KEEPING YOU INFORMED

By Maurice Brenner Deputy Mayor/Regional Councillor Ward 1 Pickering Have you ever wondered what the role of a Councillor is? This is a topic that generates lots of discussion and will be the focus of this weeks column along with an update on Durham Regions Warming Plan to support unsheltered residents in Durham. As a Municipal politician, I am the front line working at the grass roots level. And while it is important to sit on a Council and the many committees I am appointed too, it is equally important to use the role to be a community builder. A community builder goes well beyond bricks and mortar. A community builder is how a Councillor works with the Communities at the Neighbourhood level, and how they use their voice to advance a Community agenda tied to the responsibilities that align at the Municipal level. In the Ward I represent, I am very fortunate to have worked for many years with various neighbourhoods and their leaders to not just build partnerships but to build community capacity through old fashion Community Development and Community Organizing which translates into Community Engagement and Community Empowerment. Ward 1 has more organized Community Groups then all other Wards. Wiith 4 active neighbourhoods; Pickering Westshore Community Association, Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association, Rougemount Community & Recreation Association and South Rosebank Good Neighbours, these groups have the pulse of the the residents in their geographic areas which enables me to better to make informed decisions. One of the major pitfalls of Municipal Politicians is that it’s easy to live in a glass bubble, but when working to build strong neighbourhood relationships it helps you stay focused when dealing with the decisions that cross the Council floor. I am very proud to work with an amazing team of resident groups and appreciate their on going support and look forward to continue to build Community capacity across other neighbourhoods in Ward 1. During the winter months, warmth and shelter are a matter of life or death for vulnerable populations. This is why the Region of Durham has a Winter Warming Plan in place, which offers spaces for unsheltered residents to stay warm. Warmth and shelter are critical resources for health and safety, as people experiencing homelessness or those who are marginally housed are one of the most at-risk groups for cold-related illnesses. Cold-related illnesses include hypothermia, frostnip and frostbite, and trench foot. Cold weather can also make existing health conditions worse, such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The effects of cold weather can be experienced for up to 21 days following exposure. Winter warming and shelter programs are located in Ajax, Oshawa, Pickering, Whitby and north Durham. For residents who require transportation to access a warming location or shelter program, transportation support is available through Housing outreach agencies. This winter season, Regional Headquarters at 605 Rossland Road East, Whitby, will also serve as a warming location effective December 4th from 8:30pm, until 8:00am. For a complete list of warming locations, please visit durham.ca/WinterWarming. Please refer back to this page for updates through the winter, as the locations and times may change.