Rogers Centre hosts Pool C participants Team Canada, Team Italia, Team USA and Team Venezuela over five days.

The 2009 World Baseball Classic gets into full swing at Rogers Centre on Saturday, March 7 with Pool C participants Team Canada, Team Italia, Team USA and Team Venezuela in competition. The action heats up on the diamond with a 2:00 p.m. showdown between Team Canada and Team USA. In 2006, Team Canada defeated Team USA in round robin play.

Team Italia faces Team Venezuela, featuring Blue Jays INF Marco Scutaro, at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday to conclude the opening day game schedule.

Starting on Monday, November 17, fans can purchase World Baseball Classic six game ticket strips for the opening round games at Rogers Centre ensuring themselves the best available seats and price. The strips will be available for purchase over the phone at 416-341-1234 or toll-free at 1-888-654-6529. Customers can also go online at worldbaseballclassic.com or MLB.com.

Fans in Toronto, and surrounding areas, have the chance to see players such as Bobby Abreu and Johan Santana (Venezuela), Derek Jeter and Grady Sizemore (USA), Frank Catalanotto (Italy), Russell Martin and Justin Morneau (Canada) all in action under the domed roof. Final team rosters will be announced in the coming weeks.

The 2009 World Baseball Classic features a new format with double-elimination play in the first two rounds with the first two teams with two losses in Pool play eliminated from competition.

The complete six-game schedule at Rogers Centre:

Game 1 Saturday, March 7 @ 2:00 p.m. Team Canada vs. Team USA

Game 2 Saturday, March 7 @ 8:00 p.m. Team Italia vs. Team Venezuela

Game 3 Sunday, March 8 @ 8:00 p.m. Winner Gm 1 vs. Winner Gm 2

Game 4 Monday, March 9 @ 6:30 p.m. Loser Gm 1 vs. Loser Gm 2

Game 5 Tuesday, March 10 @ 5:00 p.m. Loser Gm 3 vs. Winner Gm 4

Game 6 Wednesday, March 11 @ 6:30 p.m. Winner Gm 3 vs. Winner Gm 5

*game schedule is subject to change

Over 250 entrepreneurs and business supporters gathered at the 7th Annual Vaughan Business Expo hosted by the Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre (VBEC) on Wednesday, November 5, 2008.

The full day event held in Vaughan Salutes Small Businesses, which continue to be the engines that drive the economy. The Expo is designed as a B-2-B marketplace where business owners can seek advice of experts on key issues that effect their business today, share best practices, gain valuable leads to increase their client base and showcase their products or services.

This year's theme of promoting Health and Wellness in Business was enhanced by the keynote address from one of Canada's leading nutritionist, best selling author, columnist and entrepreneur, Leslie Beck.

Beck provided insight into some of the business ownership challenges she experienced through the various growth stages of her own business. Even after 18 years operating a successful private practice, she told the audience she continues to learn about business ownership and she still does not punch out at 5:00 p.m. Attendees were also delighted by her professional and valuable tips on how to maintain a healthy mind and body.

Keeping with the business training model VBEC adapts at all events they host, entrepreneurs at the Expo participated in lively breakout sessions and panel discussions which included Effective Networking, Say it with Words!, Small Business Big Ideas in Marketing, Building More Profits and a Healthier Business and Key Impact Areas to Create Positive Sales.

VBEC is the result of a partnership developed between the City of Vaughan (Economic Development Dept.), and the Province of Ontario (Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services).

Senior Business Consultant and Manager of the Centre, Teresa Saraceno, encouraged new participants of the Expo to take on the Character Community model. "Last year at the Expo we introduced and encouraged you as business owners to adapt, as the City of Vaughan did, to the Character Community Initiatives and become a Character Business - a business that teaches, promotes, supports and models good character within their organization and throughout the community."

Saraceno continued, "We are proud that many of you did, and some of you included VBEC in your initiatives which is shown by your generous sponsorship today, thus giving back to the small business community and encouraging Healthy Competition."

A number of other supporters were on hand at this year's Expo to provide direction on tools and resources to help business owners achieve more success in their business. They included Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre, RBC Royal Bank, York South Simcoe Training Adjustment Board, Amica at Villa Da Vinci, ADP Canada, Rexton Commercial Realty, FedExOffice, Speedpro Imaging and Human Endeavour Support also came by way of good food from Vinnie Gambini's Ristorante, the Big Cannoli and the Riviera Parque.

"Healthy competition means you understand that to have business success you are willing to give potential and existing clients choices in the choosing of their products and services. As a Healthy Competitor, you are comfortable enough to offer fair pricing, exceptional products and great service," said Saraceno

Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre (VBEC) helps remove some of the obstacles that challenge would-be and existing entrepreneurs with on-going free business advice, group seminars and networking openings such as this annual Expo.

With support and direction business owners can succeed through the planning, launching and growth stages of their business so that they continue to expand, provide new job opportunities and continue to compete in the Global Market.

Vaughan Public Libraries will accept 'Food for Fines'

Dec. 1 - 14!
All food items collected will go to Vaughan Food Bank.

VAUGHAN, Ontario - In celebration of The City of Vaughan's WinterLights program, Vaughan Public Libraries is accepting 'Food for Fines,' December 1 - December 14. During this time, Library customers may donate non-perishable food items to lower their fines. Each food item donated will lower a customer's fine by $1.00. For example, if a customer has $10 in fines, 10 non-perishable food items will pay for their maximum fine. Food donations will not be accepted for replacement cost of lost or damaged items, room rentals or any other fee payment.

Donations will be accepted at the Check Out Desk at all branches of Vaughan Public Libraries. Food items collected will be donated to the Vaughan Food Bank.

Suggested items to donate
Soups
Canned fruits, vegetables or meats
Peanut butter
Rice, pasta or beans
Pasta sauces, side dishes
Cereals, crackers
Juices
Baby food
Canned juice

Items not accepted
Bulk food
Fresh food
"Junk" food
Damaged items
Open packages
Packages with expired dates
Homemade food
Packages with food in glass jars
WinterLights Celebrations at Vaughan Public Libraries
Throughout the winter season, Vaughan Public Libraries' will host family programs based on different cultural celebrations and winter activities. For more information on all of VPL's programs and services call 905-653-READ (7323); pick up a copy of @ The Library, Your Guide to Programs, Special Events and Using Your Library at your local library or visit www.vaughanpl.info.

Vaughan Public Libraries contributes to the success of our growing diverse community; serving its information, learning, leisure and cultural needs in a welcoming and safe environment. In 2007, VPL welcomed over 1.5 million visitors making it one of the top leisure and information destinations within the City of Vaughan.

RBC Raises Funds for the Vaughan Hospital

The Vaughan Community, Council Representatives, Vaughan Health
Care Foundation Board Members, Canadian Olympians &
RBC Staff come together for a worth while cause

WOODBRIDGE, Saturday November 22nd, 2008 - RBC invites the community to join the 2nd Annual RBC Family Skate to help raise funds for the Vaughan Health Campus of Care. Last year RBC collected in excess of $50,000 & is hoping to build on this success with this year's event.

The RBC Family Skate just one of the many events RBC participates in &/or organizes within Vaughan & surrounding areas. This is part of RBC's ongoing commitment to the communities in which employees live and work.

What:
· Community event in support of the Vaughan Hospital
· Meet & interact with Canadian Olympians
· Meet members of Vaughan City Council & Vaughan Campus of Care
· Meet RBC's Leo the Lion

When/Where:
· 6:00 pm to 9:00pm, Saturday November 22nd, 2008
· Woodbridge Memorial Arena, 5700 Islington Ave, Woodbridge, Ontario

Why:
To build on existing partnerships within the community & assist various organizations achieve the ultimate goal of erecting Vaughan's first health care facility

Putting Communities FIRST is a way RBC branch and commercial banking employees can show their commitment to our clients and our neighbourhoods and thank everyone in the community for the work they do to make it a better place to live. RBC is helping to build prosperity in the Greater Toronto Area by supporting more than 180 community projects and investing more than $6.5 million in 2006 through charitable organizations.

VAUGHAN, ON – The City of Vaughan has launched a new website feature that will facilitate public participation in planning the growth of Vaughan over the next 25 years. “VaughanQuest” is a map-based, interactive program that allows visitors to www.vaughantomorrow.ca to create future planning scenarios online. It supports the Official Plan Review being conducted as part of the Vaughan Tomorrow growth management program.
“The public consultation process is very important to determining the future of our City,” said Mayor Linda Jackson. “We want to get the public involved in this planning process in a meaningful way, and work with them to achieve a sustainable city that will provide future generations with a prosperous and healthy urban lifestyle.”
The VaughanQuest Development Simulation is an interactive website module that allows the public to explore alternative development decisions, and better understand the factors that might shape the City's future growth. The user simply clicks on different options to see the possible consequences of the chosen selections. The City is asking the public to rate their preferred scenario and submit their feedback online. In addition to the web edition of VaughanQuest, the City is using the software to conduct an interactive workshop for Vaughan residents at the Kortright Centre on November 29, 2008. (Note: Registration in advance is required by calling Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or register online at www.vaughantomorrow.ca).

“It is quite a challenge to predict the dynamics of our City and the consequences of different planning decisions and growth patterns,” said Councillor Peter Meffe, Chair of the Official Plan Review Committee. “This new planning tool is very user-friendly and will help us envision what the future might hold.”
Approved by Council in February, 2007, the Vaughan Tomorrow growth management program is a three-year planning process that includes the Vaughan Vision 2020 strategic plan, the Environmental Master Plan, preparation of a new city-wide Official Plan and several functional Master Plans in such areas as transportation, water management and financial planning.
A new website section in support of this program can be accessed directly at www.vaughantomorrow.ca or by visiting the City’s website homepage at www.vaughan.ca. Recent features added to this new website presentation include “Voices for Transformation,” an 18-minute video documentary about the Official Plan process, including conversations with local residents engaged in the public consultation process. The film is being screened at libraries, community centres and other public venues throughout Vaughan.
Also available online is the “A Vision For Transformation” report which provides an overall Vision guiding the creation of Vaughan’s new Official Plan.
Upcoming events
The VaughanQuest program will be a featured at two workshops scheduled in November:
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Official Plan Review – Workshop for Vaughan's business and development community
"The Vision for Transformation"
Eagles Nest Golf Club, Vaughan
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Official Plan Review – Public Workshop for Vaughan residents
"The Vision for Transformation"
Kortright Centre, Vaughan

Online registration is required for these events at www.vaughantomorrow.ca.

YORK REGION, ON – PowerStream is providing its customers with an energy-efficient gift that will help them kick-off their holiday season and save money on their electricity bill at the same time.

The utility, which distributes electricity to homes and businesses in Aurora, Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan, has set up an LED light exchange at which, customers can exchange two strings of old incandescent holiday lights for two strings of energy-efficient LED lights. The exchange will be held between 10:00 a.m. and noon on Saturday November 22, at the following locations:

• 550 Cochrane Drive, Markham (west parking lot)

• PowerStream Head Office - 161 Cityview Blvd, Vaughan

AND

• Wednesday December 3, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. - 1 Municipal Drive, Aurora

9th ANNUAL JUMP ON THE WAGON FOOD DRIVE

Members of the York Regional Police Court Services Bureau remind all residents of the 9th Annual Jump on the Wagon campaign starting this weekend at local grocery stores.

Residents are invited to fill a York Regional Police prisoner wagon with food items which will then be distributed to local food banks across York Region in time for the holidays. Some of the non-perishable food items required by those in need include, peanut butter, canned meats (tuna, sardines, salmon, spam), breakfast cereals, baby food and formula and canned fruits and vegetables. It’s anticipated that more than 1,000 families will benefit from this food drive.

Prisoner wagons and police cruisers will be stationed at the following locations between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the following dates:Saturday, November 22, 2008, at Costco, 18182 Yonge Street, East Gwillimbury
Sunday, November 23, 2008, at Costco, 71 Colossus Drive, Woodbridge
Saturday, November 29, 2008, at Metro (former Dominion), 16640 Yonge Street, Newmarket
Sunday, November 30, 2008, at Metro (former Dominion),16640 Yonge Street, Newmarket
Saturday, December 6, 2008, at Zehrs , 24018 Woodbine Avenue, Keswick
Sunday, December 7, 2008, at Zehrs, 24018 Woodbine Avenue, Keswick
On Saturday, December 13, 2008, the final event will occur at Loblaws McCowan Market, 200 Bullock Drive, in the Town of Markham between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

This initiative is supported by members of York Regional Police and our community partners to assist those in need during the holiday season and runs in partnership with the Toys for Tots campaign and the Quiet Food Drive.

York Regional Police is proud to be part of such a giving community.

VAUGHAN, ON - The City of Vaughan is the leader in the GTA when it comes to being the best place to do business. In its seventh annual survey, Canadian Business Magazine ranked Vaughan 12th on its list of the top 40 best places to do business in Canada. Among GTA cities on the list, Vaughan ranks ahead of Oshawa, Markham, Brampton, Mississauga and Toronto, which ranked 33rd.

"This ranking just reinforces Vaughan's strong economic standing within Ontario's economy," said Mayor Linda Jackson. "Vaughan is now home to 9,000 businesses and every day we continue to create jobs, expand our tax base, and provide new employment opportunities for our residents. Everywhere you look there are new commercial and industrial properties going up. Last year, this activity totalled a record half-a-billion dollars."

Canadian Business Magazine noted that Vaughan has low taxes, lots of land, a great quality of life, and a 'can-do' business attitude that's getting noticed.

"Vaughan has a lot to offer the business community," said Councillor Gino Rosati, Chair of the Economic Development Steering Committee. "Access to major transportation routes, low taxes, and a pro-business philosophy are just a few of the reasons why Vaughan is one of the best places to do business in Canada and why the City remains one of the fastest growing in the country."

The survey ranked the cities based on five factors reflecting socio-economic health: annual operating costs, cost of living index, building permit average growth, unemployment and crime rates. Vaughan was tied with the town of Markham for the lowest crime rate. The survey also ranked the cities separately for French and English-speaking Canada. For English-speaking cities Vaughan ranked as the 7th best place to do business in the country.

NEWMARKET - York Regional Council today approved the use of up to $375,000 in provincial funding to secure dedicated emergency room (ER) nurses to address York Region Emergency Medical Services (EMS) patient off-loading delays at our hospitals.

"All levels of government must work together to maintain and improve the quality of healthcare in York Region and across the country," said Regional Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch. "This one-time funding from the Ministry of Health and Long Term care is an important short-term strategy to relieve the mounting pressures of emergency room off-load delays in our Region."

As a result of the provincial funding, dedicated nurses will be staffed at Southlake Regional Health Centre, York Central Hospital and Markham-Stouffville Hospital during peak times of patient off-loading. They will treat, manage and care for patients with non-life threatening conditions. Their purpose is to take over patient care from EMS until the hospital ER is ready to accept the patients.

"Research suggests that just one dedicated nurse can free-up four to six ambulances and eight to twelve paramedics," said Town of Markham Regional Councillor Jack Heath, Chair of the Region's Health and Emergency Medical Services Committee. "This would allow ambulances to be more quickly
re-deployed to other emergency calls in the community."

York Region has been working in partnership with all three York Region hospitals to ensure the successful implementation of dedicated ER nurses during the period of October 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009. The hiring decisions and day-to-day staffing of the nurses will remain the responsibility of each individual hospital.

Off-load delays are currently being experienced in all York Region hospitals and are a symptom of a broader healthcare issue of ER wait times and over-crowding. The funding for dedicated nurses for EMS patients is part of $109 million strategy by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to reduce ER wait times by improving their performance and by providing people with alternatives to hospital care.

In 2007, York Region EMS responded to more than 60,000 calls. The Regional Municipality of York currently employs 350 paramedics in 19 EMS stations located across the Region. York Region EMS paramedics staff 30 ambulances, five paramedic response units and a bike, marine and special response unit.

For more information on this or any other EMS-related topic, please contact York Region
Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653.

For more information on The Regional Municipality of York, please visit www.york.ca

One-year pilot program will determine future expansion and growth possibilities

NEWMARKET - York Regional Council has approved a new YRT/Viva discounted fares pilot program aimed at assisting at-risk York Region residents. In partnership with local community assistance agencies focused on homelessness, York Region will provide discounted YRT/Viva tickets to enable travel for residents in need.

"York Region strives to meet the transportation needs of all residents, including those in need of special assistance," said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch. "This program will ensure accessible and affordable YRT/Viva services for some of our most vulnerable residents."

Discounted YRT/Viva tickets will be distributed to pre-selected community agencies through local municipal offices. Agencies will receive tickets at a 15 per cent discount, helping to affordably transport their clients and reduce the need for more expensive taxi travel.

Improved transportation options can assist residents in retaining or securing employment and accessing supportive community programs. Participating community agencies include Sandgate Women's Shelter of Georgina, Yellow Brick House, Leeder Place Emergency Family Shelter, Inn from the Cold, Newmarket Youth Shelter and The Welcoming Arms Ministry.

"York Region social programs and services provide vital support to families and individuals in crisis," said City of Vaughan Regional Councillor Joyce Frustaglio, Chair of the Region's Transit Committee. "This YRT/Viva program is a welcome addition to our extensive network of resources available to our
at-risk residents."

Results of the one-year pilot program will be evaluated in fall 2009. Based on the results, York Region will determine if the program should be maintained and grown to include additional community assistance agencies. The evaluation will consider the number of participants involved, the satisfaction of participants and agencies, overall costs and benefits and implications of expanding the project to additional agencies.

YRT/Viva offers local and rapid transit services throughout all nine municipalities in York Region. More than 80 routes keep residents connected within York Region, as well as with connecting services in the City of Toronto and the Region of Peel. More than 18.2 million riders used YRT/Viva services in 2007, with nearly 73,000 trips made on average each day between Monday and Friday.

For more information on YRT/Viva services, please visit www.yrt.ca or call the Customer Service Centre at 1-866-MOVE-YRT (668-3978).

For more information on The Regional Municipality of York, please visit www.york.ca

The 16-member York Regional Police soccer team came home with gold after participating in the North American Police Soccer Tournament (NAPST) in Seattle, Washington.

Thirty-eight teams from across North America, including Vancouver, San Francisco and Portland, took part in the tournament which was held from September 10 until September 14, 2008. The event was held at a world-class facility where the York Regional Police team faced some of the best police soccer teams in North America.

After two days of matches the York Regional Police team found themselves with four wins and no losses. They faced Abbottsford in the semi-finals and won 4 – 0, to advance to the final game, which they won with a score of 3 – 1 over the host Seattle team. The York team was determined to win gold after losing to Seattle last year and ended up allowing only three goals against them during the tournament.

Constable Dominic Reynolds of the Emergency Response Unit came away with the award for most goals as well as the Most Valuable Player of the Men’s Recreational Division. Special mention goes to Detective Dieter Boeheim, who coached the team to victory.

The team is looking forward to defending its championship at the 2009 NAPST.

Anyone interested in playing in the 2009 NAPST tournament, please contact Detective Dieter Boeheim at 375@yrp.ca or Constable Andy Cook at 1121@yrp.ca.