PICKERING -- Seeing little chance of victory, the City of Pickering is looking to settle a lawsuit with York Region over the expansion of a massive pipe that will carry sewage to the Duffin Creek sewage plant.

Last fall, Pickering councillors decided to launch a legal battle against York over whether residents were properly consulted when York Region decided to put an odour control facility close to the Cherrywood West subdivision to accommodate the expansion of the York-Durham sewer line, known as the Big Pipe.  Though the facility is now planned to sit just west of the York-Durham Townline, a vocal group of Pickering residents continue to say they weren't properly consulted on the issue.

At Monday's final council meeting before the summer break, Mayor Dave Ryan announced council had decided not to continue with a lawsuit, but instead would look to settle with York Region.  The City had not yet reached the point of actually filing the lawsuit.

“Should the City proceed on its current legal course, which quite frankly has very little chance of success, the resultant financial implications would significantly impact our budget and tax rate,” said the mayor.

He added later that the battle would likely cost the City millions and wouldn't likely see a positive outcome.  The Ministry of the Environment approved the environmental assessment for the Big Pipe expansion this spring.

Pickering will abandon legal action and look for a settlement that's financially beneficial to the City and ensures proper environmental controls are implemented, said the mayor.

The decision to abandon the lawsuit was made behind closed doors due to attorney-client privilege, said Mayor Ryan.  The negotiations will remain quiet until a settlement is reached, at which point details will be made public.

Like other opponents to the Big Pipe expansion, Pickering resident Peter Herrmann said he was very surprised the City was looking to settle.  He'd like to see the lawsuit proceed.

“There might be financial benefits for Pickering if they settle, but that's outweighed by the consequences of having a billion litres of sewage flowing through our city,” said Mr. Herrmann.

Following the meeting, Mayor Ryan said he expected some would be upset by council's decision.

“I appreciate the residents who have been involved in this may not necessarily like or agree with this action,” he said.  “(But) council as a whole have come to the conclusion this is the best action on behalf of all of the residents of Pickering.”

So far, Pickering has spent about $320,000 on the legal battle with York.

WE THINK...

Kingston Road sidewalk network's time has come in Pickering.

Pickering councillors are thinking with their feet -- to the benefit of citizens from the east side of the Millennium City to the west.

City councillors last week ...

See the full article here.

Ryan Pfeiffer / Metroland PICKERING -- Bill Hendricks walked along the gravel shoulder of Kingston Road approaching Brock Road June 28. Hendrick, who walks the route a couple of times a month, said cars will drive on the shoulder during rush hour in order to get into the turning lane.  The City plans to install sidewalks along the length of Kingston Road within Pickering's boundaries.  June 28, 2010.

PICKERING -- In the coming years, Pickering residents should be able to walk along Kingston Road comfortably and safely, from Toronto to Ajax if they want to.

It's not uncommon to see mothers pushing strollers, cyclists walking bikes, residents with mobility issues using wheelchairs and people of all ages from seniors to youth walking along the unpaved shoulder on Pickering's main street, Kingston Road.

But council unanimously hopes that will change and the puzzle will soon be pieced together.

Council has supported Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles's motion that Pickering become connected from Toronto in the west to Ajax in the east with sidewalks, making the entire road accessible for pedestrians throughout Pickering.

“The vision is to have safe, continuous sidewalks on both sides of Kingston Road, our main street, from Toronto to Ajax,” said Coun. Pickles.

Staff will prepare an inventory of the sidewalk network on Kingston Road and a plan identifying gaps and deficiencies in the network, will consider bike routes, and recommend priorities to council in time for the 2011 budget.

Ward 2 Regional Councillor Bill McLean pointed out the lack of sidewalks along the road from Whites Road to Liverpool Road.

“It scares the heck out of me to see trucks and cars whiz by, getting so close to these people,” he said.

The sidewalk won't be linked immediately, but the plan will help the City budget for an earlier completion rather than the current piecemeal approach of creating sidewalks alongside development.

All members of council agreed.

“There are few things council agrees on unanimously but Kingston Road and sidewalks affect every ward,” said Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell.

Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley had similar thoughts.

“It's dangerous and we definitely need to do something about that,” she said, referring to often seeing a woman pushing a stroller on the shoulder near Walnut Lane.

Coun. O'Connell appreciated bike lanes being listed in the motion, and suggested putting in clear and distinct bike lanes, such as using curbs rather than simple lines.

“We've seen that bike lanes don't get used if it's simply a line painted on a shoulder,” she said.

Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson expressed difficulty with using taxpayers' money for something that development charges should fund, but said he would support the initiative because the sidewalk is needed and the bottom line is safety and accessibility.

Coun. Pickles said the City has waited long enough for the sidewalks to be improved along the regional road, and added some areas without sidewalks, such as the south side of Kingston Road close to Denmar Road, will most likely never be developed and could never get a sidewalk if the City doesn't take initiative.

“We're just going to have to bite the bullet and do it,” he said.

If staff comes back with a three- to five-year plan, that will allow the City to set aside money each year and get Pickering on its way to having a fully accessible sidewalk for all, he said

Council Report Cards 2010

Following is the Metroland Durham Region Media Group's annual municipal report card, evaluating how local politicians are serving taxpayers.

Mayor

Dave Ryan

This year: A-

Last year: B+

Committee: 18/19

Council and special council meetings: 18/18

Expenses: $26,055 (local), $2,725.56 (Regional)

Mayor Ryan is a strong leader, and his grade improves this year because he is speaking more often on important topics at meetings, keeping his points clear and concise.  He often looks at both sides of the coin before sharing his position, making it clear he's considered all options.  He was quick to criticize the latest train derailment in Pickering, and arranged meetings with authorities and the transport minister.  This initiated a new federal proposal on revamped safety legislation.  He continues to push for more development and businesses in Pickering and his business and financial sense is clear at meetings.  He tends to remain quiet on contentious issues, but was an important voice in opposing the York-Durham sewer system expansion, the so-called Big Pipe.  He continues to push for sustainable development in Pickering, and jobs first in Seaton.

Ward 3 Regional Councillor

Rick Johnson

This year: C

Last year: C+

Committee: 18/19

Council: 17/18

Expenses: $34,523 (local), $2,995.02

Coun. Johnson is passionate about his job and the community.  It's unfortunate that his expenses keep increasing, and his grade drops as a result.  He introduced a motion to ask that a Pickering resident be put on the Greater Toronto Airport Authority board.  He was opposed to a referendum question on the airport because he felt it confusing and felt the answer would be convoluted.  Council ended up voting to take it off the ballot in the end.  He represents the interests of north Pickering well, doesn't shy away from any issue, and has good business sense.

Ward 2 Regional Councillor

Bill McLean

This year: B+

Last year: B

Committee: 17/19

Council: 16/18

Expenses: $14,956 (local), $1,498.80 (Regional)

Coun. McLean has the lowest expenses and advocates for transparency, which has improved his grade.  He was quick to speak up on the diesel spill discovered just one week after the latest train derailment and made it clear the City must be reimbursed for the cleanup.  He's strongly opposed to the harmonized sales tax, and initiated a campaign to let the premier know, endorsed by a number of other municipalities.  The realtor in him often brings up Pickering's appeal for potential homeowners, which played into his support of the off-leash dog park.

Ward 1 Regional Councillor

Bonnie Littley

This year: B+

Last year: B

Committee: 17/19

Council: 16/18

Expenses: $20,482 (local), $2,497.90 (Regional)

Coun. Littley has proven herself a strong councillor this year.  She comes to meetings better prepared and gets her points across in a more direct way, contributing to her grade improvement.  She's not afraid to stand against council when she feels they're in the wrong, such as disagreeing with Pickering's desire to develop the northeast Pickering lands.  Her views remain consistent with sustainability and she continues to fight the Big Pipe, and was the only councillor to attend a press conference on the topic at Queen's Park.  She advocates for local farming.

Ward 3 City Councillor

David Pickles

This year: A-

Last year: B+

Committee: 19/19

Council: 18/18

Expenses: $18,202

Coun. Pickles has perfect attendance and keeps his expenses quite low.  He often seems to be the voice of reason on council, keeping finances and legalities in mind.  He's put forward a number of motions this year, contributing to his improved grade, including asking the Region to hire a Durham-wide integrity commissioner, and to reinstate Pickering's vote for the direct election of the Regional chairman.  He's also asked Pickering staff to create an incentive plan to attract smart development to the city without decreasing Pickering's revenue.

Ward 2 City Councillor

Doug Dickerson

This year: B-

Last year: B-

Committee: 15/19

Council: 15/18

Expenses: $25,107

Coun. Dickerson is up front with both those he agrees with and those he doesn't at public meetings.  He attempted to initiate an underground wiring policy around Duffin Heights and Seaton.  Although council disagreed, it showed his commitment to sustainability.  He's been tough on the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority lately, as well as Ontario Power Generation when he felt Pickering was shut out from the decision to close the Pickering plant.  It may seem harsh, but it keeps them accountable.  He's the second biggest spender, which is why his grade did not improve this year.

Ward 1 City Councillor

Jennifer O'Connell

This year: B+

Last year: B

Committee: 18/19

Council: 18/18

Expenses: $19,897

Coun. O'Connell is passionate, well-spoken and has an opinion on almost everything.  She takes on a number of issues, such as improving the waterfront and keeps a close eye on Seaton.  She fights for what she believes in, but sometimes argues with Mayor Ryan when he tells her she runs on at meetings.  She doesn't let anyone off the hook easily on issues she deems important, whether they're speakers or council members, which contributes to her grade improvement.  And she has no qualms with challenging speakers at council, such as the time she grilled Regional Chairman Roger Anderson on his approval of the Big Pipe without consultation.  She keeps a watchful eye on the City's spending

PICKERING

THE TRAIL -- The Pickering trail starts near the Rouge River, with a spectacular view as you head east through the Petticoat Creek Conservation Area, a good place to stop for a quick rest or picnic.  The trail takes one along residential roads around Frenchman's Bay; don't try to take a shortcut along the waterfront past West Shore Boulevard, it's a dead end.  Once you bike or hike back down the east side of the bay and reach the bottom of Liverpool Road, it's along the boardwalk where one can view the large OPG wind turbine.

RESTROOMS -- There are limited opportunities for a restroom break along the Pickering trail; restrooms can be found at the west side in Petticoat Creek Conservation Area, but one won't find another public washroom until reaching the east side of Frenchman's Bay, with another facility at the foot of Liverpool Road (Millennium Square).

PICNIC SPOTS -- The Pickering waterfront trail offers a few spectacular areas for picnics; perhaps the most scenic is at the Petticoat Creek conservation area with another at the Frenchman's Bay east park.  One could also easily set up a picnic basket on the greenery near the wind turbine at the eastern part of the trail.

GRAB A BITE -- While there are great spots along the trail for picnics, if one doesn't pack food it could be a hungry journey.  However, there are some restaurants at the bottom of Liverpool Road including the quaint Waterfront Bistro overlooking the lake.

PHOTO OP -- A picturesque view of the Pickering marina is afforded at the base of Liverpool Road, especially nice during sunrise/sunset.  Getting 'underneath' the OPG windmill further east from that point can also make a dramatic shot.

AJAX

THE TRAIL -- After heading past the Pickering nuclear generating station past Brock Road, one launches onto a section of trail covered by nature's canopy.  A bridge crossing requires riders to dismount; for those on inline skates, beware as the trail turns to gravel almost immediately east of the bridge.  After an uphill battle, the trail is fairly smooth sailing with a nice view of the lake.

RESTROOMS -- Ajax's Rotary Park, on the western part of the Ajax trail, boasts washroom facilities.  More can be found slightly east of that point, but beyond that one will not find another restroom for some distance.

PICNIC SPOTS -- Ajax's trail offers several spots for picnics, with picnic tables along the way near the pedestrian bridge, and another nice spot at the waterfront park east of Shoal Point Road.  There are also large grassy areas to the north of the trail along the way (one in particular just east of Rotary Park) that could accommodate a homemade feast.

GRAB A BITE -- Rotary Park boasts a concession stand, but finding food for sale along the way is not an easy task.  It's probably best to take food for this section of trail rather than buying it.

PHOTO OP -- The footbridge just west of Rotary Park allows a nice view of a beachy area, and there are several spots along the trail east of Rotary to snap photos of the lake.  Paradise Park is another ideal area for photography near the water, just west of Shoal Point Road.

WHITBY

THE TRAIL -- Much of Whitby's waterfront trail is not on the waterfront, including a dangerous stretch of gravel shoulder along Victoria Street where large trucks and other vehicles whizz by.  (Tip: there is a narrow 'track' created by bicycles on the inside of the shoulder to smooth out the ride).  After travelling along some residential roads, one eventually finds oneself near the water near the Whitby Mental Health Centre.  But then it's back up Gordon Street, with an option to cut through a park to Watson Street or back up to Victoria for a short stretch.

RESTROOMS -- There are portable toilets on Whitby Shores Greenway just south of Victoria Street, also at the foot of the shortcut from Gordon Street to Watson Street.  Port Whitby boasts washrooms and one can also find facilities at Heydenshore Kiwanis Park near where Water Street meets South Blair Street, and portable potties on Thickson Road near Thickson Woods.

PICNIC SPOTS -- Because much of Whitby's waterfront trail is not actually on the waterfront, there are limited picnic spots.  However, there is a picnic area near Heydenshore Kiwanis Park.

GRAB A BITE -- Those feeling peckish along the Whitby trail can stop at a plaza at Gordon and Victoria streets, and there has traditionally been a chip truck stationed along Water Street near the foot of Brock Street South.  The Town boasts the Port Whitby Marina's clubhouse is open to the public for food and refreshment.

PHOTO OP -- A quaint lighthouse stands at the foot of a pier off Water Street, with more attractive scenery along the trail eastbound to Thickson Road.  Thickson's Point, just west of Thickson, is a nice lookout spot near the lake.

OSHAWA

THE TRAIL -- A new section of trail is being offered along the waterfront from the Whitby-Oshawa border to the base of Park Road, but you can also travel along Phillip Murray Avenue.  The trail then takes tourists through a picturesque wildlife reserve, before snaking up though Lakeview Park with some traveling along roadways.  But the trail east of Farewell Street is a treat; another wildlife area, and smooth sailing from there into Clarington.

RESTROOMS -- There is a portable toilet right on Boundary Road as one enters Oshawa's trail system, and facilities at Lakeview Park (slightly off the marked trail).  But it's a bit of a hike until one comes across another restroom near Darlington Provincial Park.

PICNIC SPOTS -- There aren't many picnic spots per se along the Oshawa trail, but Lakeview Park would make a suitable venue.  If you can bike or hike a little further, there is a nice picnic area at Darlington Provincial Park.

GRAB A BITE -- Food is available at Lakeview Park, but don't count on finding too many other options along the route.

PHOTO OP -- Oshawa's trail has its fair share of photo opportunities; there is a wildlife reserve just east of Cedar Street off the end of Stone Street, with ideal photo-snapping surroundings a little further along the trail at Second Marsh Wildlife Area and McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve.

CLARINGTON

THE TRAIL -- The trail opens with a trip through Darlington Provincial Park near campgrounds and picnic areas with smooth going to Courtice Road up to South Service Road.  But as the trail heads back south along Osbourne Road, it turns to gravel, not suitable for those on inline skates.  And a bit further down the trail the surface becomes clay/gravel which is also not inviting for inlines.  Be careful not to miss the OPG Darlington trail head off Solina Road.  But it's a treat for bicyclists; picnic areas, scenery, even a grassy trail leads visitors east.

RESTROOMS -- There are plenty of opportunities to stop for a break along the Clarington trail; there's a washroom just east of the McLaughlin reserve, the Ontario Parks Store in Darlington Provincial Park also boasts facilities.  There's a portable toilet at the parking lot near Park Road, with another at the parking area off West Beach Road.

PICNIC SPOTS -- Clarington also boasts pretty picnic areas; some at Darlington park, with another nice spot near the parking area at Park Road.

GRAB A BITE -- The Parks Store (in Darlington Park) boasts food and snacks.  There's the Fifth Wheel truck stop at South Service and Waverley roads, and Bobby C's restaurant offers a nice patio view of Port Darlington near the foot of Port Darlington Road.

PHOTO OP -- There is much scenery to snap along the Clarington trail, with Port Darlington a nice sight to take in.  Samuel Wilmot nature area, further east on the trail, boasts lookout points near the lake.

Jason Liebregts/ Metroland PICKERING -- Clarence Godinho recently installed solar panels on his house.  He has offered to open his house for folks interested in learning more about them for the weekend of June 19.  June 14, 2010

PICKERING -- A Pickering homeowner is so thrilled with an Ontario-wide renewable energy program that he plans to show off his new solar panel system to the community Saturday.

Clarence Godinho recently had 14 rooftop solar panels installed on the home he rents out on Liverpool Road in Pickering.  He'll host an open house Saturday to share his experience with the Ontario Power Authority's Feed-In Tariff program (microFIT).  Mr. Godinho will also have Solrcon Green Energy Systems Corporation, the company that installed his system, on hand.

He decided to jump on board with microFIT when he got a pamphlet at his Whitby residence and felt it would benefit both himself and the province.

“Not only is it a good investment for the homeowner where you get a good return but it's good for the environment,” he said.

The program was launched in October to encourage the development of small-scale renewable energy from a diverse range of producers, such as homeowners, farmers, schools, and small businesses.

The most popular microFIT project, according to the OPA's website, is the residential roof-top solar power system.

A big selling point for Mr. Godinho's buy-in was his guaranteed return on investment.  OPA is paying a fixed rate of 80.2 cents per kilowatt for the electricity produced at his home for the next 20 years.

Another reason he bought into the program was for the local labour requirement.  The program stipulates 40 per cent of all of the work must be done in Ontario.

“Starting in January of 2011 it's going to go up to 60 per cent,” Mr. Godinho said.

The installation cost him about $25,000 but he's confident it will pay for itself.

The open house will take place at 701 Liverpool Rd., (Liverpool Road and Commerce Street), from 1 to 5 p.m.

CALL: 416-880-6297

VISIT: www.powerauthority.on.ca

Photo by Walter Passarella AJAX -- The Rouge Valley Health System Foundation is raising money for an MRI machine.  Lincoln Avenue Public Sschool became the first contributors to the campain with a $300 donation.  Celebrating June 11 were, from left, Rouge Valley staff Katherine Craine, Emily Moorhouse, Terry Walmsley and Jeff Hohenkerk with junior kindergarten student Warren Laughlin on his shoulders.  They were cheerleading and enteraining during the halftime of a pick-up basketball game between students and Rouge Valley Health staff.  June 11,2010

AJAX -- While the launch for a new fundraising campaign was filled with fun and games Friday, the need for an a new piece of equipment for the Ajax-Pickering hospital is no laughing matter.

The Rouge Valley Health System Foundation launched its 'Image is Everything' campaign Friday at Lincoln Avenue Public School in Ajax.  The foundation hopes to raise $5 million to give Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering hospital its first Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine.  It will produce clear, detailed images of the body for improved diagnoses while offering greater comfort.  It will also allow for some freedom of movement and a quieter, shorter scan with no side effects.

“This is our time,” said Tracy Paterson, the foundation's vice-president of development, adding the new addition will coincide nicely with the hospital's redevelopment.

The campaign will wrap up on March 25, 2011 at Rouge Valley's annual gala.

“It's bold but you've got to be to make things happen,” she said.

The launch was held at Lincoln Alexander since the school was the first to donate to the campaign after the boys' and girls' basketball teams raised $350 through a bake sale and an international festival at the school's literacy night.  The launch ended with a basketball game between the school team and campaign volunteers.

“I have said many times that we're a very small school with a great big heart and today we're going to show that very big heart,” said school principal Martine Robinson, who added afterward the students will do another fundraising drive in September for Image is Everything.

The team's fundraiser began when the girls' team asked about their coach's age.

“I told the girls that if they raised money for any charity then I would tell them how old I am,” said Robyn Hadder, who revealed at the launch she's 27.

The students demonstrate the community involvement that's needed to help buy the MRI machine, no matter how big or small the contributions, and Ms. Paterson encourages community groups, individuals and schools to get on board and create fundraising campaigns to help out.

“It all adds up,” she said.

Ms. Paterson received MRIs herself when she battled breast cancer.

“It's a really stressful time,” she said.

Waiting for tests, and even the drive all become trying times.

“It's more comfortable being in your own community,” she said.

Ms. Paterson said people with a family history of breast cancer, breast cancer survivors, and even athletes with sports injuries, for example, are being referred more frequently for MRIs.

“This is a real fantastic campaign for us because it helps the whole hospital,” she said.

Ajax Mayor Steve Parish explained to the students that when he needed shoulder surgery in the past, he had to travel all the way to Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto.

“There is nothing more important in our community than to have great health care,” he said.

Pickering Mayor Dave Ryan, a member of the campaign committee, said he's invested in Image is Everything not only for the future of the community, but for the future of his own grandchildren.

VISIT: www.rougevalley.ca/rvhsf

PICKERING-- Rock and roll with Canadian band April Wine July 1 as Pickering celebrates the nation's birthday.

The City celebrates Canada Day from noon to 11 p.m.  at Kinsmen Park.  A free shuttle will run from the Pickering GO station and OPG parking lot on Brock Road south throughout the event.  Daytime activities include free family events and fun, plus live entertainment and refreshment area from noon to 5 p.m.  The main stage entertainment kicks off with April Wine at 7 p.m.

On April 18 of this year, April Wine was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the Juno Awards.  In March 2009 the rock group was inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame during Canadian Music Week in Toronto, and also received The Lifetime Achievement Award for being part of Canadian music history for 40 years.

Currently the band continues its hectic pace, touring both the United States and Canada to acclaimed reviews.  They continue to satisfy fans with a live mix of straight ahead rock n' roll and power ballads, an April Wine mainstay.  In 2010, April Wine enters into its 40th year as a band.  Fifteen studio albums, three live releases, numerous compilations, a boxed set, numerous gold and platinum albums and thousands of concerts later, April Wine has become enormously popular in Canada, the United States and throughout the world.

April Wine's performance will be followed by Rick Johnson's County Jamboree and Drew Chester, and the day ends with a giant pyro-musical fireworks show by David Whysall International.

Visit City of Pickering Great Events on Facebook and Twitter, and tell the City why you should be the 2010 VIC (Very Important Canadian) for a chance to win stage-side seating for four, reserved parking and a backstage pass to meet April Wine

PICKERING -- Thanks to a financial break from the City, and the relocation of a longtime tenant who before April refused to budge, San Francisco by the Bay will soon get off the ground.

The mixed-use development at Liverpool Road and Bayly Street, made up of storefronts, townhomes and condominium apartments, has caused an uproar in the community, but the City approved the plans in 2007.

The Millennium City Veterinary Hospital, which was delaying development as the last remaining business in the old Bay Ridges Plaza, moved out and relocated in April.

The townhouses have already been constructed, and SR and R Bay Ridges Ltd.  wants to get its apartment towers off the ground.  It has asked to delay its development charges payment of $1,069,000 for that tower until after the foundation has been constructed, or when above-grade work begins.  That's just the City's share; SR and R will have to pay $3,108,975 to the City, the Region of Durham and the school boards combined.

Pickering's executive committee granted SR and R's wish Monday.

The staff report noted building a condo involves huge up-front costs and deferring the matter will get the work started, and demonstrate the City's commitment to residential intensification.

Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles said deferral plans allow the City to provide some relief to the developer without it costing the City.

“What we lose in time, we'll get back in interest,” he said.

Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson agreed.

“Even if we had development funds coming in right now, they would not be spent until two, three years down the road,” he said, adding he encourages intensification development in the downtown core.

According to the staff report, SR and R has told the City that construction should begin within 30 days of council's approval, and that its former beef with parkland dedication payments, which it thought was too high, is no longer an issue.

Although this is a one-time case, staff is currently creating a development incentive program after Coun. Pickles requested them to do so earlier this year.

The committee also approved a staff report to decrease DCs by 2.4 per cent as of July 1 due to a nationwide decrease in construction prices.

“I imagine that the decrease would help increase the people coming here,” said City treasurer Gil Paterson, adding it will apply to housing and commercial industries.

Coun.  Johnson noted new Pickering applications and building permits have increased greatly in the past year.  For example, the construction value for new applications was only $47 million a year ago, compared to $110 million already this year.

“I think this is the step in the right direction,” he said.

Ward 2 Regional Councillor Bill McLean asked Mr. Paterson if SR and R could benefit from the DC decrease, and the treasurer agreed it is possible.  The report noted SR and R could end up paying $26,000 less, depending on when the permit is issued.  Coun. McLean also raised concerns that taxpayers will end up paying for the decreased development charges.

Both matters will come to council for a final decision June 21.

Kristen Calis

PICKERING -- Although the issue wasn't formally discussed by council at the latest planning and development meeting, a number of residents spoke against the Region's proposed urban expansion into undeveloped northeast Pickering lands.

The area, north of Hwy. 7 and west of Lakeridge Road, includes the headwaters of Carruthers Creek.

The Region of Durham included future plans to develop the land in its Growth Plan submission to the Province, and Pickering backed it.

At the June 7 meeting, Ward 2 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley attempted to ask council to withdraw its support of the Region's plans by introducing a motion, but the committee didn't vote to even hear it.

She had hoped Pickering would change its position before the issue went to the Region's planning committee Tuesday.  The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in March asked the Region to remove its plan to develop the land, but the Regional committee ignored the ministry's request at Tuesday's meeting.

“We are not translating efforts in sustainability into sustainable land-use practices,” Coun. Littley said after the Pickering meeting.  “We are continuing business as usual development policies.”

Environmental lawyer Brian Buckles of the Greendoor Alliance was among those who spoke at the Pickering meeting, calling the Region's planning “immature”.

He also criticized the Region's projection of only 16,500 jobs in Seaton by 2031, while it still maintains its plan for 70,000 new residents.  Pickering council has adamantly pushed for 35,000 jobs in Seaton.

“Use of such a low number is being used as an attempt to demonstrate the need for additional urban area expansion in northeast Pickering,” he said.

Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles noted the Region argues it probably won't get the 35,000 jobs by 2031, but still aims for that number as its ultimate buildout.

Coun. Littley plans to address the issue at Regional Council June 23.

Jason Liebregts/ Metroland PICKERING -- Everett Buntsma, from the City of Pickering, and former TRCA member Larry Field were on hand for the official opening of the Western Gateway trail on June 9.  The Western Gateway Trail links the waterfront trail in Toronto to those in Pickering.  June 9, 2010.

PICKERING -- After years of planning by the City of Pickering and its partners, an “important piece of the puzzle” on Lake Ontario's waterfront has finally come together, said Pickering-Scarborough East MPP Wayne Arthurs Wednesday.

Despite the unseasonable temperatures and constant downpour of rain, politicians, members of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Pickering staff, students and residents from Pickering and Scarborough wielded their umbrellas at the newly improved Western Gateway near Dyson Road in Pickering Wednesday to celebrate the opening of the new accessible trail.

The Gateway connects Toronto's Port Union Waterfront Park to Bella Vista Drive and Dyson Road in Pickering.  Now trail enthusiasts can easily and safely travel from Toronto's waterfront to Pickering's First Nation's Trail, which leads to Monarch Trail and The Peak Trail, making up the 12.2 kilometres of waterfront path in Pickering.

“The connection between the City of Pickering and Toronto being fully accessible is a result of partnerships,” said Mayor Dave Ryan, who called Pickering's waterfront a “shimmering jewel.”

The new addition features a brand new staircase that leads up to Dyson Road from the trail and a new pedestrian bridge perched high above Rouge Beach.  The boardwalk-style setting provides an expansive view of Lake Ontario.

Pickering's director of operations and emergency services, Everett Buntsma, has been involved in the project from the beginning and explained the trail used to be made up of asphalt and railway ties for stairs.

“It wasn't inviting at all,” said Mr. Buntsma.  “We needed to make it safe, and we needed to make it accessible.”

The Gateway was funded by Pickering and Waterfront Toronto, which has a mandate of revitalizing the waterfront from Mississauga to just beyond the Rouge River.

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, which has jurisdiction of nearly 60 kilometres of Lake Ontario waterfront, executed the project.

“Today we can see what the spirit of true collaboration can achieve,” said Gerri Lynn O'Connor, chairwoman of the TRCA.

Larry Field, who recently retired after a long career with the TRCA as manager of government liaisons, said the gateway will greatly complement the area.

“As people come to the mouth of the Rouge, you have great features on both sides,” he said.

Mr. Field said the rehabilitation of the waterfront at Port Union Road, which is currently on the agenda, will also play a strong role in enhancing the trail.

Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell, the chairwoman of the Pickering Waterfront Committee, said the rehabilitation has been a focus of hers since she was first elected and thanked everyone for their hard work.

“I hope you love it as much as I do,” she said.

She also spoke of the significant history of the First Nations people in the area, giving the First Nations Trail its name.

Sabrina Byrnes / Metroland PICKERING -- Betty Burkholder's family farm has been around since 1833.  Now, a pipe is going less than 500 metres away from the farm.  An odor control facility is going to be built 150 metres away from a local Mennonite church that is now a heritage building, and she is concerned.  May 31, 2010

PICKERING -- Betty Burkholder's 100-acre farm has been in the family since 1833.

She never thought the expansion of the 'Big Pipe' that will go less than 500 metres from her farm would actually be approved.

“It just seemed like right would prevail,” she said in an interview.

But in April, the Minister of the Environment, John Gerretsen, approved the environmental assessment of the York-Durham Sanitary Sewer expansion, despite outcry from Pickering residents, politicians, and even environmental lawyers and advocates that live outside of the area.

The opponents are not ready to back down yet.

The pipe takes 90 per cent of York Region's waste water to the Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant in Pickering for treatment.  York wants to expand the pipe to accommodate the region's population.

The City of Pickering has launched legal action against the plans, which is still before the courts.

Ms. Burkholder attended a press conference at Queen's Park Thursday, where Jim Robb, a volunteer with the Rouge Duffins Greenspace Coalition, Devi Gopalan of Pickering community group Stop the Stink, and Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley demanded that the Province either withdraw approval of the pipe expansion, or at least impose stricter conditions than those already set out by the ministry when it was approved in April.

“They're weak, they're toothless, there's no strength to them,” said Coun. Littley.

Mr. Robb pointed out York plans to increase its sewage exports to Pickering of approximately 400 million litres per day in 2010 to approximately 930 million per day in 2032.

The conditions proposed by the group include imposing strict impact avoidance measures and non-performance sanctions to protect Pickering and its residents from the pipe's odours and pollution, and ensuring the pipe is built around Bob Hunter Memorial Park, not right through it, which is currently proposed.

“He was and I am opposed to the Big Pipe in totality,” said Mr. Hunter's widow, Bobbi Hunter, in a letter she had sent to Premier Dalton McGuinty and Mr. Gerretsen.

Other recommendations from pipe opponents include requiring a 75-per cent reduction in groundwater and surface water leakage and wasting through the pipe and its feeder sewers within 10 years, and requiring advanced water purification at the plant to remove pharmaceuticals, carcinogens, phosphorous, and other biologically active chemicals to safeguard public drinking water and health.

Mr. Robb said California uses advanced technologies to fully treat and purify sewage for around the same cost as the pipe expansion, which has created purified water that meets drinking water standards.  He doesn't understand why Ontario can't go that route.

“The public wants better water protection and conservation decisions, not provincial puffery and pronouncements,” he said.

He added the premier on May 18 proposed to make Ontario a North American leader in clean water technology.

Pickering-Scarborough East MP Wayne Arthurs, who is “not opposed to the pipe,” had not received a copy of the conditions proposed by pipe opponents, but he feels that after the long EA process, and now that it's been approved by the minister, it's unlikely that the Province will change its mind, or even implement the conditions.

As for the comments that conditions are toothless, Mr. Arthurs said there is an “extensive range of conditions,” more than the number usually imposed on an EA.  Those conditions include an advisory committee to be engaged in the process “all the way to implementation.”

Other current EA conditions include creating measures to conserve and use water efficiently and to reduce inflow and infiltration of water into the sewer, and protecting and enhancing Bob Hunter Memorial Park.

If it's found in the implementation process that there would be environmental degradation or significant problems, then “one would have to adjust the plan as it's being implemented.  But to go back now and review the EA approval and revise the plan, probably not.”

York officials have always insisted the pipe will be safe and say they have taken concerns into consideration.

Mr. Robb said if the conditions are tacked onto the approval, the opponents will tolerate the expansion.

PICKERING -- After years of planning and negotiations, Ajax and Pickering fire dispatch services are going to become one.

Pickering council agreed Monday night that Ajax will provide dispatch services for Pickering Fire Services, and they'll share in the equipment and operating costs.

“This, to be quite honest with you, is very much a win-win situation,” said chief administrative officer Tom Quinn.

Pickering's fire headquarters building was built in 1968 and the dispatch equipment is outdated and in need of replacement.  Dispatch, which has also outgrown its space as Pickering's population has grown over the past decade, needs a new building.

However, since the City doesn't have land yet, which could take years to acquire and build on, staff said amalgamation is the only realistic option.

Plans have been in the works for some time.  In fact, 12 years ago, Mr. Quinn discussed with the CAO of Whitby the possibility of amalgamating Pickering, Whitby and Ajax fire dispatch services, but the plans were dropped for financial reasons.

Whitby wanted to charge Pickering for a proportionate share of the capital costs of the dispatch facility, whereas Ajax is only asking for Pickering's share of equipment, staffing and operating costs, the staff report said.

“The cost factor is quite significantly low,” Mr. Quinn said.

Acquiring land and building new fire headquarters in Pickering could cost $8 million to $10 million, said Mr. Quinn.  The amalgamation will cost Pickering $700,000, which is being funded by the Investing in Ontario Grant.

Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles wanted to make sure the issue will not affect safety in any way.

“This is an increase in safety all the way around,” Mr. Quinn said.

He said dispatch could be located just about anywhere and be just as efficient.  Moving dispatch out of the small, outdated Pickering headquarters will free up space for firefighters, and the equipment is the newest technology.

Staff estimates joining the two dispatches will take between six to 10 months just for accumulating and transferring data alone.  Pickering plans to complete the change by Jan. 1, 2011

PICKERING -- The Royal Canadian Legion shouldn't have to pay the harmonized sales tax when it purchases poppies for Remembrance Day, Pickering council unanimously agreed Monday.

Council supported the City of St.  Catharines' support of MP Malcolm Allen's private member's bill asking that the Legion be exempt from the new HST on purchases of red lapel poppies.

“By charging five per cent GST on the purchase of poppies, a tax that cannot be recouped through the donation box, the federal government is inadvertently having a negative impact on the services offered to veterans,” said St. Catharines Mayor Brian McMullan in a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson said asking the Legion to pay the HST on poppies “just doesn't make good sense”.

Pickering council unanimously supported the letter

PICKERING -- Durham's member on the Greater Toronto Airports Authority's board of directors should be a Pickering resident, council has agreed.

At the May 17 meeting, Pickering council sent a request to Durham Region council to amend the current process for the appointment to the GTAA board in order to ensure that person is specifically from Pickering.

Durham council appoints a new member of the Durham public to the board at the beginning of every council term.

The federal government owns the 18,000-plus acres of land in north Pickering that have been designated for a possible airport.  Therefore, the issue is of greater importance to Pickering and its residents than the rest of Durham, the motion said.

The motion pointed out the minutes of all GTAA board meetings are not made public, which leads to lack of accountability and accessibility of information for Pickering and Durham residents.

“I think you have to show some transparency to the people you represent,” said Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson.

He also pointed out Pickering is turning 200 years old in 2011 and the Region of Durham was only formed in 1974.  But whether the Region agrees to Pickering's request is “another battle for another day,” he said.

Coun.  Johnson introduced the motion along with Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell.

Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles said the City should ideally have some input on an appointment.  But he was also skeptical of the Region's support.

“I don't think it's going to happen anyway but I'll support it and hopefully we'll have some luck at the Region,” he said.

PICKERING -- Despite the consensus that underground hydro wiring around Duffin Heights and Seaton would benefit the community and encourage sustainable development, Council chose to shoot down the initiative.

Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson introduced a motion Monday night that the City commit to the burying of current overhead wires along Brock Road from just north of Concession 3 to Taunton Road.

He asked council to support the decision that would cost the City in the short term to remove the overhead wiring and install the underground wiring, but would pay for itself in the long run.  It would also demonstrate council's forward thinking, he argued.

“The decision here tonight may very well prove to be the watershed decision by which the Province will see and understand our commitment to the notions of sustainability,” he said.

Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles said he likes the idea but would need to see the actual costs and details of how it would be financed before supporting the $3.5-to-$4-million project.  Supporting it would require reopening the 2010 budget that was just passed, and maybe raise the tax rate, he said.

“We need to find a way to do this but I am not comfortable we have found it yet,” he said.

Coun. Dickerson said Veridian Corporation would contribute about $850,000.

While he understood concerns about potential short-term financial costs, he pointed out long-term costs would be avoided, such as power failures due to vehicles crashing into overhead line poles and ice storms bringing down the wires.  Also, burying them is much more pleasing to the eye and can increase land value on Brock Road.

“In due course when these lands are sold, the City will recoup all, or more, of the investment we are making tonight on our future,” he said.  “View it as a down payment.”

He suggested looking at ways to reduce the costs, such as selling some of Pickering's land in the area, or even finding a different company that could do the work for less.

While Mayor Dave Ryan agreed with Coun. Dickerson's vision to embark on a ground-breaking change, he felt the financial risks were too high.

“Councillor, you're absolutely right, the right thing is to bury wires,” he said.  “The wrong thing to do is bury to the municipality in the process.”

Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley tried to refer the decision to a later date in order to gather more input and a financial strategy.  But since development is fast approaching along Brock Road, council chose to vote on the matter and Coun. Dickerson's motion was lost

PICKERING -- Council has changed its mind regarding an election ballot referendum on the proposed Pickering airport, much to the delight of residents.

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 to begin the process of putting the following question on the 2010 municipal election ballot: “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?”

In February, council approved the question, and an appeal period was set until March 23.

Members of Land Over Landings, an anti-airport group in favour of farming the lands, decided to appeal council's decision.

Mary Delaney of LOL felt the question was confusing, saying it could yield inaccurate results.

“It ain't broke, so please don't try to fix it,” she told council Monday.  “This is one can of worms you don't want to open.”

City clerk Debbie Shields explained the question had to be worded in such a way since the federal lands are not under municipal jurisdiction.  The question could not ask if residents are for or against an airport, but it could ask if they support council's opposition.

Ms.  Delaney explained the matter is long and complicated.

“We elect our politicians to work with experts, be they existing staff or consultants, to make the best decisions for us,” she said.  “Ballots don't ask the masses of the public to give their ”yay“ or ”nay“ on footbridges over the 401, on odour facility plants, or on the budget.  Why would we throw this question, which is arguably even more complicated, out to the public?”

Pickering resident and LOL member Peter Rodrigues said since there is no sensible business case, and local opposition to an airport has been obvious, the question should be withdrawn.

“Personally, I think it's quite pointless to raise a question as to which we clearly know the answer,” he said.

Ward 3 Regional Councillor Rick Johnson said since the question is confusing, the answer will only be convoluted, and no real legitimate results will come of it anyway.

“You're going to get a convoluted-type response,” he said.  “It's not going to be easy to weigh that, and where do you go from there?”

Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley brought forward a motion to repeal the ballot question “because the public does not feel the questions is clear.”

Council approved the repeal, and the clerk will notify the chief electoral officer for Ontario.

Sabrina Byrnes / Metroland file photo PICKERING -- Rick Nicolussi, with the organization Stop the Stink, set up an information table at the open house held at the Petticoat Creek Community Centre October 17 by Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley. Local organizations had booth sets up to inform the public about certain issues relating to climate change, urban growth and food security.  Stop the Stink is opposed to the location of an odour control facility for the York-Durham sewer facility.  October 17, 2009

PICKERING -- The Minister of the Environment has approved the environmental assessment for the expansion of the 'Big Pipe,' and Pickering councillors are not happy, despite the conditions put on the project.

“This is the wrong decision,” said Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles.  “I am upset, residents will be upset.  We have legitimate concerns that have not been addressed.”

The new southeast collector trunk sewer for the York-Durham Sewage system is being built to accommodate York Region's future growth in Richmond Hill, Aurora, Markham, Newmarket and Vaughan.  The sewage is taken to the Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant in Pickering.

“Very tough conditions on this sewer project will help conserve water while ensuring the environment and human health are protected,” said environment minister John Gerretsen in a press release.  “We can and must protect Ontario's environment while building and operating the infrastructure necessary to manage growth.”

Mr. Gerretsen also denied a number of requests for a hearing by the Environmental Review Tribunal, calling it unnecessary.

“Having considered the purpose of the Environmental Assessment Act, the approved terms of reference, the environmental assessment, the ministry review of the environmental assessment and submissions received, I hereby give approval to proceed with the undertaking, subject to conditions set out below,” he said.

Those conditions include: monitoring for potential impacts on ground and surface water as well as air quality during construction and operation of the sewer; creating measures to conserve and use water efficiently and to reduce inflow and infiltration of water into the sewer; implementing and reporting on odour control measures including a protocol for dealing with odour complaints; setting up an advisory committee to review and give advice on required monitoring and reporting plans; and protecting and enhancing Bob Hunter Memorial Park.

While pleased that an advisory committee has been set up to monitor those controls, Mayor Dave Ryan feels more must be put in place to focus on actions if something goes wrong.

“While there are a number of monitoring controls, there was no mention of remedial action or sanctions,” he said.

He plans to write a letter to Mr. Gerretsen to address his concerns.

Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley feels the minister has taken too narrow a view.

“They are asking the wrong question: how to implement the 'Big Pipe' rather than analyzing alternatives to the undertaking, as directed by an environmental assessment,” she said.  “Instead of dealing with the concerns of our residents, this decision turns the environmental assessment process into a rubber stamp.”

Pickering has launched legal action against York Region, accusing it of failing to properly consult the public.

“The City is looking at its options in terms of a judicial challenge and we continue to pursue that,” Mayor Ryan said.

Local groups such as Stop the Stink and the Rouge Duffins Greenspace Coalition have been adamantly fighting the pipe's expansion, noting the following issues as some of their concerns: effects on drinking water such as Lake Ontario; transporting the sewage through underground drinking water aquifers and the Oak Ridges Moraine; and odour issues.  The biggest concern: that York is dumping its sewage into Pickering rather than taking care of it itself.

York insists the pipe will be safe and says it has taken the concerns into consideration.

Mayor Ryan thanked the community for its strong opposition to the pipe.

“The community did a good job of making the provincial government aware of our concerns,” he said.  “We supported them in that.  The minister has chosen to approve the pipe in spite of our resistance.  We will continue to do our best as a municipality to continue to - if the pipe can't be stopped - at least lessen the possible impacts on our community.”

PICKERING -- Pickering residents will officially pay an extra one per cent on their property tax bill to fund Pickering's legal battle with York Region.

The additional tax will cost the average homeowner an extra $10 on their bill.  The property tax increase, before the $420,000 set aside for legal costs, would have been 2.9 per cent to cover operational costs, the lowest Pickering residents have seen since 2001, Mayor Dave Ryan noted.

“Once again Pickering is the lowest taxed municipality of the five lakeshore municipalities across Durham Region,” he said.

The 3.9-per cent increase represents an extra $39.42 on the local portion of the bill for an average Pickering home valued at $340,750.  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.

Pickering accuses York of failing to properly consult residents on its proposed odour control facility to accommodate the expansion of the pipe that takes York's raw sewage to Pickering for treatment.  Although York eventually changed plans to put the facility just over York-Durham Townline Road, it did so without consulting residents or council.

Council unanimously passed the $21.2-million capital budget and the current budget of $72 million, Monday night, including the tax increase.

Residents who attended the meeting were grateful for council's decision.  Many fear the possible odours and health risks from the facility.

Pickering resident John Murray told council he's found an average of 282.8 megalitres of York's sewage per day were treated in 2008 at Pickering's Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant, and added that will only increase.  He also fears for the possible ramifications of the meeting of three large pipes close to his home at Valley Farm Road and Finch Avenue, which will come along with the expansion.

“I don't like paying taxes but in this case it's important to pay more because it's such a big matter,” he said.

Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson was skeptical about the legal battle, saying Pickering's chance to win is quite slim, and costs will be higher than anticipated, especially since the City has already paid $230,000 in legal fees.

“There's a huge price,” he said.  “A lot larger than what we're looking at tonight.”

Pickering resident Peter Rodrigues disagreed.

“When Pickering is successful with our legal actions, we will recoup our legal costs, and this is highly likely because three independent, expert environmental lawyers have clearly said this is the expected outcome based on the numerous facts and the law,” he told council.

Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell said if Pickering doesn't fight the battle now, it could face even more costs down the road, such as possible repairs if the pipe breaks down and York drags its feet.

“I feel quite confident that we have a very good case,” she said.

Meanwhile York Region's commissioner of environmental services, Erin Mahoney, said the increase is a waste of taxpayers' dollars in a time where most are using fiscal restraint.

“Our experts are saying the costs could be well over $1 million on both sides,” she said, adding York is fully prepared to challenge the City to recoup York's legal costs since it expects to win.

Ms. Mahoney was surprised by Pickering's legal action, arguing York did consult Pickering residents, and is even paying $20 million for the odour control facility to be moved to York, rather than the $10 million it would have cost to keep it in Pickering.

Winning work on display at Pickering Civic Complex

PICKERING -- WInning students from across Durham Region showcased their creativity at the 2010 Race Relations Forum in Pickering on Wednesday night.

In September, the PIckering advisory committee on race relations and equity partnered ...

See the full article here.

Sabrina Byrnes / Metroland PICKERING -- Meagan McVety,11, took a turn answering some energy saving questions at the Annual Sustainable Pickering Day held at the Pickering Town Centre March 27.  March 27, 2010

PICKERING -- Residents from across Durham and the GTA took the pledge to turn their lights off for Earth Hour at a Pickering event on Saturday.

Shoppers signed up at the Pickering Town Centre where the City was celebrating Sustainable Pickering Day.  People who signed the pledge were entered to win a $250 shopping gift certificate to the mall and they also had a chance to record their environmental messages for a video the City is creating.

By mid afternoon, more than 200 people had signed the pledge to turn out their lights and curb their electricity use from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday night.

Among them were 13-year-old Mackenzie Bailey, Katie Huras,14, Taylor Barbieri,13, a group of friends from Ajax.  Mackenzie said she's participated in Earth Hour in the past.  Last year she played cards in the dark.  The girls also observed Earth Hour at school at Lincoln Alexander Public School, said Taylor.

Katie explained why she thought it was important to protect the environment.

“I think in the future life should be the same as it is now and it shouldn't be worse for future generations,” she said.

In addition to the pledge, there were a number of information booths set up by groups like Veridian, Enbridge, Durham Sustain Ability and the Pickering Public Library where residents got practical tips on conserving energy.

“The message we're trying to get across is very simple, it's easy to be sustainable, it's easy to be green,” said Doug Dickerson, Sustainable Pickering Advisory Committee Chairman and City Councillor.

Committee vice-chair and City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell said residents can go online to sustainablepickering.com for tips and try out interactive features like the idle calculator which calculates how much carbon dioxide is created by a resident who idles his or her car and how much it costs them.

Durham Sustain Ability also offered up conservation tips as well as information on the non-profit organization's energy audits.

At the Enbridge booth, Kathleen Hunt talked about her company's solar water heating program.

“It's actually a really exciting pilot project we're promoting this year,” she said adding that the project runs until Dec. 31.  The program is a partnership with Bullfrog Power and EnerWorks.

The solar water heaters would supplement natural gas water heaters using the sun's energy to collected by a solar panel on the roof to heat the water.

She had Peter Watson of Tranquility Home Comfort Ltd., the company that does the installation locally, to answer the more technical questions residents may have, such as whether they have enough space.

“It requires a second tank and not everyone has that storage in their basement,” said Ms. Hunt.

For more information on the program visit bullfrogpower.com/solar or call 1-866-775-8808.

DURHAM -- The Region will investigate having an integrity commissioner who could be used by all Durham communities.

Regional council's finance committee decided to have staff prepare a report on the matter, including how much it could cost.

In February, Pickering council endorsed having an integrity commissioner, at the Regional level, who could be shared by all municipalities.  Pickering let the other Durham communities, along with the Region, know what it had done.

Some municipalities, such as Ajax, supported the idea, while others, such as Clarington and Port Perry, didn't.

Committee member and Clarington Mayor Jim Abernethy said he wanted a report from staff.

Scugog Mayor and committee chairwoman Marilyn Pearce said a report could be done by June, as staff would have begun work on the 2011 budget by then.

The Pickering motion suggested the issue be dealt with during the 2010 budget deliberations, but Mayor Pearce noted it was too late, as the budget has been passed.

“I feel this should be a cost borne by the municipalities, not the Region.  It could be on a user-fee basis,” Mayor Abernethy said.

“A municipality could use it if it needs to,” he said.  “I think this is something important.  It's important we move forward on this in a positive way.”

Oshawa Councillor John Henry joked, “I don't think Oshawa could afford it on a user-fee basis.”

Mayor Pearce noted the Region could use an integrity commissioner, if needed, through the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, a lobby group for municipal governments.

Garry Cubitt, the Region's chief administrative officer, said the Region has an internal ethics program offered through the human resources department.

Mayor Pearce said the report would include the cost of having a commissioner in-house or retaining someone.

Metroland file photo WHITBY -- Durham Region chairman Roger Anderson.  March 9, 2010.

PICKERING -- Pickering councillors questioned the regional chairman for the good portion of an hour last week on everything from the widening of Hwy.  407 to the public alerting system for the nuclear plant.

Roger Anderson gave his annual address at the latest council meeting, listing ways the Region has supported Pickering in 2009.  Improvements included the $8.3-million expansion of Brock Road from Dellbrook Avenue to Rossland Road, which will continue into 2010.  He also mentioned the widening of Altona Road between Kingston Road and Sheppard Avenue, valued at $6.5 million, expected to be completed in 2010.

“In addition, the Region invested $2.9 million to rehabilitate 12.5 kilometres of regional roadways in Pickering,” Mr. Anderson said.  “We also invested $750,000 to install or improve traffic control systems at 10 locations in the city.”

He also mentioned the Region's largest project ever, the $575-million Stage 3 expansion of the Duffin Creek water pollution control plant.  It includes shares from York and Durham regions and $94 million in federal and provincial infrastructure programs funding.  The Region has contributed almost $73 million to it this year.

He noted recent work on the Region's strategic plan, which focuses on promoting a vibrant economy, protecting and sustaining the environment, balancing growth, enabling sustainable communities and ensuring Durham is safe, healthy and inclusive.

Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson commented Mr. Anderson didn't bring up the topic of the alerting system project for the nuclear plant.  The Region is provincially required to install sirens throughout a three-kilometre radius of the plant.  After years of planning and agreements between Pickering and the Region, the number of sirens has changed dramatically, and Coun. Dickerson felt the Region has ordered more sirens than is required.  It's also recently asked for Pickering's support to add six more.

“Why would we want to put up more sirens than we have to?” Coun. Dickerson said.

Mr.  Anderson said he'd share the concerns with staff.

Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles mentioned concerns Greenwood residents have with plans for a bypass being put at Westney Road as part of the Hwy.  407 east expansion.

The chairman said the top priority is moving forward on the 407, and while he'd be hard pressed to ask for a delay, he'll relay the concerns to Aecon Group Inc., designers of the project.

Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell questioned Mr. Anderson on signing off on the change in location for a contentious odour control facility that was set to go in west Pickering.  Over the summer recess, Mr. Anderson and York Regional Chairman Bill Fisch agreed that the facility be moved just west of Pickering, over York-Durham Townline Road, without consulting council.

To Mr.  Anderson, the answer was simple since Regional council had signed a resolution that if York were to move it out of Durham Region, he could sign off on it.

“I don't know why you'd think I'd go back to council when I had authority to sign off on it,” he said.

Submitted photo PICKERING -- Mike and Sandra Borie took part in a rally at the office of Pickering-Scarborough East MPP Wayne Arthurs on Feb. 27 to bring more attention to the issues regarding an odour control facility for the York-Durham sewage system.  March 9, 2010.

PICKERING -- A letter is not enough to show substantial opposition to the 'Big Pipe,' residents say, and a number of them have asked Pickering-Scarborough East MPP Wayne Arthurs to do more.

Around 70 people have signed a petition asking the MPP for more action regarding the pipe that takes sewage from mostly York and partly Durham to the Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant in south Pickering for treatment.

The petition reads as follows:

“I am unsatisfied with MPP Wayne Arthurs' current lack of efforts against the York-Durham Sewer system.  I want Wayne Arthurs to take a strong personal stand, and support his Pickering residents by becoming actively involved with the opposition.”

The petition was first circulated at a recent rally at Mr. Arthurs's Pickering constituency office at Kingston and Altona roads.  Mr. Arthurs said in an interview he missed the protest as he was at a conference in Scarborough that day.

Pickering residents have been battling for nearly two years a proposed odour control facility that was originally planned to go near Cherrywood West as part of the expansion of the pipe.  In the summer, the location of the facility was changed to just west of York-Durham Townline Road and north of Taunton Road.

Unsatisfied, Pickering council in 2009 passed a number of resolutions asking the Province to delay its decision on the environmental assessment of the expansion until an acceptable location has been found for the facility.  It's also launched a legal battle against York for breaching the memorandum of understanding York and Pickering signed in 2005, which stated York would act fairly and consult with residents, property owners and the City.

Mr.  Arthurs has written a letter asking the Ministry of the Environment John Gerretsen to address resident concerns.

“I ask that you ensure that ministry officials fully understand the concerns, and that those officials take every opportunity to meet with the residents of Pickering and the City of Pickering council,” Mr. Arthurs said in the letter.

Residents feel Mr. Arthurs can do more.

“The goal generally is to have him take ownership of the issue, have him become more accountable, have him achieve something substantial,” said Peter Rodrigues, Stop the Stink member and rally organizer.

Mr. Arthurs said he advised residents close to the beginning of the battle how to address the situation with Durham Region, which successfully fought to have the facility moved out of Pickering.  Although he's shared residents' concerns with the minister, he said it's no longer a political debate and is now up Mr. Gerretsen, who's currently considering the EA.  He'll either find it meets all the requirements and approve it, it passes but needs conditions put on it, or it's so far offside that he rejects it, Mr. Arthurs said.

“I frankly don't see the latter happening,” he said, adding he isn't opposed to the Big Pipe, since it has a long history between York and Durham, and it, as well as the water pollution control plant, serves a number of Durham and York residents.

“It's a reality of growth in the community,” he said.

Residents are also asking Ajax-Pickering MPP Joe Dickson for his help in the matter.

Jason Liebregts/ Metroland PICKERING -- Michelle Pongracz from City of Pickering is the environmental coordinator for the second annual Environmental Leadership Forum.  March 2, 2010

PICKERING -- Thanks to the good work of Pickering's community leaders, the City is transforming from a suburban to a sustainable community, said Mayor Dave Ryan.

And the work demonstrated at Saturday's second annual Environmental Leadership Forum at the Pickering Civic Complex was no exception.

Mayor Ryan congratulated Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley, member of Environmental Stewardship Pickering, and the rest of the group for a successful event at Monday's council meeting.

“It was well done, well attended and I know there will be good work coming out of the community as a result of this,” he said.

The event was hosted by Environmental Stewardship Pickering, a collaborative effort between the City of Pickering, Toronto and Region Conservation, Ontario Power Generation, East Shore Community Association, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade, Durham Sustain Ability and individual community members.  The forum is held to educate residents and community groups and to provide them with the tools they need to become leaders in environmental stewardship activities.

“The idea is they can take that information home, be more sustainable at home and do something in the community,” said Michelle Pongracz, City coordinator, environmental awareness programs.

The forum also helps community groups address and overcome obstacles that hinder their environmental conservation efforts.

“One of our objectives with the forum is to demystify environmental stewardship and remove the intimidation factor,” Coun. Littley said.  “Everyday people can become leaders by doing simple things like organizing a community clean-up or planting some trees.”

Last year, 65 to 70 people attended.  That number increased to 100 this year.

“It's really a wide variety of people that come,” Ms. Pongracz said.

The variety allows for some good networking opportunities, she said, since everyone from students to teachers to business representatives attend.

A wide range of displays was set up, including information on waste reduction and waste collection.

The following break-out sessions were provided: amphibian and reptile monitoring and identification, community volunteering and funding success stories, greening your event, improving energy efficiency at home, effective communication strategies, how to organize a tree planting event and vermicomposting 101.

Those in attendance were handed a feedback form to help make next year's event even better.

PICKERING -- Hiring a shared integrity commissioner to handle complaints across Durham Region will allow for consistent rules, application and economic efficiency, says a Pickering councillor.

Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles and Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley introduced a motion at council's latest meeting asking the Region of Durham to establish the position or hire an integrity commissioner to serve Durham and all of its municipalities.

“A hodgepodge of several different integrity commissioners and codes of conduct in the Region and municipalities would be confusing and ineffective,” Coun. Pickles said.

The idea is to get an integrity commissioner in place to work across the region on a common code of conduct for elected officials.  Coun. Pickles suggested retaining the commissioner as a common request for services by the Region and municipalities.  That way they can get the best price and consistency, but be billed separately for the service required, “which I think and hope will be very little.”

Ward 2 Regional Councillor Bill McLean argued the idea doesn't have enough teeth to pass at Regional council.

“It's not even going to get out of the gate at the Region,” he said.

Mayor Dave Ryan supported the motion but pointed out if it fails at the Region, it can come back to Pickering council for alternate plans.

Council approved the motion unanimously.

Clarington's council is expected to consider the motion at its March 1 meeting.

PICKERING -- A longtime volunteer was recognized at the latest council meeting for nearly two decades of dedication to preserving Pickering's history.

The mayor and council presented Laura Drake with an Ontario Heritage Trust Community Recognition Certificate and achievement pin for her long-standing commitment to the Pickering Museum Village advisory committee.  The provincial program recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the promotion, preservation and protection of Ontario's heritage.

Ms. Drake has been a volunteer member of the committee since 1992.  Her work has included restoring four buildings at the Pickering Museum Village, spearheading the Pickering Museum Village Foundation, and she also volunteers for many of the museum's events as a costumed interpreter.

Upon Ms. Drake's acceptance of the award, she said she feels privileged to be part of such a great community.  A new item on the committee's agenda is to find new members for the Museum Village's foundation, she said.

Municipal governments across Durham are busy putting the final touches on their budgets for the year and, not surprisingly, they are passing along property tax increases.

It would appear that the old adage about death and taxes is proven once again.

And the response among tax-burdened homeowners is uniformly predictable.  We're conditioned to despise taxes, especially when they are on the rise.  And politicians tend to hide behind rhetoric, or distance themselves from the debates and decisions, which do a disservice to the people they represent.

The bottom line is that property tax increases in Durham's municipalities are modest this year, while the Durham Region portion of the property tax bill is going up a palatable 2.15 per cent.

But before you get out the placards and plan a local protest, consider what you get in return: safe and well-maintained roads, a skilled and professional police force, highly trained paramedics that respond to emergencies on a moment's notice, well-funded fire departments, municipal swimming pools, hockey rinks, parks, new schools and more.

These are the things we demand in Durham Region and we elect the men and women who serve on municipal and regional councils to ensure that we get them.

Durham's municipalities are, for the most part, well managed and the guardians of the public purse do their level best to balance those obligations against the costs associated with programs and services.  Certainly there have been some bad decisions made along the way, and some furious backtracking on poorly conceived policies, but the economic truth is that it costs a little more every year to maintain the status quo, to live up to the expectations taxpayers set.

By way of comparison, the City of Toronto, despite annual property tax increases that have hovered around four per cent for several years, faces an operating budget deficit of approximately $375 million as it prepares its fiscal blueprint for the coming year.

This is not to suggest that Durham Region taxpayers should celebrate higher taxes.

But demanding lower taxes and wider roads, or lower taxes and more police officers, or lower taxes and new community centres, is fiscal folly.  It's both inconsistent and not sustainable.

Better to introduce incremental increases that are fair enough to ensure snowy roads are plowed in a timely fashion, and that firefighters will come equipped with the best tools if they are called upon, than to risk deep cuts and reduced services.

That's when you'd see the placards and the protests.

Ryan Pfeiffer / Metroland PICKERING -- Members of Jessica's Footsteps Dance Academy performed Bollywood and classical Indian dances at the Pickering Heritage Day celebration at the Pickering Town Centre Feb. 20.  February 20, 2010.

PICKERING -- Residents of all ages and backgrounds came out to celebrate Pickering's diversity Saturday.

“It's very nice,” said resident Mona Udit.  “We've been coming the past two years.”

Residents and shoppers continuously stopped by The Pickering Town Centre's Centre Court throughout the day to check out the performances and interactive displays at the City of Pickering's Heritage Day Celebration.

Councillors, Mayor Dave Ryan and Ajax-Pickering MP Mark Holland also attended the festivities.

“It's great to see the numbers out here that we're seeing,” said Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson.

He was impressed when he observed many people staying for a number of the performances, rather than simply stopping by for a few minutes and moving on.

Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles, chairman of the group that put on the event, the Pickering Advisory Committee on Race Relations and Equity, was pleased with the turnout.  The committee, he said, is the first of its kind in Durham and is now 20 years old.

“It's nice to see the culture come alive and people getting exposed to it,” he said.  “It shows a very diverse community.”

Coun. Pickles emphasized the high involvement of youth in many of the cultural groups in Pickering.  One of those groups is the Durham Tamil Association, which this year celebrates its 10-year anniversary.

“Our focus is to give back to the community,” said Dinesh Kumar, an executive committee member of the group.

Mr. Kumar said the organization is proud to be Canadian, and teaches the children involved in the group to value the Tamil community, but also get involved in local initiatives to enhance their own exposure to diversity.

Other groups in attendance had similar thoughts.

“I think it's a great opportunity the City of Pickering has offered us,” said Raveena Rajasingham, the president of the Tamil Cultural and Academic Society of Durham.

Ms. Rajasingham explained the society focuses on academics, culture, volunteerism, environmental and health awareness, and said Pickering is a great community to be a part of.

“Pickering has respect for a lot of cultures and overall I think Pickering is a great city to live in,” she said.

The Congress of Black Women of Canada's Ajax-Pickering chapter also had a booth, focusing on the scientific and academic breakthroughs that black people have made in north America in the spirit of Black History Month, rather than simply focusing on the most popular of their contributors such as music stars, said Marcia Dixon, the president of the group.

“It's nice to see the different organizations and different groups,” she said.  “You get a chance to see what's out there.”

Ms. Dixon hopes to recruit more young people to the group, with hopes of them carrying on its work in the future.

Other cultural groups at the event included Devi Mandir, the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Zahra's School of Dance and the Pickering Museum Village.

DURHAM -- As the 2010 budget season swings into full gear, politicians will be carefully framing their tax increases in order to sell them to voters.

If previous years are any indication, expect claims of X municipality had the lowest tax increase, Y municipality has the lowest tax rate and so on.  An honest look at proposed tax increases demands a look at where they started from.

There are three components to the property tax bill: local taxes, Regional taxes, and the education tax levied by the Province.  The education tax rate is the same for all Durham homes.  The Regional rate varies based on number of hours of Durham Region Transit service and waste service in each municipality.  Whitby and Oshawa collect their own waste while the Region collects it in the rest of the municipalities.  The disposing, including recycling, and processing of the waste is a Regional responsibility.

Water and sewer rates are paid for by the people who use those services, on their water and sewer bills.  For example, if you live in rural Pickering and have a well, your tax dollars do not go towards the operation or upgrade of water treatment plants in Durham.

In the sidebar, readers can find the 2009 residential tax rate for Durham's eight municipalities.  In brackets I've listed how much that would cost for a home valued at $200,000.  Each municipality has a different average assessment for homes, so I arbitrarily selected $200,000 for a simple comparison that allows for simple math if folks want to estimate their own home's taxes.  The figures do not factor in the reassessment cycle which can lower or increase the actual rates, so there may be slight differences in the actual property tax bills.

To demonstrate why the 2009 starting points are important, let's look at some actual municipal examples.

The City of Oshawa has passed a 0.9-per cent tax increase, which may or may not end up being the lowest in Durham. Without factoring in changes due to assessments, this increase would bring its local rate up to 0.747833 per cent, bringing the total local taxes on that $200,000 home to $1,495.67, a $13 increase.

Meanwhile, Ajax passed a 2.75-per cent tax rate increase, bringing the tax rate to 0.399580 per cent for a total of $799.16 on that $200,000 home, a $21 increase.

So, a bigger tax rate increase for Ajax residents, but a much smaller total tax bill on that $200,000 home.  And although the Ajax rate increase is three times that of Oshawa, the actual dollar increase is less than double.

Ajax councillors have said that they've had the lowest average tax rate increase of any municipality from 2007 to 2009. But as the 2009 figures show, the municipality with the highest average increase, Pickering, still has the lowest overall rate among lakeshore municipalities.

Ultimately, when it comes to the budget process, taxpayers don't care about percentages and statistics, they care about exactly how much money is coming out of their pockets and that's the number to keep in mind.

PICKERING -- Pickering could soon ask the Region of Durham to seek out an integrity commissioner to serve all municipalities across Durham.

Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles recently gave notice that he and Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley will introduce a motion at the next council meeting to ask the Region to hire or establish the position of an integrity commissioner to serve the Region and all eight of its municipalities.

The integrity commissioner would review inquiries or complaints on matters regulated in the municipalities' code of conduct or code of practice.

Changes in 2006 to the Municipal Act allowed individual municipalities to establish the role. Coun. Pickles feels a shared commissioner will maintain accountability and transparency in Durham's municipalities. It would also be economically feasible, practical and consistent, he said.

Clarington's council is expected to consider the motion at its March 1 meeting. Coun. Pickles is glad to see others are endorsing the idea and hopes more municipalities will catch on.

“There's a greater efficiency and accountability if other councils will change the position,” he said in an interview.

Pickering council is expected to consider the motion Tuesday, Feb. 16.

Pickering, ON, January 28, 2010 - “On behalf of the Pickering Advisory Committee on Race Relations & Equity, I wish to extend deepest condolences to the people of Haiti and the Pickering families who have also been affected,” said David Pickles, Chair Pickering Advisory Committee on Race Relations & Equity, and City Councillor, Ward 3.  “Through our sustained efforts, we can make a real and meaningful difference in the lives of many in Haiti who are looking to rebuild their shattered lives.”

At the January 18th Pickering Council meeting, Mayor Ryan and Members of Council recognized the Haiti disaster, which was followed by a moment of silence for those who perished.  The Mayor and Members of Council all pledged to make donations to the Canadian Red Cross and publicly asked the community to aid in the relief efforts.

As such, the City is proud of the community-wide response to date.  Many Pickering residents, community groups and businesses have already made donations to the Haitian relief efforts and/or organized fundraising events.  Al Dente Restaurant, Veridian Corporation, Lone Star Restaurant, and Port restaurant are some of the many Pickering businesses who are helping to raise funds.

From now until February 12, 2010, the Government of Canada has announced it would match the generosity of individual Canadians up to $50 million for a total of $100 million in aid for Haiti.  This goal has not yet been reached, so the Mayor, Members of council and the Pickering Advisory Committee on Race Relations & Equity urge Pickering residents to continue with their donations and fundraising efforts.

Residents are advised to donate only to registered Canadian charitable agencies.  Some of the well-known Canadian organizations currently involved in Haiti relief efforts are:  Canadian Red Cross; World Vision; Unicef; Plan Canada; Doctors Without Borders; and Humanitarian Coalition.

“This tragedy has exacted a terrible toll, and my heartfelt condolences goes out to all those who lost a loved one in Haiti,” said Mayor Dave Ryan.  “Moving forward, we need to continue with our humanitarian efforts, as it will take time, money, and resources to rebuild a better, stronger and more self-sufficient nation of Haiti.”

About the City of Pickering Advisory Committee on Race Relations & Equity:

The City of Pickering Advisory Committee on Race Relations & Equity, made up of municipal leaders, school board representatives, community cultural associations, community appointees and students, has been involved in the design and delivery of race relations programs and initiatives in the community for nearly 20 years.

The first municipality in the Durham Region to form a Race Relations Committee, the Pickering Advisory Committee on Race Relations & Equity has worked closely over the years with many different groups and organizations, particularly youth, to promote racial and ethnic harmony - a key objective detailed in its Race Relations Policy.

The City of Pickering Advisory Committee on Race Relations and Equity is also charged with the responsibility of giving guidance to and advising the municipality, through the Mayor and the Council of the Corporation of the City of Pickering, on matters involving race relations and equity issues within the community.

Jason Liebregts / Metroland PICKERING -- Fred Gibson and Susan Maturine, from the Pickering Carib-Canadian Cultural Association, spoke about Haiti, during a Haiti relief fundraiser at Al Dente restaurant on Jan. 20.  January 20, 2010

PICKERING -- Local generosity poured in at a fundraiser Wednesday night to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Al Dente Restaurant in Pickering donated its space for the event and provided food and drink to relief supporters throughout the evening.  Mayor Dave Ryan, council and community members donated items to a silent auction and residents emptied their wallets to help the Canadian Red Cross provide food, water and other necessities to Haitian residents, and to help start rebuilding the devastated country.

“It's good for the collection of money and it's great for awareness too,” said Michael Head, Pickering resident and partner in Walker Head Lawyers, an injury law firm based in Pickering, as he purchased a large block of raffle tickets.

His wife Debbie Andersen said the event provided an outlet for people to get together and not only donate, but discuss the tragedy in Haiti, much more meaningful than the solitude of clicking a button online to donate.

“It's really nice to have something where people can come together,” she said.

The evening saw more than $6,000 from ticket sales and donations, which the federal government will match.  That's not including silent auction money and donations promised from corporations.

Politicians and community members worked quickly with Al Dente when restaurant owners called to see how they could help Haiti.  The Pickering Community for Haitian Relief Effort was then born.

The committee's ultimate goal is to raise $100,000, but more so to encourage other community organizations to do their own fundraising for Haiti.

“A lot of people get frustrated because they don't know how to (donate),” said mayoral candidate Maurice Brenner, relief effort co-chairman.

Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell, also co-chairwoman, said councillors and politicians have a unique opportunity to help raise awareness on the issue through their wide range of contacts.

“It's also a challenge to other politicians to help mobilize communities to hold similar functions and raise some money,” she said.

The Pickering Carib-Canadian Cultural Association is a community partner in the effort and vice president Fred Gibson noted the quake hasn't only hurt people in Haiti, but many in Pickering's diverse community.

“You've got to get up and do something,” he said, adding the PCCCA will do what it can to help.

President Susan Maturine, whose friends have lost people in the quake, mentioned the PCCCA sponsors a teenage girl in Haiti and has her fingers crossed she wasn't one of the victims.

Mr. Head feels people, including the federal government and admittedly himself, should do more for the relief effort than they are.

“I appreciate everybody doesn't make the same amount but there has to be a line to draw to give until they notice,” he said.

The opportunity to celebrate a bicentennial is a special time, but given the economic difficulties faced by many in the community, the City is right to take a modest approach.

Pickering officially turns 200 on March 4, 2011, so there is plenty of lead time to get the bicentennial year just right.  On Monday, the City decided to budget $43,000 to beef up existing events and add new ones.  But the extra events planned won't go through unless the City can find sponsorships or grants to pay for them.

That's smart thinking on council's part as tax dollars are needed to pay for local essentials and any increase must go to bread, not circuses.  The occasion of a 200th birthday celebration should generate some sponsorship opportunities and, with plenty of lead time, some grant money should be available from Queen's Park and Ottawa.

One of the biggest and brightest happenings should take place on July 1, 2011, when the City is planning to have a huge Canada Day celebration.  The $25,000 event will only go ahead should grants come through, but the City is hoping to have a Canadian headliner and a swearing-in ceremony for new Canadians.

Much of the cash is needed for branding and marketing purposes over the next year.  The City will be looking to work with local groups, such as putting on a speaker series with the Pickering Public Library, a soccer tournament with the Pickering Soccer Club and an Italian heritage multicultural and sporting event put on by the Ajax-Pickering Italian Social Club.

All are great ideas as they involve community-minded local citizens who will be more than happy to spread the word about Pickering's big birthday celebration.  The City should do all it can to bring as many clubs and organizations into the big party tent so that a large number of Pickering citizens are directly involved.  Not only does it make for a bigger party, it helps to build community spirit, something you can never have enough of.

The usual events that fill the City calendar, like Family Day, Christmas in the Village, the New Year's Eve Family Countdown and the Waterfront Concert Series, will also get the Pickering 200 touch.

Keeping costs down will ensure taxpayers get good bang for their buck but will ensure a suitable year-long celebration recognizing a special birthday.

PICKERING -- In an attempt to attract appropriate development and bring business taxes into the city, City staff is looking to phase in development fees.

“We need to at least look at possible City initiatives, without giving up any dollars due to the City,” said Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles.

Coun. Pickles introduced a motion at the latest council meeting calling for staff to create a development incentive program that will attract more business, jobs and sustainable elements to building in Pickering.

Coun. Pickles pointed out that the foggy financial climate may be making it difficult to secure financing from possible clients who are interested in developing in the city.

Payments such as development charges, building permit fees and payments in lieu of parkland are usually substantial when it comes to large projects.  That payment is currently required up-front “and may act as a deterrent to projects getting underway.”

The plan is to still charge the same total amount of fees payable to the City, but to accept them through phased-in payment.

“Incentives may help attract more business, more jobs and lessen taxes on residents,” Coun. Pickles said.

A possible program could include tying the payment to construction progress based on the City's objectives of density, sustainable elements and job creation the project will provide.

Staff will work on the plan and take it to council for approval.