Councillor, Markham Ward 1, 2018-2030...Engaged citizens working together can accomplish extraordinary things.
Thornhill, Markham
Joined January 2014
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Why I’m Running
I am proud of what we have accomplished together, but I believe there is much more we can achieve for Thornhill.
Our community needs experienced leadership, sound judgment, and a proven ability to deliver results.
Thornhill’s best years are still ahead, and I would be honoured to continue serving you.
keithirish.ca/videos/
And that’s why Churchill did the same during WWII. It was more a two-fingered gesture of defiance in the face of impossible odds than a simple “V” for victory. He was, afterall, a student of history.
The English two-fingered salute is traditionally said to originate with our longbowmen during the Hundred Years' War 🏴
The French threatened to cut off the fingers of captured English archers, leaving them unable to draw their longbows again. Following English victories, particularly at Agincourt in 1415, our archers supposedly raised those same two fingers towards the French in open defiance, showing they still had them.
A gesture of English defiance and contempt for the enemy, passed down through generations and still recognised across Britain today 🏴
I was pleased to be a guest on the “Best of Markham” podcast, hosted by Igor Klibanov of Fitness Solutions Plus, where I had the opportunity to talk about my role and the multitude of issues residents bring to my attention.
In my experience, one of the most common concerns is traffic: congestion, road safety and pedestrian protection.
During my time in office, we’ve made some important inroads (pardon the pun) in addressing these issues. From the installation of new traffic signals at Waggoners Wells Lane and Steeles, to dedicated left-turn lanes on John Street at Steelcase Road, to eight permanent safety bollards at Laureleaf and Steeles to protect pedestrians, these improvements make a difference.
Great communities don't happen by accident. They require effort from all of us. That's why I believe engaged citizens working together can accomplish extraordinary things.
Please visit keithirish.ca for more.
Keith Irish retweeted
A sincere thanks to everyone who has reached out following the loss of our beloved Patrick. Julia, Nabiha and I greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness at this sad time. beechwoodottawa.ca/memorials…
I was grateful to the more than 200 Thornhill residents who took the time to drop by my recent Meet & Greet.
Connecting with residents in so many different ways is an important part of public service, and I always welcome the opportunity.
And we had a very special visitor: my granddaughter! Judging by how happy she was, she even picked up on waving to passersby. She’s a natural!
We all know that great communities take effort. And elections are always about choice.
Engaged citizens, working together, can accomplish extraordinary things. I know because I’ve seen it time and time again.
More information: keithirish.ca
Keith Irish retweeted
Three years ago today was the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust. That same hatred has exploded on Canadian streets, synagogues, Jewish schools and businesses.
We won't let it become normal.
May all of their memories be a blessing.
I’ve been out this past week across Thornhill fulfilling sign requests — and, yes, installing plenty myself! I have the blisters to prove it and besides I take orders rather well from my phenomenal Campaign Team.
At one home, the homeowner came rushing out, not immediately realizing it was me. I told him, “I bet I’m the best-dressed sign installer in Thornhill!”
He insisted I meet his wife, who he said was especially grateful for the Shouldice purchase and the greenspace preserved for current residents and future generations to enjoy. He then asked for a photo with me because his wife “wasn’t quite presentable.”
We laughed, talked about current events — local, provincial, national and international — and the books we’re reading.
All modesty aside, this captures how I’ve approached serving Thornhill for the past eight years: show up, pitch in, listen to residents and get the job done.
This campaign is no different. “All hands on deck — and I’m right there with my awesome team. They’re doing great work for me and our community.” 💪
#Thornhill #Markham #Ward1 #AllHandsOnDeck #KeithIrish
My election signs are up across Thornhill!
If you would like to display a Keith Irish lawn sign, my Campaign Team would be pleased to provide one for your property. Lawn signs are a visible way for supporters to participate in the campaign and help spread the word.
All election signs will be removed by my Campaign Team within 72 hours of the October 26 election.
Please visit keithirish.ca for more.
#thornhill #markham #ward1 #municipalelection #lawnsign
It was wonderful to be part of Thornhill’s annual Terry Fox Run this past weekend and to bring greetings on behalf of the @frankscarpitti and my colleagues on Markham Council.
For more than four decades, Thornhill has come together to carry Terry’s Marathon of Hope forward. Since 1982, the Thornhill Terry Fox Run has raised more than $2 million for cancer research, a truly extraordinary achievement that reflects the generosity and spirit of our community.
A heartfelt thank you to the many volunteers whose dedication makes this event possible year after year, and to everyone who came out to run, walk, donate and participate.
Terry Fox inspired Canadians with his courage, determination and belief that we could make a difference. He will always be the quintessential Canadian. And, it is wonderful to see that spirit alive here in Thornhill.
Thank you, Thornhill, for continuing to make Terry’s dream such an important part of our community.
#Thornhill #TerryFoxRun #TerryFox #MarathonOfHope #CancerResearch
Keith Irish retweeted
A message posted by the wife of Constable Jeff Smith who was shot protecting the Sons of Jacob synagogue.
Hello, world.
I don’t know where to begin.
My words aren’t strong or steady yet, but I knew I needed to find them. I needed to use my voice for my dear Jeff, until he is able to use his.
From the deepest part of my heart and soul, thank you.
Thank you to this good and kind world that has surrounded Jeff and our family with more love, compassion, generosity and selflessness than I could ever put into words.
I cannot begin to express what the outpouring of love and support has meant to us. I know there are things happening every day that I don’t even know about yet. Messages being sent. Prayers being said. People checking in. Hands reaching out.
And I know that my gratitude will never be enough.
I am witnessing real-life miracles.
And so many of them have happened through human hands.
The life-saving hands of paramedics and police. The hands of an angel neurosurgeon. The steady, capable hands of trauma teams, doctors, nurses, RTs, PSWs and so many others whose names we may never know, but whose kindness and skill we will carry with us forever.
The helping hands of neighbours, friends, community members and volunteers.
And then there are the hands that held me and my sweet girls when we were living through the scariest and darkest day of our lives.
Today, I held Jeff’s hand.
And I thought about all of those hands.
All of the people who have carried him, cared for him, prayed for him, fought for him and held us up when we didn’t know how we were going to stand.
I will never forget any of it.
I also want to send my love and prayers to the Jewish community, and to every scared soul who was there on Sunday night. Please know that your love, your prayers and your support have reached us. We are deeply grateful. We love you, we see you, we pray for you.
So I am asking for one thing.
Keep it coming.
Prayer. Hope. Faith. Love. Whatever you have to give, please keep giving it. We will take every bit of it we can get.
Jeff has a very long, difficult road ahead.
But he is not walking it alone.
He has an army of love behind him.
And I know Jeff.
He is the best man I know.
He loves his family with his whole heart. He cares deeply. He gives freely. He shows up. He is a man of integrity. He is my safest place.
And right now, he is fighting.
So we will fight with him.
Thank you for loving him.
Thank you for believing in him.
Thank you for honouring him.
Thank you for holding our family up.
Our hero.
Your hero.
💙🖤
With heartfelt gratitude,
Ashley
I was pleased to accept an invitation from the Thornhill Horticultural Society and Mrs. Martha Jarrell to an event at the Thornhill Village Library celebrating the life and gardening legacy of Richard A. Jarrell, whose 80th birthday would have been last month.
I remember attending the ceremony in June 2016 when the Village Library garden was named in Richard’s honour. It’s hard to believe that was 10 years ago. I also remember just how incredibly hot it was that day…so hot that the paint on the library door behind Mayor Scarpitti was blistering! He, of course, even in suit and tie kept his cool.
Richard envisioned a Victorian cottage garden that would complement the library’s 1851 worker’s cottage architecture. He researched which plants would have been available in mid-to-late 19th-century Thornhill, designed the garden and, with his two sons, began digging in 1998.
I knew Richard, and Martha of course, and fondly remember seeking his advice on what ground cover to plant beneath my 50-foot Norway spruce. His winning recommendation considering the soil conditions and perpetual shade? Japanese Spurge.
The Richard A. Jarrell Memorial Garden is a beautiful living testament to a true Renaissance man — an accomplished academic, gardener, historian, researcher, artist, chef and community builder whose passion and knowledge continue to enrich Thornhill.
It was wonderful to celebrate Richard’s life and legacy, and to see the garden he envisioned continue to flourish for everyone’s benefit, especially those discovering it for the first time.
Keith Irish retweeted
Last night, on the holiest night of the Jewish calendar, a shooting took place outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville.
A police officer was shot and the community has been left shaken.
Jewish people must be able to worship safely. To live free, open, proud Jewish lives. Canada’s government will do everything in our power to support law enforcement in ensuring that the perpetrator is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
My thoughts are with the injured officer and his family, and the entire Jewish community.
Twenty-five years later, we still remember.
Many of us who are old enough to remember September 11, 2001, can still recall exactly where we were when we first heard the tragic news. It was one of those rare moments when the world seemed to stop.
The terrorist attacks were an assault not only on the United States, but on our shared way of life and the freedoms we hold dear. Twenty-four Canadians were among the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives that day.
In 2019, I visited the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York. Standing at the footprints of the Twin Towers, surrounded by the names of those taken from their families and loved ones, was a deeply moving experience.
I sought out the marker for Todd Beamer. He and the passengers of Flight 93 fought back against their hijackers, knowing they would likely die. Beamer’s words, “Are you guys ready? Let’s roll.” became a symbol of their courage as they prevented the plane from reaching its intended target in Washington, D.C.
Twenty-five years on, we remember the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the courage, heroism and compassion shown that day and in the years since.
With the first week of a new school year upon us, I've been reflecting on where my journey in public service began.
When I knock on doors across Thornhill, I'm always amazed by the number of residents who still remember me from my time as their Public School Trustee all those years ago. I represented Markham’s Ward 2 at the time, all of which is now part of Ward 1.
Then and now, I've knocked on thousands of doors and had the privilege of meeting and speaking with countless residents. I only wish I'd somehow kept track of the kilometres I’ve walked, the number of steps I’ve taken, and the shoes worn out along the way!
In my first term as a Trustee, I had the privilege of serving on the hiring committee that selected the next Director of Education. In my view, we chose the finest Director the Board has ever had.
That's why Bill's endorsement means so much to me. I always look forward to our lunches and dinners because I leave every conversation having learned something new. His wisdom, integrity, and commitment to public service continue to inspire me.
In 2017, the York Region District School Board opened Bill Hogarth Secondary School in Markham. It is a fitting tribute to a remarkable educator and leader whose vision, dedication, and lasting contributions have helped shape generations of students and our public education system.
I am deeply grateful for Bill's encouragement and endorsement, but even more grateful to call him a friend.
For the second year in a row, I was pleased to be invited to kick off Sam and Nancy Cuda’s “Movie Under the Stars” community event at the Heintzman House.
As I said that evening, being invited to say a few words is a little like being the opening act at a concert…everyone knows what they really came to see, and things will only get better once I quickly return to my seat! 😊
More seriously though, evenings like this are a wonderful reminder that a community isn’t just a collection of homes — it’s the people who come together, catch up with friends and neighbours, meet new ones and make memories together.
It was also wonderful that donations were accepted in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities, an organization that does such important work for families with seriously ill or injured children. Ronald McDonald Houses and Family Rooms give families a place to stay together, close to their child’s hospital, while providing meals, practical support and a caring community during what can be an incredibly difficult time.
A great evening, a great community tradition and a great cause. Thank you to Sam and Nancy for bringing everyone together once again! 🎬🍿✨
#Thornhill #Markham #Community #MovieUnderTheStars #HeintzmanHouse #RonaldMcDonaldHouse #RonaldMcDonaldHouseCharities #StrongerTogether
As summer draws to a close, there are certain rites of passage in Thornhill that I always look forward to, and the annual Landmark III residents’ BBQ is certainly one of them.
It’s always a pleasure to reconnect with longtime residents, meet new neighbours and enjoy a great meal together. I’m grateful for the invitation, the opportunity to say a few words and answer questions, and, of course, share a few laughs along the way. And in all the years I’ve been invited, I’m happy to say we’ve been blessed with great weather!
I’m especially grateful for their heartfelt endorsement and ongoing support. It is a privilege for Lauren, my Executive Assistant, and me to work alongside Thornhill residents to build a stronger, more vibrant community and to always do what is best for Thornhill.
#Thornhill #Markham #Ward1 #Community #LandmarkIII
It was a pleasure to accept an invitation to the Thornhill Seniors Centre for their summer BBQ!
It was a wonderful afternoon of good food, great conversation and terrific company. The Centre is now in its 23rd year of bringing friendship, activities and connection to seniors in our community.
Research consistently shows that social connection and meaningful interaction are important to our overall well-being, particularly as we get older. That’s why places like the Thornhill Seniors Centre are so valuable. They bring people together, build friendships and strengthen our community.
I’m always grateful for the opportunity to spend time with our seniors, hear what’s on their minds and celebrate the friendships and connections that make Thornhill such a special place.
Sadly, this was the first year without former Thornhill Councillor Tom Gove, a good friend who passed away late last year. Tom served as Councillor for Ward 7 at the time, from 1976 to 1982, and was a devoted representative for the people he served. He was also active with the Club, and his contributions helped lead to it achieving official status in 2003.
Thank you to everyone — volunteers, City staff and members — who helped make the BBQ such a memorable event.
#Thornhill #Markham #Seniors #Community #SummerBBQ
An interesting week in #Markham politics as the deadline for running in the October 26 municipal election loomed.
British Prime Minister Harold Wilson (1964 – 1970 & 1974 – 1976) said: “A week is a long time in politics.” Lots of changes, some of them surprising, in the final list of candidates proves it.
Good luck all. There should be joy in the pursuit. Public service is a privilege.
🏁 What a weekend for Markham!
I had the pleasure of attending the inaugural Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham and what a debut despite the opening day not going exactly as planned.
There were some issues getting the temporary circuit ready to ensure safety for all, and the cancellation of Friday’s on-track activity was understandably disappointing for fans who had been long looking forward to the day’s activities.
However, what followed was impressive.
By the time the cars were on track on Saturday, the new 12-turn circuit was delivering exactly what everyone had hoped for: fast competitive racing, plenty of passing and an atmosphere that was electric. The feedback from drivers, teams and fans was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the layout and the quality of the racing.
And the impact extended well beyond the track. Tens of thousands of visitors came to Markham over the weekend, supporting local restaurants, hotels, businesses and other tourism-related services and generating a significant economic benefit for our community.
For a city hosting an event of this scale for the first time, there was certainly a learning curve, pardon the pun. But the weekend finished on a very different note from how it began with Markham having successfully hosted a major international sporting event that put our city firmly on the map. The races were broadcast to over 200 countries.
Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to bring the Indy to Markham. I’m already looking forward to seeing what year two brings! 🏎️🇨🇦
