This Month’s Focus: Durham Agriculture

Farming plays a significant role in the region of Durham. It is an important source of local food as well as a leading economic driver in our community and the farming industry. With the official start of fall and the end of season for our Farmers’ Market; there are more reasons than ever before to gather at the farm and to support our local farmers. From pumpkin patches and wagon rides, to harvesting farm-fresh ingredients for your fall feasts; join in the fall fun as Durham Tourism celebrates Durham Farm Fresh (DFF).

DFF is a membership association representing farms, farmers’ markets, retailers, chefs and restaurants located within Durham Region. DFF provides resources for local producers and connects those interested in local food to the agricultural products grown in the community. For those interested in becoming a member, feel free to contact Durham Tourism by email.

Throughout the month of October, you and your family can gather at some of the many farms across Durham Region to enjoy this season’s events. Get out and enjoy the local harvest festivals, spooky Halloween events, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes!

Guests are also encouraged to visit farm stores, learn about the DFF Marketing Association, and discover more fall adventures - including the Durham Region Apple Adventure and more family fun experiences shared in the Durham Region Discovery Guide.

Editorial by: Paul White, President

The Fairport Beach Ratepayers Association was formed in 1927 as a cottage community. In 1932 a wealthy banker deeded the waterfront acreage to the Association. It ran from Petticoat Creek on the east side to West Shore Boulevard on the west side, and from the lake to Park Crescent. In 1949 it was Incorporated as a non-profit Association with a written constitution and duly elected executive. Its own clubhouse located on the beach, which was later moved up the hill the1960s to sit at Park/Cliffview, was also used for local meetings and Scouts Canada. In the mid-1970s the clubhouse burned down, with the cost too high for the community to rebuild it, the partially built hall was abandoned leaving only a foundation.

After becoming president, I worked with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) resulting in the property being sold to them for $100,000.00 This sale changed history for our Waterfront allowing the Petticoat bridge to be built across Petticoat Creek in 2002, and the interest earned from the sale has been used to help the community.

The Association has donated to many charities such as: the Ajax-Pickering hospital ($1000/annually), local food banks in Pickering and Ajax; as well as our 3 public schools ($500/annually).

Working with Councillor Brenner, we split the cost of a Neighbourhood speed board on Oklahoma Drive and funded the purchasing of bike for patrolling the waterfront trail.

We have set up sponsorships for exchange students, as well as athletic and financial grants for residents in crisis situations. We have donated $10,000 to the Red Cross Relief Fund, $1000 to Herizon House Women's Shelter; and close to $20,000 for our parkette with tree planting along Park Crescent and our beautiful butterfly garden.

Our Association looks forward to continuing to support our community, our ward and our great city!



Join myself along with Ward 2 Regional Councillor, Linda Cook and City Councillor,

Mara Nagy on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 7:00 pm at the East Shore Community Centre - Lawn Bowling Room. The feature topic is oral hygiene!

The Ward 1 Town Hall returns Thursday, November 16, at 7:00 pm and will be Co-Chaired with Jake Farr, Director of Pickering West Shore Community Association. The meeting will take place at the West Shore Community Centre.

With the increasing number of persons that facing homeless in Pickering our featured topic will be Homelessness and a Community Response with a presentation from DARS (Dedicated Advocacy Resource Support) who will highlight what are the sustainable options that doesn’t just bandage the problem.

This will be followed by a question and answer period along with an opportunity to share your ideas on other important matters.

Please join us - all are welcome!

For future Town Hall Meeting information, including dates & locations, please contact the Council Office by email at [email protected] or by telephone at 905.420.4605.

The Durham Region Film Commission (Film Durham) is inviting the community to attend the annual Durham Regional International Film Festival (DRIFF) this October.

Durham Region is offering three days of thoughtfully curated, in-person programming from around the globe—with a focus on Canadian and Durham Region productions—this year’s DRIFF event will include interactive film workshops; industry panels designed to engage a diverse network of audiences, filmmakers, and collaborators through a shared love of film; and a local food and beverage showcase.

When: Thursday, October 19 to Saturday, October 21.

Where: Three locations across Durham Region, including the Centennial Building in Whitby, the St. Francis Centre in Ajax, and the Biltmore Theatre in Oshawa.

Note: DRIFF is an annual event dedicated to promoting arts, culture, and community in Durham Region. In addition to the annual film festival, DRIFF also offers monthly short film programs, a high school film program, and an emerging filmmaker incubator to support the development of local talent.

Durham Region plays an important role in Ontario's multi-billion-dollar film, television and digital media industry; due to its film industry workforce, supporting businesses, blend of urban and rural film locations, and proximity to Toronto's production studios.

For a full event schedule or to purchase tickets, visit DRIFF.ca.

For more information about Durham Region's vibrant film and television industry, visit InvestDurham.ca/film.

Join the City of Pickering and Nautical Village local businesses for an exciting new event in Millennium Square this Fall!

Enjoy the local vendor market, miniature train rides, live music, picturesque autumnal decorations, and giveaways...

All along Pickering’s waterfront. Free and fun for all ages. The full schedule of activities can be found on the City's Fall Fling webpage linked here.

Fall Fling

New to Millennium Square

Saturday, October 21 & 28

11:30 am – 3:00 pm

The historic Town Trolley has arrived in Pickering! For those who may not be familiar, Town Trolley is an authentic experience ride service that operates in major cities across North America.

For the first time, Town Trolley is being introduced to Pickering as part of the city's ongoing tourism efforts! It will be offering a unique ride experience in a refurbished historic trolley, finished in oak and brass, that will have you feeling transported back in time to the early 1900’s.

The Trolley can seat up to 30 guests, is fully licensed by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), and requires an 8-million dollar insurance policy.

The Town Trolley has grown in popularity among neighbouring communities for it's festive and historic holiday celebration efforts. It will be a welcomed addition to the return of Pickering's Santa Claus parade this year being held on Saturday, November 25, 2023!

NEW Waterfront Town Trolley:

Hop-On Hop-Off Shuttle Service

On October 12, 2023, myself and Ward 2 City Councillor Nagy boarded the Town Trolley for a pilot ride throughout our city. We engaged in some meaningful dialogue with the team at Town Trolley to identify solutions that can be implemented to Pickering's Waterfront, in an effort to alleviate some traffic concerns, for the

2024 peak-season. This new service will help to reduce the need to drive, resulting in a reduction of parking issues. Various pick-up spots including the Pickering GO Train Station are being planned!

The Town Trolley is committed to their Community Event Sustainability Program. A ride on the the Trolley reduces up to 18 vehicles with just one load of 30 passengers. According to the company, the success has shown a 90% reduction of its carbon footprint.

FREE Waterfront Halloween

Hop-On Hop-Off Town Trolley Tour

On Sunday, October 29, 2023, between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, a Special Waterfront Halloween Town Trolley tour will visit some of our beautiful destinations along the Pickering Waterfront Trail; from the East to the West Petticoat Creek Pedestrian Bridge. 

The Town Trolley will operate this Tour at designated pick-up locations, starting from South Esplanade.

Parking Lot pick-up spots are listed below:

• Pickering City Hall
• Go Transit Station
• Seniors Club Liverpool
• Westshore Community Center
• Kinsman Park Area

For more information, visit their website at towntrolley.ca, email [email protected] or telephone 1.800.979.2913. They may also be reached on their various Facebook and Instagram pages by searching Town Trolley Durham.

Have your say in Pickering's Zoning By-law Review

Are you passionate about your city's zoning regulations? Curious about short-term rentals or additional residential parking!? Want to have your voice heard?

Complete our surveys at: LetsTalkPickering.ca/ZoneReview

Your perspective matters! Don't miss out on the opportunity to shape the future of your city!

#ZoningReview #CommunityEngagement #CityDevelopment #HaveYourSay

Durham Region government plays a significant role in providing essential services and resources to all of their corresponding municipalities. Check out the September 27,

Durham Region CAO Briefing Note summary to learn more. 

A breakdown of our Council Meeting Highlights are available on the City's website here.

The official meeting minutes are also publicly available through the City's website calendar and Corporate Records webpages.

The Lobbyist Registry is up and running, and it is now mandatory for those that lobby Public Officer Holders. The team from the Clerks Department has played a lead role in not only preparing the Lobbyist Registry By-law, but also the tools that will assist Public Office Holders and Lobbyists to understand the definition of a Public Officer Holder.