Neighbourly News, Fall 2009
Bonnie Littley
Regional Councillor, Ward 1
join us for...
Bonnie’s 3rd Annual
Community Idea Exchange on Smart Growth & Sustainability
Saturday October17th, 2009, 10:00 am to 1:00pm
Petticoat Creek Community Centre
ALL WARDS WELCOME!
think global, act local
10:00 am - Registration & browse community displays
10:30 am - News & Welcoming Remarks - Bonnie Littley, Regional Councillor, Ward 1
10:45 - Keynotes:
“The Environment and the Economy :
A Call for Leadership in a Time of Great Opportunity”
Eric Novak, Media Personality, CHEX TV Durham, Durham’s only Climate Change Presenter personally trained by Al Gore
Questions & Discussion
11:30 am - Break & Refreshments
11:45 - “Places to Sprawl, Report on Municipal Conformity with the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe”
Rick Smith, Executive Director, Environmental Defence & Co-Author of the best seller, “Slow Death by Rubber Ducky”
Questions & Discussion
12:30 am - “What’s Up Neighbour?” Think Global, Act Local
Participants give overviews of projects happening in our community in a segment we call “YOUR 2 minutes of fame”.
Students have a great chance to source out volunteer opportunities for community hours!
Participants this year include:
City of Pickering
- Interactive model of Downtown
- Environmental Programs displays
Dunbarton High School
Durham Region Food Charter Working Group
Durham SustainAbility
Durham West Arts Centre
Environmental Defence
Environmental Stewardship Pickering
(City, OPG, TRCA & Community partnership)
Friends of the Rouge Watershed
Heritage Pickering
Landoverlandings
Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust
Ontario Greenbelt Alliance
Ontario Farmland Trust
Toronto & Region Conservation Authority
United Way of Ajax/Pickering/Uxbridge
Valley Plentiful Community Garden, Pickering
Whitby/Ajax Community Garden and The Communal Garden Project
and more to come. . . .
Interactive displays, information, refreshments & prize draws!
participate & get smart about smart growth!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
2009 The Other Side of the Podium
The Other Side Of The Podium
Personal reflection by Bonnie Littley
In my mind, we need to be accountable not only to the positive actions that move “sustainability” in Pickering forward, but also to actions that may not be viewed as “sustainable”. As much as the City of Pickering promotes and has moved the principles of “sustainability” into operations, efforts are not translating into sustainable land‐use policies designed to curb urban sprawl. In this case, committing to firm urban boundaries until at least 2031 as intended by the Provincial Growth Plan and the Places to Grow Act. The Plan requires the municipalities to complete comprehensive growth analysis as part of the legislated conformity exercise prior to expanding any urban boundaries into what are now referred to as the “whitebelt lands” (designated lands intended for development after 2031).
Personal reflection by Bonnie Littley
In my mind, we need to be accountable not only to the positive actions that move “sustainability” in Pickering forward, but also to actions that may not be viewed as “sustainable”. As much as the City of Pickering promotes and has moved the principles of “sustainability” into operations, efforts are not translating into sustainable land‐use policies designed to curb urban sprawl. In this case, committing to firm urban boundaries until at least 2031 as intended by the Provincial Growth Plan and the Places to Grow Act. The Plan requires the municipalities to complete comprehensive growth analysis as part of the legislated conformity exercise prior to expanding any urban boundaries into what are now referred to as the “whitebelt lands” (designated lands intended for development after 2031).
Growth Plan Conformity: Can Leopards Change their Spots?
Coming from a background of community advocacy with the Rouge Duffins Greenspace Coalition the experience working with a group of engaged, informed and concerned citizens can best be described as a continual sense of hope. Some may wonder why people continue to invest themselves personally when it might seem like the losses are more frequent than the wins – Despite being unbearably frustrating at times, we keep pushing that same ol’ envelope of “business as usual” sprawl and the consequences of it.
To tell this story, we need some history. In 2001, the Rouge Duffins Greenspace Coalition was born from concern over proposed development of North Pickering. The Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve was promised to be protected by agricultural easements in perpetuity and Seaton was to be swapped to protect land in the Oak Ridges Moraine ‐ both environmentally sensitive. The City of Pickering started a Growth Management Study, and included the protected Ag Preserve in a study paid for by developers with vested interest in the Preserve. Ignoring the promise of “in perpetuity”, the City and the Region of Durham recommended development of both Seaton and over 1000 acres of the preserve.
RDGC worked hard, letter writing politicians and media, having events, speaking as delegates and as hopeful participant stakeholders in a new governments’ mandate to change provincial land‐use policies. RDGC managed to enlist citizen support at home and from other “think tanks” such as; Ontario Nature, Environmental Defence, the Sierra Club, Ontario Smart Growth Network to name a few. What followed was that the province stepped in and included the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve in the Greenbelt (2005), gave the Preserve its own legislation, Bill 16, The Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Act and promised to protect 2/3rds of Seaton. A fantastic victory! There was that glimmer of hope.
The Province then created the “Central Pickering Development Plan” (2006) while concurrently working on “Places to Grow, a growth plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe”. Again, more hope. It’s now 2009, and since that time the City of Pickering has established “Sustainable Pickering”, developed its own Sustainable Development Guidelines and boasts of having the first office of
Sustainability. The community advocates are wary – can leopards change their spots? Surely the advocates could have more confidence now– right?
Currently, all municipalities in the Greater Golden Horseshoe must amend their Official Plans to conform to the Provincial Growth Plan starting with upper tier Regional OP’s. The Region of Durham hires a consultant to assist with the process and the politically represented Regional Planning Committee retains
all the control. The consultant makes recommendations – the politicians amend them adding thousands of acres of “whitebelt” lands that were intended to be added to the urban boundary after the planning horizon of 2031.
In Pickering, the north‐east Pickering Whitebelt contains the Carruthers Creek Headwaters. The conservation authorities and farming advisory committees are concerned. So are the advocates. Where are the proclaimed policies of Sustainability? “Growth must pay for growth” or “Environment First”? The explanation is jobs. Pickering’s downtown is slated as an Urban Growth Centre in the Provincial Growth Plan and the Central Pickering Development Plan identifies an eco‐based urban plan for Seaton with approximately 55% natural heritage system and the promise of a population to employment ratio of 2:1 – neither plan has even begun. Surely the local council will nix the regional plans and concentrate on the existing opportunities first before considering adding MORE land to the urban envelope?
Hopes of enlightenment are dashed. Regional Official Plan Amendment 128 not only endorses including the Pickering east Whitebelt lands as urban but even proposes concurrent development of them with Seaton so that now the two areas of employment lands compete and provide only 16,476 jobs with
70,000 people instead of the 35,000 and 70,000 people for Seaton to 2031.
Discrepancies in the regional numbers are discovered – and politically ignored. Seaton’s high densities mask the reality of the plan ‐ the majority of the Region will continue “business as usual” low density within the planning horizon.
To add insult to taxpayer injury, there is no fiscal study to determine what this growth will cost, nor an updated watershed study for Carruthers Creek to determine what net developable land might present, if it’s cost effective, environmentally sound or if another land‐use may be more beneficial. If the objective is to create jobs, with a built in five year review, why not wait?
Anyone can draw a circle and zone it employment lands, but not one single job has actually been created‐ especially when we already have existing employment land still not serviced. So, prematurely a whole lot of land was brought into the urban envelope. What will it cost and what will be the consequences? They have no idea – so much for Sustainability, so much for hope.
Just before the vote on June 3rd at the Region a letter was received from the Province which states in part “there are several issues which require revision to conform to the Growth Plan and be consistent with other provincial policy.” Both Regional and Pickering Councils’ endorsed ROPA 128 anyway. Once again the advocates are counting on the province to stand firm. And again, we hope.
Bonnie Littley is a co-founder of the Rouge Duffins Greenspace Coalition and elected as the Regional Councillor for Ward 1 in Pickering in the 2006 Municipal elections.
To tell this story, we need some history. In 2001, the Rouge Duffins Greenspace Coalition was born from concern over proposed development of North Pickering. The Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve was promised to be protected by agricultural easements in perpetuity and Seaton was to be swapped to protect land in the Oak Ridges Moraine ‐ both environmentally sensitive. The City of Pickering started a Growth Management Study, and included the protected Ag Preserve in a study paid for by developers with vested interest in the Preserve. Ignoring the promise of “in perpetuity”, the City and the Region of Durham recommended development of both Seaton and over 1000 acres of the preserve.
RDGC worked hard, letter writing politicians and media, having events, speaking as delegates and as hopeful participant stakeholders in a new governments’ mandate to change provincial land‐use policies. RDGC managed to enlist citizen support at home and from other “think tanks” such as; Ontario Nature, Environmental Defence, the Sierra Club, Ontario Smart Growth Network to name a few. What followed was that the province stepped in and included the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve in the Greenbelt (2005), gave the Preserve its own legislation, Bill 16, The Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve Act and promised to protect 2/3rds of Seaton. A fantastic victory! There was that glimmer of hope.
The Province then created the “Central Pickering Development Plan” (2006) while concurrently working on “Places to Grow, a growth plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe”. Again, more hope. It’s now 2009, and since that time the City of Pickering has established “Sustainable Pickering”, developed its own Sustainable Development Guidelines and boasts of having the first office of
Sustainability. The community advocates are wary – can leopards change their spots? Surely the advocates could have more confidence now– right?
Currently, all municipalities in the Greater Golden Horseshoe must amend their Official Plans to conform to the Provincial Growth Plan starting with upper tier Regional OP’s. The Region of Durham hires a consultant to assist with the process and the politically represented Regional Planning Committee retains
all the control. The consultant makes recommendations – the politicians amend them adding thousands of acres of “whitebelt” lands that were intended to be added to the urban boundary after the planning horizon of 2031.
In Pickering, the north‐east Pickering Whitebelt contains the Carruthers Creek Headwaters. The conservation authorities and farming advisory committees are concerned. So are the advocates. Where are the proclaimed policies of Sustainability? “Growth must pay for growth” or “Environment First”? The explanation is jobs. Pickering’s downtown is slated as an Urban Growth Centre in the Provincial Growth Plan and the Central Pickering Development Plan identifies an eco‐based urban plan for Seaton with approximately 55% natural heritage system and the promise of a population to employment ratio of 2:1 – neither plan has even begun. Surely the local council will nix the regional plans and concentrate on the existing opportunities first before considering adding MORE land to the urban envelope?
Hopes of enlightenment are dashed. Regional Official Plan Amendment 128 not only endorses including the Pickering east Whitebelt lands as urban but even proposes concurrent development of them with Seaton so that now the two areas of employment lands compete and provide only 16,476 jobs with
70,000 people instead of the 35,000 and 70,000 people for Seaton to 2031.
Discrepancies in the regional numbers are discovered – and politically ignored. Seaton’s high densities mask the reality of the plan ‐ the majority of the Region will continue “business as usual” low density within the planning horizon.
To add insult to taxpayer injury, there is no fiscal study to determine what this growth will cost, nor an updated watershed study for Carruthers Creek to determine what net developable land might present, if it’s cost effective, environmentally sound or if another land‐use may be more beneficial. If the objective is to create jobs, with a built in five year review, why not wait?
Anyone can draw a circle and zone it employment lands, but not one single job has actually been created‐ especially when we already have existing employment land still not serviced. So, prematurely a whole lot of land was brought into the urban envelope. What will it cost and what will be the consequences? They have no idea – so much for Sustainability, so much for hope.
Just before the vote on June 3rd at the Region a letter was received from the Province which states in part “there are several issues which require revision to conform to the Growth Plan and be consistent with other provincial policy.” Both Regional and Pickering Councils’ endorsed ROPA 128 anyway. Once again the advocates are counting on the province to stand firm. And again, we hope.
Bonnie Littley is a co-founder of the Rouge Duffins Greenspace Coalition and elected as the Regional Councillor for Ward 1 in Pickering in the 2006 Municipal elections.
2009 Highlights & Hot Topics
2009 Highlights & Hot Topics
Incinerator Approved at Regional Council
Top 10 reasons Councillor Littley did not support the incinerator project at Regional Council
10. Incineration is the wrong answer to the wrong question. First we must address why we generate so much waste. Zero Waste Policies are needed at all levels, including municipal and regional, while encouraging the province to adopt Zero Waste and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
9. Comparing to Sweden (or Europe) - The limited land mass of European countries impair their disposal options. In Sweden, EPR is in place and everyone MUST recycle and compost. Before waste is incinerated, all waste is sorted for hazardous waste and other undesirables to control the content of emissions - Durham has refused to consider pre-sorting. Sweden has already exceeded their Kyoto targets by 6%! Why would we add to an already overburdened airshed here?
8. Not a "Made in Durham" solution - The preferred vendor is US-based Covanta Energy Corporation that will buy equipment from Germany, leftover ash will be trucked to a landfill in New York. The proposed expansion plan could see Durham accept garbage from outside Durham to keep it viable. Incineration means "Burn and Bury". Every 3 tonnes of garbage burned, equals one tonne of ash which still needs to go to landfill.
7. Process - Limited public consultation. What drove the decision? Were municipalities in Durham just relieved it wasn’t proposed for their municipality? So? Put it in Clarington? Also, why was the Joint Waste Management Group made up of 50% members from York though they are not an equal partner? Of course they voted to put it in Durham!
6. Sticking to a decision made in the 90’s without reconsideration?? There are safer, more affordable options. For example: Nova Scotia has a Zero Waste Strategy and opted for Stabilized Landfill which removes all organic, recycled or hazardous waste first - minimizing emissions, smell or leachate.
5. Risk Assessment- Dr. Kyle, Medical Officer of Public Health, Durham Region: “Nano particle research is evolving as we speak”. So shouldn’t the Precautionary Principle apply? We don’t know the full risks involved to ensure it is safe.
4. The selected vendor Covanta, has a questionable track record of emissions violations and labour disputes.
3. Hundreds of chemicals emitted -only six (6) contaminants would be continuously monitored.
2. Although the Region required the winner bidder of the project to meet or exceed European Union standards for emissions monitoring and measurement, there is no legislation in Ontario that could enforce higher standards.
1. Cost - $272 million - We have committed all of our federal gas tax dollars to this project. With our transit system in its infancy, who will pay for transit improvements? Detroit is currently having difficulty getting out of its “Put or Pay” contract with Covanta. Incinerator vendors bind municipalities to 25+ yr contracts.
For info & comment see:
www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/eaab/projects/durham_york.htm#
Also see: www.zerowaste4zeroburning.ca & www.durhamenvironmentwatch.org &
Nova Scotia, Ministry of the Environment
www.gov.ns.ca/nse/waste/
The BIG PIPE & Odour Control Facility
Councillor Littley’s comments at the Aug 29th “Stop the Stink” & “Big Pipe” Rally; “With the threat of Climate Change and increased stress on our water resources imminent, it is very unfortunate that decisions made to go forward with the BIG PIPE have been made so long ago without reconsideration. Technologies have advanced significantly, and other options are available. York may have developers with subdivisions ready to go, but it is governments' job to look after the long-term public interest. It's time to take a step back and re-evaluate the options and newest technologies for solutions that would be sustainable long into the future.”
York held public information forums in May & July to address the relocation of the “Big Pipe’s” Odour Control Facility on York’s side of the York-Durham Line. Pickering Council & Residents are not satisfied with this location. Stay tuned - One Hot Topic!
For info & comment on the Environmental Assessment see: www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/eaab/projects/yorkdurham_secollector.htm
Incinerator Approved at Regional Council
Top 10 reasons Councillor Littley did not support the incinerator project at Regional Council
10. Incineration is the wrong answer to the wrong question. First we must address why we generate so much waste. Zero Waste Policies are needed at all levels, including municipal and regional, while encouraging the province to adopt Zero Waste and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
9. Comparing to Sweden (or Europe) - The limited land mass of European countries impair their disposal options. In Sweden, EPR is in place and everyone MUST recycle and compost. Before waste is incinerated, all waste is sorted for hazardous waste and other undesirables to control the content of emissions - Durham has refused to consider pre-sorting. Sweden has already exceeded their Kyoto targets by 6%! Why would we add to an already overburdened airshed here?
8. Not a "Made in Durham" solution - The preferred vendor is US-based Covanta Energy Corporation that will buy equipment from Germany, leftover ash will be trucked to a landfill in New York. The proposed expansion plan could see Durham accept garbage from outside Durham to keep it viable. Incineration means "Burn and Bury". Every 3 tonnes of garbage burned, equals one tonne of ash which still needs to go to landfill.
7. Process - Limited public consultation. What drove the decision? Were municipalities in Durham just relieved it wasn’t proposed for their municipality? So? Put it in Clarington? Also, why was the Joint Waste Management Group made up of 50% members from York though they are not an equal partner? Of course they voted to put it in Durham!
6. Sticking to a decision made in the 90’s without reconsideration?? There are safer, more affordable options. For example: Nova Scotia has a Zero Waste Strategy and opted for Stabilized Landfill which removes all organic, recycled or hazardous waste first - minimizing emissions, smell or leachate.
5. Risk Assessment- Dr. Kyle, Medical Officer of Public Health, Durham Region: “Nano particle research is evolving as we speak”. So shouldn’t the Precautionary Principle apply? We don’t know the full risks involved to ensure it is safe.
4. The selected vendor Covanta, has a questionable track record of emissions violations and labour disputes.
3. Hundreds of chemicals emitted -only six (6) contaminants would be continuously monitored.
2. Although the Region required the winner bidder of the project to meet or exceed European Union standards for emissions monitoring and measurement, there is no legislation in Ontario that could enforce higher standards.
1. Cost - $272 million - We have committed all of our federal gas tax dollars to this project. With our transit system in its infancy, who will pay for transit improvements? Detroit is currently having difficulty getting out of its “Put or Pay” contract with Covanta. Incinerator vendors bind municipalities to 25+ yr contracts.
For info & comment see:
www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/eaab/projects/durham_york.htm#
Also see: www.zerowaste4zeroburning.ca & www.durhamenvironmentwatch.org &
Nova Scotia, Ministry of the Environment
www.gov.ns.ca/nse/waste/
The BIG PIPE & Odour Control Facility
Councillor Littley’s comments at the Aug 29th “Stop the Stink” & “Big Pipe” Rally; “With the threat of Climate Change and increased stress on our water resources imminent, it is very unfortunate that decisions made to go forward with the BIG PIPE have been made so long ago without reconsideration. Technologies have advanced significantly, and other options are available. York may have developers with subdivisions ready to go, but it is governments' job to look after the long-term public interest. It's time to take a step back and re-evaluate the options and newest technologies for solutions that would be sustainable long into the future.”
York held public information forums in May & July to address the relocation of the “Big Pipe’s” Odour Control Facility on York’s side of the York-Durham Line. Pickering Council & Residents are not satisfied with this location. Stay tuned - One Hot Topic!
For info & comment on the Environmental Assessment see: www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/eaab/projects/yorkdurham_secollector.htm
2009 TRCA Partnered Projects
2009 - Toronto & Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Partnered Projects (aka The Good News!)
Urban Forest Strategy Update
• An Urban Forest Strategy is a long-term plan that is used to develop policies to maintain and increase the City’s Urban Forest. Mitigating climate change and urban heat island effects, improving air quality, or restoring natural areas or reducing flooding, or decreasing community energy use are some of the benefits a healthy urban forest provide.
Currently field staff are in the process of the Urban Forest Study to determine the state of the existing forest before sending the data for analysis. The field staff are pleased to report that the large majority of residents are very supportive of the study; many have been eager to discuss urban forestry and other conservation issues.
The technical report of the study, plus the City’s goals and objectives will form the recommendations and final strategic plan.
Petticoat Creek Conservation Area Pool Gets A 3 Million Dollar Makeover
• The facility will include a new aquatic Splashpad feature. The new swimming pool will provide an interactive swimming experience and accommodate swimmers of all skill levels. Both facilities will use green technologies including energy efficient components and water conservation techniques. The project also covers renovations to washrooms, landscaping and snack bar.
The $2,000,000 infrastructure initiative by the Federal and Provincal governments will ensure that Petticoat Creek Conservation Area will remain a popular summer retreat for families for years to come. Construction to start fall of 2009, completed for the 2010 swimming season.
Western Gateway Project - Waterfront Trail
• Many thanks to fellow board members on the TRCA, TRCA staff, and our City Staff, in the successful negotiation with Waterfront Toronto in upholding a cost sharing agreement from the late 70’s to move forward with the Western Gateway project. Reconstruction of the waterfront trail from the Rouge River to Bella Vista Drive commenced in early July. The area north of the CN rail line, up to Dyson Road has been completed. The contractor has maintained access to the trail via temporary detours. The existing pedestrian bridge south of the rail line will be removed to allow for the construction of a new bridge and lookout. Construction is scheduled to be completed by December 2009.
Altona Forest Amphibian Pond Project Wins Award
• A joint effort by the TRCA, Toronto Zoo and Altona Forest Stewardship Committee received the Dr. J. Murray Speirs Restoration Award from the Region of Durham by creating a new pond deep enough to sustain more diverse species such as the American toad, grey treefrog and green frog which haven't been seen or heard in the forest for many years. A frog monitoring program is underway in partnership with the Toronto Zoo.
Frenchman’s Bay Harbour Entrance
• Improving the Frenchman’s Bay harbour entrance was identified as a priority project in the City of Pickering’s 5 Year Implementation Plan for the Pickering Waterfront and Frenchman’s Bay. In partnership with a Community Liason Committe, the TRCA on behalf of the City of Pickering has completed the Environmental Study Report (ESR) and a recommended design. It is now placed in the public record for review.
The ESR is available for review on the City of Pickering’s and TRCA’s websites: www.cityofpickering.com and www.trca.on.ca and at the following locations: City of Pickering, Clerk’s Office and Petticoat Creek Branch Library. Comment period until Friday, Oct 2, 2009.
Petticoat Creek Watershed Study
• The last watershed in Pickering to finally getting it’s own watershed action plan. A public meeting was held on June 23 where residents were able to learn about the watershed and action plan being developed as well as share their experiences, concerns and ideas for the future of the watershed. To provide input contact Andréa Dubé-Goss, 416-661-6600 ext. 5663 or adube-goss@trca.on.ca
Urban Forest Strategy Update
• An Urban Forest Strategy is a long-term plan that is used to develop policies to maintain and increase the City’s Urban Forest. Mitigating climate change and urban heat island effects, improving air quality, or restoring natural areas or reducing flooding, or decreasing community energy use are some of the benefits a healthy urban forest provide.
Currently field staff are in the process of the Urban Forest Study to determine the state of the existing forest before sending the data for analysis. The field staff are pleased to report that the large majority of residents are very supportive of the study; many have been eager to discuss urban forestry and other conservation issues.
The technical report of the study, plus the City’s goals and objectives will form the recommendations and final strategic plan.
Petticoat Creek Conservation Area Pool Gets A 3 Million Dollar Makeover
• The facility will include a new aquatic Splashpad feature. The new swimming pool will provide an interactive swimming experience and accommodate swimmers of all skill levels. Both facilities will use green technologies including energy efficient components and water conservation techniques. The project also covers renovations to washrooms, landscaping and snack bar.
The $2,000,000 infrastructure initiative by the Federal and Provincal governments will ensure that Petticoat Creek Conservation Area will remain a popular summer retreat for families for years to come. Construction to start fall of 2009, completed for the 2010 swimming season.
Western Gateway Project - Waterfront Trail
• Many thanks to fellow board members on the TRCA, TRCA staff, and our City Staff, in the successful negotiation with Waterfront Toronto in upholding a cost sharing agreement from the late 70’s to move forward with the Western Gateway project. Reconstruction of the waterfront trail from the Rouge River to Bella Vista Drive commenced in early July. The area north of the CN rail line, up to Dyson Road has been completed. The contractor has maintained access to the trail via temporary detours. The existing pedestrian bridge south of the rail line will be removed to allow for the construction of a new bridge and lookout. Construction is scheduled to be completed by December 2009.
Altona Forest Amphibian Pond Project Wins Award
• A joint effort by the TRCA, Toronto Zoo and Altona Forest Stewardship Committee received the Dr. J. Murray Speirs Restoration Award from the Region of Durham by creating a new pond deep enough to sustain more diverse species such as the American toad, grey treefrog and green frog which haven't been seen or heard in the forest for many years. A frog monitoring program is underway in partnership with the Toronto Zoo.
Frenchman’s Bay Harbour Entrance
• Improving the Frenchman’s Bay harbour entrance was identified as a priority project in the City of Pickering’s 5 Year Implementation Plan for the Pickering Waterfront and Frenchman’s Bay. In partnership with a Community Liason Committe, the TRCA on behalf of the City of Pickering has completed the Environmental Study Report (ESR) and a recommended design. It is now placed in the public record for review.
The ESR is available for review on the City of Pickering’s and TRCA’s websites: www.cityofpickering.com and www.trca.on.ca and at the following locations: City of Pickering, Clerk’s Office and Petticoat Creek Branch Library. Comment period until Friday, Oct 2, 2009.
Petticoat Creek Watershed Study
• The last watershed in Pickering to finally getting it’s own watershed action plan. A public meeting was held on June 23 where residents were able to learn about the watershed and action plan being developed as well as share their experiences, concerns and ideas for the future of the watershed. To provide input contact Andréa Dubé-Goss, 416-661-6600 ext. 5663 or adube-goss@trca.on.ca
2009 FYI Tidbits
FYI Tidbits
Class A’ Office Tower
• A 132,000sf tower planned to be constructed adjacent to the Pickering Town Centre shopping mall will be the1st LEED-certified office tower in the City of Pickering – a highly visible example of sustainability in Ontario. The building offers 122,000 sq ft of office and 10,000 sq ft of retail and restaurant space and will be a focal point in the transformation of the downtown core. Construction will begin this fall, with occupancy slated for early 2011.
NEWS on Accessibility
• Effective January 1, 2010 all public sector organizations must comply with the Provinces Accessibility Standards for Customer Service. The City of Pickering is committed to providing our community with accessible programs, services and resources and strive to ensure policies and processes are in place to provide service excellence.The Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee launched its new brochure this spring and has plans to improve community outreach. Look for the Accessible Pickering link at, www.cityofpickering.com and our new display at an event near you!
In July, the Ontario government released the initial proposed Accessible Built Environment Standard for a public review period. The initial proposed standard sets out specific requirements for making the built environment in Ontario accessible, including all new construction and extensive renovations. Comment period until October 16th, 2009
See: www.mcss.gov.on.ca Email: publicreview@ontario.ca
CITY PROJECTS
Dunbarton Indoor Pool
• The Dunbarton Indoor Pool rehabilitation project was successfully completed this year. At a total project cost of approximately $1.8 million, this work included replacement of the existing roof structure, replacement of the mechanical/electrical systems, new sand filters for the pool, a new family change room and refurbishment of existing change rooms and a complete refurbishment of the natatorium area.
Petticoat Creek Community Centre
• Plans are now underway to replace the roof structure at the Petticoat Creek Community Centre. This will be commencing shortly and expected to be completed by Nov. 2009.
Greenbelt Signs for Pickering
Councillor Littley and City staff are working with the Greenbelt Foundation to acquire our signage that will recognize Pickering as a proud Greenbelt community. Look for our new signage coming soon!
REGIONAL PROJECTS
(for project details see, www.region.durham.on.ca)
Altona Road Widening
• The construction of phase one, widening from two (2) to four (4) lanes from Kingston Road to Stroud’s Lane is scheduled for 2009/10. Residents are still concerned over the effect widening will have on Petticoat Creek at the “pitch point” with the road, sidewalk and multi-use trail in phase 2 - awaiting design details.
Rosebank Sanitary Sewage Pumping Station
• The Public Information meeting took place on May 28th, 2009. 22 people attended. 10 comment sheets were submitted. Main interests and comments from residents were construction traffic, site access, schedule, architecture and location of new station. The project is currently in the detailed design stage. The current target schedule is to tender in January 2010 with a completion date of March 2011. This project is being partially funded by the Infrastructure Stimulus Funding program.
Clear Bag Pilot Project
• The pilot project in Pickering and Clarington received a very positive response. Waste Diversion increased approximately 3% with Green Bin participation a whopping 13%!. People were happy to participate especially when nothing changes for people who already recycle and use their green bin except the colour of their garbage bag - they can still use their regular garbage pail.
People were concerned about getting any hazardous waste out of regular garbage especially with the Region approving the Incinerator to handle the Region’s waste. Incinerating such waste creates dioxins and other harmful chemicals when burned. Some comments received: “It's about time something was done. We have to do something to help eliminate garbage and recycling is one of the best ways.” “It makes you think twice about what you put in the garbage bag. You're more accountable.” “People need to take responsibility for the waste that they create.” “Great idea should have been put into place years ago. Too many people don't care about the environment.”
Class A’ Office Tower
• A 132,000sf tower planned to be constructed adjacent to the Pickering Town Centre shopping mall will be the1st LEED-certified office tower in the City of Pickering – a highly visible example of sustainability in Ontario. The building offers 122,000 sq ft of office and 10,000 sq ft of retail and restaurant space and will be a focal point in the transformation of the downtown core. Construction will begin this fall, with occupancy slated for early 2011.
NEWS on Accessibility
• Effective January 1, 2010 all public sector organizations must comply with the Provinces Accessibility Standards for Customer Service. The City of Pickering is committed to providing our community with accessible programs, services and resources and strive to ensure policies and processes are in place to provide service excellence.The Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee launched its new brochure this spring and has plans to improve community outreach. Look for the Accessible Pickering link at, www.cityofpickering.com and our new display at an event near you!
In July, the Ontario government released the initial proposed Accessible Built Environment Standard for a public review period. The initial proposed standard sets out specific requirements for making the built environment in Ontario accessible, including all new construction and extensive renovations. Comment period until October 16th, 2009
See: www.mcss.gov.on.ca Email: publicreview@ontario.ca
CITY PROJECTS
Dunbarton Indoor Pool
• The Dunbarton Indoor Pool rehabilitation project was successfully completed this year. At a total project cost of approximately $1.8 million, this work included replacement of the existing roof structure, replacement of the mechanical/electrical systems, new sand filters for the pool, a new family change room and refurbishment of existing change rooms and a complete refurbishment of the natatorium area.
Petticoat Creek Community Centre
• Plans are now underway to replace the roof structure at the Petticoat Creek Community Centre. This will be commencing shortly and expected to be completed by Nov. 2009.
Greenbelt Signs for Pickering
Councillor Littley and City staff are working with the Greenbelt Foundation to acquire our signage that will recognize Pickering as a proud Greenbelt community. Look for our new signage coming soon!
REGIONAL PROJECTS
(for project details see, www.region.durham.on.ca)
Altona Road Widening
• The construction of phase one, widening from two (2) to four (4) lanes from Kingston Road to Stroud’s Lane is scheduled for 2009/10. Residents are still concerned over the effect widening will have on Petticoat Creek at the “pitch point” with the road, sidewalk and multi-use trail in phase 2 - awaiting design details.
Rosebank Sanitary Sewage Pumping Station
• The Public Information meeting took place on May 28th, 2009. 22 people attended. 10 comment sheets were submitted. Main interests and comments from residents were construction traffic, site access, schedule, architecture and location of new station. The project is currently in the detailed design stage. The current target schedule is to tender in January 2010 with a completion date of March 2011. This project is being partially funded by the Infrastructure Stimulus Funding program.
Clear Bag Pilot Project
• The pilot project in Pickering and Clarington received a very positive response. Waste Diversion increased approximately 3% with Green Bin participation a whopping 13%!. People were happy to participate especially when nothing changes for people who already recycle and use their green bin except the colour of their garbage bag - they can still use their regular garbage pail.
People were concerned about getting any hazardous waste out of regular garbage especially with the Region approving the Incinerator to handle the Region’s waste. Incinerating such waste creates dioxins and other harmful chemicals when burned. Some comments received: “It's about time something was done. We have to do something to help eliminate garbage and recycling is one of the best ways.” “It makes you think twice about what you put in the garbage bag. You're more accountable.” “People need to take responsibility for the waste that they create.” “Great idea should have been put into place years ago. Too many people don't care about the environment.”
2009 Think Global, Act Local - ESP
ESP Steering Committee: Front Row: Councillor Bonnie Littley; Chris Walker, OPG; Michelle Pongracz, TRCA; Chantal Whitaker, City of Pickering; Margo Sloan, OPG; Dave Johnson, Ajax Pickering Board of Trade; Bob Hester, Durham SustainAbility; Andrea Dube-Goss, TRCA; John Earley, PESCA; Arnold Mostert, City of Pickering
Think Global - Act Local
Community driven projects and the fulfilling
spirit of volunteerism are the heart of our community
Environmental Stewardship Pickering
Environmental Stewardship Pickering (ESP) hosted its first Environmental Leadership Forum in March. Some 70 representatives from 18 community organizations enjoyed a keynote address from Chris Winter, Conservation Council of Ontario and a set of workshops on topics to help local groups better carry out environmental initiatives.
Councillor Littley’s message at the Forum:
“Our goal as Environmental Stewardship Pickering is to get residents to think globally, and act locally. We’re there as a resource for anyone that wants to get involved. One of our objectives with the forum was to demystify environmental stewardship and remove the intimidation factor. Everyday people can become leaders by doing simple things like organizing a community clean up or a tree planting.”
Send your events or get involved by contacting stewardship@cityofpickering.com or Councillor Littley at blittley@cityofpickering.com, 905.420.4608
Councillor Littley with two of her children tree planting at
Take Pride in Pickering Day in Alex Robertson Park.
Residents of Strathmore Townhouse Complex take their
own stewardship challenge and organize a clean-up
2009 FEATURE TOPIC
FEATURE TOPIC
What does Food Security have to do with Climate Change?
Good news stories from the field...
Valley Plentiful Community Garden
Princess Diana Park, Pickering
Civic Award Winner - The “Sustainability Award”
excerpt from the garden’s blog page
http://www.pickeringgarden.blogspot.com/
Green Gardens
Community gardens are places where collections of local individuals work together with the earth. The community shares a space of land - ours is divided into individual plots where people plant gardens that can include flowers, vegetables and fruit.
We are living in a time of growing environmental crisis. The way things work in the world has taxed the earth to the point where it is getting harder for it to recover. Many animal species have gone extinct as a result, and the world climate has experienced a subtle but documentable rise in temperatures. We need new and better ways of doing things.
One function of society that has become damaging to the environment is the food system. Many foods are mass-produced thousands of miles away from the people who eat it. As a result, billions of cubic tons of greenhouse gas emissions are expended just to ship food. The result is well-traveled food, that needs extra chemical preservatives to make it last while it spends weeks or even months in transit.
Moreover, Canadian communities have come to rely heavily on food produced in distant regions or even countries. Food is not as easily accessible or healthy as it should be for people.
Community gardens seek to become a part of the solution to these problems. They reduce stress on the environment by providing access to food that is grown down the street. The food is also free of preservatives and chemicals and is much healthier (and tastes better too).
Community gardens and buying local also help regions not to rely so heavily on imported foods and builds a local economy. Food is more accessible to the people who live in an area. This concept is called Food Security, and is more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.
When the community gets together to tackle issues like these by growing their food in a community garden, great things happen. People who might not ordinarily get to know each other get a chance to become friends and partners - they get a chance to build their community. They also get to enjoy the benefits and stress-relief of being active outdoors. Experts help the novices. There are good reasons why community gardens are becoming very popular!
We are the first municipality in Durham to have a community garden in a public park!
Come Grow with Us & Become a Gardener!
Please contact the coordinator at 905.420.9843, valleyplentiful@gmail.com or Councillor Littley at 905.420.4608
Durham Region Food Charter
After two years of community consultation and a final Symposium last spring with guest speaker and local food/food security guru Wayne Roberts of the Toronto Food Policy Council, the Durham Region Food Charter is finalized.
The introduction reads as follows:
“Planning Food Into Our Future
The Durham Region Food Charter reflects the community’s vision for a food secure Durham Region focused toward building a just and sustainable local food system as a foundation for population health.
Based on community participation a sustainable local food system will improve the economic viability of Durham Region’s food industry, work in harmony with natural heritage systems as well as the built environment, and promote overall health.
“Food Security: means a situation in which all community residents are able to obtain a safe, culturally acceptable, nutritionally adequate diet through a sustainable food system that maximizes community self-reliance and social justice, and the ability of the agricultural community to support this system.”
(Growing Durham ROPA 128 (2009))
A food secure Durham Region is financially sound, environmentally responsible and socially just, contributing to the future well being of our region and its residents.”
To read the entire Charter please visit:
http://www.durhamlives.com/healthy_eating/he_food_charter.htm
NEW - Food Security Principles endorsed by Regional Council
Councillor Littley’s motion to add food security priniciples to growth plans for the Region was almost unanimously supported by Regional Council and has been added to the Regional Official Plan.
NEW - Regional Food Security Working Group to work with the Durham Region Roundtable on Climate Change (DRRCC)
The goal of the DRRCC is to position the Region of Durham as a leader in addressing climate change issues by preparing and recommending a comprehensive strategy with detailed actions that can be undertaken across the Region to address climate change. Our task is to develop a Community Climate Change Action Plan.
Part of that Action Plan would include mitigation and adaptation plans for future Food Security in the Region. Councillor Littley adds, “Currently, several departments at the Region work on various aspects of food security and a working group would provide opportunities to bring people, departments, their ideas and knowledge together to build upon accomplishments. The Durham Region Food Charter’s “Essential Foundations to Build Upon” is a great place to start.”
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