OPEN LETTER TO WAYNE ARTHURS, MPP

Dear Wayne:
Just about the time you begin to wonder what in the world could possibly go wrong next, someone somewhere says something that simply causes you to roll your eye-

The issue concerns attaching 24" X 60" SUPPORT OUR TROOPS - vinyl banners on the light poles on the four bridges spanning Hwy 401 - Brock, Liverpool and Whites Rds & Rougemount Dr.

Pictured from left is Emma Roadknight, myself, and Jaclyn Holdsworth. Rehema (Emma) and her brother were adopted and brought here to Pickering three years ago. Their adoptive parents spent some 10 years in Kenya on a mission

Here's where the City of Pickering, a whole lot of Legion members, the public, veterans - young and old, and their families would really appreciate your intervention and assistance. By unanimous Council resolution it was decided that placement of these banners will serve to honour our troops, to honour our veterans, and to honour those fallen sons and daughters whose journey home will find them travelling the Highway of Heroes one last time. These banners would be virtually the same as we installed for the Pickering 2000 Millennium event year; and you will recall as Mayor that the banners posed no safety hazard to 401 traffic during the entire year they were up.

The City's Division Head of Culture & Recreation proceeded to contact the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) enquiring as to necessary application &/or permit for the installation. And the answer back is that the acting Head of the Corridor Management Section advises that the ministry does not permit banners to be affixed to any structures crossing our highways. No reason! No discussion! That's it!

We require your experienced assistance, Mr. MPP to request the Minister of Transportation to consider our special request and allow us to keep faith with those who stand in harms way; and thank you in advance for considering our plight. PS - should you wish, I am more than willing to share the correspondence with your office. And to share the results in this space.

AROUND PICKERING

If there is one thing I have found over the years it's the fact that craft and bazaar sale events, here in Pickering, share many of the same qualities of great merchandise and baked goodies at unbelievable bargains.

We meet friends and discover new friends, gossip a little over tea and muffins, and carry on with our shopping. We know the local organization that is hosting the fundraiser and what the proceeds are going towards.

So, when I come across something different, I take notice and such was the case in early November at a craft and bake sale hosted by Vaughan Willard Public School, Dixie Rd.

At one of the tables I discovered a trove of beautiful, hand-made African jewellery, books, calendars and a CD of an African choir. My senses might also have been heightened by the fact this was being run by two young girls (probably not more than 7/8 yrs old) who were quick to point out that they were raising money for the African Children's Choir of Kenya and who are currently conducting their North American Safari Tour. Proceeds raised are used to care, feed, clothe and educate thousands of children in Africa.

Ms. Jaclyn Holdsworth and Ms. RehemaRoadknight just might be my pick for Entrepreneur of the Year awards.They were knowledgeable in their cause, knew they had quality merchandise to offer, and went about their business with pride and passion. And knew how to dig into my financial heart.

If you're in, or looking to get into, the Olympic spirit, come out and join us as we
welcome the Olympic Torch and the runners of the flame.Ceremonies are slated for
City Hall, December 17th, at 7:30 am.

HERE WE GROW AGAIN

Back in mid-November, it was my pleasure, along with the Mayor and Councillor Pickles, to officially welcome and open another great addition to our growing culinary culture - Mama Noi Thai on the Fly Restaurant specializing in absolutely delicious and genuinely traditional Thai cuisine. The new business is owned and operated by Mrs. Noi Rein and her daughter, Nan. Located at 1410 Bayly St. Unit 6A (beside GO Station),the restaurant features sit-down dining or take-out service. They are open Monday thru Saturday 11 am - 3 pm; and 5 pm - 9 pm. For enquiries, call 905=-837-1037.

Testament to the fact that Pickering is a great place to grow a business continues to unfold.Whites Road X-Ray and Ultrasound have recently moved into new headquarters at 650 Kingston Rd. and we wish them continued success as well as Purdue Pharma who also recently held a ground-breaking event at their Granite Court office location. The expansion will add significantly to the employment base at Purdue, will cost in excess of $30 million, and will continue to propel Purdue's sales in the global marketplace.

And another business continuing their 20 year growth record here is the newly named Floor & Bath Design which was formerly known as The Tile Shoppe. Located in the Pickering Annex at 1755 Pickering Pkwy, Peter Mularczyk, President, invites you to come into his newly renovated show room, see what's new and get some expert advice; or visit them through their web site: www.floorandbathdesign.ca.

What's one of the tell-tale signs of a growing and thriving community? Look for a crane! And now you've noticed the one which has gone up for the office tower construction on the Pickering Town Centre lands, north side of Hwy 401. Since announcing their determination to proceed with the tower construction, anchored by MPAC as a prime tenant, interest has grown such that two additional stories have been added and the building will now see a direct link to the pedestrian bridge and the GO Station.

HOLIDAY SEASON

On behalf of myself, my Council Colleagues and your entire City team, maywe wish you a very safe and happy holiday season. We are a City blessed with manycultures celebrating their religious festivals with as much joy, passion and conviction as we Christians. Let us remember not only family and friends but perhaps also a neighbour who is alone and would love to have someone to talk to; or to think of those families, who not by choice, barely have enough to pay the rent and heat let alone buy a present each for the kids or fill their plates with traditional holiday foods - remember the food banks need your generosity and kindness. And in that vein, I will close 2009 by wishing all residents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Doug Dickerson
City Councillor
City of Pickering