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Update July 9 2007

Replacement Strategy for the Loss of Soccer Fields
at Markham District High School

I met with the Board of Directors of the Markham Soccer Club along with
Regional Councillor Jack Heath and Ward Councillor Carolina Moretti, on May
22, 2007, to find a solution to the loss of the Soccer Fields at Markham
District High School.

Each of us went away with our homework and various options for a solution
were brought forward to the General Committee on June 25, 2007.

I am proud to announce that I moved a motion to approve up to $1.5 million
for the building of soccer fields to replace those that will be lost at
Markham District High School, and it was passed unanimously.

Mayor Frank Scarpitti has also been working with York District School Board
and with York District Catholic School Board and we feel confident that an
arrangement can be made to build soccer fields to replace those lost at
Markham District High School in the East Markham area.

I will add updates here as we progress through the summer.

Update July 9 2007

On June 26 2007 at General Committee, recommended that a Markham Soccer Club Working Group was formed to examine solutions to the impending loss of at least two and perhaps three soccer fields at Markham District High School.  Ward 5 and Ward 4 are represented on the Committee Councillor John Webster and Councillor Carolina Moretti.  Also on the Committee are the Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Regional Councillor Jack Heath and Regional Councillor Gord Landon.

Allan Seabrooke, the Director if Strategic Services, has been meeting with several individuals to provide options.  They are still in the preliminary stage, but I have listed to progress to date.

1. Mr. Seabrooke had an on site meeting and discussion with the President of the Fletchers field’s Rugby Complex at Woodbine and 19th avenue. They have availability for the Town of Markham to book their fields for soccer and have agreed to do so. He has a call into Chris Shea , President of Markham Soccer Club for his comment on this option.  If the club deems this a viable option He will have to then negotiate the cost to the Town for the season to book a block of fields.

2. Mr. Seabrooke has contacted Daniel De Bianco the planner for the York Region District Catholic School Board to re- examine their school sites. He will return from vacation on July 16, at which time a meeting will be arranged to review any options on their sites.

3. Mr. Seabrooke has contacted Jane Ross at the York Region District School Board to discuss to discuss the 16 acre parcel in Cornell that has been purchased by the Board for a future Secondary School site.  He indicated our interest in constructing sport fields on the site and she advised that they will take a look at the site and that they will meet this week and get back to us next week on the matter.
4. Mr. Seabrooke is meeting Dan O'Brien from the Markham Fairgrounds this week to determine any possibilities on this site.
   
   I will add updates here as we progress through the summer.

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