Aurora Aurora’S Community Newspaper F: 905-841-4395 905-727-7144

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Vol. 4 No. 35 Week of June 22, 2004 905-727-3300 Political debate was “polite”

It was probably the most ing statements by the candidates. anced the books and listed the polite debate on record. Stronach fielded the bulk of promises kept, saying she was Aurora's federal all-candi- the questions from the audience proud of the Liberal record of date debate was held in the Town and took a couple of shots from action. Hall last week and it was a much her opponents, however, she Dorian Baxter, a minister and more civilized event than that dis- seemed to keep her cool. Elvis impersonator, said he was played by the leaders on national In his opening statement, proud to represent the party of Sir TV the night before. Wyatt made reference to the lead- John A. Macdonald and he was However, polite as it was, the ers' debate in which the leader of critical of Peter MacKay and knives were out for Conservative the Green Party was not allowed others who carried out the Party of Canada candidate to participate even though the "dastardly" act of joining with Belinda Stronach from the other party was running candidates in the Alliance and sold out four candidates and the audience. all 308 ridings and were at seven the party for "30 pieces of With more than 200 people in per cent in the polls. silver". attendance from the Newmarket- He stressed the need for a He provided a brief outline of Aurora riding, it was an animated new vision for Canada, one that his career. and informative session that last- included the environment, a more Ed Chudak spoke about his ed nearly three hours. peaceful world and a better place teaching career and his work with Candidates in attendance in to live. the teachers' federation and being addition to Stronach were Daryl Martha Hall Findlay provided an advocate of people. Wyatt of the Green Party; Ed a brief outline of her family life and He noted the NDP stands for Chudak of the NDP; Martha Hall career including her community publicly-funded and delivered Findlay of the Liberals; and volunteer activities. health care, child care, post-sec- Dorian Baxter of the of the She then spoke about the ondary education and the com- Progressive Canadian Loyalist record of the Liberal government passionate role of Canada in the Party. and how Paul Martin had bal- Please see page 15 The all-candidates meeting was organized and moderated by Aurora Councillor John West. Briefly West later noted that the meeting was very civilized as both candidates and audience showed a great deal of respect for each Chinese delegation other. Newmarket-Aurora Liberal candidate Martha Hall Findlay “It was a very polite evening,” The mayor and two companions from the Town of Hancunhe, makes a point during Wednesday’s all-candidates meeting he said. China, are in Aurora this week, and a twinning of the two towns held at the Aurora Town Hall, while Progressive Canadian As the event got underway, could occur. candidate Dorian Baxter studies his notes in the back- West outlined the rules of proce- Mayor Yu Yinghu, will be joined by a senior advisor Mr. Sun dure which included a three- ground. More than 200 people attended the three-hour event Tiaoshan and president of the Hanjian Manufacturing Group Mr. minute opening statement by the that was termed “polite” by organizer Councillor John West. Tian Jie, and the threesome will tour several major sites in the All five candidates fielded numerous questions from the candidates, questions from the audience and a two-minute clos- area. audience. Photo by Matt Haggerty The trip will be highlighted by a reception and dinner in their honour Thursday night at Eaton Hall. While here, the group will visit Magna International, Van Rob Aurora Optimists hold 1st Stamping, Hillary House, Alutron Modules, St. Andrew’s College and the York Region Board of Education headquarters on Wellington Street. official function at Village They will also walk through Aurora’s historical downtown core. Hancunhe is a model village, located about 45 kilometres from By RON WALLACE rear and see the miniature commu- Their venue, the community Beijing. nity that will become a hands-on room of the Village’s 10,000 square- Currently, Aurora is twinned with Leksand, Sweden, but there’s It seemed only fitting. learning centre for thousands of foot main building, had few walls, no no law restricting community twinning to one location, Mayor Tim The Aurora Optimist club, Yo rk Region students...probably windows and was equipped with a the organization that breathed this September. Jones said. temporary lighting system. life into the soon-to-be-opened The train station, church, Never mind. It was an honour . Community Safety Village (CSV), school, and a clutch of businesses for those in attendance to be part of held the first official function at the dot the half dozen streets of the the historic moment, as the site Thursday night. new village. There’s even a hydro- Time's running out Optimists hosted their annual electric tower that will have a kite “Respect For The Law” dinner. attached to it. You'll need to hurry if you still want to be part of Theatre Aurora's The meal was catered, there Auroran Soon miniature cars will be was no alcohol, and if you wanted "Li'l Abner", the hilarious hillbilly musical that will be performed driven by miniature people as stu- photographer to eat, you served yourself. in November. dents learn the many aspects of But the moment was electric. Only two audition dates remain: June 23 and 24 at The Factory safety, and deal with everyday tours the site. From the building that will Theatre on Henderson Drive. perils. See page 10 become the Village’s main educa- The theatre is looking for all ages, teens and up. Book an tion centre, one could look to the Please see page 15 appointment by calling 905-830-9227. LENARD LIND L.H.LIND REALTY INC. Aurora’s #1 Sales Producer 2003! 53 Wellington St. E., Aurora (1 block east of Yonge) Call today for a free property evaluation!** 905-841-0000 www.lhlindrealty.com Ontario’s ONLY...

ISO 9001:2000 REGISTERED **Some conditions apply 2- AURORAN, Week of June 22, 2004 COMING EVENTS IN AURORA

CONTINUING JULY 3 OCTOBER 20 OCTOBER 21 Masons' Rising Sun Lodge meets the Merlin’s Hollow Gardens Open House. Aurora Seniors head to the Stratford Plans are underway at the Aurora first Thursday of each month at The 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 181 Centre Crescent. Festival to see the Cole Porter musical Chamber of Commerce for the Rising Sun Temple, 57 Mosley Street, North of Centre Street, east of the rail- "Anything Goes". Lunch at the Walper "Celebrating Business Excellence in Aurora at 7:30. For further information way tracks. Terrace Hotel. Depart the Aurora Aurora" Awards. Nominate the contact Bob Butler at h.butler@sympa- JULY 6 Community Centre at 9 a.m. returning Business Person of the Year, tico.ca or 905-713-3314. Hike north Aurora parks and the about 6:30 p.m. Cost is $93 for mem- Extraordinary Business Achievement, * * * * Nokiidaa Trail. 9 km, slow pace, 3 1/2 bers, $98 for non-members. Call 905- Innovation, New Venture and Young Entrepreneurs. Network marketing is hours. Meet at the car park on Yonge 727-2816 to reserve. Entrepreneur. available in Aurora. Aurora- St. adjoining Aurora United Church, Business.com meets Wednesdays at one block S of Wellington St. For fur- 7.15 a.m. Group meets at Timberlane ther information, call Stan Butcher 905- Advertisement on Vandorf Sideroad east of Yonge. 773-3960. Contact John Patterson at 905-727- JULY 7 1941. Concert In The Park: The Robert * * * * Davis Snapping Toes Family Music Helping Hands: Gently used clothing Show. Town Park, 7-9 p.m. weather per- for women and children, at Trinity mitting. Anglican Church, 79 Victoria Street, * * * * every Monday, Wednesday & Friday Aurora Seniors head to the Orillia 9.30 - 11.30 a.m. For more information, Opera House with lunch at the call 905-727-6101. Ossawippi Express and shopping at the * * * * Mariposa Market. Cost is $69 for mem- Gamblers Anonymous, every Tuesday bers and $74 for non-members. Phone night, Trinity Anglican Church, Victoria 905-727-2816 to reserve. Street, 7.30 p.m. JULY 10 * * * * Join the run to help Rebecca in the Queen's York Rangers Army Cadet third annual Rebecca Run for Spinal Corps camping, canoeing, first aid, ori- Muscular Atrophy at Fairy Lake in enteering in two to six week camps for Newmarket. This event has raised males & females 12 to 18. Call 905- $175,000 in two years and organizers 726-8600. hope to go past the $250,000 mark this * * * * year. Rebecca is the 4-year-old daugh- Co-Dependents Anonymous, every ter of long-time Aurora residents Tuesday, Aurora United Church, 15186 Adrianne and Piep van Fraassen. More Yonge Street, Aurora. 7.30 p.m. information can be obtained at * * * * www.rebeccarun.com. During the month of June the Skylight JULY 11 Gallery in the Aurora Town Hall will fea- Merlin’s Hollow Gardens Open House. Wendy Gaertner, Aurora Town Councillor and organizer of HOT SPOT ture the artwork of Nancy Newman. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 181 Centre Crescent. Youth Club and Colin Temple, Manager of HOT SPOT, left, congratulate Regular viewing hours are from 8:30 North of Centre Street, east of the rail- a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Perry Kereakou on his wonderful new Bingo facility. "We thank Perry for way tracks. keeping Bingo alive in Aurora. We wouldn't be able to operate our Friday Reception from 7 to 9 p.m. on June * * * * night social evenings without the money we make from our Bingos. Many 15th. Garden Tour, hosted by the Aurora of our local charities and non-profit organizations also depend on these JUNE 25 Garden and Horticultural Society. Visit Bingo funds." Mayor's Blood Donor Clinic, Aurora nine gardens between noon and 5 p.m., Town Hall. including a zen retreat, a Trumpeter * * * * Swan habitat and traditional perennial From 7 to 9 p.m. at the Family Leisure gardens. Tickets, at $10, available at Complex you can learn how to make Black Forest Nurseries, Flowers By New Home? Renovating? Decorating? boating safer. Bring the whole family to Terry, and Mary’s Flower Shop. see the educational booths, get loot JULY 14 bags and have fun. For more informa- I begin by listening! Concert In The Park: The Toronto All- tion call 905-727-3123 extension 3123. Star Big Band. Town Park. 7-9 p.m. JUNE 26 weather permitting. It's Litter Pick-Up Day in Aurora. On JULY 14 and 21 April 24th the first of four litter pick-up Enjoy tea on the verandah of Hillary days, volunteers picked up 2.7 tons of House with family and friends from 2 to litter and roadside debris. Info Aurora is 4 p.m. The cost is $5 which includes a assisting the town and assigning resi- tour of the house. No reservations dents to "hot-spot" areas. Call 905-727- required. If the weather doesn't cooper- 3123 extension 4104 for details. ate tea will be served in the ballroom. Garbage bags and gloves are available. JUNE 28 Also on August 11 and 18. JULY 21 Vote today. Concert In The Park: Chicago Tribute JUNE 29 Anne M. Bensette Band. Town Park. 7-9 p.m. weather per- Join the CHATS Adult Day Program as Certified Window Treatment Consultant mitting. they celebrate Canada Day with a program of activities and special events at JULY 27 the Presbyterian Church at 11:30 a.m. Seniors visit the historic village of Port * * * * Perry, the Great Blue Heron Casino ¥ Your dreams A public information meeting regard- and then cruise Lake Scugog. Call 905- ing the proposed Hydro corridor expan- 727-2816 to register. ¥ Our designs sion will be held at the town council at JULY 28 Sale! 7 p.m. Attend and find out the details Concert In The Park: Dick Smith and up to ¥ Your reality and the possible impact on the commu- Syncona. Town Park. 7-9 p.m. weather permitting. 50% nity. off Selected Items CUSTOM DRAPERY ¥ BLINDS * * * * AUGUST 4 SHUTTERS Concert In The Park: Erick Traplin, Aurora Seniors visit the Canadian BEDDING AND UPHOLSTERY Automotive Museum to view historic children’s entertainer. Town Park 7-9 and famous cars and then visit Cullen p.m. weather permitting. Gardens. Call 905-727-2816 to regis- AUGUST 11 Tiffany’s Creative Window Designs ter. Concert In The Park: Bennie & The * * * * Jets. Town Park 7-9 p.m. weather per- “Affordable elegance for your home” Join the Yellow Brick House Charity mitting. Golf Tournament at Silver Lakes Golf AUGUST 16 Readers choice award - 2003 and Country Club for a day of golf, Aurora Seniors visit Roy Thompson lunch, cocktails, dinner and an auction. Hall for the 16th Annual Royal Bank

For information call Lisa at 905-727- Seniors' Jubilee Concert. Cost is $64 905-830-1510

0930. for members, $69 for non-members. JUNE 30 Call 905-727-2816 to reserve. 525 Brooker Ridge, Unit #101 Dance In The Park (Canada Day cele- SEPTEMBER 8-16 “ Newmarket brations). 7 p.m. to midnight. Town It's an East Coast Adventure for (East side of Bayview, 1st set of lights north of Bayview and St. John’s Sdrd.) Park.Features music by the Fab Four, Aurora Seniors where they visit inter- a tribute to the Beatles. esting sites in Halifax, Lunenburg, JULY 1 Peggy's Cove, Cabot Trail and the Bay of Fundy. Call the Seniors’ Centre for Building a reputation on service” Canada Day celebrations continue. Aurora Leisure Complex. details at 905-727-2816. AURORAN, Week of June 22, 2004 - 3 Town extends Kennel Inn contract one more year

In spite of a detailed brief and a presentation by the Aurora Residents Pet Care Association, Aurora general committee endorsed a staff recommendation approving a one year contract extension with Kennel Inn for animal control services at a cost of $105,000. In addition the committee directed staff to pursue the option of a joint venture with neigh- bouring municipalities for a municipally operated animal control service and pound. Representing the Pet Care Association, Carol Merrick expressed concern about the report. She said in December the association voiced their concerns regarding conditions of the Animal Control Centre as well as the need for the issue to June, July & August be resolved. She pointed out that Graystones Greek Salad after reading the staff report, association members were disappointed in Chicken-Vegetables Stir Fry the lack of action OR addressing concerns of the residents regarding Salisbury Steak with the continued use of the mushroom sauce It was easy to see why Bill Davis was a popular Ontario Premier some years facility. OR ago when he and Conservative Party of Canada Newmarket-Aurora candi- Councillor Bill Hogg date Belinda Stronach visited Aurora Resthaven Nursing Home last week. asked for background Crisp Fried Shrimps Without fanfare or hoop-la, the pair arrived at the Home and spent an hour information on the group, with red linguine including numbers of talking to staff and residents. Many people remembered when Davis was OR premier, and one even asked if he was the son of the former premier. In the members. top photo the pair field questions from resident Dorothy Moore. Below, Mr. Merrick said the Schnitzel on Focaccia Davis and Ms Stronach speak with Resthaven employee Liz Zinn. association had been with fries formed more than a year Auroran photos by Ron Wallace ago and the membership was close to 100. Lemon & Raspberry Sorbet It was noted animal control was comprised of $ 95 Collis plant blamed 19. plus taxes two operational compo- nents; the enforcement section to apprehend Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 5-8 pm stray dogs or cats and to (In-House Only) for creek pollution Please see page 13 Is Collis Leather, out of business for more than a decade, responsible for full polluting Tannery Creek? weight loss Collis Leather oper- 50% off programs!* ated a tannery on Tyler Street from 1910 to 1988. June 22nd to June 30th While a report sug- It’s the gests Collis is the culprit, current owners of the Best Anniversary Sale Ever! % 21ON MOTHER/DAUGHTER REGISTRATION building don't agree, and 50 off for now you really can have it all point out there have been % 50 or betterOFF ALL REGISTRATION numerous tanneries dumping into the water over the years. A town staff report noted that in a typical tan- ning operation, hides were 50% OFF pickled in salt and sulfuric acid then soaked in a solu- tion of chromium salt. PATIO DOORS The principal concern Before was the use of chromium salt. To ascertain impacts the operation may have had, or continue to have, • Fully Personalized Programs on the creek, a sampling of surface water and sedi- • Guaranteed Weight Loss ment was taken. Earth Tech Canada, LIFETIME • Lose Up To 7 lbs. Per Week the consultant, took sam- WARRANTY • Safe, Easy, & Effective ples upstream and down- After stream from Collis in an FREE ESTIMATES FINANCING AVAILABLE (Down 75 lbs., 71 inches) effort to isolate effects from the plant. For a Free Consultation, Call But results were Herbal Magic inconclusive. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND NUTRITION CENTRES (905) 751-1676 Inc. Celebrating our 3rd Anniversary The two surface water Phone (905) 727-7048 www.herbalmagic.ca 14799 Yonge St., Aurora Please see page 13 email: [email protected] * Excludes Product, Based on Full Program 4- AURORAN, Week of June 22, 2004

Poor Richard Councillors need to take control

Councillors do the strangest things, Their wonders to perform; Some decisions are questionable, Causing taxpayers to storm!

- Poor Richard's Scrapbook

After almost 40 years of participating in and observing municipal council meetings, I still have trouble sometimes trying to understand why and how municipal councils make their decisions. Decisions are often hard to come by, but in the broadest sense, before making a decision there should be considerable planning and forethought given to the project before deciding to do something. That includes reviewing all available information, especially in terms of money, time and human and physical resources. For example if a member of council was required to decide whether to take a holiday in Europe or buy a new car, the first step would normally be to exam- ine your finances and make a decision as to which one you prefer. Once you have done this, you visit an automotive dealer or a travel agent. It's called planning. Finances should come first, not after the decision. But in two recent cases, the new recreational There was a time when the Armstrong family was synonymous with the Aurora Horse Show. Elton complex and the seniors centre, a commitment was Armstrong was president of the event from 1935 to 1945, his son William held that post in 1975 and made to the seniors and to ice and pool users, without having a clear idea of how they were going to pay 1976 and his son Munro, was president for 10 years, from 1983 to 1993. William and Munro are seen in for them. the above photograph, taken in 1970, the last year the event was held in the Town Park. Note the old Tenders have yet to be called but the estimated bandshell in the background. The Horse Show was moved to Machell Park and has been there ever cost of the rec complex is $22 million and $3.6 million since. for the seniors' centre. In order to meet some of the costs from future Letters to the Editor development charges, the town is required to grow by about 400 new homes a year for the foreseeable future. This is in spite of commitments made by several Street Festival chairman councillors during the last municipal election that they wanted to bring rapid growth under control. It is now known that the new rec centre will add about $54 to the annual tax bill for the average home- owner. praises workers, sponsors The fiscal impact of the seniors centre on the tax To the editor, Realty Inc, Sylvan 60th anniversary of D- bill has not yet been determined. Learning Centre and T.H. Day. Your words were The strange part of this scenario is that the sen- Re: Street Festival Oliver Heating and Air emotional and reminded iors didn't ask for a new one-storey 14,000 square Best Ever!!!! Conditioning. “Aurora’s us that freedom is very Community Newspaper” foot facility. We would be remiss precious. They were quite happy with council's decision to Published weekly by The The weather was per- not to acknowledge the Valuable committee Auroran Publications Inc. renovate the former library for them at an estimated fect for the 9th annual businesses that provided members were Gary At 75 Mary Street, Unit #3 cost of $1.2 million. Aurora Chamber of assistance and help the Nolan (Diamond Trim Aurora, L4G 1G3 Then out of the blue and without any discussion Owner & Publisher Commerce Street Festival day of the festival: Aurora Classics), Larry Allison Rosemary Schumaker in open council the seniors were offered three on Sunday, June 6th. Esso Centre, Aurora (Town of Aurora), Brenda Editorial options; move into the old library as previously A year of planning Home Hardware, Aurora Snape (Type by Design), Ron Wallace approved, demolish the library and seniors centre to and organizing ended Toyota, Aurora True Debbie Scott (Aurora Dick Illingworth erect a seniors' public/private apartment building on with estimates of crowds V alue, Graystone’s Retirement Centre), Kate Photography the site with the seniors using the first floor and the as high as 40,000. Restaurant and Lounge; MacLean (Jersey's Bar David Falconer basement as a centre, or have their own building on Everyone enjoyed Hallmark Cards, Maria and Grill), Jim Beechy Display Advertising another site. the sights and sounds of Sweets, R.C. Sherwood Bob Ince (Beechtree Marketing), Diane Buchanan Naturally, they indicated their desire for their own over 600 vendors and Sales, Royal Jim Patterson (Burger building. Production entertainers. Woodworking, and Sigma King), Tom Beck (Hartwell Cynthia Proctor But all this came about without any discussion in I would like to thank Promotions. Th ayer Financial [email protected] open council before it had been discussed with the The Auroran for the Thank you also to the Services Group), Ron All Departments seniors and they had expressed their wishes. wonderful coverage of many dedicated Block W allace (Auroran 905-727-3300 Much of the blame for this rests with members of this event and our Captains who arrived on Newspaper) and Brian Classifieds council as in many cases they have abdicated their 905-727-7128 sponsors ACI-Aurora Yonge Street in the early North (Ellis Studios). Your [email protected] elected responsibilities and merely rubber stamp Cable Internet, Aurora morning to mark out the advice and guidance staff recommendations. Facsimile Machine Lodge #148, Aurora booth spaces and to made the festival the 905-727-2620 Elected councillors are supposed to debate and Retirement Centre, Bell direct the vendors, success it was. E-Mail set policy for the municipality and appointed staff is Canada, Bell Financial, together with the Town of And a special thank Advertising Department expected to administer those policies. Diamond Trim Classics, Aurora staff, for their con- you to Rosalyn, Mary [email protected] Somewhere along the way the line between poli- General Automated tinued support of the fes- Lynn and Kathy, Aurora Editorial Department cy and administration has become blurred. Packaging, Howard tival. Chamber staff. [email protected] Staff are assuming more and more control over Johnson Hotel, Kerrson Special thanks to the You cannot imagine Editorial policy the actions of council, as councillors continue to refer Mechanical Ltd., Law veterans who opened the the amount of work they Opinions expressed by colum- issues to staff for a report rather than carrying out Insurance Brokers Ltd., festival, by releasing 60 nists, contributors and letter put into the organizing writers are not necessarily any investigations of their own. Lenard Lind - L.H. Lind white doves to mark the and execution of the those of the Auroran. Letters They seem to have forgotten that they are elect- must include name and phone festival. number, although number will ed to represent the public interest, and that staff are We are already well not be published. Names may appointed by council to carry out council directives, Cheap shot from NDP be withheld assuming a com- underway planning some pelling reason to do so. Letters not the other way around. To the editor, a household chequing special and exciting may be edited or refused. All In most cases you can't blame the staff as they contents protected by copy- account! events to celebrate our right. are merely doing what council directed, although at Re: Blank cheques. The residents of 10th Anniversary in 2005. Advertising policy times they may go too far and make commitments Newmarket and aurora without council's knowledge or consent. I heard Ed Chudak, the are stll trying to recover Kimberley Kerr, Publisher is not liable for slight changes or typographical If order is ever to come to council, councillors NDP candidate, attack the from the dark days of Bob Chairperson errors that do not lessen the must learn to take control, ask more questions, learn Conservative for writing Rae. Aurora Chamber of value of an advertisement. Disputes must be brought to more about what the people want, and take action blank cheques. Commerce the attention of the publisher accordingly. What nerve! Chris Armstrong Street Festival prior to the following edition. It's called democracy! The NDP couldn’t balane Aurora Committee AURORAN, Week of June 22, 2004 - 5 Machell’s Corners by Scott Johnston

Mayor’s Report By Tim Jones Hydro line public meeting June 29

Recently, the issue of electricity took a new Many points were covered on June 10th, unfor- advantage to follow up together. turn for some residents of Aurora with a proposal tunately several members of council, including With appreciation to the emotions that are out from Hydro One to supplement the hydro trans- myself, were unable to attend given other commit- there and the different levels of understanding of mission lines through the existing hydro corridor ments, but also knowing that there was going to be what this project entails, once members of council in Aurora. the Public Meeting authorized by Council on the have all had the opportunity to objectively hear With all the growth in our Region, the need to 29th of June at the Town Hall. from all sides and to understand the options that supplement the power supply has become a real I have asked for a synopsis of the points are out there, we can discuss our approach to this issue. raised at this meeting so that we can ask that issue. Without additional power, existing develop- Hydro One address these issues on the 29th and My understanding is that a decision on the ment at this time may suffer brownouts as early as hopefully move further along with an outcome. route by Hydro One is not to be made until the 2006 or 2007, according to Hydro if not upgraded. Depending on what transpires at this public Fall, which gives council time to understand and This also translates to power for both new res- meeting on June 29th, council, whose next meet- develop its approach. idential as well as for new industry and business. ing after the 29th is on July 13th, can determine If you see something in this column that you On Tuesday, April 20th, John Sanderson, how they wish to deal with this. wish to respond to, I welcome your comments, President of Aurora Hydro, and Gary Schneider of In the meantime, I have asked the Mayor of either through the paper, to the Town Hall by mail Hydro One appeared as a delegation to General Markham to keep me up to speed with how they - Box 1000, Aurora, Ontario, L4G 6J1 or e-mail at Committee of Council updating Council on options are dealing with this should it be to our mutual [email protected] for future growth regarding the proposed reliable transmission supply to northern York Region. Mr. Schneider indicated that it was early in the process and that Open Houses would be held in Cathy’s order to receive public input. He indicated that the Open House pertaining Corner to the Aurora/Newmarket area was to be held in Newmarket April 29, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. At that time I moved and Councillor Morris seconded that the comments be received. The issue came back to our attention after a Life is made of moments Town of Markham Council meeting where Hydro One plans to enhance the corridor through that Over the past year, writing a weekly column has made ing directly at the young man with long hair and an earring, municipality resulted in a large resident turnout me realize that life truly is made of moments. and asking in a very loud voice: "Mommy, is that a boy or a who were opposed to the increase in both the I like to think of this column as a Special Moment, girl?" tower size and quantity through their existing cor- because it's my 50th! Macedonian Moments: When your Macedonian aunt ridor as well as the increase in power transmitted In an effort to celebrate this Special Moment, I printed off tells your other Macedonian aunt how creative you are for through the lines. all 49 published columns and put them into a binder. baking cookies in the shape of little bones.You try to stop her, Issues included the aesthetic intrusion in the Apparently, the festivities will not include fireworks, the really you do. But you just don't tell your aunt that they are area of the corridor, effects on property values Tarzan call, or breakfast in bed. dog biscuits right after she eats one because…well, it's just and the increase in potential electromagnetic The binder looks like it would hold The Complete Works too late. transmissions from the new lines. of Shakespeare. The trouble is, it also looks like it doesn't. Kodak Moments: When you manage to get a rare pic- At the General Committee meeting of Council I am, therefore, forced to continue crystallizing moments ture of your daughter shooting whipped cream into her dad's held Tuesday, June 1st, following the outcome of in black and white, and thankfully, there are millions and mil- mouth…right before you get a rarer picture of dad shooting the Markham meeting and calls and e-mails lions and…here's a sample: whipped cream into his own mouth…and missing. received by members of Council on this issue, I Nostalgic Moments: When getting knocked into next Private Moments: When the pictures are not for sale. requested that council initiate a Public Meeting week by a safety bar at the top of a slide that you shouldn't Tender Moments: When your honey brings you fresh through our Aurora Hydro Company, to be facili- be on (because you're over 30) just before you ram your coffee and The Auroran on a Tuesday morning. tated by Hydro One, and open to all residents of spine another six mm into your brain seems like "the good old Courageous Moments: Claiming "Barbie" as a our Town as well as members of Council so that days". dependent on your tax return. we could hear first hand about what the plans Proud Moments: Telling a Nostalgic Moments story like Serious Moments: When you stay up all night writing were for this expansion and be able to ask ques- it was a good thing and leaving out the part about where the an essay, and your boyfriend stays up all night typing it for tions about any concerns and options that exist- surgeon found your tail bone. you, and in the morning, he decides to go to work and you ed. Humble Moments: When a two-year-old tells you you're decide to marry him. At that time Councillor Morris also made too big for the slide. Nervous Moments: Asking him to marry you as he's council aware of a constituent meeting she had Stupid Moments: When you take out the blue box on pulling out of the driveway. planned with some residents who had contacted the way out of the driveway … then take out the roller blades, At the end of our lives, we will not remember entire days, her in the Town Hall cafeteria for June 10th. the power washer and the sprinkler on the way in. Also known much less weeks, months or years. At the Aurora Street Festival on June 6th, rep- as "a bad day". We will remember single moments - moments that resentatives of concerned residents in both Smart Moments: Putting the blue box on your hus- imprint themselves on our hearts, minds and souls. Markham and Aurora canvassed the people at the band's side of the driveway. We will bookmark moments that we know with unshake- Festival making them aware of the meeting Awestruck Moments: When your children teach you able certainty, altered the course of our lives, and moments Councillor Morris had arranged, and, quite quick- amazing things you thought you didn't know, and when you we will forever wish we had allowed to do so. ly this meeting went from 10 to 20 residents to ask them where they learned that, they say: "From you." Because life really is made of moments. over several hundred. Boring Moments: These are extended moments, com- This meeting, scheduled for June 10th, was monly a couple of hours in a doctor's office. Occasionally, Cathy welcomes e-mail at: laughingmat- switched to the Council Chambers. children can turn these into Embarrassing Moments by point- [email protected] 6- AURORAN, Week of June 22, 2004 Letters to the Editor Council succeeds

By DICK ILLINGWORTH Belated BOUQUETS to the Aurora Master Ducks Swim with tough decision Team on being named the second best Masters site and development council. when it was discovered that Swim Team in Canada, with only the home team To the editor, from Edmonton ahead of the Aurora swimmers funds. The money they have the estimate failed to A new spirit has seized allocated, while substantial, account for a commercial who battled 86 teams to win second spot. Recently, Aurora Town council that will not be is well within the realm of kitchen, which is required Council agreed to allocate denied, resulting in new affordability, while in my by our very own health BRICKBATS to those on the Aurora Historical Committee funds to the proposed funding to a segment of our view, the opportunities they department, and either a for publishing a Town of Aurora Historical building of a new Aurora Town's community long are in the process of creat- sprinkler system or rein- Walking Tour Map and omitting Aurora's Seniors Centre, a develop- overlooked. ing for today's seniors and forced asphalt to accommo- oldest house. It's the Red House, now ment estimated to cost 3.6 Council debated long for generations of seniors to date fire trucks, required by Oakland Hall Inn, on North Yonge Street. million dollars. over this matter, including come, appear to me to be our fire department. Seniors' affairs have excellent commentary, of the highest order. Finding a way to get BOUQUETS to the Aurora Novice Diggers for bringing long been a backwater of interposed with posturing The value that this any project moving is highly home a Silver Medal, after playing seven tough community initiatives. and the inevitable clashes development contributes to commendable, but costs, games in Cobourg. They played Whitby in the However, with Aurora's with councillors wanting to seniors is very much a which should be recognized final game and lost by a score of 7-2 to take sec- population of seniors grow- talk interminably, instead of value of opportunity, and easily with basic expertise ond place. ing in number and vitality, a voting on motions when time and the seniors' spirit- in planning, but not incorpo- new senior organization of called. ed pursuit and development rated into a crucial esti- BRICKBATS to young men, who should know better, who vigour has emerged, bent Ultimately, council has of opportunity will loom ever mate, are valid grounds for take a young lady to a nice restaurant for a on being recognized, and succeeded in accomplish- increasingly in importance. councillors to complain. Sunday brunch and sit there wearing a promises made to the sen- ing a difficult task, and I Fifty-five is the age And to add further baseball cap during the meal. What an ior community long ago, praise them for their individ- which qualifies those who insult to the whole process, insult to the young lady. Men wearing hats are merging with newly ual wisdom, and for their live in and around Aurora to the soil tests on the building in restaurants should be banned like cell phones! recognized opportunities of collective wisdom as a join the seniors' centre, and site, proved to be inade- BOUQUETS to the Aurora Soccer Club on the celebration the idea of lowering that quate, and costly to reme- of their 50th anniversary on July 17, 2004. The age to 50 is gaining inter- dy. celebration will take place at Highland Park on Contributions est. Council has the power the Industrial Parkway South and more than 300 A flaw in the original to identify and correct any members and former members are expected to estimate of cost of con- weakness, in the methods attend. struction escaped detection and systems employed to appreciated and was presented to coun- estimate and arrive at any BRICKBATS to those responsible for preparing the town's cil. of its projected costs, and I notice board. A recent item regarding the To the editor, Thon a tremendous suc- Council accepted the hope this exercise in frus- Aurora Arts and Culture Fund advised that cess we would like to estimate in good faith, and tration will produce a the deadline for applications was June 18, On Saturday, June extend our heartfelt thank employed it to allocate healthier way of conducting 2004 with decisions to be made by July 30, 5th, The Friends of Saxxen you! funds. public affairs in the future. 2005, and awards presented in the Fall of 2004. The 2005 Walk-a-Thon was held at This permitted the proj- date was later corrected to read 2004. Regency Acres Public Friends of Saxxen ect to proceed, only to be Bryan Warburton School. Trust Fund confounded subsequently, Aurora BOUQUETS to Queen Elizabeth on her 78th birthday, The walk-a-thon was Aurora which she celebrated on June 12th, with a held in support of a young grand show of royal pageantry. Her real birthday boy who had suffered 3rd was April 21st, but her birthday is always cele- degree burns to a large brated on a Saturday in June. portion of his upper body in an accident on Tuesday, BRICKBATS to those at the town hall for spending consid- May 4th. erable time developing a communications A number of students, plan and then not clearly communicating staff and friends from the with ice user groups and imposing a $20 community attended the per hour surcharge to help pay for the new rec complex after walk-a-thon. the ice users had started to register at the previous rate. They had collected Bouquets to council for deferring the charge until next year, sponsors door-to-door and rather than changing horses in mid-stream. the donations and support they received was fabu- BOUQUETS to Councillor John West for organizing and lous. hosting an all - candidate meeting for federal and Many businesses also provincial elections over the years in the council contributed with donations, chambers of the Town Hall since 1993. In May, food and prizes. Their sup- 1997, the town's administration committee rec- port is greatly appreciated. ommended the town's policy of charging for the use of the All the donations will council chambers be upheld. It was defeated on a 5-3 vote be going to support after a lengthy debate. Saxxen and his family and the many expenses they BRICKBATS to Aurora Council for attempting to override will incur. the Municipal Act with the town's proce- To all of those whose dural bylaw. The legislation is quite clear efforts made this Walk-a- that the mayor, or a committee chair, as a member of council is required to vote on all issues. Failing to do so is a negative vote. Why does council keep insisting that ALL - IN - ONE the only time the mayor votes is to break a tie? The people have a right to know where the mayor stands on issues. What's there to hide?

BOUQUETS to Gaetan Triggiani's Grade 11 class from Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School for the honourable mention the class received from t B I

i d n the Office of Francophone Affairs and the a

d r e v e n a e

r g k Commissioner of Official Languages. The stu- C C a s f A t g t m c dents created a website titled "Aurora, une communaute o t i r c e d e o o francophone en emergence". n e n i u r t L M n

t Like a good neighbour, State Farm is there. AT PRIME

PETER VIRTANEN, CLU 220 Industrial Pkwy S. Unit 37 Mortgage for a Rainy (Across from Aurora Hydro) Aurora, ON NATIONAL BANK 905-727-8400 OF CANADA &Sunny Day Debbie Matthews

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company * Canadian Head Office: Scarborough, Ontario 2 Orchard Heights Blvd. Aurora, Telephone: (905) 727-3686 AURORAN, Week of June 22, 2004 - 7 Letters to the Editor More silly stuff…

To the editor, situation has resulted in pledged not to do. 4. The provincial Liberals more "silly stiff". Silly Stuff. were going to cease "privati- In October I wrote a let- ¥ a minority govern- 3. Greg Sorbara, before the zation" of hydro, according ter to the editor who was ment is forecast; provincial election acting in to their election propagan- kind enough to publish ¥ a quarter million dol- a "holier than thou" manner da. Last week they set up a same. lar scandal has been discov- called for investigation of the new agency to determine I'm told it was the ered; Aylmer meat situation and hydro needs - public and/or longest such letter pub- ¥ Mr. Martin as Prime the resignation of several private. The agency is to lished, although only five Minister from October to ministers because of the have no political interference items were noted. June, has not done anything tainted meat. On being - except how will the Liberal The results now of the and is having trouble elected Mr. Sorbara claimed party get bodies to fill the five items are as follows: defending "non-action". "no comment" because of positions in the agency? 1. There has been no recon- Silly Stuff. the on-going police investi- More Silly Stuff. sideration of the Liberal 2. The Premier of Ontario gation of the tainted meat. 5. We'll have to wait to see party leadership convention. won a majority government Or was he so quiet because the outcome of Aurora Since that non-event and and then shot his foot off by of his problems with Hydro - the company with ascension of Mr. Martin, the raising taxes - something he the Ontario Securities one shareholder - namely This 1947 Buick was one of several vintage Commission investigation the Town of Aurora. Buicks on display during Aurora’s Ninth Annual and his role in a public com- Silly Stuff. Street Festival held recently. Former Aurora resi- pany? And he forgot to tell dent Keith Horsfall was impressed by the event Federal funding Dalton? D. H. Peirce and is looking forward to next year’s 10th Silly Stuff. Aurora anniversary, he says in a letter below. needed for cure DAMIR VRANCIC LAW OFFICE Street Festival To the editor, $75 million. It is time for the federal BUSINESS LAW, If federal politicians government to provide REAL ESTATE, involved in the election funding for cutting-edge WILLS & ESTATES crowd, activity campaign are truly commit- research that is needed to ted to improving health care find a cure for this life- 905-841-6411 in this country, they should threatening disease. Providing valued and trusted legal advice since 1983 wows visitors be addressing a serious We ask all candidates disease that costs Canada during this election cam- more than $10 billion a year paign to answer this ques- the numbers have been To the editor, in health care costs, absen- tion: If elected, what actions steadily increasing over teeism and lost productivity. will you and your party take the years. STRAWBERRIES We awoke to a cool The disease is dia- to increase federal All the vending spots sunny day in Alliston and betes. Juvenile, or Type 1 research funds for Juvenile had been sold, however, left early for our drive diabetes, is the most severe (Type 1) diabetes? ARE HERE the possibility of rain into our previous home form of diabetes as it If you really care about scared some of them town, Aurora, where for strikes infants, children, health care - step up to this away. the past nine years and young adults. challenge. There was live enter- Yonge Street has been It has affected our tainment at various ROUND THE BEND closed to vehicular traf- family's life. Jim and Corey Jackson spots up and down fic from Murray Drive to Our 16-year-old son Aurora FARM Yonge Street, including a Wellington Street while has had Type 1 diabetes pretty good Elvis imper- vendors line the curbs since age 6, and he has to U-PICK sonator. and people fill the street. take insulin to survive. Two fearless people For the past five years, He is at risk of develop- WE PICK strolled up and down the Diamond Trim in Aurora ing devastating complica- street on very high stilts, They’re ready to go! We has sponsored a car tions which include: blind- having fun with kids and show in conjunction with ness, end-stage kidney dis- also have asparagus, beef adults alike. the street festival, usual- ease, nerve damage, heart steak tomatoes, honey, At the close of the car ly attracting 100 cars of attack, stroke, amputation jam, pies and treats. show, awards were given New to the community? various years and inter- and even death. out as a result of car est, some restored, There is no cure but Expecting a baby owners' voting, a beauti- some customs and some Canadian researchers at your house? ful 1957 Chevrolet modified. have made tremendous Newly Engaged? And, we still have picked up 1st place, a Diamond enlists the advances towards a red Corvette, 2nd, and a New Business/ a great selection help of the Aurora potential cure. 1956 Lincoln 3rd, all in Professional? Classic and Custom Car We are world-leaders all a great show. A Civic minded of hanging baskets, Club to make sure the in this area but the lack of Oh yes, the owners car show is a success. federal funding for Type 1 Business interested annuals & perennial flowers also participated in a This club holds a diabetes research pro- in sponsoring draw for gifts donated by cruise-in in the grams has held us back. Welcome Wagon? various sponsors, mainly Canadian Tire parking Take a look at the OPEN Diamond Trim. Brian & Sue Feddema lot on Sunday evenings United States - it recently Weather permitting Next year's event will If you fit into one of these and all are welcome. committed $750 million to 16225 Jane St. be the 10th anniversary. categories and have not Mon- Fri 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. By the time we arrived funding Type 1 research.Yet Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. I suspect the organizers been 905-727-0023 in Aurora, it was cloudy the Canadian government of this fantastic day will contacted by us, CLOSED SUNDAY and still cool, however has all but ignored this have some surprises up Please call the mood was hot and important research area. their sleeves. 905-853-4645 Please call ahead for picking conditions fun was to be had, along The Juvenile Diabetes Congratulations to the with lots of food and Research Foundation tireless people who put other items on vendors' (JDRF), the world's largest A long hard hours into set- tables. non-profit, non-governmen- ting this event up and We lined up in our tal funder and advocate of "Date with Dorian" making sure everyone assigned spot, close to diabetes research, is help- has a good time. PC CANDIDATE FOR NEWMARKET-AURORA Murray Drive, and man- ing fund researchers. aged to save two spots Its commitment in Keith Horsfall for our friends, Hugh Canada over the past few Dorian A. Baxter Alliston Schedlich with his 1965 years has been more than An open Q & A session at the: Riviera and Linda Smith with her 1973 Riviera (Linda was also vending Aurora Public Library Do you have an 15145 Yonge Street in the street sale). investment portfolio After visiting for a Friday, June 25th, 2004 while, Wendy and I set or a collection off to judge the cars then of what used to be 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. wandered up and down "the truth shall set us free" Yonge Street visiting good ideas? for more information, please call along the way. Coach @ 905-727-2199 More than 40,000 peo- Stephen Forsey CIM, FCSI, Investment Representative ple showed up to enjoy JONES, GABLE & COMPANY LIMITED (Member CIPF) "FREE ADMISSION and Refreshments" this annual event and 905-726-9343 Limited seating 8- AURORAN, Week of June 22, 2004 Letters to the Editor Neighbourhood noise goes on continuously

To the editor, er year and a half it took to of life as a result of the to enjoy our backyard as a ing permitted hours there is needs of its residents. build the house there. noise. result of the noise. nothing they can do. As a result, we have no Various neighbours on This noise goes on daily, There is continual dust, It is 6:45 in the evening Upon querying the town alternative other than to Kennedy Street West have with loud saws cutting and, as a result, the various now, and we are unable to councillors about changing launch a costly and lengthy had to endure the daily con- through rock, and bobcats, neighbours are unable to enjoy a quiet evening as the the bylaws to prohibit such law suit should we wish the struction noise at 200 which seem to run continu- open windows. noise continues. long and noisy construction noise to be stopped. Kennedy Street West, which ously for 12 hours a day, six The noise is so loud that The matter has been periods in built up residen- The town should seriously has been going on now for days a week - winter and we are even unable to enjoy raised over the past year tial areas, there was a consider changing bylaws close to two years as the summer! peace and quiet inside our with local bylaw officers and reluctance to change the to prohibit neighbours so people living there have As a result, for the third homes. town councillors. bylaws, as, according to inconsiderate such as this undertaken a massive land- summer now, we are unable Today, for instance, is a Although quite sympathet- them, this would set a bad which allow construction scaping project. to use our backyards, and beautiful Saturday. ic, however, as the con- precedent for any develop- projects to go on for close This is in addition to anoth- enjoy a reasonable quality Once again, we are unable struction is taking place dur- ers coming to town. to two years (and who So, in other words, the knows how much longer?) town is more concerned Election is about trust, reader says about keeping the needs of Berend Koopmans developers happy than the Aurora To the editor, around a question about Aurora. draw attention to himself to her contributions to the Just like the Liberal Party, promote his church. It's all about trust. community, a question she needs to come clean He is making a mockery of I am surprised that many asked by a former Citizen of and stop beating around Elections Canada and our MODEL BUILDERS people in Newmarket- the Year in Aurora. the bush. whole elections process. (AURORA) LIMITED Aurora are still unaware She spoke about the On the other hand, Dorian Dorian, a Minister of the that Liberal candidate Couchiching Institute and Baxter is claiming on his Cloth needs to tell the 59 INDUSTRIAL PKWY. S. AURORA Martha Hall Findlay is a other organizations…none signs and literature and in truth. parachute candidate from of which are in our riding! his speeches that he repre- He represents the 905-727-5661 Collingwood. She is apparently renting sents the Progressive Progressive Canadian RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL I attended the candidates' in Newmarket and has con- Conservative Party. Party as confirmed by BUILDERS AND RENOVATORS debate in Aurora and was tributed and volunteered He is obviously doing this Elections Canada. SINCE 1956 appalled that she skirted nothing to Newmarket and to create controversy and Just so you're clear, Dorian, Belinda Stronach is the Conservative candidate in our riding. Candidate chose This display by these two candidates as they attempt to mislead the voters of this great riding is disgusting. This election is all about Newmarket twice trust. I urge my neighbours to To the editor, as putting myself through ences with which most of consider the truth before university and law school, the residents of casting your ballot June I would like to address a starting and running a Newmarket and Aurora 28th. (905) 727-0309 number of questions small business, worrying can identify. about where I live. about the mortgage, and Steve Hinder I live in Newmarket. juggling the needs of a Martha Hall Findlay Aurora I was not born there. growing family, are experi- Newmarket I actively chose to be there - twice. I first moved to Sean Herbinson Sales Representative Newmarket 20 years ago, with two small children and a third to come. Put your PC to work Our first house was on Hamilton Street, just Earn $1400 P/T - $5000 F/T south of Gorham. This is, therefore, the Training and Support provided second time I have cho- sen Newmarket as a Visit place to live, something www.curemoneyproblems.com which I think speaks vol- or call 1-800-377-2076 Selling homes in Aurora umes about my commitment to the community. for more than 12 years The important qualifica- tions for an MP are not OLD AURORA! 88 CATHERINE AVE. where one is born, but how well and how effec- LD tively your choice can SO represent you in Ottawa. I have lived and worked in other parts of Canada, too, including Alberta, and abroad - experiences that will make me all the more effective as the MP for this riding. Super Backsplit! Old Aurora! Most recently I have Fabulous value, 3 bedroom, hardwood, ceramics, cork Lovely bright 3 bedroom bungalow in a much sought after lived in Collingwood flooring. Terrific family area close to schools, parks and area of Aurora. Strip hardwood floors throughout main level. amenities. Private back yard. Asking $289,900.00 Large mature lot accessible from walk out basement. Plenty because of my children’s of room to expand. Asking $334,999.00 involvement in competitive ski racing which is headquartered there. I am proud to be regard- ed by the Liberal party as a ‘star’ candidate; encouraged to run here because of my ability, my skills and my experience, and to do so in a riding with which I clearly have a connection. ABSOLUTELY CHARMING Incredible Value! Charming 3 bedroom (plus loft) historically designed 2150 Sq. ft. 4 bedroom home in NE Newmarket. Close Indeed, when I started home in Mill Pond area of Richmond Hill. Built in the to schools, parks, shopping, and easy access to 404 my own firm eight years 1840’s and lovingly maintained to its original style its for commuters. $339,000.00 proximity to Yonge brings it close to all amenities. ago, my first client was a Asking #339,000.00 business in Aurora, and I am pleased to have since had several others here. 905-727-1941 Frankly, I believe that YORK GROUP REALTY INC. [email protected] my life experiences, such AURORAN, Week of June 22, 2004 - 9 Letters to the Editor Reader wonders about mayoral conflict To the editor, interest. That's what he lenged Mayor Jones on tiations. CEO of our Town and as meetings. If you believe Mayor claims. the events leading up to Mayor Jones claims he member of the Finance This is interesting, Jones, you'll believe that He stated that it was a the mayor's belated dec- only facilitated the meet- Committee, during nego- because during the 2001 somehow he wasn't resident that made him laration of his conflict. He ing and did not partici- tiations about hundreds non-union (Mayor's aware that negotiating aware of his conflict. also challenged the pate in the discussions. of thousands of dollars, spouse) salary negotia- his spouse's pay Councillor Kean, to his Mayor's recollection of What the mayor is he sat there and had tions, the mayor declared increase was a conflict of credit, publicly chal- his role during the nego- telling us is that as the nothing to say! his conflict prior to the Councillor Hogg, in an issue being voted on. attempt to reach closure If he knew he had a con- Storm drain not a kids’ playground on the issue and move flict of interest then, how on, claims that he has was it he didn't know he To the editor, It contains dog, cat, this is not an appropriate exploring well under the been aware for at least had one this time? goose and duck feces activity. street. two sessions of council The question, contrary Sitting on my front porch, (poop) and pesticide run With the summer break By the way, Aurora, when that the mayor's wife to Mayor Jones' claims, I noticed an alarming situ- off. coming soon, the urge to will this park be land- ation. Children with open sores cool off needs to be coun- scaped properly so that worked for the Town. And is not to what degree he Children are swimming in can get infections and if tered with education. other than looking aesthet- that nobody would be participated in the meet- the sewer run off/catch the water is swallowed can To the Town of Aurora, ically pleasing, the illegal surprised to find the ings, but more important- basin on Birkshire Drive in lead to intestinal problems. please consider “no swim- dumping of yard waste can mayor in a conflict of ly when was he really Aurora and entering the This applies to all catch ming” warning signs and a be stopped? interest. aware that his spouse storm drain to play. basins, not just Aurora. better system to prevent It sounds like everybody worked for the Town and This “pond” is not safe for To parents, please children from entering into Randy Brown but Mayor Jones knew negotiating her salary either activity. instruct your children that the sewer system and Aurora that he was in a conflict was a conflict of interest? of interest and shouldn't have participated in, or Walter Mestrinaro Writer blaming wrong politician even facilitated, the Aurora To the editor, - all the time telling us created it, not the ones JBP Smith how fiscally responsible who inherited it. Aurora Re "McGuinty should they were. ONUMENTS BY be charged" by Diane I agree that "govern- M Schedlich. ment books should be HOMPSONS A New Approach to Memorial Design. open to all political par- T I could not agree more ties at all levels prior to * Granite markers and monuments with your annoyance and an election...." * Cemetery lettering and restoration * Bronze markers and vases outrage at the current However while I am Custom cabinets and built ins. * Serving all cemeteries and nationalities state of affairs in our very upset at the recent In house design, manufacture and * Portrait Etchings provincial government, budget - especially with installation. Quality and Satisfaction Guaranteed however, I'm surprised regards to the changes Day, Evening and Weekend Appointments that you think that in the health system, I Residential and Commercial. McGuinty should be do feel that the blame for 905-727-5421 charged with fraud when the money shortage (905) 716-7817 29 Victoria Street, Aurora L4G 1R1 it was Harris/Eves who should be placed at the Thompson Funeral Home is proud to be part of overspent by $25 billion feet of the people who Service Corporation International (Canada) Ltd. Te a m M a r tin Martha A Paul Martin Government will: • preserve universal health care for all Canadians • ensure greater funding and consultation for communities like Newmarket and Aurora • restore Canada's place of pride and influence in the world Martha Hall Findlay agent of Martha Hall Findlay Authorized by the official Newmarket - Aurora www.marthahallfindlay.ca 905 895 2444 10 - AURORAN, Week of June 22, 2004

Village readies for opening

Within months of its official opening, York Region’s Community Safety Village hosted its first function Thursday night when the Aurora Optimists held their annual “Respect for the Law” dinner there. At the top is a layout of the village, including a list of firms involved in the project. To the right is a series of pictures taken during a tour of the site. At left, Optimists gather in the still to be finished community room of the 10,000 square foot education centre. Below, the presentation is made to Police Officer of the Year Stuart Betts, centre, by Aurora Optimist President Ken McIsaac, while York Region Police Chief Armand La Barge looks on. Below, a surprise presentation was made to The Auroran for its ongoing coverage of the Village. Auroran Editor Ron Wallace, centre, receives the award from former Optimist Rich Boyne, left, and Steve Hinder. The Village, expected to officially open in September, is located at Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area on the Stouffville Sideroad, southeast of Aurora. AURORAN, Week of June 22, 2004 - 11 Scenes from Aurora’s annual Horse Show

Auroran photos by David Falconer NOW’S THE TIME!

BRUCE CHAPPELL FRANK METE To start thinking All - new 2004 models now in stock. about that new AVEO, EPICA, MALIBU MAXX & more SPORTS kitchen for fall AURORA HOME HARDWARE BUILDING CENTRE 289 Wellington St. E. 905-727-9444 Aurora ¥ 905-727-4751

Page 12 Week of June 22, 2004

AMBA – Scores June 20/ 04

Baseball / Date Division Team Score

June Mosquito Priestly Demolition 10 Remax Realty 8

June 15 Natures Emporium 14 Dr. Orschel Drillers 13

June 17 Priestly Demolition 10 Fully Completely 7

June 09 Bantam Home Hardware 10 Aurora Cable Internet 9

SOFTBALL / Division Team Score Date

June 16 Squirt Interworld Paper Overseas 12 Powell Plumbing 12

June 17 Powell Plumbing 16 Interworld Paper Overseas 14

Turnout for the annual Rick Hanson Wheels In Motion event last week in Aurora’s Town Park was disappointing, according to organizers. Only a handful of participants showed up to take part in the Saturday afternoon event. Auroran photo by David Falconer Barbs' teams lose and tie rugby games

The Aurora minutes. through by featured some really big Barbarians First Women’s Aurora, however, the 8-man Virginia forwards, the Barbs gave Rugby Team (OWL) lost could just not put a try Edwards. as good as they got. their first game to last across. Tara Doctorow also Scottish scored first, year’s champions, the The game featured kicked a penalty. but Aurora was able to Toronto Scottish, hard nose-to-nose con- Both women’s teams answer soon after. Saturday, tact broken up by some play the Toronto Irish on The rest of the game 44-8. break-away tries by the Saturday. was a chippy see-saw www.watsonsfamilykarate.com The score, however Scottish backs. Meanwhile, the battle that ended in a 17- does not accurately Aurora took some Aurora Barbarians 17 draw. reflect the game on the consolation by scoring Second Women’s Rugby Barbs’ tries were field. their prettiest try this sea- Team (TRU) played a re- scored by scrum-half TRIAL PROGRAM Scottish scored a son. scheduled game Tuesday Karen Chrobak and Watson’s Family quick opening try but the The Barbs took a ball night at Sunnybrook Park winger Sarah Moussadji. Karate School 40 Engelhard Dr., Unit #9 Barbs then pinned them through six phases before against the Scottish 2s. Fullback, Val Evans, Aurora 905-727-7144 behind their 22 for 10 full it was finally punched Although the Scottish kicked one convert.

Aurora Youth Soccer Association • Lessons • Training • Leasing • Sales ¥ Lessons for the beginner to the JUNEJUNE TOURNAMENTTOURNAMENT advanced rider on safe school horses & ponies A very big thank-you goes out to all our players, ¥ Training for the Trillium, “A” circuit, coaches, parents, club volunteers and staff on a Hunter & Jumper and 3-day. • 60 x 170 indoor area fantastic June Tournament. • 2 outdoor jumper rings Good luck for the remainder of the season. See you all at our REGISTER NOW FOR season-end tournament: August 20 - 22. SUMMER DAY CAMP 3125 Vandorf Sdrd., Gormley (10 MINUTES EAST OF AURORA, AT WARDEN) Sponsored by: (905) 888-RIDE (7433) Home of the Eglinton Pony Club www.kingequestrianclub.com ¥ Email: [email protected] AURORAN, Week of June 22, 2004 - 13 Kennel Inn gets new contract From page 3 a surprise visit earlier that enforce the provisions of day. the municipal animal con- He said it was old and trol bylaw, and the pound run-down and needed a facility, which provides facelift, but the care and care for pets the concern for the ani- picked up or abandoned. mals was good. The committee dis- Additional contract cussed the possibility of costs were blamed on establishing a municipal- higher fuel and insurance ly-operated pound to be costs, and higher fees for funded by participating leased vehicles. municipalities, but more Clerk Bob Panizza research was required.. said the increase was Councillor Evelyn over budget and attempts Buck said Kennel Inn had would be made to cover it provided service to the from other areas. municipality for more than He noted that to use 29 years with no problems the a similar facility in and it was a local firm Georgina would cost employing local people. $128,000 to $140,000. Councillor Ron The motion to Wallace noted that one of approve the year the questions asked by extension was adopted, the association was if with an amendment that members of council had staff continues to visited the facility. research alternatives for Wallace admitted he consideration prior to the hadn't but paid Kennel Inn 2004 budget. Central York Fire Services Captain Art Bellar, second from left, received his long service medal in a Stocks Bonds GIC’s ceremony held in Mississauga recently. Bellar has been involved in local firefighting for 25 years, dat- Mutual Funds RRSP’s ing back to the days when Aurora was served by a volunteer fire department. His wife, Brenda, also attended the event. From the Fire Marshal’s office, Bernie Moyle, left, and Doug Crawford, made the Barry M. Hill presentation. 2 Orchard Heights Blvd., Unit 16 Aurora, ON L4G 3W3 905-726-1989 www.edwardjones.com Lawyer says it's all right Member CIPF to hold offsite workshops th How council meet- been recommended and agreeing to a proposal to accept the amendment 40 Anniversary ings are conducted and the issue arrived at make sure it wasn't a as the practice used in how effective they are council's general com- meeting and council the past of the head of SALE RESIDENTIAL depends on established mittee meeting last week wasn't protecting the council only voting to REVERSE OSMOSIS rules of procedures, the with committee member- public. break a tie had worked DRINKING WATER SYSTEM personalities involved ship and workshop meet- This resulted in well and there was no accusations that there reason to change it. Enhancing your; Drinking Water, Beverages, Cooking, Pets, and how the procedural ings still unresolved. $ 40 Aquariums, Steam Appliances bylaw is understood and At the meeting were insinuations coun- Councillor Evelyn 240. During the month of June Reg. $299.00 Model # R050TFC-5 enforced. Councillor Phyllis Morris cil was doing something Buck said if councillors wrong, which was denied wanted to know where A bylaw governs the asked for clarification on 8 Industrial Pkwy.S. workings of council and the section dealing with by Morris, claiming she the head of council Aurora helps ensure all issues workshops. was only concerned stood on an issue they Tel: (905) 727-6401 are dealt with consistent- George Rust-D'Eye, about taking business could call for a recorded ly and all councillors are of the legal firm of Weir away from the public. vote. aware of the ground Foulds, provided a legal Others pointed out The town solicitor the only way council advised committee mem- on Yonge rules. opinion and concluded a Italian Restaurant Aurora has had a municipal council is not could adopt anything bers that in accordance was in open council and with the Municipal Act, EE procedural bylaw over precluded from assem- REE the years and it has been bling its members in an the issue had been all members of council FFR debated to death. had a vote and failure to ENTREE amended periodically by informal workshop or Purchase any lunch or dinner entrée at reg. price & receive another members of council. retreat, with or without The vote was 5-2 in use it is deemed to be a lunch or dinnerentrée of equal or lesser value for Back in March the presence of staff, to favour of the Wallace negative vote. FREE maximum value $20.00 motion. In response to a Open for Dinner Tues. to Sun. 5 - 10 pm enquiries were made receive information or Open for Lunch Wed. to Fri. 12 noon about a review of the advice under certain Just when it was suggestion that council thought the debate was invoke a notwithstanding 15150 Yonge St., Aurora procedural bylaw, which conditions. (905) 751-0986 (across from the Aurora Library) had been discussed at a The assembly must over, Councillor John clause to the effect that previous meeting. It had not be referred to as a West questioned why it the head of council's fail- been suggested a work- meeting, nor take place was necessary to amend ure to vote would not be shop session be held to at the time of a regularly the bylaw to require the considered a negative review the bylaw. scheduled meeting, his head of council or com- vote, the town solicitor Councillor John West report said. mittee chairman to vote agreed to check it out disagreed with a work- No proposals or recon all issues. and report at the next shop and gained support ommendations for action He said he couldn't meeting. for councillors to submit could be put before the comments regarding members, or any votes, changes to the bylaw. decisions, recommenda- Wedding Cakes The issue came to tions be sought or made, the fore following a it said. Event Catering retreat held in January at He prepared a draft the Nottawasaga Inn fol- bylaw as a proposed and Pastries lowing the municipal amendment to the proce- Gluten & Sugar Free election. dural bylaw to enable the Councillors Phyllis holding of workshops or Specializing in: Morris, Wendy Gaertner retreats. Betty Fiebig • Wedding Cakes and Nigel Kean refused Councillor Ron Director • Fine European Pastries to participate as it was Wallace recommended • Hors D’oeuvres held outside the munici- the workshop section 41-4 Industrial Pkwy South CALL pality and that it was not including the draft pro- Aurora • Gift Baskets FOR A a meeting in accordance posed by the solicitor be 905-727-5198 • Event Catering FREE with the Municipal act. approved. TRIAL Other changes to the Morris opposed that Winner of the “Small Business of the Year Award” procedural bylaw have saying councilors were For Aurora 2003 - 2004 14 - AURORAN, Week of June 22, 2004 Computer reluctantly welcomed in the 70s Today computers are The very thought of issu- cash flow. taken for granted in business, ing four tax bills a year, two Taxpayers liked the small- schools and at home with even interim and two final, almost er payments, even though they young children computer liter- drove them into a frenzy. had to make more of them. ate, but it wasn't always that They claimed the citizens Some senior citizens even way. would ride members of council asked for 12 payments so they In March last year, council out of town on a rail. could budget on a monthly authorized its staff to engage a In spite of opposition, basis, but that was too much for consultant to update the 1997 council approved leasing the the staff. computer systems study and computer unit and to start issu- Some time later the town submit a comprehensive ing two interim bills and two returned to two interim pay- report and recommendations. final bills after the budget had ments and for 2004 the pay- Council was advised been set. ment dates were February there was a need for a new Aurora became the first 23rd and April 26th. technology plan due to small town in the province to Besides getting the tax increasing demands for have its in-house computer bills out sooner and more often, greater access to public infor- and was written up in Civic the computer proved invaluable AUSOM mation. Administration, a national in printing out cost breakdowns Other problems identified municipal magazine. for projects, especially those included old technology in As a result of obtaining which received a provincial night hardware and software, includ- the unit staff was able to subsidy. ing the need for a new financial process the tax bills much A monthly statement The Aurora School of system designed to integrate faster and with prompt pay- showing revenues and expen- Music (AUSOM) held its human resources and payroll. ment of taxes, the improved ditures with a comparison to annual musical show The report suggested a cash flow not only covered the the budget was provided to last week in Aurora. five-year implementation plan town's operating expenses, it members of council with up-to- provided a bank balance gain- date information as to the finan- Above, guitarists Julia estimated to cost a total of $1.8 million with $610,000 required ing interest. cial situation of the municipality. Henderson, left, and in the first year or about a one In 1972, for the first time, By 1976, a larger comput- Devon Miller, prepare per cent tax increase on the the town didn't have to borrow er was required and this time for their number “Hold 2004 tax bill. money from the bank for oper- there was no opposition from My Heart”, while It was quite a bit different ating expenses, not only saving council members, the comput- money but gaining approxi- er had proved itself. pianist Daniel Walker, back in 1969 when then Clerk Treasurer Bill Johnson recom- mately $20,000 in interest. Since then the system plays the “Pink mended to council that some By this time the council has been updated several P anther” theme. type of an accounting/billing old-timers thought the comput- times and is now used for sev- Dozens of musicians machine be acquired for tax er was the greatest thing since eral purposes, all designed to performed for a large billing purposes. sliced bread and readily provide more efficiency in car- agreed to a switch to three rying out the town's business audience at Tuscany’s At that time tax bills were issued once a year and were interim and three final and keeping staff, council and and numerous awards prepared manually. installments to increase the the public better informed. were presented. They were usually issued Auroran photos in September or October and by David Falconer by that time the town was required to borrow heavily from the bank for town operations until taxes were received. With the growth of the Marianne Mulhern, B.A., B. Comm. community and the change Sales Representative Fundraising committees from a rural to an urban setting, “Let me open new doors for you” it became obvious that changes were needed. (905) 727-1941 for projects discussed At the time the town had a [email protected] population of about 10,000. 15004 Yonge Street Council authorized Aurora, Ontario L4G 1M6 Last April Aurora member of council, one and the ice and aquatic Johnson to investigate what Council approved the representative of the sen- users and if the finance machines were available and to make a recommendation. establishment of two iors centre, one member committee's terms of ref- During his investigation fundraising committees of the public and a liaison erence included the two he discovered a small comput- for the new seniors' cen- representative from the sub-committees. er unit from McBee, which was tre and the recreation finance committee. It was also suggested compatible to the town's billing Quality Decks and Fencing complex. The membership for there be a coordinating system, as McBee cards were Deck and Fence Power Washing and Restoration The target set for the the recreation centre was body, so they could work being used. Professional Home Improvements seniors' centre was the same except repre- together on some projects In his report to council, Johnson recommended the ¥ Basements, Additions, Renovations $250,000 but no target sentation would come and on their own with oth- McBee unit on a $7,000 a year Call for FREE ESTIMATE had been set for the from the ice users and the ers. lease agreement for a trial peri- Tel: (905) 726-3735 recreation complex. aquatic users. It was also suggested od. Serving Aurora & Area Staff prepared terms Councillor Evelyn the seniors be left on their Included in the report was of reference for two sub- Buck pointed out the own and two committees a recommendation that the committees, which were seniors had established be established, one for town convert to an interim billing process to generate presented to a general their own committee and the ice users and the cash flow to reduce the committee meeting last had already collected other for the aquatic amount borrowed from the week. $40,000, and those users. bank. The sub-committees efforts shouldn't be Due to the urgency of Some of the old-time FANMAN SAVES YOU MONEY! would report through the curtailed. getting started, it was members of council opposed finance committee. Questions were agreed staff would meet the idea of acquiring a computer on the basis the town had The membership for asked if the terms of ref- with the three user groups got along without one for years the seniors' centre com- erence had been dis- and bring back a report and there was no need to Spring Specials on mittee would include one cussed with the seniors as soon as possible. change. CEILING FANS CRIMINAL Jaguar Gymnastics DEFENCE Come see our 1500 sq. ft. SUMMER CAMP BEGINS SOON BAIL YOUNG lighting showroom OFFENDERS FULL & 1/2 DAYS AVAILABLE Competitive try-outs for fall: WILLS, REAL July 5th - 8th,12th - 15th, Table/Floor Lamps/Ceiling Fixtures ESTATES ESTATE 19th - 22nd,26th - 29th Susan E.Tucker Parent and tot classes, recreational, special needs program, CALL FOR HOURS Lawyer & Notary Public FAMILY pre-competitive, competitive, adult programs, 220 INDUSTRIAL PKWY., S., AURORA LAW 905 727-7775 and birthday parties. 905 841 7598 6 Vata Court, Unit 6 & 7 (off Edward) 2 blocks east of Yonge, AURORA 905r841-2832 AURORAN, Week of June 22, 2004 - 15 Safety Village opens in September From page 1 Area, on the Stouffville Not that people didn’t Optimists from project.” groups will switch. Students will even learn Sideroad, just east of try. Richmond Hill, Newmarket Outside, one area, on The educational curricu- how to escape a burning Highway 404, south and east From an idea that was and Keswick attended the the main street, remained lum is currently being written building, and while there of Aurora. born five years ago at an historic event. Everyone had empty, too small for a build- by both York Region school won’t be fire, there will be And if there is one dis- Aurora Police And a guided tour of the property. ing. boards. smoke, and doors that are appointment among the Community Together (PACT) The $3 million project, The Optimists have The program will target hot to the touch. group who worked so hard to meeting, the Optimists front- being built under the watchful named it the Bob Hartwell students in Grades 1 though The site is located on make this concept a reality, ed the project with $30,000 in eye of VanBots Construction, Rest Area, in honour of the 3. 5.7 acres of land at the it’s the fact the Village isn’t in seed money, then set out to is within $350,000 of its goal. popular former Aurora coun- Meanwhile, the Village Bruce’s Mill Conservation Aurora. find a nice spot in Aurora for Three rooms in the main cillor who died while partici- will not sit idle after school the Village. community building are still pating in a marathon run in hours. Three years later, a for sale, but the rest of the October, 2001. Plans are to accommo- dozen leads exhausted, the project belongs to develop- Once opened, the date programs covering Candidates’ club was still without a site. ers, banks, fast-food outlets, Community Safety Village is young driver training, Driving force behind the governments, and one build- expected to handle about women’s safety, pedestrian project, former police officer ing is sponsored by every 120 students a day. safety for seniors, drug and current Aurora resident Rotary Club in York Region, Sixty will be scheduled awareness, Neighbourhood battle turns Steve Hinder was Master of Aurora included. in the morning, and the Watch, internet safety, street- Ceremonies Thursday, as the “Five years ago, this was remainder in the afternoon. proofing, among others. Optimists hosted York just a dream.” Aurora Of the 60, half will study Actual grand opening Regional Police Chief Optimist President Ken with a uniformed police offi- date has not been set, but into polite Armand La Barge and hon- McIsaac told the Thursday cer and the other half will officials are hopeful it will oured police officer of the audience. “Steve Hinder has learn fire prevention. Before coincide with the start of the gathering year, PC Stuart Betts. worked his butt off on this each class ends, the two upcoming school year.

From page 1 the question of the legality PVR Service world. of the party was before the HDTV Ms Stronach said courts and the party could Newmarket/Aurora was her be dissolved prior to the Already at 17 high definition channels, the home and that it was a election. advantage of ACI cable television is clear. great community to live in There were other flur- HDTV We continue to add new HDTV services as and raise a family. ries among candidates as quickly as we can get them. Global TV was The former Chief the evening wore on but approved for HD signal distribution last week Executive Officer of Magna, West kept strict control of and we expect dozens of channel licenses to be she outlined her career and the meeting and all candi- 9 Mbps Internet approved in the next year. her work over the past 15 dates thanked him for years with the Hoedown organizing the meeting. HDTV has been part of the cable television world that had raised millions for In their closing state- since 1987 but is only now gaining momentum. Until local charities. ments the candidates sum- Digital Plus now, it has suffered from the classic chicken-and-egg She stressed the need marized their platform and syndrome: in order for people to purchase a new for a strong voice in Ottawa asked for the support of (and, right now, still expensive) HDTV set, they need as citizens of the area voters. to see good programming in HDTV format. For deserved better. It is doubtful if the Data Comm. program producers, television stations and specialty During the question debate changed the opin- television channels to make the investment in HDTV period approximately 20 ion of many voters in the programming, they need an audience... questions were asked of audience or the wider audi- which more than half were ence on Aurora Cable Regular 4:3 aspect ratio vs 16:9 HDTV aspect ratio directed to Stronach, which Internet, but it provided the OnCable17 she handled quite capably, opportunity to see the can- as did the other candidates didates in action on a one- in their responses. to-one basis. The questions included Stronach defeated Lois Time Shift the future of health care, Brown to obtain the nomi- disability legislation, future nation as the candidate for of the Canadian the Conservative Party of Broadcasting Corporation, Canada. Free Services gay marriages and abor- At that time it was HDTV dramatically improves picture quality. Where thought John Taylor, son of tion, Koyoto Accord, tax standard definition televisions show pictures that are Newmarket Mayor Tom cuts, star wars, sponsor- "drawn" with hundreds of lines every fraction of a Taylor, would be the Liberal ship scandal, deficit, pro- second, HDTV doubles or even triples the number of candidate. Special Offers portional representation, those lines. Depending on your television set, you volunteerism, multicultural- Both he and Stronach may also be able to view movies in their original ism and the role of the had attended Newmarket widescreen format, instead of viewing the narrow military. High School and for a while format of standard television. When viewing a A French student it looked like a re-match of SOHO smoother, more complete television picture, you get asked a question in French the Stronach/Taylor battle which Hall Findlay in 1988 when Frank the feeling you're "really there." answered in French. Stronach, Belinda's father, Stronach made a brave defeated Tom Taylor for the Bundles In order to receive and enjoy HDTV programming on attempt and added she was federal Liberal nomination, your HDTV set, you will need a decoding unit installed working on it. Chudak which Stronach won, only whether signals arrive via satellite or cable. added some levity to the to be defeated by Tory John evening by saying he was Cole. Pay TV ACI offers a choice of two digital HDTV set-top bilingual and spoke in Later Taylor withdrew decoders. Both decode the HDTV signals and all other Polish. his name from the nomina- digital television signals you wish to receive. The Stronach and Baxter tion race claiming the ever second model also contains a personal video recorder fought it out over the legal deepening scandal sur- (PVR), another advantage over satellite tv which name of Baxter's party with rounding Liberal govern- Pay Per View cannot provide a single decoder with HD and PVR Stronach claiming use of ment expenditures caused features in one. the words "Progressive him to back away from fed- Conservative" was illegal. eral politics. Regardless of how much television one views, high Baxter retaliated by This resulted in the WiFi definition television will be popular with all who value saying Stronach's party nomination going to Martha the quality of the viewing experience. was illegally conceived and Hall Findlay. Want to know more? WOOT Please call 905-727-1981 or visit www.aci.on.ca Find Out What your Home is Worth On-Line Treasure Hunt visit: Community TV It's for you! www.QuickOnlineEvaluation.com In Aurora and North Richmond Hill for Cable TV, Internet, Data and more ReMax Omega Realty (1988) Ltd. 16 - AURORAN, Week of June 22, 2004 Creek pollution From page 3 mended a plan be examples submitted for designed to prevent any metal analysis had concen- further off-site migration trations of aluminium, iron and to remediate the prop- and phosphorous exceed- erty. ing the water quality objec- A public information tives. meeting to inform property In the sediment sam- owners abutting Tannery ples there were no metal Creek in the general area concentrations that from Wellington Street exceeded the lowest effect West to Aurora Heights level upstream, but there Boulevard is also planned. were a number down- Spokesman Jeffrey stream from the Collis loca- Miller, representing Maple tion and the creek was sig- Leaf Foods, told committee nificantly polluted, accord- members he had only ing to MOE sediment quali- received the report days ty guidelines. earlier and asked for time Confirmation, howev- to properly review the er, could only occur if report. appropriate site investiga- He said there had tion is undertaken, but been two or three tanneries since the site is private, the upstream from Collis owner should be asked to Leather, plus metal-work- conduct the investigation ing and other industrial and report the findings to plants which should be the town and the MOE. investigated as possible Staff recommended problem sources. the report be forwarded to Miller said information the Ministry of the on the other sites would be It was a colourful event recently at The Rising Sun Lodge of Aurora Masons when Roy Lacey, David Bradley, and Environment with a request available for council this Gerald Arthur were presented with their 60, 50 and 25 year Long Service Pins. In the photo are, front row, left to that they require owner week. right, Gordon Forbes, District Deputy Grand Master,Toronto District 6; Gary Atkinson, Deputy Grand Master; Gerald Maple Leaf Foods to identi- In spite of Miller's Arthur, David Bradley, Past Grand Master; Paul Andersen, Worshipful Master; and David Todd, Past Grand Piper. In fy the extent of the contam- request for a deferment the the back row are, left to right, Douglas Hotham, Terry McLean, Chairman of the 150th Anniversary of The Grand ination. committee endorsed the Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario, to be held next year; Harold Foote and Jack Patterson. It was also recom- staff report. Employment lands LEATHER GOODS • OPEN TO THE PUBLIC • PRODUCTS START AT $5.00 • All LEATHER REPAIR should stay that way, • CUSTOM DESIGNS Tel: 905-713-3753 consultant suggests 225 Industrial Parkway South Unit # 7, Aurora, ON L4G 3V5 place in 1999 when HOMPSO As part of the five face on-going pressure about 360 acres, of which council came under pres- Funeral Home year review of the official for the re-designation of 240 are located in the T N sure from Bayview plan Aurora Council employment lands for Wellington/Highway 404 29 Victoria St., Aurora Wellington North regard- Phone 905-727-5421 * Fax 905-727-0037 identified a number of other urban uses, espe- business park area. ing an official plan Directors: initiatives that were to be cially residential, in order That area is the sub- Brent Forrester - Jacqueline Baak - Rich Kroeger - Gena Maher - Taylor Brown amendment to re-desig- undertaken following the to increase the value of ject of a public planning nate employment lands review. the land. meeting this week. to residential. The development of Employment land The other 120 acres Council gave into the a strategy to retain refers to land previously are distributed through- pressure and rezoned employment lands was designated industrial and out the town's older, several acres of prime established as a priority. which now refers to busi- largely developed indus- www.dignitymemorial.com industrial land south of Last December ness park designation trial areas. ~ Cremation, Burial & Memorial Services the St. John's Sideroad ~ Pre-Arranged Funeral Plans ~ Monuments, Markers & Inscriptions council authorized the which permits an inte- In addition to the cur- between the Industrial ~ Affordable Cost Options engagement of a con- grated mix of employment rent designated supply, Proud to be part of Service Corporation International (Canada) Limited Parkway and Bayview. sultant to undertake the activities including limited approximately 200 acres task of developing a institutional, community of employment land has strategy, with the guid- facilities, retail sales and been proposed for the ance of planning staff, service commercial uses. lands northwest of Leslie the economic develop- It was also noted that and Wellington, common- ment officer and legal it is important to maintain ly known as the 2C lands. counsel. a balance between popu- It was recommended The main message lation and employment. that studies submitted in in the report, which was Employment growth support of the re-desig- presented to council is beneficial to the com- nation of employment recently, is that employ- munity in promoting a land be subject to a full ment land is a critical better live-work relation- peer review. land use for the town and ship, a greater diversity in Council received the as such changes to lands property assessment and draft strategy without designated in the official a longer term net fiscal debate and directed staff plan for employment benefit. to continue to work with uses will not in general The current designat- the consultant. be considered except in ed net supply of employ- It was unfortunate limited circumstances. ment land in Aurora is the strategy was not in The strategy points out that an amendment to the official plan should THE only be considered if the LIGHT SPOT applicant can demon- AURORA’S NO.1 LIGHTING STORE strate that the site can- • 100’s of Unique Lighting Ideas not be developed for ¥ Wholesale Prices valid planning reasons, such as site configura- ¥ Lamps and Lampshades tion, access, or sur- STORE HOURS rounding land uses. Mon., Tues., Wed. 10 am - 6 pm 15570 Yonge St., Aurora Thurs. 10 am - 9 pm The consultant point- Fri. 10 am - 6 pm 905-727-7347 ed out that council will Sat. 10 am - 5 pm AURORAN, Week of June 22, 2004 - 17 RUMOURS AND RAMBLINGS Lions Club came to the rescue for this man Back in early 1989 a resident of Richardson Drive and Lake Simcoe. A MAIDEN SPEECH was driving to work in Toronto when he hit a patch of But the new contact stabilization process recently black ice on Bloomington Road, spun out of control installed at the plant, described as sophisticated by It was Friday, January 12, 1973, when York-Simcoe and ended up in the ditch. authority officials was seen as benefitting the whole MP Sinclair Stevens gave his maiden speech in the He was thrown out through the passenger door and area resulting in the letter. House of Commons. ended up 40 feet from the vehicle with a broken Following reading of the letter at the council meet- He noted that the riding covered an area that had sent spine and was told he would never walk again. ing, Councillor Dick Illingworth suggested it be many distinguished representatives to the House. After nine months in hospital and a rehabilitation framed and hung in the municipal offices. He listed the Right Hon. William Mulock, Hon. Sir centre, he returned to his home in August, 1989, Allen Aylesworth, Herb Lennox and the Right Hon. which had been renovated for his needs with mem- BUILDING IN AURORA IN 1970 William Lyon Mackenzie King, who represented a por- bers of the Aurora Lions Club doing most of the work tion of the riding for a brief time in the 1920s, but had saving the injured Dennis Burke more than $16,000. The rapid growth taking place in Aurora today is a a tough time holding the seat. A caring community! major change from the more serene days of the (In 1925 Herb Lennox defeated Prime Minister 1970s. Mackenzie King). RADIO STATION HELPED There was a total of 170 residential building per- From 1925 until 1963 the northern part of the riding mits issued in 1970 with the average permit value was represented by the Hon. Earl Rowe. In August, 1991, Jennifer Laughlin, Kristine $14,829 compared with 184 permits in 1969 at an Stevens said that to follow in the steps of such gen- Chandler and Shelagh McCartney, all 16, of Aurora, average value of $15,820. tlemen was a great honour and a challenge. hoped to go to Cuba to play field hockey in the Of the 170 units in 1970, 22 were for apartments. At that time the riding of York-Simcoe covered the Canada/Cuba Sports Festival. area from just north of Toronto to the outskirts of Barrie However, they had difficulty raising funds to cover WHAT HAPPENED? and included such urban areas as Stouffville, Aurora, air fare and accommodation. Newmarket, Bradford and Tottenham. A community-based campaign headed by CKAN In 1903, a provincial government commission of Issues at that time included in Stevens' speech were Radio in Newmarket took on their cause and raised enquiry recommended a provincial government the Pickering Airport, commuter rail service in York the required $2,700 the girls needed and they head- agency should be given the responsibility of provid- Region, red tape in housing programs and the cost of ed off for Cuba. ing cheap electricity. housing and gridlock on the Don Valley Parkway. Three years later, another enquiry said the Not much has changed! LET'S FRAME IT province should also own and operate all electrical transmission facilities. Summer of '04 may Council members are used to getting complaints, As a result, the Hydro-Electric Power Commission Summer of ‘04 may but receiving a compliment is rare, especially when of Ontario, the forerunner to Ontario Hydro, was bebe Hottest Hottest ever!ever! it comes from an unexpected source. born. In October, 1968, the Holland Valley Conservation Sir Adam Beck established the Power Commission Is your home ready? Authority, now the Lake Simcoe Region on May 7, 1906, to bring hydro-electric generated "HOME SMART - 22 Point Clean & Check" Conservation Authority, complimented the town for power from Niagara Falls to southern Ontario com- for your Central Air Conditioner. *$10.00 off its far-sightedness in its expansion of the sewage munities as people's power. Book Now! treatment plant. The motto of Hydro at that time was Dona Naturae We Service All Makes... O ... our 80th year! For previous years the town had been a bit of a vil- Pro Populo Sunt (The Gifts of Nature are for the lain to the authority for its overtaxed sewage facili- People). 905.727.4258 Turn To The Experts *with*with this this ad ad www.click4comfort.com ties causing pollution downstream into Newmarket What happened over the years? expiresexpires June June 20/04 30/04 Focus on: IDENTITY THEFT

100 John West Way www.aci.on.ca/aurorapact Aurora, Ontario L4G 6J1 E-Mail: [email protected]

Executive Members: • Guard your mail. Jeff Agro - Chair • Find out how personal identification information Betty Pedersen - Secretary involves illegally obtaining Identity theft will be used before sharing. Marie Leone - Treasurer another person's personal statistics, such as name, address, date of birth, social insurance • Pay attention to bill cycles. Follow up, if one does not arrive Committee Members: number, maiden name, financial data and any on time. other personal and business data. • Use discreet, hard to crack passwords. Rick Collett Vince Greco • Minimize the number of credit cards you carry. Pam MacDonald Totally new identities can be created using Marianne Mandryk available information from different sources. Once • Keep items with personal identification in a safe place. Suzanne Reiner this information is obtained, it provides criminals • Give out your social insurance number only when Kim Rogers with an effective tool to commit any number of necessary. Ron Wallace crimes in the name of another person. Police Liaison: • Shred all old bills, bank statements and any correspon- Supt. Don Kirk dence containing personal information that you no longer Const. Matthew Pike Prevention is the key…the following is advice need. to minimize the risk of becoming an identity Police Liaisons: theft victim: • Never give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet, if you don't know with whom Supt. Don Kirk you are dealing. Const. Matthew Pike

P.A.C.T. CRIME STOPPERS 1 - 800 - 222 - TIPS (8487) (Police and Community Together) is still looking for This page is proudly sponsored by: new committee members. If Hartwell Thayer Financial Services Group you are looking to serve your Providing professional and personalized services community contact us at: to York Region for more than 50 years. 100 John West Way, Box 1000 2 Orchard Heights Blvd., Unit 23 Aurora, Ontario L4G 6J1 Aurora, Ontario L4G 3W3 Or e-mail at: Aurora: 905-713-9870 Toll Free: 1-800-668-8976 [email protected] PARTNERS IN PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITY Fax: 905-727-5749 www.hartwellthayer.com 18 - AURORAN, Week of June 22, 2004 Merlin's Hollow : A peaceful sanctuary

When you think Merlin's sored by the Ontario Ministry and the design of open a few shrubs around the found in Canada. Word soon from the winter garden to the Hollow, you think David and of Natural Resources to space areas as a landscape perimeter of the property. spread and the number of perennial, fragrant and rock Dierdre Tomlinson. One design and implement a architect. In subsequent years visitors increased until now and water, including a frog belongs to the other and practical hands-on wildlife He worked on the plan- they cut beds which they more than 2,000 arrive each pond. vice-versa. management project. ning of Skelmersdale, one of filled with plants collected year on their open days. The garden has People come from far Winning awards is noth- the first new towns in from horticultural society Throughout the years become a sanctuary for and wide to see the more ing new to Tomlinson.Prior to England. auctions and by the third the gardens continued to wildlife including more than than 1,800 species of flower- coming to Canada from He also worked with year it looked so colourful evolve with each spring 90 different species of birds ing plants on view in the England, he won several in Manchester as chief land- and varied that they decided bringing something a little over the years and several series of gardens that has his native land. scape technical officer on the to share it. different, from the traditional species of butterflies. It's a become known as Merlin's His first award on arrival new town of Milton Keys and From that modest to the exotic. sanctuary for people, too, as Hollow. in Aurora on August 14, won awards for both proj- beginning, they planted The gardens were some return year after year. This year the gardens 1977, was for his design of ects. more than 1,500 plant designed by David and each For further information will be open from 10 a.m. to the Mono Cliffs Provincial Shortly after his arrival species, some not normally has its own distinct character call 905-727-8979. 5 p.m., July 3 and July 11. Park with Aurora heritage in Aurora, he and Dierdre The garden is also open at artist Dorothy Clark McClure started Merlin's Hollow, a other times for special events doing the illustrations for his horticultural heaven in their to aid local non-profit organi- proposal. backyard and added to it zations. Tomlinson also won over the years. But to landscape gar- awards for his design of the It's a magical space, as deners across the nation, Botanical Gardens in there are a series of gardens David Tomlinson is the win- Venezuela and a recreation within a garden, with plants ner of two prestigious facility for the mentally and from all over the world. awards, the Honour Award physically handicapped in It may be hard to find from the Ontario Society of Alberta. but it's worth the search. Landscape Architects and He was born in Merlin's Hollow is locat- the Award of Merit from the Manchester, England, in ed on Centre Crescent, off Canadian Society of 1934. Gardening came easy Centre Street, just west of Landscape Architects. to him as his father, grandfa- Industrial Parkway. The awards were for his ther and uncles were all pro- It was in February, 1977, design of the 18-acre fessional gardeners working when Deirdre Tomlinson put Fletcher Wild Life Garden on on large English estates. a provisional offer on the the Experimental Farm in He quit school at age 14 property on what she Ottawa. to become a gardener and described as a little piece of He was commissioned other than his two years in Paradise, about three-quar- by the Ottawa Field the British Army, he worked ters of an acre and a house, Naturalists to design a six- for the City of Manchester subject to approval by David acre site and a 10-acre site parks department until he when he returned home from as a natural habitat for birds, was 26. He later worked at a commission in Calgary. waterfowl, butterflies, and the Royal Botanical Gardens Originally the property Dierdre Tomlinson spends as much time in Merlin’s Hollow as she does any- other creatures. and Kew Gardens. had been an orchard for the where, and her efforts, along with husband, David, are visible for all to see. It was part of the By this time he had farm at the end of the road. The incredible gardens feature plants from all over the world, and the area is Community Wild Life become involved in develop- They didn't do much the first open to the public on certain days throughout the summer. Involvement Program spon- ment control as a planner couple of years except plant Auroran photo by Ron Wallace OAK RIDGE MEATS Contrary to what you may have heard We ARE open for Business NO BULL! YOUR BBQ HEADQUARTERS SELECT AGED BEEF GRAIN FED CHICKEN HUGE SELECTION OF SAUSAGE KABOBS

Wellington Street onge Street Y

15531 Yonge Street Aurora TEL: 905-841-MEAT AURORAN, Week of June 22, 2004 - 19

F: 905-727-2620 CLASSIFIEDS T: 905-727-7128

Special rates: non-commercial word ads: $20.00 (+g.s.t.) four weeks or, $15.95 for two weeks (+g.s.t.) maximum 15 words (Applies to word ads only) Commercial: Classes, workshops and course calendar $7/wk min. 6 weeks. More than 65,000 copies delivered to Aurora residents each month! Call today.

FOR SALE TRADE-IN FURNITURE HELP WANTED COMPUTER HELP SERVICES AVAILABLE

CARPET - I have TRADE-IN FURNITURE, HAIR DRESSER AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING ENGINEER several thousand T.V. STAND $30; WANTED full or Leading Tier 1 manufacturer is seeking to hire a COMPUTER PROBLEMS? yards of new Entertainment Unit $85; part-time call to Manufacturing Engineer with 7-10 years experi- Stainmaster Recliner $40; Sofabed inquire 905-727- ence in a machining/assembly automotive pro- Help with software and 100% Olefin $150; Sofa & Chair $125. 1369 duction environment. Strong knowledge in CNC installation, hardware carpet. I will carpet Many more items avail- machining is a must, along with working knowl- problems, things just not your living room & able. D-mac Furniture, ESTABLISHED working how you think they DANCE STUDIO in edge of DoE, SPC, FMEA, APQP, GD&T, ISO hall for $389. Price Aurora 905-727-6403 or 14000 & TS 16949. Experience in continuous should. Will come to you so includes carpet, pad 877-663-6626 Aurora looking for you don’t need to unplug and installation (30 dance teacher with improvement programs and improving operation uptime is essential. anything. Free estimate, square yards). Steve minimum 3 years reasonable rates, nothing PAINTERS HOME/GARDEN 905-898-0127. DAYCARE AVAILABLE teaching experience. Interested candidates should fax their resume to charged if nothing fixed. HOME DAYCARE. ECE. Proficient in all disci- INTERIOR Lawn Cutting, garden- PINE HAR- experienced. Tax receipts. plines & levels. Fax (905) 713-0985. Deadline for submissions is Call 905-726-9992 or, email & EXTERIOR ing, tree service, VEST TABLES References/meals 905- Resume to: 905-841- Monday June 28, 2004. Please note that only [email protected] painting. 25 years painting, yard work, V ARIOUS SIZES 727-1252 3823 qualified candidates will be contacted. experience. No job etc. YR Handyman Starting at $475.00 Per too small. Brothers Services Call Rob Nielsen: 905-726-2233 AUCTION SALE Painting. A Div. of 905-392-2002 FOR RENT YR Handyman USED BOOKS FOR HELP WANTED Services. Call Roy Classifieds SALE. Thousands of 2 BDRM. APT. 905-898-7681 905-727-7128 used books, all ages, all Completely AUCTION SALE categories, filed by furnished. A1 AURORA MONDAY JUNE 28, 2004 – 6 p.m. author. New mezzanine condition. Yonge KING CITY COMMUNITY CENTRE - King City, Ontario is now open. Book and Major Hwy 400 to King Rd. East 3 kms to First St. East of Keele St. South off King Rd. collection grows every Furniture, Glass, China, Figurines, Silverware, Artworks, MacKenzie area Books, Collectables & Misc. day. Open Mon. to Sat. Richmond Hill 10:a.m. - 5:p.m. 75 Mary CLEANING SERVICE PREVIEW: 5:00 p.m. Day of Sale. $1500/mth 416- TERMS: Cash or Cheque w/identification Street, Unit 3, 905-727- 564-4330 AUCTIONEER DAVID BEASLEY, ICCA, CPPA 3300 CLEAN TRADITIONAL, METICULOUS and Phone/Fax (905)727-6585 SUITABLE WITH CARE Full Details At: www.auctionsfind.com/beasley SWIM PROGRAM experienced, effi- trustworthy euro e-mail: [email protected] FOR SINGLE cleaning call Eva 905- “Repairs to all makes and models” professional, quiet, cient, thorough AQUAQUEST home cleaning with 726-8719 416-737- Gordon Davidson PROGRAM luxurious one bed- 8795 COMPUTER SERVICES room separate an added personal Have fun while learn- touch 905-727-2353 ing to swim! Contact entrance, fac- Providing Solutions & Remote Possibilities Bus: (905) 727-5538 ing ponds. French T ED ARSOV SKY Liam Herbinson at MODEM MIXER Cell: (905) 717-7208 905-841-2391 doors, marble tiles, no pets. $1000/mth inclusive. Call to Service Solutions Computers Digicams FULL SERVICE PRINT Special Sales Resolutions Printers Scanners inquire 416-564- Troubleshooting Modems Networks 4330 & Training Software & FULL SER- For York Hardware VICE PRINTING: Announcement Region Upgrades LAWN CARE FLYERS & distribu- MURALS Free On-Site [email protected] Call to Book tion. Do you have Assessment 905-841-6877 an Appointment CUT & TRIM your own layout and MURALS PLAYFUL www.modemmixer.com WHIMSICAL to lyy design or would OOnnl Available Some Evenings and Weekends FROM like it built? classical realistic. Any Competitive rates. room in your home or $ 95 BUSINESS SERVICES Call Cynthia for an office. Classically $49.99 appointment. 905- trained artist in +gst Florence, Italy. On City 14. A MONTH 727-7128. AURORA’S BUSINESS Line TV - Home Day. Call Serving Aurora & Newmarket Call Judy 905-726- SERVICE CENTRE 8883 Auroran This is the actual Call Eric for a free estimate Classifieds size of your gradua- ¥ Digital Colour Advertise 905-727-7128 tion photo along $ AURORAN with 15 words. 14845 Yonge St. Unit 6 ¥ Courier Service 416.564.1781 for Aurora to book (50 cents a word after ¥ Laminating & Binding that) as little as CLASSIFIEDS your spot 905-713-1632 ¥ Fax Service in AURORAN Classifieds5 Fax: 905-713-1633 GORDON 905727-7128 [email protected] ¥ We print brochures, flyers etc. LANDSCAPE COMPANY

CLASSES • SEMINARS Put your LAWN/GARAGE SALE WORKSHOPS • COURSES DIRECTORY on the map again this year - FREE! (FREE TO AURORA RESIDENTS)

YOGA CLASSES CERAMIC/CRAFT Call 905-727-7128 to advertise your garage sale

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LEARN HOW TO DRAW & PAINT... R&S Ceramic Creations 8 just like the Masters 75 Mary Street Unit 4, Aurora Child Dr. 905-713-6887 Henderson Dr.

- beginners to advanced ay 3 #8 - ongoing classes W Ra llan ch e . e cL r w M o All money raised - help students prepare portfolios D o d SWIM PROGRAM w C e for college & art school i t. 5 Dr. v goes to families of ield e df k - drawing & painting techniques n o

a o AQUAQUEST S r - life drawing Sponsored by Sean B SMA CANADA - no artistic experience necessary PROGRAM Spinal Muscular Atrophy Research Have fun while learn- Herbinson Sales TH Judy studied academic painting and drawing in Representative SATURDAY JUNE 26 Florence, Italy. She has appeared on City Line TV. ing to swim! Contact Liam Herbinson at 1) Multi-family Downey Circle 9 am Judy Sherman (905)726-8883 / [email protected] REMAX YORK 905-841-2391 GROUP 2) 4 & 7 Wenderley Dr. @ Dunning Ave. 8am - 2 pm REALTY INC. 3) Multi-family 37 Rachewood Ct. @ McClellan Way (905)727-1941 7:30am - noon SUNDAY JUNE 27TH Advertise your sean@ 4) 58 Primeau Dr. 8am - noon classes for $ seanherbinson.com 5) 91 Sandfield Dr. 8am - 1pm 5) 91 Sandfield Dr. as little as 7 Selling homes 6) 131 Birkshire Dr. @ Hollandview Trail 8am in this section in Aurora for 7) Multi-family Closs Sq. 8am - 1pm more than 8) Money raised for families of SMA Canada 12 years 25 Child Dr. 8am - noon 20 - AURORAN, Week of June 22, 2004

NNooww OOppeenn Every Saturday Until October For the third year running! Temperance Street Parking Lot on the southwest corner of Yonge & Wellington Street Saturday 8 a.m. Ð 12:30 p.m. Come out and shop for FRESH produce, baked goods, eggs, meat and flowers.

Support the local farmers and take time to shop at the many great downtown Aurora stores and restaurants! Visit the historic area of Aurora.

If you have any questions or wish to be a vendor, please call: Nigel Kean, Aurora Town Councillor @ 905-841-6776