This is my first e-newsletter since the pause during the municipal election. I am honoured that Ward 3 residents chose to re-elect me as their Regional Councillor. This is my 8th consecutive win. I thank my family, volunteers, and supporters. I note that all 4 incumbents running were
re-elected, including new Mayor, Kevin Ashe and my Ward 3 City Councillor colleague, Shaheen Butt. We also welcome three new Members of Council. I look forward to working with my Council colleagues in the coming term. Although campaigning is a demanding and hectic process, it was wonderful to talk with many positive and thoughtful residents and hear their ideas, comments, concerns, and of the many community activities and organizations in which they are involved. I recently spoke with former Mayor, Dave Ryan, and expressed the shared sentiment of many residents who thanked him for his service, and wish him and his family well in his retirement. I look forward to the challenges, opportunities and work ahead.
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Black History Month Celebrations |
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The City was proud to join residents, organizations, and community partners across Durham Region in celebrating Black History Month throughout February. Together, we honoured the experiences, histories, contributions, and achievements of diverse Black communities around the world, and participated in a variety of initiatives across Durham Region that honoured Black excellence.
For information on Pickering's Anti Black Racism Taskforce visit their website.
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The City of Pickering has launched its public consultation on the 2023 Budget and invites residents to have their say on the service, program, and infrastructure needs that are most important to them.
Each year, the City undergoes an extensive budget process to plan for how it will use its financing to meet the needs of the community. This includes a Current Budget, also known as an Operating Budget, which covers the day-to-day expenses required to deliver service, and a Capital Budget, which is used for long term investments, like infrastructure, facilities, and equipment, that are paid off over time.
Whether you’re running a household, a business, or a government administration, we’re all tasked with managing our financial priorities while facing pressures from inflation which is why It is important that Pickering’s budget information and process is accessible, highlights opportunities for participation, and encourages residents to have their say.
How to Participate:
- Share your thoughts on the 2023 Current and Capital Budget priorities.
- Attend or register to speak at the special meeting for budget deliberations (Executive Committee Meeting) - April 13, 2023.
- Attend or register to speak at the Council Meeting (where the 2023 Current and Capital Budgets will be formally adopted) - April 24, 2023.
- Connect with Mayor Ashe and Members of Council directly.
Residents can learn more about how municipalities build their budgets, how the City seeks out funding opportunities to help relieve the residential tax load, and more.
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Local Business Highlight: Caribbean Hotpot |
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After my skate on the natural ice rink at Frenchman's Bay Rate Payers Memorial Park, on what turned out to be the coldest day of the year, I visited Caribbean Hotspot.
It is part of my strategy for combating the cold weather this season! That’s K.C., the owner and chef, who also happens to be a local Pickering resident. Caribbean Hotpot is located in the food court of the Pickering Town Centre shopping mall. One of my favourites is the Curry Chicken Roti and Pineapple Grace Island Soda - they always hit the spot!
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Help Shape Pickering's Digital Strategy |
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Help shape the City of Pickering’s future as a modern, accessible, and connected government!
We’re developing a Digital Strategy and want to hear from you!
This exciting journey will set the foundation for future service delivery and outline a roadmap for how technology can improve the way we deliver services to the community
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Update on Jerry Coughlan Health and Wellness Centre |
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I am pleased to announce that the building at Brock Road and Dersan Street is near complete! The Lakeridge Health and Jerry Couglan Health and Wellness Centre signage is up. Jerry was a great community builder and supporter of this facility.
Lakeridge Health is tendering for the fit-out of the surgical floor of the JCHWC in mid-March 2023.
The floor will feature patient registration, four operating rooms, as well as pre- and post-recovery areas.
Once operational, Lakeridge Health will be providing a range of out-patient day surgeries including endoscopy, minor orthopedics and gynecological procedures.
In addition, the developer is finishing the Lakeridge Health fourth floor which will include a range of out-patient clinics, administration for the surgical floor, and other out-patient services.
They are estimating completion of the spaces in late Summer 2023 with operations anticipated to start in Fall 2023.
Other questions should be directed to Lakeridge Health. Further updates to follow.
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Chinese New Year's Celebration |
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It was once again my pleasure to join the Chinese New Years celebration held in February at the Port restaurant in Pickering. This year is the year of the rabbit, I too was born during the year of the rabbit - I hope that's lucky!
I would like to extend a special thanks to the Durham Chinese Canadian Culture Centre for holding the celebration, it was a wonderful event.
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I was pleased to attend a meet and greet at the Memon Supermarket in Pickering with South Asian community members, business representatives and the media.
This was a great opportunity to discuss local business and other matters pertaining to upcoming opportunities
in Pickering.
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Thank you, Christine Doody-Hamilton |
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When Pickering Council, appointed Christine Doody-Hamilton to fill the Ward 2 City Councillor position vacated by the very sad passing of Councillor Ian Cumming, we made a big ask of her to embark on a steep learning curve and be a key contributor to Council and the City. Christine more than met this challenge. She did her research on matters before Council, she spoke with all appropriate staff, all members of Council and the residents of Pickering. She was always prepared and informed during Council and voted independently. Her input was on point, relevant, and constructive. Councillor Doody-Hamilton decided not to stand as a candidate in the 2022 municipal election, but I thank her for her honourable, if brief service to our community. |
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Thank you for taking the time to read this eNewsletter. I welcome your feedback and comments. You can reach me by email at [email protected]. To continue the conversation between eNewsletters, I invite you to visit my Facebook and website pages.
I also invite you to forward this eNewsletter to other Pickering residents. If they, or someone you know, wishes to subscribe to my eNewsletter or any other City related eNewsletters, visit pickering.ca/eNews to sign-up. eNewsletters are sent out a maximum of once per month and you can unsubscribe at anytime.
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