The City of Pickering’s West Shore Skate Spot will have an exciting new look shortly, as artist FATSPATROL will paint a community mural on the skate surface from October 1 to 19, 2023. 

The City of Pickering’s Cultural Strategic Plan (2014) outlines the City’s commitment to collaborate with the community to celebrate our cultural diversity, heritage and the arts; to sustain our natural environment; to foster a creative economy; and to strengthen our vibrant neighbourhoods.

The popular new West Shore Skate Spot first opened in Fall 2022, and soon after in 2023, Council endorsed the funding to carry out the design and installation of a new Public Art mural on the skate surface. Through the Public Art Policy process, artist FATSPATROL, in collaboration with Mural Routes, was selected to create this community-inspired public art piece. Community consultations and paint workshops were held with residents over the summer to assist with the creation and execution of the design. 

“The subject matter for this artwork, (the pike, the walleye, the water, sunsets and sunrises, the heron, the swan, trail patterns, foliage, ripples on the water) all came from two community consultations where local members stressed the significance of West Shore as an area of natural abundance and diversity. I interpreted these in the style of using bold colours, patterns and black lines that have featured in my work since the start of my creative practice. The use of bold black lines comes from a study of mark-making and my early influences of comic books, tribal Indian art (e.g. Kalamkari) Middle Eastern Textiles and later graffiti. The intent was for this artwork to be bold as a graphic style favoured by some local youth, and to visually enhance the features of the Skate Spot to allow users of the park to differentiate its surfaces.”  

To read the story of the artist, click –> ARTIST

CLICK –>  SHOOTING

Councillor Lisa Robinson called herself “a modern slave” after being suspended for 20 days without pay.

Full story —> ROBINSON

ADDENDUM

Mayor Ashe’s Official Response to
Councillor Robinson’s “Modern-Day Slave” Comments

Pickering, ON, September 29, 2023 – I would like to address the recent comments by Councillor Robinson, made on her social media and during media interviews, where she referred to herself as a “modern-day slave”.

To provide context, Councillor Robinson was investigated by the City of Pickering’s Integrity Commissioner for breaching the Council Code of Conduct. Specifically, her use of cyberbullying and intimidation tactics on residents was found to violate our ethical standards. Pickering Council subsequently adopted the Integrity Commissioner’s findings and recommendations, which included suspending Councillor Robinson’s pay for 30 days.

Councillor Robinson’s recent comments are both wildly offensive and deeply harmful. Referencing the system of slavery as a point of comparison carries a violent undertone. Slavery, a dark chapter in our history, brutally denied the humanity of generations of Black communities, subjecting them to unimaginable suffering and injustice.  To use such a comparison is fundamentally wrong, and also diminishes the generational trauma caused by slavery.

I have personally spoken with the longest-serving member of the Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce about the situation, and she was shocked and upset by Councillor Robinson’s statements. In addition, many members of the Black community have publicly expressed their outrage. This highlights the gravity of the situation and the damaging impact it has had.

The City of Pickering is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and compassionate community. We recognize the power of language to shape our perceptions and attitudes, and emphasize the importance of using words mindfully. It is crucial that we treat each other with respect, sensitivity, and an understanding of the historical context that informs our language choices.  Clearly, Councillor Robinson has failed in this regard.

Councillor Robinson’s suspension of pay is a direct consequence of her own actions and decision-making. It reflects the necessity of upholding the integrity of our Council and maintaining our ethical standards. We strongly urge her to take responsibility for her actions, refrain from using false and harmful comparisons, and sincerely apologize to the Black community for the hurt and offence she has caused.

Kevin Ashe
Mayor, City of Pickering

Maple Ridge Public School and Pine Ridge Secondary School were put on hold-and-secure status for police investigation.

Read more details at POLICE

Today, the City of Pickering has directed E11venth Hour Productions, the organizers of Haunting of Hexwood, to cancel their Halloween-themed event and attraction that was being planned for the William F. White filming backlot, due to significant health and safety concerns.

The City was approached with this proposed event back in August, and from the outset, we expressed our concerns to the organizers that a film set would not be a suitable venue capable of safely accommodating the influx of thousands of daily visitors over a three-week period.

Film sets, such as the one on Pickering’s backlot, leased to William F. White, are primarily designed for film and TV production, emphasizing visual aesthetics for the camera. These structures are unsuitable for real-world events, as they are artificial and have a comparatively limited life span, and should not be conflated with permanent, publicly-accessible buildings.

Namely, film sets like this do not conform to the stringent standards of the Ontario Building Code and lack the necessary infrastructure to ensure the safety of a large number of visitors. This includes the absence of appropriate facilities for crowd control, fire safety measures, and accessible exits for swift evacuation in case of emergencies.

Despite these significant concerns, we made a sincere and concerted effort to find a workable solution, committing substantial staff resources to this endeavour.

Unfortunately, while these discussions and reviews were taking place, the event organizers began marketing and selling advance tickets for this Halloween experience without securing official approvals.

Regrettably, despite our continuous engagement, the event organizers could not develop a feasible plan that would meet the exacting requirements of the Ontario Building Code, as well as our municipal health and safety standards, and fire regulations, all of which are essential to safeguarding event attendees. Consequently, we have instructed the organizers to initiate the necessary cancellation notices and provide refunds for all ticket sales.

We advise that no members of the general public will be permitted access to the filming backlot site, and all those who had purchased advance tickets to contact E11venth Hour Productions.

Kudos to Councillor Maurice Brenner

Thank you Maurice for letting residents know of our existence. I was organizing some old files and came across a document that states;

• Fairport Beach Ratepayers Association was formed in 1927 as a cottage community.
• In 1932 a wealthy banker deeded the waterfront acreage to the Association. It ran from Petticoat Creek on the east side to West Shore Blvd. on the west side, and from the lake to Park Cres.
• In 1949 it was Incorporated as a non-profit Association with a written constitution and duly elected executive with its own clubhouse located on the beach.
• In the 1960’s it was moved up the hill to sit at Park/Cliffview and was used for meetings and the Scouts.
• In the 1970’s street parties were held at the end of Park Cres. The clubhouse burned down when someone tried to light a lantern inside and fuel was ignited. The hall was partially rebuilt but ran out of money to finish it.
• In 1989 I was elected President after serving as V.P.
• In 1991 the membership decided to sell the property to the Metropolitan Toronto Regional Conservation Authority for $100,000; this allowed the bridge to be built across Petticoat Creek in 2002, and the waterfront trail to be extended eastward.
• In 1993, we amended the Constitution to change our name from Ratepayers to Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association to better reflect our mandate, and entrench a clause that requires the Association to always maintain a balance to preserve the $ 100,000.

An addendum to the above:

• In 1932, a wealthy banker deeded all the waterfront property from Petticoat Creek to West Shore Blvd. to the Association. This led to the Incorporation of Fairport Beach Ratepayers Association in 1949. The cottages were defined by the boundaries from the Lake to just south of Vicki Dr., and from the backyard lot line on Hillcrest Rd. to the west side of West Shore Blvd. Within our community was the Newman homestead, circa 1840 which has been designated as a historic property by the City of Pickering. The family sold the remaining 11 acres in 2012 and 51 new homes have been added to our community.
• The Association had a clubhouse at the foot of Cliffview/Park Cres. that was used by the members for meetings and social events and used by the Scouts and other organizations. Street parties would be held at the foot of Park Cres. in the summer, and in the early 1970’s someone tried to light a lantern inside, and spilled fuel that caught fire and burned the building down. Insurance only paid out enough to build a concrete block basement with a flat roof. That’s how it stayed for many years, but the Association kept holding meetings and elections throughout. I served as Vice-President in the 1980s and was elected President in 1989.
• With guidance from the executive and members, a motion was passed to sell the property to the Metropolitan Toronto Regional Conservation Authority. Cec Turner and I were appointed to negotiate a price with Don Prince and Larry Field (MTRCA) management for land acquisition. An engineering firm was hired to do soil erosion tests and it was reported that all along the embankment is unstable soil, so nothing could be built there. Murry Stroud represented our Association, and in 1991 the land was sold for $100,000. The block basement was bulldozed. With the newfound wealth as the richest ratepayers group, we were being told by some on Pickering Council how we could spend it. This caused in-fighting on how we should invest the money and some members wanted to put it into the stock market. So, in 1993 at a quorum meeting, we passed two motions to amend our Constitution. The first was to maintain a balance of $100,000 in CDIC-protected investment instruments as long as the Association is in existence, and we have always been fortunate to have on our executive a chartered accountant or knowledgeable book-keeper to keep records, and Directors to review and examine the financial records once a year, and report back to the membership at the annual general meeting.
• The MTRCA changed its name to the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority (TRCA), and in 2002 a bridge was built across Petticoat Creek, and the waterfront trail was extended in subsequent stages over to Marksbury Rd. It couldn’t be extended the last block between Marksbury and West Shore Blvd. until the last two cottages were purchased by the TRCA. One cottage was demolished in 2022 and the other one will be taken down next year and the trail completed to the Rotary Frenchman’s Bay West Park.
• In the intervening years we have made many contributions to worthwhile causes and accomplished numerous community improvements always working closely with our Ward 1 Councillor, Maurice Brenner. We have created “welcome packages” for all the new families moving into Fairport Beach, and during Covid 19, we have supported the food banks in Pickering and Ajax with cash donations and food supplies, and our hospital with cash donations for PPE supplies. Our Association has made the Ajax-Pickering donors wall for donations of $1000 over the past 20 years. Our Association was recognized by the City as the ” International Year of the Volunteer” in 2001, and Mayor Ryan, Councillor Brenner, and Regional Councillor Ashe dedicated an inscribed rock to our Association on the waterfront trail, to recognize our contribution to extending the trail across the Fairport Beach waterfront.

Some of the milestones and achievements of the Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association:

• Throughout the years we have donated $1000/year to the Ajax-Pickering Hospital;
• donations to our food banks in Pickering and Ajax;
• donations of $500 are offered to our 3 public schools every year;
• and many initiatives in our community such as a first initiative arranged by Maurice to pay half the cost of the speed board on Oklahoma Dr. through the City;
• A police bike for patrolling the waterfront trail;
• a bursary program to recognize students for community involvement;
• sponsorships for exchange students and athletics;
• financial grants to residents to help out in crisis situations;
• assistance in helping the Pickering Rotary Club with the start-up of the Rotary Frenchman’s Bay West Park;
• our Fairport Beach parkette where the clubhouse was situated;
• many other worthy causes come to mind, like the Indonesian Tsunami, where we donated $10,000 to the Red Cross Relief Fund chaired by Maurice and Bill McLean
• another $1000 to Herizon House Women’s Shelter;
• close to $20,000 put into our parkette with tree planting along Park Cres. and our beautiful butterfly garden.

None of the many things above would have been made possible without a dedicated executive and members from our community. It has been a pleasure to be part of such a vibrant group of citizens, and at the end of my term as President for 36 years I will look back with pride in all that we accomplished as volunteers together.

Paul White
President
Fairport Beach Ratepayers Association

A response from Brenner, Maurice, Councillor:

Now more than ever there is a need for Neighbourhoods/Communities to build /Ratepayer/Community groups.

While there are no defined parameters by the City, however, when an Association is formed it can be recognized by the City for the purpose of Communications of Planning matters and other outreach through a designated person. The defined community also has access to have flyers printed from the City for their own distribution.

To be considered an Association the group needs to have some form of constitution that confirms their goals and purpose along with their geographic area. There should also be an annual meeting from which an executive is elected.

Currently, there are 3 actual Associations in Ward 1: Fairport Beach, Pickering Westshore and RougeValley Community and Recreation.

If you are interested in forming an Association in South Rosebank you should connect with Paul White from Fairport whose Association is one of the oldest. Peggy Bowie recently organized the Rouge Valley group.

Maurice Brenner
Deputy Mayor, Regional Councillor
Ward 1
Web: mauricebrenner.ca

[The open letter displayed below is intended as an informational news article. Posting here does not indicate support for the letter.]

Dear Mayor Ashe and Pickering Councillors,

We need to talk about Mayor Ashe’s response to the Auditor General’s investigation into the Greenbelt removals. Your December 5 resolution last year gave the impression that the Pickering Council unanimously opposed the urbanization of the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve. Mayor Ashe’s recent statement indicates that the Council would support development if certain conditions are met. Which is it?

In support of building on the Greenbelt
On November 16, 2022, without consultation with you, Mayor-elect Kevin Ashe sent a letter to Minister Steve Clark stating that the City is in favour of building on the Greenbelt/DRAP lands and reaffirming previous letters from former Mayor Ryan to Minister Clark on November 14, 2022, and February 7, 2019.

Opposed to building on the Greenbelt
However, on December 5, 2022, your first meeting as a new council, you unanimously opposed development in DRAP and the Greenbelt removals by stripping out supportive language from a staff report destined for Minister Clark’s desk. How can it be that Premier Ford and Minister Clark are relying on Mayor Ashe’s letter, and Mayor Ryan’s letters from November, when the last word on this was the unanimous position of Council on December 5?

Continued opposition to building on the Greenbelt
Community members have repeatedly asked for Ashe to retract the Mayors’ previous letters because it is the position of this new council (and this new Durham Regional Council) that development should not happen in the Greenbelt carveouts and DRAP area, and the lands must be returned to the Greenbelt.

Clear up the confusion
In light of the Auditor General‘s report that reveals unscrupulous influence over this whole process, the Ontario Integrity Commissioner’s ongoing inquiry, a potential RCMP investigation, and the resignation of Minister Clark’s Chief of Staff, it is long overdue for you to clear up the confusion about Pickering’s position on DRAP.

Confused action needs clarification
On the official record, this Council is opposed to the urbanization of DRAP, yet still continues to participate in activities and negotiations that appear to further incursions into the area. Consider whether you want to be seen as giving the Ford government political cover for this egregious plan that your residents are adamantly opposed to.

Fear Ashe will invoke “Strong Mayor” power to negate Council
This community is also deeply concerned about the likelihood of seeing Mayor Ashe use “Strong Mayor” powers to overrule the will of this Council on DRAP. It would need the collaboration of at least two councillors. Will those two councillors be prepared to bear the political fallout stemming from propping up a “strong mayor”?

Hamilton opposes Greenbelt building
Pickering Council may be interested to know that Hamilton City Council unanimously passed a motion on Friday, August 18, asking for the Province of Ontario to abandon its plan to develop the Greenbelt.

Pickering residents have been asking for, and are now expecting, a similar motion from the Council. Your September 5th Executive Committee meeting is ideal timing to bring this new motion forward.

Greenbelt development is NOT needed
We know you understand that the DRAP lands are the most significant Greenbelt carveouts in the province. You can also see that Pickering is already well ahead in achieving provincial housing targets, and these lands are not needed to advance supply and improve affordability. We also expect you’ve noticed that this chaotic affair is diverting scarce city resources from essential projects. What is the toll of this uproar on you and your ability to plan and deliver much-needed community benefits to those who have been patiently waiting? When will the full potential of Seaton be realized if the tight timelines of DRAP development sabotage the City’s (and Region’s) plans for a complete and sustainable community as promised?

The situation is confusing and chaotic
The Auditor General’s report was damning, Pickering voters are outraged, and this debacle will not be forgotten during the next municipal election. Who among you will take a clear stand against provincial decisions and demonstrate leadership on this local threat? Who will defend DRAP and initiate the new Greenbelt motion on September 5th before it’s too late?

Thank you,

Stop Sprawl Durham

Rouge Duffins Greenspace Coalition

Regional Councillor Maurice Brenner wishes to announce to local residents about Curbside Giveaway Day.

Curbside Giveaway Day
The Curbside Giveaway Day event is an opportunity to reduce the amount of garbage going to disposal sites by giving away your unwanted items or by going on a treasure hunt in participating communities to find some new-to-you items. It’s a fun way to help the environment while connecting with your community.

Reduce your household clutter
As we head into fall, Durham Region has come up with a way that will help to reduce our household clutter by helping others through a Regional-wide Curbside Giveaway.

Curbside Giveaway Day is a pilot project event organized in cooperation with the local area municipalities, where residents can place unwanted items in good condition—clearly marked as free—on their curb for anyone to pick up. At the end of the Giveaway Day, residents return unclaimed items to their homes.

When
Saturday, Sep 16, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. [Rain date: Sep 23]

Where
Ajax, Brock, Clarington, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge and Whitby residents are encouraged to take part by placing their unwanted items, that may still be useful for others at the curb on Curbside Giveaway Day.

How to participate

Consider the full list of acceptable and unacceptable items.

• Mark all items “free” for giveaway and place them at the curb on Giveaway Day.
• Return unclaimed items to your home by 7 p.m. or donate to a charity, or a local thrift shop or post them on a free classifieds website such as Kijiji, Varage or Facebook Marketplace.
• Material left at the curb after the Curbside Giveaway Day will be subject to by-law enforcement.

Reminders

• Baby items such as car seats and cribs should not be placed at the curb for safety reasons.
• Remember to obey all traffic laws and to watch for children.
• Do not block traffic, sidewalks, or place items on the road.
• Do not trespass on other people’s property, block other people’s driveway or park illegally.
• Follow safe and sanitary practices when participating in a giveaway:
• Clean and disinfect items prior to the giveaway.
• Clothing or other fabric items should be laundered prior to the giveaway. We also recommend laundering any clothing you have acquired.
• For additional guidance: Facts for Garage Sale Vendors – Canada.ca.

For more details, visit durham.ca/CurbsideGiveaway.

For up-to-date information about Pickering: visit mauricebrenner.ca

NOTE:
1. Information source:    City of Pickering (pickering.ca)
2. “Brenner Disclosure Statement“ corrected and updated.

UPDATE:
Investigation started:  –>  DURHAM NEWS

We’re too high on the list Mr. Mayor!

Town Hall (Ward 1) REPORT

Ward 1 Councilor Maurice Brenner cohosted a Town Hall meeting with Paul White, President of the Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association at Frenchman’s Bay West Park on July 12.

Perfect weather, an ideal summer evening, an inviting setting and an informative and engaging Town Hall.

The agenda
The Brenner aim with this Town Hall was to engage the community and provide community-related news to the participants in attendance. Success!

The two items of discussion were:

1. Frenchman’s Bay West Park Implementation Plan and
2. Fairport Beach Association: History and Endeavours

Frenchman’s Bay West Park Implementation Plan
Arnold Mostert, manager, City of Pickering, Landscape & Parks Development, examined and discussed the City’s “Implementation Plan” for Frenchman’s Bay West Park. Mostert’s presentation covered many aspects of the plan for this waterfront park.

The presentation included details relating to:

• Ensuring accessibility for those who need this consideration;
• A boat ramp and launch facility;
• Nighttime lighting for safety and security
• Fencing and bridge use where needed to ensure good traffic flow
• bylaw enforcement and monitoring to ensure safety and security in the park

Councilor Brenner emphasized that the park is a publicly-owned facility the city intends to develop into all-year-round use.

Ward 2 Councilor Mara Nagy, one of the guests attending the Town Hall, announced two events being planned for the ‘off-season months,’ a “Fall Fling” event for two weekends in October and a “Winter Wonderland” event for mid-winter.

Audience guests queried issues regarding parking and homeless persons relating to the park to which Councilor Brenner responded specifically and with clarity. Parking would be regulated with designated areas and city permits, with no plans for greater expansion unless necessary. As to possible use by the homeless, he described how the one incident so far was managed by the city with sensitivity and appropriate care using social service professionals to ensure the individual was treated properly and respectfully and the situation was resolved.

To the question of open fires in the park and on the beach, Brenner emphasized that the bylaw forbids the use of any open fires. Bonfires and flamed barbecues are specifically banned. He stated that Durham police regularly patrol the park both during the day and evening to ensure that it is being used properly.

Fairport Beach Association: History and Endeavours
Paul White, president of the Fairport Beach Association, and the second presenter at the Town Hall, examined the history and endeavours of the Fairport Beach Association.

The Fairport Beach Association is a neighbourhood alliance of interested local residents volunteering to work on the development and continual improvement of the public aspects of the area. It has been an ongoing and active operation for many decades and is involved in a variety of community endeavours: food banks, land donation for public use, monetary donations to regional hospitals, financial support of the city animal services department, and more.

White emphasized that the 100-year history of the area has seen it transition from being cottage country to its current use as a publicly owned and popularly used recreational facility.

As Brenner underlined, the city is indebted to these neighbourhood associations, particularly the Fairport Beach Association, for such passionate dedication to the ongoing development and improvement of living in the City of Pickering.

The Town Hall was a pleasant evening of information dissemination, commentaries and opinions expressed by local residents. The setting was idyllic, the weather ‘made to order.’

Councilor Maurice Brenner and President Paul White are to be commended for the particularly informative and engaging evening.

The next Town Hall, (subject to confirmation) will be held Sept 25 at the Chestnut Community Centre of Pickering.

[The views here are the personal opinion of the undersigned and not necessarily those of the website management.]

Former Ajax mayor Steve Parish has made a number of worthwhile and valid cautions about the “Strong Mayors” policy in Ontario.

Agreed, democracy is being eroded when one-third of the votes passes the motion.

The possibility of cronyism is real with appointment to positions of responsibility on committees by a strong mayor.

The risks and dangers are there. However, some safeguards are still in place to give the electorate some feeling of security.

Firstly, we have a free press and journalists who are responsible, dedicated and intelligent. They report the transgressions of poor governments, expose political chicanery and unmask tainted governing leaders. The free press needs to be appreciated as defenders of the public and champions of society.

Next, there is a set term of office and if we believe the politician is failing in being a responsible person, we vote them out of office, never to see that light of office again, ever. That is a powerful tool and every politician has that reminder nagging at them whenever they vote on a motion and speak about an issue. Democracy still exists and works in our country, in our province and in our municipal governments.

Finally, the other safeguard is less concrete we should remember is more gossamer. Parish may be crying “Wolf,” when there is no wolf. We voted for candidates who we believed, to be honest, trustworthy and sincere politicians. We should also believe that these people are people of morals and principles. Once we elect these people, we cannot switch to doubting them unless there is evidence to prove otherwise. We have to believe we were voted for the right people, and that they were sincere in their campaign promises and statements. We have to believe that the good is foremost in these people, not malevolence and evil. Perhaps this gossamer safeguard smacks of naivete but I would rather believe first before criticizing and castigating too soon and maybe wrongly. 

We have to believe the political leaders we elected are good people and we need to trust they will act the way we believe they should. They may trip and fail at times, as our own children do but do we reject the child for an instance of failing or wrong? Can we cut an adult the same slack adopting a “let’s wait and see attitude” before casting rock-hard aspersions?

I respect Parish’s views fully as I should. He was a mayor of which many in Ajax were proud and supportive. However, I feel there is more to the story. I want to hear more!

Richard Szpin

naive…bad fiath

These comments were copied from material submitted to “The Editor” of Durham News (Media) and are presented here for the benefit of residents interested in the topic. The comments were written by Steve Parish, former mayor of Ajax). We invited interested residents to submit their opinions and comments. [Submissions may be edited for length and/or possibility of offense.]

* * * * * * * COPY * * * * * * *

Powers and Duties

The Mayor has special powers and duties under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001 S.O. 2001, c. 25 and in accordance with O. Reg. 530/22 and O. Reg. 580/22. These powers include the ability to:

• Appoint/dismiss the Chief Administrative Officer;*
• Hire/dismiss or exercise any other prescribed employment powers with respect to City staff; *
• Establish or dissolve committees comprised solely of Members of Council,
• Assign the committee’s functions, and
• Appoint the Chairs and Vice Chairs; *
• Prepare and propose the City’s budget, subject to possible Council amendments,
• Right to veto Council amendments, which are subject to an override process that may be accomplished by two-thirds of the Council;
• Require Council to consider matters that could potentially advance a prescribed provincial priority;
• Require Council to consider and vote on a by-law that in the Mayor’s opinion could potentially advance a prescribed provincial priority and
• Above by-law with 1/3 vote of Council Members is deemed to be passed;
• Veto by-laws, if Mayor considers the by-law as potentially interfering with a prescribed provincial priority; and,
• Direct City staff, in writing, to undertake research and provide advice to the Mayor and the municipality, on policies and programs as they relate to the Mayor’s powers and duties under Part VI.1, and direct staff to carry out such duties and implement any decisions made by the Mayor.

*The Mayor may choose to delegate these specific powers and duties.

The Mayor is required to exercise these powers in writing and make them available to the public, subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Mayoral decisions to date are available below.

The following provides a more detailed overview of the legislative framework governing the Mayor’s special powers and duties under the Municipal Act, 2001 S.O. 2001, c. 25  (Section Part VI.1)

BILL 3 –  Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022, S.O. 2022, c. 18 – Bill 3,

• received Royal Assent on September 8, 2022
• came into force on November 23, 2022 and
• provided special powers and duties to the mayors of the Cities of Toronto and Ottawa extended these powers to mayors in 26 municipalities, including the City of Pickering, effective July 1, 2023.

Under the legislation the mayor receives additional powers byond those as set out in the Municipal Act, 2001 S.O. 2001, c. 25.

BILL 3, STRONG MAYORS (Building Homes Act), 2022, S.O. 2022, c. 18
Bill 3 provides the Mayor, as head of Council:

• the ability to veto certain by-laws approved by Council if the Mayor “is of the opinion that all or part of the by-law could potentially interfere with a prescribed provincial priority.”
• is required to provide written notice of his veto intent within a prescribed time period. (City Council may override the Mayor’s veto if two-thirds of Members vote in favour of such an override.)
• power to prepare and propose the annual budget and
• power to initiate in-year budget amendments. (Budget proposal deadline February 1^st.

Council can pass resolutions to amend the budget within 30 days subject to veto by the Mayoral. However, the Council may override a mayoral veto with a two-thirds majority vote after which the resulting budget is “deemed” to be adopted by the municipality.

Bill 39 – Better Municipal Governance Act, 2022, S.O. 2022, c. 24 – Bill 39

• received Royal Assent on December 8, 2022.
• amends the Municipal Act, 2001 S.O. 2001, c. 25, allowing the Mayor to propose, and
• require Council to consider and vote on a by-law if in the Mayor’s opinion could potentially advance a prescribed Provincial Priority (O. Reg. 580/22: Provincial Priorities).
  (The by-law is considered passed if more than one-third of Members of Council vote in favour of the by-law.)

Mayor Ashe has made a public statement explaining his “Use of Strong Mayor” powers.

Budget
The mayor will:

• prepare a budget prior to the February 1^st timeline.
• provide the budget to the Council for consideration.

The Strong Mayor Powers give the mayor power to:

• appoint/dismiss a Chief Administrative Officer;
• direct municipal employees to undertake research and provide advice;
• propose matters and by-laws; and
• exercise his right to use the veto if in his opinion if  the prescribed provincial priorities as provided in Ministry Regulation are advanced.

This explanation fulfills the requirements by law of providing written notice to Council, the Clerk, CAO, and the public that he will follow the requirements as outlined in the Act.

Powers delegated back
The mayor will delegate back to the Chief Administrative Officer:

• powers pertaining to organization structure and
• power to hire, dismiss or exercise any other prescribed employment powers which remain subject to CAO By-law #7780/20;
• powers with respect to Committees subject to the City’s Procedure By-law which provides the functions of these Committees and the process for their Chairs;

The above delegations are being made in writing as per requirement under the Act and posted for the public.

Mayor Kevin Ashe
(signed)

[Artificial Intelligence assisted in the creation of this summary.]

You should also read:

1.  PRESS RELEASE :  The full press release by Mayor Ashe in reaction to the Strong Powers regulation on June 16th. 
2. INTERPRETATION : an interpretation of the Ashe press release
3. SUPERMAN ASHE: receiving the powers of a super mayor

The tempest surrounding the LGBTQ+ community continues to percolate in Pickering.

Councilor Robinson’s opposition to raising unique group representative flags, namely the PRIDE flag, at the Durham Board of Education and public places continues to percolate throughout the political council.

In response to Councilor Brenner’s motion to rescind Robinson from the Community Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee, Councilor Robinson resigned from her position on the committee. 

The entire flag waving issue, with its many side facets, has boiled down to a polarization of the municipal council into those who support recognition of the PRIDE community in opposition to the Robinson faction of not individualizing any particular community group.

The issue continues to simmer. Meanwhile, Ward 3 Councilor Shaheen Butt has replaced Robinson on the Advisory Committee.

City of Pickering Receives Seniors Active Living Centres Grants

The City of Pickering is celebrating seniors throughout the month of June. What better way to do that than to accept not one, but two Seniors Active Living Centres’ (SALC) Grants from the Ministry of Ontario, to assist with program operating costs and minor upgrades at both East Shore Community Centre and George Ashe Library and Community Centre.

Across Ontario, there is a network of almost 300 Seniors Active Living Centre programs, supported by the province’s investment of more than $14 million dollars. Seniors Active Living Centre programs offer a wide variety of activities which can include fitness, healthy lifestyle and wellness classes, recreation, and social activities, and learning opportunities such as financial management, elder abuse prevention and volunteer opportunities. 

Today, the Minister for Seniors & Accessibility, the honourable Raymond Cho, along with MPP and Minister of Finance, Peter Bethlenfalvy, were on hand to bring greetings and share these announcements to the Pickering community. 

East Shore Community Centre will see additional fitness program supplies, new furniture and a game table to complement existing programs at the site. The George Ashe Library & Community Centre will see lighting upgrades in the main hall where much of the active and passive programming takes place. Additionally, registered programs at both locations will continue to be offered at a reduced rate, in effort to make them affordable for adults 55+.

The City of Pickering is extremely grateful for the opportunities these grants will provide seniors in the community, helping them to remain active, have a place to participate and engage in informative and fun, quality programs.