Hello, Pickering. I’m Mayor Kevin Ashe, and here’s a recap of the City Council meeting on Monday, September 29th. We had a long meeting, but a lot was accomplished to move our city forward.
City Investments & New Projects
- Public Art: We approved a new public art piece for the upcoming Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre, which is scheduled to open in April. This continues our commitment to public art, and we’ll soon be unveiling “Gordy’s Guitar,” a tribute to Gordon Lightfoot.
- Pickleball Courts: The brand-new outdoor pickleball courts at Diana, Princess of Wales Park are now open. They are dedicated to pickleball use and are available for both public and club use.
- Skateboard Park Renewal: Council approved a $1 million investment to revamp the skateboard park at Diana, Princess of Wales Park. I look forward to cutting the ribbon on this new facility, which is used by many residents and enthusiasts.
- Fire Pumper Truck: We approved the purchase of a new $2.3 million fire pumper truck. This is an example of the significant costs involved in providing essential city services.
Community and Infrastructure Updates
- Indigenous Engagement Guide: We partnered with other municipalities to create an Indigenous Engagement Guide. This is an important step in our journey toward Truth and Reconciliation and will help ensure a meaningful process for Indigenous engagement.
- Playground Renewal: We approved a $1.4 million investment to renew playground equipment at several parks, including Lynn Heights, Bonita Park, Bayshore Tot, Whiteville Community Park, and Claremont.
- Traffic Control: With a new school recently opening in Seaton, we approved new traffic-control measures to address parking and traffic challenges in the area.
Elect Respect Motion
Council unanimously passed a motion to endorse an “Elect Respect” idea, which promotes respectful debate and works to strengthen democracy by ensuring full safety and participation. At the same meeting, Council also issued a 60-day pay suspension to Councillor Robinson. I believe she should take heed of this collective commitment to “Elect Respect.”
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. On Saturday, October 4th, volunteers will be collecting food donations for the Saint Paul’s on the Hill Community Food Bank at Food Basics, Derrick’s Independent, and Metro stores across the city. They specifically need:
- Peanut butter
- Cereal
- Pancake mix
- Other canned foods
Cash donations and pre-stuffed $10 or $20 grocery bags are also available for purchase at many of these stores.
That’s all for this month. If you have any questions or would like to chat, you can reach out via social media or email me directly at mayor@pickering.ca or customercare@pickering.ca.
