We’re already a month into 2014. With the holidays and the ice storm behind us, it’s time to focus on the unique issues of our ward.

Thornhill is such a fabulous part of Markham. Together we can and will accomplish a great deal for our community and our city.

My agenda for the coming year is an exciting and busy one. As chair of the city’s information communications and technology committee, I am in the midst of planning a Smart City Forum later this quarter.

I will also be hosting a town hall on Markham’s cell tower policy, an issue that continues to be of interest to residents.

Transit is something else we have to take seriously this year especially given the province’s final report of the transit investment strategy advisory panel.

I look forward to the discussions ahead on these and many other issues of importance to the residents of Thornhill.

Thornhill continues to face many challenges — some quite similar to many other parts of Markham, whereas others are unique.

Whether they be concerns surrounding our incredible heritage neighbourhood; the Thornhill revitalization; development along the Yonge Street corridor; infrastructure issues, such as storm water management and most recently natural disasters such as the ice storm over the holidays, Thornhill needs strong, capable leadership that gets things done!

As always, I welcome your thoughts and comments. You can email me at hshore@markham.ca and you can find more information at www.howardshore.ca.