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2010: Seeking third term in rural ward BY SANDRA BOLAN sbolan@yrmg.com Ken Ferdinands is seek- ing a third term as councilâ€" lor of Ward 1. “If I wasn’t getting the kind of satisfaction I was getting and meeting with success, I would be happy to pass the torch," Mr. Ferdi- nands said. Although the rural ward residents, according to Mr. Ferdinands, “are quite indeâ€" pendent and don’t rely heav- ily on municipal services” there are still some issues that need to be dealt with. For example, since 2006 a disproportionate level of land use regulation has been levied in the area, along with an increased number of flood hazard zones. “(The flood hazard zones have) the potential to steril- ize their land," Mr. Ferdiâ€" nands said. The Vandorf Preston Lake secondary plan, in the Auro- ra Road and Hwy. 404 area, has been recently approved. Too much tax-money from homeowners: councillor York Region West Nile virus Mosquito Control Program: From May 17, 2010 to October i, 20i0, the Regional Munici- pality of York in conjunction with the York Region District School Board and York Catholic District School Board will be conducting a larvicide program under the authority of the Medical mm of Health. The purpose of the program is to control larval mosquitoes to prevent their development into vectors of West Nile virus. The pellet formulation of the larvicide methoprene (product name Altosid), with Registration No.21809 or the Altosid XR briquets (methoprene) with Registration'No. 27694 under the Pest (antral Products Act or Bacillus sphaericus (product name VectoLex WSP) with Registration No. 28009 under the Pest Control Products Act will be placed into catch basins along Regional and Municipal Roads and in catch basins on private property as required. in addition, the biological larvicide Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (product name Aquabac XT), with Registration No. 26860 or Aquabac 2006 with Registration No. 26863 under the Pest (ontrol Products Act or Vectolex (6 Registration No. 28008 under the Pest (ontro/ Products Act may be placed in ditches and temporary or permanent pools including storm water retention ponds if evidence of mosquito breeding is found. ‘ All larvicide will be applied by Ministry of the Environment licensed applicators or trained technicians. Larviciding is a low risk anc of West Nile virus when ust directions. The slow-releas with the mosquito life cycle from reaching maturity. it i been approved by both the ments and are considered l environment. For exact locations and d contact: York Region Heal 1-800-361-5653 (TTY: 1 York Region District School or visit York Catholic District Schoc or visit www.ycdsb.ca Prevention and protection ‘ yourself and your family frc common sense precaution York Region Health Conn (TTY: 1-866-252-9933) l For more infomration; Health Connection at 1- (TTY: 1-866-252-9939 NOTICE OF PESTICIDE USE ollmcv Icuoou. iouo agion “The evolution of the plan is of interest," he said. “Peo- ple are very concerned the rural nature of the northwest quadrant be maintained.” When it comes to the whole of Whitchurch- Stouffville, Mr. Ferdinands is concerned about the ratio between commercial, industrial, institutional and KEN FERDINANDS: Councillor says entrance to community needs improvement. Larviciding is a low risk and effective measure for the control of West Nile virus when used in accordance with label directions. The slow-release pellet formulation interferes with the mosquito life cycle, preventing the mosquito larva from reaching maturity. ft is not sprayed. The products have been approved by both the provincial and federal govern- ments and are considered low risk for humans, pets and the environment. For exact locations and dates of larvidde treatment contact: York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 (1TY: 1-866-252-9933) York Region District School Board at 1-800-268-1660 or visit www.yrdsb’.edu.on.ca/wnv York Catholic District Schooi Board 1-800-363-2711 or visit www.ycdsb.ca Prevention and protection are the best ways to protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus. For simple and common sense precautions that should be taken, contact York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 (TTY: 1-866-252-9933) or visit www.yodr.ca/westnile For more infomation, please (all York Region Health Comedian at 1-800-361-5653 (TTY: 1-866-252-9933) or visit www.york.ca residential assessment. According to Mr. Ferdi- nands, industrial, commer- cial and institutional assess- ments account for less than 10 per cent of Whitchurchâ€" Stouffville’s tax revenue. “That figure needs to improve by 50 per cent," he said. “Mthout balance (there will be a) dispropor- tionate burden on the resi- dential tax portion." ‘ Mr. Ferdinands also wants the western approach into town spruced up. “It's the front door to our town,” he said. “I think the town needs to become more engaged in the development of those lands.” Mr. Ferdinands, who moved to Whitchurch- Stouffville 35 years ago and still lives in the same Ward 1 house, was first elected to council in 2003 after being invited to run by Steve Pli- akes, the ward’s former councillor who ran for mayor that year. “It was a leap of faith for Yo'i'kchgion me certainly and not some- thing I had contemplated," said the retired high school geography teacher and department head with the Toronto District School Board. For the past seven years, Mr. Ferdinands has been a board member of the Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum, Latcham Gal- Thrs 7.day event starts Thursday. May 6, 2010 Prices are m eflect trorn May 6 to 12. 2010. Vaiid at the Markham iocation onty. ‘Excludu gift cards. special orders, (after only applies to cash and carry), Iayaways, tech shop services. prewous purchases and third party otters. Additional exclusions may appty. Pricir‘ on some items may extend beyond this event. It any advertising error or omission Is diacoverad, NEVADA BOB'S GOLF. will make the appropriate corrections and notity customers as soon as possibie. Quantities may be limited. Saiection (styles. colours. aim and models) may very We reserve the right to limit quantlties purchases. 0 Registered trademark or The Forzani Group Ltd. Ail other trademark! are the property oi their respective ownerm. MINIMUM ALL LEFT HAND CLUBS DRIVERS IRON SETS MOéE o ALMOST’ A: ENTIRE off STORE . 0R CLEARANCED PRICED our original price (EXCLUDING GOLF BALLS) STORE HOURS Monday to Friday 10 to 8 Saturday 10 to 6. Sundays 11 to 5 MARKHAM 0 905-471-4116 5261 Highway #7 Ea'st lery, Vandorf Hall and the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority. For about the past five years, Mr. Fer- dinands has been on the Community Liaison Com- mittee with the York Region Police and the Source Water Protection board. “I’m running on my record and my commit- ment to work diligently," '50kfif he said. “I hope that people will accept that is my com- mitment to them.” Mr. Ferdinands has been married to Colleen for 37 years and the couple have two daughters, Karalyn and Kristen, and two grandchil- dren, Alexandra and Carter. The municipal election takes place Oct. 25.