As a member of the Budget Committee, I can report that it is always difficult for us to decide which projects proceed in a budget year and which must be postponed to other years.  During the process of setting budgets and establishing tax rates Council is always in the position of balancing residents' desire to maintain existing assets (e.g. roads, recreation complex, libraries) and undertaking new projects (e.g. sidewalks, arenas, playgrounds), while at the same time trying to minimize increases to property taxes.  Although we would always like to proceed with more projects as early as possible, I am pleased that with what we have been able to accomplish with the funds available while also maintaining Pickering's position of having the lowest tax rates of the lakeshore municipalities in Durham Region.

Sabrina Byrnes / Metroland George Buckles, principal of 20 VIC Management Inc., and Gary McNeil, executive vice president of Metrolinx and managing director of GO Transit, had their hard hats and shovels ready September 9 at the funding annoucment for a pedestrian bridge to be built over Hwy. 401 from an office tower to the GO Transit station. September 9, 2009

PICKERING -- A project that's been an idea for 13 years is finally becoming a reality after the provincial and federal governments announced significant joint funding Wednesday.

A fully-enclosed pedestrian bridge will connect the Pickering GO station to Pickering Parkway, the Pickering Town Centre, a future office tower and a future transportation hub.

The project will receive $10 million from the provincial and federal governments, local MPs and MPPs announced Wednesday.  The bridge will be built and maintained by GO Transit and construction should be complete by March, 2011.

“I think what we have accomplished is the bridge to a sustainable future in downtown Pickering,” said an excited Mayor Dave Ryan in an interview, adding the project won't cost taxpayers or the City anything.

He feels the bridge will be the catalyst for Pickering's long-awaited downtown with its competitive tax rates and its ideal location as the first municipality east of Toronto.  He added the drive from Toronto to Pickering offers a reverse commute with less traffic. He envisions businesses, transit and culture thriving in the area, which he calls a “gateway to Durham.”

In its regional transportation plan, the Province has identified that area of Pickering as a transportation hub and an urban growth centre.  The project and enhanced transit will not only put Pickering on the map as a place to do business, visit and shop, but it will benefit transit users, said Gary McNeil, executive vice president of Metrolinx and managing director of GO Transit.

“It's going to be a real benefit to our customers to improve access to the station,” he said.

The mayor was first opposed to the idea of a pedestrian bridge from the GO station since it didn't have a destination point.  But in April of 2006 he was told by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), which currently has an office at Liverpool Road and Pickering Parkway, that more than 200 jobs would be forced to leave Pickering because the company was expanding and there was no space in the City to support the extra jobs.  So the mayor contacted 20 Vic Management Inc. (Pickering Town Centre owner) and said he had an ideal tenant in mind if the company wanted to finally build a new office tower on the southwest corner of the PTC parking lot.

“We now had a destination point,” he said.

Back in June, 20 Vic announced it was in fact building an eight-storey, 132,000-square foot office tower, constructed to LEED Silver standards, and the primary tenants would be MPAC. That got the ball rolling for the public-private partnership on the bridge.

“Bringing in GO Transit is in full credit to the mayor,” said George Buckles, principal of 20 Vic.  He added GO's involvement is substantial in the development of the downtown core, and the bridge and mobility hub will also benefit the mall's customers and merchants.

It was also announced that GO Transit and 20 Vic are jointly building a parking structure at the base of the building that will increase the tower's height by an additional three storeys and provide more parking for GO customers.

Mayor Ryan hopes the announcement puts at least some criticism to rest.

“For those who say we don't have a downtown I say 'just watch us',” he said.

Pickering, ON, September 10, 2009 - Yesterday, the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, and GO Transit announced $30 million in key infrastructure investments that will transform downtown Pickering by supporting intensification, urban renewal and public transit.

Through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the Federal and Provincial governments are committing $5 million each towards the construction of a fully enclosed pedestrian bridge.  The $10 million structure will span Highway 401 and connect the Pickering GO Station to a new 132,000 square foot, “Class A”, LEED-Silver office tower in Pickering's downtown precinct.  Together, the new pedestrian bridge and office tower will be the most visible examples of sustainability in the entire province.  Equally as important, it will create a more cohesive and accessible downtown district.

With funding secured for the pedestrian bridge, GO Transit has committed to building a $20 million parking structure at the base of the office tower.  This will result in 500 new parking spaces for the Pickering GO Station - a 25 percent increase in total parking capacity.  This will facilitate greater public transit usage without exacerbating traffic congestion in and around the terminal.

The pedestrian bridge and parking facility will be owned and operated by GO Transit, which means it will be also be responsible for all of the construction, operating, and maintenance costs.  “I am very pleased with the level of commitment to the City of Pickering expressed by the senior levels of government and the business community,” said Mayor Dave Ryan.  “In addition, I am extremely proud that we were able to bring these significant infrastructure projects forward without impacting our residential tax base.  It truly is a bridge to our sustainable future.”

While a proposed pedestrian bridge had been in the planning stages for more than a decade, it never had the required support to advance beyond the conceptual stage.  However, when the new office tower was announced back in May of this year, it created a small window of opportunity to plan for and incorporate complementary infrastructure.  Consequently, Mayor Ryan was actively involved in intense negotiations with a wide array of government ministries and agencies on a daily basis for the past four months.  With funding commitments now in place, all three projects will be built concurrently with an estimated completion date of March 2011.

20 Vic Management Inc. is the developer of the new office tower and has been working diligently with the City of Pickering and GO Transit with respect to the pedestrian bridge and parking structure.  “I would like to congratulate Mayor Ryan and the City of Pickering.  Their vision and tireless efforts have led to this truly defining moment in this young city's history,” said George Buckles, director Leasing & Development, 20 Vic Management Inc.  “In conjunction with the Pickering Town Centre, we are proud to be the foundation of Pickering's dynamic and burgeoning downtown core.”

As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 94,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet and has been recognized by Profit magazine as one of the ten best cities in Canada for growth companies.  Pickering's downtown has been named by the Province of Ontario as an Urban Growth Centre and future Anchor Mobility Hub.  The City of Pickering is considered a municipal leader in fiscal management, service delivery, sustainability and the environment.  In 2008, it received the FCM-CH2M Hill Sustainable Community Planning Award.  With its direct access to major highways, educated and skilled labour force, prime employment lands, a world class EN3 (Energy/Environmental/Engineering) sector, and supportive municipal government, Pickering offers unrivalled competitive advantages for business.

As Pickering councillors return to the council table, Mayor Dave Ryan hopes to overcome Pickering's identity crisis.

Pickering has been seen alternately as a service centre, as a home to the Ontario Power Generation nuclear station, or even as a host of the City of Toronto dump sites.

But Mayor Ryan wants to change that with a focus this term on establishing a downtown and setting the groundwork for a Durham West Arts Centre.

While Pickering has a lot of shopping areas, the mayor has long been an advocate for a downtown, which he hopes to establish along Kingston Road.

To coincide with a new downtown, the mayor hopes to get moving on a new arts centre, one he strongly believes should be in Pickering.

“People go to downtown Toronto to the theatre because there isn't anywhere else to go,” he said.  In 2004 the City and PineRidge Arts Council got together with other partners to begin the planning for the centre, which the mayor believes will bring jobs to the area and stimulate the economy.  It may not be built for five years but the mayor realizes work has to begin now if it is to become a reality.

The two would make a great focal point for a city looking for an identity.

And like many other communities, Pickering has to deal with issues surrounding growth. But in Pickering's case, that growth is massive with the Seaton community planned to be home to 70,000 new people within the next 20 years.  Pickering has consistently fought for new jobs to accompany the residential growth and has stated over and over again that one new job must be created for every two new residents.  That's a lofty goal but one that makes sense to ensure the city doesn't become more of a bedroom community.

Council will also be faced with a decision to approve a new, third tower at the San Francisco by the Bay residential development.  If approved, the tower will provide for a total of 734 units on the site. While area residents are concerned about traffic, the tower is a good fit and should be approved by council.

As we draw nearer to a municipal election year, councillors should stay focused on the job they were elected for, manage growth properly and keep taxes as low as possible.

Pickering residents still pay the least in property taxes of Durham's urban municipalities.

The chart below shows the total 2009 municipal property taxes paid per $289,400 assessment for comparison purposes.

As a member of the Budget Committee, I can report Council is always in the position of balancing residents' desire to maintain existing services (such as programs for our youth, families, and seniors) and assets (such as roads, recreation complex, libraries) and undertaking new projects (such as sidewalks, arenas, playgrounds), while at the same time trying to minimize increases to property taxes.  I am pleased with what we have been able to accomplish with the funds available while also maintaining Pickering's position of having the lowest tax rates of the urban municipalities in Durham Region.

How Do Pickering's Taxes Compare?

Who gets your property tax dollars?

City Responsibilities
Fire protection, city roads, recreation, culture, parks, recreational and cultural programs, sidewalks, recreation complex, ice arenas, libraries, Pickering Village Museum, municipal planning and by-law enforcement.

Region Responsibilities
Water, waste collection, police, social services (homes for the aged, social housing, daycare, welfare), health, transit and regional roads.

Municipal Property Assessment
In the fall of 2008, all property owners in Ontario received an assessment notice from Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) with the new, updated assessment value of their property.  This new assessment is based on a valuation date of January 1^st, 2008 and will be used by the City of Pickering to calculate 2009 property taxes.

If you have any questions concerning your property's assessed value, please contact MPAC at 1.866.296.6722, or visit their website at www.mpac.ca

If you feel that the assessment is too high, there are two options available:

• Request for Reconsideration (Send completed form to MPAC)
• Appeal to Assessment Review Board - www.mpac.ca

In the summer of 2002 residents and I were pleased to participate in the offical opening of the new Pickering Millennium Waterfront Trail, located on the shores of Lake Ontario for Pickering residents to enjoy.  It provides many exciting ways to enjoy our waterfront.

The community's past, present and future come together on the Trail, where the story of Pickering is chronicled through art, cultural expression and recreational activities.

Millennium Square, located at the foot of Liverpool Road, provides an idyllic setting for community events and gatherings.  The 40-ft. Millennium Tree sculpture, located in the Square, is representative of white pine trees and the shipping industry, both a very important part of Pickering's past.  The Trail provides many ways of enjoying the outdoors, with a boardwalk, a water-spray park for youngsters, and refreshment stops.

Former Mayor Arthurs and Councillor Pickles at the June 19, 2000 ground breaking event for the Waterfront Trail.

• 401 Pedestrian Bridge ($10.0 million) - A pedestrian bridge between the Go Station and Pickering Town Centre linking these two major areas and providing a stimulus for future economic growth.  This project is funded 100% by the senior levels of government.
• Rehabilitation of the Don Beer facility including expanded lobby, elevator access to the second floor and replacement of HVAC equipment with up-to-date energy efficient equipment.
• Duffin Heights Storm Water Management Pond: Located on the north side of the Third Concession Road, east of Brock - This project with a cost of $2.0 million will provide treatment for the stormwater runoff from most of the planned development on Brock Road.
• Northern Section of Sideline 4 ($870,000) - Reconstruction of road to two lane profile.
• Brock Road Expansion from DellBrook to Third Concession ( $562,000).  Your City pays for the construction of sidewalks and streetlights in conjunction with the widening of this road.
• Museum Hotel Restoration Project: Restoration of the Brougham Central Hotel and log barn with a gross cost of $885,000 with the Federal and Provincial Governments contributing $590,000.
• Reconstruct sidewalk & Blvd. - Valley Farm Rd from Kingston Rd to Esplanade N. ($150,000).
• Old Brock Road ($120,000) - Final coat of asphalt for this project.

• Rec Complex Expansion ($4.5 million) - This project includes a new aerobic studio, double squash courts and a new mechanical system to the make the building more energy efficient.
• DutchMaster Nursery to Seventh Concession Rd Sideline 16 ($300,000) - Road and drainage improvements.
• Paddock Road Project ($400,000) - Road and drainage improvements.
• Kinsmen Park Artificial Turf ($700,000) - A joint project with the Pickering Soccer Club contributing $200,000 to this project.
• Southern Section of Sideline 4 ($550,000) - Reconstruction of road to two lane profile.
• Don Beer Arena ($800,000) - Replacement of the concrete floor pad and boards for rink#2.
• Brock Road Pedestrian Underpass project ($120,000) - Additional bridge structural works.
• Replace bleachers for Beverly Morgan Park ($50,000).

• New sidewalks and streetlights on both sides of Brock Road at the CP rail grade separation ($400,000).
• Additional funding for Bulmer Bridget ($640,000).
• Beverly Morgan Park running track rehabilitation and resurfacing ($175,000).
• Brands Court resurfacing.
• Playground upgrades to various parks throughout the City.
• Whitevale Streetlight replacement program ($40,000).

• Completion of Finch Avenue Phase One Works which includes driveway & boulevard restoration & the Duffins Trail Installation
• Road Resurfacing on Old Brock Road from Wellington Street to Regional Road One & Concrete Sidewalk Installation from Bovington Place to the Canadian Legion
• Bridge Deck Replacement for the Reesor Creek Bridge located on the Pickering / Uxbridge Townline near Sideline 36
• Bridge Deck Replacement for the Bulmer Bridge located on Concession 5 near the Greenwood Conservation Area
• New Sidewalk Installation of Valley Farm Road south of Diefenbaker Court
• Playground Construction and the installation of new play equipment at Beverly Morgan Park, Denmar Park & Valleyview Park
• Centennial Park the installation of a new Washroom Facility
• Street Light Improvements on Kingston Road from Guild Road to Notion Road
• Installation of a IPS Pedestrian Signal on Valley Farm Road south of Kingston Road
• Tennis Court Resurfacing at Village East Park & Greenwood Park
• Kingston Road - Sidewalk (north side) Notion Road to Bainbridge Drive, in conjunction with Brookfield Development
• Sideline #4 - Hwy 7 to Concession 5 Road - Complete south portion detailed design for future reconstruction of Sideline #4, in conjunction with Barclay Fieldstone Estates Subdivision
• Woodview Ave. - Fince Ave. south to hydro corridor. - Reconstruction and installation of sanitary sewer and storm sewer in conjunction with Nicou Subdivision
• Finch Ave. - west of Altona Road - Installation of services (Storm and Sanitary) and partial reconstruction of Finch Ave. adjacent to and in conjunction with Nicou Subdivision.
• New Energy Efficient Windows at Greenwood Community Centre - 2nd floor Banquet Hall
• New Oil Furnace at Mt. Zion Community Centre
• Pickering Museum Village Foundation have retained the services of an architect to provide design and working drawings and specifications for the Hotel construction & restoration at the Pickering Museum Village.  The working drawings and specifications will be completed in 2006.

Councillor Pickles recognizing the acheivement of fitness patrons at the Pickering Recreation Centre, 2006.

Councillor Pickles inspects progress on construction of the Brock Road Railway underpass at Taunton Road. Once complete there will be no further delays of drivers or emergency vehicles due to trains. Work can then begin on further improvements along Brock Road.

• Placement of Surface Treatment on Concession 7 from York/Durham Line to Sideline 32
• Placement of asphalt pavement on Sideline 16 from north of 407 to Dutchmaster Nurseries
• Resurfacing of asphalt pavement on Brougham Road from Highway 7 to Regional Road 1
• Placement of Surface Treatment on Hoxton Street from Old Brock Road to Pickering Uxbridge Townline
• Placement of Surface Treatment on Westney Road from Regional Road 5 to Sandtrap Court
• Installation of Storm Sewers and Road Reconstruction on Finch Avenue from Brock Road to the Eastern Terminus
• Completion of the Rosebank CN bridge and Roadway approaches on Rosebank Road just north of Sheppard Avenue
• Sidewalk improvements on Central Street from Old Brock Road to Claremont Public School
• New Sidewalk installations on Westney Road fronting Valley View Public School, Finch Avenue from Guild Road to Royal Road and Valley Farm Road from Fieldlight Boulevard to Kingston Road
• Playground Construction and the installation of new play equipment at Martin's Tot Lot and Don Beer Memorial Park

• Completion of Highway 7 intersections lighting at Paddock Road
• Installed playground equipment in Greenwood Park and assisted installation of new equipment at Valley View Public School in Greenwood
• Sidewalk along Kingston Road (Brock Road to Notion Road) and Valley Farm Road South of Finch Avenue

• Award construction of Duffin Valley Trail from Brookridge Park to Valleyfarm Road.
• Road Improvements:
  • Rehabilitation of Pickering Parkway
  • Resurface Audley Road south of Highway #7
  • Remediation of Paddock Road
  • Safety improvements at Westney Road & Concession #8

• New playground equipment at Major Oaks Park, Beechlawn Park, and Whitevale Park.
• New family change rooms and new fitness equipment at the Recreation Complex.
• More parking and other improvements Recreation Complex.
• A new ice pad and other renovations at Don Beer Arena.
• Concession 8 (east of 4 Seasons Golf Course) slope works and hard surface road.
• New sidewalks in front of the police station at Kingston Road and Brock Road.
• New sidewalks on the east side of Brock Road between Major Oaks Road and Dellbrook Drive by the daycare.
• New sidewalks on west side of Whites Road to Craighurst Court.

Councillor David Pickles cutting the ribbon on the new family change rooms.

Councillor David Pickles trying out the new fitness equipment.

• New playground equipment at Centennial Park
• Petticoat Bridge on the Waterfront Trial
• 7th Concession (east of Salem Road to Lakeridge Road) hard surface treatment.
• Pickering/Uxbridge Town line - Culvert improvements at Sideline 26.
• Old Brock Road -Culvert replacement at Hoxton St., Claremont.
• New Pickering Baseball Association (PBA) Clubhouse at Brockridge Park shared cost with PBA

• New playground equipment at Brock Ridge Park, Village East Park, Green River Park, Denmar Park, Claremont Park and Forest Glen Park.
• Realigned and improved Pickering Parkway east of Brock Road to accommodate the new Walmart store constructed on the Metro East Trade Centre lands across from the new Canadian Tire store.
• Additional street lights along Kingston Road, Valley Farm Road to Notion Road
• Railway crossing gates at Dixie Road and Fairport Road to provide better safety and cease whistles.
• Completion of William Street in Claremont with final asphalt surface and a sidewalk.
• New sidewalks on Pinegrove Avenue and Mossbrook Square to complement the new guarded school crossings in the Altona West Neighbourhood.
• Salem Road surface treated from Concession 5 to Highway # 7 to eliminate on going dust problems.
• Concession 5 road improvements included new hard top surface from Greenburn Place to Sideline 4.
• Construction of the Waterfront Trail, including the boardwalk/splash area and other amendments at Liverpool Road beach area.