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York Region buses could be rolling as early as Saturday after the end of the over-three month transit strike last week.
With new deals in place, York Region Transit is weighing a
number of factors to determine which routes go back online first in a phased-in rollout. An announcement of which routes will be restored, and when, is expected this week.
By last Thursday it appeared the nearly 100 day strike was coming to a close. The first domino to fall was the ratification of an agreement with Veolia Transportation, an operator for YRT service, followed by the adoption of a new service contract for TOK Transit for YRT and Viva. The new contract with TOK came after the Region terminated its contract with First Canada, which operated 29 Viva and YRT routes in York Region's northern tier.
Some details of the new
contracts include the companies absorbing 75 per cent of benefit costs, up from a 50/50 co-payment arrangement, additional sick days ("a whopping four sick days
annually", said a union rep), and a 10.8 per cent wage increase over four years for workers in Veolia's Viva operations.
"If you simply just look at the annual increases and you put that aside and look at the underlying issues - the working conditions, the hours of work, the lack of medical benefits, the lack of sick days - there were a lot of issues underneath that needed to be addressed and fortunately, finally, after last week the employer and the Region came to their senses and realised the employees were dissatisfied," Bob Kinnear, President of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 113, told The Auroran on Friday.
"Obviously we are pleased we have reached an agreement. We're pleased to get back to servicing the people of York Region. What we're disappointed about is the duration of the dispute. We would categorize it as unnecessary. We were very reasonable from the outset of bargaining. We were very clear on what the issues of importance were to York Region and Veolia's employees and we were very responsible from that perspective.
"We're happy that we have an agreement but very disappointed we had to put the people of York Region through three months of turmoil. It was unnecessary. Had they just come to the table with reasonable
proposals we never would have had to endure this length of strike."
Mr. Kinnear said it was "unfortunate" that the Region "miscalculated the strength" of union members and said the union was clear in communicating the issues and objectives.
"As working people we're in a bit of a dilemma because we have one of two choices - we either concede to an offer we believe is a substandard offer in comparison to what is out there, or we stand up for ourselves," said Mr. Kinnear. "Even in the second week of the dispute we recognized that both the employer and Veolia were going to hold us out as long as we could, draw out the dispute in order to starve our people into accepting something that wasn't reasonable.
"In the second week we proposed going to arbitration to resolve the dispute. Even now looking back on it I think that was a very reasonable proposal to ensure that the people of York Region would continue to receive transit. Why weren't they offering what they offered this week to us? Why didn't they just offer that in the beginning?"
The YRT told The Auroran on Friday they were "thrilled" that all parties came to a resolution and maintained that the best negotiations are "the ones that take place at the table."
"They didn't talk for the first six weeks," said Rick Leary, spokesperson for York Region Transit. "It wasn't until the province and the Region were clear that they weren't coming to the table as a third party to resolve this. I wish they got to the table a little bit sooner, but it's done. Let's not look back, let's look forward and get service resuming again."
As users became more frustrated with the lack of movement during the strike, however, there were calls in some quarters for governments of all levels to become more involved in the process, with some even calling for an end to public-private partnerships when it comes to delivering service. This is something YRT rejects.
"Our business model has us using public-private partnerships and all negotiations are between the contractor and their employees," said Mr. Leary. "It's a very successful model that goes back 30 years even before amalgamation and it is a very common model used in North America. It all goes back to the true fact that negotiations take place at the table between the two parties involved and it did work out, as we have been saying all along."
On the part of Veolia, the original demand for what they described as a "100 per cent payment from the
company of health benefits" was something they "simply couldn't do" and was probably one of the biggest
sticking points in coming to a resolution.
According to Veolia's Valerie Michael, last week's resolution was the result of a number of factors, including the union's "willingness to compromise."
"That was probably the single biggest change in negotiations from this week to previous negotiations - the union's willingness to compromise with us in the insurance health benefits are a perfect example of that," said Ms. Michael.
"I think workers were just ready to go back to work and I think maybe they looked a little harder at the proposal and saw that it was a good proposal and wanted the leadership to come back to the table.
"[Transit users] did not hesitate to tell us how hard it was on them and we
certainly [understood that], but at the same time they understood it was about economics and they gave us a lot of support."
When the buses roll again, users can expect to ride for free for at least one month.
]]> 789226935 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:14:05 GMT The Auroran http://www.theauroran.com/ 83759654 789226935 0 2012-01-23
York Region buses could be rolling as early as Saturday after the end of the over-three month transit strike last week.
With new deals in place, York Region Transit is weighing a
number of factors to determine which routes go back online first in a phased-in rollout. An announcement of which routes will be restored, and when, is expected this week.
By last Thursday it appeared the nearly 100 day strike was coming to a close. The first domino to fall was the ratification of an agreement with Veolia Transportation, an operator for YRT service, followed by the adoption of a new service contract for TOK Transit for YRT and Viva. The new contract with TOK came after the Region terminated its contract with First Canada, which operated 29 Viva and YRT routes in York Region's northern tier.
Some details of the new
contracts include the companies absorbing 75 per cent of benefit costs, up from a 50/50 co-payment arrangement, additional sick days ("a whopping four sick days
annually", said a union rep), and a 10.8 per cent wage increase over four years for workers in Veolia's Viva operations.
"If you simply just look at the annual increases and you put that aside and look at the underlying issues - the working conditions, the hours of work, the lack of medical benefits, the lack of sick days - there were a lot of issues underneath that needed to be addressed and fortunately, finally, after last week the employer and the Region came to their senses and realised the employees were dissatisfied," Bob Kinnear, President of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 113, told The Auroran on Friday.
"Obviously we are pleased we have reached an agreement. We're pleased to get back to servicing the people of York Region. What we're disappointed about is the duration of the dispute. We would categorize it as unnecessary. We were very reasonable from the outset of bargaining. We were very clear on what the issues of importance were to York Region and Veolia's employees and we were very responsible from that perspective.
"We're happy that we have an agreement but very disappointed we had to put the people of York Region through three months of turmoil. It was unnecessary. Had they just come to the table with reasonable
proposals we never would have had to endure this length of strike."
Mr. Kinnear said it was "unfortunate" that the Region "miscalculated the strength" of union members and said the union was clear in communicating the issues and objectives.
"As working people we're in a bit of a dilemma because we have one of two choices - we either concede to an offer we believe is a substandard offer in comparison to what is out there, or we stand up for ourselves," said Mr. Kinnear. "Even in the second week of the dispute we recognized that both the employer and Veolia were going to hold us out as long as we could, draw out the dispute in order to starve our people into accepting something that wasn't reasonable.
"In the second week we proposed going to arbitration to resolve the dispute. Even now looking back on it I think that was a very reasonable proposal to ensure that the people of York Region would continue to receive transit. Why weren't they offering what they offered this week to us? Why didn't they just offer that in the beginning?"
The YRT told The Auroran on Friday they were "thrilled" that all parties came to a resolution and maintained that the best negotiations are "the ones that take place at the table."
"They didn't talk for the first six weeks," said Rick Leary, spokesperson for York Region Transit. "It wasn't until the province and the Region were clear that they weren't coming to the table as a third party to resolve this. I wish they got to the table a little bit sooner, but it's done. Let's not look back, let's look forward and get service resuming again."
As users became more frustrated with the lack of movement during the strike, however, there were calls in some quarters for governments of all levels to become more involved in the process, with some even calling for an end to public-private partnerships when it comes to delivering service. This is something YRT rejects.
"Our business model has us using public-private partnerships and all negotiations are between the contractor and their employees," said Mr. Leary. "It's a very successful model that goes back 30 years even before amalgamation and it is a very common model used in North America. It all goes back to the true fact that negotiations take place at the table between the two parties involved and it did work out, as we have been saying all along."
On the part of Veolia, the original demand for what they described as a "100 per cent payment from the
company of health benefits" was something they "simply couldn't do" and was probably one of the biggest
sticking points in coming to a resolution.
According to Veolia's Valerie Michael, last week's resolution was the result of a number of factors, including the union's "willingness to compromise."
"That was probably the single biggest change in negotiations from this week to previous negotiations - the union's willingness to compromise with us in the insurance health benefits are a perfect example of that," said Ms. Michael.
"I think workers were just ready to go back to work and I think maybe they looked a little harder at the proposal and saw that it was a good proposal and wanted the leadership to come back to the table.
"[Transit users] did not hesitate to tell us how hard it was on them and we
certainly [understood that], but at the same time they understood it was about economics and they gave us a lot of support."
When the buses roll again, users can expect to ride for free for at least one month.
]]> Like fruitcakes, ugly Christmas sweaters seem to multiply in cupboards every year. They gather dust in closets, get wrinkled on the floor, and only begrudgingly see the light of day when the loved one who gave it to you comes around for their festive visit - perhaps with another ugly sweater in tow.
But Aurora High School students put these "ugly" garments to good use last week in a fundraiser for Sick Kids Hospital on the school's first annual Holiday Spirit Day.
The "Ugly Christmas Sweater" initiative was the brain child of Grade 12 students Taylor Cowl, Lori Crantson, and Sarah Eskandarpour who, as part of their marketing class, decided to raise money for the hospital where their fellow student, Adam Sottile, who was diagnosed with lymphoma in March, received treatment.
To opt into the event, students needed to donate $2 or a toy. With a student body numbering at about 1,200, they hoped to raise $1,000 for the highest priority needs at Sick Kids.
"We figured, why not fundraise for Sick Kids while doing something fun that everyone can join in on and really enjoy themselves while they are donating," said Sarah. "We're in the spirit of the holiday season, so Christmas sweaters are tacky and fun so we figured, why not?"
The students got the idea for the fundraiser from Sick Kids Hospital itself, according to Taylor, and they went all out to bombard their fellow students with the message.
"Twice a week we handed out candy canes with little tags on them saying that the Holiday Spirit Day is on Friday," said Lori on the lead-up to the December 16 event. "It was right in their face so they couldn't miss it."
The students also got their message out through social media websites like Facebook and Twitter with the assistance of the student council's spirit rep Sienna Lerner, and went from class to class with their initiative. Evidently it worked as the students roaming the halls and hanging out in the cafeteria without Santa hats were clearly in the minority.
"There are a lot of ways to be creative with marketing and these project pushes us to be as creative as possible when it comes to advertising and how you're selling something," said Taylor on what she had learned during the project.
While each of the students hopes to head off to university next year to study courses as varied as sociology to criminology to cultural studies, they hope this event will be one of their lasting legacies at Aurora High.
"I hope this continues next year because we won't be here, but I hope the Grade 11s take this on as their next project because everyone seems pretty happy with it," said Sierra.
Added Taylor, "Everyone is participating so hopefully they will continue the tradition."
As for Adam, who was at Spirit Day on Friday wearing an "ugly Christmas sweater" courtesy of his sister, the fact that his fellow students were inspired by his story to raise money and collect toys for Sick Kids means a lot to him.
"It made me really happy they were donating to that cause because it needs to get some more awareness and bring more donations to Sick Kids," he said. "I am just happy my friends took that up and did that."
Adam said he is feeling much better now and when asked in his experience at the hospital where the donations might be best felt, he did not hesitate with his answer.
"The kids won't necessarily see the money, but I know from being on a certain floor that when kids get the toys they are just really happy and it puts a smile on their face."
]]> 778810216 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:22:08 GMT The Auroran http://www.theauroran.com/ 83759654 778810216 0 2011-12-20 Like fruitcakes, ugly Christmas sweaters seem to multiply in cupboards every year. They gather dust in closets, get wrinkled on the floor, and only begrudgingly see the light of day when the loved one who gave it to you comes around for their festive visit - perhaps with another ugly sweater in tow.
But Aurora High School students put these "ugly" garments to good use last week in a fundraiser for Sick Kids Hospital on the school's first annual Holiday Spirit Day.
The "Ugly Christmas Sweater" initiative was the brain child of Grade 12 students Taylor Cowl, Lori Crantson, and Sarah Eskandarpour who, as part of their marketing class, decided to raise money for the hospital where their fellow student, Adam Sottile, who was diagnosed with lymphoma in March, received treatment.
To opt into the event, students needed to donate $2 or a toy. With a student body numbering at about 1,200, they hoped to raise $1,000 for the highest priority needs at Sick Kids.
"We figured, why not fundraise for Sick Kids while doing something fun that everyone can join in on and really enjoy themselves while they are donating," said Sarah. "We're in the spirit of the holiday season, so Christmas sweaters are tacky and fun so we figured, why not?"
The students got the idea for the fundraiser from Sick Kids Hospital itself, according to Taylor, and they went all out to bombard their fellow students with the message.
"Twice a week we handed out candy canes with little tags on them saying that the Holiday Spirit Day is on Friday," said Lori on the lead-up to the December 16 event. "It was right in their face so they couldn't miss it."
The students also got their message out through social media websites like Facebook and Twitter with the assistance of the student council's spirit rep Sienna Lerner, and went from class to class with their initiative. Evidently it worked as the students roaming the halls and hanging out in the cafeteria without Santa hats were clearly in the minority.
"There are a lot of ways to be creative with marketing and these project pushes us to be as creative as possible when it comes to advertising and how you're selling something," said Taylor on what she had learned during the project.
While each of the students hopes to head off to university next year to study courses as varied as sociology to criminology to cultural studies, they hope this event will be one of their lasting legacies at Aurora High.
"I hope this continues next year because we won't be here, but I hope the Grade 11s take this on as their next project because everyone seems pretty happy with it," said Sierra.
Added Taylor, "Everyone is participating so hopefully they will continue the tradition."
As for Adam, who was at Spirit Day on Friday wearing an "ugly Christmas sweater" courtesy of his sister, the fact that his fellow students were inspired by his story to raise money and collect toys for Sick Kids means a lot to him.
"It made me really happy they were donating to that cause because it needs to get some more awareness and bring more donations to Sick Kids," he said. "I am just happy my friends took that up and did that."
Adam said he is feeling much better now and when asked in his experience at the hospital where the donations might be best felt, he did not hesitate with his answer.
"The kids won't necessarily see the money, but I know from being on a certain floor that when kids get the toys they are just really happy and it puts a smile on their face."
]]>
Two local bloggers named by former mayor Phyllis Morris in her aborted $6 million defamation suit are seeking $40,000 in costs from the former mayor.
Bloggers Bill Hogg and Richard Johnson, two of the three individuals named in Ms. Morris' suit, among other parties, were initially to have their date in court January 17, but the date has now been pushed back to February 16.
In their notice of motion, the two seek $33,905.67 in costs for the action brought about by Ms. Morris plus disbursements of $2,670.99, as well as an additional $5,514.18 for costs related to their failed motion to strike last March.
Ms. Morris launched her $6 million lawsuit in her capacity as Mayor in October 2010 claiming that comments made anonymously on the Aurora Citizen blog had defamed her reputation and Mr. Hogg and Mr. Johnson, as well as Elizabeth Bishenden were named in the suit with Ms. Morris arguing they had information related to the identity of the anonymous posters.
The claim was later amended to remove the mayoral component. When the suit commenced, it was financed with public money but, by the time the suit racked up a legal bill of over $55,000, the newly elected Council halted all municipal involvement in the matter.
Ms. Morris discontinued her lawsuit in October.
"These defendants have a right to seek from the plaintiff their costs of the discontinued action," said Mr. Hogg and Mr. Johnson's notice of motion. "This action was brought by the plaintiff for an ulterior purpose, was initially prosecuted with public funds, was designed to silence the plaintiff's critics on matters of political speech, and represented a tremendous burden to the moving defendants.
"At no point would the plaintiff's claim as against these defendants have succeeded at trial. Indeed, the plaintiff admitted that these defendants were only named as parties to cause them to 'roll over' on anonymous defendants also named as defendants in this claim. The plaintiff has previously sought, and was granted costs of a discontinued motion in this proceeding on a full indemnity basis. The same principle should apply to costs of a discontinued action."
Ms. Morris and Ms. Bishenden have made a settlement.
Speaking to The Auroran last week, Mr. Hogg said that he has not had any indication that settlement would be possible and maintains the lawsuit
was baseless and "politically driven."
"We have maintained from the very beginning that this was politically driven and without basis," said Mr. Hogg. "I believe that the fact the judge agreed that there was no basis for her Norwich motion and subsequently that she has discontinued it completely justifies our belief that it was politically motivated.
"Hopefully the public will look rather darkly on anybody who in the future decides to use their political power to try and silence public criticism of their political actions."
Ms. Morris did not respond to a request for comment by press time.
The previously scheduled hearing in Newmarket of local resident George Hervey's lawsuit against Ms. Morris for allegedly breaching the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act in bringing about her defamation lawsuit - a claim which Ms. Morris vehemently denies - has been
rescheduled from its original February date to August 17.
]]> 1125323014 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:17:40 GMT The Auroran http://www.theauroran.com/ 83759654 1125323014 0 2011-12-19
Two local bloggers named by former mayor Phyllis Morris in her aborted $6 million defamation suit are seeking $40,000 in costs from the former mayor.
Bloggers Bill Hogg and Richard Johnson, two of the three individuals named in Ms. Morris' suit, among other parties, were initially to have their date in court January 17, but the date has now been pushed back to February 16.
In their notice of motion, the two seek $33,905.67 in costs for the action brought about by Ms. Morris plus disbursements of $2,670.99, as well as an additional $5,514.18 for costs related to their failed motion to strike last March.
Ms. Morris launched her $6 million lawsuit in her capacity as Mayor in October 2010 claiming that comments made anonymously on the Aurora Citizen blog had defamed her reputation and Mr. Hogg and Mr. Johnson, as well as Elizabeth Bishenden were named in the suit with Ms. Morris arguing they had information related to the identity of the anonymous posters.
The claim was later amended to remove the mayoral component. When the suit commenced, it was financed with public money but, by the time the suit racked up a legal bill of over $55,000, the newly elected Council halted all municipal involvement in the matter.
Ms. Morris discontinued her lawsuit in October.
"These defendants have a right to seek from the plaintiff their costs of the discontinued action," said Mr. Hogg and Mr. Johnson's notice of motion. "This action was brought by the plaintiff for an ulterior purpose, was initially prosecuted with public funds, was designed to silence the plaintiff's critics on matters of political speech, and represented a tremendous burden to the moving defendants.
"At no point would the plaintiff's claim as against these defendants have succeeded at trial. Indeed, the plaintiff admitted that these defendants were only named as parties to cause them to 'roll over' on anonymous defendants also named as defendants in this claim. The plaintiff has previously sought, and was granted costs of a discontinued motion in this proceeding on a full indemnity basis. The same principle should apply to costs of a discontinued action."
Ms. Morris and Ms. Bishenden have made a settlement.
Speaking to The Auroran last week, Mr. Hogg said that he has not had any indication that settlement would be possible and maintains the lawsuit
was baseless and "politically driven."
"We have maintained from the very beginning that this was politically driven and without basis," said Mr. Hogg. "I believe that the fact the judge agreed that there was no basis for her Norwich motion and subsequently that she has discontinued it completely justifies our belief that it was politically motivated.
"Hopefully the public will look rather darkly on anybody who in the future decides to use their political power to try and silence public criticism of their political actions."
Ms. Morris did not respond to a request for comment by press time.
The previously scheduled hearing in Newmarket of local resident George Hervey's lawsuit against Ms. Morris for allegedly breaching the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act in bringing about her defamation lawsuit - a claim which Ms. Morris vehemently denies - has been
rescheduled from its original February date to August 17.
]]> Like fruitcakes, ugly Christmas sweaters seem to multiply in cupboards every year. They gather dust in closets, get wrinkled on the floor, and only begrudgingly see the light of day when the loved one who gave it to you comes around for their festive visit - perhaps with another ugly sweater in tow.
But Aurora High School students put these "ugly" garments to good use last week in a fundraiser for Sick Kids Hospital on the school's first annual Holiday Spirit Day.
The "Ugly Christmas Sweater" initiative was the brain child of Grade 12 students Taylor Cowl, Lori Crantson, and Sarah Eskandarpour who, as part of their marketing class, decided to raise money for the hospital where their fellow student, Adam Sottile, who was diagnosed with lymphoma in March, received treatment.
To opt into the event, students needed to donate $2 or a toy. With a student body numbering at about 1,200, they hoped to raise $1,000 for the highest priority needs at Sick Kids.
"We figured, why not fundraise for Sick Kids while doing something fun that everyone can join in on and really enjoy themselves while they are donating," said Sarah. "We're in the spirit of the holiday season, so Christmas sweaters are tacky and fun so we figured, why not?"
The students got the idea for the fundraiser from Sick Kids Hospital itself, according to Taylor, and they went all out to bombard their fellow students with the message.
"Twice a week we handed out candy canes with little tags on them saying that the Holiday Spirit Day is on Friday," said Lori on the lead-up to the December 16 event. "It was right in their face so they couldn't miss it."
The students also got their message out through social media websites like Facebook and Twitter with the assistance of the student council's spirit rep Sienna Lerner, and went from class to class with their initiative. Evidently it worked as the students roaming the halls and hanging out in the cafeteria without Santa hats were clearly in the minority.
"There are a lot of ways to be creative with marketing and these project pushes us to be as creative as possible when it comes to advertising and how you're selling something," said Taylor on what she had learned during the project.
While each of the students hopes to head off to university next year to study courses as varied as sociology to criminology to cultural studies, they hope this event will be one of their lasting legacies at Aurora High.
"I hope this continues next year because we won't be here, but I hope the Grade 11s take this on as their next project because everyone seems pretty happy with it," said Sierra.
Added Taylor, "Everyone is participating so hopefully they will continue the tradition."
As for Adam, who was at Spirit Day on Friday wearing an "ugly Christmas sweater" courtesy of his sister, the fact that his fellow students were inspired by his story to raise money and collect toys for Sick Kids means a lot to him.
"It made me really happy they were donating to that cause because it needs to get some more awareness and bring more donations to Sick Kids," he said. "I am just happy my friends took that up and did that."
Adam said he is feeling much better now and when asked in his experience at the hospital where the donations might be best felt, he did not hesitate with his answer.
"The kids won't necessarily see the money, but I know from being on a certain floor that when kids get the toys they are just really happy and it puts a smile on their face."]]> 1074841354 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:41:07 GMT The Auroran http://www.theauroran.com/ 83759654 1074841354 0 2011-12-19 Like fruitcakes, ugly Christmas sweaters seem to multiply in cupboards every year. They gather dust in closets, get wrinkled on the floor, and only begrudgingly see the light of day when the loved one who gave it to you comes around for their festive visit - perhaps with another ugly sweater in tow.
But Aurora High School students put these "ugly" garments to good use last week in a fundraiser for Sick Kids Hospital on the school's first annual Holiday Spirit Day.
The "Ugly Christmas Sweater" initiative was the brain child of Grade 12 students Taylor Cowl, Lori Crantson, and Sarah Eskandarpour who, as part of their marketing class, decided to raise money for the hospital where their fellow student, Adam Sottile, who was diagnosed with lymphoma in March, received treatment.
To opt into the event, students needed to donate $2 or a toy. With a student body numbering at about 1,200, they hoped to raise $1,000 for the highest priority needs at Sick Kids.
"We figured, why not fundraise for Sick Kids while doing something fun that everyone can join in on and really enjoy themselves while they are donating," said Sarah. "We're in the spirit of the holiday season, so Christmas sweaters are tacky and fun so we figured, why not?"
The students got the idea for the fundraiser from Sick Kids Hospital itself, according to Taylor, and they went all out to bombard their fellow students with the message.
"Twice a week we handed out candy canes with little tags on them saying that the Holiday Spirit Day is on Friday," said Lori on the lead-up to the December 16 event. "It was right in their face so they couldn't miss it."
The students also got their message out through social media websites like Facebook and Twitter with the assistance of the student council's spirit rep Sienna Lerner, and went from class to class with their initiative. Evidently it worked as the students roaming the halls and hanging out in the cafeteria without Santa hats were clearly in the minority.
"There are a lot of ways to be creative with marketing and these project pushes us to be as creative as possible when it comes to advertising and how you're selling something," said Taylor on what she had learned during the project.
While each of the students hopes to head off to university next year to study courses as varied as sociology to criminology to cultural studies, they hope this event will be one of their lasting legacies at Aurora High.
"I hope this continues next year because we won't be here, but I hope the Grade 11s take this on as their next project because everyone seems pretty happy with it," said Sierra.
Added Taylor, "Everyone is participating so hopefully they will continue the tradition."
As for Adam, who was at Spirit Day on Friday wearing an "ugly Christmas sweater" courtesy of his sister, the fact that his fellow students were inspired by his story to raise money and collect toys for Sick Kids means a lot to him.
"It made me really happy they were donating to that cause because it needs to get some more awareness and bring more donations to Sick Kids," he said. "I am just happy my friends took that up and did that."
Adam said he is feeling much better now and when asked in his experience at the hospital where the donations might be best felt, he did not hesitate with his answer.
"The kids won't necessarily see the money, but I know from being on a certain floor that when kids get the toys they are just really happy and it puts a smile on their face."]]> 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 18:30:28 GMT The Auroran http://www.theauroran.com/ 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 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:44:04 GMT The Auroran http://www.theauroran.com/ 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."
]]> www.pevonia.com.
Esthetics Services by Hilda: 905 727 8571]]> 1622759512 Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:44:06 GMT The Auroran http://www.theauroran.com/ 83759654 1622759512 0 2011-03-28 www.pevonia.com.
Esthetics Services by Hilda: 905 727 8571]]> * * * *
Nigel Kean became the first person to announce his candidacy for Aurora Council in the October 25 election.
By the time the nomination period closed in early September, 18 candidates had thrown their hats in the ring for councillor, and five were running for mayor.
* * * *
The 500-metre gap in the Nokiidaa Trail between Newmarket and Aurora at the McKenzie Marsh continued to spur debate throughout the year.
Despite several studies and community meetings, many people were still unhappy with any of the plans, which included extensive ecological enhancements estimated at almost $400,000, and the escalating cost of the entire project.
The link was finally approved by council later in the year, with construction of the trail and boardwalk connection to be completed in 2011.
* * * *
In late January, it was announced that David Tsubouchi would be the town's new Integrity Commissioner, replacing David Nitkin, who had been fired by council the previous August.
* * * *
In February, Aurora's Hot Spot closed after 18 years of providing a forum for thousands of local teens to spend Friday nights with their peers.
* * * *

In late February, construction was completed on the 860-space GO parking garage, east of the train station.
Later in the summer, controversy arose when preliminary discussions about the future of the GO site suggested eliminating the parking on the west side of the tracks.
* * * *
In early March the town's Master Parks and Recreation Plan was approved after several months of discussion.
* * * *
Aurora was awarded
with the prestigious Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award for Community Leadership in Heritage Conservation and Promotion.
In part this was due to the work in establishing the Church Street Cultural Centre, which officially opened in early April.
* * * *
In mid-March the Aurora Food Pantry moved to a much larger and more handicapped accessible location on Industrial Parkway, the previous home of Aurora Cable Internet.
* * * *
On Easter weekend a local resident was attacked by a neighbour's dog, which was eventually put down.
In November, a 12-year-old boy was attacked by a different dog in Aurora.
* * * *
In late April, Wells Street School lost its final hearing, when an administrative review agreed that the York Region School Board acted properly in its decision to close the school.
Adding insult to injury, later in the year the Board declared that the school had suffered significant structural damage from the summer earthquake, resulting in the school being fenced off.
* * * *
The town would have to wait at least another four years for the town to be split up into wards, when council turned down a proposal to add the question to the ballot in the October 25 election.
* * * *
Discussions on the development of 2C lands in the northeast part of town sparked a great deal of interest not only from Aurorans, but from Newmarket residents bordering the area.
* * * *
In the continued efforts to eliminate the sounding of train whistles in town, council approved the construction of pedestrian gates at the level crossings at Engelhard Drive, Centre Street, Wellington Street East and Center Street, and at a pedestrian crossing at Cousins Drive.
While train operators would have the option of sounding their whistles within Aurora, they would not be required to do so under normal operating conditions.
* * * *
In late June Magna announced that it would once again sponsor Hoedown, after a one-year absence due to the poor economy.
The 22nd version of this event held in September raised more than $500,000 for local charities, sports clubs and community organizations.
* * * *
The town reported an operating surplus of more than one million dollars for 2009.
The much-needed funding was reallocated into various reserve accounts.
* * * *
The town saw a number of successful events throughout the summer including the Street Festival, Canada Day parade and festivities, Concerts in the Park, Movies in the Park, Doors Open Aurora and Ribfest.
* * * *
In August Councillor Evelyn Buck was reprimanded by council for posts written on her blog regarding the approval process for the town's Master Recreation Plan.
* * * *
In September, the town and 46 of its workers reached an agreement on a new labour contract, which included at 2.5 per cent wage hike over three years.
* * * *
At one of their last meetings before the election, council adopted the town's new Official Plan and Promenade Plan, leaving it to the next council to implement these initiatives.
* * * *
As Fall began, there was a great deal of interest in the upcoming municipal election, with many people attending debates and other information sessions.
Unfortunately, the looming election also saw an increase in the vandalism of election signs.
* * * *
In mid-October, just a week before the election, it was announced that taxpayers would pick up the legal tab for the lawsuit brought forth by Mayor Phyllis Morris against three bloggers accused of defamation.
It was felt that this played a part in the eventual outcome of the election, as the results showed that Aurorans wanted change, with Geoff Dawe being voted mayor by a significant margin, and five new councillors being elected. Voter turnout was 38.5 per cent, up slightly from the last election.
* * * *
Mayor-elect Dawe pledged to act quickly on his promises of reviewing the position of Integrity Commissioner, cancelling town financial support of Morris' lawsuit, and reviewing council's Code of Ethics.
* * * *
The election stretched out a little longer than usual when a recount was requested by Stephen Granger, who had finished just out of the running for the final councillor's seat by 21 votes.
The recount, undertaken after much discussion by council, showed an even greater gap between Mr. Granger and the eighth place finisher.
* * * *
Despite continued discussions throughout the year on the potential use or demolition of the historic Petch log house, its fate had yet to be resolved.
* * * *
As the year closed, it was announced that Eric Joliffe would replace Armand La Barge as Chief of York Regional Police.
* * * *
Those are some of the highlights of what happened in Aurora in 2010.
With a number of master plans to be implemented and a new council eager to make its mark, 2011 should prove to be just as interesting.]]> 1698079344 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 11:36:17 GMT The Auroran http://www.theauroran.com/ 83759654 1698079344 0 2010-12-23 * * * *
Nigel Kean became the first person to announce his candidacy for Aurora Council in the October 25 election.
By the time the nomination period closed in early September, 18 candidates had thrown their hats in the ring for councillor, and five were running for mayor.
* * * *
The 500-metre gap in the Nokiidaa Trail between Newmarket and Aurora at the McKenzie Marsh continued to spur debate throughout the year.
Despite several studies and community meetings, many people were still unhappy with any of the plans, which included extensive ecological enhancements estimated at almost $400,000, and the escalating cost of the entire project.
The link was finally approved by council later in the year, with construction of the trail and boardwalk connection to be completed in 2011.
* * * *
In late January, it was announced that David Tsubouchi would be the town's new Integrity Commissioner, replacing David Nitkin, who had been fired by council the previous August.
* * * *
In February, Aurora's Hot Spot closed after 18 years of providing a forum for thousands of local teens to spend Friday nights with their peers.
* * * *

In late February, construction was completed on the 860-space GO parking garage, east of the train station.
Later in the summer, controversy arose when preliminary discussions about the future of the GO site suggested eliminating the parking on the west side of the tracks.
* * * *
In early March the town's Master Parks and Recreation Plan was approved after several months of discussion.
* * * *
Aurora was awarded
with the prestigious Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award for Community Leadership in Heritage Conservation and Promotion.
In part this was due to the work in establishing the Church Street Cultural Centre, which officially opened in early April.
* * * *
In mid-March the Aurora Food Pantry moved to a much larger and more handicapped accessible location on Industrial Parkway, the previous home of Aurora Cable Internet.
* * * *
On Easter weekend a local resident was attacked by a neighbour's dog, which was eventually put down.
In November, a 12-year-old boy was attacked by a different dog in Aurora.
* * * *
In late April, Wells Street School lost its final hearing, when an administrative review agreed that the York Region School Board acted properly in its decision to close the school.
Adding insult to injury, later in the year the Board declared that the school had suffered significant structural damage from the summer earthquake, resulting in the school being fenced off.
* * * *
The town would have to wait at least another four years for the town to be split up into wards, when council turned down a proposal to add the question to the ballot in the October 25 election.
* * * *
Discussions on the development of 2C lands in the northeast part of town sparked a great deal of interest not only from Aurorans, but from Newmarket residents bordering the area.
* * * *
In the continued efforts to eliminate the sounding of train whistles in town, council approved the construction of pedestrian gates at the level crossings at Engelhard Drive, Centre Street, Wellington Street East and Center Street, and at a pedestrian crossing at Cousins Drive.
While train operators would have the option of sounding their whistles within Aurora, they would not be required to do so under normal operating conditions.
* * * *
In late June Magna announced that it would once again sponsor Hoedown, after a one-year absence due to the poor economy.
The 22nd version of this event held in September raised more than $500,000 for local charities, sports clubs and community organizations.
* * * *
The town reported an operating surplus of more than one million dollars for 2009.
The much-needed funding was reallocated into various reserve accounts.
* * * *
The town saw a number of successful events throughout the summer including the Street Festival, Canada Day parade and festivities, Concerts in the Park, Movies in the Park, Doors Open Aurora and Ribfest.
* * * *
In August Councillor Evelyn Buck was reprimanded by council for posts written on her blog regarding the approval process for the town's Master Recreation Plan.
* * * *
In September, the town and 46 of its workers reached an agreement on a new labour contract, which included at 2.5 per cent wage hike over three years.
* * * *
At one of their last meetings before the election, council adopted the town's new Official Plan and Promenade Plan, leaving it to the next council to implement these initiatives.
* * * *
As Fall began, there was a great deal of interest in the upcoming municipal election, with many people attending debates and other information sessions.
Unfortunately, the looming election also saw an increase in the vandalism of election signs.
* * * *
In mid-October, just a week before the election, it was announced that taxpayers would pick up the legal tab for the lawsuit brought forth by Mayor Phyllis Morris against three bloggers accused of defamation.
It was felt that this played a part in the eventual outcome of the election, as the results showed that Aurorans wanted change, with Geoff Dawe being voted mayor by a significant margin, and five new councillors being elected. Voter turnout was 38.5 per cent, up slightly from the last election.
* * * *
Mayor-elect Dawe pledged to act quickly on his promises of reviewing the position of Integrity Commissioner, cancelling town financial support of Morris' lawsuit, and reviewing council's Code of Ethics.
* * * *
The election stretched out a little longer than usual when a recount was requested by Stephen Granger, who had finished just out of the running for the final councillor's seat by 21 votes.
The recount, undertaken after much discussion by council, showed an even greater gap between Mr. Granger and the eighth place finisher.
* * * *
Despite continued discussions throughout the year on the potential use or demolition of the historic Petch log house, its fate had yet to be resolved.
* * * *
As the year closed, it was announced that Eric Joliffe would replace Armand La Barge as Chief of York Regional Police.
* * * *
Those are some of the highlights of what happened in Aurora in 2010.
With a number of master plans to be implemented and a new council eager to make its mark, 2011 should prove to be just as interesting.]]> Esthetics Services by Hilda: 905 727 8571]]> 143082189 Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:59:45 GMT The Auroran http://www.theauroran.com/ 83759654 143082189 0 2010-11-14 Esthetics Services by Hilda: 905 727 8571]]>
I am a creative and passionate make-up artist. My unique pedicure provides stress relief and beauty; ear candling reduces wax build-up and eliminates ear ache; and threading is a beneficial method of facial hair removal.
]]> 1760753351 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 21:17:20 GMT The Auroran http://www.theauroran.com/ 83759654 1760753351 0 2010-06-18
I am a creative and passionate make-up artist. My unique pedicure provides stress relief and beauty; ear candling reduces wax build-up and eliminates ear ache; and threading is a beneficial method of facial hair removal.
]]>