighting, Planners should sug- Imagine what $325-million “pedestrian friendly”, dif- gest maximum density in development could ferent paving material, residential development do for the “Aurora street side planters, and in the Downtown Core. Promenade Plan.” “heritage street furni- This will put “boots on the Aurora’s “historic ture”. ground” and “boots on the downtown core” would be Aurora’s “historic ground” will encourage clean, pleasant and – if downtown core” would be existing commercial not exciting – interesting. clean, pleasant and dull. establishments to stay Aurora is and encourage new com- Ross King Aurora. Aurora is not mercial establishments to Aurora THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Page 7 Aurora has taken the lead in building a “complete” community: Mayor Dawe

By Brock Weir our features, and here’s what it is going to do for you,” he said. Since Mayor Geoffrey Dawe took As many new businesses come into office in 2010, he has continually tout- Aurora, however, it is important to ed Aurora as a great place to live, make sure our existing businesses work, and raise a family. are well attended to as well. As we Indeed, this is a mantra that was have seen in recent years, and as deployed heavily by his predecessors recently as last month, business own- as well, but looking ahead to Aurora’s ers in the Downtown Core have a less economic future, this philosophy in than rosy viewpoint of how things action is one of Aurora’s chief sell- have been progressing. ing points to newcomers – both look- Interest has been swift and ongo- ing to live and work in our communi- ing in the lands bordering the 404, but ty. the question remains on how to get This week, Mayor Dawe will be such interest to continue to head west speaking to Members and guests of into Town. Mayor Dawe said that part the Aurora Chamber of Commerce at of that happens “organically” and, the annual Mayor’s Luncheon at St. for instance, manufacturing compa- Andrew’s College. He sat down with nies are more likely to look in the The Auroran on Friday to give read- Industrial Parkway area rather than ers a sneak peek of what’s to come. the 404 due to property prices, so Mayor Geoffrey Dawe, His speech last year focused on the interest often stems from the pictured Friday in his state of the local economy and its business itself. relationship to the international “Through the Community office at Town Hall, will community. At the time, the crisis in improvement Plan, some of the deliver his annual address the Eurozone was at fever pitch – and options we have up Yonge Street to the Aurora Chamber of still smouldering – but he also had would be some tax deferral plans or Commerce this Thursday, some economic bombshells to deliver, other investments that we can look at February 21, at St. FREE, No obligation classroom trial offer. such as the imminent arrival of Bulk working with those businesses,” he Andrew’s College. Barn into the new business park near said. “None of this has been approved 905-713-3733 Wellington and Highway 404. so this is just some blue sky-ing here, • MTO Licenced & Approved Course Provider While he was mum on any such but there are some options we can Auroran photo announcement on Friday, he was very look at.” by Brock Weir Jerry Collins, owner/operator optimistic about Aurora’s economic Positive feedback had been www.ontarionewdrivers.ca state. Great barometers of the local received from residents and business economy are building permits and owners in regards to the development housing sales, he said. of a Community Improvement Plan “The quantity of sales is not as and a potential for business improve- robust this year as it has been in the ment as well, added Marco Ramunno, past, but the pricing is holding,” he Aurora’s Director of Planning. The said. “I think that is an indicator that next step in the process, he said, was perhaps people are looking to be a lit- to survey additional businesses, hold- tle bit more selective in when they ing more workshops and “seeking move and how they move, but they their input in moving forward and are also being selective in where they actually developing a plan to get a wish to move to and that is helping us buy-in” from downtown businesses. hold our housing price.” Downtown Aurora, particularly in This covers the “live” portion in the radius of the Yonge and the triple crown of Aurora’s sales Wellington intersection has always pitch, but what about “work”? presented particular challenges, but Aurora is a fulsome community looking back to the last couple of and not just a bedroom community years and ahead to the next few, for employees holding jobs in Mayor Dawe said substantial Toronto, he argued, where people hop progress had been made, whether in their cars or get on the GO first they are new apartments and condos thing in the morning and arrive back that have gone up, or are slated to go in time for dinner or later. This has up in the near future, or redevelop- been a focus in developing communi- ment projects like the Wells Street ty infrastructure to make Aurora Schoolhouse Lofts, or turning the much more of a “community home”, vacant Thompson’s Furniture build- and added that Aurora may be start- ing to the new home of the popular ing to reap the benefits. Aw Shucks! restaurant. “I think that is confirmed that we “[Aw Shucks!] is a great boon for have businesses starting to locate and the downtown core,” said Mayor substantial businesses are locating Dawe. “It signals that business is here,” he said. “I think by investing actively interested in developments in that and taking the lead we have down there and somebody is willing created a great community that to put a substantial investment in becomes a complete community.” that building and turn it into to some- In the last few months, Mayor thing I think is going to be quite spec- Dawe said similarly interested com- tacular. panies have come in looking for “[Urbanist] Jane Jacobs always potential places to build or bring said] don’t bring people downtown; their businesses. The quick answer to have them downtown. Those resi- their queries was to hop in his car dences going in on Yonge Street will and do a cruise around Town looking help with that.” for potential opportunities, he said, pointing out ideal places to install a This is the first installment of a business but also underscoring exist- two-part interview with Mayor Dawe. ing and future housing nearby to fos- Next week’s installment will focus on ter this sense of a complete commu- the Aurora Promenade and Aurora nity. over the next decade and beyond. The “I think you just go back to Sales full interview, however, can be viewed 101 and say, here’s our benefits, here’s online at www.theauroran.com. % 2 OFF Burton 25!LLREGULARPRICEDMERCHANDISE SAL Volcom North Face, E Outdoor Survival Spring & Summer Billabong French Dressing, LE Collections Quiksilver Cartise, Tribal, SA Roxy Mexx, Michael Kors 7ED-AYn3UNDAY-AY 4HE/AKSs!URORA3HOPPING#ENTRE ...make Mom Happy! &LIPSIDEs(UNTERS'ATE0LAZA 9ONGE3TREETs   9ONGE3TREETs   Page 8 THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Gilmore’s decision was “only reasonable conclusion” : Lawyer

added to the agenda, she Mr. Garbe and Mr. Leach release of Justice From page 1 did not draft the wording of “seemed certain” there Gilmore’s decision, Mr. Justice Gilmore ruled the added item. It should be was a discussion in the O’Melia said Ms. Morris is that “nothing had been noted that the agenda item closed session meeting “pleased” with the deci- crystallized” at the time of makes no specific refer- about a lawsuit, discus- sion and “grateful for the this meeting indicating ence to Ms. Morris as sions were “very broadly effort that Justice Gilmore any financial interest on Mayor, but more generally based and tended to focus clearly put into analysing the part of Ms. Morris. refers to matters affecting on how to determine the the actual facts in the situ- “At its best and highest, the municipality.” identities of the author(s) ation. I find the discussions at the Justice Gilmore said the of the authors damaging “It is a complete and closed session meeting to councillors’ evidence indi- blog posts. unqualified vindication of be related to a decision to cated that “Council was “The discussions were our client and, from a investigate and take fur- focused on finding out who generalised because it was lawyer’s perspective, it was ther steps, nothing more,” the bloggers were so that recognized that no specific the only conclusion that said Justice Gilmore. “No posts could be removed” action could be taken with- could reasonable have been one at the meeting, includ- and “there was never any out an outside opinion achieved,” he said. “I cer- ing Ms. Morris, knew what discussion about com- being sought. Based on the tainly hope that the Town the outcome of the investi- mencing a lawsuit in Ms. evidence from those pres- will have due regard for gations would be. As such I Morris’ name because the ent at the Council meeting, Justice Gilmore’s clear and find no breach of Section 5 discussion focused on pro- I find that no concrete deci- well-reasoned decision. of the Municipal Conflict tecting the municipality sion of any kind was taken The underlying litigation of Interest Act.” and not Ms. Morris person- at the closed session meet- initiated by the Town has To reach this decision, ally.” ing, and as such, no pecu- been discontinued and a Justice Gilmore said she The resulting motion, niary interest was created Justice of the Superior relied on the evidence of she concluded, was “vague at the time of the closed Court with all the facts Ms. Morris, current and neutral and for good session.” before her, has clearly and Councillor Wendy reason” as Council Then-deputy mayor Bob unequivocally determined Gaertner, former council- “intended for more investi- McRoberts participated in that Ms. Morris never lors Evelina MacEachern gation to take place.” the Closed Session discus- acted in a Conflict of and Stephen Granger, as “No actual decision was sion and initially support- Interest and that the allega- well as affidavits from taken that evening that liti- ed the recommendations tions that have been made Aurora CAO Neil Garbe gation would be com- coming out. By the time it against her were untrue.” and Clerk John Leach. menced or in whose name came up for formal Under the act, Mr. Keith Franklin ladled out his fair share of flapjacks last “Since a conflict cannot it would be commenced,” approval by Council he Hervey cannot appeal the Tuesday at Trinity Anglican Church’s annual pancake be declared retroactively, she said. “I further find recanted his position. He judge’s decision and speak- supper. This year’s event attracted over 150 hungry the circumstances of the that the discussions at the was asked by Mr. Hervey to ing to The Auroran, Mr. stomachs, young and old. closed meeting on closed meeting related to submit an affidavit and O’Melia added: “This will Auroran photo by David Falconer September 14, 2010 are of concerns about the reputa- was willing to do so, but end it and my client is paramount importance in tion of the municipality with the legal advice he quite happy to end it on FAMILY LAW LAWYER determining if the basis and its administration received at the time, was this note, which is com- for a conflict existed,” (including the Mayor) but not willing to go to the level pletely in her favour.” Patrick M. Gaffney Justice Gilmore ruled. did not focus exclusively desired. Calls to Ms. Copeland, practicing all aspects of Family law to “Although Ms. Morris on Ms. Morris.” In a statement to The lawyer for Mr. Hervey, were resolve parenting, support, and property asked that this item be She added that while Auroran following the not returned by press time. issues arising from separating families. a practitioner of Collaborative Family law – a client controlled, lawyer assisted, out-of-court process focussing on Town’s insurance covered Morris costs: Clerk achieving mutually acceptable solutions. By Brock Weir company for what they actually paid out,” said Mr. • 1/2 hour free consultation Leach, predicting that it might not be a significant • accepts Legal Aid Costs for former Aurora mayor Phyllis Morris were- claim. “It may well be significant but we just don’t know #201-16610BayviewAvenue,Newmarket PH:905-953-0023FX:905-953-0023 covered by the Town’s insurance policy, one of several at this point. e-mail:[email protected] items that have gone to contribute to nearly $40,000 “We have trip and fall claims on sidewalks that cost a increase in municipal insurance premiums this year, lot more money than that.” according to Town Clerk John Leach. Council considered the $39,353 increase on Corporate Ms. Morris’ legal fees were covered by the Town’s Insurance premiums at the January 21 budget meeting. insurance policy since the action commenced in the In a report before Councillors at that time, Mr. Leach spring of 2011. In a similar fashion, former mayor Tim said that number was based on “an early staff esti- Jones was covered in his defence against a local taxi mate.” company owner. “Our insurer has advised that the actual cost will That case was dismissed at the start of January. increase from $339,508 for 2012 to $392,567 for 2013, an “Our claims/loss ration determines at least in part increase of $53,059 (including taxes) or a 15.6 increase how much our insurance rates go up and that obviously over last year. This significant increase is a result of a was a claim which was responded to by the insurance poor claims/loss ratio, including increases in legal company so they factor that into the mix,” Mr. Leach defense expenses incurred by the insurer in respect of Gateway Café & Lanes Aurora told The Auroran on Hervey v. Morris. insurable claims filed against the Town.” 210 Edward St., 905-727-2900 Mr. Leach said he simply didn’t know how much of Councillor Wendy Gaertner raised the issue of when www.gatewaylanes.ca the nearly $40,000 increase to the premiums could be more detailed information on current legal expense attributed to covering Ms. Morris in this case as the claims would be provided to Council in closed session, insurance company doesn’t break down the specifics, as well as further information on the impacts these but they would just claim it was factored into the mix. would have on 2013’s increased insurance costs. Mr. “We don’t have a total bill [yet on this matter] and I Leach said a full report would be expected within the don’t know until we get an accounting on the insurance next two months, possibly as early as the March 19 General Committee Meeting. Steven O’Melia, lawyer for Ms. Morris, has yet to file St. Joseph students retain a claim for costs following Justice Gilmore’s decision last week in Ms. Morris’ favour. Requests for comment had not been returned at press time. crown in ranking External legal counsel hired by the insurer to repre- By Brock Weir sent the Town, Mr. Jones, and bylaw officer Heather Green in the taxi matter were awarded just over $3,700 St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School was once in costs in their successful defence. again named Aurora’s top elementary school in the Fraser Institute’s annual ranking of Ontario public and Catholic schools. Province-wide, St. Joseph came in 37th out of a possible 2,714 schools in a four-way tie. ONUMENTS BY The school was ranked in a number of key areas M related to student performance to achieve their over- HOMPSONS all Fraser ranking of 9.5 out of 10. These include con- T A New Approach to Memorial Design. tinued success in Grade 3 reading in 2012 and improved performance in Grade 3 writing, Grade 6 * Granite markers and monuments * Cemetery lettering and restoration reading, and Grade Six writing, based on standardised * Bronze markers and vases testing. Compared to last year’s numbers, the only * Serving all cemeteries and nationalities average to take a hit was both Grade 3 and Grade 6 * Portrait Etchings math testing. St. Joseph ranked 44th in a five-way tie last year out Quality and Satisfaction Guaranteed of 2,695 schools in the same survey. Day, Evening and Weekend Appointments Several Aurora schools did not fare nearly as well as St. Joseph’s, with many schools sinking in the 905-727-5421 ranks compared to the previous year. 530 Industrial Pkwy S., Aurora L4G 6W8 One success story, however, was Ecole Saint-Jean, Thompson Funeral Home is proud to be part of which was Aurora’s bottom ranked school in last Service Corporation International (Canada) Ltd. Continued on page 17 THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Page 9

Timing was an important factor in Judge’s decision

By Brock Weir by mere knowledge of the when the Town of Aurora began in an October 2010, of the fact that the Act Applicant in this applica- facts alleged to constitute released the executive when The Auroran pub- may have been breached tion. In her decision in the contravention, but summary of a report lished its October 19, 2010 and was part of a group of “I reject the Applicant’s favour of former Aurora rather what is required is from George Rust-D’Eye, report “Taxpayers Pick people who discussed that argument that he had to mayor Phyllis Morris on knowledge of the facts outside legal counsel Up Tab for $6 million very topic. Ms. Morris wait for the publication of Monday, Justice Cory alleged to constitute the hired by the Town, to look lawsuit” on the com- submits that the limita- the Rust-D’Eye report to Gilmore addressed what contravention of the Act at their obligations with mencement of the lawsuit tion period began to run obtain the certainty he was perhaps at the most and an understanding respect to the lawsuit. against Mr. Hogg, Mr. as of October 19, 2010 and needed to commence this basic concern in this mat- that those facts are likely Since there were no Johnson, and Ms. ended on November 30, application. There is suffi- ter – whether George to constitute a breach of minutes made public of Bishenden, outlining the 2010 because the informa- cient evidence to support Hervey met his time the Act,” said Justice the September 2010 which facts on the table. tion about the closed ses- he believed that a breach requirements in bringing Gilmore in her decision. ultimately lead to the law- Justice Gilmore sided sion meeting was made had occurred as early as forward his action “Specifically, there must suit against the three with this argument. available to the public.” October 19, 2010 and as against Ms. Morris. be an understanding that Aurora bloggers, there “Ms. Morris points out In his cross-examina- late as mid-March 2011. Under the Municipal the facts likely constitute was no information made that the meeting in ques- tion, Mr. Hervey claimed Using either date to trig- Conflict of Interest Act a breach of the act.” public on what transpired tion was held in he discussed the matter ger the limitation results (MCOIA), an elector such During their argu- until Mr. Rust-D’Eye’s September 2010, although with Alison Collins- in an application that is as Mr. Hervey has six ments before Justice report was released by the application was not Mrakas, Bill Hogg, and statute barred as it was weeks to bring forward an Gilmore in Newmarket, Council the following commenced until May former mayor Tim Jones. not issued until May 10, action in the event he sus- Mr. Hervey’s lawyer, Jill spring. 2011,” said Justice No evidence from any of 2011. pects a potential breach of Copeland, argued that the Steven O’Melia, lawyer Gilmore in her decision. the three parties were “I am satisfied on a pre- the Act took place. six month countdown for Ms. Morris, however, “She submits that the entered into the record. ponderance of evidence “[This] is not triggered began in March 2011 contended the countdown Applicant had knowledge In her reasoning, that the Applicant had the Justice Gilmore said the required knowledge under “strict time limit” in the the MCOIA by mid-March Wards for Aurora could be considered this fall act is meant to “protect 2011 at the latest, which elected officials” and would put the issuance of By Brock Weir by having fewer of us we Provinces gave munici- “The question about ensure that applications this application outside might achieve that. We palities the option of reducing the number of are timely. The responsi- the limitation period. As Residents champing might also achieve a sav- deciding how many Councillors, I have not bility of establishing a such, the Application is at the bit to replace ings of $250,000 per term members of Council heard that myself from possible contravention, dismissed.” Aurora’s current “at- as it stands now.” they would have,” said residents that they have she added, must be borne large” Council with a When the matter came Councillor Buck. “I put been asking, but that by the party bringing it ward system represent- before members at last forward the idea that we doesn’t mean it is not a forward. Any knowledge ing specific areas around Tuesday’s meeting there should reduce the num- valid question to ask,” Mr. Hervey may have had Town will have to wait were more questions bers of Councillors, he said. “The trouble I that a possible contraven- PRIVATE until at least the fall to than answers from just there was an uproar, and have is how do you com- tion may have taken place know whether they can about everyone on the I almost got lynched – municate the benefits of is the trigger and our arti- SALE cast their vote in that table. Councillor John one of the many times. doing so?” cle was enough to get the direction. Gallo, for instance, ques- “People do appreciate Mayor Geoffrey Dawe ball rolling. AURORA Council made the tioned those municipali- the options that they was more clear cut on “The applicant had the TOWNHOUSE decision last week to ties such as Oshawa who have. I think in terms of his issue. While he said factual underpinning to Wellington Lanes defer consideration of a had an at-large system, saving the taxpayers’ there are questions out subjectively believe a (n/w corner of motion brought forward went to wards, but quick- money, it never happens. there on how to fit six breach of the Act had Bayview and Wellington) by Councillor Paul Pirri ly went back to the You reduce it to six mem- councillors in to a ward occurred after the October Three bedroom plus - two to look at whether status quo. He also bers of Council and all of system, what that would 19, 2010 article in The full bath plus one - Aurora needs a ward sys- questioned comparisons a sudden you have a big- do to the position of Auroran,” she said. “His 1,950 sq. ft. tem until September or made between various ger workload. They deputy mayor which is beliefs were strong Oak hardwood 1st floor - October for a report municipalities by ought to be paid for it.” currently decided by enough that they led him cozy, fully finished basement. from staff outlining the Councillor Pirri as some With the two ques- who was the top vote get- to taking certain actions 2012 new roof - garage plus history of the ward ques- municipalities’ council- tions on Councillor ter in the Council race, such as having discus- parking for two extra cars. tion in Aurora, the expe- lors are full time, Pirri’s motion, and similar issues, get- sions with one of the Three fireplaces - lots of rience of other munici- whereas in Aurora, Councillor Michael ting there would be half named Defendants in the storage - move-in ready. palities in adopting Councillors are part- Thompson said while he the battle. defamation action, seek- Excellent, well-maintained home. wards, and costs. time. would like to see them as “I think a ward sys- ing legal opinion and tak- $445,000 Aurora currently has Councillor Chris two separate questions, tem in a municipality ing matters to the point of 905-841-3450 an “at large” representa- Ballard entertained the it was premature at this physically this size is not attempting to determine tion system where voters idea and said it would be point to consider it fur- a good thing because I who would be the are allowed to vote for up a good one to put to ther. There have been no think it promotes to eight candidates for voters, but questioned shortage of debates on parochialism, with my Council, plus the posi- whether such a plan the subject, but if staff area against your area,” tion of mayor. In a ward would ultimately lead to were to come back with a he said. “I don’t know system, voters would efficiencies. report, one of the things what we would gain for a only be able to vote for “Aurora is a very dif- that should be included municipality that is council candidates run- ferent place than it was is how to “educate” the physically the size of ning in their particular in 1991 when we first had public on their options. Aurora.” neighbourhood to repre- this debate,” he said. “It sent them rather than a has grown and [there slate of eight. are] different demo- Councillor Pirri’s graphics and a lot of peo- motion not only looked ple who come from dif- at whether Aurora needs ferent areas where there a ward system for imple- are wards, so it is good to mentation in time for the have this conversation.” 2018 municipal election, Two years ago when but also whether the he said his “feet were number of Councillors sore” from knocking on should be knocked down doors he would have from eight to six. One of thought wards were a these six, he argued, good idea. Now? Maybe should be tasked specifi- not. cally with representing “I am getting mixed Aurora’s interests at the reviews,” he said of com- Region of York. munities that have made It is important to put the switch. this question on a refer- Councillor Evelyn endum, he added, Buck has a similar argu- because although it has ment to Councillor been talked about by Ballard and said in her Council many times over experience at the the decades, momentum Council table and on the has never gone as far as campaign trail those getting voters the chance who are most enthusias- to have their say on the tic about wards are ballot. either newly elected or “I do think it is time first time candidates that we approach our who think their job residents to ask them the would be easier if they question,” said campaigned in a limited Councillor Pirri. geographic area. “I am truly in favour “When I was young of having a more effi- and feisty and the cient Council and I think Region was created, the Page 10 THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2013 THE AURORAN REAL ESTATE

This week, my job took it is an open have to do is you just installed to ensure me to working on a staircase staircase. If it start by the tread is in securely. and I thought it would be isn’t an open removing the Just keep repeating with good to explain how you can staircase then treads two at a each step until you reach the turn those carpeted stairs you won’t have time. top. Now at the top, because into beautiful hardwood. to worry about Once you you won’t be able to reach in Lots of the Big Box stores that – and will remove two and brad nail the riser to the have all the supplies you save yourself then you can tread, what you do is just add need to transform your car- quite a bit of install your adhesive to the back of the REAL ESTATE INSIGHTS peted staircase into a beauti- time! ASK TOM first tread. tread as you should have Tom Mrakas A little been doing! And this will be Stefani P. Konidis ful hardwood showpiece. With the Depending on the carpet and trick to ensure good for the top tread. amount of work you are s p i n d l e s better results There you have it – a Market Report willing to do, you can either removed, you Transforming is to run an great looking hardwood go with a solid hardwood will begin adhesive along staircase and the pride of This month, we focus on the Market tread that is thin and basi- installing the your Stairs the edges knowing you did it! Report for all of the Toronto Real Estate cally fits over the treads that new tread at before you set are existing (this is the easi- the bottom of the staircase, the tread down, then screw it Until next week, remem- Board. The Aurora market has seen a est option). Or you can pop working your way up to the down. Once the tread is ber a good job, is a job well similar reaction in the start of 2013. off the old treads and install top. Don’t try it the other screwed into place, you done! If you have any ques- new, solid hardwood or way, folks, or you will learn should reach in from the tions you can reach me at pressed treads with a veneer the hard way that it will not open second tread (hence the www.facebook.com/anasta- Sales results for the first month of 2013 were (Note: I prefer solid over turn out well! reason why you pull off two sisdesign or on Twitter, stronger than anticipated. During the last half of veneer every time). If the risers are also treads at once) and tack a @ADesign_build and email, 2012 the market witnessed consecutive negative vari- For this article, I will being replaced with hard- few brad nails from the back of course, Anastasis@anas- ances, some substantial compared to the correspon- focus on the option of replac- wood, then you should of the riser into the tread tasisdesign.ca. ding month the year before. ing the treads. replace both tread and riser The Toronto Real Estate Board reported 4,375 resi- The first thing you will at the same time, working dential property sales in January, only 1.3 percent need to do, of course, is rip from the bottom up. less than the 4,432 reported sales in January 2012. out all that terrible carpet. A If, however, the risers are Considering that January 2012 was the first of six word of caution: this will be getting painted – a currently extremely strong months last year, the results are a bit of a messy and dusty popular design style - and very promising. exercise so plan accordingly. the existing ones are in good The average selling price increased in January Also, when removing the condition, then just ensure compared to January 2012. January’s average sale carpet be sure to remove all that all the staples have been price came in at $482,648, a 4.3 per cent increase com- the nails and/or staples as removed, fill all the holes, pared to the $462,655 average sale price achieved in well. sand and then the risers are January last year. It is interesting to note that in Once you have removed good to be painted. January 2003 the average sale price was $293,067. In the carpeting, you will need Assuming then that you the last ten years average sale prices in Toronto have to remove all the spindles if are keeping the risers, all we increased by 65 percent. During this same period average household incomes have not increased anywhere near the increase in average sale prices. However during this same period mortgage interest rates have declined StefanStefan WoyslawWoy ysly from approximately 6 per cent in 2003 to less than 3 Salesales RepresentativeRepresen percent for a five-year term today. The very strong average sale prices achieved by Independentlyndependently OOwnedwned aandnd OOperatedp the Toronto market have clearly been driven by Office:Office: 905-503-1733905-503-1733 ext 5 declining interest rates. FFax:ax: 905-503-1743905-503 A deeper examination of the overall Toronto mar- Direct:Direcctt: 416-970-2513416-970 ket place in January indicates that the results are not www.yorknational.comwww.yorknationa homogeneous. For example, in the 416 trading dis- [email protected]@roger tricts of Toronto, detached home sales fell by 7.6 per- cent, semi-detached fell by 5.2 per cent and townhous- es by 11.2 per cent. Meanwhile, in the 905 trading districts, detached home sales increased by 3.7 per cent, semi-detached BuyBuyuy oro r ssellse e l l youryoy o u r hhome o m e withw ithi t h StefanStSSte te ef faf a n WoyslawWWoWoy oyoys ysy s l aw w by 0.9 per cent and townhouse sales by 1 per cent com- pared to January 2012. In both the 416 and 905 trading districts condomini- WhWhenWhenheenn SOLDSOS O L D ini n thet h e nexnextnne ex xtx 6 montmonthsm oont ntn thst hhs s um sales were in decline. No doubt an explanation for this disparity in results is due to average sale prices. The cost of a detached house in the 905 trading dis- I willw i l l PayPaP ay y forfof o r youryoy o u r MoveM ovove ve e & tricts is 35 per cent less than a detached house in the 416 districts. Semi-detached homes are 49 per cent RealRReeaeal EsEstateE statesststa tatatt atate tet e Legal eg gag ala l Fees!FFe e ese s ! less expensive, and townhouses are 16 per cent less costly. Add the additional land transfer tax that buyers have to pay in the 416 trading districts and you have an explanation for the better performance in the 905 trading districts. Over the past few months the average days on mar- LIMITEDLIMITED ket for Toronto and area properties has been increas- ing. In January it took 37 days for listed properties to TIMETIME OFFEROFFER sell, 5 days more than in January 2012. In December the average days on market was also 37 days. Considering that on average condominium apartments took 45 days to sell, one day more than in December, the average days on market statistic, although it has increased, has not become worrisome. FromFrom JanuaryJanuary 1 - JulyJuly 31,31, 20132013 It is a market statistic that must be carefully watched as the 2013 Toronto resale market unfolds. AURORAAURORA AURORAAURORA Notwithstanding that January ended with 14,231 active listings, 15.8 percent more than the 12,290 in 2012, months of inventory remained unchanged at 2.7 months. At the beginning of last year it was 2.2 months. *This report as seen on The Chestnut Park Blog, by Chris Kapches, Sr VP, Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage. StefanStefan WoyslawWWooyslaw Direct:Direct: 416-970-2513416-970-2513 Stefani Konidis is a Sales Representative with AAURORAURORA KKINGING TOWNSHIPTOWNSHIP Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage, 118118 WellingtonWellington SSt.t. E AuroraAurora LL4G4G 11J1J1 Exclusive Affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate. She has been trading in real estate for over 12 * TermsTTeerms andand conditionsconditions aapply,pply, ddoesoes nnotot aapplypply ttoo ootherther aagentsgents iinn YYoYorkork NNational.ational. LLimitedimited ttimeime ooffer.ffer. NNotot iintendedntended ttoo ssolicitolicit llistingsistings oorr bbuyersuyers uundernder a ccontract.ontract. years. Stefani works with partner, Kim Nichols, Sales Representative and they both live and work in King and Aurora. Both Stefani and Kim were awarded the Director’s Award from their Brokerage for achieve- Copyright©Copyright© 22013013 YYoYorkork NNationalational RRealityeality IInc.nc. BBrokerage.rokerage. AAllll RRightsights RReserved.eserved. ments in 2012 and can be reached at 416-925-9191. THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Page 11

Here we are in mid- ness at the Please visit honey, Kim will have her February and, I don’t know Market with them at the amazing soaps and lotions, about you, but I’m suffering their wide next indoor and Nancy Wood is adding from the mid-winter blues. variety of market to try scarves to her usual collec- One cure for that will be meat pies. some of their tion of homemade bags. the upcoming Indoor They have sev- w o n d e r f u l Kind Organics will be Market on Saturday, eral combina- meat. there with their organic February 23 from 10 a.m. – 2 tions of ingre- Our third sprouts and salads as will p.m. at the Aurora Cultural dients with indoor Market Toscana bakery with their Centre. More about what steak and for this season multitude of breads and you can expect to find there ground beef, as MARKET is quickly pastries. Julianne will also in a moment. well as chicken approaching be there with her gorgeous First, however, let me pies made MUSINGS and I encour- homemade, hand formed introduce you to Snowden especially for age you to breads. In addition we will Jan Freedman Farms, operated by John them. visit us to see have butter tarts, Empire The black walnut tree, above, was cut down in north- and Linda Snowden. These deli- what we have cookies, fudge, and scarves. west Aurora due to safety concerns. Rather than end Apparently, farming has cious pies come in individ- to offer. Many of your With spring around the up as garbage or firewood, it has been turned into been in the family for sever- ual, family and mini sizes. favourites will be there as corner, Shirley and George many different products by King artist Steve al generations. They are Family favourites for us are well as some surprises. Wiedemeyer will be there Meschino, including the inlay in this white oak table known for their naturally the steak and kidney and Tricia will have her tea with a wide variety of gar- below. raised beef from which they the steak and mushroom and coffee and John den seeds so you can begin make many different prod- pies. Abraham will have his fair to plan your garden. They ucts. In addition, they pro- trade coffee, bagels and might even be taking They offer steaks, roasts, duce gluten-free beef pies, German strudel. Perhaps orders for their heirloom ground beef, stewing beef, lasagne, shepherd’s pie, you can persuade him to plants. In addition to these beef patties, and sausages— Cornish pasties, sausage sing you his famous vendors, we will have some all extra lean. They also rolls, chilli, and pulled beef. “strudel song”. Andre is surprises for you! So, do be accept freezer orders. At Christmas time, they back from holiday and will sure to plan to visit the They do a booming busi- also carry beef Tortiere. be there with his wonderful Continued on page 17

Designer puts new spin on old growth By Brock Weir

When a black walnut tree, which stood proudly in northwest Aurora for well over a century, was begin- ning to feel the weight of its age, it was deemed a safety risk and put unceremoniously on the chopping block. A chance encounter with a local artist gave the tree, however, a new lease on its...afterlife deflecting it from landfill or other less noble destinations. Carpenter Steve Meschino of King’s Cherrywood Studios saw an opportunity with the poor old tree, hauled off its remaining trunk and transformed it into a variety of rustic but modern wooden desks, tables, benches, magazine stands, and other accessories. Mr. Meschino has always had a love of woodworking. As a senior VP for information systems for a call centre company, it was always a hobby. He found the people he came into contact with every day through this business had a similar creative streak, whether it was through visual art, music, or the written word. To build upon his hobby, he built himself a wood shop, working on the odd piece here and there, but about six years ago he decided to “get out of the rat race and focus on his passion. “[My work and my hobby] were both strangely very creative,” says Mr. Meschino. Evidently his reputation preceded him as when he decided to shift his full focus, he had already accumulat- A name you know...people you trust! ed a number of logs from people in the general vicinity. “People who knew I built stuff with wood contacted CHILD – SAFE CRESCENT ST. ANDREW’S ON THE HILL – AURORA me and I had to go pick them up,” he says of his raw materials. “It just sort of blossomed from there. It was- n’t something I set out to do, but it just happened. Examining his work – although Cherrywood has branched out, tables are his primary focus – he sees the end result both as a utilitarian piece of furniture, but also a work of art that just happens to be functional. He says he doesn’t look at a design and say it is designed strictly for beauty, or strictly for function, but the two often go hand in hand with the end result. With the business going full steam ahead, he has three or four arborists in the York Region area in regu- lar contact and he’s often near the top of their call list if they have a really great piece of wood to cut down. It works out well for them too, as he is willing to come and help them get the job done. He puts in the gas and the elbow grease, they get some assistance with the removal, and the prize is “beautiful old growth logs.” One recent example he cites is a homeowner looking attractive Curb appeal! Great Family location! super layout! Desirable street located on private treed lot in st. andrew’s area. to expand their property. An old tree stands in the way stunning Backyard. 9' Ceilings, oak stairs, Hardwood, lrg Centre 9’ Ceil, Custom ‘Fischer’ Kit open to Fam rm w/large Upper Deck of the plans, but their new course of action is to remove island Kitchen. 2nd Flr Computer loft Could Be 5th Bdrm! professional o/l’s Gorgeous yard. Brazilian Hdwd thru-out Mn lvl. Multiple the tree and incorporate the lumber into the new home landscaping Front & Back incl. interlock patio, pond with F/p’s, Fin Bsmt offers 2 walk-outs, rec rm with wet Bar open to as well as furniture. waterfall, pergola, Garden shed & Much More! $674,900 Games area plus ‘Media’ rm. Must Be seen! $1,179,000 “From a sustainability standpoint, it is all about local sourcing,” he says. “We had a customer last year who wanted an outdoor table and asked if we would be interested in building it. We don’t deal with foreign hardwood, but I said we do have a beautiful local hard- wood that is very sustainable and an excellent outdoor wood – white oak. “We built her this lovely white oak table with a steel Continually Referred! York Group base for her garden, so you take that idea and people Realty Inc. Brokerage have this image in their mind of what an outdoor table Independently owned and operated is. You say it doesn’t have to be imported from Africa, South America, or a rainforest somewhere. It can be a Direct: 905-727-1961 [email protected] www.susancowen.com sustainable wood which is grown right here in southern Ontario and the customer feels so much better about using something that is local.” Top 1% in Canada Page 12 THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Aurora Minor Hockey Association Results up to February 17, 2013

1G, John Dol 2A, Evan Bryan 1A, Christian Ridd 2A, Novice AE - Aurora Tigers: 4 Orillia: 1 Stars: 1 House League Evan Bryan 1A Nathan Mochizuki 3G, Austin Venneri 1G, Ryan Nicholas Vamvakaris 1G 607 Crabby Joes: 2 Blakley 1A, Josh McLeod 1A, Dylan Vasilevski 1A 101 Timbits - Calgary Red: 8 Carter Beacom 1G, Justin Foster 1G, Michael Vivian Peewee AE - Richmond Hill: 2 Aurora Tigers: 0 Noah Rayner 1G 1A, Yiannis Skanderis 4G 2A, Lucas 1A, Matthew Parkin 1A, Justin Foster 1A Novice AE - Stouffville Clippers: 6 Aurora Reid 2G 1A, Andrew Mettel 1G 1A, Evan Murphy 1A Tigers: 3 Peewee AE - Aurora Tigers: 3 Richmond Hill 107 Timbits - Nashville Silver: 5 801 Diamond Groundskeeping Services: 2 Dylan Vasilevski 2G, Nathan Mochizuki 1G 1A, Austin Stars: 2 Thomas Dimoulas 4G, Shaun Belman 1G, Trevor Daniel McConnell 1G, Ethan Brooks 1G Venneri 1A Justin Evans 1G, Ryan Jamieson 1G, Finn Reeves Smith 2A, Aidan Lindsay 1A, Julian Fryer 1A 810 Neuman's Puck Bandits: 0 1G, Mathew Hastings 1A, Braden Reid 1A, Max Novice AE - Markham: 3 Aurora Tigers: 2 Lombard 1A, Thomas Morra 1A 102 Timbits - Boston Gold: 8 802 Aurora Home Hardware Bldg Ctr.: 5 Nathan Mochizuki 1G, Ryan Blakley 1G Christian Pisapia 3G, Max Bruce 2G, William Dodd Cam Anderson 1G 1A, Jack Bishenden 1A, Nathan Minor Bantam AA - Aurora Tigers: 4 Markham: 3 2G, Marcus Gingl 1G, Adam Campagna 3A, Adam Sherrard 1G, Colin Boorn 1A, Eric Shennan 1G 1A, Novice AE - Markham: 3 Aurora Tigers: 1 Thomas Wilson 1G, Jordan Torres 1G, Brady Futterer Wolanski 1A Zachary Fletcher 1G, Cameron Palmer 1A, Jake Ben Hilgendorff 1G, Nathan Mochizuki 1A, Dylan 1G, Morgan Frost 1G 106 Timbits - San Jose Teal: 3 Hatton 1G Vasilevski 1A Nate Brentnell 2G, Luca Graneri 1G, Brody Burns 1A 809 Manhattan Trophies Ltd.: 3 Minor Bantam AA - Aurora Tigers: 3 Markham Connor Gonsalves 2G, Alex Sesto 1G Minor Atom AA - TNT: 7 Aurora Tigers: 1 Waxers: 0 103 Timbits - Toronto White: 5 Charlie Huxley 1G, Michael Crowe 1A, Nick Giorgio Morgan Frost 2G, Brady Futterer 2A, Rhys Perry 1A, 105 Timbits - Pittsburgh Black: 2 809 Manhattan Trophies Ltd.: 3 1A Greg Hoogers 1G, Jordan Torres 1A, Robert Stewart Collin Dyer 1G, James Freel 1G, Josh Fallavollita 1A, SO 108 Timbits - Atlanta Sky: 4 Alex Sesto 1G Minor Atom AA - TNT: 5 Aurora Tigers: 3 Norbert Kristoff 2G, William Stratos 1G, Matthew 810 Neuman's Puck Bandits: 3 Michael Crowe 2G, Anton Sopov 2A, Nick Giorgio 1G, Minor Bantam A - Aurora Tigers: 7 Newmarket: 3 Cogswell 1G Kyle Wulle 1G, Noah Murphy-Sealy 1G, Michael Owen Papulkas 1A, Luca Capraro 1A E. Pears 3G, P. Wolanski 3G, M. Kalmisto 1A, R. 109 Timbits - Philly Orange: 1 Montesanti 1G, James Samson 2A Carpenter 1A, T. Kostoff 1A, B. Langlois 2A, J. Ethan Lane 1G, Jack Charbonneau 1A Minor Atom A - Orillia: 4 Aurora Tigers: 2 Liotta 1A, R. Thornhill 1A, K. Rice 1G 801 Diamond Groundskeeping Services: 5 Dylan Andersen 1G, Jake McMillan 1A, Ryan Weeks 110 Timbits - Vintage LA Purple: 7 Daniel McConnell 2G 1A, Blake Holtby 1A, Evan 1G 1A, Aidan Kirchmair 1A, Ayden Whilby 1A Minor Bantam AE - Aurora Tigers: 1 Stouffville: Jacob Powell 2G 1A, Robbie Cipollone 3G, William Nugent 1G, Adam Wilson 1A, Ethan Brooks 1G, 0 Pare 1G, Jack Bulmer 1G Michael Dowling 1G, Aidan Burbank 1A Minor Atom A - Orillia: 3 Aurora Tigers: 2 104 Timbits - St. Louis Blue: 2 808 Twirl 'n' Top Yogurt Cafe': 2 Jake McMillan 1G 1A, Matthew Reid 1A, Ethan Solilo Minor Bantam AE - Stouffville: 6 Aurora Tigers: Lucas Dang 1G, Thomas Moir 1G Ben Kissack 1G, Justin Miller 2A, Jordan Reeves 1G, 1G 1 Jordan Kagan 2A 109 Timbits - Philly Orange: 8 Minor Atom A - Orillia: 3 Aurora Tigers: 1 Minor Bantam AE - Aurora Tigers: 6 Stouffville: Andrew Aikens 2G 1A, Ethan Lane 3G, Noah Savage 803 McAlpine Ford: 2 Ryan Weeks 1G, Aidan Kirchmair 1A 0 1G, Jack Charbonneau 1G, Kane Poland 1G, Owen Louie Simonin 2G, Tarek Koudmani 1A, Devon Hope Jacobs 1A 1A Minor Atom AE - Aurora Tigers: 1 East Bantam AA - Aurora Tigers: 2 Richmond Hill 107 Timbits - Nashville Silver: 1 806 Backyard Pool & Spa Co. Ltd.: 2 Gwillimbury: 0 Stars: 1 Martin McConkey 1G Jordan Elliott 1G, Lucas Bulmer 1G, Gorgio Venosa George Rappos Jr 1G, Ryan Fowler 1A, Ben Charette Zack Phillips 1G, Tristan Kuchar 1G, Ryan Coveart 1A, Andrew Sutherland 1A SO 1A, Connor Irving 1A, Richard Hache 1A 101 Timbits - Calgary Red: 7 Jacob Warecki 1G 1A, Andrew Mettel 2G 2A, 805 York Region Auto: 1 Atom AA - Aurora Tigers: 1 Markham Waxers: 1 Bantam AA - Aurora Tigers: 3 Richmond Hill: 2 Nicholas Ferrante 1G, Ryan Hamill 2G, Noah Rayner Jackson Clements 1G, Shawn Mason 1A, Joey Leger Zachary Kolm 1G, Sam Lombard 1A Zack Phillips 2G 1A, Jack Pecora 1G 2A, Bryan 1G 1A 1A Manweiler 1A, Cameron Zinner 1A, Richard Hache 1A 106 Timbits - San Jose Teal: 3 804 Optimist Club of Aurora: 0 Atom AA - Markham: 2 Aurora Tigers: 1 Owen Kamphuys 1A, Luc Warner 1G, Luca Graneri Carson Maybury 1G Bantam AA - Richmond Hill Stars: 5 Aurora 1G, Bryce Lamontagne 1G 903 BMO Bank of Montreal: 7 Tigers: 4 Branden Fennell 4G 1A, Austin Persaud 1G 1A, Atom AA - Aurora Tigers: 2 Markham: 1 Cameron Zinner 2G, Richard Hache 1G, Michael 102 Timbits - Boston Gold: 3 Nelson Hossack 2G, Andrew Roche 1A Jake Adams 1G, Sam Lombard 1A, Evan Vierling 1G Shum 1G, Bryan Manweiler 2A, Evan Cherubini 2A, Marcus Gingl 2G, Adam Campagna 1G 906 AHPA: 3 Ryan Coveart 1A, Tristan Kuchar 1A, Jared Reeves 105 Timbits - Pittsburgh Black: 1 Adam Ashraf 1G 1A, Owen Nesbit 1G, Chris Atom AA - Aurora Tigers: 2 Markham Waxers: 0 1A, William Stover 1A Jack Rispin 1G Sutherland 1G, Bowen Reid 1A Brett Pearce 1G, Ethan Cameron 1G, Jake Piper 1A, Jake Adams 1A, Dereck Avery SO Bantam A - Markham Waxers: 4 Aurora Tigers: 0 103 Timbits - Toronto White: 11 905: 5 104 Timbits - St. Louis Blue: 4 Graeme McDonald 2G, Lucas Marek 1G, Andrew Atom A - Aurora Tigers: 2 Barrie: 0 Bantam A - Aurora Tigers: 3 Barrie: 3 Kaszuba 1G 1A, Stewart Reid 1G, Randy Sutton 1A, Connor Downs 2G 1A, Jack Bryant 1G 1A, Nicolas 201 Caravan Kids - Calgary Red: 4 Cameron Pyle 1A Atom A - Barrie: 3 Aurora Tigers: 2 Pearce 2A, Ian Rucker 1A Nathan Cobb 2G, Jacob Madore 2G 908 Laurion Law Office: 5 205 Caravan Kids - Pittsburgh Black: 0 Tim Pare 1G, Liam Coll 3G 1A, Zac Kroll 1G 2A Atom AE - Aurora Tigers: 4 Barrie: 3 Bantam A - Orillia: 5 Aurora Tigers: 2 Curtis Manley 1G 1A, Carson Tidd 1G 1A, Geoffrey Taylor Kauffeldt 2G, Lucas Ruscica 2A, Ian Rucker 604 Orr & Associates Insurance: 6 910 Neuman's Puck Bandits: 12 Wilson 1G, Mitchell Weatherall 1G 1A, Nicholas Sansalone 1A Cody Fisher 1G, Stetson Colicchio 1A, Kyle Gillies Gavin Patterson 1G 1A, Kevin Hillsdon 2G 1A, 1A, Carson Williams 3G 2A, Matteo Fiorentino 1A, Brendan Ruuskanen 1G, Max Brown 2G, Noah Spicer Atom AE - Barrie: 5 Aurora Tigers: 1 Bantam A - Bradford Bulldogs: 1 Aurora Tigers: Colby Harrison 1G, Matthew Gram 1G 2A 1G, Matt Sanita 2G 1A, Austin Harvie 2G 2A, Cole 0 607 Crabby Joes: 1 Baker 1G 2A, Brendan McDonald 1A, Derek Keun Atom AE - Barrie: 3 Aurora Tigers: 2 Ben Godber 1G, Claudio Basso 1A, Adam 2A, Kevin Willert SO Bantam AE - Richmond Hill: 4 Aurora Tigers: 1 Wochenmarkt 1A 907 Crabby Joe's: 0 Minor Peewee A - Aurora Tigers: 4 Newmarket: 2 Luke Jarvis 2G, Alex Sandras 2A, Connor Thomas Bantam AE - Newmarket: 2 Aurora Tigers: 0 609 Aurora Lodge #148 IOOF: 4 909 Inaria: 6 2A, Sam Ashton 1G, Adam Wloka 2A, Tyler Sawyer Rony Wahab 1G, Eathan Moulds 1G, Dane Kerkkamp Mitchell Arnold 1G 2A, James Johnston 1G, Tom 1G, Ben Liotta 1A Minor Midget AA - Stouffville: 4 Aurora Tigers: 0 1G 1A, Nicholas Robinson 1G 2A Mason 1G 1A, Erik Balkovec 3G, Andrew Foresi 1A, 602 Aurora Chrysler: 2 Matt Liscio 2A Minor Peewee A - Newmarket: 1 Aurora Tigers: 0 Minor Midget A - Aurora Tigers: 3 Barrie: 2 Alexandre Meunier-Geoffroy 2G, Jack Viney 2A 912 Jonathan's: 1 Michael Walsh 1G, Sean Foxwell 1A Minor Peewee A - Aurora Tigers: 3 Newmarket: 1 Minor Midget AE - Whitby Wildcats: 7 Aurora 609 Aurora Lodge #148 IOOF: 5 Colby Prymych 1G 1A, Sam Ashton 1A, Alex Tigers: 2 Rony Wahab 3G, Ian Lafrancois 1G, Nicholas 902 Tile Master: 3 Sandras 1A, Adam Wloka 1A, Andrew Park 1G, Robinson 1G, Ethan Moulds 1A, Stephen Silverio 1A, Graham Robinson 2G, Scott Barker 2A, Alistar Connor Thomas 1A, Luke Jarvis 1G Minor Midget AE - Barrie: 6 Aurora Tigers: 3 Kyle Macfarland 1A Johnston 2A, Brett Bond 1A, Erick Bortolotti 1G 610 Rotary Club of Aurora: 4 913: 1 Minor Peewee AE - TNT: 4 Aurora Tigers: 1 Minor Midget AE - Ajax: 8 Aurora Tigers: 1 Greg Gatzopoulos 2G 1A, Shayne Colin 1G, Andrew David Gonder 1G, Ian Coschi 1A Owen Romano 1G Hoogers 1A, Tyler Regan-Avila 2A Minor Midget AE - Georgina: 4 Aurora Tigers: 2 Minor Peewee AE - Aurora Tigers: 1 TNT: 0 607 Crabby Joes: 5 Rep League Matthew McConnell 1G, Kyle Fowler 1A, Noah Minor Midget AE - Newmarket Redmen: 5 Aurora Cameron Lang 3G, Justin Foster 1A, Hunter Gilpin- Dempsey 1A, Jonathan Gianforcaro SO Tigers: 2 Maier 1G, Michael Kieffer 2A, Ben Godber 1G, Adam Tyke - Aurora Select A: 4 TNT: 2 Wochenmarkt 1A Fionn Keon 2G 1A, Callum Millar 1G 1A, Matthew Peewee AA - Aurora Tigers: 1 Richmond Hill: 1 Minor Midget AE - Aurora Tigers: 4 Pickering: 1 602 Aurora Chrysler: 3 Lyons 1G, Bradley Gardiner 1A, Michael Ciaravella Cameron Tyndall 1G Brendan Dodd 1G, Ethan Jeries 1A, Jack Viney 2G, 1A Minor Midget AE - Barrie: 8 Aurora Tigers: 1 Nathan Smith 1A, Pranav Rendalkar 1A Peewee A - Orillia: 3 Aurora Tigers: 1 Novice AA - Markham: 3 Aurora Tigers: 2 Brandon Vaughan 1G, Jamie Stewart 1A Minor Midget AE - Newmarket: 3 Aurora Tigers: 2 604 Orr & Associates Insurance: 3 Adam Rame 1G, Ryan Smyth 1G, Andrew Parsons Matthew Gram 1G, Daniel Babcock 2G 1A, Adam Rame 1A Peewee AE - Aurora Tigers: 5 Richmond Hill Midget AA - Stouffville: 3 Aurora Tigers: 2 605 Omar's Shoes: 2 Stars: 3 Guiliano Iervasi 1G 1A, Kyle Trumper 1G, Jacob Cowl Novice A - Aurora Tigers: 4 Nobleking: 2 Finn Reeves 2G, Nicholas Vamvakaris 1G, Callum Midget AA - Stouffville: 6 Aurora Tigers: 4 1A Kellan Sherman 2G, Matthew Gianforcaro 2G, Gorrell 1G, Mathew Hastings 1G, Thomas Morra 1A, Adriano Fanuzzi 2A, Nolan Heggie 1A, Sam Spong Max Lombard 1A, Ryan Jamieson 1A, Carter Midget AA - Aurora Tigers: 2 Stouffville: 1 601 Aurora Home Hardware Bldg Ctr: 6 1A, Nolan Chiarelli 1A, Noah Smith 1A, Kevin Wilmsmeyer 1A Jack Weaver 3G, Chris Sands 2G, Joseph Franze Wasserman 1A Peewee AE - Aurora Tigers: 1 Richmond Hill Midget AA - Aurora Tigers: 4 Stouffville: 1 SPORTS Vol. 13 No. 15 905-727-3300 theauroran.com FREE Week of February 19, 2013

Former Aurora Tiger and current Toronto Maple Leaf Mike Kostka dropped the puck at Friday’s Tigers game against the Newmarket Hurricanes at the Aurora Community Centre. At the special event, Mr. Kostka took the time to meet his fans and sign countless autographs. Auroran photos by Jeff Doner Kostka swarmed by fans on return to Aurora the kid is.” “It was amazing meeting Mike From page 1 “It’s been a quick transition, obvi- Kostka, who was constantly Kostka and it was one of the best ously, from starting the year with the swarmed by adoring fans, stayed times of my life meeting an NHL Marlies and then when the lockout right into the third period signing player,” said Leaf fan Sam Spong, 8, ended it was – boom – a five-day camp autographs and even spending some who also plays for the Aurora Junior and we jumped right into it,” he said. time with Tigers players offering Tigers. “So, it’s been fun, exciting, not too some advice and inspiration. Hundreds of people were out for much time and you have to accelerate “What a nice guy and a nice ges- the event that collected food dona- the learning curve I guess, but it’s ture,” said Tigers head coach James tions for the Aurora Food Pantry as been a good challenge and I’ve Richmond. “He came down for about an entrance fee. enjoyed it.” 20 minutes in the dressing room with With a constant smile on his face Barry Quinn, the Tigers vice-pres- the boys and then after the second the whole night, Kostka fondly ident, said Kostka was “100 per cent period he came down again. looked back at his season with the in” as soon as he heard about the “Not too often do you get an Tigers. invitation to come out for a Tigers NHLer, a guy that’s playing every “You remember winning and all game. night, come out for not even a dime, the fun things on the ice, but it’s also “He was supposed to leave after and stays out here as long as he did,” all the friendships that I made. I’ve the first intermission and he has said Richmond. “He was great with still kept in touch with a lot of them,” stuck around to sign anything,” said the guys in the dressing room.” he said. “That’s probably the best Quinn. “That’s just a mark of what Kostka also received praise from thing that you take away his young fans. from it.” Tigers reclaim division lead with win big win over Newmarket Hurricanes By Jeff Doner Although Dylan ably the biggest crowd board for the rest of the Sikura gave Aurora an we’ve seen in a few game. The Aurora Tigers early lead, the years,” he said. “I think During first intermis- shook off some early jit- Hurricanes replied with the guys were a little sion, coach Richmond told ters in front of a packed four goals in the first to nervous and played a lit- his team to loosen up and AURORA DDIGGERSDI RS house, using the shootout put the Tigers in a deep tle tight. We haven’t given just get back to basics. to defeat the Newmarket hole. up four goals in a period “We talked about some Hurricanes 5 – 4 at the Aurora head coach all year, but then we real- things that we’ve been GIRLS SOFTBALL OFTBALL ALL Aurora Community James Richmond said his ly buckled down and going over in practice and Centre on Friday night. team was a little shaken played our game and got then just kind of light- The game featured up to start the game. pucks to the net.” ened the mood a little bit many ups and downs as “I think in the first The Tigers pulled and told them a funny the Tigers clawed back period we were a little jit- themselves together after story of when I played.” from a 4 – 2 deficit after tery playing in front of a a messy start, keeping Aurora netminder the first period. big crowd like that, prob- Newmarket off the score- Kevin Entmaa was a big part of the comeback win, stepping into the crease for teammate Brett Sinclair after the first period. Entmaa stopped all 21 shots he faced and denied both Newmarket players in the shootout. g ll Aurora captain Daniel Clairmont was happy REGISTER ER NOW with the way his team ral- lied for the second period. Sat., Febb 23rd “We came out strong in the second and started Aurora Public Library putting more pucks to the Sat., Maar 2nd net and putting more traf- fic to the net and we start- Auurora Stronachch Rec Centre ed to get some goals,” he said. Sat., Mar 23rd That mentality eventu- ally paid off in the second, Aurrora StrSt onachchh Rec Centtre as Clairmont fed Adam All dates 11 a.m. .m. – 2 p.m. Moody on the power play to bump the score to 4 – 3 Ageses 5 yearsrss – 14 years after two periods. Still down a goal, the Fuurther inf nforormation call Lois Tigers were buzzing throughout the third look- (9905905) 727-8 80 089 Kory Kennedy faces down the Newmarket Hurricanes in their home game Friday. ing for the equalizer. Then with five minutes The Tigers take on the Stouffville Spirit on February 21 before hosting the www.auroradiggersgirlssoftball.carsgirlssoftball.ca Pickering Panthers on February 23. Auroran photo by Jeff Doner Continued on page 21 Page 14 THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Councillors want to recoup nearly $400,000 in taxes paid on Sports Dome

By Brock Weir make this property tax ultimately made the Dome we would renegotiate a con- inclination was to get every opportunity to recoup what exempt but that’s not how it land lose its tax exempt sta- tract that we have just asked damned penny back from has already been spent on Aurora is looking recoup turned out in the long run. tus and was an error that staff to spend time in negoti- the Region and the Board of taxes for the Sports Dome, nearly half a million dollars “It is my conclusion that should have been challenged ating the terms of a new Education, but I was quickly Councillor Wendy Gaertner on taxes paid to the Region going back to 2004, the origi- right then and there. agreement may be a redun- told that we could only get said it didn’t go far enough. and School Boards on the nal tripartite letter to the “The problem is when the dancy.” that from the date we chal- One thing she said she Aurora Sports Dome. agreement [was] we agreed contract was signed, it was She suggested Mr. Mar lenged the decision,” she wanted to see was the con- Councillors voted last at the time to waive taxes and the understanding of staff review the existing contract said. “We failed in not chal- tract examined by outside week to seek legal advice to we agreed to do it back in that the property would and report back to Council lenging that decision and legal counsel. If that was outline all the options avail- 2004,” said Councillor Chris remain tax exempt,” said on the “strength” of the con- that is when the failure was.” done in the first place, as was able to them to rectify what Ballard. I would like to know Councillor Buck. “It came tract and whether it is rea- When the land designa- suggested in the 2004-2006 they view as a long-smoul- if this can be part of [Town not just as a surprise to Mr. sonable to expect the other tion was changed, she said term of Council, the Town dering problem with the Solicitor Warren] Mar’s Downey as it did to everyone party to sit down and renego- the advice was that the Town “could have done better.” Town’s agreement with the report on did we get an ille- to discover that MPAC decid- tiate. She also introduced a was stuck with it, but that “This is going to be a very Dome operators. gal opinion to do that? Did we ed it was no longer tax motion calling on looking was the wrong advice. difficult thing to change and The decision came on the get legal advice on that front? exempt and anytime MPAC just that – challenging While Council ultimately fight against,” she said. “I heels of the previous week’s It might be a real-long shot, makes a decision it can be MPAC’s decision. decided to refer the matter think we need outside legal, Committee meeting where but if we did, is there an challenged. They’re not right “In researching my own back to Mr. Mar on the tax as was suggested in the very Councillors looked at the opportunity to recoup? on everything. The idea that notice of motion, my first exempt status and any beginning.” terms of executing a new Obviously somebody made a contract with the operators. mistake. If someone did Under the public-private make a mistake, is there an partnership agreement, the opportunity to recoup some Town pays for the utilities at of that $340,000?” the Dome, as well as property Mr. Mar told Councillors taxes. Ultimately, it is this last that after looking through issue which has been the the Town’s legal department cause of weeks – if not years files, he could not find any – of consternation among discussions in there about certain members of Council. tax exempt status, or any FINAL MARKDOWNS! “The Aurora Sports record that it was actually Dome is independently done, so he was at a loss of owned and maintained as a what he could contribute to commercial venture,” said that particular discussion. Al Downey, Aurora’s “Nothing in the file sug- Director of Parks and gests that staff ever obtained Recreation in a report to legal opinion, external or Council. “The municipally- otherwise, on that particular owned land is leased to them matter,” said Mr. Mar. for this purpose and, accord- However the chips fell ingly, the property is taxable. when this matter was first HUGEHUGE Currently taxes for the brought forward, one of the Town, Region, and School primary concerns expressed portions are a budgeted by Councillors was recoup- FURNITURE expense of the Town in the ing all or part of the $340,000 [Parks] operating budget.” in taxes paid to the Region Last year, taxes to the and School Boards. Region and the School shares Councillor Evelyn Buck came to $39,992. said it was an error on the The problem, however, is part of the Municipal that when this deal was first Property Assessment DISPOSAL mulled, the intention was to Corporation (MPAC) which e-Waste drive collects 24,000 pounds of electronic junk THISENDS IS YOUR SOON! NOTICE! By Brock Weir noon at the Town’s Works Yard on Scanlon Court, just Whether you carted your off Industrial Parkway unwanted television sets, North, attracted over 300 outdated computers, broken- vehicles loaded down with e- LAST CHANCE TO down microwaves and waste and thousands of indi- excess printers out on vidual items. While keeping January 19 to clear out space the refuse out of the landfills for recently received was a good enough initiative, Christmas gifts or Boxing the over 23,612 pounds of SAVE BIG! Day deals, or to clean out the waste collected, however, garage, an abundance of had another benefit to the DON’T MISS THIS SALE! IT ALL ENDS SOON! appliances were received in community, according to ASHLEY! DECOR-REST! BRENTWOOD! KINGSDOWN! KROEHLER! AND MORE! the Mayor’s e-Waste event partners Global Recycling Day. Electronic Processing. The aim of the event, “During the course of the which was co-hosted by the day, over 300 vehicles showed LOCATED AT: Town of Aurora, the up and residents expressed Salvation Army, and Global great satisfaction with hav- Electric Electronic ing an environmentally sus- Processing (GEEP), was to tainable option for disposing 17255 YONGE ST. take electronics that “con- of their electronic waste,” tain heavy metals and other said GEEP’s Dave Douglas, NEWMARKET elements” and deflect them presenting a cheque for from the waste system where $2,361.20 to the Town last (905) 895-6517 they would otherwise spend week. the rest of their days rotting These proceeds will go in a landfill. towards further future envi- The event, which took ronmental initiatives in place that morning and after- Aurora.

Mayor Dawe and members of Town Staff accepted a cheque for over EVERY IN-STOCK ITEM SELLINGSELLING OUT TO $2,000 from GEEP last week from the items collected in last month’s e- IS PRICED TO CLEAR! THE BARE WALLS! waste collection. SALE HOURS: MON - FRI: 10 –9 SAT: 9:30 – 6 SUN: 11 – 5 Auroran photo by Brock Weir ALL SALES FINAL ~ NO EXCHANGES ~ NO REFUNDS ~ ALL ITEMS SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALE THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Page 15 Page 16 THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2013

The headlines in the think that’s true, for most February 5 edition of The politicians. However, there is Auroran edition spoke to yet a kernel of truth to his argu- CROSSWORD PUZZLE another potential OMB ment that decisions are made (Ontario Municipal Board) easier, for lack of a better fight in our Town. word, by the Board’s exis- From what I understand tence. from the article, a group of To quote once more from residents are considering tak- Mr. Moore, “The very pres- ing both the Town and the POLITICS ence of the OMB allows local developers to the Board to politicians to deflect criti- address concerns they have AS cisms from themselves when with environmental issues USUAL dealing with controversial (such as a lack of trails and Alison Collins-Mrakas planning and development inadequate buffer zones) issues…that the Board is the within the 2C lands. Entering the ultimate decision-maker I am not sure if this com- Seventh Circle of Hell removes some of the pres- plaint has in fact been pur- sure for local politicians to sued, but it’s a testament to (A.K.A. The OMB Hearing) choose a side…it offloads the the seriousness of the resi- There is another train of cost of decision-making to dent’s concerns that they’d thought though in regards to the Board.” consider a Board fight at all, how councils deal with So which is it? OMB as given past history of Board potential OMB fights. Some usurper of local planning decisions in Aurora. A suc- argue that far from being a authority? Or patsy for local cessful case against an metaphorical Sword of politicians desperate to avoid approved plan is certainly not Damocles above the heads of the political costs of unpopu- a sure thing. decision-makers, it is in fact a lar planning decisions? I For example, the last big shield, allowing Councillors think it’s somewhere in- OMB case in the Town result- the easy opportunity to side- between. ed in literally hundreds of step, rather than face head-on There is no question that thousands of dollars in legal a potentially unpopular plan- the OMB has made decisions fees – paid in taxpayer dollars ning decision. It’s easier to that have effectively - expended in an ultimately just say, “Much as we’d like to wrenched control from futile attempt to stop the oppose this development, we Councils trying to plan their Westview Golf Course and have to let this go. We can’t own communities. It is also development. Not good odds, risk taxpayer money on a true that there have been in other words. futile OMB fight…” popular but legislatively But the resident’s case is In his fascinating journal unsupportable decisions also not the only time that the article, “Passing the Buck: made by local Councils that OMB has made the news in the OMB and Local are made secure in the York Region as of late. It Politicians in Toronto, 2000- knowledge that they will be seems virtually every munic- 2006” Aaron A. Moore, makes overturned at the Board. ipality has it share of battles the case that, “the OMB A bit of a conundrum to on the go. For example, in allows local politicians…to be sure and a question that Newmarket there is the avoid making a decision will only be solved through a Slessor Square issue and the between the wealth of devel- re-examination of the role, Glenway Issue. opers and the support of the responsibility and authority In Aurora we have multi- electorate.” of the OMB in the context of ple issues on the go, including He further states, local municipal planning a number of challenges relat- “…(politicians) can use the decisions. Perhaps that ques- ed to the 2C plan. In potential of an unfavourable tion can be added to Premier Richmond Hill there are bat- Board decision to justify Wynne’s list of things to tles surrounding the Dunlop their position to…residents.” address? observatory. Those are just As a former politician That’s all for this week, some cases I can think of myself, I take issue with until next week, stay right off the top of my head. being portrayed as making informed, stay involved, Repeatedly, residents and planning decisions based on because this is, after all, Our developers alike – and even a craven self interest. I don’t Town. few councils too – have found themselves in the midst of, or are considering entering that DAMIR seventh circle of hell known as an OMB hearing - those VRANCIC mythically costly, and lengthy LAW OFFICE quasi-judicial proceedings that have confounded munici- BUSINESS LAW, palities across the province. REAL ESTATE, Ask the average person WILLS & ESTATES about the OMB and what will inevitably be uttered in 905-841-6411 response is something along Providing valued and trusted legal advice since 1983 the lines of “oh, why bother, they always back the develop- er anyway”, “It’s a losing bat- tle, why risk our money?”, or some such similar senti- ments. Driver Training OMB hearings are per- ceived to be these monolithic enterprises that cost taxpay- for Life! ers lots and lots of money that Last Week’s Puzzle Solution rarely if ever have any meas- ure of positive return. But is the perception reali- ty? It certainly seems to be. Speaking from my own expe- Courses Starting: rience of sitting at the Council table, planning meet- ings were often a rather frus- FEBRUARY 23 –4 SATURDAYS trating experience. Many times there would be applica- tions before us that I at least MARCH 9 – 4 DAYS had some fairly significant concerns with and yet felt I could do little beyond com- MARCH 13 – 4 DAYS menting on my concerns. Why? Because regardless of whether I voted for or against an application, if the plan met the rules as they stood at that the time of the application, then the belief was unless we were willing to risk yet another OMB fight, then we “had to” pass the application. 905-726-4132 THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Page 17

COMING EVENTS

negative thinking patters might desperately need our help.” For today from 1 – 4 p.m. Regular ON NOW be affecting your feelings and party suggestions, including the gallery Hours are Tuesday to behaviors. You will be able to official cupcake recipe, visit the Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at JANUARY 23 – FEBRUARY 27 explore the “mechanisms” of anx- web address above. the Aurora Cultural Centre. 22 The BREAD (Brotherhood iety and depression and learn Church Street. For more informa- Reflection Education Acceptance TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 why they are triggered. You will Free Stages of Recovery tion, visit www.auroracultural- Direction) Group will meet for six learn healthy coping techniques Workshop with Flora Svinarekno centre.ca. All artists will be in Wednesdays from 8 – 9 p.m. at with your symptoms and you will will occur today from 5 – 6.30 p.m. attendance. Efreshments will be 15213 Yonge Street, Suite 15 be able to share your struggles at 12513 Yonge Street, Suite 15. provided by Phoebe Lo Events. Aurora (Historic Post Office). and worries in a safe environ- Are you ready to explore the pos- This support group is intended MONDAY, MARCH 4 ment. sibility of change? If so, discover Illuminated Letters: the last in a for men who are currently consid- where you are in your Journey of series of hands-on workshops at ering making changes, changing FEBRUARY 18 – 24 Recovery. “Stages of Recovery” Table For 2 & More (15160 Yonge or maintaining changes which It’s Heritage Week and the Aurora will help you explore the changes Street) led by Celtic Artist David they have made in regards to their Historical Society will open that you are seeking. In a safe and Rankine. The series, Portals of eating behaviours. The journey to Hillary house for special hours confidential setting, the costs and Grace, takes a look at Celtic Art recover may be challenging, iso- during the week. In addition to benefits of changing eating disor- techniques and explores how the lating, revelatory or just plain being able to explore the building, der behaviors will be presented. energies of Nature inspire frustrating and group support guests will view something We will also try to identify barri- ancient and contemporary Celtic and professional facilitation may unusual: exhibit creation in full ers and explore healthy coping artists. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tickets be necessary to overcome or pre- swing. Some of the processes strategies. ($35/session): 905-713-3788. Visit vent relapses. We will be seeking involved include creating mounts www.davidrankineart.com. insights into disordered eating for artefacts, creating labels and WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 and exploring coping strategies text panels, hanging artefacts, Garden Aurora! The Aurora TUESDAY, MARCH 5 with the goal of learning from installing the displays themselves Garden and Horticultural Society Amnesty International: each other, effective coping strate- and moving the artefacts into invites you to hear David Antonella Mega, wife of impris- gies and life skills. Working their new display cases. Hours Tomlinson, Landscape Architect oned Canadian Hamid Ghassemi- together to grow and become our- Monday – Wednesday will be 1 – 4 Emeritus and respected ornithol- Shall will speak on human rights selves. $60 (for 6 weeks). To regis- p.m., Thursday from 1 – 7 p.m., ogist speak on the ‘Making of in Iran this evening at 7.30 p.m. ter please call 905-886-6632, email and Friday – Sunday from 1 – 4 Merlin’s Hollow’, a 30 year land- at Trinity Anglican Church, 79 [email protected], or register p.m. For more information, con- mark Aurora garden. The meet- Victoria St., Aurora. All welcome. online at www.edoyr.com/sup- tact the AHS at 905-727-8991 or ing is held at the Royal Canadian Information: 905-713-6713. port-groups.html visit aurorahistoricalsociety.ca. Legion, 105 Industrial Parkway WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 FEBRUARY 4 – APRIL 8 North and starts at 8:00 p.m. We The Aurora Public Library pres- look forward to welcoming both The Ontario Clay and Glass ents Money Talk$: When to Buy old and new members for a great Association brings its FUSION: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Individual Stocks or ETFs. evening. Further information at Fireworks 2011 exhibition to the Bonsai Hill hosts an evening of Money Talk$ is a free monthly Mike and Christina dressed up in their finest to enjoy a 905-713-6660 or visit www.garde- Aurora Cultural Centre. poetry “Love Shall Forever discussion group to exchange naurora.com. sport of tea at the Aurora Seniors’ Centre, which FUSION’S mission to promote Remain” tonight at 7 p.m. at 15263 ideas and unbiased information. hosted their Victorian Tea and Picture Show last week. excellence in clay and glass is ful- Yonge Street, Unit 2. Featuring FRIDAY, MARCH 1 Presentation will be followed by a filled through the Fireworks exhi- musicians Sara Cameron, The World Day of Prayer for 2013 Q & A. No financial products or Guests enjoyed the chance to step back in time with bitions. Since 1975, the notable or Matthew Kinnunen and Alex will be celebrated at the Aurora services will be offered or sold. 7 the traditional fare, but win a few prizes as well! award winning have been pur- Nugent, poets Lileta Brown, United Church this evening at p.m. in the Magna Room at the chased by FUSION for the Deborah L.V. Campo, Stephanie 7.30 p.m. This is an ecumenical Aurora Public Library. For more Auroran photo by Sylvia Dickens FUSION Permanent Collection, Davidson, Sterling Dillinger, service written and prepared this information, contact the Library housed at and on permanent loan Dmitry Saltykov, Linda Squires, year by the women of France. at 905-727-9494 x275. to the Burlington Art Centre. Dierdre Tomlinson, Malcolm The message is, “I was a stranger Watts, and an open mic for guest FRIDAY, MARCH 8 FEBRUARY 6 – APRIL 6 and you welcomed me.” The The Aurora Cultural Centre’s poets. Performances start at 7.15 Aurora United Church Bellisimo The Aurora Cultural Centre pres- Great Artists Piano Series con- p.m. Limited seating. Please note Bell Choir will offer music as ents Passage by Northern Star tinues this evening at 8 p.m. with Market Musings the last half hour of open mic part of the service. Refreshments Collective – From Eastern the Seiler Piano Trio. An out- may contain graphic language. will be served. The participating Influences to Western traditions standing Canadian trio com- churches of Aurora invite every- From page 11 in the Great Hall Gallery. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21 prised of Maryum Seiler (violin), one to this international interde- Exhibition includes works by Parents of teens are invited to Rachel Mercer (cello) and Angela indoor market on Saturday, February 23 between 10 a.m.-2 attend a free presentation to help nominational event. p.m., at the Cultural Centre. artists Feng Yu Wei, Guan Sui Park (piano) exploring the great Sheng, Hu Zu De, Phoebe Lu, Sun them guide their kids to prevent SATURDAY, MARCH 2 traditions of the piano trio reper- Since we have space limitations at the Cultural Centre, Chang Yin, Ann Yan, and ShiFu. injuries by making smart, safe The Aurora Cultural Centre pres- toire with their unique blend of we will have vendors in both the Brevik and Aurora Rooms Gallery Hours Tuesday to choices. The presentation is being ents the official opening and intensity, passion and generosity. offered at Southlake Regional again and we strongly encourage you to visit both.We Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at artists reception for Passage by Repertoire this evening to the Aurora Cultural Centre. 22 Health Centre in Newmarket Northern Star Collective – From include works by Mozart, assure you that there will be several exciting vendors in Church Street. For more informa- tonight from 6.30 to 7:30 p.m. For Eastern Influences to Western Schubert and Piazzolla. the second room. tion, visit www.auroracultural- details and to register visit traditions in the Great Hall For more information, visit centre.ca. www.southlakeregional.org and Gallery. Exhibition includes www.auroracultural The Farmers’ Market is always looking for volunteers click on Southlake Events – No FEBRUARY 11 – MARCH 31 works by artists Feng Yu Wei, centre.ca. Tickets are $40 for to assist, both at the indoor and outdoor Markets. We are Regrets Live for Parents. Guan Sui Sheng, Hu Zu De, adults, and $25 for seniors and The Whitchurch-Stouffville Phoebe Lu, Sun Chang Yin, Ann students. On sale now. Doors open particularly looking for students in the summer who are Museum and Community Centre MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Yan, and ShiFu. Reception runs at 7 p.m. Concert begins at 8. wanting to fulfill their volunteer hours’ requirement. So, if hosts Defining Moments: Early Medieval Celtic Calligraphy: one of a series of you or anyone you know, are interested in volunteering at Discovering our Canadian Stories. This travelling exhibit is hands-on workshops at Table For the Farmers’ market, please drop us a line at: a national digital media arts and 2 & More (15160 Yonge Street) led [email protected]. citizenship project aimed at by Celtic Artist David Rankine. Teachers, please refer any of your students looking for engaging youth across Canada to The series, Portals of Grace, takes explore, express and showcase a look at Celtic Art techniques volunteer hours to the Farmers’ Market. their diverse perspectives on and explores how the energies of We are still actively searching for a new Market Canadian identity. These works Nature inspire ancient and con- are the 26 willing pieces, repre- temporary Celtic artists. 10 a.m. – Manager to work with the Chair and Market Committee. 1 p.m. Tickets ($35/session): 905- You can find the job description and requirements posted senting eight provinces and terri- tories across Canada. While 713-3788. Visit www.davidran on our website: www.theaurorafarmersmarket.com. you’re here, participate in an on- kineart.com We are also beginning to plan our entertainment for the site art activity that expresses * * * * 2013 season, so anyone interested in performing at the your Canadian identity. Regular The OSPCA will “Help Fight admission applies. For more Animal Cruelty with Cupcakes” Market is encouraged to contact Sarah Sparks, Aaron information, contact the museum today on National Cupcake Day. Morris or any member of the Market Committee. We are at 905-727-8954. “We’re encouraging people to reg- A Unique beginning to formulate our plans for participating in FEBRUARY 14 – MARCH 21 ister online at www.nationalcup- cakeday.ca and then to bake cup- Aurora’s sesquicentennial and we are looking forward to a Eating Disorders of York Region (EDOYR) will host Healthy cakes and host a National very exciting season. Coping Skills for Anxiety and Cupcake Day party with all pro- ceeds going to support the Opportunity See you at the indoor Market! Depression with Flora Svinarenko for six weeks from 5 – Ontario SPCA and its communi- 6 p.m. beginning Thursday, ties,” explained Marc Ralsky of to own a piece of February 1410 at their Aurora the OSPCA. “We hope that people Aurora Heights is last will encourage their family and headquarters. (15213 Yonge Street, Suite 15) Very often depression friends to donate online and to Rotary Park and anxiety are familiar feelings support their efforts by attending ranked school a local party or hosting an event to someone struggling with disor- dered eating, body image issues of their own. It’s a fun and easy (629) and low self esteem. During this way to make a life-saving differ- From page 8 ence in the lives of animals who year’s survey, coming in • Highview Public group you will learn how your 1,757th in a 40-way tie. School – 535 (414) The French-language • Light of Christ school was Aurora’s third Catholic Elementary ranking school in the list, School – 567 (372) coming in at 392nd overall. • Aurora Grove Public Bottoming out the list School – 777 (264) this year was Aurora • Hartman Public Heights Public School, School – 777 (725) which was Aurora’s sec- • Our Lady of Grace ond-highest ranking Catholic Elementary school in the previous sur- School – 829 (725) vey. Last year, they came • St. Mary of the in 182nd place, but this Angels Catholic year it was 1,760 due to Elementary School – 1016 downturns in almost all (new entry) areas of academic per- • Northern Lights Please consider purchasing formance. Public School – 1107 (629) • St. Jerome Catholic a commemorative stone in Here’s how the rest of Elementary School – 1405 Rotary Park Aurora’s elementary (1283) schools fared • Holy Spirit Catholic Elementary School – 1518 Please contact • Devins Drive Public (790) Greg Foster at 905-727-9613 School – 220th place • Regency Acres Public (Average Rank in the last School – 1760 (629) for further information five years: 300) • Aurora Heights • Ecole Saint Jean – 392 Public School – 1760 (790) Arts & Culture Page 18 THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Brushwood’s George Crecoukias, Jim Richardson, and Jeff Martin are preparing to take the stage at this weekend’s Conquer Cancer: One At at a Time Benefit, the local rock/blues band will be joined by an array of local talent, including 12-year-old singer Megan Rowan, a student at Devins Drive Public School. For more information on the benefit, visit www.conquercanceroneactatatime.ca. Auroran photos by Brock Weir Musicians want people to “get happy” at Saturday benefit Teppanyaki By Brock Weir There are certain songs I by his pianist grandmoth- hear that actually make er who was also a church Japanese Restaurant Musicians are tuning my day better.” organist. A guitar playing up their guitars and oth- This philosophy is uncle also helped push ers are spending the week more than just a one-off things along and growing polishing up their acts as and something he regu- up he wanted to be a key- where your food local performers get larly puts into action. On board player like Deep ready for the spotlight for the band’s website, for Purple’s John Ward. He is grilled the Conquer Cancer: One instance, 50 cents for says he and his group The only Act at a Time benefit this every song purchased have always tried to look Teppanyaki right at your table! Saturday. goes towards initiatives to ahead and write their Restaurant in In the final installment bring safe drinking water own material and not sim- of our series showcasing to developing countries. ply be another cover Aurora and Oakridges some of the local talent “It started when I was band. taking part, we look at a teenager and I always “We try to keep it an one established Aurora wanted to help people and original act and move for- musician and one up-and- work together as a team ward because the sky’s comer who are coming to find a common solu- the limit,” he says. “We’re GRAND OPENING together for two common tion,” he says. “This one very politically inspired purposes – contributing cause is particularly close sometimes and the music to a cause and making to my heart as there are is a reflection of the days people happy. people I have known in back in the 1960s and The benefit is the the past and now that suf- inspired by the hippie brainchild of Aurora’s fer from it and it is a terri- days of Neil Young, and Carla Walker and ble disease. As a cause, Crosby, Stills and Nash.” Newmarket’s Leslie Ann feeding children is anoth- While he says those Holmeshaw, who were er biggie.” songs covered a lot of looking for a more cre- He says he tries to “heavy” issues, when ative way to raise money make a difference as Brushwood appears on for Princess Margaret much as possible through stage at the Newmarket Hospital and the Ride to performing, as well as ini- Community Church on Conquer Cancer. Its aim tiatives from the next gen- Saturday evening, they was right up the alley for eration. His daughter, 8, is aim to bring “happiness.” Aurora musician Jim one of his primary inspi- “What I am trying to do Richardson, front man rations on that front. with this show is to and founder of the indie “She inspires me to do inspire people to really rock band Brushwood. more,” he says. “I’m enjoy themselves and live “I am a musician, an inspired by world issues in the moment of enjoy- artist, and kind of a like feeding the children Wellington Street E. ing the song, the perform- BUSINESS HOURS wannabe philanthropist,” and clean drinking water, ance, and get positive Call to Reserve Mon. Closed says Mr. Richardson with and that’s what inspires vibrations from it,” he Tues - Thurs 11.30 am - 9.30 pm Your a laugh. “Over the years me to keep writing and says. “Everybody wants Fri - 11.30 am - 10.30 pm Teppanyaki Table honing my craft as a just keep exploring differ- to change the world, but I Sat - 12 pm - 10.30 pm Yonge St. Yonge musician, I have come to ent things and aspira- have always been inspired Sun - 12 pm - 9.30 pm Ave. Bayview 905-841-3848 Industrial Pkwy S. the realisation that music tions.” to make people happy. If I heals and it really helps His love for music could change one person’s ¬7ELLINGTON¬3T¬%¬!URORA¬¬s¬7773USHI$ENCA people, even myself. began as a child, inspired Continued on page 23

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Queen’s York Rangers invite you to have a day in the life of a soldier

By Brock Weir opportunity to hear about the cur- their hands dirty in training pro-

rent activities of the Rangers from grams like a tough mudder course.

They say you can’t really know Honorary Colonel Darryl Bricker “Dinner” will be a full mess din-

somebody until you walk a mile in and hear first-hand experiences ner for the Regiment on October 24

their shoes, but organizers of a new from people who have served. at The Manor at Kettleby’s Carrying

series of events to mark the work of “We have got a couple of speakers Place.

the Queen’s York Rangers aim to lined up to talk about their experi- “We’re still working on a couple

offer a little bit of a taste of a day in ences because a lot of people are of big name individuals to come out

the life of a soldier. unaware of how much the Rangers to that one,” said Councillor Paul

The concept builds upon two are entwined in our community, Pirri, only offering the teaser that

years of previous fundraising for how long they have been here, and the names they’re working on are

the Queen’s York Rangers what they do,” said Councillor Pirri. prominent in public life.

Benevolent Fund, which seeks to “We felt breakfast would be a great The event, which will feature

provide support services, coun- opportunity to have somewhat of a cuisine from The Manor’s Peter

selling, and other assistance for fun, entertaining and interesting & Paul’s Catering will feature “his- (Above) A year of community events to support the returned or returning soldiers and educational piece to learn about [the torical artefacts that have defined

Queen’s York Rangers was officially launched at the their families. One of the premiere Regiment.]” the Rangers”, live entertainment, a

Aurora Armoury on Wednesday. In a tour of the new events has been the Lieutenant- The next event – yes, “Lunch” – silent auction and door prizes. facilities, Sgt. Ryan Mitchell (above) was asked how Governor John Graves Simcoe’s will take place on Sunday, May 5 at If you can’t make it out to any of

Levee for the Queen’s York Rangers these events, there will be other heavy the soldiers packs are. When he replied about 55 held at the Aurora Cultural Centre, opportunities to display your pride pounds, fundraising chair Councillor Pirri (below) but this year organizers decided to in Aurora’s local regiment. The com- asked to judge for himself. (Right) Special Dog tags take things in a little bit of a differ- mittee tasked with fundraising will will be on sale throughout the year to support the ent direction, according to fundrais- be selling specially designed army

Rangers. Auroran photos by David Falconer ing chair Councillor Paul Pirri. dog tags to benefit the Regimental

“The concept came out of a want Assistance Fund as a fun way to

to involve as many people as possi- bring together creativity and pride.

ble and get the public at large to real- This spring, they will also be

ly know about the Queen’s York stepping up a Yellow Ribbon cam-

Rangers because I think there are a paign throughout not just Aurora,

lot of people who are unaware,” said but all of York Region, similar to the

Councillor Pirri. “They do have a initiative held just a few years ago

really great history and it is getting on Golf Links Drive. Yellow Ribbons

people involved and getting people will be available for purchase

to find out about it. through the Queen’s York Rangers

“[The Fund] lets returning sol- at the new Aurora Armoury on

diers have access to educational pro- Industrial Parkway South, or

grams, counselling and, while they Machell Park in conjunction with directly from the Regiment

are away, we send care packages to Aurora 150 celebrations that week- members participating in the

them overseas. These care packages end. While Aurora 150 is planning Aurora Street Festival, which will be

mean the world to them because for a Military Tattoo featuring local held Sunday, June 2 from 11 a.m. to 5

they’re given things they have no regiments, bands, and cadets, p.m. on Yonge Street.

access to and things we take for the Queen’s York Rangers lunch Sponsorship at various levels are

granted, like packages of KD and will also be a family affair with a also available at their website,

Tim Horton’s coffee. They really barbeque, a chance to talk to qyrappreciation.ca, which also

brighten the spirits of everybody reservists and cadets, and hear their includes information on opportuni-

who receives them.” personal experiences. ties to sponsor a soldier or student to

The first event in the “day” of the Attendees could also be put participate in these events and pur-

life of a soldier, is a breakfast which through their paces, seeing first- chase personalized porcelain

will be held on March 6 at 7 a.m. at hand training and military proce- plaques from Aurora’s Pine Tree

Cardinal Golf Club. This will be an dures and having the chance to get Potters’ guild.

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(Left) A concept design of what Hillary-McIntyre Park might look like looking north on Yonge Street. Horton Place can be seen at the end of the design with new land- scaping, accessible ramps to make the park fully accessible, and a fountain as a focal point. (Right) Bill Albino, chair of the park’s steering committee, presented his group’s plans to Aurora’s Heritage Advisory Committee on Wednesday. Auroran photos by Brock Weir Hillary McIntyre Park plan clears one key hurdle THE AURORAN

By Brock Weir Heritage Advisory Committee consultants to indicate the likeli- voted to grant them $50,000 to hood of developing a sustaining CLASSIFIEDS When most people retire, they undertake a feasibility study on business case.” look forward rather than backward, whether their plan is doable and If the plan ultimately comes to but Aurora resident Bill Albino’s create a business plan charting the fruition after the latest develop- Deadline: 905-727-3300 ext. 102 vision of the future has taken him way forward. This grant, however, ment, Mr. Albino says the end result on a detour of the Town’s past head- still needs to be approved by would have a significant impact on Saturday at 1 p.m., Monday to Friday, ing back to the future. Council. Aurora, not only as an “anchor” for week of publication 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. He has always had a passion for If ultimately granted, the $50,000 the northern half of the Town, but heritage and following his retire- is just a drop in the bucket com- as an example of shaping historical CAREER OPPORTUNITY HELP WANTED ment from business, including a pared to the project’s overall cost of development. While the proposed long stint at Xerox, he had a “lot of $10 million, which Mr. Albino said significant addition to the Readman ONE OF NORTH FULL TIME PERSONAL time on his hands” to fulfil his includes the purchase of Mr. House would include both museum AMERICA’S largest ASSISTANT/DRIVER passions. McIntyre’s Horton Place at a dis- space and rentable banqueting and financial services companies for business executive in Luckily for him, the perfect is rapidly expanding in this counted price, and the Readman event facilities, they also plan to Aurora. Some evenings opportunity presented itself right House from a local realtor. open up the rear of the properties to area. If you desire a dynamic career with and weekends required. here when local historian John “The Heritage Community connect them to the adjacent Fleury excellent income potential, Clean Driving Record nec- McIntyre looked to his own future. would want to have a governance Park, creating a a through-way for call Ruth Greaves at essary and will be Living in a rambling Italianate 1-888-240-4767. and occupancy role enshrined in pedestrians. checked. Must have been house near Hillary House that has the article, so we want to make sure With a permanent home in the licensed for at least 7 been in his family for more than a that over time we can work with the Readman House, Aurora’s histori- FOR SALE years. Contact century, Mr. McIntyre decided since Town on a partnership basis to cal collections would have two [email protected] or phone he has no direct heirs himself that 50S, 60S, 70S FURNITURE make sure the usages and the adap- homes, in addition to the new dedi- 416.907.9753 for interview. finding a way to secure the home’s FOR SALE – matched French tation of the land are appropriate,” cated museum space at the Cultural Position available immedi- future and make it available for provincial love seats, chair, says Mr. Albino. Centre. Organizers of the park are ately. future generations was in order. After the sale of the homes, Mr. also in talks with Sport Aurora to Queen Anne-style sofa, chairs, Enter “Hillary-McIntyre Park.” Albino says their tentative plan is to have their proposed space as a carved mirror with matching This park, which would combine secure up to $3 million in private home for Aurora’s Sport Hall of sconces, pine open dough box, Mr. McIntyre’s home on Irwin donations and get the back $5 mil- Fame and have a long-term vision of Beattie wash stand, floral Avenue, with Hillary House to the lion from the Town of Aurora’s making their heritage assets avail- chaise lounge, matching end Advertise in north of the proposal as well as the Hydro Reserve Account. able for all to see, something that is tables and vanity with marble Readman House sandwiched “By the time you look at the just not possible in their current tops, woven kitchen chairs The Auroran between the two buildings is the amount of in-kind money, privately settings. with matching glass/teak Classifieds objective. The vision is to combine raised money by the efforts of the “I think everyone is excited table, maple Queen Anne-style Call 905-727-3300 the three buildings into a heritage committee, it would be pretty close about it,” said Mr. Albino. “There is sideboard in great condition park of over four acres that would to when the ink dries...to the 50/50 naturally a concern amongst the with mahogany inlay, and pair ext. 102 leave the two buildings on either range in partnership,” says Mr. councillors and the politicians that of golden woven tweed bucket side in pristine historical condition, Albino. “The estimates need to be the amount of money involved that chairs. Call 905-727-6497. but renovate and expand the middle born out, but that is one of the the plan be very good plan so that building as a new multi-purpose designs we have in mind that the all the estimates be reasonable esti- museum and banqueting hall for Town would be contributing about mates, that they be plausible esti- Aurora. half of it. Ultimately the Town mates and we have high confidence Their vision got an extra shot in would be the owner of it. that it can be done for that amount the arm last week when the Town’s “We would like the feasibility of money.” Diamond Jubilee park planned for northwest Aurora

By Brock Weir Councillors will con- approached staff with a funds which are avail- sider the creation of the suggestion to name or able in the 2013 Parks Celebrations and “Diamond Jubilee Park” re-name a park in the Operations Budget. commemorations to at the committee level Town of Aurora as a fit- In addition to local mark the Queen’s this week “as a lasting ting tribute to Her Diamond Jubilee medal- Diamond Jubilee kicked tribute to Her Majesty Majesty the Queen.” lists, the Diamond off in Canada and Queen Elizabeth.” The Should Council Jubilee was commemo- around the parkette is currently in approve the plan to mark rated in Aurora by the Commonwealth last year place, but all it needs is the Jubilee, the Town planting of an oak tree with parties, a handful the regal moniker. It is will erect new signage in in the Aurora of royal visits, and the located on Woodland the park incorporating Arboretum, special con- creation of a Jubilee Hills Boulevard near the the United Kingdom’s certs, and an eye-catch- medal to celebrate those intersection and con- Diamond Jubilee ing crown on top of the who have given back to tains a kids playground, Emblem, which was cho- Community Christmas their community. a boardwalk, trails, and sen by Buckingham Tree at Town Hall. Although celebra- lots of space for shade. Palace from the work of The Queen acceded to SERVICES tions this year leading “In recognition of 10-year-old Katherine the thrones of Canada, up to the 60th anniver- Queen Elizabeth’s Dewar. A special the United Kingdom, sary of the Queen’s extraordinary milestone Canadian emblem was Australia, New Zealand, Coronation this June are marking her reign of 60 also released by the and a variety of other SPAR-CLEAN a little bit more muted years on the throne of Government of Canada countries around the by comparison, Aurora many communities in to mark the occasion world on February 6, Takes pride could soon get a perma- Canada are very pleased incorporating the 1952. The is the second- Residential • Commercial nent reminder of the to commemorate the Queen’s cipher, a wreath longest reigning milestone Diamond Diamond Jubilee in an of maple leaves, and a monarch in our history. CLEANING SERVICE Jubilee year with the appropriate manner,” diamond design bearing She will, should she Servicing Aurora/Newmarket since 1996 creation of a commemo- said Al Downey, Director the number “60”. retain her current good INSURED/BONDED • Privately Owned and Operated rative park near St. of Parks and Recreation Signage for the park health, surpass Queen John’s Sideroad and in a report to Council. is estimated to be in the Victoria’s 63 year record 905-967-0445 Bathurst. “As such, Mayor Dawe range of $800 to $1,000, in September 2015. THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2012 Page 21

both Hurricanes shooters. faced off against another juggernaut in the league- After the game, coach Richmond said the top scor- leading Trenton Golden Hawks. Tigers went into ers have continued to make the difference for the Aurora owned the first period, with Clairmont Tigers. putting his team ahead 1 – 0 early in the period. “playoff mentality” “I thought McCloy had a heck of a game and so did Entmaa, who received the start after his heroics our captain, Clairmont,” he said. “Our first line, against Newmarket, also closed the door in the first, Angiolella, Kennedy and Lisi were strong again stopping eight Trenton shots. to overtake Hurricanes tonight at both ends of the ice. It’s the same group of However, the wheels seemed to fall off in the second guys that keep doing it for us.” with the Golden Hawks netting four goals on 10 shots. From page 13 Moody said the key to the comeback win was Shawn Mackie led the charge for Trenton, scoring left and a raucous crowd on the edge of their seats, playing with a do or die mentality. back to back goals just three minutes apart. Taylor McCloy fired the puck past Newmarket goalie “We came out a little slow in the first, but we just Dylan Wallace added a goal for the Tigers, but it Daniel LoPapa to tie the game. put it in the playoff mentality and battled through it.” was too little, too late, as the Golden Hawks took off With neither team able to score in the five-minute “Since last week we kind of started trying to play with a 4 – 2 win. overtime, the game was decided in the always dramat- playoff-type hockey and continue that up until play- Aurora capped the weekend with a 9 – 7 victory ic shootout. offs and keep it going.” against Pickering on Sunday night. Robert Angiolella and Taylor McCloy both scored Tigers lose to Trenton, before beating Pickering The Tigers will return home next Saturday, Feb. 23, for the Tigers and Entmaa stood tall in net, denying Just a night after defeating Newmarket, the Tigers for their final regular season game against Pickering. AT YOUR SERVICE A directory of who does what in your community

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OVERHEAD DOORS AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION WOODWORKING Page 22 THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2013 “Aurora Live” festival gets a unanimous green light By Brock Weir posal involved to sell throughout This ultimately stemmed the community not only to Aurora Live, the proposed from Councillors Chris build their own engagement two day music festival for Ballard, Wendy Gaertner, in the Aurora Live program, Aurora in the last weekend of and John Gallo who raised but also give them some busi- July, well, lives. alarm bells on what they felt ness experience, part of their Council unanimously were inconsistencies overall vision for Aurora approved the proposal from between two different pro- youth in exposing them to the Lucid Community posals brought forward by multifaceted business and Development Group, an off- the company. artistic side of entertain- shoot of Lucid Productions, Parks and Recreation ment. last week to host the music Director Al Downey and This initiative, however, Councillors unanimously approved the Aurora Live music festival for the last weekend in festival in Machell Park on Lucid’s George Roche insist- raised concerns from July last week. Members of Lucid Productions, the brains behind the plan, celebrated the July 27 and 28. ed that the proposals were “a Councillor Chris Ballard, decision with Councillors after the vote. From left: Canadian Idol Brian Melo, Councillor The group has been in work in progress” and the who said he had heard from John Abel, Lucid producer George Roche, So You Think You Can Dance Canada’s Miles negotiations with the Town proposal before Council – “smaller groups” that Lucid’s Faber, broadcaster Christine Bentley, Councillor Paul Pirri, Mayor Geoffrey Dawe, since mid-January to host a which called for Lucid pay- going out to business for Councillors Sandra Humfryes and Evelyn Buck, Canadian Idol’s Farley Flex, and new music festival in the ing the regular permit fees sponsorship opportunities Councillors John Gallo and Michael Thompson. Town since the Aurora Jazz and not requiring a previous- might hurt their own ability Fest decided to take their ly floated $25,000 buy-in from to raise funds through selling Auroran photo by Brock Weir operations to Newmarket the Town on a two-year part- ad space, for instance, in after Council opened the use nership – was the deal at event programs. He also that took over the horse said. “I don’t want to see want to see some really great of Town Park up for bids on hand. called on Mr. Downey to do show] wasn’t community what we have seen in the past things. It is important for me their traditional Civic “The proponent submit- “due diligence’ in getting ref- focused. This project is com- for any community groups. I to start off on the right foot.” Holiday weekend. ted documents which we erences from Lucid on their munity focused and that’s Organizers of the new fes- believe needed some amend- previous initiatives. what makes it attractive to tival promise a new kind of ment,” said Mr. Downey. “We Although he and Mr. me. They are coming from engagement of young received them in short order, Downey agreed that asking somewhere else to show us Aurorans through finding we reviewed them, we got a for references would be an how to do it, but it is our peo- and honing young local report back in front of unusual practice as this is a ple and our kids and our com- singers and dancers, as well Council. As I stated last week munity that are going to be private enterprise coming in • Manicure • Solar Nails as established and recogniza- [it] would be my recommen- participating in this festival. I Hollidge Blvd. to essentially ask for a permit • Spa Pedicure • UV Gel Nails ble talent like Lucid board dation we have the propo- look forward to providing on Town facilities, Councillor • Bio Gel • Acrylic members – and Canadian nent come back once we have Ballard said this was a slight- this opportunity once again N Idol winners – Brian Melo approved this in principle to to put Aurora on the map.” • Air Brush Design

ly different situation as there Wellington St. E. Bayview Ave. and Theo Tams, So You this Council with a complete is a partnership aspect Councillor Sandra Walk-ins welcome Think You Can Dance submission identifying between the Town and Lucid Humfryes was also enthusi- Canada’s Miles Faber, and many of the issues Council on this deal, with the group astic about the plan, but her 130 Hollidge Blvd. • 905-727-6030 former Canadian Idol judge has addressed but based on providing support for Town enthusiasm was somewhat Farley Flex. They bill the the event highlights that we initiatives like Aurora Idol tempered, cautioning event as showcasing “Rock have provided in this and Aurora’s Got Talent. Council and staff that as Your Socks Off” talent, hav- report.” Despite these concerns, unique as this opportunity is, ing “spectacular music”, a Mr. Downey added that he the plan ultimately won the it is also an opportunity not to DJ Workshop, “Fantastic requested Lucid put into support of everyone con- repeat the mistakes of the food” and, perhaps a touch writing their agreement cerned. For Councillor past. optimistically, “guaranteed with the terms before Evelyn Buck, for instance, “We need to be on a strong perfect weather”. Council into a letter, which this is an opportunity to put and solid relationship with Although all Councillors was circulated to Council Aurora back on the map fol- this group of talented indi- signed off on the extravagan- and media over Monday and lowing the demise of the ven- viduals and with that all the za, the journey to get there Tuesday. erable Aurora Horse Show. understandings are clear that was fraught with, to borrow The two reports in ques- “Those of us who have there are regular updates to a phrase from Mayor tion were dated January 22 lived in Town for all those Council on progress, status, Geoffrey Dawe, “angst.” and January 28. The latter years really missed that and what is happening,” she “It is essentially a request report was beneficial in that annual event that put us on for a permit that we have it contained more detail, said the map,” she said. “It was a managed to stretch into four Mr. Downey, as it outlined great excitement for the ALL NEW weeks into what seems to be sponsorship and promotion- Town. We knew our place in mostly angst,” said Mayor al opportunities within the the scheme of things and I Geoffrey Dawe referring to local business communities. think although they are talk- back and forth debate and One of these initiatives ing about one event and not recent controversy on what includes going to local busi- more, I think we have needed exactly Council was going to nesses to participate in something like this to come be approving when moving coupon books, in which along since that failed. forward with the Lucid’s pro- Lucid plans on getting youth “[The private enterprise Lucid answered questions before approval By Brock Weir with us, whether that be the Aurora Cultural Centre, Canada Day Before Lucid Productions’ proposal [Festivities] we want to do whatever for the Aurora Live festival was we can to keep things alive. We’re all approved by Council, a number of part of the same thread, a different questions that had circulated in the branch of the same tree. We are a non- community needed to be addressed – profit.” and Lucid’s director, George Roche, Although they are non-profit, when came forward to do just that. Councillor Paul Pirri asked if they Confusion had reigned among some would be making any money on their members of Council, and indeed some operations, Mr. Roche’s reply was a members of the community, over what clear, “Absolutely. Five ways to they were proposing to do in Aurora. Sunday.” Various evolving proposals had been When asked by Councillors, such as circulated with varying statements on Chris Ballard, where they had what, for instance, the Town would be brought their services before, Mr. out of pocket, whether it was an actu- Roche listed such shows as ClearFest al monetary buy-in or waiving permit and said their board brings a wealth fees and providing services in-kind. of experience to the table. Speaking to In the final plan, the Town would The Auroran, he likened the request neither be paying them nor waive fees. for staff to look at their references “It’s a work in progress,” said Mr. akin to “asking Marlon Brando for Roche on the plan. “The January 22 references” when filling slots in a proposal is the one you should be look- movie. ing at. We’re not asking for any “You can, perhaps, understand our money. We’re just going to be bringing concern when we see more than one our talents, and hopefully if you like proposal and we’re not sure which one what we did then we can have a differ- we’re supposed to be basing our judge- ent discussion at the end of all of it. I ment on,” said Councillor Chris think you should look at our recipe Ballard. “You said that the past is his- first. tory, but in my line of work, it is also “Our intention is to promote, col- a good indicator of future success.” Your Local Auto Source for laborate, and partner with the busi- Councillor John Abel was more Hometown Auto Related Stories and News... ness community, make sure we eager to seal the deal. involve ourselves in all the events “We have had a festival four times from a Grassroots, Independent Perspective. going on and anything to do with in the summer and this will be the Aurora as event planners has to do Continued on page 23 THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Page 23 Tax hike stands at 3.42 per cent following final budget talks By Brock Weir to handle facility bookings and per- ultimately put the deferral on the grams. A recommendation was on the mits in the Parks and Recreation table, she said she was disappointed table last week to put this funding in Numbers have been crunched, department. that this matter hadn’t been worked the budget right then and there. deliberations are concluded, and now Al Downey, Director of Parks and into the Town’s new Customer Although some Councillors touted the Aurorans are officially looking at a Recreation, said this position was Service Strategy. environmental benefits such a pro- 3.42 per cent tax hike this year on the needed simply for the volume of work “I really hope that we could build gram would continue to have in Town’s portion of their tax bill. that continues to flow into his depart- on some of the customer service Aurora, others said the fact the pro- This increase, when combined with ment. This area is particularly under- strategies to build that into the plan,” gram is funded in part by the Region the 1.9 per cent increase at the staffed, he said, in the amount of time she said. of York this constitutes “double dip- Regional Level and the static taxes it takes to process each permit An additional item that could come ping” the taxpayers. required by the school boards, trans- request. That, in turn, takes a hit in forward in June is a $10,000 contribu- Smart Commute is expected to lates into an overall increase of 2.02 their customer service delivery. tion to the Smart Commute program, appear in the Council chambers to per cent on the residential tax bill. With the employee complement which provides support for business- make their pitch for future funding It was a long and laborious process they have, which includes both full- es looking to implement carpool pro- this spring. to whittle the municipal tax increase time and part-time staff, 566 days per down from the originally forecasted year would be required to deal with 8.2 per cent down towards 3.42 per the volume they’re facing, but with cent. Some of the most immediate more permits being processed and slashes in knocking the tax hike down turning a part time position full time, nearly five percent was a different more revenue would ultimately be kind of management for the expected coming into municipal coffers as a $400,000 surplus expected to come to result, he argued. the Town as a result of 2012’s tax “It’s strictly a numbers game for intake. us,” said Mr. Downey. “If the trend Although the final beans had yet to continues – and we see no reason why be counted this was the number pre- it wouldn’t – the question is how soon sented to Council by Town Treasurer can we get back to our customers and Dan Elliott. Rather than funnel this how much service can we provide surplus back into reserve accounts, them? It is beginning to cause a prob- Council opted to put the money lem for us right now and we feel if we instead towards large scale hits from address it at this point we will be able the continual phase in of a new crew to deal with the volume we have right with Central York Fire Services and now and some future volumes.” investing in a fund to counteract the Although Councillors ultimately effects of the Emerald Ash Borer bee- voted to defer consideration of this tle, which is expected to sweep matter until June, when the new posi- through the area, killing nearly all tion was scheduled to become a reali- ash trees in its path. ty, some Councillors said they recog- Going into the final budget discus- nized the need. For Councillor John sions last week, the tax increase stood Abel, it was about “doing our very at 3.58. best to...ensure satisfaction” of cus- This was knocked down by 0.03 per tomers. cent by removing the Town’s $9,000 But they also questioned how the contribution to the Aurora Chamber current group of staff members is of Commerce’s Business dealing with this, particularly when Achievement Awards, which has been Mr. Downey said one employee in the postponed to 2014, as well as a further department was entitled to nine Budding artist Angel Waskul, pictured here with Leia Heimamn. tried out a new 0.13 per cent by deferring considera- weeks of vacation this year. For medium last week at Sobey’s painting faces at the grocery store’s WinterFest on tion of a new full time staff position Councillor Sandra Humfryes, who Saturday. Activities organized by employees and volunteers, included games, face painting, taste testing, a clown, and more. All proceeds raised in the event went to Musicians pool talent to Conquer Cancer the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. Auroran photo by David Falconer From page 14 the routine she has been go from strength to day from a bad day to a preparing to make sure strength. good day then I have done she’s in top form for “I knew from the music my job as a musician.” Saturday. that this was me and who At 12-years-old, Megan “The event is really I wanted to be,” she says. Rowan, a student at special to me because the Looking on will be her Devins Drive Public cause is really important mother Tracy. School, will be the and a lot of people in my “I am a proud mom, for youngest performer tak- life have been affected. I sure, just because she ing part in the show. Her have some uncles and wants to be a part of passion is for singing and aunts who have passed this,” says Tracy. she will be spreading the away from cancer and my “Singing is very impor- happiness – and, she Uncle Eric was really tant to her and she has hopes, the inspiration – close to me and I will be been singing since she by performing Miley thinking of him during could talk. We’re really Cyrus’ “The Climb.” my performance.” proud to see her do this “I look at it like I am Music is very impor- and get up before this really lucky to be in the tant to Megan. She said audience.” show, but when I perform her first memory of hear- For more information I don’t want to go in there ing music is something on Conquer Cancer: One looking like the youngest that will always be with Act At a Time, visit con- or sounding like the her and it started a pas- quercanceroneactata- youngest,” says Megan of sion that has continued to time.ca. Lucid clears the air From page 22 like to capture some of keep sewing our needle fifth and you have shown what we’re doing that’s and thread through all a tremendous willing- fascinating. People love the events so people ness to talk with us and a to see it. When you can become accustomed to very detailed proposal,” hand that mother or understanding there is a said Councillor Abel. father a disc and say rotational thing going “The eagerness that you here is your son or on in Aurora, that there have demonstrated to daughter singing on that is more to expect than partner with the Town is stage...but we want to just Aurora Live.” well demonstrated. The focus is there that it is a partnership with the whole community.” Initiatives will be ongoing throughout the community in the lead- up to Aurora Live, including outreach to Water Softening, Purification, local dance studios, arts facilities, and theatre Filtration & Steralization Units companies to engage local talent. tel: (905) 727-6401 8 industrial pkwy.s. “Filming is definitely www.nyhp.on.ca aurora, ontario a possibility. We would Page 24 THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2013

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Tom Mrakas Page 26 THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Page 27 THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 12, 2012 Page 27 Page 28 THE AURORAN, Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Page 28