TRANSCRIPT TEXT OF WARD 2 PANEL DISCUSSION

Pickering Ward 2 All-Candidates Forum

Introduction and opening

Welcome

The executive chair of the Brooklyn neighborhood association in cooperation with figuring community association community and recreation association the south rose bank to neighbors group and participants from board of war 2 residents. It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 board to all candidates forum. We have candidates for both local and regional council this evening and our task this evening for a series of short questions is to draw out the unscripted responses of our candidates allowing us to insight into their knowledge and understanding of the press issues facing our our city.

We’re hoping that they will reveal their thoughts, their ideas, and their commitment to work as part of the governance team to improve the lives and well-being of all the residents of our city. We would ask you to listen carefully to the questions and responses and please refrain from applause as this is not a performance. It is in essence a job interview in which we as prospective employers will hopefully select two of these individuals to represent our best interest for the next four years.

There will be no non-unification target. Before I turn the microphone to a key who will deliver our land acknowledgement, I’d like to thank you all for your commitment and participating in this democratic event this evening. Thank you.

Land Acknowledgement

Hello folks. The city of Pickering resides on land within the treaty and traditional territory of the Missagas of Skugog Island First Nation and Williams Trees signitories of the Missaga and Chippoa nations. Pickering is also home to many indigenous persons and communities who represent other diverse, distinct, and autonomous indigenous nations. This acknowledgement reminds us of our responsibilities for our relationships with the first peoples of Canada and the ancestral lands on which we learn, share, work, and live. I’m now going to turn the mic over to our moderator this evening, George Turner.

Moderator’s Introduction

Can you make sure the mic’s on? I got it. It’sable. They’re on screen when it’s on. I won’t drop it. thank you, Taylor. hello. My name is George Turner and I’ve been a resident of different work for the past 34 years. I worked at a turbo power generation down by the lake and in the latter years of my career and finally retired in 2018. I am an avid golfer, curler, and yes, a pickle ball player. You can tell by the courts.

Pickering offers great golfing experiences, but sadly only in three, but how long will that be? I’m going to quote from last week’s candidates for moderator kee which I believe are true statements regarding elected officials. Public service is one of the most meaningful commitments a person can make. I know firsthand that I’ve often asked you to put the interests of your community ahead of your own and to serve with humility, dedication, and care for those who rely on you. Public service rests on two principles, integrity and ethics.

Integrity means doing what is right even when no one is watching. Ethical conduct means being honest, accountable, and transparent in every decision. When leaders hold themselves to these standards, they earn the confidence of the people they serve. and that confidence is a foundation of a healthy democracy. Tonight’s forum is not a debate, but a chance for everyone to hear all the candidates views on specific questions. Please listen carefully to their answers. If time permits, additional questions may be asked. To do this, on the back table, there are question cards.

One of our volunteers will help assist. Write down your question. Our volunteers will review the appropriateness of the question and if selected it may get asked at the end of course if time permits. please ensure that your question does not cover the does cover the issues related to local government and not specific to any of anyone’s campaign promises. Some ground rules. First of all, be respectful to all the candidates and also for the audience be respectful to the candidates. Only one speaking at a time.

All cell phones in the audience, I like to have been put on silent, but I know all candidates have already turned off their cell phones. So, thank you very much. First of all, thanks all the candidates for putting their name forward to run Castle and thank you to the residents who are present tonight. And I think these numbers outnumber the board one meeting last week competition. It’s not a competition. This forum is being recorded by Emma Cunningham and will be posted unedited on YouTube in the near future.

Other Candidates in Attendance

Although not speaking tonight, I’d like to acknowledge those candidates here running for school trustee positions, but I’d ask them to please stand and appreciate one thing. Good evening everyone. My name is Angel Muhammad. I’m running for Duran District School Board Trustees. Sorry about that. I think my phone or but I I I’m loud enough. You’re allowed to elect two trustees and a public education. Thank you.

My name is Hesh Parik. I’m running in for district public school board trust. And please do remember me and please visit.ca if you have any question or if you want to drop me an email. Thank you. Keep closer to the wall. Closer to the wall. Camera. No. Apparently I get a good standing spot. Email running for reelection for public school board. Thank you.

I’m running for the public school board as well. Hi, my name is Lea Perez. I’m running for the Catholic School. Hi, Messi Ster. I’m running for the Catholic board as well. Thank you. Maurice Ber is here tonight. Congratulations on being. And are there any mal candidates here tonight? One, two, three, three. Okay. State your name and age. My name is Kevin Ash. I’m the current mayor and our debate is tomorrow night. Hopefully, we’ll get a great turnout like tonight. Thank you.

I’m councelor Lee Robinson. I’m running to be your next mayor and I’m not as old as Kevin and I’m looking forward to a debate tomorrow as well. Hi, good evening everyone. my name is Ras and I’m also running for may be in so tomorrow I will meet in thank you all and best of luck on your campaigns.

How the Forum Works

Could you repeat about questions? I didn’t understand what you said. Okay. So the questions if you have a question you want to ask there are cards in the back you write the question on the back and Craig there will look at the question and see if it’s reasonable and if we have time we’ll ask that question later on okay sir or a keen sir okay so let’s begin glasses down our format will begin with opening remarks from all candidates dates, answering specific questions at the local and regional level, a rapid fire question period with yes, no answers using the paddle system.

This is a paddle. It’s not a pickle ball paddle. It’s a paddle. You have yes and no. So, I’m going to ask about candidates where you raise your paddle, raise them high so the people from the back row can see. So, as an example question, do I look like Drew Carrie? Who car? Yeah, that’s a good one. Yeah. Right. Carrie Carrie show. Yes. Well, there you go. So, everybody understands the use of the patterns. The delivery will talk later. and close remarks by all the candidates.

No candidate has has been provided with the questions in advance. We are sworn in secrecy and so nobody has received the questions. Opening remarks, answers to questions and closing remarks will be limited to one minute. So candidates, please be clear and concise on your answers. We have two official timekeepers. when 15 seconds are remaining, a yellow flag will come up and then a red flag when time is up. Each candidate when the flag is shown, I’m asking all candidates to please stop speaking even if it’s a mids sentence.

Failure to do that might be penalized on your closing remark time. Fair. Thank you. Each candidate will have the opportunity to answer a question first before going round. Our candidates are seated in an alphabetical order. The first five from your left to right are local. Starting from Glenda onward are regional. Our candidates to Rachel are Vender Cook Bush Razu, Nanbury, local Stacy King Fisher, John Malash, Marini, Sam Snider, and Vince. This is going to be a good one, via piano. Good job.

Candidates’ Opening Remarks

Okay, are we all set? Open your arms. One minute. Stacy, turn on. Yep. Thank you. Good evening everyone. My name is Stacy looking Fisher and I’m ready to serve as your next W 2 city councelor in the city of Hickinger. I want to thank all of the neighborhood associations who have put this evening on for us. And I would like to thank all of you that are in attendance this evening. I have had years of service within community, giving back to community, supporting children, youth, and their communities, and families.

And I’m looking forward to bringing it to the next level at City Hall. If you’ve had a child that’s gone to kindergarten, in a full day kindergarten classroom, I was instrumental in helping that happen across the region. If you’ve attended an early years program in Durham region or early on, I was instrumental in bringing that to the city of Pickering. If you have experienced anything to do with the poverty strategy at the Durham District School Board, I am the individual who researched that wrote that, executed and delivered on it and as a result now delivered the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation which is a charity that came out of the poverty strategy at the Durham District School Board.

So, thank you for being here this evening. Thank you for learning a little bit more about all of us and I really look forward to serving as your next board to city council. my name is ashen. I’ve lived in Pickering since 2010. I’m a husband, a father, and I’ve spent the last 17 years building a very successful business in Pickering. The next years the next four years are going to matter enormously to everybody in this room. We’re facing major financial decisions, rapid growth, aging infrastructure, concerns about public safety, and real questions about whether or not taxpayers are getting real value from the representation that they have.

I’m running because I believe city council needs strong scrutiny, better financial discipline, and a much closer relationship with the people that it serves. My priorities are very clear. Fiscal responsibility, rebuilding the infrastructure that already exists in Pickering, attracting real careers and investment, strengthening neighborhood associations, restoring dialogue with taxpayers, and making our community safer. I’m not running to simply occupy a seat. I’m running to work, to question, to listen, to deliver results in board two. I’m John Malash and I’m asking for the opportunity to serve you.

Good evening everyone. I’m councelor Maria Maggie. I’ve grown up here and raising my family here and I’ve had the privilege of serving on Grand Council for the last four years. When I first ran, I wanted to be a counselor who listened to residents and more importantly helped get things done. And I’m proud of the work that I have done. The bulk of that work isn’t glamorous. I’ve gotten stop signs and street lights installed, curbs repaired, and snow plowing expanded to parks.

All resident driven requests. Councelor Cook and I have expanded development notification area so more neighbors more neighbors know what’s being proposed. And we’ve hosted regular town halls with council. I introduced a lobbyist registry and new citizen committees and worked closely with OPG on resident safety around Sandy Beach Road. No one’s going to throw you a parade because a curb got repaired because nobody notices when things are done. But when that curb doesn’t get repaired, people notice. Outside of council, I’m a spec occasional teacher with the TBS.

I’ve worked on Parliament Hill. I have a master’s degree in education and I was working on my PhD when I took a family leave to focus on raising my son. Being Noah’s mom and serving this community are the two most important things to me. So, my name is Sam Sners. My family moved to Pickering when I was about 10 years old, and I’m now 61. I’ve watched this community grow and change for more than 50 years. For over 30 years, my career has been about representing people and solving difficult problems.

I’ve worked across many sectors including telecommunications, transportation, automanufacturing, aerospace, nuclear, and I’ve negotiated over 60 agreements. I’ve also dealt with high stakes disputes, arbitrations, and human rights tribunals that taught me to listen, negotiate, and understand what’s achievable and build my position on facts and evidence. I was appointed to the Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee and spent four years helping to make our community more accessible and inclusive. I’m running because I want residents to have a strong voice in Pickering’s future. And I want my children to be able to afford to build their lives here in the community that I grew up in and have the same community experiences that I did.

That’s the experience and perspective I’ll bring the board to. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. welcome. I’m happy that you guys are able to come out. My name is Vinci and I’m running for your local city council for W 2. I have spent the last 19 years working for the TTC and that experience has brought me the opportunity to learn some key features which is making sure that a we’re listening to the concerns of the people and making sure that we are reiterating that back to them so that we’re acknowledging those concerns and being able to to answer those concerns.

I’ve also worked spent many years working in business, sales, leadership, and community service. And I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about having the right questions, bringing the right people together, making responsible decisions, and then being accountable for those results. I’m not running because I think everything in Pickering is wrong. I’m running because I believe Pickering can be better and deserves better. Thank you for your time. Good evening. My name is Linda Cook and I’m running for reelection as your regional counselor for W 2.

For the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of representing Pickering at both the city and the regional council, focusing on getting results and making sure our community is prepared for the future. And I’m asking for your support to continue the work we’ve started together. As a member of Durham Region’s works committee, I’ve been directly involved in the infrastructure decisions that affect our everyday lives. Roads, water, wastewater, waste management, transportation, and major capital projects. And I bring something important to that work experience.

More than 25 years professional experience in technology, infrastructure, and major construction development. I understand how projects move from planning and engineering to construction and delivery and I know that infrastructure has to keep pace with growth. Pickering is growing. We need experienced leadership that understands both the opportunities and the challenges that come with that growth. Thank you.

Good evening. My name is Bashar. I’m ready for additional master because as a resident of ping I believe what you deserve a strong experience and excessive awards in the region I have raised my family here I’m doing volunteering with the community not only people like me in my age I’m working with youth seniors students and I’m helping them picking is growing and growth can be an opportunity but it must be managed responsibly. We cannot just build more homes and highrises without making sure our roads, infrastructures, services and employment opportunity grow with them.

This is not just about holding a position. It’s about standing up for the community. And I call this community, this building my home. Thank you. Good evening and welcome everyone. Thank you for being here. I’m Nancy Vanoy. How many of you have lived in the city of Pickering for over 25 years? Yes. Thank you for having concerns for where the future of our city will be going. My husband and I and our adult daughters, we’ve lived here in Pickering for 41 years.

And I’ve had my finger on the pulse regarding our city for 41 years as a resident, as a homeowner, raising my daughters in the world of sports, in the world of not forprofit charities, and mostly as a retired police detective of 33 years. I know our city well. I know our region well, and I’ve been an identified leader all my adult life. So, I believe that you should trust that I have the ability and the skill set to make sure our future goes the direction that it needs.

Thank you. If you notice, I have a a microphone monitor here microning off all the Thank you. Thanks, my guy. The next phase is the question phase. will start asking five

Local candidate questions

Format

Questions to local counselors candidates. There’ll be four questions to the regional counselors candidates. we’ll go in order the order will get rotated after every question. This should take us to around based on the big notes here around 8:24 unless it’s a DRP pos 823. That was a joke.

Question 1: Frenchman’s Bay

Okay, Stacy, you got the first question. What is your plan for Frenchman’s Bay and the publicly owned area immediately surrounding it and after it comes into public ownership? Thank you for the question. I fully support the purchase of Frenchman’s Bay and the plan for Frenchman’s Bay means that it needs to stay with Pickering residents. We want to be able to see our water lines. We want to be able to explore all of the water and the trails that are there. We want that space to be there for years and years to come.

We don’t I personally don’t want to see development there. And that’s why I applaud the current council for going ahead and moving forward and making agreements with the federal government to get a grant to purchase the Pickering Waterfront. The Pickering Waterfront has been home for my family for many, many years. We have enjoyed going to the waterfront, whether that be when we had the playground there so that kids could play there, whether that was enjoying the water, whether it was playing in the sand, whether it was listening to the music at the waterfront.

I personally don’t want much to change there. I don’t want to see development, that’s for sure. And I want all of us in different to enjoy it for many years to come. Charles, the same question. I won’t ask you. I also support the plan to purchase Frenchman’s Bay. I’m glad that it’s happening. Congratulations, Kevin, on achieving that. I think that what’s really important about building anything in Frenchman’s Bay is respecting the people of Bay Ridges. the infrastructure that reaches Frenchman’s Bay is not adequate to be able to handle much more traffic right now.

But if you’re asking me specifically what I’d like to see Frenchman’s Bay become, I personally would love to see a walking loop around Frenchman’s Bay, so that we have the ability to get from one side to the other. you know, some people have suggested a drawbridge. I think just a simple path, around the water itself would be quite sufficient. Other than that, if we’re going to attract traffic there, we should find a way to monetize it as a city. but by providing resources, maybe some sort of a kitchen, a barbecue down there, where people can enjoy the experience and we need to find a place for them to park as well.

But the infrastructure to me is probably probably paramount because the traffic is already a nightmare going down there. Mayor, same question. Thank you. is this? Yes. Okay. So, I love the fact that we’re buying French Bay. It’s been a few years in the making of a of a process and we’ve been working hard on it and I’m I’m particularly proud that we’re we’re so close to the end now to actually be able to to be talking about it. the the vision that I would like to see for for Frenchman’s Bay, and we’re talking about the bay itself, correct?

Are we talking about the the water? Are we talking about the lands around it? Which part of Frenchman’s Bay? being in the land around it. Okay. Because I think it’s important to make that distinction as well. Thank you.

So, what I would like to see is the the protected space, the green what is already the green space and the sensitive environmental areas as well as the water to be turned over to TRCA for maintenance so that they could continue to protect it the way that they protect Petty Hill Creek. but if we could, there are there are lots of businesses on there and I think that having a partnership with those businesses would continue to be an excellent avenue for the for the city to be able to work together and and promote those existing businesses.

Thank you, Sam. Yes, I absolutely support the purchase of Frenchman’s Bay and congratulations to the past council that for arranging that. So, I I understand it’s a conditional offer, but the one thing that I think and and to John’s point, we have to be concerned about traffic down there, but what a place to put a great splash pad. Let’s think about that, right? We’re trying to draw people down to a beach to an area where we have businesses down there. And if you’ve seen the business down there, they struggle during some of the seasonal.

And there’s an opportunity there where we can do an amazing thing. Whether it’s a splash pad, whether we put lights out at Christmas and make a real nice tunnel effect, we have to drive people down there. But yes, we have to concern ourselves with the parking and that comes with the development that’s also down there. So, we have to look at losing parking spots that we have down there to development. So again, a great opportunity to really think about what we can do for our families and our community in Frenchman’s Bay.

Yes. I I am for supporting the purchase of Frenchman’s Bay. and I’m also in supporting of protecting our bay. but you also have to protect us taxpayers. that’s vitally important as well as important as to purchasing the bay. Frenchman’s Bay is one of Pickering’s defining assets and I understand why residents w want to protect it and have it publicly accessible. but protecting the bay and protecting taxpayers are not mutually exclusive. When oftentimes when the city the city chooses to purchase things, we have to consider and ask questions of what what’s the purchase price the environment environmental liabilities operating costs, maintenance, all those ongoing costs that go along with that.

And also just to piggy back off of what Sam said, we want to draw and have that opportunity available to our US citizens to enjoy our bay. generate income varying shoes at the bay. Thank you.

Question 2: East Shore Community Centre

That red plate is pretty awkward, isn’t it? Okay, John, you have the first question for this this round. with the furl of the plans for the city’s projects in the city center. Those are the five projects. New senior building, youth building, library, garage, performing arts area, which being deferred. What is your view of continuing to operate the Shore Community Center? It’s a good question. So, first of all, I want to bring a point to the fact that we’re spending a lot of money on other recreational centers and not enough on board two recreational centers.

I understand the need to do the city center. I understand the deferral of it was done because the money. we’ve basically shifted that money to the other board. I believe that we should have probably moved forward with that project. I’m for for investment in our ward for the people that are already paying taxes here to our benefit. I can appreciate we want to continue to grow outside of our ward, but that project probably shouldn’t have been deferred in the first place.

Any capital that could be put back into community centers, in my opinion, should be prioritized over everything else. I understand we need a park, but that park is likely going to be the next casino where we’re going to have encampments and other things there as well. So that’s a big concern that I have. Thank you.

So with the deferral of the plans for the city center, that’s not a permanent thing. So that will be discussed and addressed at at its own point. but for the East Shore Community Center specifically, that is a hub right there for that community. It is the only community center in Bay Ridges and it needs to remain. It needs to stay. The building itself is nearing end of life, shall we say, and I think that’s no secret to anybody who actively uses it.

And so I think that it could do with a little TLC and it could do with a little a little shaping up and a little love. And so I would I would like to see that happen. we have areas that we can draw funding from that that suit things like this that are nonpropy tax. That’s part of the the larger vision that I’ve got as well of finding different funding opportunities so that things like this which are in dire need and may not otherwise have been slated to be on the table can stay at the table and happen.

So I think we certainly have to get the balance right. Pickering is growing and that means that we need new parks, new recreation, new facilities, new amenities, but that can’t be at the detriment of letting our current infrastructure fall behind. And East Shore is one of those. East Shore is a hub. Seniors use it. And I actually thought, why wouldn’t that just be a senior’s building that they could use that as a hub? So what we need to do is we need to figure out because we have a $33 million infrastructure gap and we need to prioritize.

So we need to think about what do we need to do? What is nice to do and what maybe do we have to say just not now. So that’s one of those things that I think we have to actually look at the costs and try and figure out whether easthore should be rehabilitated and maybe that goes first and then we look towards the city center which is an amazing project as well. One of the the most most common complaints I’ve been hearing from our residents as I’ve been canvasing is that people are upset and frustrated that there has been a lack of community spaces and being able to access them and but also they’ve been frustrated with the lack of maintenance.

Just recently I heard the news apparently I could have this fact wrong, but I’d be open to having it corrected. But, the D beer arena apparently is being considered to be closed down. we we want and should have our community spaces revitalized. funding going into it to continue to foster a strong sense of community and having people engaged within our communities. And but again we need to look at the costs of the operating costs of all those that come with it.

Thank you. So I think this is a perfect opportunity for us to put it back to residents to say what do you want in war two? What do you want for recreation services? So so often I’ve heard from folks that they there’s no transparency and that that they don’t have voice. So I think we need to put it back to the community. We need to say we know there’s a deferral. We know we have short. What do you want? I also think that this is excellent opportunity for us to look outside of just city walls.

What other structures are available? What other buildings are available for us to deliver recreation programs in? We have multiple schools in Pickering that we could use. We have other spaces that we can use to provide community services that wouldn’t come at an extensive cost. And so we need to critically think about how we’re using our dollars and how we’re spending them on recreation services. But first and foremost, we need to make sure that the services that we provide meet the needs of the residents of War.

Question 3: Development on the Kingston Road Corridor

Thank you. likely your question first. What level of development is appropriate on the Kingston Road corridor between Fairport Road and Barack Road? Repeat the question. Okay. The question is, what level of development is appropriate on the Kingston Road corridor between Fairport Road and Brock Road? Okay, Richard, you’re good. Thank you for the question. I ran on a platform four years ago of midrise missing middle, etc. And I still stand by that. What we see that has been identified for the Kingston Road corridor does not necessarily align with what our personal principles may be.

Having said that, it becomes difficult through planning process to say no or to to refuse an application if it has been identified as fitting in within the city’s existing zoning plans. the reason being because if council says no without be without being able to justify it, that developer can go to the OOLT and then it becomes a whole other thing. For me personally, I would like to go back to that original vision, that original plan of the missing middle of lowrise of protecting the commercial that is along Kingston Road and making sure that that stays first.

One more time with question. Yeah. Okay. What level of development is appropriate for the Kingston Road corridor between Fairport and Brock? I will give you a city map showing you, but you should know where the city map is. Is Is that where the flea market was at the end? yeah, look that’s a very important question because really one of the key things that council needs to do the new council is actually look at zoning in that area that hasn’t been done.

So we have an official plan that we’re working on and then we have OPA 38 which sort of laid out the framework. So, as an example, it might say, well, you can have a building on where the auto part score is from 12 to 33 stories. But that loose language tells a developer, oh, when I do my application, I’m going to do the maximum. So, we actually have to do our zoning so that when we mean 12 stories, we mean 12 stories.

And then we also have to look at our master transportation plan that we just got and say what can our infrastructure actually handle. Certainly some areas like Liverpool Road, you can’t put another 91 units and then 71 units and keep adding and not think about the consequence of what the traffic will be like. I’ll tell you I’ll tell you what it’s not acceptable is the 102 proposed condominiums that are scheduled to be developed along the case of low corridor. the most common complaint that I’ve been hearing is people are already frustrated with the 44 plus story building that’s being built at the 401 there. our infrastructure it cannot keep up with the demand and we need to keep that into consideration when we are looking at developing.

We yes as you’ve heard we need to look at the zoning but we also have need to be considerate of the needs of the community. How does that impact our already existing headache of traffic that every resident in Bay which is deals with when community itself on along Liverpool road there. we need to I heard that apparently that there’s a proposed pro project to create two bridges that are going to be connecting BOB to Kingston Road area across the 41. Those are the type of things that we need to consider and look at as we continue to develop and grow.

Thank you. When we look at the development along the Kingston Road corridor from Fairport to Brock Road, we need to look at the infrastructure that comes alongside that and we need to look at what the development charges are that are going to come back to the city. Do we have the finances to be able to support a huge increase in condominiums in all different various types of housing being built along the Kingston Road corridor? I would argue that I’ve heard from many posts that they don’t want to see the development.

We saw two weeks ago in council the master traffic plan, the master transportation plan came out. It identified already that Liverpool, Kingston Road, and Rock Road all falling within our ward are already at full capacity. How are we going to manage when we have the Durham Scarbor Transit line coming down? When we have I don’t know, that’s 120 buildings. I couldn’t tell you the number of buildings that are planned, but I do think we need to pause. We need to reflect.

We need to make sure that we can accommodate the needs of the existing residents before we grow to support new residents coming on board. I for one am for anti I’m anti-place or displacement. many businesses are being kicked out of where they where they’ve operated for many years. the people that work for them are being kicked out as well, having to find new opportunities. Also, we don’t have any entrances to the 401 highway. So, how are we going to build 100 plus condominiums without planning for that infrastructure?

They have to have a way to be able to get on the highway. the GO train, yes, it’s accessible to them, but I think that if we can create jobs and opportunity for people to work here in Pickering, we’ll get more cars off of the roads and leaving the city. relieve some of the stress as well. I am not anti-development. I’m pro jobs. I want to protect the businesses that already exist and ensure that these buildings that are going up are creating spaces for commerce to exist in Pickering.

Question 4: Cutting the City Budget

It’s like a drop. You can hear it. Okay, Sam, this is your first question. At the word one forum last week, it gets confusing. we asked candidates which programs or projects they would like to add to the current budget. Well, they got added to the current budget. So now our problem is what programs or projects will you delete from the city budget? I like the other question better. It’s always easier. That’s a really important question. It really is. Look, we’re already facing a budget crunch.

We know that. So, we have to look at the future of SE. And again, I think this is where we have to say what do we need to do, what should we do, and what maybe do we need to say maybe that needs to wait. So, you know, at three $266 million, we’re already in an infrastructure deficit annually of $33 million. We have to take a look at the actual finance of that and say, okay, should we be deferring part of the project?

Should we change the scope of the project? We all know that the recreation center would be a great project to have, but at the end of the day, we can’t put it on the backs of taxpayers. I would before coming to any conclusion of whichever program needs to be cut or addressed. the first thing that we would have to do is visit the budget and take a look at the expenses that are in there. what are we proposing to do moving forward and trying to find the efficiencies that are necessary to make sure that we are keeping the services that are important to this community and made available to the community without affecting the quality of life here in Vicky.

We need to make sure that as we continue to grow and develop, we need to make sure that those are not impacting us in a negative way and taking away from the needs of community. Thank you. So like any good business model, you need to look at what are we offering, how much are we spending, what can we afford to do, what can’t we afford to do. And so with every So congratulations Ward one, you got everything you wanted. Well, guess what?

Now all of council needs to come back to the table. See if Julio is celebrating that he got what he wanted. All of council needs to come back to the table and we need to work as a team and we need to renegotiate what can we afford to deliver to all residents. And so I my voice will be to advocate for war two. but it’s very important that we remember we don’t we have limited dollars. We are in a negative budget, a deficit budget.

We are borrowing money. we almost have the highest debt per capita across Ontario. And so we have a responsibility to look at budget to manage budget effectively and to still meet residents needs. So, your voice matters when it comes to budget planning and we will be calling out to you to say what do you need in W 2 because W one took it all. I prepared I prepared check I prepared for this one because I’m I’m fiscally this is the fis fiscal responsibility of our city is paramount to me.

Good example. Everybody saw the TVs when they came into the building here today. They want to replace those TVs. Half a million dollars investment at this community center on TVs. To me, that sounds a little frivolous. some efficiencies worth examining. In my opinion, I would freeze newly public funded art commissions, maintaining existing artwork, but seek private sponsorship of new installations instead of adding to taxpayers burden. I would replace the standalone sustainability division with a smaller operating or sorry, smaller operation within planning and engineering.

Keep essential environmental work a measurable energy savings, but stop promotional programs that can’t demonstrate actual value. I would also freeze the museum program expansion and pursue a lowerc cost operating partnership with a cap city contribution. preserve our local history without accepting open-ended operating subsidies. Thank you.

We have very few amenities in the city of Pickering as is few resources and we keep forgetting about that and we keep forgetting it here in the south in the urban area of Pickering where we have everything a stones throw away. forgetting the north feels like an easy gotcha to say it’s okay, they’re far away, but they use this facility here in war 2. They use the East Shore Community Center in War I. Providing resources to take that pressure off is critical.

I don’t want to delete. I want to find opportunities for more money. Commercial innovation corridor growth, host city agreements such as the one with OPG, public private partnerships, naming rights. These are opportunities to bring in more money to break avenues to fund projects that will mean that we don’t have to delete anything. We don’t have to sacrifice anything and it won’t come off of property tax payers. And I doubt very much that question will be on tomorrow night’s debate for I could be wrong.

It could be both parts. and a third to kick in. I don’t know.

Question 5: Top Five Priorities

Vince good. What are your top five priorities for the next four years? top five priorities is making sure that we are making city hall accountable. we’re keeping it transparent and that we’re opening up the communication back to the public and keeping them informed, engaged, and involved. number two is as we continue to grow and develop, we need to make sure that our infrastructure, our roads, and our city services are not falling behind and lagging, but yet are meeting the needs of the community.

Number three, strong communities. when I am at the door, I grew up in an Italian household. I family is all everything. It means the world to me. I want to usher a strong and foster a strong sense of community within not just war 2 but keeping people involved in enjoying creating festivals making opportunities for people to come out. number four is safe streets making sure that we’re making our streets safer more police presence addressing the needs of the community. Thank you.

So, my priorities for W 2 are responsible growth that keeps up with infrastructure, fiscal responsibility and affordability for taxpayers, safe, connected, and welcome communities where everybody feels that they belong. Transparent, accountable, and respectful leadership. And the fifth one for me and that comes through all of this at the center of all this is our voices. I too am a resident of W 2 and so I too am going to prioritize our voices and our needs. I’m going to listen and I’m going to make sure that the platform and the priorities that I’ve set out match what everybody has told me.

I strategically did not release my platform until I until I had an opportunity to connect with many many residents. So my platform was built on what I’ve heard from you and that’s what I will continue to lead with what I’ve heard from you. Thank you.

Five things. First is fiscal responsibility in the city and better value for the money that you’re investing into your city. I would want to see repairs done in W 2. W 2 is my priority. We have representatives for W one and W three. I will represent W two. So championing construction infrastructure during war two. Attract real careers and invest in a stronger local economy. Rebuild trust with taxpayers using technology to create more transparency. Council meetings being recapped. Providing more insight into what’s actually happening in the city. being accessible as well.

And then safer neighborhoods, addressing the homeless crisis that we have in Pickering, open drug use, the dangerous scooters that that are plaguing our our entire city right now, as well as the increasing crime and the sense of insecurity in our neighborhoods. Those are my important priorities. all right. My top five priorities are to continue the accountability that I’ve set out in the first term of office. I mentioned off my opening statement that we started lobbyist registry and etc etc. So town halls, newsletters, that presence.

I’d like to continue or enhance those not make them more. fun is a priority. They’re not necessarily in order to be clear, but just as they came to me. Fun, the festivals, the public art. I think those are important. events and public art and festivals give people a place to go so that they’re not forced to leave Pickering to have fun. They can they can have the opportunity to stay here. I got 15 seconds left, so I’m going to stop going through my wise and just give you the numbers.

Large scale industrial growth, money, jobs, what more do we need? a new official plan that reflects where we are today, where current residents want to see while remaining a great place to settle and new programs for parking. All right, go to my website. You’ll see them all. But I want to drill into the one that matters the most. At every door, affordability is the key. Residents are struggling. They’re living paycheck to paycheck. I won’t make an unrealistic promise about taxes, but I do want to see us drill down into some specific areas.

First, we need to control our operating costs. We need to review vacancies and duplication in our staff. and we need to see how technology can help improve our staffing and the customer service to you. Then we need to look at the Pickering Casino revenue sharing agreement. To be honest, that money needs to stay here in Pickering. Third, we need to grow our commercial and industrial tax base. We all know how it will help take pressure off residents. And fourth, we need to look at the nuclear plant and make sure that the assessment is done because for far too long they’ve been taking a break on property taxes and now they need to pay the fair share.

I see my son cut off at the knees. Oh, that hurt. OPG hurt. Really hurt bad. I don’t know.

Wrap-Up

Those are the five questions for the for the local counselors. Thank you very much for maintaining the timeline which is really greatly appreciated. And again, it’s your chance if you need to ask another question to the coun local council. Those two guys in the back corner looking at their phones. Craig’s ar they’ll help you write a question. I like your jacket. Is this you ripping as you wait, George? Is you ripping as you wait? I’m an Eagle Club member. Watch this.

Okay.

Regional candidate questions

Format

Okay, regional council questions. Now, you saw what the local counselors had to answer. You’re not getting the same questions. You got easy questions. Oh, yeah. Very easy questions, but they do relate to regional concerns. We tried to make sure that the questions were appropriate local level and the regional level.

Question 1: Influencing Decision Makers at the Region

So, Linda, you got the first one. The Durham Region Council has 29 members. Correct. Correct. Good. So far so good. So, tell us about a time you had to influence a larger body of decision makers and how would you use your leadership abilities at the region? Thank you for that question, George. So out of the 29 counselors at the region, seven are women and that is the highest number of women that I’ve ever sat on the regional council. So we tend to gravitate towards one another to flex our sphere of influence.

And an example of that would be when we had Metroinks come in and speak to council about the closure of the Simco Street Bridge. Two years, it’s now three years. Simco Street is a major artery leading to the largest hospital in the region. They closed that bridge three years. They closed another bridge. They’ve closed Brock Road. How do you get the government to listen to us? This is MTO. This is not the city deciding this. This is not the region deciding to close your bridges and main arteries.

This is a level above the province. So we have to work together and use our political capital to make sure that the region is not ignored at a provincial level and have a state at the table. Thank you.

What’s make me qualified? is a combination of education, professional experience, leadership and commitment of our community. I have also a degree in economics giving me a strong foundation in understanding budget, financial decision and economic priorities. My professional background include teaching administration, effective leadership, social media and web marketing. These experiences has taught me how to communicate effectively, organize, solve problems, manage responsibility and work with people with different backgrounds. I have also spent many years to serving the community as a volunteer, sporting and working with the youth.

But I will bring those skills along with a strong commitment to the beginning and I’m ready to represent God. Thank you. George, could I have the question once again please? The Durham Region Council has 29 members and now we know that seven currently are feeding. Tell us about a time that you had to influence a larger body of decision makers and how would you use your leadership abilities at the region? I’ve held a number of posts with not for-p profofit charities where there have been large boards and a lot of clients to the charity that have been at our disposal in terms of the decisions made going forward with the charity.

So I’ve used my leadership you li first of all you need to know what you’re talking about and if you’re not sure you need to research and be informed secondly you have to work on relationships so that you have and you’re able to liaz with others with different differing opinions but still find solutions I’m a doer I’m a solution a task master and I would work hard and have in the past in my leadership roles with charities working finding solutions solutions and finding answers to problems at hand.

Question 2: Using Existing Infrastructure Before Expanding

First on this one, how will you ensure the efficient utilization of existing utilities and transportation infrastructure before further expansion occurs? Can you speak to this? Sure. How will you ensure the efficient utilization of existing utilities and transportation infrastructure before further expansion occurs? I am working as a volunteer. We have reserve funds to utilize. When you’re working as a volunteer, you have such of like budgeted funds you need to save. you need to how to spend and also you need to bring some new project with the limited budget.

So utilization is really important right here in Pickling and the way we are seen on the transportation. Yes, I’m meeting the people but talking to door to door during the canvasing the people are saying that really they feel like they forgot you. Thank you.

You want the question again? Beautiful. Thank you. I should have handed these out like last night, right? How will you ensure the efficient utilization of existing utilities and transportation infrastructure before further expansion occurs? I think it’s really important to go to those that have that forte that work in that area of specialty. You turn to your staff within the city and you find out from city planners and those that work amongst the other regions as city planners. You reach out, you develop relationships and you ask about the other seven municipalities within the region of Durham.

We are one of eight. So there’s a lot to be learned from the actions that have already occurred, what hasn’t worked, what is proposed, and what would work for all. Durham Transit being an example. So turn to your city planners, turn to those that work for these various services and get the information you need to be able to make informed decisions. Thank you for the question, George. transit is near and dear to my heart. we hear a lot from our residents regarding the not so great service sometimes on on DRT.

They do try, they do listen. A few of the things that they should be doing in my opinion is better management of the fleet and that includes charging infrastructures for electric buses. We have a lot of them now. Utilizing passenger information technology. You want to know when your bus is coming. You want to know why the delay is. You want to move people. communicate with people. That doesn’t take a lot of infrastructure to send simple SMS messaging out to writers and that may help improve writership which will generate more revenue.

We’re not at a break even point with our our transit. As for utilities, well, a laxon that’s that’s interesting and it’s aging infrastructure. If you live in war too, south of the highway, you know, you probably have an easement running through your backyard and then the the lovely strings of of wires that the squirrels like to run on. We need to improve that. It’s not going to get better unless we invest in it. We don’t need to build a new grid.

We need to maintain the grid.

Question 3: Community Safety

Nancy, what is your plan for addressing concerns regarding wider community safety? The concerns I have is the police budget is a very high percentage of the overall city budget, regional budget rather. And having said that, I think that there is a need for more boots on the ground versus brick andmortar buildings at this point in time. And I think we need to increase manpower to the point that we are certain with the expansion of our city that we have the ability as a first responder to actually get to a scene where you’re needed and you are expected to assist.

So it is about recognizing that we need to be able to recognize crime trends. We need need to be able to be proactive ahead of and not reactive only. And I think in terms of crime trends, we need to pay attention to what is happening and find solutions that are working, collaborate with our communities, and get the feedback that we need through the stats that we that we collect. That is a tall order. recently I was fortunate enough to work with DRPS to bring in a safety review for Boston Park.

We’ve had a lot of youth running rough shop over South Pickering. DRPS stepped up, added extra patrols, and added extra bylaw. That’s community level policing. These were reports. If you’ve watched it on social, you’ve seen many, many posts, and you’ll know who I’m talking about. Community safety and well-being also includes food shelter, food stability, insecurity is a big thing right now that leads to homelessness. But what we get the crime, the drug abuse, is it mental health? Is it food insecurity?

I mean, it’s where do you peel back that onion and how do you address it through community, through all of us? It’s not a them problem, it’s an us problem. And we need to solve that together. The city is working on initiatives to make our spaces safer with DRPS, particularly when we address the needs of the city with our local partners and our community organizations. yes, I saw in the budget u really it’s really high in budgeting. the police budget and this safe and security our car got stolen last year really they didn’t show up even for the report.

We they said just call to the insurance department and they going to sort out that thing and the people are also raising the concern nearby the French area and some of the water areas they were seeing people homeless people there they were really concerned about their safety also it’s not an issue that going to stop that quickly but really when we are talking about the safety of those residents those are living there we need to address that issues right away thank you okay the fourth question I need you to think of the number between 1 and 15 so Linda what’s your number 12 12 number 21 and Just a number between the fourth.

Question 4: Balancing the Regional Budget

Just pick a number. Pick a number. Is that right? You took my picture. Nancy. Number three. Three. Good. That works out to 22id 3 is almost pi. The number we’re thinking about and I’ll show it to Stacy is eight. So seven is closest to eight. So Bush, you’ll get to ask the question first. Okay. Okay. There’s a long limited process. I’m a math major. Okay. If necessary, what program would you suggest for reduction to balance the regional budget when I’m talking to the youth and the people’s those are newcomers and coming to the beginning and the people’s Those are living here from 40 years they having a families here their kids they just concerned about the new opportunities new jobs they were saying that the kids those are raising here they are going far for doing their jobs so why we don’t have more opportunities here we need to talk to the colleges start new projects So when I’m talking to the kids, I’m talking with the families, some of the projects come in my mind, not even only daycare centers.

We have really big number which is going far from here and they were looking for the daycarees. when we are raising those big buildings and when we are talking to the new developments we having opportunity in the base area that we’re going to make late years and working for the seniors too. Thank you.

Do you want the question again? No. You’re good. Good stuff. The concern I have with Durham Transit is I’ve watched over the years that we have many many buses that go through our city with alternate routes. However, they’re often empty and fuel prices are very very high. So you’re running a bus that doesn’t have many passengers in particular areas and that would be an exception to that would be the Kingston road corridor where certainly we are seeing more ridership happening which is great but throughout the rest of Pickering including Ward 2 the buses are big they’re not hybrid necessarily we need more hybrid or we need those that are electric altogether we need maintenance on those that we have and the replacement smaller If we do an assessment on the vehicles and their usage and we could cut back on fuel prices until we make that conversion to hybrid and electric.

Thank you, George. So, I’ll give you a couple of numbers. our gross expenditure of the region was 2.184 billion with a B dollars for all of our projects. All of them. Policing, transit, social services, bridges and roads, public health, paramedics, infrastructure renewal, solid waste, academic. What do you cut? How do you make those decisions? So maybe it’s not that we cut a program so much as we get a little bit sharper with our pencils and we cut back on unnecessary items that are within the existing budget or proposed budgets.

I’ll give you an example of that. Maybe an unpopular opinion given the last question we just had. the police budget. It’s got some It’s got some things that could come out. And I support our police. I supported the police budget. I did not support the last police budget. They asked me for a tailor. Who wants to pay to hem their pants? Have pride when you put on your uniform. Let’s cut that line item. Let’s cut the third graphic artist out of the police budget in order to fund infrastructure or fund a social sugar support or retool DRPS’s outreach programs and community safety.

Thank you. Amen. You guys are still alive. That’s good.

Wrap-Up

Those are the four questions we asked the the regional council candidates. If you have any question you want to ask, my two assistants in the corner are lonely. So, if you want to give them a question, they’ll be happy to take it before we get to the next session. You guys want to take a just to stand up and an exercise or you guys want to go again? Keep going. Stand. I’m just standing for a second. Okay. Double hip replacement. Got to get out.

I’m sure you have more questions. Okay, so we’re getting to the pickle non-pickle ball paddle questions. Yes is blue, the red is no. And Emma, make sure you can see all the answers.

Rapid-fire paddle session

Yes-or-No Questions

Okay, this is the fun part of the of the night. Easy questions. Piece of cake. Could I could I just request that you I can get all of you and all of you. So, just hold them up long enough for me to be able to scroll the camera across. That would be great. Get you on the good side. Okay. Okay. I have a whole bunch of questions and the first question is easy. Do you live in war 2? Okay, that was easy.

Yes. Second question. Have you won money at the Picker Casino? Hold him up. We have one guy that will be going to the trackers next week. Do you support retaining the East Shore community center if the public portion of the city center project is built? Okay. And this is a question that I put in myself because I worry about safety. Do you support removing the no through sign at Walnut Lane and Kingston Road going north? Do you support removing the noth through traffic sign at King at Walnut Lane and Kingston Road?

What were the answers? You got that one there, Emma? Yeah. Focus on the nose. Right. Nose on that side. Yes. On this side. Okay. That That’s the stretch that goes from the I know, but I don’t I’m not too sure if they know. I just want to make sure you know your Yeah, that’s where the home is with the no through. I don’t want to spend another $10 million pulling out the Okay. Okay. Okay. Again, these are the yes or no questions.

Sorry. to play on. I think they should understand. If not, we hope. Okay, but these are yes or no. Hopefully fun questions. Will you eliminate the e scooter pilot project at the end of the contract? Oh god. Okay. Should the city of Pickering repeal its east bylaw? Entirely have no bylaw at all. Correct. Yeah. Which would allow or just wild west? No. Answer answer the question. The face of the ability I ask. I can’t sorry I cannot elaborate on the question one more time.

The question is the question is should the city of Pickering repeal the escooter bylaw? Okay. So we have a whole note. Are you in favor of the city of Pickering retaining its shares in Alexa? We already got your table. Did you? Dad got all yeses. Aren’t they smart? With the large qual quantity of residential units under 500 square ft proposed by developers create the affordable housing stock that we lack. Say again. Will a large quantity of residential units under 500 square ft proposed by developers create the affordability affordable housing stock that we lack?

Okay, you got that all? Will he urge Pickering to introduce a definition of what should constitute an affordable housing unit? Will you urge to introduce a definition of what should constitute an affordable housing unit? It’s high, right? Okay. Are you in favor of developing Northeast Picker? So, I guess my golf club is good for the next few years. I I love watching play. Are you in favor of the city spending money towards the purchase of Frenchman’s bed? Okay. Will you accept campaign donations from individuals associated with the building or development industries?

A little grown there, I guess, was I didn’t see any answers. Are you in favor of the refurbishment of the reactors at the Pickering Nuclear Generation Station for you? It does help my pitch. Are you satisfied with the progress of the development of the Durham live lands? Sorry. Could you repeat that again? I said, “Are you satisfied with the progress of the development of the Durham Live Live lands?” We don’t know what that is. Okay. Sorry. The live Durham Live is a big parcel of land south of the 401 from Church to I’m going to say Sandy Beach Road.

Okay. Or Squire’s Beach. Sorry. Squire’s Beach. Except for the church, there’s that casino, which I believe was still on strike, and you’ve got that great Porsche experience. Have you guys done the Porsche experience yet? Are you sir? Yeah. Protected wetland by the provincial government. Okay. Okay. Okay, we need answers. Have you registered your pet through the city of Pickering site? You don’t have I don’t have a pet. If you don’t have a pet, don’t put that in. Raise your You are That’s integrity.

Mr. Brener, can you hold your daughter tomorrow in Minnesota? That’s right. Exactly. Okay. In the event that you attend a foreign trip on behalf of the city or the region, will you provide a written public report describing the activities and the benefits to the residents of Pickman within 25 days of travel? Okay. Love to see it. Okay. And the last question It’s my favorite. Remember I gave you guys three things that I was I liked doing. One was golf, one was pickle ball, and the third one was curling.

Are you in favor of a curling facility in war two? Bring back. That’s a thing. Anywhere. Okay. Okay. That was a fun question. Okay. Okay. So, I have questions from the audience and there are four of them. Three of them for all and one for the region only. And can I just have quick answers within 38 seconds?

Audience and deep-dive Q&A

Fourplexes and Housing Options

It’s a metric minute. Okay. Okay. At the region, these are for the three region people. You have a mic in front of you. No. Yes. Should I go the other way? I can do the other one. my running shoes on. As the city grows, we need diverse housing options like forplexes. Almost all residential streets in Pickering are zoned exclusively for single family homes. Do you support the citywide commission of four dwelling units? If no, what is the primary reason you would vote against it?

We’ll start with Linda. Super. yes. at the city we already passed the AU the additional dwelling unit bylaw that makes it affordable for people to stay in their home longer and to add additional dwelling unit whether that is the in-law suite in the backyard. we do need to look at alternatives for lower cost initiatives and bringing in an at home incentive program like the region is doing I think is a good incentive to keep people at home. Yes. Yes. I’m fine because I we take their bandage in our home for that warming.

If we need the insul anything we need to do in our backyard, yes, we take that advantage and it’s really helpful. Thank you. yes, as well for the purpose of families that are extended families. The property allows for and the city that it is reasonable and responsible. The answer is yes. What about the forlex idea? He’s asking about forplexes. No one’s answered the question. Thank you.

Someone answer the question. The question was on forlexes. So allowing a forplex on your own property. Yeah. I need some clarification. George, I’m sorry. I’m just going the person who asked the question. Do you support the citywide permission of four dwelling units? So that’s not a forlex. Okay. If not, what is the primary reason? Yeah. I’m not sure. No, I don’t. Okay. Okay. The question is, do you support do you support four unit housing? And if not, why not? Do you mean like a like a a quadlex?

Is that what you’re going for, sir? Or whomever asked the question? So, a quadlex in a backyard. Building four homes on one lot. Okay. We’re mixing our metaphor. So, quad housing. Absolutely. We used to have a lot of that in the 60s and 70s. It’s a fantastic development. It’s lowrise. It’s great for seniors. If you can’t climb all those stairs, nice little walk out and terrace. We have some regional housing that looks like that. Spring back. It worked for generations. It can work now.

But we should. And we need more rental housing while we’re at it. It’s the missing middle. You two want to re answer? Yes. yes, and I’m sorry for the confusion earlier to the question. Yes. I would also support when I worked in Ashawa for a number of years. There are those buildings that were born, excuse me, that were built back in the 60s50s as well and it is a great alternative for multiple housing on the lot. So yes.

Property Tax Increases

Okay. This is for all candidates. You must try on the easy one first and I’ll give you 33 seconds. Now we got some techy guys there. What can you do to alleviate the large increases in our property taxes every year? Stacy, go with me. Thank you.

So to eliminate large tax increases, we need to look at our overall budget. What are we spending on? What are our priorities? What’s our strategic plan saying? What’s our overall Pickering plan saying to us? And then we need to align our budget with those strategic priorities. And we need to stay within those for the year that we’ve allotted the budget. We can always come back. We can always reforcast. but once our priorities are set, our fiscals should respond directly to our strategies.

John I would suggest that we put essential services ahead of vanity projects and that I’ll oppose any spending that prioritizes political legacy over road repairs. as well, the real solution to easing the tax burden on residential homeowners is jobs. We have an 8020 split in Toronto. It’s a 60/40 split. We need to bring jobs and have commercial enterprise paying the tax. That’s the only way we’re going to reduce the pressure here. In the next few years, Pingering is set to have about 47,000 jobs and even more.

What’s sorry, there are currently 47,000 jobs that we bring, I believe. we’re digitizing as we speak. the and through the innovation corridor, we’re supposed to bring in about 18,000 jobs. Seat full buildout will have about 35,000 jobs. These jobs are in industries. They are in commercial growth. They are in the small, the mom and pop, but also the large scale industrial, the innovation corridor. That is where we see our growth. That is where we see our future. That is where we see our success.

Pickering has been bringing that. FGF foods is a fantastic example of that. 2 and a half million square foot business park full buildout. Three over 3,000 jobs by then. Great. Amazing. Control spending. keep more of the pickering revenues from the casino in the municipality. Grow commercial and industrial up in the corridor. Let’s make sure that we’re looking at nice to haves versus mustos. That’s important. And finally, the big one, make growth, pay for growth as much as possible. We need to negotiate harder with developers.

Sorry, Church, can you repeat the question? What can you do to alleviate the large increases in our property taxes every year? one thing that I would look at is reviewing the budget. Obviously, it’s been already mentioned, but we need more industrial jobs opportunity here, businesses. we can’t allow the development to crush businesses that we already have in this area. looking at user fees, licenses, permits, development charges. That’s an issue that is also being put on by the provincial government to put more pressure on us, but we need to fight back on that. looking at cash and loo casino revenue grants partnerships, naming rights, other tax non- tax revenue and also speed dating is fun.

I am going to reiterate what most have said now. our prestige employment land is our biggest source of revenue. We’re looking at about a $3.7 billion investment and that’s $244 million in upfront revenue annually. That’s going to bring in $18 million in taxes. so the commercial land base, the commercial tax rate is about 10 to1 for residential taxes. That’s where our bread and butter is going to come from to make up for the provincial deficit imposed upon us by Bill 83 and Bill 5.

We need alternative sources of funding such as our host city agreement that we just signed with OPG. 55 years they operated never paid they are now is growing and I believe growth will be our opportunity and it cannot be happen faster than our infrastructure sport. Before approving major development we need to ask do we have the transportation water, waste water, schools, radiation and other services to support this road. Thank you.

I suggest maybe a moratorum on the current residential tax base at this point in time. We need to work harder to we’ve got so many towers that have been built. There’s a lot more people that are paying municipal taxes. For those that have speculated and they’re empty units, there should be a vacant home tax, a levy or a a stiffen that is added to the municipal bill for that reason. Bring in corporate businesses. We have the 407. We can do it.

Attract business, get a commercial base. I was going to clarify with one slight point when And Linda said OPG never paid property taxes. No, I said post city agreement. They didn’t contribute. Okay. We’re the only municipality that did not come post agreement, but OPG has supported city of Pickering over many years. Yes. Just making sure we’re clarified. You know, my husband. Yeah.

Working with School Board Trustees

Okay. Sam, I’m going to ask you. You’re going to answer the question first and we’ll go to Vince over. Okay. If you get elected, how would you work with school board trustees to deal with education issues? So, obviously, you know, my job, I deal with lots of people. I sit at various bargaining tables with all different personalities. So, I can work with anybody. That’s the first thing. The second thing is I need to stay in my lane though. That’s the key.

We get too far out of our lane. So, I will work with the trustees if they need help from council, but if it’s an issue with the board, that is in their lane. one one of the biggest compliments I keep receiving is my ability to generally connect with people and build relationships with people. I I I’m not going to lie. I haven’t had to sit here and say that we have the power or authority to make those type of changes. I would be looking at working collaboratively with the school board trustees to be addressing the needs of the community.

One of the most common complaints that I’ve been receiving hearing from the community is that there is a lot of disability issues that are not being met at the school board level and those need to be addressed immediately. I would work and have worked with our school board trustees when necessary because we’ve had a lot of incidences recently within our city and it’s about mutual respect and trust and building a relationship whether that’s with the Catholic board or the public board and as Sam noted stay in your lane.

We bring the issues forward to our trustees and trust that they are also elected officials and they know their job and they know how to do what they were elected to do. Yes. Why not? Because we if we work together then we going to have a like a point that we’re going to reach and we’re going to help our youth. Because when we are talking about we having kids over here, they were studying here. But when they were passing from these schools, from these colleges, from these universities, they were keep saying that where are the jobs.

So yes, I need to work with the trustees work. Thank you. School board trustees have a very vital role. It’s important that we work in lea with them. It goes both directions. We may need their services and their advice and their opinions and the same holds true for us to them. So you keep the door open. You work in collaboration when it involves both parties because they are representing a very high percentage and sector within our community which are our youth.

Thank you. I’ve had the privilege of working with trustees for over 25 years and so I have established relationships with many that are now in elected positions. And I can tell you that it’s extremely important at any level of government, municipal, provincial or federal. And it doesn’t matter what position people are elected to. We all need to work collaboratively. And if you’re not a person who can work collaborative, then you have no place to be in politics and so I pride myself on relationship building on asking difficult questions and always coming to consensus with my colleagues around the table including my trustees.

Thank you. for me it would be to advocate to the province to ensure that trustees still exist. Right now they’re almost being wiped out and I think that we should be protecting those roles. as well I’d like to learn from them and enable them because right now I think that technology is the way of the future. Trustees should be focused on this and also being focused on bringing more value to the school system and the avoiding usery to the the parents as well.

I’m an advocate against the the picture program in the schools. I’m a digital first and I’d like to advocate with them. My background is education. I get trustees. I get what they do and I get how important they are. I’m not going to overstep. That’s the number one. We’ve all said that on some level. I already worked with school board trustees on issues that are taking place. And as a result, I’m lucky to be endorsed by both of Pickering. When there were concerns at William Dumbar, I connected with Emma Cunningham because I had emails from parents who wanted to know what I was doing as a as as the ward counselor for that school.

I served as leazison. I supported the trustees in amplifying their message. I always made sure that I was not encroaching into their space. They are the ones whose responsibility it was to understand what was happening and okay that is my time.

Homelessness, Poverty and Mental Health

Okay, John, this is you start this one off. This is for all candidates. What is your commitment to addressing the homelessness in Pickering, including poverty and mental health issues? There is no silver bullet answer to that. I think that we can simply advocate as a city council just to advocate with the region to implement programs that enrich the people who are facing homelessness as well as mental health providing resources working with organizations such as DAR to create transitions to help people get out of the situation that they’re in and to enable them.

There’s plenty of misinformation online and it’s important for folks to understand what we are equipped to do and what we are not. at the at the regional level, sorry, Durham Region is a two-tier municipality with homelessness managed at the regional level by social services. That doesn’t mean that at the at the city level, we don’t care. It means that we’re not provided the funding nor the structural setup for it. That is where organizations like DAR come in who have been instrumental in functionally reducing homelessness.

We have rehabed over 18 people in 18 months through a cottage style transitional housing which is the first of its kind in Ontario. So yes, so we’re seeing homelessness much more visible and bickering and residents and businesses rightfully so are concerned about seeing their parks and public spaces being utilized in certain fashions where they feel unsafe now. But look, at the end of the day, we have to deal with these people with compassion. And you already heard it. Barbara does amazing work.

So obviously I want to support that and champion that. But we need to look at more transitional housing. We need more supports from Durham region and we need to have wraparound supports for them. Addiction, mental health, and at the same time we need to look at what properties do we have that are decommissioned that possibly could be used for transitional housing. Homelessness is a sensitive matter and compassion accountability can exist together. it’s also a safety concern that I’ve been hearing from many residents and we need to address that.

Thank you for all those people that are not aware. Margaret Eskins is in the building here. She’s from ours. thank you so much for everything that they do there. We need to advocate for more funding from the provincial and federal governments and the dirt region to assist us with these growing concerns and issues that we’re facing on a daily basis. We need safety. Safety is an issue. I will agree. Safety is an issue. we have a couple of things going on.

Convergence in our city right now. We closed the hub in Ajax. They closed the safe injection sites in Toronto. Where did people go? They came here. We need Margaret. really proud of this current council and especially councelor Brener for everything he did to make the transitional housing come together. This is what we need more of. We are not doing this alone. The council cannot do it by itself in a vacuum. We need our regional agencies. We need our regional committees. We need people like Margaret and all of the volunteers to step up and deliver the wraparound support and the dignity that is necessary on our streets to survive. the way I was already discussed and about on the internet about that homelessness increasing because I’m working with the nonprofit organization in Asia and some other places they have the same in in their surroundings they have the same issues there too.

I sit with the city and I sit with the police department. They were increased that patrolling. The homeless guy is not here for one night. They are here for more than one night. So yes, the way you guys are all impressing about the mental health increasing crawling and helping those guys and okay. Homelessness is a prevalent issue. It is increasing. It’s a human issue. It needs to be addressed. Can’t be ignored and it’s not going away. We have MPs. We have MPPPS.

We need funding. We need a task force. And smaller communities or those that are larger such as Hamilton, such as London, Ontario, they have found solutions. So there are other municipalities that we can leaz with throughout the province to get some suggestions as to how to tackle the problem and take care of those that are in need. Thank you.

I agree with Nancy. We do need a task force, but what we do have in Pickering is we have a subcommittee, a homelessness subcommittee. And we need to strengthen that subcommittee. We need to look at all the community partners that are in Durham Region and bring everybody together. That includes DAR and the incredible job that Margaskin is doing, but CDC, DCHC, St. calls on the Hill Food Bank, Durham Youth Services, Durham Region House Services. Everyone has the right to a home.

Right now, one in four people in Durham Region are facing food insecurity. We have a responsibility to uphold the dignity of all individuals in our community, and everyone again deserves a home. Let’s work together. Alzheimer’s is kicking in. gentlemen here also mentioned that out of the coal program in Toronto is very productive and maybe I don’t know how big Durham region can look at out of the Okay, this is the last question.

Keeping Existing Businesses

Usually get a round of applause. if we’re looking to bring in more businesses, what’s your plan to keep the ones already here existing? By allowing reszoning of retail commercial to development, especially along the Whites Kingston Road corridor, you’re driving away these businesses who have invested lots of money to stay in Pickering. Sorry, that’s the full question. Perfect. Thank you.

We’re not driving away the businesses. The reasonzoning the the Kingwood corridor may be what it is, but it’s not at any point an encouragement to businesses to to leave. I said early on in this that I wasn’t in favor of the way that the the OPA is for for Kingston Road and that was unfortunately something that we inherited into this new council. so we’re kind of in a situation of you got to deal with it as it is. But no businesses have been told to leave.

No businesses will ever be told to leave. Any and all development proposals that come to the city. We make sure that we are always fighting to keep every single business that is already in that plaza and more. and I I can tell you on a a hard number that we have in the last I believe it’s 15 years has never lost a plaza and in fact it’s gained more plazas. You’ve seen the towers being built. Do you see any commercial space?

Nope. There’s none. And I think if we’re going to look at some of these developments, then we have to tell the developers that they have to make commercial space. We build it, they will come. can you repeat the question? Sorry, George. It’s fine. Okay. We are looking to bring in more businesses. What’s your plan to keep the ones existing here? Yeah. U Thank you.

So one one of the biggest issues is that big box stores have no problem finding the cost of being relocated and being out of that plaza where they find themselves in. I’m worried about the mom and pop shops. I don’t say that I have all the answers, but I am the type of person that would want to be able to come up and have those conversations and partnerships with them to understand and find a way that we can facilitate their existence.

I don’t want to see them disappear through the developments and to pick back a little bit off of what Sam said all for having development pay for their development needs, right? So having those businesses that will succeed. Sorry. All good. Thanks, Vince. So like attracts like in economic development terms. We need to work steadily with our economic development team who works at a global scale to bring in more business. We need to create magnets that attract top talent. That’s what we need.

You want to build a business, you need the right employer, employees to go with that. How do we do that? Universities, education, career hubs. bringing in all of the infrastructure that supports retail, commercial and other industries. Creating those ideal conditions will support business and they will support each other through all of their adjunct businesses, manufacturing, commercial, retail, hospitality, etc. My plan would be to work with the city in the region economic development organization and the training institution to attract businesses local entrepreneurs protect employment lands and connect residents with the skill employment and when we need major growth I just want us to ask only how many homes are bu building but also how many jobs businesses and essential services are consult with your Ajax Pra trade.

Deal with those that know business well. Keep properties open for business development. Nobody’s asking them to leave. Others might come in. That is the nature of business in terms of competition, but certainly we’re not driving them out. Make sure we have spaces for them. Make sure that they are welcome. Make sure they they have the assistance to a board of trade and continue to and try and bring further business in and meet and and have the needs for the residents in our areas.

Thank you. So, thriving businesses create jobs. They provide services close to home. But most importantly, what we all need to remember is that they contribute to our tax base. I hear every day from residents telling me that their taxes are unaffordable. Well, our local businesses are contributing to our taxes. So, like Vince said, or sorry, like Sam said, let’s get them into the commercial developments that are being built and let’s get out and let’s support loco. I don’t know about you, but every single service that I have from the person who does my hair to who does my nails, who takes care of my dogs, my doctor, my dentist, my ENT, they are all in board, too.

So, let’s get out and keep supporting them. I just made a short list because this is actually a lot easier than we think. I am anti-displacement. I want to prioritize commercial spaces so that if they need to be displaced, they have somewhere to go. Negotiate with developers so that we create more commercial space. enable and promote local businesses. Create job boards for employers to help them find staff. create a business directory so we know where we can shop. promote by pickering procure locally from the city as well.

And my goal would be to have a high-rise commercial complex instead of just homes.

Closing remarks

Candidates’ Closing Remarks

Okay, we’re now at the remarks space. We started with Stacy at the start. Only to be fair, we’ll start with Nancy at the far end. So Nancy, no one went over the time limit, so we all have the full one minute for your closing remarks. I want to thank each and every one of you, residents of Pickering, for coming out and sharing with our information and and our our pronouncements and things that we stand for, things that we see as priorities, etc.

I’m hoping to be your next candidate and your regional counselor for Ward Two. It will be a full-time job for me. I know this city and the ward very well. I know the region very well personally and professionally. I have the I have the commitment. I have the skill skill set and I have the leadership. So, I’m hoping that come the end of this month, the voting takes place and I become your next regional counselor for W. I will give you my time.

I’ll give you my resources, my networks and my skill sets. Thank you. after running just for position. I’m running because this community means a lot to me. I have lived here volunteer with the children, youth, families and seniors and I have been speaking directly with residents and small business owner. I am getting the same concern again and again rising property taxes in affordable housing local job and responsible. I believe that we listen to people bring different perspectives together and have all this conversation we can find better solution for.

We think it’s a beautiful community not only because of the great spaces and our needs but because of the people’s saying hello to each other that look out for their neighbors and they care when someone is really struggling. There was comments on a Facebook about me and to speak up, defend me and remind other that there should be no space for cater in our community. I want sincerely thank every single person who took the time to write something kind stand up for me and simply show their support.

When you put your name forward in an election and put your credibility and your reputation on the line, something that can be difficult and very personal, but seeing people come together and say this is not what is about to me. Thank you very much. I’d like to close with thanks to the organizers of this event and to take a moment to thank all of you who the residents of Pickerite who supported me through the last four years who came out to our events, raised questions and brought forward ideas to make Picker a better place to live.

War I has been my home since 1971. I know it. I know everything. I’ve been here a really long time. I chose to raise my family here. As a mother with a child with disabilities, I place inclusion and barrierfree access to accessible facilities and services high on my priority list for all residents. Over the last four years, I’ve advocated for and moved motions to enable the lives of our marginalized communities, our seniors, our disenfranchised youth, and to make life richer for all residents.

I’m dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those with intellectual disabilities. as a passionate coach with Greater Durham Special Olympics, coaching speed skating for the last 15 years and our summer athletics program at St. Mary’s High for the last 11. I’m a volunteer with the Royal Canadian Legion since 2018, where I was lucky enough to meet my husband, Brian, a veteran of 26 years of service with the Canadian military serving our country. Service and community is in my DNA.

That’s how we’ve raised our three children and how I’d like to shape Pickering. It has been my honor to serve residents for the last four years. For me, this has never been about projects. It’s about people. It’s about community and a community I’ve been part of for five decades. It has been my honor to serve you and I thank you for this opportunity and I thank you for the opportunity to earn your support. Again, at the end of the day, I believe this election is more than individual issues.

It’s about the people that call this city home. It’s about getting those needs and concerns addressed and not allow them to fall to the side. It’s about preserving what makes our city beautiful and also a kind of bickering we want to build. I want a bickering that is safe, a bickering where our seniors can age with dignity, where families feel connected, where young people have opportunities, businesses can thrive, our children can go to work and own something of their own in the future, and where residents can trust that their tax dollars are being used responsibly.

I want growth, but I want reasonable growth. I want development, but I want infrastructure to keep pace. I want development to pay for growth. I want a community where residents can get around safely and where our neighborhoods remain strong. I want a city hall that is accountable and listens to residents before decisions are made and reports back after those decisions are made. I spent almost 19 years serving the public. I’ve taken an unpaid leave for my career because I have a passion to serve the people in our communities and I believe this community is worth committing myself to.

This will be a full-time job for me. Over the la these past four months, I have shown that knocking over many doors and listening to you guys and I thank you guys for this opportunity and I hope that I can count your support come October 26. Thank you.

I grew up here in Pickering and today I’m raising my own family here. So the decisions we make about the city of Pickering are personal to me. For more than 30 years, my work has been about representing people, solving problems, and bringing different sides together. I’ve negotiated more than 60 agreements, worked across different industries, dealt with complex financial information and high stakes disputes, and learned all through that process that good decisions start with listening, asking tough questions, and following the evidence.

Since June, I’ve been out door knocking throughout World War II, listening to the residents, hearing them talk about taxes, development, parks, city, streets, safety, the future of our community. And I believe I have the experience to give W a strong independent voice. And that’s how I want to approach the job. Residents first. Thank you for being here tonight. I’m running because I think the experience I’ve gained matters. I’m proud of the work I’ve done, but I’ve still got work to do.

I’ve always known the city, and now I know this job, too. You’ve heard different perspectives around the table tonight. You’ve heard some accuracies. You’ve heard some misinformation, and I trust our resident’s ability to see through it. I am very proud, like I of the work we’ve done. Some highlights in this term include the host of the agreement with OPG, acquisition of FGF and new groundbreings, our our plazas, our hundreds of new business openings, the new boardwalk that we put together that comes with a splash pad out at the waterfront, snow plowing in Lyn Heights Park and in Boston Park.

If things were perfect in Pickering, we wouldn’t need a council. We’d all be able to just sit back and go on with our merry ways. But things are not perfect. Things are always changing and things always need improvement. So, like I said, I’ve always known this city and I know this job as well. I grew up here. I know how to get things done and I’m ready to keep doing them given the opportunity on October 26th. Thank you so much. Tonight, you’ve heard many different ideas and different priorities and different visions for W 2.

So, I’ll leave you with what I personally promise to W. I will do my homework. I will ask difficult questions. I will protect taxpayers interest. I will support good ideas regardless of who brings them forward. And I will have the courage courage to challenge decisions when I believe Nick can do better. I will answer to residents and I will show up. And when I make a decision, I will be transparent and explain why. Also, if you have not heard, I have also committed that if I am elected, I will donate my first 12 months of net counselor salary to charities and nonprofit services and picker.

I’m not doing that because the work has no value. I’m doing that because I want my first year in office to make a statement about why I am actually here. This election is not about what the city hall can do for me. It’s about what I can bring to Pickering. and October 26. I’m asking for your trust and your voting. Thank you.

Thank you. W 2 has been my family’s home for over 20 years and Pickering has been our home for close to 30. There’s 42,700 approximately 42,700 people that live in War 2. We’re only four people. If I’m elected, my job is to represent each and every one of you. You deserve responsible growth, infrastructure that keeps pace. You deserve all of the promises that we have put out to you today. I bring with me decades of experience, of managing budgets, building strategic plans, executing on those strategic plans, and turning community ideas into action.

Further to that, I bring an independent, nonpartisan voice. I do not aspire to do anything more than to give back to my community and to stay at the community level. So, my commitment is simple. I will listen. I will learn. I will lead. And I will serve you. Again, I’m Stacy Lavine Fischer. And I hope you’ll take the time to visit my website and learn a little bit about me because I recognize I’m not known to many people in this room.

But I do believe I have a lot to offer and I would not put myself in a position if I didn’t feel I had the competencies and the skills to lead the city of Pickering and to represent all of you in war 2.

Voting Information and Thanks

So thank you. I get their mics before they want to speak again. I think that is the end of our time. we have to vacate this room by 9:30. I want to thank the candidates tonight for taking the time out of your busy campaign schedule to attend this forum. I hope it was enlightening. best of luck for the remainder of the campaign. And also, as a housekeeping issue, make sure that you pick up your literature before you leave the building tonight because city people don’t like campaign literature hanging around.

I want to thank the audience. You guys are being great. again you surpassed board one’s number so thank you for that and also board one eyes are here so it’s okay your role goal is not complete this only started you you have to decide who will best serve bickering in war two with your vote you can start voting through internet on October 19th the voting assistance centers can assist with internet voting and I believe the assistance center in W 2 is right here at the rec center and the hours of operation are from 4 to 8:00 p.m.

Paper ballot voting will be available only on October 26th. So, you have a whole sum of days to get out there and vote from home. Not that difficult. Our campaigns usually have around 30% turnout. We’ve got to exceed that to make sure that your voices are properly heard. I’d like to thank Emma coming to Cunningham for videaping tonight. Stand. We’re good. unedited videos will be posted on YouTube within tonight. I’ll get them up tonight. Yeah, by tonight. Yeah, by tonight. Wonder what?

I’ll send the link I’ll send the link to them and they’ll share it out. Okay. and lastly, I’d like to thank the volunteers here tonight and organizing and especially the organizing word one community associations which include the Fairport Beach Neighborhood Association, Bridgewalk Community and Recreation Association, and the Pecker West Shore Community Association. Somehow I got invited to a meeting that made me then decide to volunteer to become your moderator tonight. I hope I didn’t let anybody down. Tomorrow night tomorrow night is the forum.

It is same back place, same exact time. For those over 60, you know what I’m talking about. the under safety group here at doors open at 6:30 for 7:00 to 9:00. So that should be an interesting meeting tomorrow night.