Markham Stouffville Review, December 2023

STOUFFVILLE
Vol.12 Issue 12 December 2023
WWW.STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM
WWW.MARKHAMREVIEW.COM
WHAT’S INSIDE
Affordable housing to be
constructed in Stouffville
Downtown Stouffville will soon be home to its
first family-focused affordable housing building.
SE Health a ‘role model of excellence’
The not-for-profit social enterprise, dedicated to
how people live and age and at home, recently
received an Order of Excellence from Excellence
Canada.
Advancing cancer care
SEE PAGE 4
SEE PAGE 5
The Cancer Centre at Oak Valley Health’s
Markham Stouffville Hospital has joined the
Princess Margaret Cancer Care Network.
This partnership marks a significant milestone.
York Region announces new CAO
SEE PAGE 9
York Regional Council has announced that Erin Mahoney is its new Chief Administrative Officer. Her appointment follows the
16-year tenure of Bruce Macgregor as CAO.
Region working to fast track
Bus Rapid Transit projects
Naming of health centre recognizes
donor’s transformational gift
SEE PAGE 6
York Region has developed a process it hopes
will fast track the remaining 130 kilometres of Bus
Rapid Transit projects, three of which are located in
the City of Markham.
SEE PAGE 7
Close family and friends gathered at Oak Valley
Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital on Oct. 26
to celebrate a transformational legacy gift made by
the late C. Donald Brodie.
SEE PAGE 11
COMMUNITY
The holidays come alive
at Markham Theatre
Every holiday season, Markham Theatre can
be counted on for multiple opportunities to
share a night out celebrating with family.
Spreading joy this holiday season
Santa and his helpers hope you will help
The Salvation Army and the CTV Toy
Mountain campaign which brings hope to
families in need.
Help shutout homelessness
in York Region
It is estimated that 1,400 men, women and
children are homeless in York Region on
any given night, but together we can change.
this statistic.
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 2 SEE PAGE 3
SEE PAGE 8
Thursday, December 21 // 8pm
Friday, December 22 // 8pm
Saturday, December 23 // 3pm & 8pm
flatomarkhamtheatre.ca
905.305.7469
230110 FMT_Markham Review - 23.24 Season - Elvis - NEW SIZE 10x1.75.indd 1 2023-11-15 5:24 PM

2 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW COMMUNITY DECEMBER 2023
The holidays come alive at Markham Theatre
BY JEFF JONES
Every holiday season, Markham
Theatre can be counted on for multiple
opportunities to share a night out celebrating
with family. General manager Eric
Lariviere and his staff take great care to mix
tradition and a modern sensibility in their
programming each year, and 2023 is no
different.
“Our goal is to try and reach out and
have something for every single citizen in
Markham,” says Lariviere.
The holiday season hits full swing on
Dec. 15 with A Next Generation Leahy
Christmas. The Leahy family use this
performance to give audiences a sneak peek
into their home at Christmastime. The show
features the beautiful music of Christmas
as well as fun family favourites filled with
the high-energy, infectious Celtic-based
music people associate with the Leahy
heritage. Despite ranging in age from 13 to
21, these young people are professional and
accomplished multi-instrumentalists who
have been touring across North America for
years.
“It’s so much fun to see these young
artists evolve onstage,” Lariviere says. “It’s
been a couple years since we’ve had them,
and it is always quite spectacular what they
do.”
Holiday spirit collides with rock ‘n
roll royalty with Elvis: Wonderful World
of Christmas from Dec. 21 to 23. Worldrenowned
Elvis tribute artist Steve Michaels
stars in the holiday show that fans wish
Elvis had given. Expect faithful renditions
of Presley’s holiday classics, such as Blue
Christmas, Here Comes Santa Claus, and
the gospel songs that were the cornerstone
of Elvis’ identity and inspiration.
“We love to work with Steve; his work
is flawless,” says Lariviere, “and this show
has an incredible appeal to many of the
diverse communities in Markham. We’re
excited to have it back.”
Families looking for a post-Christmas
thrill need look no further than Chris Funk’s
Redefining Wonder. A ‘wonderist’ that
merges magic, illusion, and live music.
Funk has spent the last 15 years travelling
the world and appearing on TV in NBC’s
America’s Got Talent, CW’s Penn & Teller:
Fool Us and Masters of Illusion. His two
shows on Dec. 27 promise a multimedia
experience that tells the story of Funk
fostering a secret passion for magic while
training to be an orchestral musician.
“This is Chris’ first time in Markham
and we’re excited for his debut,” says
Lariviere. “His combination of illusion and
live music is really special. You have to
check him out.”
There are few traditions that mark the
holiday season like The Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky’s
music combines wonder, joy, and
innocence effortlessly as its classic story
reaches across generations. Ballet Jörgen’s
The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition returns
for three shows on Dec. 30 and 31. Acclaimed
ballet choreographer Bengt Jörgen’s
telling of the classic draws modern visual
inspiration from the renowned McMichael
Canadian Art Collection but keeps both the
music and the story in place, despite other
choreographers changing the story liberally.
The result is a production that features a
uniquely Canadian take on an international
classic.
“This production of The Nutcracker
is always anticipated by so many local
families,” Lariviere says. “Ballet Jörgen is a
fantastic company that does beautiful work.”
Beyond the theatre’s Diamond Season,
independent producers are bringing a little
magic to the theatre this holiday season as
well.
Kindred Spirits Orchestra is performing
The Greatest Show, Stravinsky’s Circus
polka, as the core of its Dec. 9 concert. The
show will also feature Concertmaster of
the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Jonathan
Crow as a guest soloist performing Bartók’s
Violin Concerto No. 2.
“Kindred Spirits do a fantastic job of
bringing the highest quality possible with a
community orchestra,” Lariviere says. “We
are truly grateful to have them with us.”
The afternoon of Dec. 17 features A
Swingin’ Christmas with Toronto All-Star
Big Band, a community band that has been
performing at the theatre since 2009. The
show promises seasonal favourites as well
as big band classics.
“We are so blessed in Markham to have
a robust cultural tradition, and the All-Stars
have been part of that for years now,” says
Lariviere.
Tradition and holiday spirit are
certainly alive and well at the Flato
Markham Theatre this year.
“Any show that you want to choose
this month,” encourages Lariviere, “you’re
gonna have a great time.”
For more information or to buy tickets,
visit markhamtheatre.ca

DECEMBER 2023
COMMUNITY 3 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW
Markham’s power grid gets
$12-million boost
Local Santa Danny Fantini will be out in his antique fire truck this holiday season collecting
toys to help families struggling to make ends meet.
Spreading joy this holiday season
Santa and his helpers hope you will
help The Salvation Army and the CTV Toy
Mountain campaign which brings hope to
families in need.
The pandemic has left many more
families struggling to pay for basic
necessities, much less have money for
presents for their children.
When you support The Salvation Army
and CTV Toy Mountain, you are making
the joy of Christmas possible for families
struggling to make ends meet.
Based on the success of previous years,
organizers are hoping to collect at least 1,000
toys and about $2,000 in gift cards.
Local Santa Danny Fantini will be out
in his antique fire truck in Markham.
You can visit Santa and his helpers at
the Pride of Canada Carousel (corner of
Birchmount Rd. and Enterprise Blvd.) on
Saturdays and Sundays between 1 and 4 p.m.
from Dec. 2 to 17.
CTV News will be with Santa at the
carousel on Dec. 15 during its 6 p.m. news
program.
Visit toymountain.ca for more information.
As the demand for electricity continues
to grow, Alectra Utilities will invest more
than $12 million in Markham’s power grid,
an investment that will impact more than
30,000 homes and businesses.
“With parts of Markham’s system
reaching the end of its life cycle, renewing
the deteriorating infrastructure is necessary
to maintain reliability,” says Mike Matthews,
Executive Vice President of Asset Strategy
and Operations at Alectra.
Alectra has earmarked $9.6 million
to rehabilitate underground cables using
an innovative technology called ‘cable
injection,’ which repairs, protects and
extends the life of underground cables
without digging them up. Underground
cables cost less to maintain and have a much
longer lifespan than overhead wires, Alectra
reports, but can start to break down over time
from exposure to moisture in the ground.
Cable injection can extend the life of an
aging cable by up to 20 years by injecting
a silicone-based fluid into the cable. The
silicone forces out the moisture, fills in
the weak spots and hardens to repair the
cable and helps to prevent power outages,
Alectra explains. For every kilometre of
cable injection, it avoids about 13 tonnes
of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that
would have been created by its replacement.
To date, Alectra has injected more than 820
kilometres of underground cable across the
17 communities it serves, avoiding more
than 10,000 tonnes of GHG emissions.
Alectra will also invest $1.5 million
to renew overhead assets including pole
remediation, $826,000 to replace and
upgrade stations within Markham and
$192,000 to construct new automated
devices. “This series of infrastructure
upgrades will stabilize the existing
system and reduce outage impacts in the
community,” says Matthews.
Learn more at alectrautilities.com/
improving-reliability.

4 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW COMMUNITY DECEMBER 2023
Time to focus on yourself!
Struggling with a health
or wellness goal?
Wellness coaching can
make the difference
Affordable housing to be
constructed in Stouffville
Downtown Stouffville will soon be
home to its first family-focused affordable
housing building.
The Whitchurch-Stouffville
Community Housing Development project,
located at 5676 Main St., will offer one-,
two- and three-bedroom units to address
the needs people from a range of economic
backgrounds, including women and their
children, families, seniors and those living
alone.
“Addressing housing affordability
requires innovation solutions, collective
action and the support of all levels of
government,” says Whitchurch-Stouffville
Mayor Iain Lovatt, who also serves as
Vice-Chair of Housing York. “Providing
affordable housing options in downtown
Stouffville is an excellent example of how
all levels of government can come together
to make a positive impact on our residents.”
The 141-unit rental project is expected
to be completed by summer 2024. It
received $11.4 million in federal funding
through the third round of the Rapid
Housing Initiative, $7.5 million through
the National Housing Co-Investment
Fund and more than $13 million through
the Investment in Affordable Housing
Extension and the Ontario Priorities
Housing Initiative, including $2 million
in administrative funding. York Region is
providing more than $16 million in capital
investment.
“Investing in housing makes a
significant difference in the lives of
Canadians and their communities,” says
Markham-Stouffville MP Helena Jaczek.
“Housing is a foundation for Canadians
to build better lives for themselves. These
types of investments will bring about
positive change in communities across
Canada, including right here in Whitchurch-
Stouffville.”
The governments also announced
a second project, Inn from the Cold
Transitional Housing on Yonge Street in
Newmarket. The three-storey building
with 44 beds for both emergency and
transitional housing will provide housing
for the community’s most vulnerable and is
expected to be complete by fall 2024.

DECEMBER 2023
COMMUNITY 5 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW
SE Health a ‘role model of excellence’
SE Health in Markham is being recognized as a “role model of excellence.”
SE Health in Markham is being
recognized as a “role model of excellence.”
The not-for-profit social enterprise,
dedicated to how people live and age and
at home, received an Order of Excellence
from Excellence Canada, a not-for-profit
organization that certifies and recognizes
organizations that are innovative, customerfocused,
competitive, financially and environmentally
sustainable.
Recognized organizations are also
good corporate citizens, actively pursue
strategies to improve the mental and
physical health and wellbeing of their
employees, and create a healthy workplace
culture that attracts and retains the best
people.
“This is an incredible honour and we
are thrilled to be a four-time recipient of the
Canada Award of Excellence – the highest
level of achievement under the Canada
Awards for Excellence,” says Farah Ismail,
Senior Vice-President, and Chief Legal,
Privacy and Compliance Officer at SE
Health.
“This award is a testament to our
exceptional people and their dedication to
quality care; our commitment to innovation;
and the many ways we bring hope and
happiness to each other and the people
we serve, every day. We thank Excellence
Canada for this recognition and we look
forward to continuing our journey of
excellence for years to come.”
The Organizational Excellence
Award uses a data-driven assessment to
find gaps and opportunities for continual
improvement in all private and public sector
organizations, businesses, and institutions.
Through Organizational Excellence
Standard implementation and certification,
organizations adopt best practices for
sustained excellence and peak performance.
SE Health was established in 1908 by
four nurses and offers a variety of services.
Home health care services, for example,
include assistance with personal care like
bathing and medication management, help
at home like meal planning and preparation,
and nursing care due to illness, disability,
hospitalization and more.
The Canada Awards for Excellence is
an annual awards program established in
1984 that recognizes outstanding achievements
by organizations in the private,
public and not-for-profit sectors. This year,
12 awards were presented in the following
award categories: Organizational Excellence,
Excellence, Innovation & Wellness®;
Healthy Workplace® and Mental Health at
Work®.
I would like to extend congratulations
to all of these organizations that have met
the rigorous standards and requirements
through the Canada Awards for Excellence
program,” says Chair of Excellence Canada
Shirlee Sharkey. “You are all truly role
models of excellence.”
The awards were presented at the
2023 Performance Excellence Summit and
Canada Awards for Excellence on Friday,
Nov. 17.
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6 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW COMMUNITY DECEMBER 2023
Advancing cancer care across Canada
The Cancer Centre at Oak Valley
Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital has
joined the Princess Margaret (PM) Cancer
Care Network.
This partnership marks a significant
milestone, positioning Oak Valley Health
as the fourth cancer centre in Canada
to become part of the PM Cancer Care
Network.
Together, they aim to bring expertise
and access to a comprehensive range of
cancer services, clinical trials, and groundbreaking
research to the vibrant Markham,
Stouffville, and surrounding communities.
The partnership will also break
down barriers to provide seamless access
to cutting-edge clinical trials, advanced
molecular testing and profiling, and the
invaluable opportunity for second opinions
at Oak Valley Health.
Dr. Keith Stewart, Vice President
of Cancer at UHN and Director of
the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre,
said: “This partnership represents
a transformative bond between our
institutions, revolutionizing our approach
to patient care. We are thrilled to establish
collaboration for clinical trials, molecular
testing, and knowledge exchange that will
benefit the patients of Oak Valley Health.”
The Cancer Centre at Oak Valley
Health is a growing program with 14
systemic therapy chairs, supported by five
medical oncologists, two malignant haematologists
and three nurse practitioners,
Dr. Andrea Bezjak, medical director, Princess Margaret Cancer Care Network; Elena Pacheco,
vice president and chief operating officer, Oak Valley Health; and Dr. Keith Stewart, VP of
cancer at UHN and director of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
as well as a strong inter-professional team.
The clinic has seen an 11-14 per cent annual
increase in patient volumes, with growth
across most care bundles. Oak Valley
Health prides itself on its partnerships with
regional and tertiary centres, which supports
ongoing academic excellence, quality,
and safety for patients and families. Oak
Valley Health supports timely access to care
for all of its patients close to home and with
a family and patient-centred approach.
“This partnership gives Oak Valley
Health the opportunity to collaborate and
share the expertise and resources of a
renowned cancer centre, Princess Margaret
Cancer Centre, while allowing our patients
to receive care close to home,” says Terri
Stuart-McEwan, Vice President, Clinical
Programs and Chief Nurse Executive at Oak
Valley Health. “This partnership is about
an integrated approach to improving cancer
care, patient outcomes, and experiences.”
Dr. Andrea Bezjak, a radiation
oncologist and Medical Director of
the Princess Margaret Cancer Care
Network, encapsulated the partnership’s
vision, stating, “Our aim is to address
currently unmet needs of patients through
facilitating collaborative care and research.
This partnership is not a substitute nor
replacement to existing initiatives and
relationships but moves forward the Ontario
Health mandate at a local level.”
“With the additional supports that will
come from this partnership , we will have
more resources for multidisciplinary care,
improved ease to participate in and refer
for clinical trials, and have the opportunity
to work closely with some of the brightest
cancer experts in the world,” says Dr.
Mateya Trinkaus, a medical oncologist and
oncology lead at Oak Valley Health. “This
is an excellent opportunity for our cancer
centre, hospital, and communities.”
Both the Princess Margaret Cancer
Centre and Oak Valley Health are cancer
centres aligned with the provincial priorities
outlined by Ontario Health (Cancer Care
Ontario). This partnership heralds a future
dedicated to innovation and excellence in
cancer care for Markham and surrounding
communities.
The existing members of the
Network, including Southlake Regional
Health Centre, Grand River Hospital,
and Newfoundland and Labrador Health
Services, stand as a testament to the value
of the Princess Margaret Cancer Care
Network.
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DECEMBER 2023
Markham company one to watch
in Deloitte’s Fast 50 program
COMMUNITY 7 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW
A Markham company has been
named among the ‘Companies to Watch’
in Deloitte Canada’s Technology Fast 50
program, which recognizes the “worldclass
achievements” of Canada’s leading
technology companies.
EAIGLE placed No. 9 on the list of 15
Companies to Watch. The end-to-end AI
platform enables enterprises in the supply
chain and retail sectors leverage vision
data to address security, transportation and
operational challenges.
Its AI-powered solutions provide realtime
curated alerts, operational insights, and
automation, all aimed at helping enterprises
identify potential breaches and inefficiencies
and take corrective actions. Its solutions
work seamlessly with existing hardware,
making it easy for enterprises to integrate its
platform into their infrastructure. Its clients
include the City of Toronto, the Toronto Zoo,
Walmart and Cadillac Fairview.
Awards in the 2023 Technology Fast
50 program are presented in five categories:
Technology Fast 50, Enterprise – Industry
Leaders, Companies-to-Watch, Clean
Technology and North American Fast
Technology 500.
The Companies-to-Watch category
ranks Canadian technology companies
with the potential to be future Technology
Fast 50 candidates by their revenue
growth percentage over their last three
years of operation. The winners must
have a minimum of $50,000 in 2019 and a
minimum of $2.5 million in 2022. EAIGLE’s
revenue grew by 884 per cent in that time.
Technology Fast 50 ranks the
fastest-growing technology, media and
telecommunications companies by revenuegrowth
percentage over their last four years
of operation. This year, the average threeyear
growth of the Technology Fast 50
winners is 2,213 per cent. An emerging trend
among winners is generative AI.
“This year’s thriving cohort of winners
have delivered outstanding revenue growth,
despite prevailing uncertainties in the
economy and marketplace,” says Anders
McKenzie, partner, and national leader for
the Technology Fast 50 program at Deloitte
Canada.
“With their bold vision for the future,
impactful technologies, competitive drive
and passion for pushing the boundaries, these
companies are paving the way as catalysts
in their respective sectors, delivering growth
and value to the Canadian economy both at
home and beyond. It is truly inspiring to see
how they not only improve today’s world,
but also shape tomorrow’s.”
Region working to fast track Bus
Rapid Transit projects
York Region has developed a process
it hopes will fast track the remaining 130
kilometres of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
projects, three of which are located in the
City of Markham.
Those projects are Enterprise Boulevard
from Birchmount Road to Kennedy Road,
Kennedy Road from YMCA Boulevard to
Hwy. 7 and Hwy. 7 from Kennedy Road to
York Durham Line – all in Markham – as
well as Jane Street from Hwy. 7 to Major
Mackenzie Drive in Vaughan.
A report from the Commissioner of
Public Works also recommends prioritizing
the Hwy. 7 BRT project from McCowan
Road to York Durham Line/CP Havelock
to Phase 1 subject to analysis of associated
costs and funding from senior levels of
government.
The BRT framework identifies priority
projects in three phases for implementation,
factoring in transit ridership, rapid transit
network connectivity, land use density,
project readiness and project cost.
To date, 34 kilometres of BRT lanes
have been constructed and are in operation
across the region. Construction of the
remaining 130 kilometres hasn’t yet been
identified for capital construction funding
by any level of government. However, the
region believes improving the readiness of
the Phase 1 projects – including environmental
assessments and preliminary engineering
work – will better position those projects for
funding from senior levels of government.
The new process builds on focus area
actions identified in the 2022 Transportation
Master Plan (TMP), which looks ahead 30
years and considers the region’s transportation
infrastructure needs to support growth
and the changing needs of travellers.
The framework also lines up with goals
identified in the 2023 to 2027 Strategic Plan,
including reducing car travel, especially
during rush hours; investing in a safe,
effective transportation system that connects
people, goods and services; and delivering
and promoting environmentally sustainable
services.
York Region reviews the TMP every
five years to ensure the regional transportation
network meets the needs of motorists,
pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders.

8 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW COMMUNITY
DECEMBER 2023
Protecting families from fire,
‘silent killer’
Megan Bozek denied goal by netminder Shayna Mathieu-Moor in 2022 HHTH game.
Help shutout homelessness
in York Region
It is estimated that 1,400 men, women Hockey Helps the Homeless (HHTH)
and children are homeless in York Region on invests in solutions that ensure fewer
any given night, but together we can change individuals and families end up on the
this statistic.
streets.
On December 15, many hockey
HHTH helps organizations and
players will participate in the Hockey Helps programs committed to ending homelessness
the Homeless York Region Tournament, through housing, transportation initiatives,
raising awareness and funding for our local mental health support, education, health and
homeless support agencies, Blue Door and wellness, training and employment, but your
360 Kids. The fundraising goal for York help is needed. Be a game changer today by
Region is $300,000.
supporting the cause and helping bring hope
There’s more than one story when it to our most vulnerable.
comes to how people end up homeless and Visit hockeyhelpsthehomeless.com for
3rd that’s Review why quarter there is pg more Ad.qxp_Review than one way quarter to pg Seminar more information Ad 11/15/23 or 2:56 to make PM a Page donation. 1
help.
Are YOU prepared?
There are some things your family
should never have to worry about.
Your funeral is one of them.
Whitchurch-Stouffville Fire & Emergency
Services (WSFES) has received 288
combination smoke and carbon monoxide
alarms to help keep vulnerable families safe
from fire and the ‘silent killer’ through Safe
Community Project Zero. Markham Fire and
Emergency Services (MFES) has received
594 alarms, which will be distributed to
vulnerable residents deemed high-risk in
Markham.
The Enbridge Gas public education
campaign is delivered annually in partnership
with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire
Safety Council (FMPFSC) to promote the
installation of the alarms in homes in communities
in which Enbridge operates.
As its name suggests, the goal of the
campaign is to bring fire and carbon monoxide-related
deaths to zero. When properly
installed and maintained, combination smoke
and carbon monoxide alarms help provide
the early warning to safely escape from a
house fire or carbon monoxide exposure.
Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odourless gas
that’s a by-product of incomplete combustion
of many types of common fuels.
“Properly maintaining fuel burning
equipment is the best way to reduce potential
exposure to carbon monoxide and an alarm
is a critical second line of defence for
protection,” says Matthew Banks, Station
Operations Manager, GTA East Operations,
Enbridge Gas. “When we implement these
strategies together, we protect our loved
ones from carbon monoxide poisoning, also
known as the ‘silent killer.’”
Enbridge Gas invested $315,000 in Safe
Community Project Zero this year, which
will distribute more than 10,000 alarms to
homes in need – including to older adults,
persons with disabilities and low-income
households – in 50 communities across Ontario.
Since the program’s founding in 2009,
it has provided more than 86,000 alarms to
Ontario fire departments.
“Across Ontario there is a renewed
focus on the importance of having working
smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your
home. The objective of Safe Community
Project Zero is to deliver these alarms to
areas where they are needed most,” says Jon
Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chair of the
FMFSC.
“It’s a program that fire departments
can adopt to help educate their communities
about the requirement for all Ontario homes
to have a carbon monoxide alarm if they
have a fuel-burning appliance or an attached
garage.”
WSFES Fire Chief says the donation
will assist it “immensely” in its community
outreach programs. “Only working smoke
and carbon monoxide alarms will alert us
in the event of emergencies such as a fire or
carbon monoxide exposure,” he says.
People of all ages are preplanning.
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DECEMBER 2023
York Region announces new CAO
COMMUNITY 9 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW
BY CONNOR SIMONDS
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
York Regional Council has announced
that Erin Mahoney is its new Chief Administrative
Officer. Her appointment follows the
16-year tenure of Bruce Macgregor as CAO.
Mahoney’s impressive background and
steadfast commitment make her an ideal
choice to lead York Region into a new age of
growth and innovation.
Throughout her distinguished 15-year
career with York Region, Mahoney has been
an invaluable member of the leadership team,
consistently showcasing dedication, vision,
and a profound understanding of the organization’s
mission and values.
“Ms. Mahoney has consistently demonstrated
exceptional dedication, direction, and
a deep understanding of our organization’s
mission and values,” shares Wayne Emmerson,
CEO of York Region. “I am confident she
will help us continue to achieve our strategic
goals and deliver on the exceptional programs
and services our residents and communities
deserve and expect.”
Mahoney’s journey within York Region
began in her role as Commissioner of Public
Works, where she made significant contributions
to the region’s success. Her strong
educational background, with a Bachelor
of Science from Memorial University of
Newfoundland and a Master of Engineering
from the University of Western Ontario,
coupled with her key leadership positions
in the private sector, equips her to lead with
competence and innovation.
Furthermore, Mahoney’s involvement
in various boards and volunteer agencies underscores
her commitment to the community,
aligning perfectly with York Region’s vision
of strong, caring, and safe communities. Her
ability to collaborate, lead with empathy, and
make pivotal decisions with confidence has
naturally positioned her as the guiding force
for the region’s future.
As the CAO, Mahoney undertakes
the crucial responsibility of overseeing the
day-to-day operations of York Region’s 15
core services, the backbone of the community.
With over 5,000 full-time and part-time
employees under her leadership, she will play
a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s
future direction and, by extension, the communities
it serves.
The CAO serves as the linchpin connecting
the council’s vision with the daily lives
of residents, ensuring the delivery of highquality
programs and services. Mahoney’s
appointment signals a strong commitment to
preserving and enhancing the region’s reputation
as a municipal service delivery leader and
a top employer.
“In collaboration with York Regional
Council, I’m deeply committed to leading our
organization to deliver results for the people
and communities we serve, building on our
strengths with innovative ideas and collaborative
teamwork,” shares Mahoney.
Mahoney has outlined the following key
priorities for York Region:
Strategic Growth Support: With a projected
population of over 2 million people and
990,000 jobs by 2051, her commitment is to
ensure that growth benefits communities and
is financially sustainable.
Homelessness and Housing Strategy: Acknowledging
the central role of homes in our
York Region CAO Erin Mahoney.
lives, she prioritizes efforts to make housing
affordable and accessible, allowing communities
to thrive.
Asylum Seeker Support: She emphasizes
that no one should be left behind and is
working with other levels of government to
provide emergency housing and wrap-around
supports for asylum seekers.
Peel Transition and Servicing Agreements:
The region anticipates engagement
with the Peel Transition Panel to ensure
long-term water and wastewater capacity and
discuss shared interests, including Highway
50.
Ontario’s Governance Review: In the
face of potential governance changes considered
by the province, she highlights York
Region’s long-standing history of delivering
leading services as a continued focus.
She underscores the strength of the
C
region’s workforce and its commitment to
M
the community as key elements in achieving
these priorities.
Y
When asked about the role York Region
plays in creating strong, caring, and safe communities,
Mahoney emphasizes a commitment
to realizing this vision. She notes that CY
the region’s 15 core programs and services
go beyond providing amenities; they help
K
neighbours connect, boost community pride,
and build lasting trust. Her actions and strategies
align with this vision, aiming to ensure
that every resident feels supported and proud
to call York Region home.
Addressing challenges on the horizon,
Mahoney acknowledges the need to adapt
to a growing population with changing
needs, ensure financial sustainability during
uncertain times, stay updated with technological
advancements, and navigate potential
governance changes. She intends to set a clear
path that adapts to changes and looks ahead,
focusing on assessing opportunities, forging
strong partnerships, and exploring smart
ways to fund priorities to ensure York Region
remains strong and vibrant.
“As I step into this role, I’m here to lead
our team and deliver on our commitments
to the people and communities we serve to
make York Region a truly strong, caring and
safe community,” Mahoney adds. “With new
ideas and our shared commitment, we can
shape a thriving and inclusive York Region.
The diversity of voices and experiences of
our residents make our region unique, and
I’m dedicated to ensuring they are heard and
considered in our decisions and directions. I
value their trust and think that together, our
future possibilities here at York Region are
boundless.”
Mahoney’s vision and leadership are set
to usher in a new era of growth, innovation,
and community strength in York Region.
Her commitment to strong, caring, and safe
communities and her collaborative approach
promise a bright future for all residents.
CM
MY
CMY
Help us be prepared for
all of life’s moments.
When an emergency visit to
Markham Stouffville Hospital
revealed a football-sized
tumour in Aryan’s chest, his
life took an unexpected turn.
Hopeful, Aryan put his trust
in the medical team at MSH
and immediately started
chemotherapy treatment
against the aggressive cancer
that threatened his life.
Thankfully, the chemotherapy
did its job and Aryan beat
cancer.
Give today.
mshf.on.ca
Life’s hopeful moments like
these are only possible if our
hospital is properly equipped
and prepared to respond to
situations like Aryan’s.
This holiday season, help
patients like Aryan by
donating in support of
life-saving equipment and
technology.

10 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW COMMUNITY DECEMBER 2023
Season of Giving, Season of Care:
Bringing Decades of Care Close to Home
Sandi Lofgren (pictured second last) with her husband and family
For more than 30 years,
four generations of Sandi’s
family have relied on the
compassionate care of Oak
Valley Health’s Markham
Stouffville Hospital (MSH).
The most time Sandi spent at
MSH was due to her mother,
Doreen, who was admitted to
the hospital nearly 75 times
battling various critical illnesses
over her 79 years of life.
Following a standard night
out with her husband, Doreen
had her first extended stay at
MSH after she suddenly began
experiencing excruciating chest
pain and shortness of breath.
Doreen was rushed to MSH’s
emergency department where
diagnostic testing revealed she
was suffering from a pulmonary
embolism. The condition she
presented prompted a stay in
the intensive care unit. Knowing
that pulmonary embolisms are
often fatal, the team at MSH had
to act fast. “Without the quick
work of the health care providers
at MSH, I could have lost my
mother that night,” says Sandi.
In the last three to four years of
her life, Doreen suffered from
Myelodysplastic Syndrome
(MDS). MDS is a disorder
of the bone marrow that
compromises a person’s ability
to produce red blood cells.
Diagnosed by a haematologist at
MSH, Dr. Henry Solow, Doreen
began to receive regular blood
transfusions for two years until
they were no longer effective
and she sadly passed away in
2019. “We were accessing the
hospital all times, day or night,
and it just was this feeling
that they were there for us.”
Sandi’s family has experienced
many other life moments at
MSH, from providing end-oflife
care for her grandparents,
to supporting her during the
birth of her children, to seeing
her dad through a prostate
cancer diagnosis and total hip
replacement surgery. Sandi knows
that MSH will always be there for
her family in their times of need.
“We feel safe and confident in the
care that we know we can receive
at our hospital close to home,”
says Sandi. “That’s probably why
my dad has never moved from
where he is. I don’t think he
wants to leave his home because
he’s down the street from the
hospital where he knows how
much they care for their patients.”
Donations help fund the
essential equipment and
technology that will ensure MSH
can continue to be there for
Sandi, and for so many grateful
families in our community.
This holiday season, MSH
Foundation is asking for donor
support to purchase equipment
like an ultrasound machine,
bladder scanner, cordless
drill sets, sagittal saws and
cuddly teddy bears to provide
comfort and care to patients.
Give generously today at
lifesavinggifts.ca to ensure MSH
is always ready for all our life’s
moments.
Sandi’s parents, Arthur and Doreen
Burkholder of Markham

DECEMBER 2023
11 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW
Naming of health centre recognizes donor’s transformational gift
Close family and friends gathered at Oak
Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville
Hospital (MSH) on Oct. 26 to celebrate a
transformational legacy gift made by the late
C. Donald Brodie.
In recognition of this monumental donation,
the hospital proudly named and
officially unveiled the C. Donald Brodie
Medical Centre at 377 Church Street on its
campus.
Affectionately known as Don, he was
born and raised on a farm in York Region.
Built by his ancestors in 1832, the farmhouse
he grew up in was the foundation of his family’s
heritage. His parents, Charles Norman
Stuart and Rose Anne Brodie, instilled a deep
appreciation for community in Don and his
sister Cora through their life’s work.
“Don was my little brother and he was
my best friend,” says Cora. “Everyone who
met him was greeted with a warm smile and
open arms. He wanted nothing more than to
help people and give back to his community.
Don’s gift to Markham Stouffville Hospital
will help so many people in our community
for generations to come, and I’m glad that his
generous legacy will be remembered in the
community he
cared for so much.”
In 2006, Don and Cora became residents
of Markham. Don played an active role in the
community through his involvement with the
Markham Fair Board, Club 35 Senior’s Club
of Richmond Hill and the Markham Lion’s
Club where he received the Melvin Jones
Award for his outstanding commitment. He
was also a dedicated member of St. Andrew’s
Oak Valley’s Markham Stouffville Hospital officially
unveiled the C. Donald Brodie Medical
Centre at 377 Church Street in recognition of
the transformation gift left by Don Brodie. His
sister Cora poses for a photo with MSH Foundation
CEO Suzette Strong and Oak Valley
Health CEO Jo-anne Marr.
United Church in Markham.
“This extraordinary generosity sends a powerful
message to other residents and will serve
as an inspiration for other caring individuals
in Markham, Stouffville, and beyond,”
Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti says. “We
are so privileged to have had the commitment
and dedication that Don poured into the
City of Markham and especially, Markham
Stouffville Hospital. His legacy will continue
to transform lives for generations to come.”
Don and the Brodie family have been
committed supporters of organizations that aid
the less fortunate, both locally and internationally.
The transformational gift left to MSH
by Don will impact patients and health care
for MSH for years to come.
“Because of Don, we will establish more
specialized programs that respond to the
complex challenges of our patients, we will
implement more cutting-edge research and
techniques, and we will revolutionize the
services that we provide. We are all truly
inspired by Don’s generosity,” says
Dr. Caroline Geenen, Chief of Staff, Oak
Valley Health.
This monumental gift will support
extraordinary patient care by funding the
acquisition of priority medical equipment,
innovative technology and emerging hospital
needs that government funding can’t cover.
“Don’s historic gift is more than an investment
in MSH, it is a testament to the values
inspired by the Brodie family,” says Suzette
Strong, CEO, MSH Foundation. “Don’s
legacy will make a lasting impact and create
positive change in the lives of countless
people living in our community—for that we
are profoundly thankful.”

12 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW DECEMBER 2023
WISHING YOU
THE BEST OF THE
HOLIDAY
SEASON!