Ready to Grow - A Bridge to Pickering's Future
Slowly but steadily, this city is moving towards a sustainable future. The most recent "BIG" news on that front witnessed the federal and provincial governments contributing $10 million in Stimulus Funding to pay the entire cost (no cost to Pickering taxpayers) of the Pedestrian Bridge over the 401.

This was in reaction to Council making this number 1 on the wish list of shovel-ready projects which we submitted earlier this year for federal/provincial stimulus funding.

Many of you will recall that back in 1996, I presented the vision of an enclosed bridge to Council during our budget deliberations and, with the assistance of Councillors Brenner and Johnson, Council agreed to invest $95,000 to have the footings installed for the bridge while the 401 was under reconstruction. I know I was certainly feeling optimistic about our current chances of funding success due to the Province's Places to Grow legislation designating Pickering as a transit mobility hub and urban growth centre. The success of redevelopment projects such as San Francisco By The Bay again demonstrated to the Province that there is a strong desire by many people to live within walking distance to public transit such as the GO train. With the advent of the Pickering Town Centre's desire to construct an office tower on the north side of the 401, a connecting pedestrian bridge stretching from the GO station became all too obvious.

For relieving Pickering taxpayers of the entire capital cost including future operating and maintenance costs, I wish to extend Pickering's thanks to both the federal and provincial governments. And also to say "thanks" to Mayor Ryan for lending his voice and ensuring that the north end of the bridge will have adequate parking facilities and be transformed into a new bus transit hub. In their funding announcement, the two upper levels of government also contributed $20 million towards a parking garage being part of the new transit hub.

I don't believe the vision of thirteen years ago would have been possible, though, without this Mayor and Council's full support to move forward and begin our real journey into the 21st century.

New Businesses - The Road to Pickering's Future
Early in September, Mayor Ryan and I were pleased to attend and assist in the ribbon-cutting of a new State Farm Insurance office located at 1400 Bayly St., Unit 13A (beside GO Station). Martin Lee, a young entrepreneur, husband & father and formerly with the Pickering Recreation Department is the newest agent and welcomes his existing and new clients with knowledge, enthusiasm and professionalism. And we welcome Martin's decision to begin, and grow, his new office in our midst.

Papps Restaurant has undergone extensive renovations and completely transformed its banquet facility following new ownership. It was a pleasure to join with the new team in their grand-opening ceremonies. Depending on the type of special function one might be considering, the newly refurbished facility could easily handle groups up to 200 people within the two rooms. If you're thinking of a special event, you might want to drop by and take a look for yourself. For information, contact Terri Pilkeyj-Black at 905 239-6878.

BMO-Nesbitt Burns also opened new offices recently in the Hub Plaza. With a community barbeque and seating tent set up in front, doing a ribbon-cutting on a beautiful Saturday was a delight and I congratulate BMO on a fabulous looking facility. Moving from their previous location at the west end of the plaza to premises formerly occupied by Denny's, the renovated offices have grown from some 2,500 sq. ft. to 6,500 sq. ft. Not only does this mean more new jobs for our area but also demonstrates the belief that major financial institutions consider Pickering a great city in which to nurture and grow their clientele.

Home Depot has just celebrated their first year in Pickering and the store management could not be more pleased with the sales results which they attribute, in part, to an outstanding staff and outstanding customer relations. They are above what was projected - and that projection was made before the economy turned so gloomy. As part of their corporate outreach into the surrounding community, Home Depot has adopted the green area on Kitley Ave. between Dixie Rd. & Bowler Dr. under the City's Adopt-A-Park program. Not only did volunteer staff of Home Depot commit to doing at least three clean-ups a year, they also immediately planted about 80 trees and shrubs along a designated area to enable future residents a natural canopy to enjoy.

A Caring Community
Pickering residents have always demonstrated how big a heart they have when the need for assistance is present. Several events held over the past summer continue to highlight that fact.

Connor Fox is a young 2 yr old Glendale child fighting cancer. Lauren Goldsmith of Edukids Child Care Centres held a fund-raiser at their Discovery Place Child Care Centre and, together with their other Centres, raised $3865 in support of Connor. This was in addition to a large amount raised through a car wash, bake sale and bottle drive held by Glendale residents in the Re-Max parking lot on Walnut Lane.

David Howchen is a 21 yr old who also lives in Glendale. David has been suffering from leukemia for the past six years. His friends, neighbours and total strangers dropped by the street party being held in his honour and raised more than enough to purchase the chair David has had his eye on. A big thanks to David's friend and neighbour, Sue Godwin for all of her organizing efforts.

Cooper Gray is a 2 yr old child diagnosed with a rapidly growing brain tumour. Surgeons at the Hospital for Sick Children successfully operated and removed the whole tumour which, through the grace of God, was not cancerous. The surgery was life-threatening but not operating was a life ender. A grateful family, along with hundreds of friends and neighbours, came together to raise $10,000 for the Sick Kids Hospital through a huge yard sale.
 

Contact Doug Dickerson
City Councillor, Ward 2
City of Pickering
Email Me       Web Site