One of the things I always try to point out in this column is the work Council and staff do to attract new businesses, jobs and assessment to grow our city. One of the key indicators as to how well we are doing is to look at the new applications received and the construction value in terms of dollars being spent here.

In 2007, to the end of June, that value stood at $49 million - nothing to sneeze at. We knew we were on the right track and resolved to continue a strong push to attract even more investment. The result? To the end of June in 2008, our construction value hit $112 million - more than double that of last year. Commercial value increased from $5 million to $19 million; while Industrial value soared from $3.1 million to $16.6 million - that's the sort of growth which goes a long way to increasing the overall revenue and lessens the tax impact on residents compared to what it would otherwise be.

I had the pleasure back on Aug. 9th to represent the City for the first anniversary of Chartwell Select Retirement Home where hundreds of residents, their children and grandchildren gathered for the celebration. In addition to a fabulous lunch, everyone was treated to some great music from years long gone by and to horse-drawn wagon rides around City Hall.

Following that, I again represented the City at a youth event hosted by the Tamil Cultural & Academic Society of Durham. Their main focus is involving our young residents in community volunteerism and they do assist at any number of events throughout the year. I was also very pleased to represent the City at the fourth Annual WindReach Farm Foundation GloBall (night) Golf Tournament. The farm, located in north Pickering, attracts hundreds of children and young adults with disabilities to a fun filled day learning about animals and how to ride a horse. I honestly don't know what Pickering would do without these organizations who do so much for us and ask for so little, or nothing, in return.

On a final note, many have asked me to comment on Jon Tennant -"Mr. Fix It" to his friends. Here again is a resident, 81 years old, who enjoys keeping active by repairing lawn-mowers and snow-blowers for many of his fellow seniors, friends and neighbours. Unfortunately, what the media has failed to point out is that the City's By-law Department had received complaint(s) respecting the ongoing noise and fumes day after day after day. In November of 2007, the gentleman was charged and pleaded "guilty" to the same offence. The judge ordered him to cease and desist. He agreed and no fine was requested. Now the major offence is not complying with the court order. As for his small operation not being a 'business', the fact that he also sells used mowers makes it a business.

When a municipality creates by-laws, it does so because there is a community desire to enjoy a quiet, law-abiding, peaceful existence. Most often, by-laws reflect what it is the residents are asking for. If there is one corner-stone that is applied in each and every case it is this: the new by-law must not be based on race, creed, colour - or age and is there for all residents to abide by; otherwise chaos reigns and we're back to the laws of the old wild west.
 
Contact: Doug Dickerson
City Councillor, Ward 2
E-Mail: ddickerson@cityofpickering.com