A Message from
- Doug
Dickerson
Pickering Retail
News - May 2009
Sweets Galore - a Pickering
delight
One of the more pleasant aspects to being a Councillor
is being invited into different local businesses for an
"up-close" look into just what they do, for whom,
shipped to where, etc. And the opportunity is never
missed by myself or Catherine Hodge, a member of our
Economic Development Team, to enquire as to what the
City can do, or assist with, to help grow their
business. "We grow by listening, learning & doing",
commented Councillor Rick Johnson who also has made a
practice of visiting various businesses over the years.
One of these opportunities occurred back on March 19th
with a visit to Sweets Galore and the knowledgeable
experience of Dianne Nicholls, owner, to guide us
through. The entry into the factory is like entering
chocolate wonderland! Whether you look left, right or
straight ahead, it's impossible to take in all the
different shapes chocolate can be moulded into. Amazing
- you'll want to see it for yourself.
The first thing that hit me when Dianne led us into the
actual factory was how incredibly clean it was and the
attention paid to safe hygiene. Upon completion of
washing, netting & gowning, we witnessed the magic of
head Chocolateer, Ross Sedgwick. He ability to mould,
chill & produce a chocolate bunny, perfect for any
child's Easter basket, with ease and perfection is truly
remarkable.
Born in 1993, Sweets Galore opened six years ago at its
present location - 1084 Brock Rd., just south of the
401, west side. Using only the absolute finest and
purest of various chocolates from around the globe, you
won't leave empty handed after stepping foot inside, if
you have any sort of sweet tooth at all. If you have
your own idea you would like made into form, Dianne
would love to talk to you - it's a specialty she excels
in. Also talk to Dianne if you're looking for a
different kind of birthday party for your child. The
phone number is 905 839-0238. Mention you found out
about them in the Retail Pages!
Economic News
I doubt that, as you read this, Council will have
adopted the 2009 budget. The primary hold-up is waiting
to find out which projects the City submitted under the
new economic stimulus package have been approved. The
submitted projects are, what is referred to as 'camera
ready', meaning the work can commence as soon as the
funding is committed. In the absence of this financial
information, we will proceed on the basis of what our
best collective instincts tell us will likely be
approved; and finalize the budget from there.
I am not in the habit of speculating and am reluctant to
do so now. However, there are many residents and
businesses who need some indication of what to expect in
the way of any increase because they have to do their
budgeting now. My 'guesstimate' is in the 3-4% range for
legitimate reasons that will become clear as the budget
process unfolds.
I never tire of promoting Pickering in this column or
anywhere else I happen to be. To me, this is a large
part of being a Councillor - to be able to ambassador
your city's virtues as a great place to locate and grow
a business as well as a family. And these efforts
continue to pay huge dividends towards the cost of
growing the city while placing greater emphasis on
sustainable features, conservation efforts, alternative
energy solutions and the environment.
The proof, as I frequently like to quote, lies in the
construction value of permits issued. To the end of
February, '09, residential soared to $62 million
compared to $2.6 million, same date, last year.
Commercial is up to $9.5 million in the first two months
of '09 compared to $6.1 million, same period, last year.
Industrial has zoomed to $13.5 million in the first two
months vs. $4.5 million in '08. And last year's figures
surpassed those for 2007. So, if we're up again, in all
categories, somebody has to be doing something right!
Right?
Particularly in the tough global economic times such as
we are currently going through, we are constantly
reminded of how blessed our municipality really is. The
diversity of our vast economic business base combined
with near recession-proof employers such as OPG,
provincial, regional and municipal governments, police
force, fire department, EMS and health facility
providers, have combined to lessen the blow than it
otherwise might have been.
I would hope that we are able to take advantage of every
opportunity to improve the city's infrastructure through
the use of federal/provincial funding which will provide
66% of the cost of approved projects previously
submitted. While it may very well mean borrowing - there
are a couple of points to keep in mind. One is that the
cost of municipal borrowing is at an historic low -
meaning rates in the 2% range over ten years. Second,
the projects are being completed with 33 cent dollars --
that's the only amount to be financed. Third, they are
already on the radar screen to be undertaken and
scheduled for the coming years ahead. We advance the
time-table; re-payment occurs each year from the funding
that otherwise would have been committed in the year the
project was previously forecasted to move ahead in.
Easter Parade
On a final note, on behalf of Council and the residents
of Pickering, I wish to commend Legionnaires Joann
Kerr-Dickerson, President of the Ladies Auxiliary, and
Myrna Picotte, President of Legion Br. 606, for once
again organizing and putting on one of their best yet
Easter Parades. Our fair City is blessed once again with
these ladies, and so many others, who give generously of
their time and spirit to bring these special events for
us to enjoy. Our Legion certainly stands out as a model
for many other Branches around the Province and across
Canada. Well done ladies.
Doug Dickerson
City Councillor, Ward 2
City of Pickering
E-mail: ddickerson@cityofpickering.com |