I am unsure as to what else can be said or added to the accolades all Canadians have bestowed upon our Olympians. They were a magnificent team commanding 26 medals - 14 Gold, including both men's and women's hockey - including Pickering and Dunbarton High School's own Shelley-Ann Brown.

For anyone just waking up from a long winters sleep, Shelley-Ann and teammate Helen Upperton guided their bobsleigh, Canada 2, to a Silver medal in the two-woman event. Gold went to the Canada 1 team of Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyse. Ladies - you were simply awesome!

CITY PROPERTY TAXES

There is likely no-one, including elected representatives, who wishes taxes to be increased. We have just come through the worst recession since the Great Depression, yet Pickering didn't fold; in fact we opened a number of new businesses, resulting in a net job increase, during the past 18 months. Two of the top three areas of property value increases within the entire GTA occurred right here at home. Highest home value % increase was in Bay Ridges (at just under 10%) and third highest were north Pickering properties.

When I rejoined Council in 2004, we had just gone through four years of property tax increases totaling nearly 40%. Since then, the rate has seen a steady downward trend to this year's 2.9% plus a special 1% surcharge to fund the legal challenge Pickering has initiated against York Region over an odour control facility. Overall, the vast majority of homes will experience an increase of between $20-$30/year on the local portion of their tax bill. Modest when one considers the cost of virtually every item, including wages, have also crept higher. Not so modest if one is on a fixed or limited income; but it would be wrong to suggest that we do not understand and feel the hardship that any increase causes to our more vulnerable residents.

The City took a particularly hard hit on its earned interest on the revenue side. Due to the historically low interest rates, our interest income fell from some $1.6 million to just $200,000. However, in spite of the difficult times, we were able to inch forward on our infrastructure needs.

Glennanna Rd. will be resurfaced from Dixie to Pickering Pkwy; Charlotte Circle will be reconstructed; after waiting 20 yrs, the turning bulb on the north leg of Gablehurst will be reconstructed with the balance, including the south leg, being undertaken next year. Undergrounding of wires on Liverpool Rd. S. will advance further north along with new sidewalks for the north side of Wharf, west of Liverpool; and the unique sidewalk through the Nautical Village will be extended northward to Annland. I am also pleased that my colleagues agreed that charging fees for residents wishing to have "street parties" would be unwise. In my opinion, their value far exceeds and far outweighs any minor revenue stream - neighbours get to know neighbours and who belongs where. It makes for a safer neighbourhood when more eyes follow unfamiliar persons or vehicles.

While there are some who likely won't believe this - Pickering DOES continue to have the lowest property taxes amongst the Durham lakeshore municipalities. And with new commercial development currently underway, or on the drawing boards to be commenced in the near future, our financial future will continue to improve. New property tax revenue, resulting from new growth and carrying on business in our slimmed down style while embracing a sustainable future bodes well for our collective future.

VERIDIAN

As a member of Veridian's Board of Directors, and on behalf of the entire board, I wish to congratulate Veridian on achieving another milestone - 2,500,000 hours without any lost time due to injury, accumulated over 8 years. That is an incredible feat from an incredible team. Their attention to safety and detail is a main reason why Veridian continues strong growth in new business and profitability.

After being awarded a position in the top 75 employers in 2009, April 22nd, 2010 will see another award presented to Veridian - one of Canada's Greenest Employers. I know fellow Board Members, Councillors McLean & Pickles, share our Board's vision of carrying on business in the most sustainable fashion possible and considering our environment every step of the way - on every project. The City owns 43% of Veridian. We all congratulate a great executive team and a dedicated, committed family under the Veridian tent on their tremendous performance. Job well done.

NEW BUSINESS

Absolutely can't leave without mentioning a fabulous new business located down in the Nautical Village - Community Dental Hygiene - owned and operated by an extremely knowledgeable and friendly lady, Debra Amos. Debra has been working in the industry since graduation from dental hygiene courses in 1983. Her Grand Opening occurred on March 1st. To book a huge cost-saving appointment or simply to discuss how to achieve a whiter, brighter smile - call Debra at 905 492-0805.

EASTER PARADE

Seven years they've been at it. Seven years it keeps growing. This year's parade is Saturday, April 3rd, 10:00 am - traveling north on Liverpool Rd. from Annland to Krosno Blvd and along Krosno to Bayly St and to Legion Branch 606 for a free lunch, children's games and prizes, and trophy presentations to parade float winners. The Royal Canadian Legion & the RCL Ladies Auxilary, under the leadership of Presidents Myrna Picotte & Jo-Ann Kerr respectively, are to be congratulated for their efforts over the years. And wisely, they involved City staff from the outset to the point our Easter Parade is second to none anywhere. So mums & dads, grandmas & grandpas, find an Easter hat or find a child and come out for a fun experience. You can visit cityofpickering.com/greatevents for more information or call 905.839-2990.

Councillor Dickerson congratulating Shelley-
Ann Brown, Silver medalist in two-woman
bobsleigh event.