Markham Stouffville Review, May 2024

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12 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW MAY 2024 Helping seniors ‘age in the right place’ A plan recently approved by York Regional Council promises to help seniors “age in the right place” based on their preferences, circumstances and care needs. While many seniors remain healthy, active and connected to their communities, some require additional levels of care and support, the region notes. The 2024 to 2027 York Region Plan to Support Seniors: Navigating Forward Together identifies four priorities that include keeping seniors healthy longer. The goal of that priority is to provide seniors, caregivers and staff supporting seniors with information to help them improve physical activity and social connectedness and slow the decline of or prevent chronic disease. Among other things, the region will call on the provincial government to provide annual health professional in-home or supported virtual visits for seniors aged 75 years and older. The Plan to Support Seniors will also prioritize supporting seniors to live in agefriendly, complete communities by better integrating services for seniors. In addition to other things, the region plans to complete the design and construction and operationalize the seniors’ hub and community centre located in Unionville Commons. The region’s plan to connect seniors and caregivers to the right programs and services at the right times includes promoting Access York to seniors and caregivers as a central access point for York Region and community resources. Finally, it will achieve the fourth priority of improving coordination, organization and planning of services for seniors through such actions as implementing the York Region Integrated Response for Vulnerable Seniors Network. Some 200,000 seniors aged 65 years and older live in York Region. That’s an increase of more than 23 per cent since 2016, when York Region Seniors Strategy: Thinking Ahead was approved to support seniors to age in place in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. By 2051, York’s total seniors’ population is projected to more than double. About 97 per cent of seniors in York live in private dwellings within the community. The region’s senior population is diverse: 76 per cent were born outside of Canada and about 18 per cent don’t speak either English or French. The top five nonofficial languages spoken most often at home are Cantonese, Italian, Mandarin, Russian and Tamil. Of almost 54,000 newcomers settling in York Region in last five years, ‘Home Safe Home’ program returns Stouffville firefighters will be knocking on doors this summer to share more information about the ‘Home Safe Home’ program and will be offering free home fire safety assessments on the spot. “Our goal with the ‘Home Safe Home’ initiative is to ensure that every household in Stouffville is equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to protect themselves in the event of a fire emergency,” Stouffville Fire & Emergency Services Chief Bill Snowball says. The ‘Home Safe Home’ program includes free home fire safety assessments for residents year-round to ensure every home in the community is equipped with working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and have a well-planned home escape route. “By offering free assessments and engaging with our community directly, we hope to make a meaningful impact on home fire safety,” Snowball says. To schedule your free home fire safety approximately 5,400 were seniors. The region is planning progress reports of the Plan to Support Seniors in 2026 and 2028 and will provide council with a review and plan update for consideration in 2028. For more information, visit york.ca/ PlanForSeniors. The Home Safe Home initiative helps ensure everyone’s home is equipped with working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Photo courtesy of the Town of Stouffville. assessment, contact Stouffville Fire & Emergency Services at (905) 640-9595 or fire.prevention@townofws.ca.
MAY 2024 13 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW Visionary transformation of the Stouffville GO transit corridor BY CONNOR SIMONDS, LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER The Markham City Council has set forth a visionary proposal to reimagine the Stouffville GO Transit Corridor, aiming to transform it from a conventional commuter service into a dynamic subway-style system. This ambitious initiative goes beyond mere infrastructure upgrades, seeking to foster economic revitalization, job creation, and community development that extends beyond municipal boundarie. Central to this plan is the introduction of the high-speed 407 Crosstown Transitway Corridor, heralding a significant shift in the region’s transportation landscape. By integrating transit innovation with strategic land use planning, the proposal aims to reshape traditional commuting patterns, fostering vibrant, walkable communities with a diverse range of housing options and increased affordability. The resolution, championed by Regional Councillor Jim Jones, embodies a transformative vision for the Stouffville GO Transit Corridor. Jones emphasized the importance of diverse amenities at each Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) station, saying, “I believe that planning at the corridor level is vital to ensure diverse amenities are included at each TOD.” He further advocated for collaboration among different levels of government, stakeholders, and residents, suggesting that “the province brings everyone together in the form of a committee.” This initiative aims to enhance economic opportunities, job creation, and increase ridership. Acknowledging the underperformance of GO Commuter Transit Lines, the resolution calls for revitalization into vibrant TODs with high animation activity, multiple amenities, and increased ridership. It emphasizes corridor-level planning to coordinate land use and transportation efficiently, supporting sustainable choices and reducing vehicle use. Additionally, the resolution highlights the importance of collaboration between government levels, agencies, and stakeholders to reimagine the corridor across municipal boundaries. It aligns with Toronto/ Markham/Stouffville Growth Strategy, focusing on sustainable growth, transportation choices, and urban development patterns. Some key considerations include attracting economic development, enhancing community connectivity, and establishing consistent design standards. The resolution emphasizes public engagement, environmental impact assessment, and mitigating ecological footprints. “I believe that as we build TODs, we should incorporate new technologies like pre-fabricated condos […] urban vertical farming, and autonomous vehicles – to handle first and last mile challenges,” Jones said. He proposed that “pilot projects on each of these topics be conducted at a TOD like Markham Centre to ensure feasibility and cost-effectiveness.” The proposed resolutions include forming an intergovernmental steering committee, conducting a comprehensive study, and implementing a series of steps to guide the transformation. A focus on Transit-Oriented Development planning, autonomous vehicles, waste-to-energy infrastructure, and economic analyses is outlined. A call for a Technical and Financial Feasibility Study and engagement of a Transit-Oriented Development Planning Consultant Team is made. The consultant team is tasked with developing master plans, zoning studies, and strategies for TODs, along with assessments of vertical farming and autonomous vehicles. Further, the motion underscores the importance of community engagement, visual preference surveys, and addressing NIMBYism. It suggests developing policies for heritage districts, planning major destinations, and seeking guidance on a Sports, Entertainment and Convention Centre. Jones recommends to “have the public represented on a multi-jurisdictional committee right from the beginning to help address NIMBYism, and to educate the broader public on the need to intensify developments around transit.” To fund the plan, the resolution proposes a financial strategy, exploring publicprivate partnerships and creating a phased implementation plan. It emphasizes the establishment of a Stakeholder and Ratepayer Committee for integrated TOD planning. In weaving together the threads of transit innovation, community collaboration, and economic foresight, the proposal for the Stouffville GO Transit Corridor emerges not just as a blueprint for transportation evolution but as a symphony of progress orchestrating vibrant, sustainable communities. As stakeholders converge and plans take shape, the journey ahead promises not only to redefine commuter experiences but to catalyze a renaissance in urban connectivity, economic vitality, and environmental stewardship for generations to come. BE ON THE LOOKOUT STOP INVASIVE SPECIES IN YORK REGION Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is an aphid-like invasive insect that attacks and kills Hemlock trees. Spring is peak time to spot HWA egg sacs, which look like tiny cotton balls found at the base of needles. HWA has not yet been found in York Region. Residents and visitors to the York Regional Forest play a vital role in preventing the introduction and spread of HWA. Report suspected sightings of HWA egg sacs to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency at cfia.surveillance-surveillance.acia@canada.ca or 647-790-1100. Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Adelges Tsugae) egg sacs look like tiny cotton balls found at the base of needles. QUESTIONS? ACCESS YORK 1-877-464-9675 TTY 1-866-512-6228 accessyork@york.ca REPORT HEMLOCK WOOLLY ADELGID
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Markham Stouffville Review, May 2024

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