SNIP DURHAM

SNIP DURHAM By Maurice Brenner Regional Councillor Ward 1 Pickering The theme for this months column and future columns will look at how our City is moving forward in a positive manner. While nothing is perfect, I believe that this is the best way to grow and attract business. On January 27th, Council held its first meeting of the year and it was a full agenda, including the adoption of the reports carried forward from the Executive meeting. These are some of the key highlights. The City of Pickering’s first Community Risk Assessment and Fire Master Plan was endorsed by Council. The plan is an important road map that will enable Pickering to meet the needs of residents and businesses and ensure our City has the necessary resources for staffing, equipment and facilities to keep pace with growth. The Plan was supported by the Pickering Fire Fighters Association whose President delegated in support of the Plan and its recommendations on behalf of its members. Pickering’s Fire Services has a dedicated team of Fire Fighters and along with its Leadership can always be counted on to keep our City safe. The final vote was 7:0 Another important agenda item makes it possible for the City to move forward on various financial housekeeping matters following the adoption of the 2025 Budget. With its passing, Council approved an increase to the 2025 Low Income Seniors & Persons with Disabilities Tax Grant amount, from $560 to $600 per household which helps to off set some of their economic pressures associated with the City of Pickering property tax. Attempts to provide a similar grant to offset the Regional portion is not been possible without the unanimous endorsement from all of the lower-tier Municipalities and has proven to be a challenge, as not every Municipality agrees with this. There was also approval for various grants to Community Organizations enabling them to continue the important work they are doing in our City such as the FoodBank, DARs, Pickering Islamic Centre, Pickering Rotary Club and others. The final vote was 6:1 Several important motions also passed, including the one I presented dealing with the lack of affordability of Veterinarian Care which has resulted in an increase of abandoned pet ending up in shelters, many of which have been left on roads and infields while others are just surrendered when owners can no longer afford to care for them. The Motion requested the Ontario Government to amend the necessary Legislation calling upon the Ontario Veterinarian College to review the impact of the rising cost and available options. With Ontario going to the polls February 27th this needs to be a topic at the doors as candidates look for votes. The final vote was 7:0 Another important motion passed was a request for a minor review by Watson and Associates (who previously conducted an Independent review of Ward Boundaries. Council) asking them to look at the boundary lines through lens of population and community features along with input from Community. The New Ward Boundaries are set to change for the October 2026 Municipal Elections. The final vote was 6:1 As a member of Pickering Council and Durham Region, I will continue to do my best to be a Strong Community Voice, advancing a positive agenda on your behalf. Watch for my next feature, a preview of what Pickering could look like in 2051.