Retail News - March 2008
At its' meeting March 17th, (Happy St. Paddy's Day to all our Irish friends) Pickering Council was unanimous in support of seeing a pesticide ban in place and taking effect January 1st, 2009. The draft by-law was referred to our staff to seek input from the Province as they are also working on a province wide curtailment on the aount of pesticides we use, particularly for the cosmetic use of it. On this one, I particularly want to single out Councillors Jennifer O'Connell and Dave Pickles who did an enoromous amount of work on this by-law. Two public meetings were hosted and a survey completed by interested residents and stakeholders. Both are members of the Sustainable Pickering Committee and their work continues to move the City along on its' journey towards making Pickering the most sustainable city in the country. As the Chair of that committee, I can say that the City is being recognized as a leading edge cutter by municipalities throughout Canada and we are often asked to share our experiences. Here's another first for our fair city. Pickering has partnered with the Ajax and Pickering Rotary Clubs to bring a rip-snortin' Ribfest to residents starting the weekend of June 6th to June 8th. It will be centered in the Esplanade Park behind the Civic Complex and feature some of North America's best "ribbers" who will be competing for first-place and serving up their best. Meant for the entire family, we are planning something for everyone - from games for children to some great music showcasing our local talent. And you won't want to miss the evening entertainment. Mark your calendars! More positive news on the job front. Council is extremely pleased to welcome the Norwegian-based engineering construction company, Aker Kvaerner Chemetics (AKC) to Pickering. Relocating from Don Mills to our Industrial Area, the company currently has 60 employees and expects to be in the 100 neighbourhood by the end of 2009. The new facility will have 70,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space and 17,000 sq. ft. of office space and construction is expected to be completed within the next year. Bob Vanderland, President of the Canadian division states, "we'll expand our proprietary businesses, engineering and project management. We build plants worldwide". The company has 24,000 employees around the world and it is my belief that they will be bringing skilled jobs, bearing good wages and benefits, to Pickering. And to assist our tax base a little more, I was pleased to join with Joe Bessada in cutting the ribbon of his new Kia automobile dealership on Bayly St. a few weeks ago - Bessada Kia. Joe has made this a family business with his wife and daughter actively involved in winning your confidence and support when purchasing a vehicle in the future. Their new building, located just west of Brock Rd., is well laid out with an indoor showroom and a well equipped service area. The current staff of 17 (soon to grow) are friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. Check them out - you will be pleasantly surprised. Welcome Bessada Kia! On a social note, Acting Mayor & Regional Councillor Bill McLean and I were delighted to welcome Mayor Denis Teevan, Mayor of Wicklow, located about 45 klicks south of Dublin in the County of Wicklow, Ireland, along with the Town Clerk, Helen Purcell who were in the City visiting the Mayor's brother and sister-in-law, James & Jackie Teevan. Well, since St. Patty's day was not far off, Bill and I wanted to raise a "toast" to St. Patrick. Then the story. Denis told us of folklore about the day St. Patrick, hisself, came sailing into the Wicklow harbour. All the townsfolk came out to see the ship coming in - however, they didn't come with a mug of green ale - they came armed with stones and began "stoning" him - thus preventing St. Patrick from landing on their shores. Do they celebrate St. Paddy's Day as we do? I will leave it up to others of Irish decent to finish the story. Or, you can contact Denis at: denisteevan@eircom.net and let him finish. |
I would like to begin by thanking the many residents and businesses who have called or e-mailed me their comments over the past six months with respect to items in this column. Please do not hesitate to add your thoughts should something jump out and you wish to share your opinion.