Marlene's Priority for Ward 2 Thornhill

THE PHOTOS ABOVE CLEARLY SHOW THAT THORNHILL IS NEGLECTED IN WARD 2.
WE NEED TO FIX THE WALLS FALLING ON LESLIE STREET AND WE NEED TO PAINT THE WATER TANK ON JOHN STREET


As a resident, an entrepreneur and a mother, I have decided to be a candidate for Ward 2 Councillor in Thornhill Markham.

We do have a lot of issues that need to be dealt with that was ignored and neglected in my ward.

I am a mother of 4 children, an entrepreneur, an immigration consultant, a Rotarian, involved in several charities and for these past four years, I have been working in the Town of Markham.
As your elected councillor who lives in Thornhill, my primary focus will be to address the issues that directly affect this ward.
I will take an active role in
- The re-development of Shops on Steeles because like you, I enjoy the retail services presently offered, and do not want further congestion
- Continue the study on Getting a Go station in Thornhill
- Encourage potential developers to build a seniors apartment and nursing home in Ward 2 as it is much needed
- Putting Proper bus shelters instead of bus poles
- Taking an active role to discuss with the small business owners how their lands off of guardsman could be transformed into a better community lifestyle

- Get an advanced green light from Leslie to Summerdale, as there have been several accidents and it is not safe
- Painting the water tank on John Street
- Finding solutions for residents who need more parking spaces for large families
- I will Focus on our youth and seniors encouraging facilities to be developed to meet their needs
- Pay attention to issues that affect jobs and small business owners
I believe a councillor should be accessible to all her constituents and involved with the community, I pledge to give you a 100% of my time.
I fully understand the responsibilities of a councillor, I believe I bring a different perspective to Thornhill and my background and work experience makes me uniquely qualified to represent you on council.

Therefore on October the 25th, —Vote for Marlene Gallyot because I will get the job done.

Marlene Gallyot puts more Focus on the Seniors in Ward 2 Thornhill Markham

THIS IS THE POTENTIAL SITE FOR A SENIORS APARTMENT AND NURSING HOME AT 360 JOHN STREET IN THORNHILL MARKHAM

FOCUS ON OUR SENIORS

As with our children, we must continue to focus on our seniors and the quality of life they deserve.

Today’s seniors are living longer and more active lives than ever before. Many seniors are continuing to work full or part time subsequent to their formal retirement. Other seniors are becoming active in charitable activities as well as hobbies and personal growth. Finally, some seniors for health and other reasons are dependent on others to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

We have to provide a cost effective lifestyle, communities with multi-use facilities available such as swimming pools and gymnasiums, have programs and activities where they get involved with the community and keep them constantly engaged.

Some people tend to realize that seniors still want to be active and contribute to the community so we must give them that opportunity. I know this for a fact because I have a mother who is 86 years old and she still loves to get out and get involved.

The baby boomers are now beginning to retire. Seniors are the fastest growing segment of our population. We have to pay more attention and we must provide seniors a good, safe and affordable lifestyle. We will need to have interactive programs available and accessible to seniors.

Thornhill ward 2, has no senior housing. Currently only ward 1 Thornhill has housing geared towards seniors. Why has this not been addressed?

We should consider using our vacant lands to have more Retirement apartments for seniors in Thorn hill Ward 2 so as not to lean on Ward 1 who takes most of the burden.

I will work hard to get an affordable seniors lifestyle apartment that will be equipped with all the facilities that will be available on site.

A wide range of opportunities should be provided to the adult population to maintain a balance in their lifestyle and provide outlets for expression and physical pursuits.

Seniors love hobbies and we must try to encourage this to keep the mind constantly stimulated and provide leisure type affordable activities.

For some seniors, loneliness is faced after a certain age. There in a constant worry about finances, health and how they could occupy their time and mind. As a community, we have to find those answers for them and I intend to give them that attention. In Thornhill we want the seniors to be safe, healthy and active.

As a community, we have to encourage volunteers to get more involved with our senior citizens to assist them in using our parks, recreational facilities, cultural activities and library facilities.

There is a definite benefit to all if we keep an active healthy lifestyle as it reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer.

There is more self-confidence when one is physically fit as it reduces stress.

Tib Green who is a resident in Thornhill is an example of how one could continue to use their time and talents. She had her art displayed in her Glynwood Retirement Residence in Ward 1 Thornhill which was appreciated by many.

We have to do our best to encourage such talent and enthusiasm.

Many seniors are active and would like to continue to live in their own residence. Fixed levels of income or in other cases an actual decline in monetary assets more recently have added to the stress of maintaining their own homes in retirement. Increasing property taxes only exasperates the issue. We need to give tax breaks for lower income seniors who wish to remain in their homes. Several communities including Toronto and surrounding cities such as Burlington for example have property tax rebates and deferral programs available to lower income seniors.

Sydney Sokoloff , a resident in Thorn hill who is 82 stresses that “after 80 years old, you can’t do the things you used to do” and I fully agree with him.

Today many seniors continue to live in their homes rather than go to a senior’s facility and we in the Town of Markham have to help them have a tax break.

If they want to continue to live in their homes and if they have a family member to take care of them then that family member must be compensated. Current federal tax laws provide for some relief for caregivers of certain seniors. As your councilor for Ward 2, Thornhill, I will work with all levels of government for tax relief for seniors and those caring for seniors.

I have the ability to communicate with all levels of government and I will fight vigorously for seniors to achieve this privilege.

Thornhill needs a Go Station and I am confident that this is not impossible

Finally, Thornhill needs a GO Station. I had the opportunity to contact all levels of government, and officials at Go Transit, to guide me through the process required to get a station on the empty land at 67 Green Lane in Thornhill and learned this is not impossible. Unfortunately elected councillors failed to continue the study of grade separation, noise and costs that was initiated over 10 years ago because they did not notice the importance.

If elected I will put efficient and improved transit on my list of priorities for Thornhill. A Go Transit Station will be one of them.

I visted the potential site at 67 Green lane in Thornhill and I am happy to inform the residents that this proposal is not impossible and I will not give up untill a Go Station is put in Thornhill.

Put Bus Shelters instead of bus Poles and encourage people to use public transit

Elected councillors failed to notice the importance of public transit and as a mother of 4 children, you will agree that it is not fair in our modern society, to see our children or anyone for that matter stand in the cold next to a pole which is supposed to be their bus stop.

On a smaller scale, I would like to see proper shelters along our bus routes instead of simple poles.

Furthermore, if we are trying to encourage the public to use public transit then what are we providing? Bus depots heated with solar technology would encourage more people to use public transit.

Solar technology is the new method to save energy and for a heated bus shelter with light at night, will certainly encourage the residents to take public transit.

Put an advanced green light for Summerdale--it's long overdue

I live off of Leslie and Summerdale and if anyone who drives on Leslie going South, you will notice the road has a sharp bend.

Therefore it is very unsafe for people turning into Summerdale from Leslie as it is sometimes hard to see the vehicles coming north.

There have been several accidents and with the young adults driving to St. Roberts High School on Leslie it is certainly unsafe.

Residents need an advanced green light to make that turn and it’s unfortunate that little things like this have been ignored for years.

Again, I have taken a picture to show you that small things like this are important and on my list of priorities.

If elected, I will make our streets have the proper signals to make it safe to drive.

My view on a Driving Range Proposal in Thornhill and pictures to prove why it could work on 8111 Leslie Street

Driving Range Proposal at 8111 Leslie Street

I was recently involved in the dispute over a driving range proposed development on 8111 Leslie Street East, adjacent to St Robert High School and on the hydro corridor line.
The driving range proposal was in compliance with all the regulations and conditions put forth by the Town. Nonetheless, there was vocal opposition by a small group of residents not happy about this proposal.
As a concerned resident, I went to the meeting held to discuss the proposal. I also met the developers for this project and personally went around my neighbourhood to see how the residents felt, and suggested signing a petition if in agreement with the development. I found that people were generally supportive of the idea and in fact many of those contacted signed the petition…)
I subsequently drove to Burlington and visited the driving range called “Within Range” to see how it was built and who used the facility. I was very impressed with the facility and took several pictures of children celebrating a birthday party and families who were enjoying hitting a few balls. Those pictures are now on my website so that you can see why I feel that this driving range will be a good addition to Thornhill.
There is another driving range on Woodbine. They also do a great job attracting people working on their golf swing and encourage children to learn to play.

Town of Markham approved this proposal in 2007. This will be a positive addition to Ward 2.

Some might criticize me for taking this bold step but I had the courage to do so and personally went the extra mile to take pictures and share them with you.

Today this decision is left up to the OMB.

Marlene Gallyot Candidate for Ward 2 Councillor in Thornhill

Hello Residents, Business owners and Stakeholders in Thornhill,

My name is Marlene Gallyot and I am running for Ward 2 Councillor in Thornhill.
My background and work experience make me uniquely qualified to represent you, and I look forward to serving my community.

Born in India of Scottish, French and Indian descent, I immigrated to Canada over 23 years ago, started my life from next to nothing and worked hard to make ends meet as a small business owner. Operating on Green Lane, I enjoyed meeting local residents and other business owners, and formed lasting friendships with many.

Following the tragic death of my brother and his wife in India, I adopted their two children and unexpectedly became a mother of four: Tasha, Travis, Nikita and Gavin, now aged 21, 19, 18 and 14 respectively. As a parent, I fully understand the needs of our children and how we must pave the way so they enjoy a healthy, prosperous, environmentally friendly and sustainable lifestyle. Our children are a blessing in our lives and their future must be assured.

The immigration and adoption process to adopt my brother’s children was frustrating but a tremendous learning experience. It led me to study immigration law and ultimately I earned my license as an immigration consultant.

In this capacity, I traveled to many countries, learning many languages, experiencing different cultures and gaining much knowledge about politics and international issues. I encouraged entrepreneurs and investors, along with skilled workers and students, to come to Canada, and represented refugees at the Immigration and Refugee Board in Toronto.

Four years ago, I obtained a position with the Town of Markham, working for Regional Councillor Jim Jones. I have since met numerous constituents, dealt with their concerns and found solutions to their problems. Never shy in seeking answers, I realized I had the ability to undertake the responsibilities and commitments of a councillor. During this time, I continued my work with numerous charitable organizations, such as the Christian Children’s Fund of Canada, the Rotary Club of Markham Unionville and the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture.

As a member on the Yonge/Finch Subway Now committee, I worked with constituents, stakeholders and all levels of government to extend the subway from Yonge and Finch to the 407. Better transit is badly needed throughout the GTA, and certainly in heavily populated York Region.

On a smaller scale, I would like to see proper shelters along our bus routes instead of simple poles. Furthermore, if we are trying to encourage the public to use public transit then what are we providing? Bus depots heated with solar technology would encourage more people to use public transit.


Finally, Thornhill needs a GO Station. On my own iniiative, I have contacted all levels of government, and officials at Go Transit, to guide me through the process required to get a station on the empty land at 67 Green Lane in Thornhill and learned this is not impossible. Unfortunately elected councillors failed to continue the study of grade separation, noise and costs that was initiated over 10 years ago because they did not notice the importance.

If elected I will put efficient and improved transit on my list of priorities for Thornhill. A Go Transit Station will be one of them.

Introduce more facilities and jobs to Thornhill, while still ensuring all community standards are met. I will ensure residents are informed in advance of upcoming developments, and will not mislead you on issues affecting the community.

Take an active role in controlling height and density, ensuring environmental standards and quality of life are maintained

I fully understand the responsibilities of a Councillor
I have experience with the Town of Markham
I have actively participated in the Community, as a Rotarian and volunteer for several important charities.
My communication skills have been well developed, from the time I worked as an immigration consultant, meeting with citizens and dignitaries from around the world, to these past 4 years dealing with local Markham issues.

I believe a Councillor should be easily accessible to all constituents and involved in all Council issues. I pledge to give 100% of my time to our ward and Town issues.

As your elected councillor, my primary focus will be to address the issues directly affecting this Ward.

I will be accessible and responsive to all constituents in our highly diverse area. In reviewing issues, I intend to take a balanced approach:

Therefore if you need someone who is not afraid to seek answers then on October 25th vote for someone who will bring change and make a difference in Thornhill.

I will devote all my energies to ensuring the Ward and its constituents are heard on Markham Council.