tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13451632302331456152024-03-13T12:38:24.294-07:00Markham Village City Ratepayers AssociationAdminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10467645479270655089noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-85678662295267266962013-08-13T20:11:00.006-07:002013-08-13T20:11:56.121-07:00Arena Deputation April 26, 2012Mayor, Councillors, and Markham Residents;<br />
<br />Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to express my opinions regarding the<br />proposed Markham NHL arena. Last Friday, I attended the Town meeting to learn about<br />the proposed Markham Sports, Entertainment & Cultural Centre. I must admit that I<br />have not been following hockey news and so listened carefully, read the handout, and<br />then talked to a few friends -- trying to understand what this new opportunity<br />meant, to the Town of Markham and myself, as a Markham taxpayer.<br />When I finally realized that this very impressive facility meant that I, as a Markham<br />taxpayer, could ultimately be responsible for tens of millions of dollars of debt, I wanted<br />to know every detail possible. The Town meeting raised more questions in my mind,<br />than answers. Confused and concerned, I again went back to the Friday meeting<br />handout.<br />
<br />As we, the residents of the Town of Markham, are entering into an agreement with Mr.<br />W. Graeme Roustan, Chairman and CEO of GTA Sports and Entertainment, it is<br />important to me to learn who Mr. Roustan is and what his company is about. So, I did<br />what most do in this techno age – I went onto the Internet and started to google… I<br />needed to do my own due diligence before I could decide, what this opportunity meant<br />to me.<br />
<br />Unfortunately, all I could find about GTA Sports and Entertainment was recent – from<br />October 2011 until now. And, all that I found was specific to this Markham opportunity.<br />Itʼs difficult to learn about a corporation when there isnʼt any history readily available.<br />So, where can I find details on Mr. Roustanʼs company?<br /><br />
I went back to the Friday handout and continued to the next bullet on Mr. Roustanʼs bio:<br />“1989: Developed Pro Hockey San Jose” that led to San Jose Sharks”. All I could find<br />was that in 1989 Mr. Roustan was the co-founder "Pro Hockey San Jose" and that in<br />1990, Randy Hahn lived in San Jose and was instrumental in helping bring the National<br />Hockey League to the area, serving as vice president of Pro Hockey San Jose — a<br />grassroots, non-profit corporation formed for the purpose of attracting an NHL<br />franchise to the new multi-purpose venue being built in downtown San Jose. Now, I am<br />even further confused by the terms ʻdevelopedʼ, co-foundingʼ and the relationship<br />between Mr. Roustan and Mr. Hahn… What are the real and relevant facts here?<br /><br />
Following along Mr. Roustanʼs bio – “2009: finalist to acquire the Montreal Canadiens”;<br />“2010: runner up to acquire the Tampa Bay Lightning”. What does this mean? Perhaps<br />this is unique to the hockey world, but I donʼt understand the relevance of being in the<br />running to purchase something. In my mind, there is the buyer, who successfully wins<br />the acquisition bid -- and then there are the rest, who lost the acquisition bid. What is<br />the significance of being a runner up?<br /><br />
Continuing on with my search, I googled Mr. Roustan himself. Remember, I am still<br />searching and expecting to find a list of similar projects that Mr. Roustan successfully<br />completed – entered into contracts to design, build, and finance because if the residents<br />are going to be liable for any dollars, I need assurance that this project will be executed<br />flawlessly. But I still donʼt find what I am looking for. Instead, during my searches, some<br />of Mr. Roustanʼs companies appeared including; Roustan Inc., Roustan United Inc.,<br />Roustan Planet Ice, Roustan Ice, Roustan Ridglea, and Roustan Fort Worth.<br /><br />
I also found that TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie last November, reported that<br />Roustan - the chairman of the hockey equipment company, Bauer, also moonlights as<br />an arena builder. Again, not the business acumen I am looking for in relation to this<br />massive project. Roustanʼs company names appeared in both on-line news sites and<br />court sites (example: Justia.com, US Law). However, each that I found contained a<br />number of allegations regarding lawsuits against Mr. W. Graeme Roustan and his<br />companies. At least one matter, in Texas (2011), included allegations of Mr. Roustanʼs<br />integrity and credibility – specifically, involving his business acumen, ability to mount a<br />successful business endeavor, and his and that he committed statutory fraud. It is<br />important to note that I cannot verify anything that I have found on the Internet sites – I<br />am only citing what the court documents, posted on the Internet state.<br /><br />
Texas Second District Court of Appeals Decisions September, 2011<br />Docket: 02-09-00377-CV Date: 09/29/11<br />Excerpt:<br />The jury charge tracked section 27.01, instructing the jury that statutory fraud can occur<br />when either (a) there is a false representation of a past or existing material fact or (b) a<br />party makes a false promise to do an act. Roustan expands on his argument somewhat<br />in his reply brief, in which he asserts that as a matter of law, the allegations that he<br />made false “representations concerning his business acumen, his financial strength and<br />his commitment to funding the new company” cannot support a claim for fraud because<br />“the representation complained of must concern a ʻmaterial factʼ and not ʻa mere matter<br />of opinion, judgment, probability, or expectation.ʼ”<br /><br />
The evidence in the record was enough for the jury to conclude that Roustan told S&G<br />that he could and would provide a capital contribution of $150,000, either with his own<br />funds or with the financial resources of his business, but that he actually borrowed<br />money on behalf of the LLC. The record therefore contains sufficient evidence that<br />Roustan made a promise to S&G that went unfulfilled.<br /><br />
Again, I am only using citations from the court documents, that appear on the Internet,<br />but reading these gives me reason for concern and reason to question Mr. Roustanʼs<br />integrity and credibility – specifically, involving his business acumen, ability to mount a<br />successful business endeavor, and that he committed statutory fraud.<br /><br />
When government is using taxpayers money, it is incumbent upon them to perform the<br />utmost due diligence. I donʼt think that any Markham residents want to see Markham go<br />the way of Glendale, Arizona – where thanks to the Mayor and her NHL team – the city is now bankrupt.<br /><br />
Respectfully, Mayor Scarpetti and members of Council, I ask that you take a minimum of<br />60 days to perform additional due diligence and to also look to the private sector to<br />build, fund, and operate this proposed NHL arena.<br /><br />
I will not pay a dime, of my taxes, for this area!Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284398995190847984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-215095099319262462013-08-06T09:49:00.001-07:002013-08-06T10:27:01.631-07:00<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse!important;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse!important; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse!important;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse!important; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #cccccc; border-collapse: collapse!important; border-top: 1px solid #cccccc; color: #202020; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-top: 20px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><h1 style="color: #c52e26!important; display: block; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 30px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 32px;"><span style="font-size: 24px;"><b>YOUR Input is Requested </b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: mediumblue;"><span style="font-size: 24px;"><b>Below is the link to a short survey</b></span></span></h1>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-collapse: collapse!important; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 150%; padding-bottom: 40px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 0; text-align: left;" valign="top"><b><u>Dear Markham Taxpayer:</u></b><br />
<br />
Thank you for your support of the petition calling on the Mayor and City
Council NOT to proceed with the proposed 20,000 seat arena project, by
using taxpayer dollars, for the benefit of private businessmen. <br />
<br />
You will find, at the link below, a survey that has been prepared by a
group of concerned citizens, asking for your opinion on the proposed
Markham arena (GTA Centre).<br />
<br />
This is one of the most important issues to come before Markham Council,
in the history of our City. Since our Council has not asked for your
views, we are.<br />
<br />
Please read and fill out the brief survey that we have prepared. It
will only take a few minutes. Once the survey period is over, all
results will be automatically tabulated and the results will be
presented to Council. <br />
<br />
In this way, we will ensure that our elected representatives know the
views of their constituents, which is an important step in the
democratic process.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Web Link: <a href="https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/CGDrFG" style="color: #c52e26; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><b>https://survey.zohopublic.com/<wbr></wbr>zs/CGDrFG</b></a></div>
<b>To distribute the survey via e-mail: Copy the above weblink and
paste it into an e-mail message. You may also post it on your Facebook
page.</b><br />
<br />
Please complete one survey for each person over the age of 18.<br />
<br />
Thank you for your cooperation and assistance,
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b>Markham Concerned Citizens</b></div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div style="margin-left: 22.5pt;">
<div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284398995190847984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-37750786238403472302013-06-13T13:55:00.000-07:002013-06-13T14:01:04.417-07:00Renaming Hwy 7 to International Deputation to Region June 12, 2013 by Karen Rae for MVCRA <span style="font-size: large;">Good morning everyone, my name is Karen Rea. I am a resident of Markham Village and the president of Markham Village City Ratepayers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />I am here today to speak about the renaming Highway # 7.<br />I asked the Mayor of Markham on the weekend why it was even being discussed. He told me as the road was no longer a Highway, it needed to be renamed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />The definition of a Highway is: a main road, one between towns or cities, which is what Hwy # 7 is.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />In the ad in the local paper it states that the name change will reinforce the new vision for the corridor of being an urban main street within York Region. <br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The definition of a Main street: is not only the major road running through a town but the site of all street life, a place where townspeople hang out and watch the annual parades go by.<br />No one is going to hang out on Hwy # 7. It is a minimum of 4 lanes, and in parts 6 lanes wide, we will also have a bus running down the middle of it. This by definition is a Hwy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Hwy # 7, was first designated in 1920 and was once a provincially maintained highway in the Canadian province of Ontario. Highway 7 measured 431 miles in length, stretching from Highway 40 east of Sarnia in Southwestern Ontario to Highway 17 west of Ottawa in Eastern Ontario. However, due in part to the construction of Highways 402 and 407, the province downloaded some sections of Hwy 7 to the regional jurisdiction. Highway 7 is a major arterial highway which traverses the entire southern half of Ontario. The highway is one of Ontario's most important routes, particularly through Eastern Ontario where Highway 7 serves as the only major through route north of Highway 401. Motorists seeking a more scenic alternate route between Toronto and Ottawa can use Highway 7 instead of Highway 401 and Highway 416. It is one of Ontario's longest highways. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />I have found searches on the internet as far back as 2006, when York region tried to rename Hwy # 7 as Avenue seven… your logic back then was that avenue sounds more like a destination.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />In 2010 you held public meetings in Richmond Hill, Markham and Vaughan 63 % of people did not want the name changed… so why 3 years later are we now looking at not only changing the name again but to something completely different to what was discussed at the meetings, now it’s International Drive? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Hwy # 7 is part of our history, part of our culture, you can pull pictures from the internet on what the road first looked like and how it has grown over the years.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />We all want our history to remain. The richness that characterizes the communities is the stories that people can tell, about what used to be, the heritage, and our values, the buildings and the memoires of the people that made our villages and roads what they are today. That is our culture and the rich values that we all cherish whether we were born here or not. That’s what makes Canada what it is today. I moved here in 1978, kicking and screaming I may add, but because my parents thought we would have a higher standard of living here and there would be more opportunity here for us when we grew up. It’s probably the same reason why everyone moves here.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />I would like to be able to tell future generations my stories of Canada and the history that I know and that we fought to keep it from being lost. I have grown up with Hwy # 7, and I would like it to stay as Hwy7. Just like Markham will always be a town to me, not a city.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />I wonder how many hours have been wasted over the past 6-7 years debating on a name change. Are you going to pay to upgrade my GPS, the cost of all the road maps, signage and business stationary. What is even more silly, its only being changed from Donald Cousins Parkway. The left side of our bypass is one name and the other side is another name.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> Reading through all the information on the internet I shake my head at all the wasted time and money spent on this, and the future cost of wasting more money. There is no need to change any portion of this road.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Yesterday Markham council voted unanimously to keep the name the same, Markham <span style="font-size: large;">V</span>illage <span style="font-size: large;">C</span>ity RA supports their vote and respectfully request that you do not change the name of hwy # 7 and it is not rebought up again in a couple of years. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />York region has no extra money, I have been told by a developer that we are almost bankrupt, so I believe that your time and our money would be better served trying to figure out how to get us out of the debt that we are in, resolve the congestion of our Town and to plan for our future infrastructure, and not add any extra money to the debt that we are now holding.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Karen Rae, President<br />Markham Village Ratepayers Association </span>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284398995190847984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-58023043460100641002013-06-13T13:43:00.000-07:002013-06-13T13:43:11.060-07:00Renaming Hwy 7 to International Letter June 10, 2013 by Annette Cacorovski
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<h3>
<b>The following letter was e-mailed to York Region and Markham Council:</b></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Firstly, I am appalled that the Region and the Cities would consider a
name change to a North American well known Hwy. This holds NO value. As a
Region, we have many more value added issues that need to be addressed
in a growing population with many traffic
and transportation issues and cost effective measures!<br />
<br />
Let's use our time and money wisely. Scrap this name change to HWY 7 and
move on to transportation and safety issues for our Region and the City
of Markham.<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
Annette Cacorovski</span>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284398995190847984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-37221373396398129302013-06-13T13:31:00.002-07:002013-06-13T13:31:46.712-07:00Renaming Hwy 7 to International Deputation to Region June 12, 2013 by Jim Kwan<span style="font-size: large;">I strongly oppose the renaming of Highway 7. I think it is not necessary to spend the money on renaming the street. There is basically nothing wrong with it, in fact the existing street name is just fine. Why does York Region need to change it anyway? Why waste taxpayers’ money? People are not complaining about Highway 7, it is not a major issue with the residents or businesses to change the name. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />York Region should spend time better to fix other problems like traffic instead of changing a part of Highway 7 name. It is renaming only the part that runs through York Region, not the entire highway. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Also the majority of people recognize Highway 7, just like 401 or Yonge Street. Yonge Street also runs through many communities but none of the communities have decided to change the name of Yonge Street even through it starts in Toronto. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />In the last proposed name change back on Feb. 2012, the majority of surveyed residents did not like to change the name of Highway 7 because it may cause confusion for users of the roadway and general concerns about the necessity to rename the road. The change may cause confusion for emergency units or travellers and the affected residents and businesses will need to change the mailing address information, printed envelopes and letterhead. <br />The report said that Highway 7 is no longer compatible with the new vision for the corridor and this is one of the main reasons for the name change. Highway 7 is becoming more urbanized but even if Highway 7 is renamed, many people will still refer to it as Highway 7. The name change for a section of the roadway may be more confusing, such as 16th Avenue which has two different names, Carville Road and Rutherford Road, but it is the same stretch of road, Highway 7 is a unique road name because everyone knows where it is and there is no other similarly named roadway. It may not be exciting or reflect the new urbanization of the area, but everyone will know where it is.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />York Region is making the rapid transit line on Highway 7 with new stations and shelters. The shelters look great, like a piece of art, but does it do the job to keep the sun, rain, wind or snow away from pedestrians? NO. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />It is very dangerous to walk halfway across Highway 7 to the bus stop. It will be added danger for pedestrians who will jay walk across Highway 7 especially when they just get off the bus or chase after the bus. We can see it at the GO train station on McCowan just north of 7. Many residents do not walk across McCowan at the traffic light; they just walk across McCowan along the track. IT is also the same in downtown Toronto. Many pedestrians just cross in the middle of the road when they get off the streetcar, not just at the light. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Instead of spending time and resources on renaming Highway 7, maybe we should focus more on the safety and protection of the transit riders and improving the transit system.<br /><br />Thank you</span><br />Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284398995190847984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-9946064308254659322013-06-13T13:20:00.000-07:002013-06-13T13:20:05.466-07:00Renaming Hwy 7 to International Letter June 10, 2013 by Elisabeth Tan<h3>
<b>The following letter was e-mailed to York Region and Markham Council:</b></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Since the renaming of Highway 7 has been a
somewhat hot topic recently, I feel that many Markham residents would
like Highway 7 to remain the same.</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Some of the reasons are:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">- Costs to business owners and Municipalities.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">- Confusion for road users, especially when the new name will not be adopted outside York Region.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">- The volume of traffic remains the same (it is a highway volume).</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">- Speed changes/streetscape along 7 should not warrant a change name.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The money, designated for this name change, could be
used for improving safety for cyclists/pedestrians when using this
major arterial road. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">FYI, this morning was the official opening of the Sherbourne cycle track: <a href="http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/06/09/torontos_first_dedicated_bike_lanes_on_sherbourne_start_of_bigger_network.html" target="_blank">Toronto's first dedicate bike lanes on Sherbourne start of bigger network</a> . It is my hope, we will have an official opening of our first dedicated bike lane on Highway 7 in the near future:)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Best Regards,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Elisabeth Tan</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Unionville</span></div>
Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284398995190847984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-28883416120638875712013-06-13T13:06:00.000-07:002013-06-13T13:06:36.808-07:00Renaming Hwy 7 to International Deputation to Region June 12, 2013 by Donna Bush<span style="font-size: large;">Committee Members,<br /><br />I am here today to ask why? <br /><br />Why are we even considering changing the name of “Highway 7”? Highway 7 has been around since 1920 -- 93 years. This road is approximately 535 km long.<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>It goes from Sarnia in the west to Ottawa in the east.<br /><br />People know where Highway 7 is. I really don’t care if it is actually a highway (in the true sense of the word) or not. It is a recognizable name. When a person is trying to find a home or business and hears Highway 7, they have a great start to getting there. If they have to stop and ask how to find Highway 7, most locals will be able to quickly direct them. Isn’t that what we want -- people to easily find streets they are looking for? GPS units of all kinds recognize Highway 7. <br /><br />When I moved to Markham in March 1981, I remember someone referencing Wellington Street. I had no idea where they were talking about. I came to learn that at some point in time, there was a portion of Highway 7, called Wellington Street. Exactly what portion of the road called Wellington remains elusive to me, even to this day. And, frankly I really don’t care. <br /><br />Recently, I have taken the opportunity to speak to a number of friends in Markham and ask them what they think of renaming Highway 7. The most common response is WHY? <br /><br />The next question I ask is what do you think about a name change to “International” Road/Way/Street? The answer is a most infactic “NO!” Canada or Canadian something -- but NO, never International anything.<br /><br />Residents are asking, “Isn’t there much more critical business for York Region to be concerned with, rather than wasting time and money on an unwanted and unnecessary road name change. <br /><br />As a long-time Markham resident, I say, please focus on reducing our region’s debt and running necessary region business. <br /><br />Yesterday, all Markham councillors in attendance at DSC voted to reject renaming Highway 7. Thank you to all of those councillors!<br /><br />Please stop the make work projects and get back to basics.<br /><br />Thank you, <br />Donna Bush </span>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284398995190847984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-60794198500964997232013-06-11T15:47:00.001-07:002013-06-11T15:47:32.174-07:00Parkland Dedication Deputation by Donna Bush for MVCRA to DSC June 11, 2013 <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Parkland Dedication</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mayor and Councillors,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />Once again, I am saddened that Markham is still considering a<br />reduction in Parkland Dedication because there are so many benefits that greenspace provides to all residents. While we have previously<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>discussed this topic, today I am here to remind council that there are<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>huge benefits to preserving Parkland Dedication -- not reducing it.</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Urban parks and open spaces provide many important benefits</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>including improving overall health, increasing social and spiritual<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>well-being, and enhancing environmental quality.</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Some benefits that I have found include:<br />1. Protection of natural environment<br />2. Residentsʼ identity and pride<br />3. Community visual appeal and function<br />4. Development of strong communities<br />5. Individual growth and development<br />6. Prevention of social problems<br />7. Reduction of health problems and costs<br />8. Integration of disabled, disadvantaged and socially alienate</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />There are also many economic benefits listed in a publication called,<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>“Economic Benefits of Parks and Open Space: How Land<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Conservation Helps Communities Grow Smart and Protect the Bottom<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Line”. It states, “Communities around the country are learning that<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>open space conservation is not an expense but an investment that<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>produces important economic benefits.” </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>By:<br />1.<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Attracting Investment: Parks and open space create a high<br />quality of life that attracts tax-paying businesses and residents to<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>communities;<br />2.<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Preventing Flood Damage: Floodplain protection offers a<br />cost-effective alternative to expensive flood-control measures;<br />3.<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Safeguarding the Environment: Open space conservation<br />is often the cheapest way to safeguard drinking water, clean the air,<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>and achieve other environmental goals.<br /> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Faculty of Health, Medicine, Nursing and Behavioural Sciences<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Deakin University Burwood, Melbourne states:<br />“...research indicates ... humans may be dependent on nature for<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs that are difficult to<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>satisfy by other means. Findings so far demonstrate that access to<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>nature plays a vital role in human health, well-being, and development that has not been fully recognized.”</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />In terms of health, parks and other natural environments have been<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>viewed almost exclusively as venues for leisure and sport. Yet recent<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>research shows that ʻgreen natureʼ, such as parks and viewing nature,<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>can reduce crime, foster psychological well-being, reduce stress,<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>boost immunity, enhance productivity, promote healing, and<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>improving psychological state, particularly of people in confined<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>circumstances such as hospitals.<br /> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Studies clearly demonstrate that being in a natural environment<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>affects people positively, particularly in terms of Cardiovascular and<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Mental Health.. In fact, the positive effects on human health,<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>particularly in urban environments, cannot be over-stated. As a result,<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>urban planning should ensure that the communities have adequate<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>access to nature.<br /> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nature is important to people.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />Exposure to Nature and Greenery Makes People Healthier.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />A growing body of research shows that mere contact with the natural<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>world improves physical and psychological health. One important<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>study reviewed the recovery of surgical patients in a Pennsylvania<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>hospital. The rooms of some patients offered views of trees, while<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>others faced a brown brick wall. A review of ten years of medical<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>records showed that patients with tree views had shorter<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>hospitalizations, less need for pain killers, and fewer negative<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>comments in the nursesʼ notes, compared with patients with brickwall<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>views.<br /> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>“...research on recreational activities has shown that savanna-like<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>settings are associated with self-reported feelings of ʻpeacefulness,ʼ<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>ʻtranquility,ʼ or ʻrelaxationʼ...“Viewing such settings leads to<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>decreased fear and anger ... [and] is associated with enhanced mentalalertness, attention, and cognitive performance...”<br /> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>CBC News published a study, Parks help narrow health gap between<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>rich and poor dated November 7, 2008<br /> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>An excerpt states, “The difference in the rate of deaths between the<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>richest and poorest was roughly halved for those living with the most<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>greenery around them, compared with those with the fewest green<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>spaces, the researchers found.<br /><br />Reseachers went on to say, "The size of the difference in the health<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>gap is surprising and represented a much bigger effect than I had<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>been expecting..."<br /> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>ʻSo the key message is green spaces are another tool for<br />governments to combat this health gap between rich and poor.ʼ<br />Green spaces may encourage people to be more physically active,<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>and previous studies have suggested that parks and open space help<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>people reduce blood pressure and stress levels, and perhaps even<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>heal more quickly after surgery.<br /> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In a commentary accompanying the study, Terry Hartig of the Institute<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>for Housing and Urban Research at Uppsala University in Sweden<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>agreed: "This study offers valuable evidence that green space does<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>more than pretty up the neighbourhood. It appears to have real effectson health inequality, of a kind that politicians and health authorities<br />should take seriously."<br /> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A very interesting fact is that “Park and recreational service use<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>continues throughout the life cycle. Recreational participation<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>declines with age, but park use does not. In fact, people between the<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>ages of 65 and 74 use local parks more frequently than any other age<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>group from those 15 and older.”<br /><br />For small children, playing is learning. Play has proven to be a critical<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>element in a childʼs future success. Play helps kids develop muscle<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>strength and coordination, language, cognitive thinking, and<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>reasoning abilities.<br /> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>For children with Attention deficit disorder (ADD), this condition<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>negatively impacts academic performance, peer relationships, and<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>family harmony. Plus, these children are at greater risk than their<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>peers for low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Current<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>treatments of medication and behavioral therapy have serious side<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>effects -- but parks provide treatment therapy without negative<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>consequences. Benefits to ADD children include better concentration<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>on schoolwork and similar tasks, and a reduction in symptoms.<br /> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Research suggests that humans prefer nature in their landscapes<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>because it is a key ingredient of human habitat, it is essential to our<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>psychological and social health, social behaviour, cognitive<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>functioning, and work performance.<br /> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In fact, residents of neighbourhoods with greenery in common spaces are more likely to enjoy stronger social ties than those who live<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>surrounded by barren concrete.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />And, what about our air quality?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />Yesterday, Councillor Burke mentioned the growing problem with our<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>deteriorating air quality and global warming.<br />Parks and greenways can mitigate air pollution and increased<br />temperatures. Mature tree canopies can reduce air temperature five toten degrees and trees filter pollutants out of the air. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>According to<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>American Forests, trees in Atlanta remove 19 million pounds of<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>pollutants annually, a service worth $47 million.<br /> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In presenting this information to you today, it is my hope that this<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>council will realize that a reduction in parkland dedication would be a<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>very negative and short-sighted move. Residents are counting on all<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>of you to look after our environment, so that we can all enjoy a long<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>and healthy life. </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Once council gives up our greenspace, it is gone<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>forever. </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Before voting on this important health and quality of life<br />issue, ask yourself if you want your legacy to be that you did your<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>part to help increase the health of Markham residents. If you do, then show your community by voting against decreasing Parkland Dedication.<br /> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Again, I respectfully ask each and every one of you, to vote to<br />preserve greenspace and to vote against a reduction in Parkland<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Dedication.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />Thank you, Donna Bush -- Markham Village City RA </b></span>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284398995190847984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-47645309978494897242013-06-11T15:18:00.000-07:002013-06-11T15:21:28.904-07:00Parkland Dedication Deputation by Karen Rea to DSC June 11, 2013<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Parkland Dedication</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here we are back again, fighting the same issue. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />The staff report says, approach should be simplified, should be fewer categories for reductions, and incentives for higher development. The incentive for higher development, is that they sell more units and charge a floor premium. We don’t need to give up parkland that we should be entitled to!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Per your report, most of the development in Markham is below 3.0 FSI, So why are we even having this conversation, there is no need to discuss a reduction, as it would never be used. Or is it that once it is adopted, the flood gates will open and we will see much more higher density and less and less park land.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Reading through both reports and on page 23 on the recommendation report states: BILD indicates that the majority of Markham higher density development sits within 3.5 to 5.0 FSI range (something a little different than what the Towns report states.. who are we supposed to believe??) and that the proposed graduated scale provides real relief only at density rates higher than this. They would like to see the lowering of the threshold in order to allow more developments to take advantage of the reduction incentive. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The incentive that was originally to start at 2.5 FSI has been raised to 3.0 FSI, which you may say great- we have a compromise, However the incentive rises to 30% from 25 %... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Whose interest are we looking after the developers or the residents?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Development charges are outrageous in York Region, and we seem to keep asking the developers to contribute here and donate here, maybe we need to stop asking for extra money for anything and everything. Maybe then they will stop asking us to give them a break with the parkland. The extra monies that they spend have to come from somewhere.. nothing is free! However, parkland should not be an option and should not be up for discussion. This is vital to the well-being of every resident, it’s important for our real estate values and the quality of all our lives.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There have been many studies comparing the health of people related to the green space that surrounds them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Many of us know intuitively that green space, parks, forests and trees make us feel better. They refresh and recharge our batteries, bringing peace and tranquility.<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>It improves our well-being by reducing stress and fatigue and improving mental health and longevity.<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>The closer the green space is to our homes, the more benefit we derive from it. In fact, there’s a growing body of research on green spaces and their positive impacts on the health and wellness of children and communities.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The percentage of green space inside a one kilometre and a three kilometre radius had a significant relation to perceived general health. The overall relation is somewhat stronger for lower socioeconomic groups. Elderly, youth, and secondary educated people in large cities seem to benefit more from presence of green areas in their living environment than other groups in large cities. Yet we would like to discard these people from having adequate green space.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Exemptions for retirement homes and affordable housing and non-profit is not acceptable. Everyone needs green space and everyone has the right to have some fresh air, a place to relax, read a book, walk a dog or just spend some quality “me time” in an open air park, square, or a park bench, regardless of age.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The developers are going to build, regardless of whether you change the parkland dedication. As in a real estate transaction, you ask for everything when you send over an offer and in the end you may get nothing and you pay the full asking price.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The builders are not going to lose money if they do not get an “incentive” They all charge floor premiums of an average of $1000.00 per floor, which more than covers what they have to pay for the parkland.<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>A unit on the 20th floor is essentially $18000 more than the identical unit on the 2nd floor. Buyers don’t get a discount or a break to purchase on a higher floor. They pay more… yet the developers want to pay less?? Where is the fairness in this equation?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Parkland is a high quality public realm that has a tremendous value for all. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As citizens, residents, taxpayers of Markham, we urge city staff and the City Council to not lower the required amount of parkland dedication required by builders. We should be actively conserving, protecting, restoring, enhancing, and expanding natural areas and green space for public enjoyment, community health, and ecosystem resiliency.”</span><br />
<br />Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284398995190847984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-89648454893890369812013-06-10T18:27:00.000-07:002013-06-10T18:31:27.643-07:00Stormwater Funding -- from Grandview Area RA to General Committee June 10, 2013Good morning Councillors Burke, Shore, and other members of Council:<br />
<br />
I too was made aware of this issue late yesterday and would like to thank<br />
Toinette Bezant for submitting her comments so expeditiously.<br />
<br />
GARA was also taken by surprised by the recommendation to remove the Gas Tax<br />
from storm water infrastructure funding.<br />
<br />
We were very encouraged, earlier this year, by Council's apparent<br />
understanding of the importance of this issue when it passed the motion for<br />
storm water infrastructure to be funded on a city-wide basis.<br />
<br />
Now, this report that recommends the exclusion of one of the most important<br />
ways to fund that work seems inconsistent and inconceivable. We fail to<br />
understand the rationale for this recommendation, especially since the Gas<br />
Tax was specifically meant to be used for municipal infrastructure projects<br />
and other cities are doing just that.<br />
<br />
What is the logic of the majority of Council (a large majority) agreeing to<br />
fund storm water infrastructure on a city wide basis and then voting to<br />
remove a major source of funding to permit that to happen? June is too late<br />
for an April Fool's joke.<br />
<br />
I am sure that Markham can come up with many ways of using the Gas Tax, but<br />
I doubt that they are more important than keeping raw sewage out of our<br />
basements and our waterways, keeping our roads, bridges, and other public<br />
assets from flooding, or keeping our residents safe in their homes and<br />
businesses.<br />
<br />
Thank you for considering our views.<br />
<br />
Marilyn Ginsburg,<br />
Grandview Area Residents Assoc.Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284398995190847984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-21126036083766500192013-06-10T18:20:00.000-07:002013-06-10T18:29:55.293-07:00Stormwater Funding -- from Bayview Glen RA to General Committee June 10, 2013 June 10, 2013.<br />
<br />
Dear Councillor Burke and Councillor Shore,<br />
<br />
Re: General Committee: Stormwater Rate Study, Final Report Funding Option (5.0), <br />
<br />
On behalf of the Bayview Glen Residents Association, I wish to raise a concern with the Stormwater Funding report to be presented to General Committee on Monday, June 10th. <br />
<br />
The Bayview Glen Residents Association supports the recommendations of the report, however, cannot support item number five (5), which recommends that the Canada Gas Tax Fund be removed from consideration as an a potential funding source to offset stormwater funding costs. <br />
<br />
The purpose and intent of the Canada Gas Tax Fund is meant to assist municipalities in meeting the challenge of a growing infrastructure funding gap. <br />
<br />
In 2008, a joint municipal and provincial study identified that within a ten year period, Ontario municipalities will experience a $60 billion infrastructure investment funding gap (Source: The Province-Municipal Fiscal Service Review, PMFSDR, 2008). <br />
<br />
Many Ontario municipalities have utilized the federal Gas Tax Fund to cover the cost of stormwater infrastructure projects otherwise not possible through current funding methods. <br />
<br />
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), in a 2011 Gas Tax Expenditure Report, identified 42 federally funded municipal wastewater projects (of which stormwater is included); of the 42 Gas Tax funded wastewater projects, over half of the projects, 27 projects in all, were stormwater infrastructure projects. <br />
<br />
Any consideration by Council to endorse the recommendation to remove Gas Tax Funding from inclusion as part of the long term stormwater funding strategy would not be consistent with the manner in which Ontario municipalities have utilized the federal Gas Tax Fund nor do we believe is consistent with the overall intent and purpose of the federal Fund. <br />
<br />
Prior to any decision as to allocation of the federal Gas Tax Fund beyond 2014 , a full review of the City’s priorities and justification of the manner in which the federal Gas Tax fund will be allocated would be warranted.<br />
<br />
Thank you,<br />
<br />
Toinette Bezant, on behalf of the Bayview Glen Residents Association<br />
bayviewglen@yahoo.ca<br />
<br />
cc: Thornhill Stormwater Liaison Committee <br />
Marilyn Ginsburg, <br />
Evelin Ellison<br />
Eileen Liasi Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284398995190847984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-39946195257359011802013-04-16T19:43:00.001-07:002013-04-16T19:45:42.781-07:00Deputation MSECC April 15, 2013 by Donna Bush<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>April 15, 2013</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Good morning Mayor and Councillors, </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>The information contained in this deputation is Without Prejudice and it has been researched from various Internet websites using google searches. It is provided in good faith, and every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that it is accurate. I provide no warranty as to the accuracy of the information. It is for information purposes only. In no event shall I be liable for any damages arising, directly or indirectly, from the use of the information contained in this deputation, including damages arising from inaccuracies, omissions, or errors. Any person relying on any of the information contained in this deputation or making any use of the information contained herein, shall do so at their own risk.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>I am here this morning to once again convey my concerns regarding the obvious lack of due diligence on the proposed arena project. How do I know about the lack of due diligence? Because if ANY due diligence was in fact done, this project would have been killed 11 months ago. Since we are still here, it is quite obvious that something has gone very wrong with the process.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>In the COUNCIL MINUTES, April 26, 2012, 7:00 p.m., (Special Meeting) at</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Council Chamber, Meeting No. 8 </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Item #4. REPORT NO. 25 – SPECIAL GENERAL COMMITTEE (APRIL 20, 2012)</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Moved by Deputy Mayor Jack Heath</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Seconded by Regional Councillor Gord Landon</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>That Report No. 25 – Special General Committee comprised of 1 item be received and adopted.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>(1) MARKHAM SPORTS, ENTERTAINMENT<br />
AND CULTURAL CENTRE (6.0)</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b> </b><a href="http://www2.markham.ca/markham/ccbs/indexfile/Agendas/2012/General/gc120420/April%2020%20Project%2044%20FINAL.pdf"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>April20Presentation</b></span></a><b> </b><a href="http://www2.markham.ca/markham/ccbs/indexfile/Agendas/2012/General/gc120420/Proposed%20Markham%20Sports,%20Entertainment,%20and%20Cultural%20Centre%20in%20Markham%20Centre.pdf"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Report</b></span></a><b> </b><a href="http://www2.markham.ca/markham/ccbs/indexfile/Agendas/2012/Council/cl120426/Markham%20Sports%20-%20April%2026%20Council%20Presentation.pdf"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>April 26Presentation</b></span></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>1) That the report entitled “Proposed Sports, Entertainment, and Cultural Centre in Markham Centre” dated April 19, 2012 be received; and,</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>2) That Council approve the partnership and financial frameworks described in this report, </b>to construct a Sports, Entertainment and Cultural Centre in Markham Centre, with approximately 20,000 seats,<b> subject to due diligence results satisfactory to the Chief Administrative Officer, </b>Council approval of final terms, and execution of final agreements satisfactory to the Town Solicitor and Chief Administrative Officer; and,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">3) That Council endorse the development contribution amounts as outlined in this report; and,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>4) That the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized and directed to continue with due diligence investigation </b>and to finalize negotiations with GTA Centre, LP and its limited partner(s) and bring a report forward to Council on the final terms; and,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">5) That staff review and report to Council on any additional offers to contribute to the capital cost of the Town of Markham Sports, Entertainment and Cultural Centre that are brought to staff's attention; and further,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">6) That staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> (See Motion 1)</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>CARRIED BY A RECORDED VOTE (11:2)</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">(See following recorded vote)</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">YEAS: Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Deputy Mayor Jack Heath, Regional Councillor Gord Landon, Councillor Valerie Burke, Councillor Howard Shore, Councillor Don Hamilton, Councillor Carolina Moretti, Councillor Colin Campbell, Councillor Alan Ho, Councillor Logan Kanapathi, Councillor Alex Chiu. (11)</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">NAYS: Regional Councillor Jim Jones, Regional Councillor Joe Li. (2)</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Almost one year ago -- April 2012, I presented a deputation regarding my concerns around the financial framework of the proposed arena. I outlined a little bit of due diligence l had done on my own -- with just a few google searches. My searches were to learn more information about our prospective partner/promoter Mr. Graeme Roustan.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>This time, I have made hard copies of just a tiny piece of Mr. Roustan’s history and will ask that the Clerk please have the information sheets copied and distributed to the full council, commissioners, and CAO and attach them to the minutes of this meeting. </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>You will see that Justia.com, which I referenced one year ago, shows the Plaintiff as Touristic Enterprises Company (Kuwait City, Kuwait) v Defendant Roustan United LLC. In this case, the court awarded the Plaintiff a judgement in the amount amount of $482,419.14 and references “fraud in the inducement”. I cannot comment on whether or not Mr. Roustan is associated with this defendant.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>In The Tribune Democrat, Johnstown, PA, February 15, 2010 Ms. Reabuck wrote an article titled, “Hockey team owners sue former managers”. The Johnstown Chiefs corporate owner Neil Smith alleged defendants Roustan United Inc, and related companies, Arena United, Roustan Planet Ice, and Roustan Ice along with company executives, W. Graeme Roustan and Scott Branovan for allegedly failing to pay operating bills totaling nearly $300,000. </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>It goes on to say, “Roustan breached the terms of the contract and failed to carry out its fiduciary duty...” and “Branovan and W. Graeme Roustan allegedly are liable because the corporation were used to further their personal interests...”.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Apparently, the defendants have refused to pay. The article also states that bills from 2008 and 2009 in amounts ranging from $20 owed to Ear Nose and Throat Associates, up to $70,948 owed to Reebok-CCM Hockey US Inc remain unpaid. </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>A Toronto Star article, written by Tony Van Alphen, October 7, 2012 quotes me as saying, “ When government is using taxpayers’ money, it is incumbent upon them (council) to perform the utmost due diligence...”It goes on to say, Roustan brushes aside the nay-sayers, stressing that everyone wins in the deal. Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti agrees, adding the city has conducted backgrounds checks on Roustan and Bratty and concluded “we have a strong project team”.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Through the Chair, my question to the CAO and CEO is have you done any due diligence on Mr. Roustan and IF you have done ANY due diligence on Mr. Roustan, why are you still wasting our tax dollars continuing this project? </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Why are some of you waiting for an MOU, when it is just a piece of paper that you must agree is unenforceable -- just like the others that I have referenced here today? </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>As a taxpayer, I implore one of you Councilors to please put forth a motion to stop this arena process from continuing. </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Donna Bush</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Markham resident</b></span></div>
Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284398995190847984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-64327718665581301122013-04-16T15:23:00.002-07:002013-04-16T19:45:01.631-07:00Deputation MSECC April 15, 2013 by Karen Rea<br />
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Without Prejudice</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Good Morning Mayor and Council,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The information contained in this deputation is provided in good faith, and every reasonable effort is made to ensure that it is accurate.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The information has been researched via Internet from different sites, and I provide no warranty as to the accuracy of the information. It is for information purposes only. In no event shall I be liable for any damage arising, directly or indirectly, from the use of the information contained in this deputation including damages arising from inaccuracies, omissions or errors.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Any person relying on any of the information contained in this deputation or making any use of the information contained herein, shall do so at their own risk. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Here we are again, 12 months after the Arena has been announced and we are still fighting to get information released to the public.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Again, we have no issue with an Arena being built:</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The two major issues are:</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The Financial Framework</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The Business Partner</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">There is no proof that the Arena will be viable and profitable, the reports are still under lock and key.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I have asked Town Solicitor, and Andy Taylor if they can let me know the breakdown of what the 130 events consist of:</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Ice skating shows, monster truck, concerts, trade shows, family events. Apparently this information is also top secret.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I have researched and found a list of 40 Arenas worldwide, (in 2010) and it looks like our Arena will be on the top of the list for the shows. We will have even more shows than the 02 Arena in London, England.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">They top the list at 125, next after them is Madison Square at 71 shows.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So where did Global get the figure of 130 events from? the same information that was passed on to Raymond James to verify, from the company that will benefit if the Arena gets built. In my opinion this is a conflict of interest.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I also asked the Town Solicitor last week, if we had hired anyone to do the due diligence, I was told it was never adopted by Council, even though the motion was on the agenda and you all went in Camera, last Nov/Dec.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Mr Roustan told a resident that if this project did not get approved that he would sue 2 of the councillors, I have been told one of Mr. Roustan’s associates told a few different residents, that they couldn’t believe that the Town now wanted to do due diligence this late in the game, and if they wanted to due diligence on them, then they would start to do the due diligence on all the Councillors. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And this is who we want as a business partner, someone that would do that to our Council, even if it’s not true, why would one say something like that.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Due diligence should have been done prior to signing the confidentiality report back in Oct 2010. We wouldn’t be in this situation today, if this was done.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In simple terms it would be like me asking my client to sign a waiver on a home inspection, before the inspection was done.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Negotiations are ongoing, we are being told. Why? we may not have the right partner. We are wasting staffs time when they could be dealing with other pressing and more important issues that relate to our quality of life within the Town.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You have ignored the deputations of residents, you turn a blind eye to the newspaper articles, one Councillor telling me it “it was all crap” on what was in the Toronto Star about the Promoter, yet they have never been asked to put in any retractions.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Today, we are going in camera again, for what? property acquisition, discuss personal matters about identifiable individuals ?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Nothing about the Promoter should be held in camera… everything is available on the internet including the many judgements that are outstanding or have been settled. We all know about Texas and Kuwait. But what about the others: The Toronto Star reported about unpaid commission and unpaid taxes. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Reported in the Tribune- Democrat. Chiefs Professional Hockey filed a suit, for almost $300,000 defendants were Roustan United, and related companies Arena United, Roustan Planet ice, and Roustan Ice along with company executives Graeme Roustan and Scott Branovan, bills dated in both 2008 and 2009 range from small amounts, including $20.00 owed to Ear Nose and Throat Associates, up to $70948 owed to reebok-CCM Hockey according to the exhibit attached to the lawsuit.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">According to TMCnet.com/news tribune democrat via acquire media Newsedge. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Roustan United settled another lawsuit for $12612 by Lakeland plastics, Advantage staffing Inc of Altona obtained a $49944 default judgement against Roustan United and Burleys rink supply of Salix.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Unemployment compensation fund $3734.00 </span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Adex of Westbank filed a suit for $45580.00 for glass panels. EDC is suing for $21010. for merchandise allegedly supplied to Roustan, and the list goes on. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The Promoter, needs to stand in front of the residents and explain why these people and many more have not been paid, or if he has now settled these debts.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So for Council to keep going in camera… there is nothing to hide, it’s all available for free on the internet.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A motion should be considered to squash this project, let’s put it on hold till 2014, when those of you that still have no problems with it being paid for whether directly or indirectly with tax payer’s dollars and you have no problem with the Promoter, you can use it as your platform in the next election, and let’s see how much support, those of you that are still sitting waiting for more information, will get. The question remains now, who is responsible for the wasted time and money spent on this project.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The alternative, since Mr Roustan said he was trying to buy the Montreal Canadiens, I’m sure he will have no problem coming up with a measly 325 million dollars to build the Arena on his own, considering the Montreal Canadians were sold for close to 600 million. This should be pocket change for him.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So let’s stop the In Camera meetings, be honest, open and transparent and let the public decide on what is in the best interests of Markham. The Arena if to be built, needs to be built, owned and operated with private funds</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 10px; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Karen Rea</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Markham resident</span></div>
Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284398995190847984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-80297523836049019412013-04-11T14:10:00.000-07:002013-04-11T14:10:37.899-07:00Parkland Dedication Deputation April 9, 2013 by Eileen Liasi <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Version>14.00</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Parkland Dedication Deputation April 9, 2013 by Eileen Liasi<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dear Council Member,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I don't believe in creating different, reduced or graduated parkland
dedication standards for high density areas, not for centres or for corridors,
nor do I believe in cash in lieu for this commodity. How can you put a price on
fresh air, sunshine and green space?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>People are people no matter where they live. The people who live in high
density areas deserve just as much fresh air, sunshine and grass beneath their
feet as do people who live in low density areas. In fact they may very well
require more as they likely have very limited balcony space, ground space which
is urban concrete and for those living on the north side of buildings and in
the shadow of other buildings they likely receive little if any sunshine. To
deprive this population of the quality of life their fair share of these
factors provide is inhuman.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I don't believe the City will not be able to achieve urban structure
without these reductions. We have enough incentives in place already to achieve
urban structure. This is obviously the development industry pushing for these
reductions so they are able to reduce their costs and increase their profits.
The developers will not be living in these units so what do they care. They
have their mansions set in beautiful parkland settings where you can't see the
house for the trees and where they have ample access to fresh air and sunshine.
Yet they want to deprive ordinary folk of their quality of life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">People should not have to use their cars or take transit to get to green
space. Parks should be within a reasonable walking distance for everyone. To
purchase more suburban land with urban cash-in-lieu only makes the distribution
of parkland more unequal, less available for use by urban dwellers and provides
parkland for suburbanites which has been paid for by urban dwellers. How fair
is that? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Great cities of the world have great parks. Let's put parks for people
instead of casinos for gamblers and arenas for millionaires and billionaires in
our public spaces.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Eileen Liasi<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284398995190847984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-88524424958793783212013-04-11T10:35:00.002-07:002013-04-11T14:11:01.627-07:00Parkland Dedication Deputation April 9, 2013 by Karen ReaParkland Dedication Deputation April 9, 2013 by Karen Rea<br />
<br />
There have been many studies comparing the health of people related to the green space that surrounds them. Many of us know intuitively that green space, parks, forests and trees make us feel better. They refresh and recharge our batteries, bringing peace and tranquility. It improves our wellbeing by reducing stress and fatigue and improving mental health and longevity.<br />
<br />
The closer the green space is to our homes, the more benefit we derive from it. In fact, there’s a growing body of research on green spaces and their positive impacts on the health and wellness of children and communities. A classic study demonstrated that patients with views of trees vs. views of a brick wall had shorter hospitalizations, less need for painkillers, and fewer negative comments in the nurses' notes.<br />
The percentage of green space inside a one kilometre and a three kilometre radius had a significant relation to perceived general health. The relation was generally present at all degrees of urbanity. The overall relation is somewhat stronger for lower socioeconomic groups. Elderly, youth, and secondary educated people in large cities seem to benefit more from presence of green areas in their living environment than other groups in large cities.<br />
<br />
This is not hard, and the complicated math that is shown in the reports is not necessary.<br />
The higher the building the more people, the more people the more parkland and green space is needed, not less. All builders charge a floor premium- the same unit on a higher floor is more money. Floor premiums range from $500 to $2000 per floor.<br />
<br />
For example Greenpark, on Markham Rd is charging $1000 per floor after the 2nd floor.<br />
So a unit on the 20th floor is essentially $18000 more than the same unit on the<br />
2nd floor. Builders are charging more and making more- it doesn’t cost them anymore<br />
money to build the same unit on a higher floor, yet they are asking us to give<br />
them a discount.<br />
<br />
It is interesting, that we are asking the developers for money to build an Arena,<br />
and now the developers want a break on the development charges, I guess they<br />
want to cut the costs somehow, even though all charges are passed on to the new<br />
homeowner. Exemptions for retirement homes and affordable housing and non-profit is not<br />
acceptable. Everyone needs green space and everyone has the right to have some<br />
fresh air, and a place to relax, regardless of age.<br />
<br />
Parkland is a high quality public realm that has a tremendous value for all<br />
As citizens, residents, taxpayers of Markham, we urge city staff and the City<br />
Council to not lower the required amount of parkland dedication required by<br />
builders. We should be actively conserving, protecting, restoring, enhancing, and<br />
expanding natural areas and green space for public enjoyment, community<br />
health, and ecosystem resiliency.”<br />
<br />
Karen ReaDonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284398995190847984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-6787413252086647782013-04-10T14:56:00.001-07:002013-04-11T14:11:23.692-07:00Parkland Dedication Deputation April 9, 2013 by Donna Bush<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Parkland Dedication Deputation April 9, 2013 by Donna Bush</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>I am saddened that Markham is even considering a reduction in parkland dedication because there are so many benefits that greenspace provides to local residents. In case not everyone on council has had the opportunity to research this topic, I would like to share some of my findings with you. You may be as surprised as I, to learn that there are huge benefits to parkland. </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Urban parks and open spaces provide many important benefits including improving overall health, increasing social and spiritual wellbeing, and enhancing environmental quality.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Some benefits that I have found include:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>1. Protection of natural environment</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>2. Residents’ identity and pride</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>3. Community visual appeal and function</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>4. Development of strong communities</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>5. Individual growth and development</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>6. Prevention of social problems</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>7. Reduction health problems and costs</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>8. Integration of disabled, disadvantaged and socially alienated </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>There are also many economic benefits listed in a publication called, “Economic Benefits of Parks and Open Space: How Land Conservation Helps Communities Grow Smart and Protect the Bottom Line”. It states, “Communities around the country are learning that open space conservation is not an expense but an investment that produces important economic benefits.” </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<ol>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b> Attracting Investment: Parks and open space create a high quality </b></span><b style="letter-spacing: 0px;">of life that attracts tax-paying businesses and residents to </b><b style="letter-spacing: 0px;">communities;</b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Preventing Flood Damage: Floodplain protection offers a cost-</b><b style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">effective alternative to expensive flood-control measures;</b></li>
<li><b style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Safeguarding the Environment: Open space conservation is often </b><b style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">the cheapest way to safeguard drinking water, clean the air, and </b><b style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0px;">achieve other environmental goals.</b></li>
</ol>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>The Faculty of Health, Medicine, Nursing and Behavioural Sciences Deakin University Burwood, Melbourne states:</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>“...research indicates that ... humans may be dependent on nature for psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs that are difficult to satisfy by other means. Findings so far demonstrate that access to nature plays a vital role in human health, wellbeing, and development that has not been fully recognized.” </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>In terms of health, parks and other natural environments have been viewed almost exclusively as venues for leisure and sport. Yet recent research shows that ‘green nature’, such as parks, can reduce crime, foster psychological wellbeing, reduce stress, boost immunity, enhance productivity, and promote healing. In fact, the positive effects on human health, particularly in urban environments, cannot be over-stated. As a result, urban planning should ensure that the communities have adequate access to nature.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Evidence shows that among other benefits viewing nature is positive for health in terms of recovering from stress, improving concentration and productivity, and improving psychological state, particularly of people in confined circumstances such as prisons and hospitals. Studies clearly demonstrate that being in a natural environment affects people positively, particularly in terms of mental health. </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Nature is important to people.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Most relevant to parks and nature are Cardiovascular Health and Mental Health.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Exposure to Nature and Greenery Makes People Healthier</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>A growing body of research shows that mere contact with the natural world improves physical and psychological health.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>One important study reviewed the recovery of surgical patients in a Pennsylvania hospital. The rooms of some patients offered views of a stand of trees, while others faced a brown brick wall. A review of ten years of medical records showed that patients with tree views had shorter hospitalizations, less need for pain killers, and fewer negative comments in the nurses’ notes, compared with patients with brick-wall views.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>“...research on recreational activities has shown that savanna-like settings are associated with self-reported feelings of ‘peacefulness,’ ‘tranquility,’ or ‘relaxation,’” Frumkin writes. “Viewing such settings leads to decreased fear and anger ... [and] is associated with enhanced mental alertness, attention, and cognitive performance...”</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>At this point we do not know when or where reduced parkland dedication may rear its ugly head, but we do know that it will have negative consequences on the young, the elderly, the infirmed, and for everyone in between. And, by proposing to swap parkland from those living in concrete in the sky to lower cost land away from thesParkland Dedication Deputation April 9 2013.pagese greenspace deprived taxpayers is cruel and unhealthy. </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>A very interesting fact is that “Park and recreational service use continues throughout the life cycle. Recreational participation declines with age, but park use does not. In fact, people between the ages of 65 and 74 use local parks more frequently than any other age group from those 15 and older.”</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Parks Support Play and Brain Development: For small children, playing is learning. Play has proven to be a critical element in a child’s future success. Play helps kids develop muscle strength and coordination, language, cognitive thinking, and reasoning abilities.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Parks Provide Therapy for Attention Deficit Disorder: Attention deficit disorder (ADD), is a condition that negatively impacts academic performance, peer relationships, and family harmony. In addition, children with ADD are at greater risk than their peers for low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Current treatments of medication and behavioral therapy have serious side effects or limited efficacy. </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Researchers have recently discovered that children with ADD can concentrate on schoolwork and similar tasks better than usual after taking part in activities in green settings, such as walking through or playing in a park. And the greener a child’s play area, the less severe the symptoms.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Research suggests that humans prefer nature in their landscapes because it is a key ingredient of human habitat, it is essential to our psychological and social health, and has an apparent beneficial effect on blood pressure, heart rate, mood, day-to-day effectiveness, social behaviour, cognitive functioning, and work performance.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Parks Promote the Social Health of Communities: Research shows that residents of neighbourhoods with greenery in common spaces are more likely to enjoy stronger social ties than those who live surrounded by barren concrete.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Parks and greenways can mitigate air pollution and increased temperatures. Mature tree canopies can reduce air temperature five to ten degrees and trees filter pollutants out of the air. According to American Forests, trees in Atlanta remove 19 million pounds of pollutants annually, a service worth $47 million.</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>In presenting this information to you today, it is my hope that this council will realize that a reduction in parkland dedication would be a very negative and short-sighted move that may pacify Markham developers, but it is definitely not in the best interests of any future Markham community. </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>And, the only reason that I see for a reduction request is avarice -- in other words developers’ greed. As distasteful as this sounds, I cannot find another benefit to a reduction in parkland dedication. </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>I respectfully ask each and every councillor, to vote with current and future Markham residents -- the young, the seniors, the infirmed, and all those who want to extend their good health and say NO to a reduction in parkland dedication. </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Thank you,</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Donna Bush </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284398995190847984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-56810637164041569032013-03-27T19:32:00.000-07:002013-03-27T19:36:31.704-07:00Photo op...<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Dear Mayor and councillors,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br />I wonder if someone can explain something for me, please.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br />Some
time ago, when you and members of council were pressed to explain the
financial impact of the GTA Center on our property taxes we were told,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> "While Markham knows that its maximum contribution to the project is capped </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> at$162.5 million <u>there is no guarantee that property taxes will not increase, since </u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> <u>funding sources to service the debt ARE NOT GUARANTEED."</u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">This quote was also used in an article from yourself in the Economist and Sun. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br />That
being said, why are we once again seeing in print the incorrect and
MISLEADING statement: "No property tax increase for Markham residents" ?
How can it work both ways? Am I missing something??</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br />I respectfully await your explanation(s) on this matter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br />P.S. Very clever backdrop for photo.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br />Regards, <br />Marg Ferguson, Ward 4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hlp-61apxfE/UVOrXmDMQmI/AAAAAAAABN0/3mVyujQ5GNw/s1600/Markham+Economist+-+March+23+2013+Back+Page.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hlp-61apxfE/UVOrXmDMQmI/AAAAAAAABN0/3mVyujQ5GNw/s640/Markham+Economist+-+March+23+2013+Back+Page.JPG" width="588" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><br /></span>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284398995190847984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-82728837729221700492013-03-27T13:15:00.000-07:002013-03-27T19:34:51.431-07:00Taxpayers Money...We attended the '2013 Celebrate Markham Grants Allocation' meeting on Monday. Following are some comments:<br />
<br />
- Clarkson Cup, held this past weekend, 'partnership' dollars were questioned. Committee members asked where the money for this came from, how much was given, and why they were not advised.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Brenda Librez said the funds came from the recreation operating budget -- $10,000 </li>
<li>Brenda didn't mention the no-charge ice time of approx $4,000-5,000, or the cost of table/s for the Awards Night...</li>
<li>it appears that some councillors were unaware of this amount of funding.</li>
</ul>
<div>
- Mayor's Office has their own funding... this was questioned by some of the councillors...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- A councillor stated that there is a 'back-door'way to get funding/additional funding. Apparently, a letter to the mayor is all that is required for table sponsorship.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Councillors were unaware of how many requests are made or funds provided for a variety of special interest groups. Staff is to report back on the dollars given to these groups.<br />
<br />
- Council voted to keep the 2013 recommendation report, as there were not enough funds available for the increases that were requested.</div>
<div>
- 2013 Grants Allocation Budget was approved pending final vote at the next Council meeting.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Og0XyiEOcLA/UVDzowaAtoI/AAAAAAAABM8/u9lDuJfSnps/s1600/Scan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Og0XyiEOcLA/UVDzowaAtoI/AAAAAAAABM8/u9lDuJfSnps/s640/Scan.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284398995190847984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-4215158126934948302013-03-24T11:15:00.002-07:002013-03-24T11:15:36.800-07:00<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><u>NEW WARD BOUNDARIES FOR THE 2014 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS</u></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XmBK2srCAUA/UU9Bw9MNHkI/AAAAAAAAAAY/iufLDAHRC1c/s1600/wardmap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="409" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XmBK2srCAUA/UU9Bw9MNHkI/AAAAAAAAAAY/iufLDAHRC1c/s640/wardmap.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13601451476941246245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-79584315024253165972013-01-13T10:37:00.000-08:002013-01-13T10:37:06.506-08:00Council January 29, 2013 at 7:00 pm re Proposed Arena<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0; border-collapse: collapse!important; border-top: 0; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse!important;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse!important; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse!important;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse!important; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #cccccc; border-collapse: collapse!important; border-top: 1px solid #cccccc; color: #202020; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-top: 20px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><h1 style="color: #c52e26!important; display: block; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 30px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><strong>Website : </strong><a href="http://mvcrpa.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">mvcrpa.blogspot.ca/</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 32px;"><strong>Important</strong></span></h1>
<br />
<h1 style="color: #c52e26!important; display: block; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 30px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 32px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">Proposed <span style="color: mediumblue;"><em>'NHL-ready Arena' </em></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;">Council Meeting</span></strong></span></h1>
<br />
<h1 style="color: #c52e26!important; display: block; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 30px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: mediumblue;"><span style="font-size: 32px;"><strong><span style="font-size: 24px;">Residents <em>URGENTLY</em> Needed</span></strong></span></span></h1>
<br />
<h1 style="color: #c52e26!important; display: block; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 30px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: mediumblue;"><strong>Tuesday, January 29, 2013</strong></span></span></h1>
<h1 style="color: #c52e26!important; display: block; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 30px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 0; text-align: center;">
</h1>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-collapse: collapse!important; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 150%; padding-bottom: 40px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 0; text-align: left;" valign="top"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Dear Markham Friends,</span><br />
<br />
Thank you for your support of the petition calling on the Mayor and City
Council NOT to proceed with the proposed NHL-ready arena project, by
using taxpayer dollars, for the benefit of private businessmen.<span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #000099;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">There is an important Meeting as follows:<br />
Tuesday, January 29, 2013, 7:00 pm<br />
Markham Civic Centre (corner of Hwy. 7 and Warden) </span></strong></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<strong>The following two Notice of Motions will be voted on:</strong>
<div dir="ltr">
<strong>1. financial framework<br />
2. deferral of the site plan</strong></div>
<br />
It is important that you attend this meeting and <strong>VOICE</strong> your concerns, as it affects all <strong>Markham taxpayers. </strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #000099;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">For unknown reasons, Mayor Frank Scarpitti continues to be a proponent of having this arena built. </span></b></span><br />
<br />
<strong>It appears that the Mayor and some Councillors may have
forgotten their role as elected officials in representing the will of
their residents. We all need to remind them that taxpayers were never
asked if we wanted to support this endeavor and the fact is -- <span style="color: #000099;">WE DO NOT SUPPORT THIS FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK or SITE PLAN AS PRESENTED.</span></strong><br />
<br />
It is imperative that ALL of us attend the Jan 29<sup>th</sup> meeting.
EVERYONE attending will have the opportunity to make a 5-minute
deputation. It is time for Markham taxpayers to SPEAK UP.. or risk
paying for a white-elephant arena.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #000099;"><strong>Deputations SHOULD be heard at the beginning of the Council meeting.</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>Please bring your neighbours, friends, and relatives. </strong></span></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="color: mediumblue;"><strong>This arena should be voted-down on January 29<sup>th</sup> -- unless our Mayor finds yet another way to stall this from ending.</strong></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>Just a reminder, if you have not already done so, please write to the Mayor and Council, as indicated below.</strong> <strong>OUR E-MAILS AND ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS SPEAK LOUD AND CLEAR -- THE ARENA MUST BE PRIVATELY OWNED/OPERATED/FUNDED!</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>Send an e-mail to the following:</strong><br />
<strong> - Mayor Scarpitti & Councillors at: </strong><a href="mailto:mayor&councillors@markham.ca" style="color: #c52e26; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><strong>mayor&councillors@markham.ca</strong></a><br />
<strong> - Acting Clerk: </strong><a href="mailto:shuycke@markham.ca" style="color: #c52e26; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><strong>shuycke@markham.ca</strong></a><br />
<strong> - The Economist & Sun Newspaper: <a href="mailto:boneill@yrmg.com" target="_blank">boneill@yrmg.com</a></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>Thank you for your continued support.</strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: mediumblue;">Markham Village City Ratepayers Association</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><a href="http://markhamvillagecity.us6.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=fa11812bc88b2dcf56b5847d1&id=d748020d91&e=19d93f3b6f" style="color: #c52e26; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://mvcrpa.blogspot.ca </a>-- PLEASE VISIT THIS SITE FOR UPDATES...</span></strong><br />
<br />
<div>
<strong>PS: If you would like to join the MVCRA send us an e-mail: <span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: red;"><a href="mailto:markhamvillagecityratepayers@gmail.com" target="_blank">markhamvillagecityratepayers@<wbr></wbr>gmail.com</a></span></span></strong></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-bottom: 0; border-collapse: collapse!important; border-top: 0; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border-collapse: collapse!important; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; line-height: 150%; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-top: 20px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><a href="https://www.twitter.com/MVCRA/" style="color: #c52e26; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Follow on Twitter</a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1345163230233145615" style="color: #c52e26; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Friend on Facebook</a> <a href="http://us6.forward-to-friend.com/forward?u=fa11812bc88b2dcf56b5847d1&id=cae41033e0&e=19d93f3b6f" style="color: #c52e26; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Forward to Friend</a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-collapse: collapse!important; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; line-height: 150%; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-top: 20px; text-align: center;" valign="top">
<em>Copyright © 2013 Markham Village City Ratepayers, All rights reserved.</em>
<br />
You are receiving this e-mail because you signed the petition...
<br />
<br />
<strong>Our mailing address is:</strong>
<br />
<div>
<span>Markham Village City Ratepayers</span><div>
<div>
56 Main Street North</div>
<div>
Apt. 504</div>
<span>Markham</span>, <span>On</span> <span>L3P 3J3</span> <div>
Canada</div>
</div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284398995190847984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-59774276264579219262013-01-13T08:56:00.001-08:002013-01-13T08:57:53.508-08:00Markham residents' letter to Ontario Ministers Re: Proposed Arena<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">December 20, 2012</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Hon. Bob
Chiarelli Hon.
Dwight Duncan </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Minister of Municipal Affairs and
Housing
Minister of Finance</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">c/o 3rd Floor, Ferguson Block, 7th
Floor, Frost Building South, 77 Wellesley Street,
West, 7 Queen's Park Crescent</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Toronto
Ontario,
Toronto, Ontario</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">M7A
1Z8
M7A 1Y7</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Dear Ministers Chiarelli and Duncan,</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<u><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">PURPOSE</span></u><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">We are residents and taxpayers of the City of Markham<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><span style="color: black;">who are
concerned about Markham Council's plans to incur a $1/2
billion public debt for a proposed 20,000 seat “NHL-ready” hockey
arena. The City intends to enter into a financial arrangement and
associated agreements with a private consortium to construct and operate the
facility in the hope of successfully competing for a future
NHL franchise. </span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Markham intends to secure and provide 100% of the
facility’s upfront financing to cover the estimated $326 million cost
which will soar to $500 million when interest carrying charges are
factored in. Markham taxpayers will be legally responsible for servicing the
entire debt</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">.</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">The project<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><span style="color: black;">was planned and negotiated in secret without an open
public process. In spite of the</span><span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><span style="color: black;">Province's municipal accounting and budgetary guidelines,
the project has never been included in Markham’s annual budget or capital
forecasts. C</span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">ontrary<span style="color: #1f497d;">
</span><span style="color: black;">to </span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">the City's </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">own purchasing <span style="color: black;">policy,</span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> Council
intends to award all construction and operating contracts for this $1/2
billion project without a competitive tender or open bidding process
thereby exposing taxpayers to increased cost and risk.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">The facility, including all sports
and entertainment operations, will be run by the private
consortium while the building will ultimately be owned by
the City on land originally intended for public park
purposes. Markham proposes to classify the arena as a "Municipal
Capital Facility" to avoid the customary taxes, fees and charges that
would otherwise be levied on a private facility. This designation is
worrisome since the extent to which public access will be
permitted is not known at this time. Limits on public utilization of the
facility may serve to contravene the regulations to Section 110 of the
Municipal Act.</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">We believe that the City of Markham is not acting in
the best interests of Markham taxpayers. In our view, the Council
is attempting to circumvent Provincial legislation, thumb its nose
at long-standing principles for open<span style="color: #1f497d;">, </span><span style="color: black;">transparent and accountable municipal government
and cast prudent financial management practices out the
window...all to the disadvantage and peril of current and future</span><span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><span style="color: black;">taxpayers</span><span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><span style="color: black;">of the City </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">of Markham. </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Consequently, we are asking the Province to
intervene and suspend the City's dealings on this matter until the
Ministries<span style="color: black;"> have had an opportunity to review the
circumstances surrounding the project along
with Markham's questionable actions to date. We are also writing to
express our support for Mr. Andre Marin's proposal to include the municipal
sector within the purview and mandate of the Provincial Ombudsman's Office to
prevent the proliferation of practices such as are now
occurring in the City of Markham.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">THE "UN-PUBLIC" PROCESS
</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Certain politicians and senior
administrative staff met clandestinely</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">and exclusively with</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">a few
business interests to facilitate the assembly of </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">a private consortium</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> to develop</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> and undertake the project without </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">the benefit of a competitive proposal call</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Neither the</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">project
itself nor the proposal to take on public debt was
ever subjected to public scrutiny or debate in the context of setting
the City's long-term spending priorities or in planning for the
City’s infrastructure needs including new investment,
replacement, operation and maintenance costs. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">After negotiating in
secret for over 18 months, a Council meeting was hurriedly
convened in April of this year without significant notice
or meaningful public consultation to approve a "draft financial
framework" committing Markham taxpayers to a $1/2 billion debt
obligation.</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">In response to wide-spread criticism of the process
and<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><span style="color: black;">ratepayer</span><span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><span style="color: black;">concerns about
the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>financial deal, Markham
hastily mounted a thinly veiled marketing campaign to
"sell" the project under the guise of "community
information meetings". In an attempt to counteract</span><span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><span style="color: black;">burgeoning community
opposition to the project the City surreptitiously <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>authorized an incomplete and slanted telephone
survey</span><span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><span style="color: black;">deliberately
designed to elicit a higher favourable response for the project.</span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Markham continues<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><span style="color: black;">to negotiate detailed cost-sharing and operating agreements
behind closed doors. The City has stated that these legal agreements
will not be made public. Taxpayers will only be given the
"essence" of the agreements. Markham consistently refuses to make
reports and documentation available to the public and has stated that
nothing will be released until after the arena is built or the associated site
plan application is denied. These actions are completely disrespectful of
residents and taxpayers and are contrary to the requirements for open,
transparent and accountable local government. </span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">THE FINANCIAL
"NON-PLAN"</span></u><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">To support its assertion that this project will
not result in a tax increase, the City is purporting to use several revenue
streams to cover the debt repayment. Council's "draft financial
framework" calls for a cost-sharing agreement with the private consortium
to recoup $250 million, or $12.5 million annually, over a period of twenty
years. The agreement, therefore, constitutes a contractual “promise to
pay” for half of the project's anticipated costs.</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">A distinct corporate entity is to be
created to enter into all legal agreements with the City,
including the associated cost-sharing arrangements, as well as to
undertake the construction, operation and management of the
facility. This will effectively contain the consortium's financial risk in
the event of a breach or default on its part.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">By restricting the City's legal reach solely to
arena-related assets, Markham's ability to fully recover damages
or costs, in the event such legal recourse is ever
necessitated, is sever<span style="color: #1f497d;">e</span><span style="color: black;">ly constrained. This arrangement could
exacerbate taxpayers' already considerable financial risk given the
well-documented history of financial problems and failures associated with
these type</span><span style="color: #1f497d;">s</span><span style="color: black;">
of facilities across North America.</span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Markham proposes to impose a variety of
additional fees and charges to cover the balance of the debt including parking
fees, tax increment financing, section 37 <i>Planning Act</i> payments and
what it calls “voluntary development contributions". The latter revenue
stream, so<span style="color: #1f497d;">-</span><span style="color: black;">called
“voluntary development contributions”, are intended to raise $140.0 million, or
$7.0 million annually, over the twenty year financing period. The charges are
to be collected concurrent with the City's approval of
development applications. The proposed charge</span><span style="color: #1f497d;">s</span><span style="color: black;">, referenced in a City report, range from
$4,000 to $6,500 per residential unit depending on the type of unit and
where it is located. The charge will
be adjusted over time, in the same manner as development
charges. In the City's opinion this will provide an incentive for
"early adopters" to pay,</span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> in the form of a lower fee.</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Development industry representatives have voiced
concerns about the efficacy of the charge and about the potential for abuse,
specifically, the City delaying or turning down applicants who
resist or refuse to pay. These concerns notwithstanding, City Hall's
"arm-twisting" is already well advanced and the
"voluntary" charges are already being squeezed from
developers. No doubt the increased cost to developers will simply be passed on
to new home buyers, further eroding housing affordability in Markham. </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">In spite of any coerced acquiescence
or grudging compliance with the "voluntary development
contribution", it is our view that this practice is
discriminatory and that it effectively constitutes a development pre-condition,
notwithstanding the claimed “voluntary” nature of the charge. It is our
contention that there is no legislative authority for this charge. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">The so-called "voluntary development
contribution", in our estimation, mimics a development charge yet fulfills
none of the requirements of <span style="color: #1f497d;">t</span><span style="color: black;">he <i>Development Charges Act</i></span><i><span style="color: #1f497d;">, </span><span style="color: black;">1997</span></i><span style="color: black;">.</span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">The <i>Development Charges Act<span style="color: black;">, 1997</span></i>
requires a background study to be undertaken to determine the amount that can
be levied on new development bearing in mind ten<span style="color: #1f497d;">-</span><span style="color: black;">year average service levels. Once the level of the
charge has been determined, the municipality can only implement the charge by
formally amending its development charges bylaw thereby allowing for public
consultation and an appeal process. </span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 9.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">It is our view that the legal framework for financing growth-related
infrastructure projects is <span style="color: black;">being</span><span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><span style="color: black;">knowingly circumvented
by the City. None of the mandatory provisions of the <i>Development Charges Act</i></span><i><span style="color: #1f497d;">,</span><span style="color: black;"> 1997</span></i><span style="color: black;"> have been met. This may be explained by the fact that the
City's predisposition to secrecy precludes the use of development charges
given the legislation's mandated need for public input. Alternatively, the City
may have recognized that the proposed arena is predominantly, if not
entirely, non-growth related and therefore could not generate
significant development charge revenue. </span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Irrespective of the reason, the City has
opted to levy its' "voluntary development contribution" knowing full
well that such a charge has no legal status and all funds collected are perpetually
insecure. Consequently, when this charge is challenged in the courts as it
surely will be, all funds collected will be at risk and Markham
taxpayers will be on the hook for the entire $140 million liability. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Failure to correct this situation could set a
precedent whereby we see, in effect, a return to the "Let's Make a
Deal" lot levy regime that existed prior to the proclamation of the <span style="color: black;">original</span><span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><i><span style="color: black;">Development Charges Act</span></i><span style="color: black;">
in <i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1989</span></i>.
Inaction would also allow a massive financial liability to accrue
over time imposing a heavy burden on future Markham taxpayers when the
courts inevitably adjudicate on the illegality of the so-called “voluntary
development contribution"</span><span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><span style="color: black;">and determine that the landowners and developers were under
practical compulsion to pay. </span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 9.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">We also suggest the municipality’s desire to implement tax
increment financing lies outside the current municipal finance legislative
framework. In spite of acknowledging this fact in a Council presentation on
April 20, 2012 which states "the Provincial TIF Act is prescriptive in
terms of the types of projects that would qualify and this project does not
meet the TIF guidelines", the City still chose to ignore
this by proposing to institute an additional charge on future commercial
property which would be earmarked to pay a portion of the annual debt servicing
costs for the arena. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">CONCLUSION </span></u><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Our request, therefore, is that your Ministries<span style="color: black;"> intervene to suspend Markham's dealings on this matter until provincial</span><span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><span style="color: black;">officials have
conducted a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding this project
and Markham's practices related thereto.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Furthermore we believe the Province should
consider a permanent oversight mechanism that allows for the review of local
Council actions in circumstances such as this, particularly where local
taxpayers are threatened with significant long-term adverse financial
impacts. As mentioned earlier, we support the Provincial Ombudsman's
proposal to include municipalities within the purview and mandate of his
Office. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">We would be happy to meet to further discuss this
matter. </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Sincerely,</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Norman
Manara
Lorne McCool</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">cc. Mr. Andre Marin, Office of the Ombudsman of
Ontario,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bell
Trinity Square, 483 Bay St., 10<sup>th</sup> Floor, South Tower, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Toronto
Ont. M5G 2C9</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Mr. Brian Tuckey, President and C.E.O, BILD GTA</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>20 Upjohn
Road, Suite 100, North York, Ont. M3B 2V9</span><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"></span>
Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06284398995190847984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-36682243987197160542012-11-15T10:52:00.001-08:002012-11-15T10:53:29.850-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT</span></u></b></h2>
<div>
There are two important meetings at Markham City Hall that are coming up soon:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>November 20, 2012 - 1:00PM to 3:00PM</b> - Development Services Committee meeting to discuss the Site Plan for the proposed NHL Style Arena (aka The Frank Scarpitti Center)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>November 20, 2012 - 7:00 PM</b> - Council Meeting where the Arena issue will also be discussed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is strength in numbers and we need to demonstrate to the Mayor and Council that we, the taxpayers of Markham, do not support his reckless move to use city funds to benefit private businessmen.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10467645479270655089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-39606799164485208512012-10-25T12:48:00.001-07:002012-10-25T12:48:35.149-07:00Meeting at City Hall on October 24, 2012.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last night, several members of the MVCRPA spoke at City Hall and expressed their objection to the City involvement in a project that mainly benefits the Private sector.<br />
<br />They were joined by more than 20 other residents who spoke to the packed chambers and EVERY SINGLE speaker spoke in opposition to the project.<br />
<br />Video and more details of the meeting will be posted soon.</div>
Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10467645479270655089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-59548569126648939302012-10-25T12:44:00.002-07:002012-10-25T12:44:58.253-07:00No 2015 Juniors for the Markham Arena<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Another shoe drops.<br />
<br />
The 'Scarpitti Arena', if and when it gets built, will probably NOT host the World Juniors !<br />
<br />
<a href="http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/10/25/markham-arena-probably-wont-get-to-host-2015-world-juniors-hockey-canada/">http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/10/25/markham-arena-probably-wont-get-to-host-2015-world-juniors-hockey-canada/</a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10467645479270655089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1345163230233145615.post-47627377956719080552012-10-23T16:21:00.004-07:002012-10-23T16:21:55.522-07:00Finally Council does the right thing !<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
And finally, we see the beginning of the unraveling of Mr. Scarpitti's grand legacy project...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/cityhallpolitics/article/1276154--markham-goes-slow-on-nhl-sized-arena-plan">http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/cityhallpolitics/article/1276154--markham-goes-slow-on-nhl-sized-arena-plan</a></div>
Adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10467645479270655089noreply@blogger.com0