Stouffville Review, July 2021

Vol.8 Issue 7 July 2021
WWW.STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM
WHAT’S INSIDE
Keeping seniors in LTC
cool this summer
Residents in long-term care homes across the
province will be able to keep cool this summer
due to improved regulations and investments in
air conditioning by the Government of Ontario.
Summer freshness at the market
SEE PAGE 2
Situated in Stouffville’s historic downtown, on
the site of a historical market, the Farmer’s
Market promises to once again deliver the very
best of our local and regional farms, wineries,
bakeries, and more every week.
SEE PAGE 3
Summer fun at the library
The summer weather is finally here.It’s time
to say hello to warm sunshine, bright days,
and exciting programs and services at the
Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library for all ages
to enjoy.
Students propose a teen-friendly park
SEE PAGE 8
Grade seven students from Summitview Public School hang out at one of the town parks that they say they have grown out of. Being
left with limited options, they built a fully-costed youth-friendly park proposal that they presented to an impressed council recently.
SEE PAGE 9
Hydration is just as important as
nourishing your body with healthy food
Feeling thirsty? You might want to reach for
some water. Water — it’s an all-encompassing
word for such a crucial element to our bodies.
SEE PAGE 11
COMMUNITY
HEALTH & SPORTS
Paramedic recognized for
outstanding bravery
Julie Grainger, a resident of Stouffville, recently
received the Ontario Award for Paramedic
Bravery. She responded to a call involving an
injured man at the bottom of a 150-feet-deep
wastewater access shaft.
Leaders thank Stouffville
vaccination workers
Premier Doug Ford joined Stouffville Mayor
Iain Lovatt at the Soccer City drive-thru vaccination
clinic to thank workers for lending
their time and expertise in helping to get shots
into arms.
SEE PAGE 7 SEE PAGE 10
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Mom delivers baby boy
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A relatively normal Thursday morning,
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SEE PAGE 10
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2 STOUFFVILLE REVIEW JULY 2021 STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM
COMMUNITY
Keeping seniors in LTC cool this summer
Residents in long-term care homes
across the province will be able to keep cool
this summer due to improved regulations
and investments in air conditioning by the
Government of Ontario.
On April 1, the Government of Ontario
updated regulations under the Long-Term
Care Homes Act, 2007, which require designated
cooling areas of all homes be served
by air conditioning and be maintained at a
comfortable level during specified periods
and which will enhance the effectiveness of
enforcement.
These new regulations came into effect
May 15, 2021 and all 626 long-term care
homes in Ontario are in compliance. In
comparison, last year nearly 13 per cent of
long-term care homes had no air conditioning
at all.
“This investment is in addition to the
historic $246 million commitment in our
2021 Budget to improve living conditions
in long-term care homes and will ensure
that their residents and staff finally enjoy
the level of care and comfort they deserve,”
Premier Doug Ford said.
In addition to ensuring designated cooling
areas in all long-term care homes, homes
have made significant progress in exceeding
the regulatory requirements by providing
cooling throughout their buildings, including
in resident rooms.
Currently, 60 per cent of homes are fully
air conditioned, including in all resident
rooms, compared to 42 per cent last summer.
An additional 23 per cent of homes are
working toward being fully air conditioned
as soon as possible.
“Our government and Ontario’s 626
long-term care homes have worked quickly
to ensure vulnerable residents, staff and
families will be cool, comfortable and safe
this summer,” said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton.
“Every single home is now providing air
conditioning in designated cooling areas
and at least 83 per cent of homes will have
full air conditioning by this summer.”
The Ontario government has invested
$61.4 million through the Infection Prevention
and Control Minor Capital Program to
provide air conditioning in long-term care
homes, as part of a $246 million commitment
in Budget 2021: Protecting People’s
Health and Our Economy to improve living
conditions in long-term care homes.
Art in the Park features pottery,
paintings and photography
The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
is anxiously awaiting that moment in July
when staff hope to be able to offer in-person
events to the community once again.
Art in the Park, scheduled to take place
on July 17 in Memorial Park, is set to mark
the start of the event season for 2021.
Art in the Park is an outdoor art show
and sale that has been running annually in
Stouffville since 2015. The 2021 show will
feature fine art paintings, jewelry, pottery,
textile art, photography and more.
The event is a celebration of art and
culture for our community. In addition to
the diverse group of artists showcasing their
talents through a variety of mediums, the
town’s cultural facilities also take part by
highlighting their services and providing
crafts and activities to the families attending.
Latcham Gallery, The Lebovic Centre
for Arts & Entertainment and the
Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum & Community
Centre will all participate this year by
handing out a collaborative activity bag for
kids.
It goes without saying that the past 15
months has been extremely challenging.
There are, however, many signs pointing
to better times to come. As we look ahead
to the future, we see a return to events like
these and look forward to the sense of community
that they bring.
“It’s been a really hard time for artists
and (it’s) just not the same selling online,”
says Carolyn Laidley Arn, one of this year’s
Art in the Park artist. “There is a real energy
and excitement to meeting art enthusiasts
and collectors in person. It feeds our souls.”
This year’s show will feature the
Art in the Park is scheduled to take place on
July 17 in Memorial Park. (Town supplied photo)
expertise and passion of over 20 artists who
cannot wait to share and celebrate art and
culture with local residents. All artists must
submit an application along with samples
of their artwork to be considered for acceptance.
A jury reviews the artwork taking
originality/creativity, mastery of technique,
overall impression, and impact into consideration.
Art in the Park will be run in accordance
with all COVID-19 restrictions mandated
by the Province of Ontario and York Region
Public Health. Masks are required for all.
Anyone planning to attend the event is asked
to check for event status and updates prior to
attending. www.townofws.ca/artinthepark or
@TWSEvents on Facebook will have up-todate
event information. Event Coordinators
can also be reached at events@townofws.ca.

STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM JULY 2021
3 STOUFFVILLE REVIEW
This year’s Stouffville Farmer’s Market showcases the best of local and regional farms. (Town
supplied photo)
Summer freshness at the market
Celebrate the tastes of the season at the
Stouffville Farmer’s Market.
Situated in Stouffville’s historic downtown,
on the site of a historical market, the
Farmer’s Market promises to once again deliver
the very best of our local and regional
farms, wineries, bakeries, and more every
week.
Local and regional vendors include
Willow Springs Winery, Makers Acres fresh
produce, Bellicious Honey, Circling Hawk
and more.
Returning vendors include the above
plus Edies Kitchen (jams/jellies), Midnight
Soaperie, Weezels Woodworking, Christina
Cooks, KS Creations and Ivy Makes.
New vendors include Fred’s Bread, Urban
Country Organics, Dovetail Apothecary
and Rolling in Dough.
Vendors will be wearing masks and all
guests must wear masks and use sanitizer to
clean their hands at the entry gate.
Joan Crosbie, Town manager of Culture
and Community Services, reminds residents
that everyone will be expected to follow
COVID-19 safety protocols, including social
distancing.
“As farm and food vendors will be practicing
COVID-19 protocols, rest assured that
the market will be following all the recommendations
of York Region Public Health,”
Crosbie says.
“This season, we are pleased to invite
you to shop for your market produce in our
traditional marketplace,” Crosbie says. “We
are looking forward to seeing you there.”
The market runs between 9.30 am-
12.30 pm every Saturday at 19 Civic Avenue
from June 26- October 2.
Similar to 2020, organizers say that
local performers will be added when restrictions
are lifted.
For residents arriving by car, municipal
and street parking is available nearby.
For more information, visit L4A.ca/
experience.
School board to provide
free menstrual products
Menstrual hygiene products will be
available to all elementary and secondary
students at the York Region District School
Board beginning this fall.
The board will install cost-free dispensers
in washrooms on each floor in every
school, including one female-identified
washroom and one gender-neutral washroom,
as part of the board’s new Change the Cycle
equity program.
“Menstrual products are essential to the
health and well-being of people who menstruate,
yet they continue to be a stigmatizing
topic for youth,” says Director of Education
Louise Sirisko. “The inability to afford
menstrual products may become a barrier to
students’ positive learning experience and
healthy growth.”
Student trustee Christine Lin is pleased
with the announcement.
“The program addresses the longstanding
inequities related to menstrual
hygiene that have only been exacerbated by
the pandemic,” she says. “I am incredibly
pleased that the board has actively listened,
understood and responded to the needs of
students.”
Installation of the dispensers will begin
this summer and extend into the 2021-2022
school year.

4 STOUFFVILLE REVIEW JULY 2021 STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM
Free rapid test kits for local businesses
The Ontario Chamber Network has supported
the delivery of 2.4 million free rapid
test kits in over 105 communities across
the province through the COVID-19 Rapid
Screening Initiative in partnership with the
Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Canadian
Chamber of Commerce, Ontario and Canadian
governments.
Through this initiative, the Stouffville
Chamber of Commerce is rolling out free
rapid test kits for small and medium-sized
businesses in the area. The program will
help small businesses keep their employees
and families safe by curbing the spread of
COVID-19 at work so that we can get on the
path to economic recovery faster.
“Chambers of commerce and boards
of trade have been indispensable resources
in their communities, particularly since the
onset of the COVID-19 crisis,” said Karen
Wootton, executive director of the Stouffville
Chamber of Commerce. “Public health and
the health of our economy are interdependent.
“That is why our chamber is proud to
distribute rapid tests to small businesses in
Stouffville,” said Wootton (pictured). “We
hope that through this program, we will be
able to curb the spread and reopen our local
economy safely.”
The COVID-19 Rapid Screening
Saving a heritage home
BY FRED ROBBINS,
STOUFFVILLE HISTORIAN
Stouffville saved its first heritage home
at 6082 Main St. The Jacob Heise House was
located on a large portion of land including
Lots 29, 30, 40 and 41.
This house had a brick coach house in
the rear yard which has been converted and
added to over the years. The main house is a
landmark and well-remembered by many in
the village of Stouffville. Some of the town
folks will call it the Brillinger House as this
family lived here during the Second World
War, in 1942.
This large two-and-a-half-story red brick
home has some very attractive architectural
details. The squared granite stone foundation
exemplifies the craftsmanship and detail
work of the stonemason. The eye-catching
huge round porch with an upper balcony
draws attention to the structure.
The windows have elliptical arches and
stain glass transoms which add to the beauty
of the home. The truncated rooflines create
a pyramid shape with a flat top. There are
also three large gables in the roof design. The
front door has a split design that dates it back
to the early days of similar homes. This home
occupies two lots on Main St. and part of a
rear lot as well.
Mr. Jacob Heise was married to Harriett
Neal on May 25, 1885. They had a son Duncan
born in 1888 and a daughter Enna born in
1907. Jacob was in the planning business in
1903 (where Schell Lumber is now located).
Jacob appears on the fire map of 1910 as the
owner of the planning mill. During the First
World War, Jacob served on the school board.
In 1976, Mayor Gordon Ratcliff and
councillors June Button, Eldred King and
Becky Wedley formed a heritage committee
whose purpose was to review the destruction
of architecturally and historically important
buildings. The plans were submitted at the
time for new buildings 15 feet from William
St. and 25 feet from Main St. A total of 24
parking spaces were also proposed.
The town’s interim official plan at the
time suggested the formation of a Local
Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee.
The official plan went on to say,
“shall endeavour to prevent the demolition of
all buildings of architectural and/or historic
interest and shall actively encourage the conservation
and where necessary the restoration
of these buildings.”
It appears that the same type of application
is now on the books for a large development
just a few houses to the west in the
same heritage neighbourhood. I hope to see
Mayor Lovatt follow in the steps of Mayor
Ratcliff and begin to be proactive in saving
the old village of Stouffville.
There is work being done to show off the
details that have been hidden behind the large
trees near the porch. A new coat of paint does
wonders to bring back a clean and vibrant
look and restore this home.
The pride in owning a piece of the
town’s history ties the community together.
This is a special home in a special neighbourhood.
Initiative provides free rapid antigen tests
for employees of small and medium-sized
businesses. The tests are distributed through
participating local chambers of commerce
and boards of trade in Ontario. Businesses
(including non-chamber members) with 150
employees or less are welcome to participate
in this program. The goal of the program is
to identify asymptomatic cases of COV-
ID-19 in the workplace that might otherwise
be missed, helping to curb the spread in the
workplace, at home and around the community
in Stouffville.
A partnership with the Whitchurch-
Stouffville Public Library has been initiated
to allow Stouffville’s small- and mediumsized
businesses efficient and simple access
to pick up their designated kits.
“The Library is delighted to be able to
help our local businesses find ways to ensure
staff and customer safety as we begin to fully
re-open,” said Whitchurch-Stouffville Public
Library Chief Executive Officer Margaret
Wallace.
The Initiative builds upon the success
of the program that was first successfully
piloted in the Waterloo region by the Greater
Kitchener Waterloo and Cambridge Chambers
of Commerce in partnership with Communitech,
the Government of Ontario and
Government of Canada. Through this pilot,
the chambers have delivered 300,000 kits to
almost 3,000 businesses in the region.
“With vaccinations on the rise and case
counts lowering, rapid testing is another critical
part of curbing the spread of COVID-19,
contributing to the safe reopening of our
economy,” said Rocco Rossi, President and
CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
“As the indispensable partner of business,
we are incredibly proud of the Ontario
Chamber Network that has quickly mobilized
to put free rapid screening kits into the
hands of small businesses across Ontario.”
SMEs can log into https://stouffvillechamber.ca/rapid-screening
to order their
two-week supply of rapid tests.

STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM JULY 2021
Marketing business celebrates
10 years in Stouffville
Allegra Marketing Print Design in
Stouffville is celebrating 10 years as the go-to
source for all marketing needs in York Region.
The centre was founded by local entrepreneur
Stephen Crawley in 2011. Crawley
spent more than 25 years in senior marketing
roles for brands such as Coca-Cola, Canada
Bread and Rogers Communications, and was
motivated to bring his passion for brands and
strategic marketing skills to new heights.
In these 10 years of business, he has
transformed Allegra into a leading one-stop
marketing and communication resource for
small businesses.
“Coming from a marketing background,
I understand what our local small businesses
need, and have found success converting
marketing concepts into sales generating executions,”
Crawley said. “Our customers also
enjoy how embedded in the community we are
and are grateful for our lasting relationships
with them.”
Today, Crawley continues to work closely
with his dedicated team of longtime employees
who bring a wealth of knowledge and
leadership to the centre.
The dedication to success, growth and
the highest calibre of customer service have
been the driving forces for the centre since it
opened.
Since its inception, Allegra Stouffville
has not only solidified its place in York Region
as a local business, but also its place in the
community.
Crawley and his staff have created and
donated marketing materials to several local
community organizations. They have been a
proud supporter of the Whitchurch-Stouffville
Food Bank over the past years, and are working
with the Food Bank to continue its support
of both their regular programs as well as their
upcoming special programs in 2021.
Allegra’s experienced team provides
award-winning direct marketing campaigns,
digital and offset printing, solutions for email
and websites, and much more.
Visit www.allegrayorkregion.com for
more information.
5 STOUFFVILLE REVIEW
Golden
Student of the month
McDonald’s is proud to salute this month’s
Golden Student of the Month,
MAYA TRAJCESKA
Throughout her four years at Stouffville District
Secondary School Maya has shown unshakable
dedication to the School community. She has
developed into an exceptional leader who can
set clear goals, motivate others to join her on the
journey, and do everything that needs doing to see
the goal is met. Her enthusiasm for collaborating
with people and her positive attitude in the face of
any challenge have made her a tremendous asset to
the school, and she will be greatly missed.
CONGRATULATIONS MAYA!
The talents that you have shown in your high school
will be of great benefit to your community as you
proceed upon your life’s journey.

6 STOUFFVILLE REVIEW JULY 2021 STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM

STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM JULY 2021
Paramedic recognized for outstanding bravery
7 STOUFFVILLE REVIEW
The province is honouring paramedics
with the Ontario Award for Paramedic Bravery.
This award is given to paramedics who
performed individual acts of outstanding
bravery in the face of danger.
Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister
Christine Elliott presented the awards to 13
individuals in a virtual ceremony on May 27,
honouring 11 recipients from nominations
submitted in 2019 and two recipients from
2020.
“I am honoured to recognize the 13
recipients who have shown exceptional courage
in dangerous and often life-threatening
circumstances,” Health Minister Christine
Elliott said. “Every day and especially
throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, paramedics
have consistently stepped up to
protect the health and wellbeing of Ontarians
in their time of need. I would like to extend
my deepest gratitude to all of Ontario’s
paramedics for their incredible work and for
being there when your communities need
you the most.”
Paramedic Julie Grainger, a resident of
Stouffville, received the Ontario Award for
Paramedic Bravery.
On December 2, 2018, Grainger responded
to a call involving an injured man
at the bottom of a 150-feet-deep wastewater
Julie Grainger, a resident of Stouffville, recently received the Ontario Award for Paramedic Bravery.
access shaft. In partnership with Markham
Fire, it was determined that the man had
been injured after a caged shaft elevator fell
and another worker landed on him.
Grainger used ropes to descend into the
dark and cold shaft to deliver medical treatment
to the patient. Further support from
Richmond Hill Fire was required given the
risks involved. Grainger placed her life at
risk and provided medical care to the patient
for over two hours throughout the rescue.
“Honouring our local frontline heroes is
one of the great privileges I have as MPP,”
said Paul Calandra, Member of Provincial
Parliament for Markham-Stouffville. “Paramedic
Grainger demonstrated extraordinary
bravery in the line of duty, putting her life
at risk for others. On behalf of the people
of Markham-Stouffville, I am honoured to
recognize her selfless commitment to duty as
she is awarded with the Ontario Award for
Paramedic Bravery.”
“On behalf of York Regional Council
and The Regional Municipality of York, I am
honoured to recognize York Region Paramedic
Julie Grainger for her dedication to the
health, safety and well- being of our 1.2 million
residents and for her extraordinary act
of bravery in the line of duty,” York Region
Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson said.
“This award demonstrates the outstanding
dedication of our team of hardworking
paramedics and Ms. Grainger’s
actions exemplify the characteristics we
uphold in building strong, caring and safe
communities.”
Paramedics have played a critical role
in Ontario’s fight against COVID-19, from
conducting swabbing and testing, protecting
health system and hospital capacity
by supporting patient transfers, and they
continue to support Ontario’s vaccine
rollout, including administering vaccines
to individuals who have limited mobility
and cannot travel to a mass immunization
clinic.
“Paramedics are on the frontlines when
it comes to protecting our communities and
saving lives. Throughout the pandemic, we
have seen paramedics performing incredible
acts of service and generosity,” Premier
Doug Ford said. “From assisting with
the vaccine rollout to alleviating hospital
capacity by helping with home care, they
have been here to support us every step of
the way. On behalf of everyone in Ontario,
I want to thank each of them for their
service and congratulate this year’s winners
of the Paramedic Bravery Awards. You are
true heroes.”

8 STOUFFVILLE REVIEW
Students propose a teen-friendly park
JULY 2021
STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM
BY DUNCAN FLETCHER
As part of a responsible municipal planning
policy, most new residential developments are
required to set aside some green space to be used
as a common area for residents.
These parks, and their little sibling, parkettes,
are familiar sites, complete with green
grass, benches and, if big enough, jungle gyms.
Kids love these things. When my kids were
younger, the sight of each and every jungle-gym
playground would cause a unified cry of “park!,”
and a demand to stop and play.
There were a lot of them too. We took a
long time to get anywhere, but the kids had a ton
of fun.
But as nice as it is for kids to have a place
to make and play with friends, they age out of
them quickly and by the time they are 12 or
so, they are usually too big or too bored for
the simple fun of the average jungle gym and,
even if they still love them, they are scolded or
glared off of them by protective parents of even
younger kids.
But where do they have to go?
There are not many designated spaces for
the 12-18 crowd.
Residents are always suspicious of a bunch
of teens hanging out on a park bench and private
businesses don’t want low-spending, potentially
troublesome teens about.
Whitchurch-Stouffville
Skate and BMX kids can hit the Stouffville
skateboard park at Hoover and Park, but that’s
only one place and limited in size.
However, a few future-minded Grade 7
students who along with their leaders at Summitview
Public School have been putting some
thought towards creating some positive, fun
places in town for this group of underserved
residents.
Enter Connie Calvert, the Library, Arts and
Digital Learning Lead at Summitview Public
school, who led a class discussion about how
students could improve their community. Among
the ideas bandied about was one that resonated
personally with them – a youth-oriented space to
hang.
Though young, the students knew these
things don’t just magically happen. It takes work.
So what started as a thought, is turning
into a multi-tiered learning experience in civic
engagement. With planning and research experts
visiting the class, students were then divided
up into finance, 3D modelling, PR, finance,
research, design and environmental/planning
committees that brought the project to partial
life.
Some focus groups were assembled within
Summitview and from other schools in the area
who were also keen to jump on board with the
idea.
Saturday, July 17
11am-5pm | Memorial Park
Presented by:
Grade seven students from Summitview Public
School hang out at one of the town parks they
say they have grown out of.
They came up with a roster of possible
features like a wipe off graffiti board, built-in
fountain and hand-sanitizing station, rubberized
surfaces, larger swing and climbing apparatus
than traditional parks and better accessibility for
less-mobile users.
This all on a larger three-quarter acre
of space with proximity to bike paths among
others considerations. They also estimated,
with research assistance from the Stouffville
Library, the cost could be between $50,000 and
$100,000 with more needed if they had to buy
land.
Admittedly these are big numbers, but
students proposed that while some of the funds
could come from the municipality, it could be
subsidized with corporate sponsors that they
pledged to approach.
The youth-centred park idea was presented
to Stouffville council on June 15 by students
Jordan Newall and Isaac Schregardus, along
with a proud Calvert. It included a request to
council to provide the park space – either a
current, underdeveloped park or a future green
space and other supports.
The idea was enthusiastically embraced by
council and the project was sent to the Town’s
Planning department for consideration.
Ward 6 councillor Sue Sherban, whose
ward includes Summitview was effusive in her
praise.
“I consider myself alumni of sorts,” she
says, noting that her own kids attended the
school. “The presentation blew me away. What
the students and the teacher presented was far
more than what I expected. I encouraged them
to come to Council as a delegation and present
what they had shown me, and I also connected
them to the library to help with a 3D presentation
for Council.
“It is not often you (get) an opportunity
like this for our youth to come forward not only
to let us know how they would like a youth park
but also have a plan. This has been truly inspiring
for me during covid to see these young
adults come together and create a vision for our
community youth. It also goes to show how a
small school can do great things!”
In conversation with students, they were
clearly aware that in addition to the proposed
park benefiting them socially they were getting
a unique learning experience that let them see
deep into professional roles they might pursue
as careers.
That’s exactly the point Calvert focuses on.
“This is what I feel my job is,” Calvert
says. “To show them the connection between
the curriculum and the real world.”
Also impressed was mayor Iain Lovatt
who pointed out that great ideas in town have
come from exceptional young students before,
including the skatepark that is now a reality at
Memorial Park.
After review from Stouffville Development
Planning, a refined proposal including location
for the new youth-led, youth park will come
back to council for review and, hopefully for
the students, approval.
Rhys Kennedy
Patrick Hunter Art & Design
All COVID-19 restrictions mandated by the Province of Ontario and
York Region Public Health are in effect. Masks and screening required.
905-640-1910 ext. 2460
events@townofws.ca
townofws.ca/artinthepark

STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM JULY 2021
Summer fun at the library
9 STOUFFVILLE REVIEW
The summer weather is finally here.
It’s time to say hello to warm sunshine,
bright days, and exciting programs and
services at the Whitchurch-Stouffville Public
Library for all ages to enjoy.
The library has been busy adding children’s
book club kits to its collection. Each
book club kit has 10 copies of one book,
making it easy to hold a family book club, or
a virtual book club with friends. To see available
book club kits, or to reserve a kit, visit
www.wsplibrary.ca/services and click on the
book club kit link.
Children aged 3-12 are encouraged to
participate in the 2021 Summer Reading
Program which is sponsored locally by Tiny
Seedlings. It’s a great opportunity for children
to maintain their reading skills, have fun, and
have a chance to win fantastic prizes. This
year’s theme is bees, butterflies, and flowers.
The reading program, which runs from
June 19 to August 27, will use the Beanstack
App to track reading progress. To login or
register with the Beanstack App, customers
can download the app for free on the Apple
App Store or Google Play. You can also link
to the Beanstack App through the library’s
website at www.wsplibrary.ca.
For teens, there will be free, drop-in
programs outside the library at 2 Park Drive
starting July 7. A large, open-sided tent will
be set up behind the pool area in order to
allow for socially-distanced programs. These
teen programs will run weekly from 4 to-5:30
p.m. and will feature a variety of activities.
For more information on the teen activities,
email tessa.mcdougall@wsplibrary.ca.
This summer is a perfect time to enjoy
the great outdoors. The library is lending Ontario
Parks day-use passes to its customers for
one week. There are three passes for loan that
provide unlimited day-use access for one vehicle
and its occupants to all provincial parks
in Ontario where fees are normally charged.
Park capacity limitations will apply. The
permits must be displayed on the rear-view
mirror or dashboard of the vehicle while it is
in a park. To find a list of provincial parks in
Ontario, visit: OntarioParks.com/park-locator.
Residents looking for assistance with
their device or computer, or are curious about
the library’s digital collections, can book a
virtual tech help session via Zoom. Sessions
will be offered on Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to
4 p.m. Email jeff.bennett@wsplibrary.ca to
book an appointment.
For more details on the library’s programs,
email wsplinfo@wsplibrary.ca or call
905-642-7323.
Every summer, outdoor activities such as
watering lawns and gardens nearly doubles
water demand.
WATER SAVING TIPS
Keep your lawn and garden healthy while saving water
at the same time:
P
P
P
P
P
Every drop
COUNTS!
Use a rain barrel as a source of water to keep plants hydrated
Water your lawn only once a week if it hasn’t rained
Add a layer of mulch to your garden to keep soil moist
Sweep your driveway instead of washing it
Follow your municipality’s Outdoor Water-Use Bylaw
Learn more at
york.ca/waterfortomorrow
Newspaper Ad _Stouffville Review_5x5.375.indd 1
2021-06-17 2:56 PM
Happy
Canada
Day
PAUL CALANDRA, MPP
Markham-Stouffville
Suite 400, 37 Sandiford Dr. Stouffville, ON L4A 3Z2
(905) 642 2588 • paul.calandra@pc.ola.org

10 STOUFFVILLE REVIEW
HEALTH & SPORTS
Mom delivers baby boy just outside MSH
JULY 2021
STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM
BY SARAH WILSON
A relatively normal Thursday morning,
the day started out like most others for
Cindy and Victor Lee.
Cindy was due to give birth to her second
son in just over a week and was busy making
preparations. Around noon, contractions
started coming fast and furious.
Cindy made a call to The Stollery Family
Centre for Childbirth & Children at Markham
Stouffville Hospital (MSH) and was told to
come to the hospital. Victor helped Cindy to
the car and started the drive to the hospital
where more than 3,500 babies are born each
year.
It wasn’t long before Cindy was in full
labour.
“She was screaming in the car,” Victor
explained. “I was driving across 407 desperate
to get us to the hospital safely but she was in
so much pain.”
As they arrived at MSH, Cindy’s water
broke. Victor pulled the car around the roundabout
in front of the hospital and called Childbirth
and Children’s Services (CCS) again.
He was told to get her upstairs as quickly as
Cindy and Victor Lee with their baby Chace at Markham Stouffville Hospital. Photo courtesy of
Sarah Wilson.
possible.
In the meantime, the team of midwives
and nurses came down from the fourth floor
anticipating a possible early delivery.
Victor ran to get a wheelchair and yelled
into the front reception, “my wife is giving
birth – now!”
The reception staff immediately called
an OBS alert and the CCS team sprung into
action. Responding to OBS alerts is a skill
that the team practices often to ensure they are
ready for anything.
Victor had just managed to get Cindy into
the wheelchair and hadn’t even reached the
front door of MSH when Cindy gave birth.
Midwives, nurses and doctors, who raced
out to assist found Victor already holding his
infant.
Baby and mom were quickly checked out
by members of CCS and declared to be in good
health. With the help of MSH staff, Victor got
to cut the cord for his new son. Cheers rang
through the parking lot and the front reception.
Victor and Cindy were brought up to their
room by CCS team members including nurse
Pam Ingley. She was just one of the members
of the health care team who raced down to assist.
As Pam chatted with Victor she soon discovered
she was the couple’s nurse at the birth
of their older son Bryan, at a different hospital.
Cindy and Pam had a chuckle as they
took turns explaining how Victor nearly
fainted when Cindy got the epidural for the
birth of Bryan three years ago.
“This time he caught the baby and cut
the cord. It’s a big change.” Cindy said with a
laugh.
Cindy and Victor are very appreciative
of the incredible team at MSH who were so
quickly able to help. They decided on the
name Chace after their son’s adventurous
birth. It was on their list of names but little
Chace’s surprise arrival sealed the deal.
The family returned to MSH a few days
after Chace’s birth for follow-up through the
CCS Mom and Baby Clinic where they were
seen by Registered Midwife Stephanie Zaheer.
Stephanie was happy to report that both mom
and baby are doing well.
Leaders thank Stouffville
vaccination workers
Premier Doug Ford recently joined
Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt at the Soccer
City drive-thru vaccination clinic to thank
workers for lending their time and expertise
in helping to get shots into arms.
The clinic has been administering over
1000 doses a day in what locals found to be
an efficient process.
The location has been providing Moderna
shots and is accepting appointments at
york.ca/COVID19Vaccine.

STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM JULY 2021
11 STOUFFVILLE REVIEW
Hydration is just as important as nourishing your body with healthy food
BY SHANA DANIEL, RHN
Feeling thirsty? You might want to reach
for some water. “We never know the worth of
water until the well is dry” – French Proverb.
Water – it’s an all-encompassing word for
such a crucial element to our bodies.
From the time babies are weaned from
breast milk or formula, we are encouraged to
tempt the palates of our little ones with water.
Without it, or without enough of it, many
complications can occur including: lack of
energy, injury (heat cramps or heat stroke),
seizures, lethargy, hypovolemic shock, brain
swelling, kidney or other organ failure and
even death.
Yes, the consequences of dehydration can
be very severe and should not be taken lightly
when analyzing your intake for the day realizing
that it might not have been much at all.
As we navigate through the beauty of our
four seasons, we sometimes place emphasis on
hydrating more in these hot summer months.
The need for more water may be more pronounced
as we notice sweating of our skin and
generally have higher activity levels.
What most people don’t know is that
water is also expelled from a healthy pair of
lungs as we breathe in and out 24/7. Yes, your
body loses water every time you breathe. You
lose about one cup of water each day, just
from breathing.
Water helps your kidneys rid of unwanted
materials which might be in your body. When
it comes to your lungs, there is a thin lining of
mucus inside of them. When you get enough
water over the course of the day, this lining
stays thin, which helps your lungs be more
effective at doing their job.
Water helps to create saliva which is
required to digest starches effectively in the
mouth before being swallowed. It regulates
body temperature by providing a layer of
sweat whether heavy or light which acts as a
safety blanket to keep us cooled down when
the body heats up. Inadequate water intake
can negatively impact our focus, short-term
Hydrating with water helps to boost your metabolic rate which has a positive impact on your
energy levels.
memory and alertness.
It helps to lubricate and cushion our
joints, spinal cord and tissues. This allows
us to be more physically active and reduces
overall body aches caused by conditions like
arthritis or similar.
Our bodies use water to sweat, urinate
and ease healthy bowel movements. We need
water in our systems to have healthy stools
and avoid constipation.
Drinking enough water helps our kidneys
to work more efficiently, by preventing kidney
stones – a very painful condition that can
sometimes be prevented by effective intake.
Staying hydrated also positively affects our
strength, power, and endurance.
When it comes to metabolic rate (my
specialty), hydrating with water helps to boost
it which has a positive impact on our energy
levels. Drinking 500 mL of water can boost
the metabolic rate by 30 per cent in both men
and women.
Negative effects of overexertion in the
heat, without staying hydrated, can result in
serious medical consequences, where extreme
dehydration can, in fact, lead to mortality.
It’s obvious that water is indeed a crucial
element of your body’s requirements. Furthermore,
aside from the internal factors which
water is so beneficial for, it has some pretty incredible
external benefits too. Collagen relies
on water to do its job of structuring your skin.
In fact, water is about 60 per cent of
collagen’s total weight. Experiments that
remove water from collagen have shown that
it dramatically impacts the tensile force of the
protein, which has serious implications for
skin health.
With water’s reputation to flush stress
hormones, detox the body and rebalance estrogen
production, all of these have an impact
on cellulite. Water retention itself is one of
the biggest contributors to cellulite problems.
Ironically, drinking more water reduces the
amount of water stored under your skin. That’s
because when you are drinking plenty of water
throughout the day, your body trusts that it
will keep receiving a fresh supply, which
makes it less likely to store excess supplies of
water.
The question now is what kind of water
should you be drinking? Structured, reverse
osmosis, distilled and tap waters are the most
common choices. These are for you to embark
upon in learning which is most ideal for you
and your family. Note that there has been
considerable research done towards the purity
of bottled waters which have failed miserably.
To top it off, these bottles are made from of a
type of plastic called polyethylene terephthalate,
also known as PET.
Although PET is not manufactured from
BPA, there is still much cause for concern as
the tendency to leave them exposed to heat in
automobiles is frequent, thereby affecting the
very structure of the water contained in the
plastic bottle.
I personally love my stainless steel water
bottle. Glass is ideal, but can be unsafe as well
if it slips from your hands.
Aside from the structured water which
has many health benefits and can be researched
further if you’re interested, the takeaway
is that water is accessible and necessary.
Better to have the not so great water in a pinch
rather than none at all. That’s why a minute in
the morning of preparing your bottle for your
commute is advantageous. Hydration is just as
important as nourishing your body with whole
clean foods. Pair them together and you have a
powerhouse body ready to work for you!
E
Ph

12 STOUFFVILLE REVIEW
JULY 2021
STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM
The world loses
one person to
suicide every
40 seconds.
It claims 800,000
lives every year.
That’s more
deaths than war
and homicide
combined.
Over 75% of all
suicide deaths
are men.
For women, the
attempt rate is
3 to 4 times higher.
Transgender and
gender diverse
people are at
greater risk than
those who are
cisgender.
Suicide is the
2nd leading cause
of death for people
aged 15–24.
Lesbian, gay, and
bisexual youth are
more at risk than their
heterosexual peers.
Among First
Nations, the
suicide rate is
3 times higher
than the general
population.
These are the stats.
And it’s time we change them.
In Canada,
4000 people
die by suicide
every year.
For each person
we lose, at least
7 to 10 others are
deeply affected.
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, you are deserving of help and
can call 1-833-456-4566. If you require immediate, in-person emergency
care, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency department.