Markham Stouffville Review, May 2023

STOUFFVILLE 

Vol.12 Issue 5 May 2023 

WWW.STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM 

WWW.MARKHAMREVIEW.COM 

WHAT’S INSIDE 

York Region employment grew 4.7% 

to 615,760 jobs in 2022 

The 2022 Employment and Industry Report 

shows strong recovery and job growth in York 

Region over the past two years. 

Stouffville appoints 

new chief administrative officer 

SEE PAGE 2 

The Town of Stouffville has appointed Sunny 

Bains as the new chief administrative officer. 

Youth-led organization hosts 

spring gala to honour seniors 

SEE PAGE 3 

Singing, dancing, instrumental performances, 

poetry, and even a catwalk show were among the 

features at the South Unionville Greet the Spring 

and Respect for the Elderly Gala. 

SEE PAGE 5 

Student raising awareness of ‘silent killer’ 

After watching his grandparents struggle with ‘the 

silent killer,’ a local student decided to “make a 

move” 

SEE PAGE 6 

Unionville Festival returns with two days of fun 

Leaving a legacy for a lifetime of care 

Arthur Burkholder has lived in Markham all his life. 

He was born into a four-generation family who 

resided on the south side of Highway 7, across the 

road from the site that would eventually become 

Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital. 

Spring is in the air, and residents are flocking to Main Street Unionville for great shopping and dining with friends and family. 

More fun is on the way, as the Unionville Festival is set for the first weekend in June. SEE PAGE 11 

SEE PAGE 8 

COMMUNITY 

HEALTH 

Markham budget and tax 

increases finally settled 

Due to a fall election that delayed usual 

budget processes, the 2023 Markham budget 

didn’t get approved until April 5. 

Comprehensive look at Hwy 7 and 

Bur Oak development plan 

Markham’s landscape could be radically 

transformed with a development proposal 

currently under review by city council. 

Nursing leader pays it forward to 

support other nurses 

Nursing has always been a part of Terri’s 

life. Her mother and stepmother were both 

nurses, and her eldest daughter also became a 

nurse, following in her mother’s footsteps. 

You don’t have to miss out on local news and 

information. Just check out markhamreview.com 

and stouffvillereview.com for fresh, original articles, 

updated daily. Did you miss a print edition? 

Catch up with our replica e-paper, available 

anytime on our website. 

SEE PAGE 4 SEE PAGE 6 

SEE PAGE 9

2 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW COMMUNITY MAY 2023 

York Region employment grew 4.7% to 615,760 jobs in 2022 

The 2022 Employment and Industry 

Report shows strong recovery and job 

growth in York Region over the past two 

years. The report was released by the Regional 

Municipality of York.. 

“Business and job growth are fundamental 

to York Region’s economic vitality, 

an important guiding pillar in our recently 

approved Strategic Plan,” York Region CEO 

Wayne Emmerson said. “The increase in 

job and business growth across York Region 

over the last three years is a testament to the 

resilience of the region’s economy. We will 

continue to work together with the business 

community to attract and retain businesses 

and high-quality, well-paying jobs across 

a broad range of sectors for York Region 

residents.” 

Over 33,000 York Region businesses 

with a physical location were surveyed in 

2022, totalling an estimated 615,760 jobs, a 

4.7 per cent growth since 2019. 

Highlights of the 2022 Employment and 

Industry report include: 

• 27,620 net new jobs created since 

2019; 6,950 jobs in the health care sector 

alone. 

• 82 per cent of York Region businesses 

are categorized as small businesses, 

having less than 20 employees. 

• York Region’s economy and businesses 

continue to shift toward more knowledge-based 

and service-oriented jobs; 

aligned with national and provincial 

trends. 

• Industries showing the largest growth 

since 2019 include manufacturing; 

health care and social assistance; real 

estate; professional, scientific and 

technical services, providing a variety 

of employment options. 

• 11.7 per cent increase in real estate; 

the fastest annual growth sector since 

2012. 

In 2022, York Region surveyed 

33,110 physical businesses through the York 

Region employment survey. The survey 

collects employment data and provides 

a snapshot of York Region’s economy 

while comparing data over time to identify 

trends. The information collected through 

the survey is valuable for the region and 

local municipalities to continue supporting 

economic vitality and to inform long-term 

employment land needs, infrastructure 

requirements and business directories. 

Through the COVID-19 pandemic, 

many businesses had employees working 

remotely, while others were closed to the 

public or had to adjust their service offerings. 

Due to these factors and other impacts 

to the economy, the number of current 

in-person jobs is the benchmark for employment 

in the region and previous years’ 

surveys were adjusted for accurate readings 

and comparison from a pre-pandemic state. 

To support further economic growth, 

York Region assesses the supply of employment 

lands that provide job growth opportunities. 

The 2022 Vacant Employment 

Land Inventory report shows almost 2,400 

hectares of employment land is available 

across all nine cities and towns, with 85 

per cent of this vacant land serviced and 

ready to support new development and approximately 

40 per cent of these lands have 

applications underway. 

Most of the region’s vacant employment 

land is located within minutes of a 

major highway and almost half is within 

500 metres of a transit stop. These vacant 

employment lands are key drivers of future 

economic development and can accommodate 

a range of uses such as manufacturing, 

warehousing, major office buildings, and 

supporting commercial, institutional and 

knowledge-based industries. 

For additional information on York 

Region’s employment statistics, visit york. 

ca/census. 

HAPPY ASIAN 

HERITAGE MONTH 

Canadians of Asian heritage have helped build this country, 

and helped to defend this country, and to make Canada what 

it is today. We are grateful for their service and contribution. 

Let’s wish all Canadians of Asian descent “Happy Asian 

Heritage Month”. Our nation and I are indebted to you! 

- MP PAUL CHIANG 

Member of Parliament 

PAUL CHIANG 

Markham-Unionville 

https://paulchiang.libparl.ca | 905-470-2509

MAY 2023 

COMMUNITY 3 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW 

Stouffville appoints 

new chief administrative officer 

The Town of Stouffville has appointed 

Sunny Bains as the new chief administrative 

officer (CAO). 

He recently held the role of director of 

leisure and community services at the town, 

overseeing parks, facilities, recreation services, 

customer service and heritage, events 

and theatre operations. 

Bains previously spent six years as 

director of recreation services at the City of 

Vaughan. He is a seasoned executive with 

many years of senior management experience 

in the municipal recreation sector. 

He has worked in various roles, including 

manager of business services, manager of 

community centres and has also fulfilled the 

role of acting deputy city manager of community 

services. 

“Sunny has already proven to be a 

huge asset to the town as director of leisure 

and community services. He has demonstrated 

immense growth and leadership, and 

council is excited to have him in this new 

role,” said Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt. 

“Not only is he a Stouffville resident, but he 

brings a wide range of experience, including 

strategic planning, budget development 

and community engagement. He’s the full 

package. Council and I are very excited 

to welcome Sunny into his new role and 

look forward to bright days ahead for 

Whitchurch-Stouffville.” 

Stouffville CAO Sunny Bains 

In his time with Stouffville as director, 

Bains has successfully delivered on a 

number of important construction projects, 

implemented integral policies and plans, 

and brought large-scale, award-winning 

events to Stouffville. 

“I’m excited to continue working with 

our members of council, the administration 

and the community to serve the residents of 

Whitchurch-Stouffville,” said Bains. 

The CAO is the most senior staff 

member for the Town of Stouffville. The 

CAO reports directly to council and works 

to implement council’s direction and 

initiatives as well as all administrative and 

operational services for the town. 

Council appointed Bains as CAO on 

April 5 at the council meeting. He replaces 

Fire Chief William Snowball who was appointed 

interim CAO in February when the 

previous CAO was dismissed. 

YRP stands strong 

against discrimination 

York Regional Police, in partnership 

with the community, hosted its community 

commemoration of the International Day 

for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 

on April 1. 

“York Regional Police is proud to be 

able to host this special cultural event in 

person once again,” said Chief Jim Mac- 

Sween. The event theme this year was 

Celebrating the Strength of our Diversity. 

This year’s free event that took place 

at Crystal Fountain Event Venue featured 

community booths, diverse musical and 

artistic performances and guest speakers. 

The day was an opportunity for mem- 

bers of the community and community partners 

to join in a celebration of our diversity 

and to collectively reaffirm our commitment 

to the eradication of prejudice and all forms 

of discrimination. 

In 1966, the United Nations declared 

March 21 as the International Day for the 

Elimination of Racial Discrimination. 

The declaration was intended to increase 

awareness around the issues of racism and 

discrimination. Canada became one of the 

first countries to formally recognize the 

declaration when it proclaimed the day in 

1989.


Markham budget and tax increases finally settled…for now 

year’s budget by the end of the year as is 

usually the goal, planning for 2024 will be 

starting almost immediately. 

“As the new council term has begun, 

staff will resume the normal cycle for the 

2024 Budget process which means that the 

2024 Budget will be approved by December 

of this year as well,” said Keyes. 

The mayor was quick to add that he is 

optimistic the province will come through 

with funding of some kind before those 

frightening scenarios are realized. 

“I really do believe in my heart of 

hearts,” said Scarpitti, “that in the provincial 

goal to build 1.5 million homes in the 

next decade, it was not their intention to 

destabilize the financial (position) of municipalities. 

That said, we’ve got some work 

to do and we’ll continue to do it.” 

For information on the $669M budget, 

visit markham.ca/budget. 

New bike lanes coming this spring 

Deputy Budget Chief Isa Lee, Markham mayor Frank Scarpitti and Budget Chief Andrew Keyes 

celebrate the scaled-back budget increase of 3 per cent. 

BY DUNCAN FLETCHER 

Due to a fall election that delayed usual 

budget processes and a complicated dance 

around provincial legislations that threatened 

to significantly alter how municipalities 

acquired financing, the 2023 Markham 

budget didn’t get approved until April 5. 

There has been much hand-wringing 

from council as to how to make up for projected 

losses of development charges and 

other related sources. That question hasn’t 

been decided yet as talks with the province 

will continue. What is clear, budget chief 

Andrew Keyes and Markham Mayor Frank 

Scarpitti pointed out at the official unveiling 

of the plan, is that it will not be on the 

backs of homeowners. 

So, the 5 per cent increase recommended 

by planning staff that included a 2 

per cent provision to cover projected losses 

will not happen and council settled on a 

much more saleable 3 per cent increase to 

property owners. That includes a 2.4 per 

cent increase in day-to-day operations and 

a 0.6 per cent increase in infrastructure 

investment. 

Councillor Keyes noted that “the 2023 

Budget continues to fulfil the city’s strategic 

goal of fiscal stewardship of money and 

resources. It is a budget that not only delivers 

on the needs of our community today 

but ensures we are planning and saving for 

the future. It is a fiscally responsible budget 

that preserves our high quality of facilities 

and services to ensure Markham continues 

to be a vibrant, successful and sustainable 

city.” 

York Region will also tack on a 3.9 per 

cent increase and an increase in wastewater 

fees will now boost the property tax bill for 

the average property value of $829,995 by 

approximately $183.92 this year. 

But while 2023 was an unusually 

tough budget to negotiate, next year might 

be tougher with city staff estimating that 

increases over the next five years may need 

to yield increases of over 80 per cent on 

current amounts. 

Keyes offered that in order to get city 

budgeting back on track and okay next 

Cyclists may feel safer hopping on 

their bikes to get around thanks to newlydesignated 

bicycle lanes that will improve 

connections to existing bicycle lanes. 

York Regional Council has approved 

a bicycle lane on Ninth Line just south 

of Hoover Park Drive in Stouffville to 

just north of Donald Cousens Parkway in 

Markham. 

It also approved a designated bicycle 

lane on Prospect Street from Lydia Street to 

Timothy Street in Newmarket. The bicycle 

lanes will be operational effective May 1. 

Street signs and pavement markings will be 

installed this spring. 

“During development of the 2022 

Transportation Master Plan (TMP), we 

heard that residents want more sustainable 

transportation options, like cycling, that 

reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Commissioner 

of Public Works Erin Mahoney 

says in a report to council. 

The move to lower-carbon options 

also contributes to healthier communities 

by encouraging more physical activity and 

reducing traffic-related pollution and noise. 

To make active transportation easier and 

safer for all travellers, the TMP identifies 

road widening projects that include the 

addition of multi-use paths for bicycle and 

pedestrian traffic or dedicated cycle tracks 

in roadside boulevards, Mahoney adds. 

In January 2021, Regional Council 

approved Markham’s request for 24-hour 

whistle cessation on Ninth Line along the 

GO Stouffville corridor. As part of safety 

measures for the Ninth Line at-grade railway 

crossing south of 19th Avenue, Metrolinx 

will construct an off-road cycle track 

for cyclists to cross the skewed railway 

crossing at a right angle. 

Under the Municipal Act, 2001, a 

municipal council can pass bylaws respecting 

highways, including parking, traffic and 

designated bike lanes. Designating lanes 

for the exclusive use of bicycles separates 

cyclists from motorists on the road. Bicycle 

lanes can be delineated from motor vehicle 

lanes by pavement markings and/or physical 

barriers. Delineating lanes may help 

improve safety and comfort for cyclists by 

reducing the potential for conflict and injuries 

and could help improve overall traffic 

flow along the two-lane corridor.



Youth-led organization hosts spring gala to honour seniors 

BY JENNIFER MCLAUGHLIN 

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter 

Singing, dancing, instrumental 

performances, poetry, and even a catwalk 

show were among the features at the South 

Unionville Greet the Spring and Respect 

for the Elderly Gala recently held at Infinity 

Strings in Markham. 

The event was organized and hosted 

by the J.A. Children’s Public Foundation 

(JACPF), a Markham non-profit organization 

established in March 2022. The foundation 

encourages youth involvement in the 

community. 

Markham youths Julia Guzman and 

Alysha Xu are JACPF’s presidents. As primary 

organizers of the gala, the ambitious 

students designed and distributed posters to 

encourage performers to sign-up, financed 

the host venue and sought event sponsors 

who donated raffle prizes and gifts for participants. 

With several adult performers scheduled 

to participate, Guzman and Xu used 

their creativity to encourage more youth 

to take part. They trained kids to perform 

poetry recitations and a catwalk show while 

preparing for their own singing and dancing 

performances. 

Markham-Unionville MP Paul Chiang 

$120,000 raised for the Canadian 

Red Cross to support Turkiye and 

Syria Earthquake Relief 

MP Paul Chiang presents JACPF presidents Julia Guzman (left) and Alysha Xu (right) with certificates 

in recognition of their efforts within the community. (Photo supplied by JACPF) 

attended the gala. Guzman and Xu thanked 

Chiang and his staff for supporting JACPF 

and the event. 

Chiang presented Guzman and Xu with 

certificates to acknowledge their efforts 

within the community. He praised them for 

contributing to a bright future for Markham 

and its residents. 

Markham Sunglow Senior members 

contributed to the event with dance and 

choir performances. The group’s president 

Li Zengchun thanked JACPF for holding 

the gala in honour of Markham’s senior 

community and presented Guzman and Xu 

with certificates. 

Since its inception, JACPF members 

have performed twice for Markham seniors. 

The Greet the Spring gala was the organization’s 

first event to draw together performers 

from throughout the community. 

During their welcome speech, Guzman 

and Xu referred to the saying, “As large as 

the heart is, the road will be as long.” 

Markham is fortunate that the road 

ahead for these young community leaders is 

undoubtedly long and impactful 

(L-R): Markham Mayor Frank, Ifhtia Haque (Canadian Red Cross); Michael Bender 

(Title Sponsor); Michael Lin(Diamond Sponsor); Regional Councillor Alan Ho. 

Regional Councillor Alan Ho and 

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti recently 

hosted a successful fundraising event 

named “Markham’s Helping Hands Turkiye 

& Syria Earthquake Relief ” at Xinfilx 

Media. 

The fundraiser was aimed at providing 

much-needed aid and assistance to those 

affected by the devastating earthquakes that 

struck Turkiye and Syria in February 2023. 

“This earthquake has left thousands of 

families without homes or food. Many of 

them have lost loved ones, and their lives 

have been forever changed,” Ho said. “I 

had the privilege of hosting two previous 

earthquake donation events many years ago, 

and I cannot begin to imagine how people 

suffer after a sudden disaster. 

“The outpouring of support and 

compassion from our community has been 

truly remarkable. I’m humbled to see the 

continued support of our community for 

this cause. Their kindness has shown that 

even in the face of disaster, we can unite 

as a community and positively impact the 

world.” 

The event raised over $120,000, and all 

the donations were directed to the Canadian 

Red Cross. Thanks to various donors who 

came from across the city and beyond to 

support this cause. 

“There’s one thing that connects us in a 

very strong way, and that is humanity when 

we see a country that has faced hardship 

and devastation, and the images that we’ve 

seen over the past several weeks have truly 

been heartbreaking.” Mayor Frank Scarpitti 

said, “We don’t have a large Turkish 

and Syrian community here in the city of 

Markham, but numbers aren’t what motivates 

us. Compassion is what motivates us, 

so I think Markham’s Helping Hands reflect 

the spirit of Markham.” 

Ho and Scarpitti credited the success of 

the fundraiser to their volunteer team’s hard 

work and dedication, who put together an 

exciting and memorable event. 

For more information on how you can 

contribute, visit redcross.ca/turkiyesyriaappeal/alanho.


Comprehensive look at Hwy 7 and Bur Oak development plan 

BY CONNOR SIMONDS 

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter 

Markham’s landscape could be radically 

transformed with a development proposal 

currently under review by city council. 

With plans for over 2,000 residential 

units and mixed-use buildings towering up 

to 28 stories, the proposal has sparked a 

heated debate among residents who fear that 

the development would irrevocably alter the 

character of the community. 

In this article, we delve into the contentious 

proposal and the concerns raised by 

citizens during the public meeting, shedding 

light on the potential impacts of the development 

on traffic, the environment, and the 

community’s identity. 

JD Elm Cornell Lands Ltd. has submitted 

an application to Markham city council 

for an Offcial Plan and Zoning By-law 

Amendment, as well as a Draft Plan of 

Subdivision for a piece of land situated at 

the intersection of Highway 7 and Bur Oak 

Avenue. This land spans from the southern 

boundary of Markham Fire Station 99 (just 

east of Markham Stouffville Hospital), all 

the way along Bur Oak to Highway 7. If 

approved, the proposed development would 

significantly transform the area, in line with 

a vision that some residents believe could 

be intrusive and clash with the character of 

the community. 

The development proposal has been 

under review since July 26, 2022, and the 

120-day period before the owner can appeal 

the Offcial Plan Amendment and Draft Plan 

of Subdivision applications to the Ontario 

Land Tribunal for a non-decision ended on 

November 23. The 90-day period before 

the owner can appeal the Zoning By-law 

Amendment application ended on October 

24. 

If approved, the proposed development 

would create approximately 2,116 residential 

units in seven mixed-use buildings, 

ranging in height from 10 to 28 stories. 

There would be 3,856 square metres of retail 

space, one partial park block, and three 

new roads. The development would also 

include 149,724 square metres of residential 

gross floor area and 1,412 square metres of 

retail gross floor area. The proposed development 

would create new opportunities for 

people to live, work, and play in Markham. 

Kate Cooper an agent from Bousfields Inc. 

spoke about how their development firm 

sees the area. “We think it’s a really important 

block in Cornell,” she said. “Located at 

a prominent intersection in the community 

and in proximity to community services 

and facilities that already exist. We have 

a hospital […] then community centre to 

the immediate north, we have fire services, 

we have transit […] and we feel that the 

site has the opportunity to develop in a 

meaningful way which will contribute to 

the area.” The development would also add 

to the city’s economy by creating jobs and 

increasing the tax base. 

However, there are some concerns that 

the proposed development would have a 

negative impact on the surrounding community. 

During the public meeting for the 

development proposal on March 21, 2023, 

concerns were raised by citizens including 

Brenda Young a resident of the condominium 

on the east side of Bur Oak at Highway 

7. 

Young commented on what it would be 

like living next to the proposed high rise: 

“Now with a 16-storey tower proposed we 

fear our home is once again going to be limited 

to enjoy.” She commented after mentioning 

how restrictive the Covid regulations 

were on her building. “Imagine sitting 

out on that rooftop looking up at 10 extra 

storeys. If the sun cannot reach us, what 

good is a rooftop garden? Dark shadows, no 

sunsets, no views.” 

An additional concern is that the proposed 

development would increase traffic 

congestion in the area and impact air quality. 

The new roads that would be created as 

part of the development could lead to more 

cars on the road, which could lead to longer 

commute times for residents in the area. 

Another concern is that the proposed 

development could have a negative impact 

on the environment. The Subject Lands 

include a woodland feature located in the 

southwest quadrant, and a small portion of 

the lands are located within a regulated area 

of the Toronto and Region Conservation 

Authority. The development could have a 

negative impact on these natural features, 

which could impact the ecosystem and 

wildlife in the area. 

Ward 5 councillor Andrew Keyes 

remarked that “it wasn’t a surprise […] as a 

resident that this density was coming.” The 

area had been ultimately slated for development 

for decades. He mentioned he would 

like to see establishments like restaurants 

and bars take footholds in the area and 

hopes more local parking for small businesses 

is included in many of the development 

plans. 

Finally, there are concerns about the 

impact that the proposed development 

would have on the character of the community. 

The development would be comprised 

of seven mixed-use buildings, ranging in 

height from 10 to 28 stories, which could be 

out of scale with the surrounding community. 

The development could also change 

the character of the community by introducing 

businesses to the area and many more 

residents. 

To conclude, the proposed development 

holds promise for the city, potentially 

offering new possibilities for residents in 

Unionville Festival returns 

with two days of fun 

Spring is in the air, and residents are 

flocking to Main Street Unionville for great 

shopping and dining with friends and family. 

More fun is on the way, as the Unionville 

Festival is set for the first weekend in 

June. 

This year the two-day festival takes 

place June 3 and 4 and will have activities 

to entertain people of all ages. 

The festival will highlight the many 

businesses on Main Street and encourage 

festival-goers to open up their wallets and 

support them after they have endured three 

years of the Covid pandemic, which has 

been devastating for most businesses. 

Many traditional festival favourite 

booths will be returning to showcase their 

unique products, including many delicious 

treats. Also, a festival special called Taste of 

Unionville will offer great deals from select 

terms of work, leisure, and habitation, while 

also providing a boost to the local economy. 

However, it is crucial to address the concerns 

regarding potential negative impacts 

on traffic congestion, the environment, and 

the community’s character. City council 

needs to take a thoughtful approach to the 

development’s review process, carefully 

evaluating these concerns and ensuring that 

the proposed development aligns with the 

best interests of the community. 

local businesses. 

In addition to shopping and dining at 

local merchants and festival booths, festival 

activities will include live music, health 

and wellness activities, Rubber Duck Race, 

kids’ activities, and so much more. 

You won’t want to miss the SuperDogs 

on Saturday, and the Ultimutts Dog and Cat 

show on Sunday at Crosby Park. 

“This year’s festival will showcase 

some terrific local bands and diverse cultural 

entertainment,” said BIA executive 

director Sonia Chow. 

This is the second year in the festival’s 

history that the Business Improvement Area 

will be the host of the event. 

The festival takes place June 3 and 4 

from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and also includes a 

headline show on June 3 at the Bandstand 

from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information 

visit unionvilleinfo.com.



Andrew Fuyarchuk, academic and 

author, spent some time accumulating inperson 

documentation of a few prominent 

local families. 

Below, he shares the following parts of 

a recorded conversation with Donny Miller. 

Since the 1800s 

The farm has been in the Miller name 

since the 1800s. 

My great-great-grandfather came up 

from Pennsylvania. He owned this land, 

but he lived on a farm up the road. This 

land was rented out to somebody else. 

Then my dad (born 1896), who worked the 

farm for his dad, was married in ’23 and 

took over the farm. They were Mennonite 

background, originally Pennsylvania Dutch. 

There’s a lot of Miller’s in Pennsylvania. 

The original name is Mueller, and it 

changed to Miller. Down in Pennsylvania 

there is a town Millerville. 

My great-great-grandfather came up on 

horseback. Apparently, during the trip up, 

my great-great-grandfather carried a flask 

for water. My grandson has it now. When 

my mother passed away in the little house 

down the road, all the grandchildren had 

a chance just to go in and take what they 

wanted. So they gave it to David to keep it 

in the Miller family. I got my grandfather’s 

watch. They used to carry pocket watches. 

End of School and Changes 

I went to Melville Public School and 

then Stouffville. I didn’t go to high school 

Memories of farming life in Markham 

Donny Miller in his barn. Photo courtesy of Kenny B. Wang. 

very long. I started high school. That was 

toward the end of the war, and the farm 

boys could get out early and not have to 

write exams. I started grade 10, but my dad 

was not very well and was thinking of selling 

the farm. He asked if I wanted to help, 

so I just quit. I got out the first of April and 

came home. That’s as far as I got in grade 

10. 

My brother liked school. He went right 

through. He was a professor at University 

of Guelph all his life. My sister liked 

school. She was a school teacher in Toronto 

all her life. 

I just stayed home and farmed. I liked 

it and wanted to do it, and my dad gave me 

the chance. At that time, farms were probably 

going for $25,000. I remember my dad 

saying that the neighbour’s farm sold for 

$25,000. He had to buy this farm from his 

family and paid $12,000 in 1944. Now, this 

farm is sold. 

I can remember when farmers in Scarborough 

moved up into Markham. They 

were moving up and paying a pretty good 

price. I know a chap that moved up here 

from Scarborough—Cam Kennedy and the 

Watson’s where the Fairgrounds are. The 

Watson’s moved up there in ’53 and bought 

that 100 acres and 50 acres between us here 

that belonged to it. 

Life on the Farm 

They used to come around in the wintertime 

to thresh. So they would lift the rack 

up off the wagon, so you could thrash and 

pitch it in. I can just remember the steam 

engine coming in the lane. Mr. Raymer 

from Markham had a threshing machine. 

You see, everybody didn’t own a threshing 

machine. There were threshers. And Mr. 

Raymer in Markham had one. And he had 

an old steam engine that he pulled. He’d 

come at night, and they’d set up. He’d be 

here early in the morning and light up the 

fire and get the steam up. My Mom would 

have to feed them breakfast at about 7:00 

o’clock. Then a bunch of men would come 

and thresh. 

My lifestyle hasn’t changed much. The 

only thing that has changed is the neighbourhood. 

But for farm neighbours there 

is only the Lewis’ here as far as that goes. 

I rent the farm across the road. The farm 

families have all gone and don’t live here 

anymore. They have gone into town. Some 

of the farmers, like us, went up to Listowel. 

My son-in-law and daughter farmed with 

me here in partnership for nine years.

8 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW COMMUNITY 


Bringing high-speed internet 

access to more homes 

Markham Theatre’s season 

wraps up this month 

All Canadians need reliable and affordable 

high-speed internet, no matter where 

they live. 

The governments of Canada and Ontario 

are taking action to bring high-speed 

internet access to unserved and underserved 

communities. 

More than $48 million in combined 

federal and provincial funding will go 

towards a project by YorkNet to bring highspeed 

internet access to over 3,800 homes 

in York Region. 

“Through our own dark-fibre network, 

operated and managed by YorkNet, we are 

building an affordable, reliable and sustainable 

network across York Region that also 

supports our regional operations,” York 

Region CEO Wayne Emmerson said. These 

generous contributions will help the region 

expand its network and target thousands 

of underserved homes by 2025. Thank you 

to our funding partners who share our collective 

goal of creating equitable access to 

high-speed internet, an essential service in 

today’s new digital world.” 

“People in Markham-Stouffville have 

been patiently waiting for high-quality 

broadband to their homes”, said Paul 

Calandra, MPP for Markham–Stouffville. 

“Countless neighbours have told me about 

the challenges of accomplishing basic 

online tasks that we take for granted, from 

checking email to a video call with family 

and friends. Our government is getting it 

done once again by providing this crucial 

funding for high-speed internet access.” 

This project is part of an existing partnership 

between Ontario and Canada. On 

July 29, 2021, the governments announced 

their partnership to support large-scale, 

fibre-based projects that will provide highspeed 

internet access to more than 280,000 

households and businesses across the 

province. This historic agreement was made 

possible by a joint federal-provincial investment 

totalling more than $1.2 billion. 

This announcement brings Ontario 

closer to achieving its goal of making highspeed 

internet accessible in every community 

across the province by the end of 2025. 

“Access to high-speed Internet is no 

longer a luxury but a necessity for success 

in the modern world. By investing in 

projects like YorkNet, we are bridging the 

digital divide and empowering communities 

to thrive in the digital age,” said Logan 

Kanapathi, MPP for Markham–Thornhill. 

“This investment of over $48 million 

will bring reliable high-speed internet to 

over 3,800 homes and businesses in York 

Region, creating new opportunities for 

innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth. 

Together, we can build a stronger and more 

connected Ontario, where everyone has the 

tools they need to reach their full potential.” 

Program gives 

adult offenders a second chance 

First-time offenders and those who 

commit minor offences will have a chance 

to avoid prosecution thanks to a new precharge 

diversion program. 

“Research has shown that keeping 

offenders out of the criminal justice system 

is one of the best ways to keep them from 

re-offending,” York Regional Police (YRP) 

Chief Jim MacSween says of the year-long 

pilot program, which came into effect in 

April. 

Pre-charge diversion will allow adult 

offenders to take immediate responsibility 

for their actions and work to make amends 

with those affected by their crime through 

community-based sanctions. It will be offered 

at an officer’s discretion for offences 

that include non-violent, low-level crimes. 

The program is being facilitated in 

partnership with the John Howard Society 

of York Region. The John Howard Society 

is a not-for-profit organization that delivers 

programs and services focused on crime 

prevention, intervention and re-integration. 

Conditions will vary based on the nature 

of the offence and could, for example, 

connect offenders with support services to 

address unmet needs like mental illness, 

homelessness or addiction. “This program 

demonstrates the commitment YRP has to 

the well-being of everyone in our community, 

including those who have made 

mistakes,” says MacSween. 

Markham Theatre’s current season 

comes to a close in mid-May with one last 

great show. 

On May 12, Ray on My Mind closes 

the theatre’s current season. This highenergy 

celebration of Ray Charles’ life and 

music is a blend of concert and theatre. 

Master pianist/vocalist, Kenny Brawner 

plays Ray and leads his 11-piece orchestra 

and three female vocalists, performing the 

legend’s popular hits like What’d I Say?, 

I Got A Woman, Mess Around, Georgia 

on My Mind, Baby It’s Cold Outside, and 

many more. 

“The lead in this is just amazing,” theatre 

GM Eric Lariviere says. “This is above 

and beyond what you see in cover shows in 

Student raising awareness 

of ‘silent killer’ 

After watching his grandparents 

struggle with ‘the silent killer,’ a local 

student decided to “make a move” and offers 

seminars about hypertension, a health 

condition that primarily affects older people 

and especially those in the Black community. 

“I have both Indian and Jamaican 

grandfathers who both suffer from high 

blood pressure, also known as ‘the silent 

killer,’” says Noah Bryan, a Grade 10 

student at Bayview Secondary School and 

founder of The Make a Move Foundation. 

“I have witnessed my grandfather in 

severe heart failure, needing oxygen just 

to breathe, and later learned that this was 

linked to uncontrolled blood pressure,” he 

says. “Your current health is the result of a 

combination of modifiable and non-modifiable 

risk factors and I have learned that 

their family history and lifestyle were huge 

contributors to their current health.” 

Bryan created his foundation after 

learning that hypertension and diabetes are 

the leading causes of mortality globally and 

their incidences vary greatly based on race, 

education and socioeconomic status. His 

mission: Empowering underserved communities 

to be proactive in managing medical 

conditions to prevent immediate and 

generational adverse health consequences. 

High blood pressure – also called 

hypertension – is the No. 1 risk factor for 

stroke and a major risk factor for heart 

disease but many people with the condition 

feel fine and aren’t even aware their blood 

pressure falls into the high-risk category, 

the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada 

warns. Because the risk of hypertension 

increases with age, it’s important to have 

your blood pressure checked regularly. It 

offers these steps to lower your risk: know 

your numbers and check your blood pressure 

regularly. Reduce the amount of salt 

you eat. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruit, 

whole grains and protein foods, while limiting 

highly processed foods and avoiding 

sugary drinks. Be physically active for at 

most regional theatres.” 

This tribute morphs into theatre when 

interwoven with the music and monologues 

depicting how gospel, blues, jazz, 

and country influenced Ray’s style while 

reflecting on American social history, his 

epic battle with drugs, and his triumphant 

return home. 

“When it comes to tribute shows, 

we always try to bring something extra,” 

Lariviere adds. “This show is more of a 

complete theatrical production. It’s quite 

different.” 

Mark your calendars for May 29 for 

the theatre’s 23/24 Season Launch event. 

Visit markhamtheatre.ca for more 

information. 

Noah Bryan offers seminars about hypertension, 

a health condition that primarily affects 

older people and especially those in the Black 

community. 

least 150 minutes a week. Be smoke-free. 

Bryan worked with doctors to create 

Hypertension 101 – a seminar that explains 

in layman’s terms why it happens, how to 

control risk factors and how to monitor the 

condition in an environment that’s “perhaps 

less intimidating” than a doctor’s office. 

Bryan has also partnered with Bios 

Medical, a Newmarket company that makes 

medical equipment, to make blood pressure 

cuffs and logbooks available to seminar 

participants. 

“We know that home blood pressure 

monitoring is highly encouraged by doctors 

and can pick up hypertension before it is 

able to progress to the ugly consequences,” 

he says. 

Finally, he is committed to spreading 

the word about hypertension to as many 

people as possible through seminars and a 

social media campaign launched on Instagram: 

@themakeamovefd. Anyone interested 

in scheduling a seminar can contact 

Noah through Instagram. 

“In this way, little by little, I hope to 

expand these sessions to the Greater Toronto 

Area and beyond to continue to raise 

awareness, educate and put blood pressure 

cuffs in the hands of people who will benefit 

the most.”


HEALTH 9 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW 

Nursing leader pays it forward to support other nurses 

BY MICHELLE LEE HOY 

Nursing has always been a part of Terri’s 

life. Her mother and stepmother were 

both nurses, and her eldest daughter also 

became a nurse, following in her mother’s 

footsteps. Terri always knew she wanted a 

profession that enabled her to help others. 

She began her nursing career in 1985. She 

loved the frenetic energy that came from 

providing direct patient care, and eventually 

she worked her way up to leadership roles 

throughout several organizations, including 

Markham Stouffville Hospital. Having 

returned to what is now Oak Valley Health 

– a health system that includes Markham 

Stouffville Hospital, Uxbridge Hospital, 

and the Reactivation Care Centre at Humber 

River Hospital (Finch site) – in November 

of 2022, Terri is now the Vice President and 

Chief Nursing Executive for the organization. 

“We are at a very interesting time in 

health care where nursing is one of the most 

trusted professions but also a very vulnerable 

one,” says Terri. “We have the opportunity 

right now to dig deep when it comes to 

recruitment, but more importantly retention, 

so we need to listen to the voices of nurses 

and understand what inspires them.” 

Terri adds: “Early on in my career, I 

became interested in not only how to improve 

the lives of patients but also the lives 

and experiences of nurses.” 

In her clinical leadership role, Terri 

does peer reviews and appraisals annually 

to find out what went amazingly well for 

staff that year. 

“What do you want to be when you 

grow up?” is something Terri asks all 

nurses, new and seasoned. Terri believes in 

the power of servant leadership and authenticity 

– she cares about what people want on 

a personal level and how she can help them 

on that journey. In her 30+ years as a health 

care professional, many people still to this 

day will call her and say, “you were the 

first person who saw something in me,” and 

this is what has driven Terri throughout her 

career to improve the systems that support 

nurses to thrive. It was once someone who 

saw something in Terri and provided her 

with guidance that led her to where she is 

today, and she believes in the philosophy of 

paying it forward. 

One of Terri’s priorities for nursing at 

Oak Valley Health is retention, and in order 

Spring is here, batter up 

Terri began her nursing career in 1985. 

to have that, it is crucial to understand why 

people choose to stay. While culture plays 

a huge role, staff want to go to work and 

be inspired, valued, and respected for their 

work, so it is important that the organization 

is considerate of this. What people are 

looking for now in a career is much different 

than 30-40 years ago. Work-life balance, 

wellness offerings, effective and timely 

communication, and the ability to provide 

high-quality care are high on the list of 

what nurses look for in their employers and 

what Terri strives for Oak Valley Health to 

be recognized for. 

Terri works tirelessly to ensure that the 

future of nursing at Oak Valley Health has 

a solid foundation laid from the beginning 

to ensure that the health care system will 

continue to benefit from the passion, drive, 

and commitment of its nurses to provide 

the very best patient care possible. To do 

this, Terri believes it is important to support 

nursing staff in their professional development 

and give them the opportunity to hone 

in on the areas of practice that best suit their 

skills and abilities, and discover where their 

passions lie. 

The culture at Oak Valley Health is one 

that is driven by excellence. Not only does 

the organization invest in their employees 

through professional development, there 

is also much work done behind the scenes 

through the Professional Practice team – a 

group of nurses who strategize and provide 

education to their peers across the organization 

– to ensure that the structure, tools, and 

education strategies are there to meet the 

needs of each kind of learner. 

In reflecting on her time at other organizations, 

Terri wants Oak Valley Health to 

raise the volume on our successes and what 

we’re good at. 

Terri adds: “We need to be big and 

bold so that the community we serve will 

see and know us for our honoured-to-care 

culture and values that are engrained in all 

of the work that our nurses (and all staff) 

do.” 

May 8-14 is National Nursing Week, 

and on behalf of Oak Valley Health, Terri 

thanks all nurses for their hard work, dedication 

and compassion they bring to provide 

extraordinary patient care every day. 

BY JAY MEILIUNAS 

Are you a baseball fan looking for a 

great place to play in Stouffville? 

Look no further! Stouffville has a rich 

history of baseball, and there are plenty of 

opportunities to get involved in the sport 

this summer. 

Stouffville is home to several baseball 

leagues and teams, catering to all ages and 

skill levels. 

The Stouffville Yankees are a wellknown 

local team that has played for over 

30 years. The team competes in the Greater 

Toronto Baseball League and has won several 

championships over the years. 

For younger players, the Stouffville 

Minor Softball Association offers co-ed 

softball for children ages 4-18. The association 

also provides competitive opportunities 

for more advanced players. 

Stouffville boasts several excellent 

baseball facilities, including the Stouffville 

Memorial Park and the Bethesda Park 

Diamonds. These facilities offer well-maintained 

fields and ample seating for spectators. 

The Stouffville Memorial Park features 

one adult baseball diamond, while Bethesda 

Park has two adult diamonds and one youth 

diamond. These facilities are perfect for 

both practice and games. If you are looking 

for batting practice, there is always Timber 

Creek which has batting cages which is a 

cost-effective way to get those “swings” in 

and has a variety of different speeds for all 

skill levels. 

Whether you’re a seasoned player or 

just about to jump in, Stouffville is a great 

place to play baseball. With a range of 

leagues and teams, top-notch facilities, and 

a supportive community, there’s no shortage 

of opportunities to get involved and have 

fun. There are lots of opportunities to meet 

new people and celebrate team successes. 

“Having won the Provincial Championships 

in 2007 with The Stouffville Storm 

Junior Mites at such a young age was a 

great experience,” says Cameron Ross 

(Right Field). 

So grab your glove and head out to the 

diamond – we’ll see you there. 

Visit wssa.ca/registration for more 

information or to register by May 31.

10 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW MAY 2023


Leaving a legacy 

for a lifetime of care 

Arthur Burkholder has lived in 

Markham all his life. He was born into a 

four-generation family who resided on the 

south side of Highway 7, across the road 

from the site that would eventually become 

Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville 

Hospital (MSH). 

When Arthur and his late wife, Doreen, 

built their home on a vacant property 50 

years ago, they never imagined they would 

be conveniently located just three minutes 

away from their local hospital. 

Arthur recounts the many occasions 

when MSH has been the cornerstone for 

his family. His father was one of the first 

patients to have a transurethral resection of 

the prostate (TURP) procedure performed 

at MSH due to an enlarged prostate. His 

family celebrated the birth of their first 

grandchild and, both of Arthur’s parents 

received palliative care and comfort at the 

end of their lives, all at MSH. 

“My family was able to be with them 

in privacy, and we really appreciated that,” 

adds Arthur. 

Since the hospital opened its doors in 

1990, Doreen had been seen 163 times for 

varying reasons and conditions. She was 

cared for in the intensive care unit twice 

and admitted five times for various lengths 

of stay until her final days in 2019. 

“We were so appreciative of the care 

and the way the staff looked after her and 

after us,” says Arthur. 

Like his dad, Arthur also required a 

TURP procedure in the summer of 2019, 

and through that surgery, his urologist, Dr. 

Adeel Sheikh, discovered cancerous cells. 

Arthur was diagnosed later that same year 

with prostate cancer. Thankfully, his health 

care team caught the cancer in its early 

stages, and today Arthur appears to be cancer 

free. 

Then, at the beginning of this year, 

Arthur had total hip replacement surgery at 

MSH with orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Syed 

Haider. 

Arthur (Art) Burkholder in front of his Markham 

home of 50 years. 

“I was cared for competently and compassionately 

by Dr. Haider and his staff,” 

Arthur says. “I walked out of the hospital 

the same day and had a good experience.” 

It was so good that his recovery and 

rehabilitation has been quick and steady. He 

used a two-wheeled walker for just one day; 

most of the time, Arthur already goes about 

his days without much of a hint that he even 

had surgery. 

Arthur and his family have always understood 

that MSH depends on the generous 

support of the community to fund hospital 

equipment and technology advancements 

that the government can’t fund. Their 

dedication dates back to the 80s when they 

initially supported the fundraising for a new 

hospital in Markham. And their generosity 

has not stopped there. 

“Over the years, we saw how valuable 

a service Markham Stouffville Hospital 

was, providing to the community, and we 

wanted to demonstrate our appreciation. 

And we did that by naming Markham 

Stouffville Hospital in our wills,” says 

Arthur. 

May is Leave a Legacy month in 

Canada, a time to highlight the impact of 

providing a charitable contribution that 

ensures a lifetime of care for our growing, 

aging, and diverse community. Naming 

MSH Foundation in your will is a powerful 

act of giving. 

To learn more, contact Elaine Bernard 

at 905-472-7373 ext. 6619 or ebernard@ 

mshf.on.ca or visit www.mshf.on.ca. 

HEALTH 11 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW 

Hydrating the right way 

BY SHANA DANIEL R.H.N. 

If there was one element ever to be 

labelled as the most important and vital to 

the sustenance of any living organism, it’s 

water. 

It seems to me, we continue questioning 

the amount which should be consumed. 

We might have thrown the idea of eight 

glasses per day by the wayside since many 

lifestyles differ in energy output. 

People with various health challenges 

needing pharma support and differences in 

body mass are examples of why being more 

precise with intake is so important. 

I like to approximate an individual’s 

daily water requirement as 1/2 an ounce of 

water per pound of body weight. To some, 

the eight-glasses rule is perfectly suited — 

and to others — that could just be half of 

their body’s requirement. 

For so many reasons which would 

stretch beyond this page, water is crucial 

for cellular repair and function, effective fat 

loss when following a sound nutrition plan 

and fitness routine, better sleep, enhanced 

energy, temperature regulation and hormonal 

support. Water is crucial. 

And what better way to get a head start 

on your hydration requirements than to 

drink 1-2 full glasses of it upon waking. 

Here are just a few benefits of water 

consumption on an empty stomach before 

breakfast. It rehydrates the body, boosts 

your metabolism, helps flush toxins, improves 

digestion, and improves skin health. 

Peppermint, chamomile and Rooibos 

teas are all great go-tos. Some like to add 

fresh herbs like rosemary or basil to their 

water, or fresh citrus or cucumber. Whatever 

you choose, make sure you’re not letting 

these live foods stay in your water container 

for prolonged periods of time, as proliferating 

bacteria can be harmful to the stomach 

and create unwanted issues. 

Take advantage of the milder weather 

as spring has now sprung. Making your hydration 

a priority has many benefits you’ll 

easily see and feel for your best summer 

yet! 

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12 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW 


Calling our 

T’WEENS! 

We’ve had an amazing 10 years of watching 

our TS members grow into young adults 

& we’re celebrating you! 

PRESENTING A NIGHT OF TIKTOK FUN! 

And you’re invited to bring a friend! 

Under an outdoor tent, you’ll be guided through a series 

of the latest TikTok trends & dances with our friends at 

Bounce Entertainment who know how to throw a party in style! 

Friday 

May 26, 2023 

7pm to 9pm 

Snacks and uber cool 

mocktails will be served up by 

Food For Thought Catering. 

The Parents Lounge will 

feature hot bevvies and snacks 

Fun dance performances 

by StuntZ and crew 

Tiny Seedlings Open Air Arena 

14245 Ninth Line, Stouffville 

**Parents lounge on site and parents / guardians must stay on site for kids to attend. 

Suggested ages 12 - 15 years old. 

Admission is upon RSVP only by May 17 at 11:59pm to info@tinyseedlings.com 

with full name of member and guest (s). 

Entry time must be punctual of 7:00pm as demo begins at 7:15pm. 

Event wrap up is 9:00pm with a fab fireworks display to say Goodnight! 

Appropriate comfortable attire is a requirement. 

Washrooms on site. 

Rain or shine event.

Markham Stouffville Review, May 2023

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