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Pickering executive committee approves 3.9-per cent tax hike
One per cent will cover legal battle with York
Mar 8, 2010
By Kristen Calis
PICKERING -- The executive committee has approved a 3.9-per cent property tax
increase, part of which will cover Pickering's legal battle with York Region.
The executive committee approved the 3.9-per cent increase -- which would have
been 2.9 per cent had it not been for $420,000 anticipated in legal fees -- at
the March 4 day-long budget meeting.
Council in the fall agreed to launch the battle against York when it felt the
City and residents were not properly consulted when York Region decided to put
an odour control facility close to the Cherrywood West subdivision to
accommodate its expansion, contradictory to the memorandum of understand they
signed. Although York later moved the station to just west of the York-Durham
Townline, it was done without consulting Pickering or residents.
Sidebar
How Pickering measures up
Pickering continues to have the lowest property taxes in the five
lakeshore municipalities. The following represents total property taxes
based on a home valued at $289,400.
Pickering - $1,134
Ajax - $1,155
Oshawa - $2,164
Clarington - $1,265
Whitby - (not available as budget hasn't been passed) |
Chief administrative officer Tom Quinn said the City has already spent $230,000
in legal fees, and although staff members planned to used 2009 money, they had
to dip into the 2010 budget to avoid running into the red.
Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley said although the legal fees have to
be covered since council chose to sue, it boils down to council signing the memo
of understanding in 2005.
"(Council at the time) should have voted to be an unwilling host in 2005," she
said.
Councillors debated lawsuits the City has won and suits it had lost, but the
committee approved that extra one per cent, as part of its $71-million current
budget.
City treasurer Gil Paterson explained the property tax increase of 3.9 per cent
represents an extra $39.42 on the local portion of the bill for an average
Pickering home valued at $340,750. Similarly, a home valued at 239,000 would pay
an extra $26.94, and a condominium valued at $195,000 would pay an extra $22.
The local portion represents 27 per cent of property taxes, with the rest going
to the Region of Durham and to the Province for education.
"I think we have struck a good balance on providing services and doing works
such as improving roads and parks to Pickering residents with an average
household tax increase of about $40 per year," Ward 3 City Councillor Dave
Pickles said after the meeting.
Three grants of $1,000 each were approved in the current budget, and the
recipients include: The Arms of Jesus Children's Mission Inc., which will go
toward aid relief in Haiti; MOTION's Youth and Community Centre; and Pickering
Olympic silver medalist Shelley-Ann Brown.
Council had considered creating a grants program for all Olympic athletes, but
Mr. Paterson said staff is considering one and it should come to council early
next year.
The capital budget totaled $21.1 million. The most expensive road work will be
$900,000 on Glenanna Road for resurfacing from Pickering Parkway to Dixie Road.
Smaller projects will include $225,000 for the reconstruction of Charlotte
Circle and $130,000 on William Street resurfacing in the north.
The committee approved Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson's motion for
additional work on Liverpool Road South, which would have otherwise been
deferred to 2011. To allow that, the committee deferred work on Bronwen Lane to
2011, and spread work on Gablehurst Crescent to be done over 2010 and 2011,
instead of it all taking place this year.
Coun. Dickerson also kept a fee from being introduced on City pick-up and
delivery of items such as picnic tables, garbage cans and barricades for
picnics, barbecues, school events and street parties.
Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson suggested seeking out advertising for
recycling bins to cover some of the costs to purchase them, which are set as
$15,000 in the budget.
Four councillors reduced their office budgets. Coun. Littley reduced her budget
by $11,600, Ward 2 Regional Councillor Bill McLean brought his down by $11,000,
Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell found $3,900 to take out, and Coun.
Pickles cut $7,550 out of his.
Mayor Dave Ryan pointed out no new staff members will be hired in 2010 and
called the budget responsible.
Mr. Paterson was happy with the budget, noting the City didn't have to draw from
reserves this year.
"I think it was a very good budget in that the increase was as low as the City
could get it and still maintain current levels of service," he said.
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Superbowl at The Fox & The Fiddle |
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It was a sea of white at The Fox & The Fiddle on Superbowl Sunday. Patrons and
staff all sported matching game t-shirts as they cheered on their football
teams. There was no shortage of spirit on this night at The Fox & The Fiddle, as
patrons enjoyed 49 cent wings, half price nachos and of course beer. Councillor
Rick Johnson was celebrating with the folks at The Fox & The Fiddle and taking
in the high energy game. Drop by The Fox & The Fiddle for a great time at 1294
Kingston Road in Pickering.
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Claremont Winter Carnival |
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 This winter, the Claremont Winter Carnival was back in town bigger and better
than ever. For ten days between January 29th and February 7th, Claremont
welcomed residents and visitors to their fair hamlet to enjoy ball hockey,
karaoke, teen dances, tobogganing, juggling, face painting, a pancake breakfast,
scavenger hunts, snowshoeing and the list goes on. SNAP dropped by for the big
event on the final day of the carnival, THE PARADE! It was a bitterly cold day,
but thankfully the sun was out, the parade entries were amazing and Constable
Fleury of the Durham Regional Police offered me some warmers for the inside of
my gloves. Thanks for your hospitality Claremont. See you next year!
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United Way of Ajax Pickering Uxbridge |
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Celebrating the wonderful achievements of the volunteers who give their time and
dedication, the United Way of Ajax Pickering Uxbridge assembled at Deer Creek
Golf and Country Club for a dinner and awards ceremony. Leading the night as MC
was Ajax’s own Eric Novak who related a touching story of how United Way had
personally touched his life as a young boy and made a life changing positive
impact. A packed room watched with joy as so many volunteers and corporate
sponsors were thanked for their commitment to our community. Kevin Modeste, the
Campaign Chair for 2009, was thanked by the United Way for his tireless work and
for reaching the sum of $1,701,630.00 in contributions. For more information,
visit www.uwayapu.org.
Rick accepting an award on behalf of the employees of Durham Region |
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Council debates Pickering airport question |
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Question will most likely go on ballot in municipal election
Feb 25, 2010
By Kristen Calis
PICKERING -- Pickering voters will be taking part in a referendum this October,
granted no one appeals council's decision.
In the early 1970s the federal government expropriated north Pickering land for
an airport, but to this day, a final decision hasn't been made. Pickering
council has stood opposed to the possibility over the years.
In October council voted that the City take the proper steps to put on the
municipal election ballot the question, "Do you support the City of Pickering's
position to oppose construction and operation of an airport in the City of
Pickering? Yes or No?"
A public meeting took place Feb. 19 and no one from the public spoke against it,
although a notice of the meeting was made public, said City clerk Debbie
Shields.
Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson said the question is ambiguous and unclear
and should be changed.
"The majority that I've asked, it's not clear to them," he said. "It's a
double-negative in there. I don't believe it's clear and concise."
Ms. Shields explained the wording is necessary since the matter is not a
municipal one, but a federal one. The question cannot ask if residents are for
or against an airport, but it can ask if they support council's opposition.
"It has to be worded that way in order to keep it within our jurisdiction," she
said.
Peter Rodrigues, resident and member of Land Over Landings, a group opposed to
the airport and in support of farming the land instead, feels the question is
unnecessary.
"It's a good question if you ask me," he said. "I can see some merits for it but
by and large I think it's a waste of time because it's kind of obvious when you
talk to people that most people don't want an airport."
Also, he feels while many oppose the airport, some, and especially new
residents, are not aware of all of the factors and the history, and may not be
informed enough to give a proper opinion.
Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles and Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick
Johnson, who represent the area on which the airport would go if it were ever
approved, didn't support the referendum question.
"I do not want to clutter up the ballot with questions that are not debatable at
all-candidates' meetings," Coun. Johnson said.
Ward 2 Regional Councillor Bill McLean said the question on the ballot is simply
to support council's longtime opposition to the airport. Plus, it should have
more clout with upper levels of government, he said, showing "this is the will
of the people."
Council passed the bylaw to put the question on the ballot as is, and the public
appeal period will go until March 23.
"Once that passes if there is no appeal, it will go on the ballot," Ms. Shields
said.
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Pickering Olympian's mother seeks financial support for daughter |
Shelley-Ann Brown's mother asks for grant
of $5,000
Feb 24, 2010
By Kristen Calis
PICKERING -- Before setting off to see her daughter
compete at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Lena
Brown made a stop at Pickering City Hall.
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JASON LIEBREGTS / METROLAND
Pickering Olympian's mother seeks financial support for daughter
PICKERING -- Lena and Clifton Brown's daughter, Shelly-Ann, is a member of
Canada's bobsled team competing at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The
Olympian is having a tough time making ends meet and her parents are looking for
local support. February 18, 2010 |
Her daughter, Shelley-Ann Brown,
is a Pickering resident who moved to Calgary a few years
ago to pursue her dream of becoming an Olympic athlete.
This year, the sprinter-turned bobsleigh brakeman has
reached her goal to compete in the two-woman bobsleigh
event at the 2010 Olympics.
But training hasn't come cheap, her mother told council
at its latest meeting, shortly before she flew to
Vancouver to watch her daughter compete in Vancouver.
"We have received an outpouring of support from various
Pickering residents who want to help Shelley-Ann reach
her Olympic dreams," her mother told council.
But funds are still short, Ms. Brown said, and requested
that council provide a one-time grant or sponsorship of
$5,000 to "help with these training costs so that she
can focus on her task at hand and hopefully bring an
Olympic medal home to the City of Pickering."
Although the Olympian receives federal government
funding, it's not enough to cover all of her needs such
as proper nutrition and vital supplements, access to
training facilities, equipment, therapy and coaching
fees, on top of living expenses in an apartment she has
to maintain, but rarely stays in due to training and
traveling requirements.
"We were hoping to raise $30,000 to see her through to
the end (of the year) and I'm not even half way there,"
her mother said in an interview.
Ms. Brown added her daughter had a part-time job waiting
tables, but had difficulty balancing it alongside her
training. In the off-season alone, she trains an average
of six days a week for three to six hours. Sponsorship
opportunities are not in abundance since she's not as
well-known as other Olympic athletes.
"It will certainly go a long way and it would really
help her to know the community is behind her," she said.
Ms. Brown and her husband help their daughter as much as
they can, but even they were thankful for Petro-Canada's
Canadian Athlete Family Program, which is covering their
accommodations in B.C. (not including air fare), so they
could cheer her on.
Council was open to the request, but didn't grant it in
time for Ms. Brown to tell her daughter the good news
before competing.
Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson suggested council
give her a $1,000 grant from the City's True Sport fund,
but Ward 2 Regional Councillor Bill McLean explained it
isn't possible since it's for entry-level athletes only.
"I certainly have no problem supporting this young woman
however I can, whether it's financially, but not in this
fashion," he said.
Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson cautioned if
council granted Ms. Brown's request, many others would
seek grants in the future.
He suggested sending a letter to upper levels of the
government asking for assistance.
"These athletes are not only representing Pickering,
they're representing Canada," he said.
Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell said she
agrees with council's cautious attitude, but "How many
Olympians do we really have in Pickering?" she said.
She noted producing Olympic athletes speaks of the
quality of Pickering's facilities.
"We should be out there cheering for them, promoting
them and doing whatever we can to help them," she said.
Council decided to refer the matter to budget
discussions next month to perhaps create a grant program
for Olympic athletes on the advice of Ward 3 City
Councillor David Pickles. Pickering, in fact, has
produced a number of Olympic athletes, according to
Chief Administrative Officer Tom Quinn, such as hurdler
Perdita Felicien.
Shelley-Ann Brown began competing on the Canadian
Bobsleigh National Team in 2007 and has over the last
three seasons, set five world start records and placed
as high as second in the World Cop competition. She also
aspires to work with and inspire children in the future.
"We're extremely proud of her," Ms. Brown said.
The Olympian is currently accepting donations, and in
appreciation, donors of any amount will receive an
autographed photograph. For information or to donate:
VISIT: www.shelley-annbrown.com E-MAIL:
shelleyann_brown@yahoo.com |
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Editorial & Opinions News Advertiser – Jan 8, 2010 |
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News Advertiser – January 8, 2010
Editorial & Opinions
With the advent of a new year comes the chance to sign nomination forms and
declare the intention to run for office in the 2010 municipal election.
If you've ever thought, really seriously thought, you could do better than the
people at your local municipal hall, this is your chance to finally prove it.
However, it will take money, time and commitment. And if you're lucky enough to
triumph on election night, that's when the real work begins.
But those who have been successful, such as longtime Durham regional
councillors Rick Johnston of Pickering and Nester Pidwerbecki of Oshawa, will
tell you they would have it no other way. The veteran municipal politicians have
been returned to their respective council posts time and time again and keep on
running because they truly love what they do. They're both committed to local,
grassroots government and while both are also not shy about showing their
political stripes - Mr. Johnston has run for the Conservatives, while Mr.
Pidwerbecki worked as an executive assistant for former federal NDP leader Ed
Broadbent and is always front and centre in Oshawa NDP campaigns - their hearts
are in their local communities.
It may seem like they've been there forever, but both had to do what every
person who sits on council must do: break through and win for the first time.
Anyone thinking of taking the municipal political plunge has to reckon with
defeating an incumbent. That's as true in a wide open race like the at-large
elections for local and regional councillors in Oshawa as it is for those ill
ward races in Ajax or Clarington.
No matter where you decide to run, unless you're extremely lucky and you get
acclaimed, you'll have a battle on your hands.
But if making a difference, if having a hand in shaping your community and if
being centrally involved in the goings-on of your municipality are important to
you, it doesn't get much more intense than local politics.
Instead of being one of those people complaining about the tax increase, you can
actually do something about it - or at least try to.
Instead of just throwing your hands in the air over a decision council made, you
can make the decision. Instead of being frustrated at what councillors are
saying at the municipal table, you can be one of the people doing the talking -
or better yet, listening.
It takes good people to run a local council and there are never enough of them.
If you want to be a part of shaping your community from the inside out, jump
into the race this fall. You never know where it could take you. |
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New Year's Eve Family Fun Party |
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The City of Pickering wound down 2009 with a free fun-filled family party at the
Pickering Recreation Complex. Residents enjoyed an evening of free events
including craft making, story-time,
the showing of Ice Age II on a big screen,
popcorn, hot chocolate and snow cones; as well as skating, swimming, an official
countdown, balloon drop and the singing of Auld Lang Syne, by no other than
Pickering Mayor, Dave Ryan. It was an amazing free event for families, who were
asked to bring a food donation for the local food banks.
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New Years Eve at Papps |
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Lots of familiar faces rang in the New Year at Papps Casual Dining and Banquet
Hall on December 31st in Pickering.
After enjoying a beautiful roast beef dinner, guests danced the night away to
the great sounds of Rick Johnson's County Jamboree with special guests Allan
Dollar and Aaron Solomon. At midnight guests donned their party hats and blew
their favours as they raised their glasses of champagne to toast 2010. To book a great party or just enjoy a fabulous dinner out, drop by Papps at 1755 Pickering Parkway or call 905-239-6878.
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Scott and Heather Wilcox with Trish and Bill Twigg |
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Mayor's New Year's Day Levee |
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Mayor Dave Ryan and members of council invited residents of Pickering to
Pickering City Hall for the annual Mayor's New Year's Day Levee. Constituents
had the opportunity to meet their representatives while enjoying the musical
stylings of The Uptown Swing Band and the circus antics of Circus Jonathan.
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Haiti Relief Charity Reception |
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On January 12th, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti. The whole world
watched in horror as video and pictures came out of Haiti. Immediately, people,
organizations and countries began to give back through donations and of course
the Pickering community rose to action.
The newly formed Pickering Community For
Haitian Relief Committee, whose members include Councillor O'Connell, Dickerson,
McLean and former Councillor Brenner, joined with Al Dente Restaurant and the
Pickering Caribbean Cultural Association and hosted a charity relief cocktail
reception. Mayor Dave Ryan, Councillors, Littley, Johnson, Pickles, MP Pickering
Scarborough East, Dan McTeague, as well as local business members and residents
came out to support the effort. As a result, the committee raised $6,000 which
the Federal Government will match. Congratulations to all those who
participated. |
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Pickering council declines to revisit regional chairman election issue |
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Former Clarington mayor asks for Pickering support of direct election
Pickering News-Advertiser
Jan 21, 2010
By Kristen Calis
PICKERING -- Council did not reaffirm its view that the position of regional
chairman should be filled by direct election Monday, despite a local
councillor's attempt to persuade them.
Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell tried to introduce a motion that
Pickering reaffirm its position that the regional chairman should be elected via
direct election instead of being appointed by regional councillors, but council
wouldn't allow her to put the motion on the table.
Pickering, Ajax and Oshawa included the topic as a referendum question in the
2006 election, and nearly 90 per cent of voters supported the idea.
The regional chairman's seat has been held by Roger Anderson since 1997.
John Mutton, former Clarington mayor, made a presentation to council on Monday
asking it to reaffirm its support, and try to encourage all Durham councils to
put the question onto its 2010 ballot.
Anyone who moves motions and has an important say in decisions surrounding
Durham Region should be elected by the people, he said.
"The regional chairman is political," he said.
He said although Pickering has been a leader in the matter, reaffirming its
position could help encourage other municipalities to get on board.
"You need to take a leadership position because the other municipalities are not
that different from you," he said.
Pickering mayoral candidate Maurice Brenner is also in support of direct
election.
"Appointment lacks accountability," he told council. "Can you imagine appointing
a mayor or appointing a councillor?"
Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson asked if it might be too late to think
about putting a question on the ballot for 2010.
Mr. Mutton said he's checked with different clerks' departments and they've told
him the timing is sufficient.
"I think other councils would be doing a disservice if they didn't have the
question on the ballot in this election," he said.
Mayor Dave Ryan asked Mr. Mutton if he has any intention of running as regional
chairman if it were possible, to which he answered "yes."
Both Oshawa and Clarington councils reaffirmed its support of the matter this
month.
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Durham likes new provincial waste plan |
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However, details still need to be hammered out
Pickering News-Advertiser
Jan 21, 2010
By Keith Gilligan
DURHAM -- The details still have to be worked out, but Regional officials are
pleased with new waste-management proposals being pushed by the Province.
"The Province is finally getting it," Pickering Councillor Rick Johnson said as
councillors reviewed the proposals Tuesday.
From Waste to Worth: The Role of Waste Diversion in the Green Economy outlines
several initiatives, the main one being extended producer responsibility. This
means those responsible for putting products and packaging into the marketplace
are responsible for managing the waste associated with them.
"This is exceptional news. It's a huge step forward by the Province," Regional
Chairman Roger Anderson said. "This is putting responsibility for waste back on
the producers."
"Staff are concerned about the lack of detail in how it will roll out," works
commissioner Cliff Curtis said.
There are "potentially huge savings" if the new system is put in place, he said,
noting the Region could save about $3 million annually.
Currently, the Province is gathering comments from municipalities and businesses
on its proposals.
The provincial report lays out when more materials will be diverted from
landfills or incineration. Timelines include more electronic and electrical
equipment, dubbed 'everything with a cord', and construction and demolition
materials within two years of the program starting. Within three years,
furniture and mattresses would be diverted, and, within five years, vehicles,
branded organics, such as diapers and disposable wipes, and small household
items, such as toys, disposable razors and disposable water filters.
"The concept is a premium will be placed on disposal. If you make something
that's not recyclable, there will be a premium to dispose of it," Mr. Curtis
said. "There will be a surcharge to dispose of it in a landfill."
There's no word yet if there would be a premium to put something into an
incinerator, Mr. Curtis added.
"This (provincial report) is a very high level. We still have to work out the
details," he noted. "It's going to be cost driven and the costs will be borne by
producers."
"Consumers will be the real driving force to make this work," Whitby Councillor
Gerry Emm said. "For future councils, this will be a great tool."
Ajax Councillor Scott Crawford said, "This is a step in the right direction, but
the steps will take so gosh darn long."
Some measures would be five years to start, he noted.
"Understand, the earliest the Province would implement this is 2011. The clock
starts ticking after the legislation is passed," Mr. Curtis said. "Consultations
need to take place."
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Pickering to blow out 200 candles |
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City plans for bicentennial celebration
Pickering News-Advertiser
Jan 20, 2010
By Kristen Calis
PICKERING -- On March 4, 2011, the City of Pickering will celebrate 200 years.
And the City has a number of events planned to mark the milestone.
On Monday, Council approved the Pickering bicentennial program, which is stacked
with a number of activities for families.
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RYAN PFEIFFER / METROLAND
PICKERING -- Marisa Carpino, supervisor of culture and recreation with the
City of Pickering, is one of the lead staff members putting together the
2011 bicentennial celebration program for the city. Ms. Carpino was
pictured at Pickering Museum Village Jan. 13. January 13, 2010 |
"It's a unique experience to achieve 200 years," said Marisa Carpino, the acting
division head of culture and recreation. "We're very lucky to be one of the few
generations that can celebrate this type of milestone in our community."
The City mostly plans to go ahead with its usual annual events, but with
bicentennial themes and branding tacked onto them to keep costs down.
"To respect residents who are having a challenging time, this is not going to be
an extensive celebration, but a unique opportunity of celebrating these years,"
Ms. Carpino said.
The City plans to ask for approval of $43,000 in the 2011 budget for enhanced
and new events. If the City doesn't get sponsorships or grants for those extra
events, it simply won't go through with them.
"It would need to be entirely offset by grants or sponsorships," Ms. Carpino
said.
In the 2010 budget, staff will ask council for $33,000 for marketing and
branding purposes, which council had already approved in the 2009 budget, but
never spent. Branding will have to be finalized this year so special items can
be produced and out in the community for the beginning of 2011, Ms. Carpino
said.
Branding will include flags, pins and badges, for example. The bicentennial logo
will be presented to council this February for approval.
As long as grants are approved, Pickering is hoping to host a huge Canada Day
celebration in 2011, which is projected to cost $25,000, and will include a
swearing-in ceremony for new Canadians, and a Canadian headliner.
Annual events, such as a Family Day celebration, Christmas in the Village, the
New Year's Eve Family Countdown and the Waterfront Concert Series, will require
only extra branding.
Events will also be hosted by various community organizations, such as a speaker
series by the Pickering Public Library, a soccer tournament by the Pickering
Soccer Club and an Italian heritage multicultural and sporting event held by the
Ajax-Pickering Italian Social Club.
"This is the seed work and a very exciting time," said Ward 3 Regional
Councillor Rick Johnson at an executive committee meeting, when the plans were
first proposed.
He asked staff if they've thought about speaking to the Town of Ajax since some
of the old buildings in Pickering Village once belonged to Pickering before
amalgamation, and seeing if the Town would like to participate.
Everett Buntsma, director of operations and emergency services, said he hadn't
yet gotten instruction from council to do so, but he'd look into it.
"To rule out that component might not give us the true bicentennial that we're
looking for," Coun. Johnson said.
Pickering's actual birthday will be celebrated on March 4, 2011 at the Pickering
Civic Complex during the day and in the evening. It will include a birthday
cake, a re-enactment of the first council meeting by the Backwoods Players, a
free swim, and children's entertainment. |
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Pickering council approves retirement residence |
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Six-storey, 135-unit residence a go, despite objections
Pickering News-Advertiser
Jan 20, 2010
By Kristen Calis
PICKERING -- Council on Monday approved plans for a six-storey retirement
residence on Glengrove and Kingston roads, despite resident requests to send the
plans back to staff for further work.
V!VA Retirement Corp. requested a zoning bylaw amendment to remove two empty
homes on the property and to build a 135-unit rental retirement residence and a
day care with 25 spots. V!VA plans to hire between 40 and 60 employees in total.
"I'm really excited about having the day care integrated with the seniors
component," Mayor Dave Ryan said, adding it will be beneficial to both the
seniors and the children.
Council felt V!VA worked openly with staff and residents and were sensitive
toward their issues. One resident had concerns of the interference the building
could have with his amateur radio station operation and satellite reception. Rob
Freeman, V!VA's planner, said at the meeting the company has put in writing it
will accommodate his concerns and those of any others with similar issues.
Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson said he was apprehensive of the plans at
first. But in the summer, V!VA held a well-attended public meeting and he could
see the developer would address their concerns.
"It's very important to have the community involved," he said.
Resident Peter Smith said the plans should go back to staff for further work.
While not against a retirement residence, he felt the height isn't suitable for
the neighbourhood, and feared more of the same will follow.
Director of planning and development Neil Carroll said V!VA represents the
northern limit of high-density on Glengrove Road, and he wouldn't support any
applications for dense buildings north of it.
Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles said he'd hate for the plans to go to the
Ontario Municipal Board if council rejected the application. They'd then be
subject to changes over which the City has no control.
Mr. Carroll said the area is designated mixed-corridor use and if it did go to
the OMB, the property could be subject to even more commercial possibilities.
"It's probably one of the most broad designations in our official plan," Mr.
Carroll said.
Coun. Johnson asked Mr. Freeman if the plans were referred back to staff,
whether VIVA would take the application to the OMB.
"I'm not sure we could achieve much more than we already have, quite frankly,"
he said.
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How Durham Votes: Old faces versus new blood at city hall |
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Veteran Durham politicians say it takes a long time to get some things done
Pickering News-Advertiser
Jan 08, 2010
By Keith Gilligan
DURHAM -- It's an age-old argument -- should a long-serving politician step
aside to make way for new blood?
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RYAN PFEIFFER / METROLAND
Old faces versus new blood at city hall
OSHAWA -- Nester Pidwerbecki has been an Oshawa and regional councillor for 20
years. January 5, 2010. |
What about the years of experience a politician has accrued and the knowledge
that comes with it?
Pickering Councillor Rick Johnson has been on council since 1988.
"It takes a lot of years" to accomplish some things, Coun. Johnson notes,
pointing to the 19 years it took to have a train bridge installed at Brock and
Taunton roads.
"People think politicians can't make a difference. They can, but it takes a lot
of years," he adds.
Nester Pidwerbecki agrees, having been on Oshawa council since 1990.
A councillor's success depends on "what you're prepared to put into it. In
speaking with a lot of younger people, they really don't know how much work we
put in," Coun. Pidwerbecki says.
People often come to city hall and don't see councillors, he notes.
In addition to council meetings, there are community meetings most nights.
"It's a lot of time and effort," Coun. Pidwerbecki says. "We do things that
don't get reported. It requires a lot of time. Young people don't realize it."
It's easy to put in 40 hours a week on the job, he says.
A typical scenario is getting home and sitting down for dinner, when the phone
rings.
"You think it's another telemarketer and it's a person with a genuine concern,"
Coun. Pidwerbecki states. "You have to be dedicated and want to do this for the
community."
Anyone thinking a councillor's job is going to a couple of meetings a week will
"get into the wrong job."
Councillors aren't required to, but generally do attend most festivities and
events, Coun. Johnson says.
"It's not just going to a meeting on Monday night and go back to your job the
next day," he notes.
A federal or provincial politician will make decisions that have an effect
months or years down the road, while a municipal politician's decisions are much
more immediate, he says.
"Calls reflect the day-to-day, grassroots," he notes, pointing to something such
as a watermain breaking.
"Eighty per cent of property taxes, and water and sewer, are handled by a
regional councillor," he states. "Individually, you have to really understand
what you're doing and have the integrity to follow through."
Anyone who thinks they can make a difference might want to run for the job, Coun.
Johnson says.
"You have to get to know and get a grasp on what your neighbours and
neighbourhoods want. You might have an idea. You have to understand the wants
and needs of the community. Different parts of the community have different
issues," he says.
"Each neighbourhood has a reflection of what it wants. You have to represent
them, not do what you want," Coun. Johnson says. "You can't be selfish and be a
community leader. You have to swallow your pride."
He supported the 'Big Pipe' when it was first proposed, but many of his ward
residents opposed it, primarily because an odour control facility would be near
Cherrywood West.
"It was contrary to my previous position, but I had to switch to support them.
It was a decision for the entire community."
Name recognition may or may not play a role for veteran councillors in Oshawa
this year. Oshawa is moving to a city-wide election of council rather than the
current ward system.
Coun. Pidwerbecki hopes that will interest people in the election.
"It will give them quite a lot to consider," he says, as each voter will cast a
ballot for three City councillors, seven Regional councillors and the mayor.
"I'm sensing people are looking for changes," he says. "Perhaps that might
strike some people to get off their butts and get out and vote.
"Opening it up city-wide might give someone an advantage," he says. "I'd
certainly like to see some new people come forward. If you're doing the job,
does it matter?"
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urham Region is targeting a five-per cent reduction by 2015, 20 per cent by
2020 and 80 per cent by 2050. Whitby Councillor Don Mitchell said the goals are
“very aggressive” and not “timid,” as one resident stated.
