Councillor, Markham Ward 1, 2018-2030...Engaged citizens working together can accomplish extraordinary things.
Thornhill, Markham
Joined January 2014
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As Remembrance Day approaches, the commemorative banners displayed along Yonge Street in Thornhill are a poignant reminder of the men and women who served our country and the sacrifices they made.
For me, these banners have a particularly personal significance.
My paternal grandfather, Charles Irish, and my maternal great-grandfather, George Trollope, both served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) during the First World War.
Their service is an important part of my family's history and a reminder that the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today were secured, in no small measure, by the courage and sacrifice of previous generations.
I am proud to remember their service, and grateful to all those who have served Canada, both past and present.
We will remember them.
The City of Markham’s Remembrance Day service is taking place November 11 at the Flato Markham Theatre. Doors open at 10:30 and the service begins at 10:50 a.m. The service will also be livestreamed on the city’s website, markham.ca.
#RemembranceDay #LestWeForget #Thornhill #Markham #CanadianHistory
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Keith Irish retweeted
At the going down the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.
ALT A black and white historical image shows a group of soldiers walking through a battlefield. Overlaid is a large red poppy with the words "LEST WE FORGET" in the center. Below, "REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2026" is written. A crest is at the top of the image.
Keith Irish retweeted
Buried among the kings: Ahead of this weekend's #RemembranceSunday commemorations, read the remarkable story of the Unknown Warrior and how, in 1920, his body was brought from the battlefields of northern France to be buried in the Abbey:
westminster-abbey.org/histor…
#Remembrance #LestWeForget
ALT A high-angle shot shows the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey. The black marble gravestone lies flat on a gray tiled floor, surrounded by a thick, rectangular border of vibrant red remembrance poppies with black centers. Gilded brass lettering inscribed on the stone reads: “BENEATH THIS STONE RESTS THE BODY OF A BRITISH WARRIOR UNKNOWN BY NAME OR RANK BROUGHT FROM FRANCE TO LIE AMONG THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS OF THE LAND AND BURIED HERE ON ARMISTICE DAY 11 NOV: 1920, IN THE PRESENCE OF HIS MAJESTY KING GEORGE V HIS MINISTERS OF STATE THE CHIEFS OF HIS FORCES AND A VAST CONCOURSE OF THE NATION THUS ARE COMMEMORATED THE MANY MULTITUDES WHO DURING THE GREAT WAR OF 1914–1918 GAVE THE MOST THAT MAN CAN GIVE LIFE ITSELF FOR GOD FOR KING AND COUNTRY FOR LOVED ONES HOME AND EMPIRE FOR THE SACRED CAUSE OF JUSTICE AND THE FREEDOM OF THE WORLD THEY BURIED HIM AMONG THE KINGS BECAUSE HE HAD DONE GOOD TOWARD GOD AND TOWARD HIS HOUSE”
I had a wonderful and productive meeting with Trustee-elect Cindy Hackelberg, who will soon represent Markham Wards 1 & 8 on the York Region District School Board.
I have followed Cindy’s community involvement over many years, including her previous campaigns for elected office at both the provincial and school board levels. Her commitment to public service and her interest in the issues affecting our community are clearly longstanding.
Cindy also brings an impressive combination of academic achievement and professional experience to her new role. She holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Waterloo, in German Studies and Pure Mathematics, is a business owner specializing in operational excellence, and has children attending local schools.
A strong understanding of our community, a proven commitment to public service, and the knowledge and professional experience to make a meaningful contribution are important qualities in an elected representative.
Congratulations, Cindy! I look forward to working together with you on the many issues that matter to #Thornhill residents.
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Keith Irish retweeted
In January, a new Congress will take office. As a former U.S. Ambassador to Canada, I urge its members to make repairing our relationship with Canada an early priority. Canada is our neighbor, our friend, and an essential partner. The work of reconciliation should begin now.
Keith Irish retweeted
Congratulations to Jennifer Whiteside on being named Interim Leader of the BC NDP.
I sat across the floor from her for a long time and she is a serious person who works hard for the people she represents.
A good opposition makes for a better government, and I expect her to hold us to account while we get to work delivering what we promised British Columbians.
Keith Irish retweeted
Very pleased to introduce the Prime Ministers Institute, a new organization dedicated to research, educating, and engaging Canadians about their political past. More details here
cihe.ca/2026/10/30/new-organ…
Keith Irish retweeted
If he keeps saying things like that, it will become impossible for Canadians to pay for their own drinks in any bar in the democratic world.
EXCLUSIVE: U.S. ambassador warns Canada could shoulder blame if midterms go against Trump ctvnews.ca/world/trumps-tari…
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 🏴
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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