SNAP Pickering - December 2009

Post Manor Medical Spa, located at 1970 Brock Road in Pickering officially opened last month in style, but not modern day style, 1800's style. The staff, with owner Andrea Leeming, dressed in period clothing donated by Pickering's own Backwoods Theater. The 'ladies of the manor' were dressed in beautiful frocks and served high tea in keeping with the theme. The Post Manor owned by Jordan and Matilda Post in 1841 has been carefully brought back to all its traditional glory by Andrea Leeming who will run a full service spa out of the home. It was obvious the research and care Andrea took to maintain the historical home. Post Manor Medical Spa offers Botox/Fillers, Laser Hair Removal, Massage, Facial and Body Treatments and Wellness programs such as Yoga and Pilates. Visit their website at www.postmanormedicalspa.com.

Shown above is Councillor Rick Johnson, Owner Andrea Leeming, Mayor Ryan, MPP Joe Dickson and staff officially open the spa

Conservative leader, councillors fight HST
Tim Hudak makes trip to Pickering

newsdurhamregion.com - Nov 24, 2009

By Kristen Calis

PICKERING -- If Ontario implements the 13-per cent harmonized sales tax, it will hurt all Durham residents, especially middle-class families and retirees, says the leader of the Ontario Conservatives.

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RYAN PFEIFFER / METROLAND Conservative leader, councillors fight HST PICKERING -- Tim Hudak, right, leader of the Ontario Conservative Party, was at Pickering City Hall on Nov. 19, along with Oshawa MPP Jerry Ouellette, left, to speak to City councillors about the harmonized sales tax. November 19, 2009.

Sidebar: News Advertiser: How do you feel about the H1N1 rollout? Tim Hudak: "(It went) badly. My goodness, to see pregnant women, to see mothers with young kids lined up for hours outside of clinics, showed something desperately went wrong." News Advertiser: What's one of the first things you'd do if you were elected premier to get out of the deficit? Tim Hudak: "Taxes need to come down. If people have more money in their pockets, they're going to spend it on local businesses in Pickering and Durham Region to help create jobs." News Advertiser: How can the Province help support Pickering as it's designated as an urban growth centre by the Province? Tim Hudak: "No doubt there is potential for job creation along the 407 ... as the councillors suggested." He also said it's important to support small businesses and provide more infrastructure.

"This is a big tax grab that's going to hurt families and kill jobs in Pickering and across the province," said Tim Hudak at Pickering City Hall.

Mr. Hudak, along with Oshawa MPP Jerry Ouellette, met with some local councillors Nov. 19 to discuss the HST after learning Pickering council, led by Ward 2 Regional Councillor Bill McLean, sent a motion opposing the HST to Premier Dalton McGuinty. The motion was well received by other councils.

"One-hundred and twenty-five municipalities have endorsed our motion to Mr. McGuinty," Coun. McLean said following the meeting with Mr. Hudak.

Only two members of Pickering council besides Coun. McLean attended the meeting: Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson and Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson. Coun. McLean said he put politics aside for the discussion on HST.

"This is a position of principal as opposed to a party," he said.

The move to harmonize the provincial tax with the federal tax will increase taxes on hundreds of goods and services starting July 1.

"I think with a lot of support from the residents of all of Ontario (giving feedback) to our MPPs, I hope Mr. McGuinty will stand up and do the right thing," Coun. McLean said.

Mr. Hudak said a tax grab is wrong at any time, let alone in the middle of an economic recession, adding the HST will include increases on ice rink rentals, gas, heat, haircuts and vet visits.

He said residents should contact their local MPPs to let them know how they feel about the HST or go to www.daltonsalestax.com to sign the petition.

"If we have a couple of Liberal MPPs that have some backbone and stand up for their constituents, that can make a big difference in stopping this tax dead in its tracks," Mr. Hudak said.

Pickering-Scarborough East MPP Wayne Arthurs rebutted Mr. Hudak's comments in a press release where he said the HST will in fact benefit Ontario families. He accused Mr. Hudak earlier in the week of opposing a tax reform package, which includes the HST, that would put money in people's pockets and create local jobs.

"Tim Hudak is telling only half the story," he said. "While he has spent seven months opposing the tax cuts, Hudak has yet to commit to reversing a single one, because he knows these tax changes will create jobs and help Ontario families."

The Liberal government claims the plan will eliminate hidden taxes, result in permanent tax savings for 93 per cent of Ontario families, and give $1.1 billion in permanent income tax cuts for average Ontario families. The reform will include a new Ontario sales tax credit for adults and children in low-and-middle income families, a new Ontario property tax credit for seniors and non-seniors, reductions on business taxes and eliminate the small business deduction surtax.

Mr. Arthurs's release referred to a report released this month by Professor Jack Mintz, of the University of Calgary, who said the HST and the other tax changes would lead to nearly 600,000 new jobs over the next 10 years and increase annual incomes for families by up to 8.8 per cent. 

SNAP Pickering - November 2009

The annual Ajax/Pickering Board of Trade Business Excellence Awards were held at Deer Creek last month. Business leaders from across Durham were on hand to recognize the nominees and award of excellence recipients.

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The City of Pickering's Lynn Winterstein, Councillor Rick Johnson & Susan Johnson pause for a SNAP!

Will require around 1,500 truckloads of fill, topsoil

Oct 07, 2009

By Kristen Calis

PICKERING -- If a 12-hole golf course is approved by council, around 40 residents will see about 1,500 loads of fill and topsoil being trucked in for construction.

The planning and development committee Monday approved a 12-hole golf course that will go in the area of Hwy. 7 and Sideline 4, west of Kinsale. The facility will also include a clubhouse, maintenance building, shed, and an indoor golf simulator facility.

Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles had concerns with the number of truckloads required to import the top soil and fill. The site will see more than 1,400 truck loads of clean fill, equal to 36 days of 40 truckloads per day. Top soil will require 357 trucks or nine days of trucking 40 loads per day, according to the staff report.

"The issue we're going to have is 1,500 truck loads," Coun. Pickles said. "(The residents) don't want that forever."

The developer's representative, Pierre Chauvin of MHBC planning, said they'd commit to a limit on truckloads, which will be determined at a later date. They've also suggested both materials be accepted only between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Coun. Pickles asked whether residents were informed of the trucking requirements. The golf course designer, Jason Miller of Miller Golf Design, said he not did inform them upon dropping off the original notices since plans weren't yet at that stage.

"I don't think they really know there's going to be 1,500 dump trucks going in there," Coun. Pickles said.

When Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson brought up speculation that unknown liquids have been dumped on the site in the past, Mr. Chauvin said so far 50 boreholes have been drilled to test the soil.

"We're waiting for results from our consultant," he said.

Residents fill council chambers to oppose Big Pipe

newsregiondurham.com - Sep 22, 2009

By Kristen Calis

PICKERING -- After about seven hours of discussing the southeast collector trunk sewer (Big Pipe) expansion and its accompanying odour control facility at Pickering's packed City Hall Monday, council chose to seek legal action against York Region.

The Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant in south Pickering treats 94 per cent of York's sewage, and York is seeking to expand the Big Pipe that carries the sewage, in order to accommodate York's growing population.

After Pickering residents, the community group Stop the Stink and council opposed the original planned location of the odour control facility in the Cherrywood West subdivision, York Region chose a new location just over the York-Durham line, between the Taunton-Steeles connection and 4th Concession Road. York Region Chairman Bill Fisch and Durham Region Chairman Roger Anderson signed an agreement on the new location during summer break. The plans were then submitted to the Ministry of the Environment for an environmental assessment, which is currently being reviewed.

"What it really comes down to is 'in our face,'" said community activist and former Pickering regional councillor Maurice Brenner.

Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell and Ward 2 Regional Councillor Bill McLean put forward a motion that staff launch legal action against York Region for breaching conditions set out in a memorandum of understanding Pickering and York signed in 2005 regarding the Big Pipe, and failure to carry out timely communication with residents, which is a requirement of the Environmental Assessment Act. The memorandum also stipulates York treat its residents and the City fairly and with equal justice when making decisions on the Big Pipe.

"The time for talk is over," Coun. O'Connell said. "The time for action is now."

She recounted Pickering's legal action it launched and won against the City of Toronto to have the Brock West dump closed in 1996.

Coun. McLean asked nearly every public speaker if they felt launching legal action would be a useful way to spend taxpayers' dollars, and the residents unanimously said yes.

Coun. O'Connell reminded everyone that the City was reimbursed for the cost of the 1996 action.

After a lengthy debate by council, changes to some of the wording were made to the motion, including changing the words that council must "seek out" legal action instead of "pursue" legal action.

After Coun. O'Connell feared the motion might be referred back to staff for information, she asked Jim Robb, executive director of the Friends of the Rouge Watershed, who's been involved in similar legal actions in the past, for his opinion.

"You don't have much time to beat around the bush," Mr. Robb said.

While the City has its own solicitor, council directed staff to seek out all legal activity provided by law, such as environmental lawyers.

"You can't be a jack-of-all-trades in these things," Mr. Robb said, referring to the need for more legal opinions.

Carla Thomas shared the reasons her neighbourhood, close to the proposed odour control facility, is precious to her. She commutes to Toronto for work each day and feels she already gets enough of the "putrid" smell there.

"My home is a getaway from that," she said.

She added she'd hate to lose the local wildlife if the facility actually goes in.

In the end, Coun. O'Connell and Coun. McLean did not support their own motion because they thought it had less impact after the changes, but council passed it nonetheless.

Another motion was passed by Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley and Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson requesting the MOE halt its decision on the environmental assessment until an acceptable location is found for the odour control facility, and that the study area be expanded to include areas south of Finch Avenue, which hasn't been looked at. If it isn't adhered to, council agreed to request a judicial review on the process.

Council also passed Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson's motion that the City request financial contributions from the City of Toronto and the Rouge Park Alliance, which are also opposed to York's actions.

An update will be provided at the next council meeting.

Locals challenge officials at public meeting

newsdurhamregion.com - Sep 16, 2009

By Kristen Calis

PICKERING -- Residents shared their opposition to the 'Big Pipe' expansion at a Sept. 10 public meeting.

The meeting at the Petticoat Creek Community Centre, meant to inform the public on York and Durham's water and wastewater master plans, turned its focus to a situation that's upset many north Pickering residents.

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PHOTO BY PETER REDMAN PICKERING -- A public information meeting about the Big Pipe and the expansion of the Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant was held at Petticoat Creek Community Centre September 9. September 9, 2009

The southeast collector trunk sewer (Big Pipe) is currently undergoing plans for an expansion to accommodate York Region's and Durham Region's growing populations. The Big Pipe takes sewage from York Region to the Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant in Pickering. The plant also treats about 20 per cent of Durham's sewage.

Part of the expansion is the construction of an odour control facility, which was originally planned to go just south of the Cherrywood West subdivision in north Pickering. But after activist group Stop the Stink strongly opposed it, Durham council also opposed the location. It was later moved just into the York boundary, on the west side of the York-Durham line, between the Taunton-Steeles connection and the 4th Concession Road.

Residents don't understand why Pickering has to treat sewage from York.

"The odour control facility is a nightmare," said resident Rhonda Mendes. "It's like David and Goliath."

Officials at the meeting emphasized that the pipe route was designed by the Province in the 1970s.

Wayne Green, the project manager from York, said the Region has sent notifications, left flyers at homes in some cases, put notifications in the newspaper and feels York has followed a "complete and comprehensive" consultation process.

He added the odour control facility was moved to a midpoint between urban areas in both Pickering and Markham.

Marilyn Metcalfe has lived in her home since 1981. The pipe is now planned to run through her neighbourhood, and she said she has received notice that part of her property will be expropriated. She attended the meeting for more information.

"It seems like they just want to push it through," she said.

Last week, she spoke to the Durham works committee about her concerns, saying there were still many unanswered questions and felt she was being pressured to sign an agreement with York for expropriation, even when she disagreed with the appraised value of her property.

"On reflection, I feel I have been hit by a sugarcoated steamroller that isn't quite finished with me yet," she said.

She said she didn't find out until April 2008 that the pipe would go under her property, even after she had been to prior public meetings.

Mr. Green said the reason residents weren't informed until 2008 about the possible expropriations is because the path wasn't defined until then.

Expropriations are currently being debated, he said, and York wants to have in place an expropriation opportunity if it has to follow that course.

"The expropriation is only a mechanism to acquire property but it's certainly not the intended route to follow," he said.

He added fair market value is always paid and York has conducted full appraisals.

Stop the Stink plans to attend the Pickering council meeting on Monday, Sept. 21 to hear plans by Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley and Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson to bring forward a motion asking the MOE for a "time out" on the project.

The Big Pipe environmental assessment report was provided to the Ministry of the Environment on Aug. 21. After a ministry review, there will be another five-week public consultation period.

York has submitted plan to Province

newsregiondurham.dom - Sep 11, 2009

By Keith Gilligan

DURHAM -- Pickering residents are continuing their fight against an odour control facility York Region wants to build near the city.

York submitted the environmental assessment with the provincial Ministry of the Environment on Aug. 21.

The facility is part of the 'Big Pipe', an expansion of the sewage system in York needed to accommodate future growth. York and Durham jointly own the Duffins Creek Water Pollution Control Plant, in south Pickering, which the expansion would tie into.

About a dozen residents turned out on Wednesday for a meeting of Durham council's works committee to continue protesting the facility. York had originally wanted to build it on Altona Road, just south of the hamlet of Cherrywood West. Residents opposed that and Pickering and Durham councils both voted to have York move the facility.

A site on the east side of the York-Durham townline, north of Taunton Road, was next proposed, but the facility would still be in Pickering. Finally, York officials moved the location across the road to the opposite side of townline.

"Pickering will not be a willing host. This will be with us for 30 years," Pickering resident Peter Rodriques said.

"Until we're convinced it will have no impact on Pickering residents, we'll continue to oppose this," Barb Findlay stated.

Betty Burkholder said York has begun proceedings to expropriate land in Pickering needed for the facility.

York officials told her last week they would be expropriating a parcel of her property. She said the land would be "a fraction of an acre."

Wayne Green, the project manager from York Region, said a portion of 10 properties in Pickering are needed for the facility, with six in York.

"This process has been off track since day one," Pickering Councillor Rick Johnson said. "It's totally unacceptable. For us to sign off on anything is something I can't support."

Devi Gopalan said, "Consultation is the cornerstone of the Environmental Assessment Act. We haven't been involved. We haven't been consulted. They've said 'This is what will happen. So sad, too bad.'"

Ms. Gopalan noted she's spoken with MOE officials and was told "if you want to take a time out, there's no reason you can't."

Coun. Johnson put forward a motion requesting a three-month "time-out" be taken by the MOE to expand the study area and possible effects the facility could have on residents. The motion was defeated.

Regional Chairman Roger Anderson said he wouldn't support the motion, saying it's "just putting off somebody making a decision. There's not one thing we heard today we haven't heard 68 times.

"It's not an easy decision, especially for councillors from Pickering. They've been through this dozens of times, literally dozens of times. Pickering councillors are supporting their residents," Mr. Anderson said.

Pickering Councillor Bill McLean said, "What's the rush? So what if it takes three more months? It's transparency."

Coun. Johnson said, "All I want to see is this work some place without odours. If you can show me, I'll raise my hand (in support)."

He visited facilities in Edmonton and Ottawa and there were odours in the neighbourhoods nearby.

"It just doesn't work anywhere else. Three months isn't a long time to wait," Coun. Johnson said. "All I've heard from residents is it's an insult where they put it.

"All I'm asking is a little more time be spent. Prove to me it works and I can stand up in my community and be a leader," Coun. Johnson said.
 

SNAP Pickering - September 2009

The Government of Canada, Province of Ontario and City of Pickering held a joint press conference on July 9th at the Don Beer Arena (940 Dillingham Road) in Pickering to announce tri-level funding that has been approved for select Pickering projects.

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Director of the Office of Sustainability Tom Melymuk, Pickering Mayor Dave Ryan, Wayne Arthurs, MPP Pickering-Scarborough East and Pickering Councillor Rick Johnson join in making the new funding annoucement

The projects will expand Don Beer Arena and breathe new life into the Bayridges Field House at Kinsmen Park. The funding has been secured via the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) Program in Ontario, which is a joint partnership between the Governments of Canada and Ontario. The program has been established to support Ontario’s communities and to create jobs through upgrades and improvements to recreational infrastructure.
 

SNAP Pickering - September 2009
The City of Pickering and Mayor Dave Ryan hosted and participated in the Celebration of India's Independence Day on a very hot day in August. Shashi Bhatia and the Indo-Canadian Cultural Association of Durham organized the days events which took place under the gazebo at Pickering City Hall and followed at the Pickering Recreation Complex. Tribute was paid to the great nation of India and Pickering residents of Indian Heritage.

Chair of ICCAD, Shashi Bhatia and Emcee Reshma Bhargava	Mayor Ryan, Councillors Littley Johnson and Dickerson, MPP Joe Dickson, MP Mark Holland, Deputy Chief of Police, Sherry Whiteway, The Honourable Preeti Saran, the Consul General of India to Toronto gather to sing Canadian and Indian Anthems

Issue moves to Province for final consideration

Jun 26, 2009

By Keith Gilligan

DURHAM -- The provincial Environment Ministry must now decide the fate of an incinerator in Durham Region, following approval by regional councillors to proceed with the project.

The Covanta team CLARINGTON -- Covanta Energy was approved to build an incinerator in Clarington pending Provincial approval. Pictured June 25 on site, from left, Samuel Joshi, manager of environmental engineering, John Mutton, consultant, Gaston Haupert, lead project engineer, Joey Neukoff, director of business development and John Phillips, vice president, business development. June 25, 2009

Sidebar How they voted The first vote dealt with the risk assessment and environmental surveillance program. It was approved by a 17-11 margin. Voting YES: Jim Abernethy (Clarington), Scott Crawford (Ajax), Gerry Emm (Whitby), John Grant (Brock), Howie Herrema (Uxbridge), Rick Johnson (Pickering), Joe Kolodzie (Oshawa), Bill McLean (Pickering), Jim McMillen (Scugog), Mary Novak (Clarington), Larry O'Connor (Brock), Marilyn Pearce (Scugog), Pat Perkins (Whitby), Nester Pidwerbecki (Oshawa), Dave Ryan (Pickering), Bob Shepherd (Uxbridge), Charlie Trim (Clarington). Voting NO: April Cullen (Oshawa), Joe Drumm (Whitby), John Gray (Oshawa), John Henry (Oshawa), Colleen Jordan (Ajax), Bonnie Littley (Pickering), Robert Lutczyk (Oshawa), Don Mitchell (Whitby), John Neal (Oshawa), Brian Nicholson (Oshawa), Steve Parish (Ajax). The second vote dealt with the host community agreement between Durham and Clarington. The result was identical to the first.The third vote dealt with the environmental assessment supporting an incinerator. It includes the business case, setting out how much it will cost and how much each region will pay.The vote was 16-12 in favour. Voting YES: Jim Abernethy (Clarington), Scott Crawford (Ajax), Gerry Emm (Whitby), John Grant (Brock), Howie Herrema (Uxbridge), Rick Johnson (Pickering), Bill McLean (Pickering), Jim McMillen (Scugog), Mary Novak (Clarington), Larry O'Connor (Brock), Marilyn Pearce (Scugog), Pat Perkins (Whitby), Nester Pidwerbecki (Oshawa), Dave Ryan (Pickering), Bob Shepherd (Uxbridge), Charlie Trim (Clarington). Voting NO: April Cullen (Oshawa), Joe Drumm (Whitby), John Gray (Oshawa), John Henry (Oshawa), Colleen Jordan (Ajax), Joe Kolodzie (Oshawa), Bonnie Littley (Pickering), Robert Lutczyk (Oshawa), Don Mitchell (Whitby), John Neal (Oshawa), Brian Nicholson (Oshawa), Steve Parish (Ajax).

The $272.5-million facility would burn up to 140,000 tonnes of residential waste coming from primarily Durham and York regions.

Durham council approved the plan around 2 a.m. Thursday, following a 16-hour meeting. York Region also approved it Thursday morning, in about two hours.

In three votes, Durham councillors approved the health study and environmental monitoring program, the host community agreement with Clarington, and the final environmental assessment document, which included the business case.

Almost 60 delegations addressed councillors, almost all opposed to the incinerator.

Patrick Richardson, a 15-year-old Saint-Charles-Garnier Catholic High School student, said, "Many of you seem to think this incinerator represents an acceptable level of risk.

"The long-term effects will be a burden on my generation. I've talked to my friends and we're all pissed off at what you want to do."

Some people wanted council to hold off on approval until a referendum could be held.

"It cannot be stressed enough that Clarington residents deserve to have a referendum to decide for themselves," Bowmanville resident Helen MacDonald said. "Please put your faith in the electorate and hold a referendum now."

Greg Ward said, "All we ask, all we ask for here today is a public plebiscite. Why are some of you resisting? Why push this ahead without consulting the public?"

Others suggested a "zero waste" approach, through expanded recycling and education programs.

"Zero waste is achievable. It's just a matter of political will," Whitby resident Doug Anderson said.

During the debate, Ajax Mayor Steve Parish voted against the facility, pointing to the cost, which is now $272.5 million, with Durham's portion totalling $214.7 million. The price had risen from $236 million in April, when Covanta Energy was selected to design, build and operate the facility.

"I'm flummoxed by the dollars here," Coun. Parish said.

Councillors last year decided to use federal gas tax money to pay for the facility, but Coun. Parish said that money should have been used on infrastructure, such as repairing roads.

"There is an alternative. We should have a vision of zero waste. There is an alternative. If we go down the road of incineration, the beast has to be fed, and the chance is gone," Coun. Parish said.

Councillors questioned Dr. Robert Kyle, the Region's medical officer of health, on the safety of burning garbage.

When asked if incineration is safe, Dr. Kyle said the risk assessment study "shows no unacceptable risk. Do the results say no risk? No, but the doses are extremely low.

"The risks are acceptable, based on the norms. That's the best we can say," Dr. Kyle added.

"If your definition is no risk, we can't say yes to that. The levels will be at an extremely low dose and the concentrations will be extremely low," the doctor stated.

Ross Wilson, a toxicologist retained by the Region, said, "In short, yes, I do think it's safe.

"The concentrations would be so minor an increase, in most cases, you won't be able to measure the increase," Mr. Wilson said.

Whitby Councillor Joe Drumm was also opposed, saying he had health concerns with incineration.

"I believe this approach won't add one iota to the health of the residents of Durham Region.

"If there are ill effects, but only to a few, that to me says no," Coun. Drumm said.

Clarington Councillor Charlie Trim, who is also the chairman of the Region's works committee, supported the incinerator.

"I believe, based on the in-depth studies that have occurred and the involvement I've been able to witness, I'm confident with the reports. The EFW facility will be an asset for Durham Region and solve our garbage problem for many years," Coun. Trim said.

The provincial Environment Ministry is expected to announce its decision early in 2010.

Top doc says burning trash 'won't pose unacceptable risk'

Jun 17, 2009

By Keith Gilligan

DURHAM -- Building an incinerator in Clarington to handle Durham Region's trash "will not pose an unacceptable risk to persons living in the vicinity of the site."

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Ron Pietroniro / Metroland WHITBY -- Durham Regional Council met on June 16 as a committee of the whole to hear delegations speaking about the proposed incinerator in Clarington. June 16, 2009.

That's the conclusion of the Region's medical officer of health, Dr. Robert Kyle, in his highly-awaited report for Durham councillors.

With that, Regional councillors, meeting in a committee-of-the-whole format, voted to recommend to the full council that an incinerator be built in Clarington.

The final vote came at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, 16 hours after the committee began meeting, making it probably the longest meeting in Region history. About 75 delegations spoke, with only three in favour of building the incinerator.

Regional council will now consider the matter when it meets on June 24. If approved then, the proposal will be referred to the provincial environment ministry for final consideration.

Durham is proposing to construct the plant on Osbourne Road in Clarington. Up to 140,000 tonnes of trash would be burned annually, although the facility could be expanded to ultimately incinerate up to 400,000 tonnes a year.

Dr. Kyle's comments were based on a review of studies conducted for the Region by medical consultant Dr. Lesbia Smith and toxicologist Ross Wilson. Their reviews found that with stringent monitoring, the facility could be safely operated.

"No doubt there are nasty things coming out of the stack," Mr. Wilson said, but added it's at low levels. "Below certain levels, there are no effects."

Most of the delegations, however, didn't agree with Dr. Kyle or the consultants.

Karen Buck, a Toronto resident, said, "I believe your health study is ignoring the effects on people. Your environmental assessment study tries to negate the effects of incineration on your air shed."

Many residents said the Region should be expanding blue box and green bin programs. Durham has a goal of diverting up to 70 per cent of waste by next year, a target Regional officials admit won't be met.

"My choice is we embrace zero waste and expand blue box and green bin programs," Clarington resident Kerry Meydam said. "We need to be more creative, move innovative and do what's best for Durham."

Oshawa Councillor Brian Nicholson, an incineration opponent said, "I don't believe Dr. Kyle put the Good Housekeeping seal of approval on this. There are a lot of assumptions and projections. Dr. Kyle made the only recommendation he could make. We have to decide if the risk is acceptable or not."

Whitby Councillor Joe Drumm said he couldn't support an incinerator. "If I err, I err on the side of caution. I can't, for one minute, vote for incineration."

Scugog Mayor Marilyn Pearce said, "I morally think we should take care of our own garbage. It's here now and we shouldn't put it off to another council."

Mayor Pearce said about "98 per cent of my community came from Europe. The standard answer I get is they work in Europe."

Pickering Councillor Rick Johnson said, "This is just a building block, to get us to where we want to be. This is another building block until the day we get to zero waste."

Pickering Mayor Dave Ryan said, "We have skin in the game."

One argument Mayor Ryan said he heard against incineration was "word for word" for an argument against putting a landfill in Pickering in the 1980s.

Uxbridge Councillor Howie Herrema supported it, saying, "We know we can control this process much better than we can control landfill."

Clarington Mayor Jim Abernethy said he's visited incinerators and landfills around the world, as well as doing other research. "I've been doing my due diligence."

His community is a willing host, Mayor Abernethy stated, adding, "I support Dr. Kyle's report."

Clarington Councillor Mary Novak said Dr. Kyle's report is "honest and fair and what people wanted to know. I'm going to have to support this going to the ministry (of the environment)."

Charlie Trim, the third Clarington councillor, also voted in support of the project.

Improvements, expansion planned at Brock Road, Pickering Parkway

Jun 17, 2009

By Kristen Calis

PICKERING -- The shopping centre at Brock Road and Pickering Parkway will be improved and more pedestrian friendly thanks to an agreement between the City and the developer.

Pickering Council approved SmartCentre's request for an increase in the gross leasable floor space to accompany the expansion of two stores -- possibly three in the future -- to 55,000 square metres (the maximum is now 49,000). The amendment was needed for immediate expansion of Wal-Mart, the former Sam's Club (Lowe's is moving in) and possibly Sobeys in the future. In return, developers agreed to provide a sidewalk enhancement plan.

"The new walkways will improve pedestrian route connectivity through and to the site, therefore promoting a reduction of car travel within the site and better accommodating transit users and physically challenged persons," the staff report said.

The report states Wal-Mart and Lowe's are proposing to expand the sidewalks on the main entrance sides of their buildings. The fence adjacent to Beechlawn Park will also be repaired. The pedestrian connection improvements will be addressed in site plan meetings.

Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell didn't vote for the change because there was no conceptual plan provided for sidewalk connectivity. When the item came to the planning and development committee earlier this month, she noted it's difficult to park and get around safely, especially for those in wheelchairs.

"I think accessibility is of utmost importance in the City and this province as we've seen," she said.

Coun. O'Connell put forward a motion to delay the decision until an on-site access plan is provided but it was rejected.

Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson said complaints regarding the area, specifically on the beautification of the site, have only surfaced lately.

"I wasn't getting these calls six months ago," he said. "I've been getting them in the past (few) months."

He said the community needs a public information meeting, and SmartCentre representative Ornella Richichi nodded in agreement, which was taken as a "friendly amendment."

The parking space ratio will also be reduced from five spaces per 100 square metres of gross leasable floor area to 4.5. The developer has also put forward a plan to address security of the site, which the majority of council was happy with.

Pickering development charges unfair: Rick Johnson

Council will decide on bylaw in July

Jun 10, 2009

By Kristen Calis

PICKERING -- Those planning to build in rural Pickering should not have to pay as much in development charges as those in urban areas, says a Pickering councillor.

Development charges recover a portion of the growth-related costs associated with capital infrastructure needed to service new development. A background study for Pickering's development charges bylaw amendment came to council Monday night.

"Why should a person in rural areas living 10 miles away from City services (pay the same) as people right there?" said Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson.

He added most rural residents use Hwy. 407 and regional roads.

Cam Watson, of Watson and Associates Economists Ltd., which prepared the background study for the development charges bylaw, said those charges are there because people living in rural areas use City roads, which require upgrades and maintenance.

"They're living on regional roads, but I don't accept your premise they're not using City roads," he said to Coun. Johnson.

City treasurer and director of corporate services, Gil Paterson, reminded Coun. Johnson, "The fact that they live on a rural road is their choosing."

Mr. Paterson said every municipality has to charge a uniform rate for taxes and development charges to keep general order, otherwise the same argument could be made in other areas.

"It's a whole philosophy and it goes much further than (roads)," he said.

Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell questioned why commercial businesses are exempt from all charges except for those relating to roads. For example, in 2008, a single detached home carried a charge of $435 for the cost of fire services, and commercial developers were charged nothing.

Mr. Paterson said employees mainly use roads -- not recreation facilities or libraries for example. But Coun. O'Connell pointed those companies need storm water management and if there's a fire, they'll call Pickering's fire department.

Pickering currently charges lower rates than Ajax, Oshawa, Whitby and Clarington in both non-residential and residential charges.

Randy Grimes, of IBI Group, representing the Seaton Landowners Group, argued Seaton should be included in the development charges study. The report said Seaton will be subject to a separate development charge bylaw or a revised city-wide bylaw once the planning for the neighbourhood has advanced.

Mr. Paterson said he's taking all comments into consideration, and the staff report will come to council on July 13.

Pair tell Durham to consider alternatives

newsdurhamregion.com June 4, 2009

By Keith Gilligan

DURHAM -- Two local councillors from Clarington said incineration isn't a legacy their Durham Region council colleagues want to have.

Willie Woo and Adrian Foster appeared before Durham council on Wednesday, saying an incinerator in Clarington would be a financial and environmental mistake.

"I have concerns about the danger to human health, the danger to the environment and the prohibitive cost," Coun. Woo said. "We've heard time and again 'we have to move the process along.' Well, the witching hour is upon us and time is running out."

Durham council will decide whether an incinerator is built when it meets on June 24.

Coun. Woo called June 24 an "arbitrary time-line. I ask you to review and revise the EA time line. Move slowly and cautiously. The decisions you make will have implications for many years to come."

He noted incineration "in fact doesn't totally get rid of waste. There's ash.

"There will be some residue to get rid of. Some landfill will be needed. We should work towards zero waste."

Pickering Councillor Rick Johnson asked if Coun. Woo would support a landfill in his ward if an environmental assessment found that would be the best place to put one.

"I probably would be a proponent," Coun. Woo said.

Oshawa Councillor Brian Nicholson stated, "I find it strange, the biggest fans of an incinerator don't want it in their community."

"They're missing out on a great host agreement," Coun. Woo quipped.

Coun. Nicholson questioned why the host agreement includes a provision that Clarington would receive $10 for each tonne of waste from Toronto.

The EA for the facility only deals with trash coming from Durham and York regions, along with some smaller surrounding communities, such as Port Hope and Peterborough. No garbage is to be accepted from any other municipality in the GTA.

Coun. Woo said, "It's counter to a made-in-Durham solution. We'll be the Michigan of the GTA."

Currently, Durham and Toronto both ship garbage to a landfill in Michigan.

"Please consider the possibility you're being seduced by the technology and consultants," Coun. Foster said.

"Consider the legacy you're leaving to the residents of Durham and quite possibly all of Ontario. If it's built, this incinerator will be the first of many. There are billions of dollars at play," Coun. Foster said. "Do you want your legacy to be millions of tonnes of pollution into our air shed?"

Congratulations to Councillor Rick Johnston

Rick was presented this award for his work with the
Ajax Pickering Rotary Club helping fundraise for the first annual 2008 Ribfest.

Congratulations to the Ajax Pickering Rotary Club for their very successful event.

"I am very honoured to receive the Paul Harris Fellowship Award"

Residents can expect 3.59-per cent property tax increase

newsdurhamregion.com
May 08, 2009 - 11:47 AM

By Kristen Calis

PICKERING -- By Pickering staff taking advantage of grants and focusing mainly on improving existing infrastructure, residents can expect a lower tax increase than last year.

"We didn't put any new roads in the budget this year at all," said chief administrative officer Tom Quinn. "This is a catch-up year."

At a budget meeting Thursday, Pickering treasurer Gil Paterson presented a proposed property tax increase of 3.59 per cent, compared to 5.9 per cent in 2008. That means Pickering residents with an average home valued at $289,400 will pay $4,030, an increase of $68.48 over last year.

The proposed net operating budget is $42 million and the capital budget, $28.6 million. The capital budget increased by nearly $10 million from the time the it was originally printed due to government grant possibilities.

"Every department really looked at every expenditure with a microscope," Mr. Paterson said.

Mayor Dave Ryan was pleased to see Pickering is still the municipality with the lowest property tax increase of Durham's five lakeshore municipalities. Of a municipality's portion of the property tax bill, which is 27 per cent (the Region and the school boards make up the rest), Pickering actually has the lowest increase. For example, Pickering residents will only pay $1,092 on the City's portion, compared to $1,125 in Ajax and $2,145 in Oshawa.

"I think this is a responsible budget. It has shown restraint while addressing specific opportunities and needs within the broader community," Mayor Ryan said.

Road improvements will be made to Sideline 4 ($870,000) and Brock Road from Third Concession Road to Dellbrook Avenue ($399,000), but they were initiated in previous years. For a future pedestrian bridge crossing Hwy. 401, $10 million has been set aside, and Whitevale bridge repairs will cost $800,000. Staff hopes to receive federal and provincial funding for the projects.

But, new road projects will have to wait until the global economy improves. For the most part, council agreed, saying now is not the time to start new projects since that would result in property tax increases. But two councillors thought road infrastructure is necessary. Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson wanted $120,000 to go toward improving Sideline 14 and $130,000 for William Street improvements in Claremont, and Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson tried to add $80,000 for improvements to Gablehurst Crescent. Neither councillor received the support needed to add those projects.

Staff has already begun planning for the 2010 budget and anticipates having it ready for next February.

"We're hoping by 2011 it will start to drop off and get down to reasonable levels," Mr. Paterson said.

The budget will go to council on May 19 for final approval.

Environmental work on project almost complete

newsdurhamregion.com
Apr 23, 2009

By Keith Gilligan

DURHAM -- The Region has taken another step to an incinerator being built in Clarington.

With a 17-to-7 vote on Wednesday, Durham councillors approved Covanta Energy Corporation as the 'preferred vendor' to design, build and operate the energy-from-waste facility.

The incinerator, if built, carries a price tag of $235.76 million to build.

Durham is in the final stages of an environmental assessment on the proposed facility. The provincial environment ministry has the final say on if the facility is built.

"Regional council has now approved the report allowing the Region to move forward with an Early Works Agreement with the preferred vendor," Regional Chairman Roger Anderson said. "This will allow the required work to be done to finalize the environmental assessment. This is another key milestone in the Durham/York Residual Waste Study."

While the assessment is almost complete, Durham is also looking for landfill space to carry the Region over until the incinerator is built. A tender is to close in three weeks, in which the Region is seeking to dump waste for at least three years, said works commissioner Cliff Curtis.

"Even if this (incinerator) process is successful, it won't be until 2013 before the energy-from-waste will be built," Mr. Curtis said in an interview.

Durham currently ships its trash to Michigan, but the state has said it will close off the border for trash next year.

Whitby Councillor Joe Drumm opposed awarding the contract to Covanta, saying the company has an "abysmal record" in labour relations.

Pickering Councillor Rick Johnson supported hiring the company, saying, "Our public has said no to landfill. Three (provincial) governments have tried to site a landfill in our community and our public has said no."

He visited a Covanta facility in Florida last year and "I didn't hear anybody against it."

The only change to the recommendation councillors made was to require a full staff presentation be part of a public information session being held in Clarington on May 12.

In selecting Covanta, the Region is also going to spend another $2.9 million, including $2 million to consultants. to help finish the assessment. The remaining money goes to Covanta to come up with architectural designs for the outside of the incinerator, and to negotiate with the ministry of environment on required certificates.

Mr. Curtis told councillors a Certificate of Approval has to be negotiated with the Province before construction work can start.

Residents pleased with council's decision to support purchase

newsdurhamregion.com
Apr 22, 2009 - 11:20 AM

By Kristen Calis

PICKERING -- It was all smiles at Pickering City Hall Monday night after Whitevale residents received good news from council.

PHOTO BY GORD WILLSON Hope remains for Whitevale church PICKERING -- Ann E. Ward, youth leader at Whitevale United Church, serves up some food at the village's annual Corn Roast. Residents in Whitevale are making an effort to purchase the 125-year-old church, which will soon go upfor sale. The Whitevale and District Residents' Association plans to use revenues from such events to run the church itself.

The community recently learned Whitevale United Church will soon go up for sale. The biggest worry: that the 125-year-old church could be sold into private hands and no longer be available for public use. So, the Whitevale and District Residents' Association formed a rescue group, Save Whitevale Village Church, with the intention to purchase it. Longtime resident Gordon Willson presented the plans and asked for council's support.

To their surprise, Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson introduced a motion that council provide a $20,000 grant to help them with their operating costs.

"There seems to be a perceptible wish out there for our efforts to rescue our church to succeed," Mr. Willson said in an e-mail.

And after Mayor Dave Ryan ensured the group will receive the money only upon successful purchase of the property, council supported the motion. Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson said the initiative shows the great quality of life in Whitevale, as well as council's support of heritage buildings.

"I think this is a great message to send to Whitevale (and) all of Pickering," he said.

The church had been operating alongside two other churches as a three-point charge under York Presbytery until they amalgamated into one in 2004, with services running mainly out of Zion-Cedar Grove United Church in Markham. But Whitevale United youth leader Ann E. Ward and others persuaded York Presbytery to keep Whitevale's doors open for public use.

They created Kids.stage, which held a number of concerts, plays and fundraisers by youth, due to the great acoustics. The community held a number of events, such as corn roasts, rummage sales and crafting at the church throughout the year. However, word got out in late 2008 the church would soon go up for sale, and Kids.stage performed for the last time in December.

Residents have met numerous times over the past few weeks, working desperately to find a solution.

"It's been the most intense three weeks I can remember for many years," Mr. Willson said, adding the entire community has worked hard. Around 60 people even attended one meeting.

The Residents Association hopes the building can operate under a not-for-profit status and would host events, which have proven to bring in about $12,000 per year over the past five years. The group has also been in contact with Ajax-Pickering MP Mark Holland and is hopeful it can qualify for some federal funding, since Whitevale will celebrate its 125th anniversary next year.

newsdurhamregion.com
Apr 21, 2009

To the editor:

Re: More information on computer bill suggested, Chester Li letter, April 20.

I find Rick Johnson's newsletter very informative. What would Chester Li suggest? If he didn't put one out, I'm sure there would be plenty of complaints about a lack of communication. As for his computer. I called him to find out what he got for our $2,679, as any of his constituents could have. Why was it replaced?

City staff told him that it needed replacing as the old one was "ancient" and very slow. I checked a name brand (Dell), middle-of-the-line system with printer, router (Internet access), 20-inch monitor and both office productivity software and anti-virus, and extended warranty and got a price more than what he spent.

Perhaps Mr. Li would have gone for a no-name or a "cheap" system. A friend of mine worked for IBM's customer support area for a few years and the one comment she got from many of the people she surveyed was that you get what you pay for.

Robert White

Pickering

newsdurhamregion.com
Apr 20, 2009

To the editor:

Could Pickering councillor Rick Johnson inform us of the major usage of the $2,679 computer? Do you need special software to run mathematical simulation? Do you need special hardware to perform a technological experiment? Or you just use Internet and e-mail?

I recycled your newsletter without reading it. Did you receive positive feedback about your newsletters? If not, I believe it is reasonable to stop it in 2009.

Remember this is taxpayers' hard-earned money.

Chester Li

Pickering

Might take six years to reach waste diversion target

newsdurhamregion.com
Apr 03, 2009

By Keith Gilligan

DURHAM -- It might take another six years before Durham Region reaches a 70-per-cent waste diversion rate, a consultant says.

Pamela Russell, of Golder Associates, told Durham Regional councillors on Wednesday that a 70-per-cent diversion rate by 2010, the Region's goal, is "fairly unrealistic."

She said 2013 to 2015 would be a more realistic time frame, noting it's taken the Region 20 years to get to a 50-per-cent diversion rate. "The next 20 per cent will be harder to get to."

The diversion rate now sits at 50 per cent, the highest in Ontario, she said. That includes blue box items, composting and items dropped off at transfer stations.

Ms. Russell noted that with a 100-per-cent participation rate and 100 per cent of recyclable and compostable items collected, the Region would have a 71-per-cent diversion rate.

Such a scenario is unrealistic, Ms. Russell said.

About 80 per cent of items that can be put in blue boxes are placed there, well above the provincial average of 63 per cent, she stated.

And, 62 per cent of organics are gathered. "It's a new program and there are barriers to it. Sixty-two per cent is good," Ms. Russell said.

"It's realistic to increase blue-box capture from 80 to 85 per cent, and organics from 62 to 75 per cent," she noted.

Ways to increase diversion include more public education, increased waste electronics collection, enforcing existing bylaws and providing one more blue box to each home, Ms. Russell said.

To reach 70 per cent, which Ms. Russell described as "very ambitious," she said, "we recommend you increase the capture of existing programs. Then implement new materials."

"We have the highest diversion rate and we've done it without bylaw or garbage police. There's always pushback when we put in bylaws and we can't enforce them," said Marilyn Pearce, the Scugog mayor and finance committee chairwoman.

"Fear is how we got to where we are. Residents feared they would get another landfill," Pickering Councillor Rick Johnson said.

The cost of getting to 70 per cent would be "into millions of dollars," Ms. Russell said, noting that it would be $3 million to introduce additional plastic items.

Cliff Curtis, the works commissioner, said the Region needs a 70-per-cent diversion rate or the proposed incinerator in Clarington will be too small.

SNAP Pickering
March 2009

The Hamlet of Claremont recognized 100 years of volunteer fire fighting in the community on February 7th. The firefighters were given a plaque during the dedication ceremony as part of the Claremont Winter Fair over the weekend of February 6th-8th. The plaque was presented in front of a full and very appreciative house. The plaque was inscribed with the names of all those known to have served as Claremont volunteer firefighters. Pickering Ward 3 Councilor Rick Johnson was among the attendees and congratulated the men on behalf of the City of Pickering.

Rick with Claremont's amazing and dedicated firefighters	Chief Bill Douglas with Councilor Rick Johnson and two of the longest serving volunteer firefighters

Residents, some councillors, fearful of sprawl

newsdurhamregion.com - Mar 26, 2009

By Kristen Calis

PICKERING -- Although Durham Region's plans to accommodate Pickering's future growth aren't perfect, it's a work in progress and allows for change, says Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson.

"Things change, they evolve, and this document will continue to evolve," he said.

Councillor Johnson said the Region has to plan for growth, which it's doing with the Provincially required growth plan, and accommodate the new residents moving to the area.

Mayor Dave Ryan agreed.

"You have to put a pin in the map somewhere," he said.

The Province believes Durham will reach one million people by 2031, and the Region of Durham has to submit its plan to accommodate that growth by June.

The plan was narrowly passed by council Monday night, but residents weren't thrilled with it.

The plan is premature, said Angie Jones, adding baby boomers are getting older and people are having fewer children.

"We don't even know what we're planning for," she said.

The plan projects Pickering will have a population of 226,000 by 2031 and 77,000 jobs. It predicts an additional 36,000 housing units between 2015 and 2031. The plan identifies a transportation hub at the GO station in south Pickering, and staff asked that the GO station planned for Seaton also be deemed a transportation hub. Staff requested some changes to the plan, but agreed with it over all.

All lands in northeast Pickering (the whitebelt lands) are proposed for future urban uses.

A shovel hasn't hit the ground in Seaton, yet Durham is seeking even more land for growth, a resident criticized.

"Are environmental consequences even considered in this anymore?" Steve Murray said.

In the case of an economic depression, he said, local farmland could be a huge asset, and many people see agriculture as the next economic boom.

"We'll have squandered our chances," he said.

The City does, however, support protection of agricultural land outside of the whitebelt.

Peter Rodrigues said more environmental assessments should be done on areas such as Seaton and Carruther's Creek and added prime farmland should be preserved. He also felt the proposed airport in north Pickering, which has been a possibility since 1972 but has never come to fruition, shouldn't be included in the plans.

"The growth plans take into account an airport on the federal lands," he said. "This is not yet the case and may never be the case."

Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles, who made a number of amendments for the Region to consider in its plan, made one to reconfirm the City doesn't support an airport.

Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley said projections for Pickering's Urban Growth Centre, which will accommodate significant intensification, were left out.

"I have to say, why are we approving this then?" she said. "There are just so many things we don't know."

Coun. Littley, Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson and Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell voted against the plan.

Durham councillors oppose facility in Pickering

newsdurhamregion.com
Mar 12, 2009

By Keith Gilligan

DURHAM -- A sewage odour control facility should be in York Region, say Durham councillors.

Durham Regional Council voted unanimously Wednesday to tell the provincial environment minister to put the odour control facility (OCF) in York rather than just south of the Pickering hamlet of Cherrywood West, on Altona Road north of Finch Avenue.

The York-Durham Sewage System is being expanded to accommodate future growth in York and the OCF is a needed component of the expansion.

Residents living near the proposed site have waged a campaign to have the facility moved elsewhere, preferably to somewhere in York. They packed the council chamber as councillors debated the issue.

"The message to the minister (of environment) is 'Take it and move it.' It's very clear, move it," Pickering Councillor Bill McLean said.

For York Region, the message was, "If it costs you a few bucks to deal with your odour, so be it. The time for consultation is over. The time for action is now," Coun. McLean said. "The pipe has to go. What doesn't have to go is the odour control facility."

An environmental assessment (EA) found the Cherrywood site was the technically-preferred location, Cliff Curtis, the works commissioner, said.

The EA was filed in November, but the ministry has "literally called a time-out" so the OCF site could be dealt with, Mr. Curtis said.

Pickering Councillor Bonnie Littley proposed having the OCF moved to a site in York, saying odour "isn't something you can escape. It should be re-evaluated and York Region made to deal with this."

Some Durham councillors toured a similar facility in Edmonton last week and found "there's a problem there," Pickering Councillor Rick Johnson said. "We don't want an odour control facility that doesn't work."

More than two dozen residents had wanted to speak, but councillors approved having the OCF in York prior to letting the people speak.

"It shouldn't go there (the preferred site). It should go in York," Rhonda Mendes said.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," Devi Gopalan said to councillors.

newsdurhamregion.com
Mar 10, 2009

PICKERING -- The Pickering Home and Design Centre is changing its name to Shops at Pickering Ridge, and the owner wants to spread the word with four large signs.

At council's executive committee meeting Monday, a representative for Pickering Brock Centre submitted an application for a variance to Pickering's sign bylaw at the shopping centre, which fronts Brock Road between Hwy. 401 and Kingston Road. The owner wants to erect three, 10.6-metre signs, fronting Hwy. 401, Brock Road and Pickering Parkway (with video at the last location). It also plans one for the roof of the former Papp's restaurant, which now has new owners.

Although pleased with progress on the property, Mayor Dave Ryan didn't agree with the video sign.

"I don't think that video signs promote safety. In fact, I think they detract from it," he said, adding it could also bother nearby residents.

Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson said it's important to create jobs and attract people to Pickering.

"I think this is a very exciting project and we have to move along," he said.

Council approved the application, but chose to defer the decision on the video sign to a later date. But City clerk Debi Wilcox said in a phone interview the applicant since informed the City it still wants to erect the sign fronting Pickering Parkway, but plans to retract its proposal for video.

Pickering Councillor Rick Johnson ... "we've got to create jobs for Durham Region"

McGuinty flip-flop will see province own Durham extension of high-toll highway

newsdurhamregion.com
Jan 28, 2009

By Robert Benzie, Tess Kalinowski, Carola Vyhnak

The government of Ontario is getting back into the toll highway business, announcing it will own the planned expansion of the privately run Highway 407.

Jeff Hayward / Metroland File The province of Ontario says it will retain ownership of the Hwy. 407 extension eastward through Durham Region.

In a surprise move yesterday, Transportation Minister Jim Bradley revealed the extension of the pay-for-use highway from Brock Rd. in Pickering to Highways 35 and 115 in Clarington would be owned and run by the province.

"Clearly, the public agrees that the province of Ontario should own roads in the province of Ontario," Bradley told reporters, noting motorists have been angered by the rising tolls on the private 407ETR.

"The province will control the tolling on the remainder of the highway," he said.

But Bradley had few details on how much it would cost and whether 407 users travelling from the privately run section would have to pay an additional toll when they enter the provincially operated stretch, expected to open in 2013.

"We haven't had a detailed discussion about how the tolling would work," said 407ETR spokesperson Steve Spencer, adding it's still "early."

Bradley said yesterday's announcement coincided with the first in a series of public meetings on the road extension. He insisted there was no intent to bury the news under the avalanche of federal budget coverage yesterday.

The province expects the project to generate 24,000 construction jobs and toll revenues will pay for it.

News that the Liberals will impose their own tolls on what will be a publicly owned highway is a U-turn for Premier Dalton McGuinty.

"I'm personally against tolls, and we're going to make sure we have the kind of financing package in place that eliminates the need for tolls," he said on June 15, 2007. His comments came more than a year after his government lost the last of seven court challenges against 407 International Inc. over toll hikes.

Since taking office in 2003, McGuinty has argued the company, which in 1999 paid $3.1 billion to the Progressive Conservative government for a 99-year lease to run the 407, was violating its contract.

"When you're dealing with big transportation issues, putting something like that in the hands of a private corporation that's only interested in how much money they can make is not going to provide a good public solution," said NDP Leader Howard Hampton.

Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory said the Liberals' long-awaited announcement was politically motivated, given the by-election he's contesting in the area.

Tolls will place an unfair burden on the residents of Durham Region, said Pickering Councillor Rick Johnson, but, "We do need more lanes and we'll take them at whatever the costs.

"We've got to move goods and services, we've got to create jobs for Durham Region," he said.

Drivers, however, have been clear they don't want tolls, said Canadian Automobile Association spokesperson Edyta Zdancewicz, adding the CAA plans to discuss the issue with Queen's Park officials.

For the Geisbergers, it's a good news-bad news scenario.

"We truck our own crops and the 401 is crazy busy so (the extension) is a plus," says Lisa Geisberger. She grows corn, canola, wheat and soy beans with her husband, Rick, on a farm near Bowmanville, about a kilometre from the planned route. "But it's costly using the 407. I don't like the idea of paying more tolls."

While she sees the need for the extension, she won't be happy about being able to "see it and hear it."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Robert Benzie, Tess Kalinowski and Carola Vyhnak are reporters with the Toronto Star

newsdurhamregion.com
Jan 20, 2009

PICKERING -- Pickering council hopes residents will have a little more time to give their two cents' worth on an odour control facility that may go in Cherrywood.

York Region plans to construct a sewage odour control facility (OCF) just south of the Cherrywood West subdivision in Pickering in order to accommodate the expansion of the York-Durham Sewage System. But on Monday, Pickering council voted to have York consider alternative locations for the OCF after a number of Cherrywood residents attended last week's executive committee meeting to state their opposition. Last week, the Durham Region works committee also asked staff to further investigate the facility, including the costs to construct an OCF in York rather than Durham.

Pickering council on Monday put forward a motion (Councillor Rick Johnson brought forward this motion) to ask the minister of the environment for a three-month extension on the due date for public consultation on the OCF's environmental assessment. It was originally scheduled to commence on Jan. 23.

newsdurhamregion.com
Jan 16, 2009

By Reka Szekely

DURHAM -- Region staff will take another look at a proposed sewage odour control facility (OCF) slated for Pickering after residents lobbied against the project.

The facility is part of the infrastructure necessary for an expansion of the York-Durham Sewage System, also known as the Big Pipe. A number of residents from the Cherrywood West subdivision in Pickering are upset because the OCF is to be located 300 metres south of their neighbourhood.

Their main concern is the potential smell if it doesn't function as well as engineers are predicting and the effect on their property values. They made their case to Pickering City Council, where they won support, and to the Region on Jan. 14.

"Potential buyers will figure out they would be living quite close to an odour control facility and who would want that?" said Grizelda Verbancic.

Pickering councillors Rick Johnson and Bonnie Littley shared the residents' concerns and Coun. Johnson asked staff to further investigate the facility, including the cost of locating it in York Region instead of Durham.

He said there are odour problems with an older OCF located in Pickering that also provides odour control for the Big Pipe. Region staff have said in the past that when it's working, there are no odours, but when the facility breaks down, there's no back-up system to prevent odours. The new facility would have such a system.

Still, Coun. Johnson said he doesn't blame residents for being skeptical that everything will work well.

"We have existing problems with the existing facility that's not been corrected and now we're moving on to another facility."

Coun. Littley echoed residents in suggesting the plant be built in York instead.

"It's their sewage and it's their pipe and it's their odour, so I think they should take it on their side."

John Presta, the Region's director of environmental services, said Pickering is technically the most practical place to put the OCF since that's where most of the odours will be generated because there will be drops in the pipes due to geography.

"Putting an odour-control facility up there in York doesn't make practical sense," he said. Presta noted, however, it would be technically possible to build it in York.

Devi Gopalan, who lives about three kilometres from the proposed OCF site, at the meeting said she doesn't feel like her concerns have been adequately addressed so far. She approved of the committee's action.

"I think it was amazing how the committee pushed for further answers."

York and Durham regions have already submitted the environmental assessment for the Big Pipe extension, including the OCF, and public comments on the EA are due Jan. 23. Works commissioner Cliff Curtis predicts since residents have expressed their opposition, the Ministry of the Environment will ask the two sides to sit down and try to work out a compromise.

Executive committee approves possible projects as result of Big Pipe expansion
newsdurhamregion.com
Jan 15, 2009

Kristen Calis

PICKERING -- How can Pickering City Council oppose an odour control facility being built in Pickering, but then ask for $8 million from the regions that are putting it there? asked Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson.

But, on Monday, the City of Pickering's executive committee approved staff's suggested enhancements that are to come with the expansion of the York-Durham Sewage System (Big Pipe) that runs from York Region into Pickering. This happened just before Pickering denied a proposal for the Big Pipe's sewage odour control facility (OCF) to go into Cherrywood in Pickering.

The Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant in Pickering treats sewage from Durham and York regions - about 80 per cent comes from York - and is owned by both. Plans have been submitted for the Southeast Collector Trunk Sewer Project, needed to handle the increased waste from York's growing population. As part of the Individual Environmental Assessment process, an enhancement plan for Pickering - set to total about $8 million - is required.

Along the same lines as Coun. Johnson, Mayor Dave Ryan said they shouldn't have discussed the proposed enhancements at all since everyone was adamantly against the OCF going into Cherrywood.

"(It's) counter-productive and sending the entire wrong message not only to York Region, but to the community at large," he said.

Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell argued since the City's "hands were tied" over the Big Pipe's approval, Pickering Council should make sure key projects are addressed.

"This is the time for the City to have a net benefit from York Region hauling its waste to this city," she said.

Key infrastructure projects include reconstructing the Palmer Bridge on Valley Farm Road ($1.4 million) and improvements to Beverley Morgan Park ($1 million) and Maple Ridge Park ($25,000). Funding of $20,000 for a Petticoat Creek Watershed Strategy has already been sent to the City.

The report will go to Council on Monday for final approval.

Executive committee endorses urban forest strategy
newsdurhamregion.com
Jan 14, 2009

By Kristen Calis

PICKERING -- The executive committee wants to ensure sufficient tree coverage is included in future plans throughout Pickering.

The committee on Monday endorsed the development of an urban forest strategy, a comprehensive document that establishes guiding principles and policies to manage the City's urban forest and tree canopy. Different from a tree-planting program, it considers urban forests as part of the planning process as well as their long-term maintenance and health.

"I think it's going to be crucial for our urban forest as we get into climate change and more invasive species like the Emerald Ash Borer," said Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley, adding it will also mitigate heat island effects.

In a report, City staff said about 20 per cent of street trees in Pickering are of the Ash variety and an urban forest study could help mitigate the problem. As long as the strategy is granted approval by Council in the upcoming budget, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority will begin an urban forest study in Pickering, which will determine the conditions of its current urban forest. The study, to be completed in early 2010, will sample 200 plots in Pickering, including existing and future growth areas, such as Seaton. The TRCA estimates it will cost about $72,000.

Since Pickering will turn 200 years old in 2011, Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson said it's a good time to replace some of the big trees that have been lost to make way for subdivisions.

"Remember, it's a lot cheaper to plant a tree than to buy a flag," Coun. Johnson said.

The City is looking for potential funding and community stewardship partners.

The issue will go to Council on Monday, Jan. 19 for final approval.