Markham Mayor Don Cousens Will Not Seek Re-election MARKHAM, ON ~ May 31, 2006 ~ After 32 years in public office, Markham Mayor Don Cousens has decided not to seek another term of office in this fall's municipal election. Don Cousens BIO Printable .pdf version

“My time in public office has been tremendously satisfying,” said Mayor Cousens. “Taking part in community activities has given me the opportunity to work with many talented and interesting individuals and to achieve a wide range of lasting accomplishments. I will continue to work for Markham's interests as we go forward and prepare for the upcoming fall municipal election.”

Mayor Cousens was first elected Mayor of Markham in 1993 and has served four successive terms. Elected to the York County Board of Education (now the York Region District School Board) in 1972, he served as Chair in 1978-79. From 1981 to 1993 he was Markham's Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) serving as Deputy Speaker, Minister of Corrections and Opposition Critic for Environment and Finance.

“The years have passed quickly,” said Mr. Cousens. “I look forward to continued involvement in our community and to working with my colleagues on many ongoing projects which develop in Markham and throughout our province and country. It has been a privilege to work with Markham Council, the Town staff and the many residents who give freely of their time and efforts to make this a great community.”

Some of Mayor Cousens many accomplishments include:

• Established the Mayor's Youth Task Force – to work with young people in the community
• Co-founder of the York Technology Association – now one of the largest high-tech organizations in the country; with this goes the development of Markham as the high-tech capital of Canada, attracting corporate head offices including IBM, Motorola, Philips, and Lucent Technologies
• Introduction and support for the Character Community initiative in York Region
• Steered the approval of the Markham-Stouffville Hospital through the Ontario Cabinet in 1985
• Participated in Markham becoming one of the most celebrated and honoured communities in Canada – the Town has received 88 awards over 12 years, including the Prince of Wales Prize for Heritage Preservation; National and Provincial Communities in Bloom honours; the Sustainable Community Award; the recent Bell True Sport Community Award and an award for the Preservation of the Rouge North Management System
• Played an integral part in the merger of Markham Hydro into PowerStream electrical utility
• Worked to bring GO Transit to Markham on the Unionville/Stouffville rail system and was involved in the development of the VIVA Rapid Transit System
• Served on numerous fund-raising campaigns including the Varley Art Gallery, the Unionville Home Society, Markhaven Home for the Aged, Yee Hong, the Senior's Centre and the Markham YMCA.

Mayor Cousens will complete his current term, which concludes on November 30, 2006.

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Contact: Mayor Donald Cousens – 905-475-4872

Markham Corporate Communications, Marjorie Rebane - 905-479-7754