2007 FYI Tidbits

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FYI Tidbits - 2007

Mayor’s Task Force on Accountability & Transparency
As a member, we have been asked to make specific recommendations to City Council regarding a Code of Conduct for Members of Council. Public consultation sessions will follow.

Smog Summit
In June, I was thrilled to represent the City & the Region at this years Smog Summit at Toronto City Hall. To listen to all the presentations visit, www.cleanairpartnership.org

Communities in Bloom
The City is proud to announce that this year, it participated for the first time in the provincial Communities in Bloom competition. Communities in Bloom is an important step in our Sustainable Pickering journey. It involves everyone in the community, and encourages civic pride, environmental responsibility, and beautification.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
STUDENTS - GET YOUR COMMUNITY HOURS!
Our seniors need our help. Every year the City has a wait list for seniors that need assistance with snow removal. Our community also needs assistance with clean-ups and other community projects. Give a call and lend a hand to your neighbours and your neighbourhood. Please contact my office directly to participate and Thanks!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM CITY CLERK’S OFFICE
Council Secretariat
New Council Governance Structure initiated for 2007 include changes such as:
• Agenda pages will be posted on the City’s website two weeks prior to each meeting.
• Statutory Public Information Meetings for planning items are held the same night as the Planning and Development Committee meetings.
• Meetings held on a three-week cycle – Planning & Development (Week 1), Executive Committee (Week 2), Council Meeting (Week 3), No meetings (Week 4).

Animal Services
The City of Pickering Animal Services section continues to promote responsible pet ownership. Communication initiatives include the introduction of the Animal Services website and the implementation of a knowledge database with the customer Care Department to handle incoming inquiries. The Division has also introduced a basic dog obedience training course, a Pets in the Park event and have been recognized in the National Animal Control Magazine for its’ proactive approach to animal control.

By-law Enforcement
The City of Pickering By-law Enforcement section reviewed and implemented a new Taxicab Licensing By-law, and a new Body Rub Parlour Licensing By-law. All City of Pickering Taxicab drivers will be professionally trained – which means a better and safer service for our citizens! By-law has also begun their new pro-active Commercial Property Inspections Program, to help to keep our commercial properties clean. Regular Bike Patrol of the City’s Parks and Green Spaces was initiated this past summer. The bike patrol increases public safety and security, protects and preserves park quality and condition, and educates park users on City policies and by-laws.

Assessment Comparison Information
If you would like to compare your property’s assessment to the assessment of other properties in Pickering, printed copies of the Assessment Roll (for 2007 taxation) are available for viewing. The City also has a computerized assessment database that is available for public use. Both are available on the second floor at City Hall.
Assessment data is also available on the City’s website, cityofpickering.com.

REMINDER -Collection Waste Schedule
• Green Bin Kitchen Food waste: Weekly
• Blue Box recycling: Weekly
• Garbage: Bi-weekly
Contact Information:
Durham Region 905.579.5264 or 1.800.667.5671
www.region.durham.on.ca/waste
Email: waste@region.durham.on.ca

TRANSIT INFORMATION
www.durhamregiontransit.com
1-866-247-0055
Email: drtwest@region.durham.on.ca