News

Business Growth
One thing I never tire of is extolling Pickering's growth. Year over year, to the end of August, new construction value has increased from $83.5 million to $143.4 million - a huge increase considering we've just weathered the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. And this growth is propelling all types of new jobs which are meaningful, come with benefits and pay well. But more is needed because we still have too many qualified residents seeking employment for us to rest now.

Fortunately there were very few jobs lost in Pickering during the latest downturn but every lost job means economic hardship for someone. The good news is that after subtracting the lost jobs from the new ones created, during this past term of Council, there were some 4,000 additional jobs created. And that means more spending power for our local merchants to seize upon, to strut their wares, fill their order books and hire another employee.

Sustainable Pickering
Since its founding in 2006, I have had the pleasure of being the Chair and having a tremendous committee including Councillors Jennifer O'Connell & David Pickles and Mayor Dave Ryan. We have been recognized with national & provincial awards for our efforts as we seek to make our City one of the best environmentally & fiscally sustainable communities in Canada. The challenges we have engaged residents in, the greening of our roofs, the alternative energy decisions being made with solar panels & investigating district heating & cooling - there is too much to tell you here - visit our website, sustainablepickering.com, and you will feel nothing but a sense of pride on where your community is heading.

City Construction
A number of months ago, I boasted about the amount of construction you would witness over the summer and into the fall months.

Glennanna Rd. resurfacing is an amazing job done well; the new pathway through Balsdon Park is applauded by all who use it; the upgrades including the stone-picker purchased by the City along with new benches and sun shelters funded by a donation from the East Shore Community Association make a visit to the waterfront that much more enjoyable.

The widening of Brock & Altona Rds will ease some of the traffic congestion; the new parking structures and the enclosed pedestrian bridge over the 401 will do much to ease gridlock at Liverpool & Bayly during rush hour; and the list goes on - this Council has much to be proud of while still being very mindful of costs, debt assumption and struggling to keep property taxes as low as possible while maintaining city infrastructure & your assets.

Our Future
It has been my honour and privilege to serve the residents of Ward 2 specifically, and all residents of Pickering in general, these past 4 years. The good Lord and voters willing, it will be my honour & privilege to do so again.

I will champion the installation and connection of sidewalks along both sides of Kingston Rd. and will continue my efforts to attract new business and investment in our community. I will continue to be the voice of many of our senior citizens (and many others) who are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their individual lifestyles on a fixed income that is being eroded by new taxes such as the HST.

Our brave young men & women serving their country in our armed forces need to know that they are loved & appreciated by the folks back home and I will continue to give them my full backing - both as a grateful resident and a Legionnaire.