en 60 The effort came from residents of the Elderberry Trail neighbourhood who approached councillors Tuesday afternoon asking to hold an emergency meeting later that day to review and possibly reverse their decision to approve the amendments made just one week before.
Evidently a majority of councillors opted against an emergency meeting but the residents were heard anyway when they waived procedural bylaw to allow a resident to appear before general committee as a delegation.
"There were a number of issues that were raised as a concern to myself personally that I believe were shared with members of the community," said delegate Walter Mestrinaro, who outlined concerns regarding the planned height of the residential building on site as well as the change in density that would needed if the building went ahead.
"The density that was presented to you was 2.45 units per acre," he said. "That density can only be arrived at by doing one thing and that is by taking the number of units and dividing them by the total land area of 8.57 acres. That means you're transferring the density from institutional to residential. OPA 34 says you can't do that, and if you do that it lays precedent for other developments...that will ask to transfer their density from institutional to residential."
In response to the resident's concerns, Marco Ramunno, Aurora's Director of Planning, said the previous week's amendments permitted a maximum of 20 units within the proposed apartment building, plus one, in addition to the wellness centre. OPA 34, he said, allowed for density transfers within blocks.
"The chart in my report indicated that based on that site area the density would be calculated at 2.45 units per acre," said Mr. Ramunno. "However, OPA 34 speaks to density and that is calculated on the larger block plan scale and the block plan for this area encompasses 50 acres and the lands to the north, which has currently been developed as the Ascot residential neighbourhood. [It includes] a maximum of 39 detached housing units, and a smaller parcel to the north which would form part of that lot."
Another issue Mr. Mestrinaro brought before council's attention once again was the uses permitted in this plan.
At the May 24 meeting, council gave final approval for the plan amendments along with additional amendments to satisfy residents' concerns that an addiction clinic could be part of the development. If Mr. Mestrinaro's delegations are any indication, those concerns are still alive and well in the heart of the Elderberry Trail community.
"We have really grave concerns about that," he said. "The doctor runs an addiction clinic in Toronto and he's been holding his cards very close to his chest as to what this will be. We would like some certainty as to what it will not be."
He encouraged councillors to give the plan a "sober second thought" to ensure what councillors are voting for is "what they really think they're going to geto.
Following the delegation, councillors had an opportunity to ask Mr. Ramunno questions related to what they had just heard.
One of them who ran with that was Chris Ballard, who also questioned staff about the institutional uses permitted on the property.
This, he said, was a stumbling block in his consideration of the plan.
"We have gone to great lengths, I think, to prevent an institution here that serves the immediate neighbourhood and we've said the pharmacy can't serve the immediate neighbourhood, we didn't want ins and outs into the immediate neighbourhood, so this section 321 says only institutional facilities serving the immediate neighbourhood yet this institution clearly isn't," he said. "Perhaps if we expand the definition of 'immediate neighbourhood' to include the GTA we might fit it in there."
At this point, Councillor Paul Pirri called a point of order arguing that Councillor Ballard's remark was "out of line.
"You're Reductio ad Absurdum just doesn't make any sense whatsoever."
Mr. Mestrinaro's delegation was received by the members with only Councillor Evelyn Buck opposed.
On Wednesday, however, Councillor Ballard took to his blog to express frustration with how the day unfolded and questioned his fellow councillors' ideas of democracy in denying an emergency council meeting to again hear the arguments of the Elderberry residents.
"The objective of the meeting was simple - to reconsider the motion we approved at our May 24 council regarding the zoning application," he wrote. "I felt it would allow staff to publicly clarify many important questions residents feel have not been satisfactorily answered.
"It was not a delaying tactic - I am not happy when so many residents are angry, confused and feel that they have been shut out of the democratic process. By not agreeing to the special meeting, I feel councillors and the mayor have clearly demonstrated their version of democracy for Aurora."]]> 1111475108 Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400 83759654 1111475108 0 2013-06-06 The effort came from residents of the Elderberry Trail neighbourhood who approached councillors Tuesday afternoon asking to hold an emergency meeting later that day to review and possibly reverse their decision to approve the amendments made just one week before.
Evidently a majority of councillors opted against an emergency meeting but the residents were heard anyway when they waived procedural bylaw to allow a resident to appear before general committee as a delegation.
"There were a number of issues that were raised as a concern to myself personally that I believe were shared with members of the community," said delegate Walter Mestrinaro, who outlined concerns regarding the planned height of the residential building on site as well as the change in density that would needed if the building went ahead.
"The density that was presented to you was 2.45 units per acre," he said. "That density can only be arrived at by doing one thing and that is by taking the number of units and dividing them by the total land area of 8.57 acres. That means you're transferring the density from institutional to residential. OPA 34 says you can't do that, and if you do that it lays precedent for other developments...that will ask to transfer their density from institutional to residential."
In response to the resident's concerns, Marco Ramunno, Aurora's Director of Planning, said the previous week's amendments permitted a maximum of 20 units within the proposed apartment building, plus one, in addition to the wellness centre. OPA 34, he said, allowed for density transfers within blocks.
"The chart in my report indicated that based on that site area the density would be calculated at 2.45 units per acre," said Mr. Ramunno. "However, OPA 34 speaks to density and that is calculated on the larger block plan scale and the block plan for this area encompasses 50 acres and the lands to the north, which has currently been developed as the Ascot residential neighbourhood. [It includes] a maximum of 39 detached housing units, and a smaller parcel to the north which would form part of that lot."
Another issue Mr. Mestrinaro brought before council's attention once again was the uses permitted in this plan.
At the May 24 meeting, council gave final approval for the plan amendments along with additional amendments to satisfy residents' concerns that an addiction clinic could be part of the development. If Mr. Mestrinaro's delegations are any indication, those concerns are still alive and well in the heart of the Elderberry Trail community.
"We have really grave concerns about that," he said. "The doctor runs an addiction clinic in Toronto and he's been holding his cards very close to his chest as to what this will be. We would like some certainty as to what it will not be."
He encouraged councillors to give the plan a "sober second thought" to ensure what councillors are voting for is "what they really think they're going to geto.
Following the delegation, councillors had an opportunity to ask Mr. Ramunno questions related to what they had just heard.
One of them who ran with that was Chris Ballard, who also questioned staff about the institutional uses permitted on the property.
This, he said, was a stumbling block in his consideration of the plan.
"We have gone to great lengths, I think, to prevent an institution here that serves the immediate neighbourhood and we've said the pharmacy can't serve the immediate neighbourhood, we didn't want ins and outs into the immediate neighbourhood, so this section 321 says only institutional facilities serving the immediate neighbourhood yet this institution clearly isn't," he said. "Perhaps if we expand the definition of 'immediate neighbourhood' to include the GTA we might fit it in there."
At this point, Councillor Paul Pirri called a point of order arguing that Councillor Ballard's remark was "out of line.
"You're Reductio ad Absurdum just doesn't make any sense whatsoever."
Mr. Mestrinaro's delegation was received by the members with only Councillor Evelyn Buck opposed.
On Wednesday, however, Councillor Ballard took to his blog to express frustration with how the day unfolded and questioned his fellow councillors' ideas of democracy in denying an emergency council meeting to again hear the arguments of the Elderberry residents.
"The objective of the meeting was simple - to reconsider the motion we approved at our May 24 council regarding the zoning application," he wrote. "I felt it would allow staff to publicly clarify many important questions residents feel have not been satisfactorily answered.
"It was not a delaying tactic - I am not happy when so many residents are angry, confused and feel that they have been shut out of the democratic process. By not agreeing to the special meeting, I feel councillors and the mayor have clearly demonstrated their version of democracy for Aurora."]]>
Aurora's lawmakers, representatives, and business advocates plan on fighting recommendations which could lead to Aurora voters being split in two in the next Federal election.
As The Auroran reported last week, the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission, the body tasked periodically in reviewing how Canada's Federal electoral boundaries are distributed according to population, proposed sweeping changes in Ontario. While their recommendations affected most of York Region, here in Aurora they propose splitting Aurora down the centre of Wellington Street.
Those living on the north side of Wellington would continue to vote in a slightly reconfigured version of Newmarket-Aurora, while south of Wellington, Aurorans would be voting in the newly created riding of Aurora-Richmond Hill, encompassing the bulk of Aurora and the northwest section of the town below.
If the changes are implemented, Aurora would be represented by two individual Members of Parliament, and this ...divided voiceo has drawn criticisms from the area's current MP Lois Brown, MPP Frank Klees, Mayor Geoffrey Dawe, and the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, all of whom plan to make submissions to the Commission opposing the change.
Last week, Ms. Brown said she was ...disappointedo over the Commission's proposal, having gone on the record through a letter to them advocating Newmarket-Aurora stay as one entity. Newmarket-Aurora, she said, is just finding a voice, having been separated federally for so long, and have ...grown together in their vision.o
This was a sentiment later echoed by her provincial counterpart Frank Klees. Mr. Klees told The Auroran that the recommendation is not in the ...best interestso of Aurora and said commissioners have missed one key point in their recommendations.
...What these commissions tend not to do is take into consideration the communities of interest,o he said. ...To draw a line down the middle of Wellington in Aurora and have two separate electoral districts cut through the swath of a town the size of Aurora, I think, doesn't make a great deal of common sense.
...It seems to me that someone overlaid some arbitrary boundaries on top of some re-jigging of population figures and gave us what we have here.o
With towns the size of Aurora and Newmarket, dealing with two separate boundaries, whether Federal or Provincial, is ...unnecessarily cumbersomeo, he said. At the moment, Aurora's Federal and Provincial boundaries are one and the same, but following suit at the provincial level to revise boundaries is not a guarantee, particularly in a government which is, at least at press time, a minority.
...In the past, the commission has been receptive [to submissions] and we're going to be optimistic particularly in a situation like this in Newmarket and Aurora where the arguments, I think, are fairly strong for the concept of communities of interest,o said Mr. Klees. ...I certainly intend to [make a submission], and I look forward to having a discussion as well with my municipal colleagues to get their perspective on this.o
Mr. Klees' municipal colleague in Aurora agreed that these changes ...do not make any senseo for Aurora. Mayor Geoffrey Dawe said having two separate voices in Parliament for Aurora would be the wrong move.
...We are such a small community physically, and in population, that to split it up and have two Federal MPs just does not make sense,o said Mayor Dawe. ...I don't see how we would benefit from that. We have one Federal member and one Provincial member right now and the cohesiveness of one voice is extremely important in order to make sure we are heard properly.o
The Aurora Chamber of Commerce was yet one more body joining the chorus against the changes. Judy Marshall, Executive Director of the Chamber, said she agreed with the views Ms. Brown expressed last week and will be making a submission ...for sure.o Having two separate ridings dividing Aurora would weaken the voice in Ottawa and the collective between two towns in having a shared advocate at the Federal level.
While Newmarket will remain intact as the biggest shareholder in the reconfigured Newmarket-Aurora, Mayor Tony Van Bynan had some sympathy for his neighbours to the south.
...It fractures the Aurora community and the demographics and what I used to refer to when I was involved in banking, as customer pathways and community gathering places,o said Mayor Van Bynen.
...Newmarket-Aurora have a lot of similarities and it would be, I think, more effective representation if you can capture the identities of both communities together.
...I think it makes it more responsive and what do Aurora residents do? I live south of Wellington, so I have to contact my MP which is down in Richmond Hill. I think the linkages of community will probably get diluted that way.o
The proposed changes from the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission, if approved, will see Ontario gain 15 further electoral districts in Ottawa to account for population growth over the last 10 years.
...Under the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act, the Commission's main aim in redrawing boundaries is to divide the province into electoral districts as close to the average population as reasonably possible,o said the Commission in a statement. ...The population of a district should remain within 25 per cent of the average once consideration is given to communities of interest or identity and historical and geographic factors. A commission can depart from the 25 per cent guideline to deal with extraordinary circumstances.o
A number of hearings have been scheduled for the fall where voters will have their say on the electoral riding changes, which are sweeping Ontario. The closest meetings for Aurorans to put in their two cents will be in Richmond Hill at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel at 600 Highway 7 East at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 18 and Friday, October 19 at 10 a.m.
Residents wanting to make a presentation at either of these meetings are requested to send written notice to the commission no later than October 1.
Concerns can be emailed to ontario@rfed-rcf.ca, while concerns and written submissions can be made to:

Beverly Hayter
Commission Secretary
Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario
130 King Street West, Ste. 3670
P.O. Box 368
Toronto, ON
M5X 2A2

Have your say: What do you think of the proposal to divide Aurora into two separate Federal ridings. Vote in our poll at www.the
auroran.com or send your comments to
letters@auroran.com.]]> 1045938137 Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400 83759654 1045938137 0 2012-07-30
Aurora's lawmakers, representatives, and business advocates plan on fighting recommendations which could lead to Aurora voters being split in two in the next Federal election.
As The Auroran reported last week, the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission, the body tasked periodically in reviewing how Canada's Federal electoral boundaries are distributed according to population, proposed sweeping changes in Ontario. While their recommendations affected most of York Region, here in Aurora they propose splitting Aurora down the centre of Wellington Street.
Those living on the north side of Wellington would continue to vote in a slightly reconfigured version of Newmarket-Aurora, while south of Wellington, Aurorans would be voting in the newly created riding of Aurora-Richmond Hill, encompassing the bulk of Aurora and the northwest section of the town below.
If the changes are implemented, Aurora would be represented by two individual Members of Parliament, and this ...divided voiceo has drawn criticisms from the area's current MP Lois Brown, MPP Frank Klees, Mayor Geoffrey Dawe, and the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, all of whom plan to make submissions to the Commission opposing the change.
Last week, Ms. Brown said she was ...disappointedo over the Commission's proposal, having gone on the record through a letter to them advocating Newmarket-Aurora stay as one entity. Newmarket-Aurora, she said, is just finding a voice, having been separated federally for so long, and have ...grown together in their vision.o
This was a sentiment later echoed by her provincial counterpart Frank Klees. Mr. Klees told The Auroran that the recommendation is not in the ...best interestso of Aurora and said commissioners have missed one key point in their recommendations.
...What these commissions tend not to do is take into consideration the communities of interest,o he said. ...To draw a line down the middle of Wellington in Aurora and have two separate electoral districts cut through the swath of a town the size of Aurora, I think, doesn't make a great deal of common sense.
...It seems to me that someone overlaid some arbitrary boundaries on top of some re-jigging of population figures and gave us what we have here.o
With towns the size of Aurora and Newmarket, dealing with two separate boundaries, whether Federal or Provincial, is ...unnecessarily cumbersomeo, he said. At the moment, Aurora's Federal and Provincial boundaries are one and the same, but following suit at the provincial level to revise boundaries is not a guarantee, particularly in a government which is, at least at press time, a minority.
...In the past, the commission has been receptive [to submissions] and we're going to be optimistic particularly in a situation like this in Newmarket and Aurora where the arguments, I think, are fairly strong for the concept of communities of interest,o said Mr. Klees. ...I certainly intend to [make a submission], and I look forward to having a discussion as well with my municipal colleagues to get their perspective on this.o
Mr. Klees' municipal colleague in Aurora agreed that these changes ...do not make any senseo for Aurora. Mayor Geoffrey Dawe said having two separate voices in Parliament for Aurora would be the wrong move.
...We are such a small community physically, and in population, that to split it up and have two Federal MPs just does not make sense,o said Mayor Dawe. ...I don't see how we would benefit from that. We have one Federal member and one Provincial member right now and the cohesiveness of one voice is extremely important in order to make sure we are heard properly.o
The Aurora Chamber of Commerce was yet one more body joining the chorus against the changes. Judy Marshall, Executive Director of the Chamber, said she agreed with the views Ms. Brown expressed last week and will be making a submission ...for sure.o Having two separate ridings dividing Aurora would weaken the voice in Ottawa and the collective between two towns in having a shared advocate at the Federal level.
While Newmarket will remain intact as the biggest shareholder in the reconfigured Newmarket-Aurora, Mayor Tony Van Bynan had some sympathy for his neighbours to the south.
...It fractures the Aurora community and the demographics and what I used to refer to when I was involved in banking, as customer pathways and community gathering places,o said Mayor Van Bynen.
...Newmarket-Aurora have a lot of similarities and it would be, I think, more effective representation if you can capture the identities of both communities together.
...I think it makes it more responsive and what do Aurora residents do? I live south of Wellington, so I have to contact my MP which is down in Richmond Hill. I think the linkages of community will probably get diluted that way.o
The proposed changes from the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission, if approved, will see Ontario gain 15 further electoral districts in Ottawa to account for population growth over the last 10 years.
...Under the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act, the Commission's main aim in redrawing boundaries is to divide the province into electoral districts as close to the average population as reasonably possible,o said the Commission in a statement. ...The population of a district should remain within 25 per cent of the average once consideration is given to communities of interest or identity and historical and geographic factors. A commission can depart from the 25 per cent guideline to deal with extraordinary circumstances.o
A number of hearings have been scheduled for the fall where voters will have their say on the electoral riding changes, which are sweeping Ontario. The closest meetings for Aurorans to put in their two cents will be in Richmond Hill at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel at 600 Highway 7 East at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 18 and Friday, October 19 at 10 a.m.
Residents wanting to make a presentation at either of these meetings are requested to send written notice to the commission no later than October 1.
Concerns can be emailed to ontario@rfed-rcf.ca, while concerns and written submissions can be made to:

Beverly Hayter
Commission Secretary
Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario
130 King Street West, Ste. 3670
P.O. Box 368
Toronto, ON
M5X 2A2

Have your say: What do you think of the proposal to divide Aurora into two separate Federal ridings. Vote in our poll at www.the
auroran.com or send your comments to
letters@auroran.com.]]> 1125323014 Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 83759654 1125323014 0 2012-04-16 A resident of Richmond Hill, Mr. Adams-Luchowski won on the third
ballot Monday night facing off against Aurora resident Dave Williams, who ran unsuccessfully for the position in the October 2010 municipal election.
Out of the 18 eligible applicants for the position who made their cases to the Board on February 28, only four were ultimately nominated by other trustees at last Monday's meeting. Rounding out the four were Tottenham resident O.P. Lamba, who was eliminated on the first ballot, and Aurora resident Angus Duff, who dropped off on the second.
After the votes came in, Mr. Adams-Luchowski said he was surprised but happy he had been appointed to fill the vacancy left by trustee Gord Kerr, who resigned in January.
"I'm very, very pleased and proud to be able to represent constituents again on this board," said Mr. Adams-Luchowski, who had previously served as a trustee for Richmond Hill before being defeated in the last election by Carol Chan.
"When people put trust in me in this field of candidates, the confidence they put in me tonight is hard to put into words with the gratitude I feel.
"I thank everyone for applying. I know what it feels like to lose. I've been there and I think people should keep trying and keep that interest maintained. For the constituents of Aurora-King, I know the workings of the board, I know how to get things done, and I am starting tomorrow."
Mr. Adams-Luchowski said he and his wife are planning to soon build a home in King Township. He first became involved with the York Region District School Board as a high school football coach in 1996 before becoming a school council member and chair, and a supply teacher. He first became one of two trustees for Richmond Hill in 2007.
During the appointment process, Dave Williams had been the favourite to win in some quarters, garnering the support of both Aurora Mayor Geoffrey Dawe and King Mayor Steve Pellegrini. After Monday's meeting, Mr. Williams said the voters in both towns were the "losers" in this process.
"I appreciate the support of the trustees that voted for me, and I appreciate the support of the electorate, the over 6,000 people that voted for me the last time, and I just lost by a very close number," said Mr. Williams. "I think the losers in the process today are the voters in Aurora and King where democracy really was circumvented for, I guess, some political reasons to bring a candidate in from another community.
"It would say to me that the candidate they chose today doesn't resonate with his own community."
This was a sentiment Mayor Dawe shared with The Auroran after Mr. Adams-Luchowski was sworn in. He said he was "disappointed" the board didn't go with a local representative, let alone Mr. Williams.
"I was very much in favour of having a by-election in the first place," he said. "I still think that is the right thing to do. The second best thing, in my opinion, would be to appoint the person who was clearly the second place person.
"Mr. Williams was within 400 votes of winning. Granted, there were only two candidates and he still garnered 6,000 votes. It's obvious that he resonated with the residents of King and Aurora. For me to run for Council in Aurora I have to live in Aurora. I don't know what the trustee requirements are, but it strikes me if you're going to have a trustee for King and Aurora it should at least be a resident of one of those two communities. We're talking about [Mr. Williams] who lives here now, has obviously indicated an interest in running in this area and working with the people in the area."
With a new trustee in place, however, Mayor Dawe said he hopes - as he has indicated during Council meetings in the past - there is an opportunity to work with the school board in making sure all stakeholders are up to date with what the Board plans to do with Aurora schools. One issue in particular that has cropped up recently is increased traffic in school areas. This, he said, has been partially exacerbated by the "repurposing" of some schools to be catchment areas for French immersion.
"They're bringing more people in, more buses are coming in by default and more car drivers are coming in," said Mayor Dawe. "At the very least I would like to see some dialogue going back and forth. The school doesn't make this decision on Friday night and start on Monday morning. They have months and then you find out a couple of months after the fact. Something like that would be a great place to start.
"I would hope that whatever [Mr. Adams-Luchowski] is doing is taking the needs of Aurora and King into account and the residents of King and Aurora."
Mr. Adams-Luchowski was sworn in on March 6.]]> 789226935 Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400 83759654 789226935 0 2012-03-13 A resident of Richmond Hill, Mr. Adams-Luchowski won on the third
ballot Monday night facing off against Aurora resident Dave Williams, who ran unsuccessfully for the position in the October 2010 municipal election.
Out of the 18 eligible applicants for the position who made their cases to the Board on February 28, only four were ultimately nominated by other trustees at last Monday's meeting. Rounding out the four were Tottenham resident O.P. Lamba, who was eliminated on the first ballot, and Aurora resident Angus Duff, who dropped off on the second.
After the votes came in, Mr. Adams-Luchowski said he was surprised but happy he had been appointed to fill the vacancy left by trustee Gord Kerr, who resigned in January.
"I'm very, very pleased and proud to be able to represent constituents again on this board," said Mr. Adams-Luchowski, who had previously served as a trustee for Richmond Hill before being defeated in the last election by Carol Chan.
"When people put trust in me in this field of candidates, the confidence they put in me tonight is hard to put into words with the gratitude I feel.
"I thank everyone for applying. I know what it feels like to lose. I've been there and I think people should keep trying and keep that interest maintained. For the constituents of Aurora-King, I know the workings of the board, I know how to get things done, and I am starting tomorrow."
Mr. Adams-Luchowski said he and his wife are planning to soon build a home in King Township. He first became involved with the York Region District School Board as a high school football coach in 1996 before becoming a school council member and chair, and a supply teacher. He first became one of two trustees for Richmond Hill in 2007.
During the appointment process, Dave Williams had been the favourite to win in some quarters, garnering the support of both Aurora Mayor Geoffrey Dawe and King Mayor Steve Pellegrini. After Monday's meeting, Mr. Williams said the voters in both towns were the "losers" in this process.
"I appreciate the support of the trustees that voted for me, and I appreciate the support of the electorate, the over 6,000 people that voted for me the last time, and I just lost by a very close number," said Mr. Williams. "I think the losers in the process today are the voters in Aurora and King where democracy really was circumvented for, I guess, some political reasons to bring a candidate in from another community.
"It would say to me that the candidate they chose today doesn't resonate with his own community."
This was a sentiment Mayor Dawe shared with The Auroran after Mr. Adams-Luchowski was sworn in. He said he was "disappointed" the board didn't go with a local representative, let alone Mr. Williams.
"I was very much in favour of having a by-election in the first place," he said. "I still think that is the right thing to do. The second best thing, in my opinion, would be to appoint the person who was clearly the second place person.
"Mr. Williams was within 400 votes of winning. Granted, there were only two candidates and he still garnered 6,000 votes. It's obvious that he resonated with the residents of King and Aurora. For me to run for Council in Aurora I have to live in Aurora. I don't know what the trustee requirements are, but it strikes me if you're going to have a trustee for King and Aurora it should at least be a resident of one of those two communities. We're talking about [Mr. Williams] who lives here now, has obviously indicated an interest in running in this area and working with the people in the area."
With a new trustee in place, however, Mayor Dawe said he hopes - as he has indicated during Council meetings in the past - there is an opportunity to work with the school board in making sure all stakeholders are up to date with what the Board plans to do with Aurora schools. One issue in particular that has cropped up recently is increased traffic in school areas. This, he said, has been partially exacerbated by the "repurposing" of some schools to be catchment areas for French immersion.
"They're bringing more people in, more buses are coming in by default and more car drivers are coming in," said Mayor Dawe. "At the very least I would like to see some dialogue going back and forth. The school doesn't make this decision on Friday night and start on Monday morning. They have months and then you find out a couple of months after the fact. Something like that would be a great place to start.
"I would hope that whatever [Mr. Adams-Luchowski] is doing is taking the needs of Aurora and King into account and the residents of King and Aurora."
Mr. Adams-Luchowski was sworn in on March 6.]]> A resident of Richmond Hill, Mr. Adams-Luchowski won on the third
ballot Monday night facing off against Aurora resident Dave Williams, who ran unsuccessfully for the position in the October 2010 municipal election.
Out of the 18 eligible applicants for the position who made their cases to the Board on February 28, only four were ultimately nominated by other trustees at last Monday's meeting. Rounding out the four were Tottenham resident O.P. Lamba, who was eliminated on the first ballot, and Aurora resident Angus Duff, who dropped off on the second.
After the votes came in, Mr. Adams-Luchowski said he was surprised but happy he had been appointed to fill the vacancy left by trustee Gord Kerr, who resigned in January.
"I'm very, very pleased and proud to be able to represent constituents again on this board," said Mr. Adams-Luchowski, who had previously served as a trustee for Richmond Hill before being defeated in the last election by Carol Chan.
"When people put trust in me in this field of candidates, the confidence they put in me tonight is hard to put into words with the gratitude I feel.
"I thank everyone for applying. I know what it feels like to lose. I've been there and I think people should keep trying and keep that interest maintained. For the constituents of Aurora-King, I know the workings of the board, I know how to get things done, and I am starting tomorrow."
Mr. Adams-Luchowski said he and his wife are planning to soon build a home in King Township. He first became involved with the York Region District School Board as a high school football coach in 1996 before becoming a school council member and chair, and a supply teacher. He first became one of two trustees for Richmond Hill in 2007.
During the appointment process, Dave Williams had been the favourite to win in some quarters, garnering the support of both Aurora Mayor Geoffrey Dawe and King Mayor Steve Pellegrini. After Monday's meeting, Mr. Williams said the voters in both towns were the "losers" in this process.
"I appreciate the support of the trustees that voted for me, and I appreciate the support of the electorate, the over 6,000 people that voted for me the last time, and I just lost by a very close number," said Mr. Williams. "I think the losers in the process today are the voters in Aurora and King where democracy really was circumvented for, I guess, some political reasons to bring a candidate in from another community.
"It would say to me that the candidate they chose today doesn't resonate with his own community."
This was a sentiment Mayor Dawe shared with The Auroran after Mr. Adams-Luchowski was sworn in. He said he was "disappointed" the board didn't go with a local representative, let alone Mr. Williams.
"I was very much in favour of having a by-election in the first place," he said. "I still think that is the right thing to do. The second best thing, in my opinion, would be to appoint the person who was clearly the second place person.
"Mr. Williams was within 400 votes of winning. Granted, there were only two candidates and he still garnered 6,000 votes. It's obvious that he resonated with the residents of King and Aurora. For me to run for Council in Aurora I have to live in Aurora. I don't know what the trustee requirements are, but it strikes me if you're going to have a trustee for King and Aurora it should at least be a resident of one of those two communities. We're talking about [Mr. Williams] who lives here now, has obviously indicated an interest in running in this area and working with the people in the area."
With a new trustee in place, however, Mayor Dawe said he hopes - as he has indicated during Council meetings in the past - there is an opportunity to work with the school board in making sure all stakeholders are up to date with what the Board plans to do with Aurora schools. One issue in particular that has cropped up recently is increased traffic in school areas. This, he said, has been partially exacerbated by the "repurposing" of some schools to be catchment areas for French immersion.
"They're bringing more people in, more buses are coming in by default and more car drivers are coming in," said Mayor Dawe. "At the very least I would like to see some dialogue going back and forth. The school doesn't make this decision on Friday night and start on Monday morning. They have months and then you find out a couple of months after the fact. Something like that would be a great place to start.
"I would hope that whatever [Mr. Adams-Luchowski] is doing is taking the needs of Aurora and King into account and the residents of King and Aurora."
Mr. Adams-Luchowski was sworn in on March 6.]]> 778810216 Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400 83759654 778810216 0 2012-03-13 A resident of Richmond Hill, Mr. Adams-Luchowski won on the third
ballot Monday night facing off against Aurora resident Dave Williams, who ran unsuccessfully for the position in the October 2010 municipal election.
Out of the 18 eligible applicants for the position who made their cases to the Board on February 28, only four were ultimately nominated by other trustees at last Monday's meeting. Rounding out the four were Tottenham resident O.P. Lamba, who was eliminated on the first ballot, and Aurora resident Angus Duff, who dropped off on the second.
After the votes came in, Mr. Adams-Luchowski said he was surprised but happy he had been appointed to fill the vacancy left by trustee Gord Kerr, who resigned in January.
"I'm very, very pleased and proud to be able to represent constituents again on this board," said Mr. Adams-Luchowski, who had previously served as a trustee for Richmond Hill before being defeated in the last election by Carol Chan.
"When people put trust in me in this field of candidates, the confidence they put in me tonight is hard to put into words with the gratitude I feel.
"I thank everyone for applying. I know what it feels like to lose. I've been there and I think people should keep trying and keep that interest maintained. For the constituents of Aurora-King, I know the workings of the board, I know how to get things done, and I am starting tomorrow."
Mr. Adams-Luchowski said he and his wife are planning to soon build a home in King Township. He first became involved with the York Region District School Board as a high school football coach in 1996 before becoming a school council member and chair, and a supply teacher. He first became one of two trustees for Richmond Hill in 2007.
During the appointment process, Dave Williams had been the favourite to win in some quarters, garnering the support of both Aurora Mayor Geoffrey Dawe and King Mayor Steve Pellegrini. After Monday's meeting, Mr. Williams said the voters in both towns were the "losers" in this process.
"I appreciate the support of the trustees that voted for me, and I appreciate the support of the electorate, the over 6,000 people that voted for me the last time, and I just lost by a very close number," said Mr. Williams. "I think the losers in the process today are the voters in Aurora and King where democracy really was circumvented for, I guess, some political reasons to bring a candidate in from another community.
"It would say to me that the candidate they chose today doesn't resonate with his own community."
This was a sentiment Mayor Dawe shared with The Auroran after Mr. Adams-Luchowski was sworn in. He said he was "disappointed" the board didn't go with a local representative, let alone Mr. Williams.
"I was very much in favour of having a by-election in the first place," he said. "I still think that is the right thing to do. The second best thing, in my opinion, would be to appoint the person who was clearly the second place person.
"Mr. Williams was within 400 votes of winning. Granted, there were only two candidates and he still garnered 6,000 votes. It's obvious that he resonated with the residents of King and Aurora. For me to run for Council in Aurora I have to live in Aurora. I don't know what the trustee requirements are, but it strikes me if you're going to have a trustee for King and Aurora it should at least be a resident of one of those two communities. We're talking about [Mr. Williams] who lives here now, has obviously indicated an interest in running in this area and working with the people in the area."
With a new trustee in place, however, Mayor Dawe said he hopes - as he has indicated during Council meetings in the past - there is an opportunity to work with the school board in making sure all stakeholders are up to date with what the Board plans to do with Aurora schools. One issue in particular that has cropped up recently is increased traffic in school areas. This, he said, has been partially exacerbated by the "repurposing" of some schools to be catchment areas for French immersion.
"They're bringing more people in, more buses are coming in by default and more car drivers are coming in," said Mayor Dawe. "At the very least I would like to see some dialogue going back and forth. The school doesn't make this decision on Friday night and start on Monday morning. They have months and then you find out a couple of months after the fact. Something like that would be a great place to start.
"I would hope that whatever [Mr. Adams-Luchowski] is doing is taking the needs of Aurora and King into account and the residents of King and Aurora."
Mr. Adams-Luchowski was sworn in on March 6.]]>
Aurora-King's new trustee on the York Region District School Board is Peter Adams-Luchowski.
A resident of Richmond Hill, Mr. Adams-Luchowski won on the third
ballot Monday night facing off against Aurora resident Dave Williams, who ran unsuccessfully for the position in the October 2010 municipal election.
Out of the 18 eligible applicants for the position who made their cases to the Board on February 28, only four were ultimately nominated by other trustees at last Monday's meeting. Rounding out the four were Tottenham resident O.P. Lamba, who was eliminated on the first ballot, and Aurora resident Angus Duff, who dropped off on the second.
After the votes came in, Mr. Adams-Luchowski said he was surprised but happy he had been appointed to fill the vacancy left by trustee Gord Kerr, who resigned in January.
"I'm very, very pleased and proud to be able to represent constituents again on this board," said Mr. Adams-Luchowski, who had previously served as a trustee for Richmond Hill before being defeated in the last election by Carol Chan.
"When people put trust in me in this field of candidates, the confidence they put in me tonight is hard to put into words with the gratitude I feel.
"I thank everyone for applying. I know what it feels like to lose. I've been there and I think people should keep trying and keep that interest maintained. For the constituents of Aurora-King, I know the workings of the board, I know how to get things done, and I am starting tomorrow."
Mr. Adams-Luchowski said he and his wife are planning to soon build a home in King Township. He first became involved with the York Region District School Board as a high school football coach in 1996 before becoming a school council member and chair, and a supply teacher. He first became one of two trustees for Richmond Hill in 2007.
During the appointment process, Dave Williams had been the favourite to win in some quarters, garnering the support of both Aurora Mayor Geoffrey Dawe and King Mayor Steve Pellegrini. After Monday's meeting, Mr. Williams said the voters in both towns were the "losers" in this process.
"I appreciate the support of the trustees that voted for me, and I appreciate the support of the electorate, the over 6,000 people that voted for me the last time, and I just lost by a very close number," said Mr. Williams. "I think the losers in the process today are the voters in Aurora and King where democracy really was circumvented for, I guess, some political reasons to bring a candidate in from another community.
"It would say to me that the candidate they chose today doesn't resonate with his own community."
This was a sentiment Mayor Dawe shared with The Auroran after Mr. Adams-Luchowski was sworn in. He said he was "disappointed" the board didn't go with a local representative, let alone Mr. Williams.
"I was very much in favour of having a by-election in the first place," he said. "I still think that is the right thing to do. The second best thing, in my opinion, would be to appoint the person who was clearly the second place person.
"Mr. Williams was within 400 votes of winning. Granted, there were only two candidates and he still garnered 6,000 votes. It's obvious that he resonated with the residents of King and Aurora. For me to run for Council in Aurora I have to live in Aurora. I don't know what the trustee requirements are, but it strikes me if you're going to have a trustee for King and Aurora it should at least be a resident of one of those two communities. We're talking about [Mr. Williams] who lives here now, has obviously indicated an interest in running in this area and working with the people in the area."
With a new trustee in place, however, Mayor Dawe said he hopes - as he has indicated during Council meetings in the past - there is an opportunity to work with the school board in making sure all stakeholders are up to date with what the Board plans to do with Aurora schools. One issue in particular that has cropped up recently is increased traffic in school areas. This, he said, has been partially exacerbated by the "repurposing" of some schools to be catchment areas for French immersion.
"They're bringing more people in, more buses are coming in by default and more car drivers are coming in," said Mayor Dawe. "At the very least I would like to see some dialogue going back and forth. The school doesn't make this decision on Friday night and start on Monday morning. They have months and then you find out a couple of months after the fact. Something like that would be a great place to start.
"I would hope that whatever [Mr. Adams-Luchowski] is doing is taking the needs of Aurora and King into account and the residents of King and Aurora."
Mr. Adams-Luchowski was sworn in on March 6.]]> 720054792 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400 83759654 720054792 0 2012-03-12
Aurora-King's new trustee on the York Region District School Board is Peter Adams-Luchowski.
A resident of Richmond Hill, Mr. Adams-Luchowski won on the third
ballot Monday night facing off against Aurora resident Dave Williams, who ran unsuccessfully for the position in the October 2010 municipal election.
Out of the 18 eligible applicants for the position who made their cases to the Board on February 28, only four were ultimately nominated by other trustees at last Monday's meeting. Rounding out the four were Tottenham resident O.P. Lamba, who was eliminated on the first ballot, and Aurora resident Angus Duff, who dropped off on the second.
After the votes came in, Mr. Adams-Luchowski said he was surprised but happy he had been appointed to fill the vacancy left by trustee Gord Kerr, who resigned in January.
"I'm very, very pleased and proud to be able to represent constituents again on this board," said Mr. Adams-Luchowski, who had previously served as a trustee for Richmond Hill before being defeated in the last election by Carol Chan.
"When people put trust in me in this field of candidates, the confidence they put in me tonight is hard to put into words with the gratitude I feel.
"I thank everyone for applying. I know what it feels like to lose. I've been there and I think people should keep trying and keep that interest maintained. For the constituents of Aurora-King, I know the workings of the board, I know how to get things done, and I am starting tomorrow."
Mr. Adams-Luchowski said he and his wife are planning to soon build a home in King Township. He first became involved with the York Region District School Board as a high school football coach in 1996 before becoming a school council member and chair, and a supply teacher. He first became one of two trustees for Richmond Hill in 2007.
During the appointment process, Dave Williams had been the favourite to win in some quarters, garnering the support of both Aurora Mayor Geoffrey Dawe and King Mayor Steve Pellegrini. After Monday's meeting, Mr. Williams said the voters in both towns were the "losers" in this process.
"I appreciate the support of the trustees that voted for me, and I appreciate the support of the electorate, the over 6,000 people that voted for me the last time, and I just lost by a very close number," said Mr. Williams. "I think the losers in the process today are the voters in Aurora and King where democracy really was circumvented for, I guess, some political reasons to bring a candidate in from another community.
"It would say to me that the candidate they chose today doesn't resonate with his own community."
This was a sentiment Mayor Dawe shared with The Auroran after Mr. Adams-Luchowski was sworn in. He said he was "disappointed" the board didn't go with a local representative, let alone Mr. Williams.
"I was very much in favour of having a by-election in the first place," he said. "I still think that is the right thing to do. The second best thing, in my opinion, would be to appoint the person who was clearly the second place person.
"Mr. Williams was within 400 votes of winning. Granted, there were only two candidates and he still garnered 6,000 votes. It's obvious that he resonated with the residents of King and Aurora. For me to run for Council in Aurora I have to live in Aurora. I don't know what the trustee requirements are, but it strikes me if you're going to have a trustee for King and Aurora it should at least be a resident of one of those two communities. We're talking about [Mr. Williams] who lives here now, has obviously indicated an interest in running in this area and working with the people in the area."
With a new trustee in place, however, Mayor Dawe said he hopes - as he has indicated during Council meetings in the past - there is an opportunity to work with the school board in making sure all stakeholders are up to date with what the Board plans to do with Aurora schools. One issue in particular that has cropped up recently is increased traffic in school areas. This, he said, has been partially exacerbated by the "repurposing" of some schools to be catchment areas for French immersion.
"They're bringing more people in, more buses are coming in by default and more car drivers are coming in," said Mayor Dawe. "At the very least I would like to see some dialogue going back and forth. The school doesn't make this decision on Friday night and start on Monday morning. They have months and then you find out a couple of months after the fact. Something like that would be a great place to start.
"I would hope that whatever [Mr. Adams-Luchowski] is doing is taking the needs of Aurora and King into account and the residents of King and Aurora."
Mr. Adams-Luchowski was sworn in on March 6.]]>
The argument over the agreement between the Town and the Aurora Cultural Centre escalated last week as the two sides argued over the intention of a motion coming before Council next week.
The battle over the Cultural Centre began in earnest earlier this month when Councillors John Abel and Paul Pirri told The Auroran they intended to put forward a motion terminating the Town's agreement with the Centre in twelve months and working together to come up with a new, mutually beneficial agreement.
Councillors Abel and Pirri said they wanted a new agreement which would address concerns brought to Council this winter by Town Solicitor Warren Mar who identified many shortcomings in the current agreement. These included the fact the Centre is not obligated to come to Council with a budget of what they plan to do with the public money it receives annually.
"We have received a lot of support and the overwhelming [feeling] is the residents are pleased to know that we're asking more about how we fund the Cultural Centre," said Councillor Abel.
Residents have told him, he said, that they believe the Cultural Centre should present a budget before any public funds are given out, as well as their ongoing sustainability. Negative feedback received, he added, had been fuelled by what he described as Councillor Chris Ballard's "rally to fight the closure of the Cultural Centre" on his blog.
"There is a lot of support and a small pocket of those against it," said Councillor Abel. "Most of the emails [we have received] are misinformation so they are not addressing our notice at all. There is a story they were given by Councillor Ballard that is not factual. I am disappointed in what Councillor Ballard is informing the small pocket of people that are concerned."
Councillor Abel said he has met with the Board of the Cultural Centre to discuss the motion, which will be spoken to on February 28. He added he and Councillor Pirri could amend their motion when it gets to the table to address some of the concerns they have heard from the board.
"We would advance the expiry date and then we would have a brand new long-term agreement," said Councillor Abel of a possible amendment. "This is the stability factor, and I like Paul's analogy - it's like an athlete in his final year of his contract getting a contract extension."
Speaking to The Auroran, however, Councillor Ballard insisted he was not "instigating a scare campaign" with a blog post describing "the fight to save the ACC" and a need to "counter the well organized misinformation campaign that seeks to shut the Centre."
"You come in and drop the atomic bomb on the Centre by cancelling their contract," Councillor Ballard told us. "What does that tell the public and what does it tell supporters of all sorts of negative things about our volunteer board, about our great staff, and the fantastic volunteers we have?
"You can't talk out of both sides of your mouth. You can't say that the Aurora Cultural Centre is a great place and they are doing a great job and they have fantastic programs, and then out of the other side of your mouth say that it all has to be changed, it's no good, the board is not doing this, that or the other. By invoking the termination clause that is exactly what Councillors Abel and Pirri are doing.
"They brought an atomic bomb to a knife fight and people are really reacting because there has been so much sniping in the last 18 months about the Aurora Cultural Centre and finally it is coming to a head."
Councillor Ballard pondered why the Councillors are "treating" the Aurora Cultural Centre different from any other corporation around Town, comparing that agreement with the agreement, for instance, that the Town holds with Turtle Island for waste disposal.
"If I were a service provider to the Town and the Town came to me and said we want to open the contract up mid-stream and develop new KPIs, I would probably tell them to go pound salt," he said. "That's one thing that bothers me that I don't think Council understands that the Aurora Cultural Centre itself is an independent, incorporated not-for-profit organization.
"I don't believe I am fear mongering. I think the alarm needs to be raised because I don't believe that Councillor Pirri and Abel understand the consequences of invoking a termination or an early cancellation clause and the damage it does to the reputation of the centre. They really don't get it."
]]> 1952934390 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 83759654 1952934390 0 2012-02-21
The argument over the agreement between the Town and the Aurora Cultural Centre escalated last week as the two sides argued over the intention of a motion coming before Council next week.
The battle over the Cultural Centre began in earnest earlier this month when Councillors John Abel and Paul Pirri told The Auroran they intended to put forward a motion terminating the Town's agreement with the Centre in twelve months and working together to come up with a new, mutually beneficial agreement.
Councillors Abel and Pirri said they wanted a new agreement which would address concerns brought to Council this winter by Town Solicitor Warren Mar who identified many shortcomings in the current agreement. These included the fact the Centre is not obligated to come to Council with a budget of what they plan to do with the public money it receives annually.
"We have received a lot of support and the overwhelming [feeling] is the residents are pleased to know that we're asking more about how we fund the Cultural Centre," said Councillor Abel.
Residents have told him, he said, that they believe the Cultural Centre should present a budget before any public funds are given out, as well as their ongoing sustainability. Negative feedback received, he added, had been fuelled by what he described as Councillor Chris Ballard's "rally to fight the closure of the Cultural Centre" on his blog.
"There is a lot of support and a small pocket of those against it," said Councillor Abel. "Most of the emails [we have received] are misinformation so they are not addressing our notice at all. There is a story they were given by Councillor Ballard that is not factual. I am disappointed in what Councillor Ballard is informing the small pocket of people that are concerned."
Councillor Abel said he has met with the Board of the Cultural Centre to discuss the motion, which will be spoken to on February 28. He added he and Councillor Pirri could amend their motion when it gets to the table to address some of the concerns they have heard from the board.
"We would advance the expiry date and then we would have a brand new long-term agreement," said Councillor Abel of a possible amendment. "This is the stability factor, and I like Paul's analogy - it's like an athlete in his final year of his contract getting a contract extension."
Speaking to The Auroran, however, Councillor Ballard insisted he was not "instigating a scare campaign" with a blog post describing "the fight to save the ACC" and a need to "counter the well organized misinformation campaign that seeks to shut the Centre."
"You come in and drop the atomic bomb on the Centre by cancelling their contract," Councillor Ballard told us. "What does that tell the public and what does it tell supporters of all sorts of negative things about our volunteer board, about our great staff, and the fantastic volunteers we have?
"You can't talk out of both sides of your mouth. You can't say that the Aurora Cultural Centre is a great place and they are doing a great job and they have fantastic programs, and then out of the other side of your mouth say that it all has to be changed, it's no good, the board is not doing this, that or the other. By invoking the termination clause that is exactly what Councillors Abel and Pirri are doing.
"They brought an atomic bomb to a knife fight and people are really reacting because there has been so much sniping in the last 18 months about the Aurora Cultural Centre and finally it is coming to a head."
Councillor Ballard pondered why the Councillors are "treating" the Aurora Cultural Centre different from any other corporation around Town, comparing that agreement with the agreement, for instance, that the Town holds with Turtle Island for waste disposal.
"If I were a service provider to the Town and the Town came to me and said we want to open the contract up mid-stream and develop new KPIs, I would probably tell them to go pound salt," he said. "That's one thing that bothers me that I don't think Council understands that the Aurora Cultural Centre itself is an independent, incorporated not-for-profit organization.
"I don't believe I am fear mongering. I think the alarm needs to be raised because I don't believe that Councillor Pirri and Abel understand the consequences of invoking a termination or an early cancellation clause and the damage it does to the reputation of the centre. They really don't get it."
]]> More than 300 people gathered at the Aurora Cenotaph Friday morning for the annual Remembrance Day commemorations.
Bundled snugly against the cold and the wind, Aurorans young and old, including veterans and dignitaries, elders in wheelchairs and toddlers in strollers, gathered around the monument for the same solemn purpose.
As the colour guard paraded off the field and back down Yonge Street the lawn began to clear as residents went back to work, back to the school, or back to the Legion to get warm, but five-year-old Hazel Smith and her father Dan stayed back for a couple of minutes right near the entrance of the park.
A moment later, with poignant determination, young Hazel marched up to Aurora veteran Albert Arcand and presented him with a homemade card made with pencil and white paper.
The two - one who served his country in the Second World War and another who was born during Canada's most recent conflict - shared a special, moving moment.
Afterwards, when asked what she gave to Mr. Arcand, she told The Auroran the card was "for thanking a soldier for saving my dad's parents."
Hazel's grandparents, her father elaborated, lived in The Netherlands during the Second World War.
"We are thankful to the Canadians for the liberation of Holland," he said.
For Mr. Arcand, who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the war and later spent 25 years serving with the Royal Canadian Engineers in Korea, Vietnam, and Laos, Remembrance Day signifies many things.
"It reminds me of all the people I served with for many years and I think it is a good thing for the young people to know what was happening in the past and to honour the veterans," he said.
Friday's services
followed the traditional, time honoured format of Remembrance Day ceremonies across the country and wreaths were laid on behalf of the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario by MPP Frank Klees, the Town of Aurora by Mayor Geoffrey Dawe, the Townships of King and Whitchurch-Stouffville, the Royal Canadian Legion, the Royal Canadian Legion's Ladies' Auxiliary, Central York Fire Services, St. Andrew's College, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Trinity United Church, several Aurora families, and the Salvation Army, among others.
In his reading, Major Brian Bishop of the Salvation Army offered prayers "of thankfulness and care for those who have gone before us, those who died that we might live, who suffered and still suffer in the defence and the dignity of all people."
"This day we remember men and women who have struggled for peace, stood against evil, sought justice with the sacrifice of their blood, their bodies, their minds, their future, their lives as a result of conflict and the strife of war," said Major Bishop. "We pray for those who have been victimized, innocent casualties of hatred and terror, the children of the men and women whose eyes have seen the darkness of war. We pray for those who continue to place themselves in harm's way in order that peace and harmony might be achieved.
"We are grateful for those who have fought and valiantly died so that we may enjoy liberty and freedom. We are grateful to those who have perished while engaged in the task of peacekeeping. Bless those who continue to train and prepare themselves for active duty and missions."
]]> 693625101 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500 83759654 693625101 0 2011-11-14 More than 300 people gathered at the Aurora Cenotaph Friday morning for the annual Remembrance Day commemorations.
Bundled snugly against the cold and the wind, Aurorans young and old, including veterans and dignitaries, elders in wheelchairs and toddlers in strollers, gathered around the monument for the same solemn purpose.
As the colour guard paraded off the field and back down Yonge Street the lawn began to clear as residents went back to work, back to the school, or back to the Legion to get warm, but five-year-old Hazel Smith and her father Dan stayed back for a couple of minutes right near the entrance of the park.
A moment later, with poignant determination, young Hazel marched up to Aurora veteran Albert Arcand and presented him with a homemade card made with pencil and white paper.
The two - one who served his country in the Second World War and another who was born during Canada's most recent conflict - shared a special, moving moment.
Afterwards, when asked what she gave to Mr. Arcand, she told The Auroran the card was "for thanking a soldier for saving my dad's parents."
Hazel's grandparents, her father elaborated, lived in The Netherlands during the Second World War.
"We are thankful to the Canadians for the liberation of Holland," he said.
For Mr. Arcand, who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the war and later spent 25 years serving with the Royal Canadian Engineers in Korea, Vietnam, and Laos, Remembrance Day signifies many things.
"It reminds me of all the people I served with for many years and I think it is a good thing for the young people to know what was happening in the past and to honour the veterans," he said.
Friday's services
followed the traditional, time honoured format of Remembrance Day ceremonies across the country and wreaths were laid on behalf of the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario by MPP Frank Klees, the Town of Aurora by Mayor Geoffrey Dawe, the Townships of King and Whitchurch-Stouffville, the Royal Canadian Legion, the Royal Canadian Legion's Ladies' Auxiliary, Central York Fire Services, St. Andrew's College, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Trinity United Church, several Aurora families, and the Salvation Army, among others.
In his reading, Major Brian Bishop of the Salvation Army offered prayers "of thankfulness and care for those who have gone before us, those who died that we might live, who suffered and still suffer in the defence and the dignity of all people."
"This day we remember men and women who have struggled for peace, stood against evil, sought justice with the sacrifice of their blood, their bodies, their minds, their future, their lives as a result of conflict and the strife of war," said Major Bishop. "We pray for those who have been victimized, innocent casualties of hatred and terror, the children of the men and women whose eyes have seen the darkness of war. We pray for those who continue to place themselves in harm's way in order that peace and harmony might be achieved.
"We are grateful for those who have fought and valiantly died so that we may enjoy liberty and freedom. We are grateful to those who have perished while engaged in the task of peacekeeping. Bless those who continue to train and prepare themselves for active duty and missions."
]]> A resolution passed at general committee last week, a resolution which comes before council for final approval this Tuesday, calls on staff to conduct a review of the traffic calming measures, including the hotly debated chicanes and street closures in the neighbourhood, and hold a public meeting with residents.
The move came after
councillors rejected a staff recommendation to hire Dillon Consulting, the same consulting firm behind the report which ultimately led to the traffic calming measures being installed in the first place, a contract for $4,750.
"To address council request for a plan to review the northeast traffic calming program and a method to obtain an accurate reading of the neighbourhood's support for the program, staff have contacted Dillon Consulting Limited as the prime consultant on this project requesting that a plan for the review of the northeast traffic calming program be prepared for staff," said Ilmar Simanovskis, Aurora's Director of Infrastructure, in a report recommending Dillon.
In his report, Mr. Simanovskis said Dillon Consulting was set to develop a survey which the Town would distribute and collect,
tabulate the results, and write a memo based on the survey
findings.
But councillors ultimately aborted this plan asking staff to do the work for which, as Councillor Michael Thompson said, they were doing the "the majority of the work" anyway.
"How long does it take to write a letter, count the results from a handful of houses, and do a memo?" he asked. "If that is a week's work, I would be surprised, so we're paying $100 an hour."
Mr. Simanovskis, however, said that while the workload is one thing, impartiality in the findings is another.
"Dillon was involved on this project the first time around and they did a review of this process in 2008 which we reported on, so they are familiar with the entire project," he said. "My preference is to have them do this so we have the third party review. The biggest challenge with this proposal is actually getting information to residents, walking the streets or by
e-mail, then we can
actually generate some
responses."
Councillor Thompson was not convinced, nor was Councillor Evelyn Buck who rejected the idea that hiring Dillon Consulting would lend an air of impartiality to the endeavour.
"There is not going to be impartiality when we asked Dillon Consulting to do the review," she said. "They did the design. I don't see how they're going to be impartial about bringing in a report that may possibly be negative on what they designed in the first place."
In that light, after hearing from residents, and from taking a spin through the chicanes herself, Councillor Buck added that she was not prepared to send any further money on reviewing them. Her solution was straightforward.
"Get rid of those frigging chicanes," she said. "Just break them up and chuck them and open up those closed roads. Those are the things people are infuriated with. It is hair raising
to be driving down the road with those chicanes. Furthermore, before this plan was implemented Dillon was sent in there with a catalogue of every possible obstruction they could put in the neighbourhood and they picked every one of them. Everything that was available to them they took.
"I don't have any hesitation in saying I'm not interested in spending any more money. Just give the people sledgehammers and invite them to come over on a cold Saturday when they need to work up a sweat and get out there and break the damn things to pieces and bring in a truck and remove them!"
While Councillor Paul Pirri said he would be "the first to volunteer" in Councillor Buck's chicane removal scheme, councillors voted to keep the consultation in house and also hold a public meeting - not just for residents in the affected neighbourhood but for all residents of Aurora.
"I think it is important to consider in this whole process that we have a public meeting of some sort because it is not just the people in the area that are affected," said Mayor Geoffrey Dawe. "These are area roads that the whole Town has the right to use. I think if we are going to go ahead with this, I believe we should also put in a public meeting as part of the whole process to get a chance for some global input."
]]> 1736934944 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500 83759654 1736934944 0 2011-11-07 A resolution passed at general committee last week, a resolution which comes before council for final approval this Tuesday, calls on staff to conduct a review of the traffic calming measures, including the hotly debated chicanes and street closures in the neighbourhood, and hold a public meeting with residents.
The move came after
councillors rejected a staff recommendation to hire Dillon Consulting, the same consulting firm behind the report which ultimately led to the traffic calming measures being installed in the first place, a contract for $4,750.
"To address council request for a plan to review the northeast traffic calming program and a method to obtain an accurate reading of the neighbourhood's support for the program, staff have contacted Dillon Consulting Limited as the prime consultant on this project requesting that a plan for the review of the northeast traffic calming program be prepared for staff," said Ilmar Simanovskis, Aurora's Director of Infrastructure, in a report recommending Dillon.
In his report, Mr. Simanovskis said Dillon Consulting was set to develop a survey which the Town would distribute and collect,
tabulate the results, and write a memo based on the survey
findings.
But councillors ultimately aborted this plan asking staff to do the work for which, as Councillor Michael Thompson said, they were doing the "the majority of the work" anyway.
"How long does it take to write a letter, count the results from a handful of houses, and do a memo?" he asked. "If that is a week's work, I would be surprised, so we're paying $100 an hour."
Mr. Simanovskis, however, said that while the workload is one thing, impartiality in the findings is another.
"Dillon was involved on this project the first time around and they did a review of this process in 2008 which we reported on, so they are familiar with the entire project," he said. "My preference is to have them do this so we have the third party review. The biggest challenge with this proposal is actually getting information to residents, walking the streets or by
e-mail, then we can
actually generate some
responses."
Councillor Thompson was not convinced, nor was Councillor Evelyn Buck who rejected the idea that hiring Dillon Consulting would lend an air of impartiality to the endeavour.
"There is not going to be impartiality when we asked Dillon Consulting to do the review," she said. "They did the design. I don't see how they're going to be impartial about bringing in a report that may possibly be negative on what they designed in the first place."
In that light, after hearing from residents, and from taking a spin through the chicanes herself, Councillor Buck added that she was not prepared to send any further money on reviewing them. Her solution was straightforward.
"Get rid of those frigging chicanes," she said. "Just break them up and chuck them and open up those closed roads. Those are the things people are infuriated with. It is hair raising
to be driving down the road with those chicanes. Furthermore, before this plan was implemented Dillon was sent in there with a catalogue of every possible obstruction they could put in the neighbourhood and they picked every one of them. Everything that was available to them they took.
"I don't have any hesitation in saying I'm not interested in spending any more money. Just give the people sledgehammers and invite them to come over on a cold Saturday when they need to work up a sweat and get out there and break the damn things to pieces and bring in a truck and remove them!"
While Councillor Paul Pirri said he would be "the first to volunteer" in Councillor Buck's chicane removal scheme, councillors voted to keep the consultation in house and also hold a public meeting - not just for residents in the affected neighbourhood but for all residents of Aurora.
"I think it is important to consider in this whole process that we have a public meeting of some sort because it is not just the people in the area that are affected," said Mayor Geoffrey Dawe. "These are area roads that the whole Town has the right to use. I think if we are going to go ahead with this, I believe we should also put in a public meeting as part of the whole process to get a chance for some global input."
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