2010 Neighbourly News

David Donnelly discusses the consequences of urban sprawl

Neighbourly News
Spring Update 2010

Community Idea Exchange on
Smart Growth & Sustainability,
OCTOBER 17TH, 2009



Another Community Idea Exchange Success!
More organizations than ever attended to inform residents on the latest topics of debate or general interest and provide information.
Eric Novak, CHEX TV and personally trained by Al Gore lead a discussion on Climate Change and the Green Economy. David Donnelly discussed the report “Places to Sprawl” by Environmental Defence which is critical of Durham Region’s conformity plans to the award-winning Provincial Growth Plan - “Places to Grow”.
Traditionally, everyone enjoyed my segment called “Your 2 minutes of fame” where each group showcase their activities in the community. Everything from City Advisory Committees, Environmental Groups, Heritage, Community Gardening, and social agencies like the United Way and more. Students gain helpful overviews on volunteer opportunities to collect those community hours too!





Eric Novak, CHEX TV

2010 The Other Side of the Podium

Greetings Ward 1

The Other Side Of The Podium
Personal reflection by Bonnie Littley

Province just says “NO” to Regional Growth Plan
I am very pleased to announce that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) has responded unfavourably to the Region of Durham’s Growth Plan as submitted.

Through various attempted amendments and motions, I warned Pickering and Regional Councils’ that the proposed recommendations did not conform to the Provincial Growth Plan, “Place to Grow”. The projected population and employment numbers along with new urban boundary expansion lands proposed just didn’t add up.

The Region’s final plan recommended that 1,200 hectares of farmland containing the headwaters of Carruthers Creek in northeast Pickering become a community for 30,000 people. An updated watershed study had not been done, nor a fiscal study on the costs of infrastructure and services to determine if “growth will pay for growth”. Additionally, Pickering’s Downtown Core is identified in the Provincial Plan as an “Urban Growth Centre”, and we haven’t even started Seaton with a goal of 70,000 people and 35,000 jobs.

So, why would we want to add new urban land now that would be a disincentive to achieving our goals for Seaton and creating the vibrant Downtown we are all envisioning?

In last fall’s newsletter I reprinted an article I wrote for the Greenbelt Alliance on the controversial “Growing Durham Study”. I discussed how my colleagues and I with the Rouge Duffins Greenspace Coalition (RDGC) continually cling to a “sense of hope” for an attitudinal change toward more sustainable land-use planning practices. Once again, we were disappointed with municipal decisions and were left “hoping” that the province would stand firm on their planning policy reforms.

As a member of RDGC, I was responsible for researching and collaborating with other “think tanks” to author RDGC’s policy position papers to various planning reform documents that have come out of the province throughout the last decade.
Of particular note is the award-winning Provincial Growth Strategy, the Places to Grow Act. It’s designed to manage urban growth more effectively. Basically, the goal is to create complete communities that are transit and pedestrian supportive, that can utilize infrastructure and public services more efficiently and save tax dollars. In other words: Planned growth instead of run-away sprawl that costs big bucks, and environmental and social decline.

Highlights of the Provincial Comments:

• A key concern is that the land budget overestimates the amount of land needed and is based on assumptions inconsistent with the Growth Plan’s policies;

• Employment numbers are in excess of what is forecast in the Growth Plan. (yet employment numbers for Seaton are lower than what is allocated in the Central Pickering Development Plan);

• Certain existing and approved residential and employment lands have been excluded from the land supply analysis (yet recommending more land be added);

• The proposed proportion of low density housing (approx. 70%) in designated greenfield areas is high, unable to achieve a compact, transit supportive, built form;

• An infrastructure and fiscal analysis of the growth scenario has not been completed.

The Province does not support the proposed urban boundary expansion into the northeast Pickering. Seaton is to have the appropriate allocation of 35,000 jobs. They agree that over designation of land would be a disincentive to achieving our goals. Politicians can’t continue to add more urban lands at their leisure without justification - so, the Growth Plan is working as intended.

I’m determined to change the mind-set and build consensus within Councils as municipalities are required to reform from traditional “business as usual” to “sustainable” development practices. Looking forward, I believe that is the right attitude.

2010 Highlights & Hot Topics

Highlights & Hot Topics, 2010



Pickering Council tries to stop the stink
Sabrina Byrnes / Metroland
Oct 21, 2009
By Keith Gilligan and Kristen Calis
Pickering News Advertiser
www.newsdurhamregion.com

PICKERING -- Rick Nicolussi, with the organization Stop the Stink, set up an information table at the open house held at the Petticoat Creek Community Centre October 17, 2009 by Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley.

The BIG PIPE & OCF Approved
Councillor Littley has been a strong opponent of York’s Big Pipe and Odour Control Facility at Pickering and Regional Councils’ and also through her ongoing work with the Rouge Duffins Greenspace Coalition (RDGC) and Stop the Stink.
Unfortunately the previous Council in 2005 signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreeing to the twinning of the York-Durham sewer project as it served Pickering’s development plans for the Duffins Rouge Agricultural Preserve (DRAP) through the City’s Growth Management Study at the time.
Fortunately, we have great advocacy in this City, RDGC and citizen action prevailed and the DRAP was included in the Greenbelt - but this time we haven‘t been so fortunate.
Although, the current Council has unanimously made significant effort through various resolutions at City and Regional Councils to have York and Durham review the project, (technology, location and Environmental Assessment (EA)), York refused and left the City with court action as its only option.
With Councillor Littley’s assistance, her community colleagues with RDGC assisted Stop the Stink with funds to hire the prestigious legal counsel of David Estrin, and RDGC hired David Donnelly of Environmental Defence to aid in the case against what is believed to be a flawed EA.
April 6th, Minister Gerretsen approved the Big Pipe and Odour Control Facility EA with a set of conditions - but without any remedial action or sanctions if something goes wrong. Mayor, Council and it’s residents are not satisfied and the City will be pursuing sanctions and a Judicial Review.
Contact Councillor Littley for further detail
And see: www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/index.php
Also visit: www.stopthestink.ca

Direct Election of the Regional Chair
Littley’s motion passes at Regional Council
While Pickering, Ajax and Oshawa residents had a referendum question in the 2006 election, the residents of the other 5 municipalities have not had an opportunity to vote on this very significant issue of Regional interest.
Councillor Littley’s motion, seconded by Ajax Councillor Jordan passed on having a region-wide referendum question on the ballot for the upcoming Municipal Election, Oct 25, 2010.
As Councillor Littley stated at Regional Council, “It’s important for every citizen in the entire region to have a voice on whether or not they want to directly elect their Regional Chair - it’s not personal, it’s democratic. It shouldn’t be left to the local municipal councils to decide. The people should decide - north and south.”

Incinerator - Regional Council refuses to review contract with Covanta
The Ministry of the Environment released its review of the environmental assessment of Durham’s incinerator project and concluded that “The Ministry is satisfied that the proposed mitigation methods and contingencies will ensure that any potential negative impacts will be minimized and managed”. Needless to say, residents are not satisfied with the answers they received, nor agree.
Unfortunately, Whitby Councillor Mitchell and Ajax Mayor Parish’s motion to review the contract with Covanta to ensure that promises made to the public on emissions standards and costs failed to be supported by the majority at Regional Council.
MOE Review available at : www.ebr.gov.on.ca;
Also see: www.durhamenvironmentwatch.org

2010 Pickering Budget at a Glance

Pickering Budget at a glance

Considering the economic downturn, Council directed Pickering’s CAO to bring Council a budget as low as possible while still maintaining priority projects and existing service levels.
The CAO introduced a budget increase of 2.9% to Council with a 1% surcharge to cover the legal battle with York Region over the Odour Control Facility proposed for Pickering with the twinning of the York-Durham Sewer project for a total increase of 3.9%.
Kudos to our CAO in his year of retirement for bringing Council a budget that was passed again without having to make any significant amendments to the Treasurer’s recommendations. It was unanimously supported. Pickering remains the lowest taxed lakeshore municipality in Durham Region.

Excerpts from the Pickering News Advertiser, “Pickering raises taxes by 3.9 percent” by Kristen Calis
“• Major capital projects include: work on Pickering Parkway for $890,000; significant work on Glenanna Road from Pickering Parkway to Dixie Road ($900,000): a new pumper worth $750,000; and a roof replacement at the Central Library for $350,000.
• The City hopes to receive upper-government funding to build the Frenchman's Bay harbour entrance, which will cost around $8 million.
• Three grants of $1,000 each were given to Pickering Olympic silver medalist Shelley-Ann Brown, The Arms of Jesus Children's Mission Inc., and MOTION's Youth and Community Centre.
• Four councillors reduced their office budgets. Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley reduced her budget by $11,600, Ward 2 Regional Councillor Bill McLean brought his down by $11,000, Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell found $3,900 to take out, and Councillor Pickles cut $7,550 out of his.
• No new full-time or part-time staff will be hired in 2010.”

From operating a small business, a non-profit, and a busy household, Councillor Littley has had a great deal of experience on keeping budgets low. She has consistently reduced her Council budget and takes her expenditures very seriously. Over the term, she finishes with one of the lowest expense accounts - second only to City Councillor David Pickles.

For a full look at the budget, amendments made and meeting minutes of March 4, 2010 and March 29, 2010 visit: www.cityofpickering.com/standard/ cityhall/index.html

2010 TRCA Partnered Projects

Toronto & Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Partnered Projects (aka The Good News!)

Frenchman’s Bay Stormwater Management Master Plan
• The Master Plan is complete and was approved by Council in April. Part of the 25 year implementation plan, the Amberlea Creek Erosion Control Project has budget approval and the environmental assessment will commence in 2010.
Along with recommendations from the TRCA, the Ministry of Natural Resources has requested that ongoing monitoring/study plans be put in place to determine the exact causes of degradation to the Bay and its wetland area as ongoing mitigation efforts are implemented.

Western Gateway Project - Waterfront Trail
• Once again, many thanks to fellow TRCA board members for passing my motion which resulted in the successful negotiation with Waterfront Toronto to uphold a cost sharing agreement from the late 70’s providing for the Western Gateway project to move forward. The construction of the new pathway, bridge and lookout are complete. The landscaping plan is underway.
Official Opening, Wed. June 9th, 12 pm. Bottom of Rosebank Rd. at Bella Vista Dr. on the Waterfront Trail. Come on down and check it out!

Petticoat Creek Conservation Area Pool
• Demolition of the existing pool will begin shortly and construction to start thereafter. The facility will include a new pool and splashpad feature and accommodate swimmers of all skill levels. Both facilities will use green technologies. The pool will be closed for the 2010 swimming season and reopen for 2011.

2010 FYI Tidbits

FYI tidbits

NEW ELECTION DAY
OCTOBER 25TH, 2010
As a result of recent changes to the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 the 2010 Municipal Election will be held this year on October 25th 2010.
Therefore, this year’s Community Idea Exchange is put on hold until late fall 2010.

Durham Food Policy Council is born
• Hard work pays off as Councillor Littley proudly announces that The Community Development Council of Durham has received a Greenbelt Foundation Grant to start implementing principles of Durham’s Food Charter and local sustainable food systems. Community partners have begun establishing a terms of reference, potential members and advisory bodies for outreach.

30 Million Dollar Joint Infrastructure Fund Investment for Pickering
• The Federal and Provincial government along with Metrolinx announced funding to construct a fully enclosed pedestrian bridge to link the new LEEDS certified office tower and new parking structure to the GO Station with another new parking structure. Sure to be a focal point in the transformation of the downtown core as well as promote transit use. All projects will be built concurrently with an estimated completion date of early 2011.

CITY PROJECTS

Shadybrook Park Playground
• Play area redevelopment including new playground equipment in 2010.

Dunmoore Park
• Soccer field rehabilitation and tennis court reconstruction in 2010.

Westshore Boulevard
• Reconstruction design work in 2010 (finally!)

REGIONAL PROJECTS (www.durham.ca)

Boulevard Enhancements on Bayly
• Construction of a planted berm along Bayly east of White’s Road - grading and landscape plan underway. Completion anticipated Fall 2010

Altona Road Widening
• The widening from two (2) to four (4) lanes from Kingston Road to Stroud’s Lane is currently underway. 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 - still awaiting design details.

Rosebank Sanitary Sewage Pumping Station
• The project is currently out for tender and on schedule for a completion date of March 2011. This project is being partially funded by the Infrastructure Stimulus Funding program.

PROVINCIAL PROJECT
HWY 401 & Rougemount Noise Barrier
• This long awaited project is underway for residents backing onto the 401 along Toynevale. Marinet Cres. residents although on the priority list have not yet had their project approved by the Province. However, Regional and Provincial Staff have been in discussion on design for the Marinet Cres/Bayly St. barrier.

2010 FEATURE TOPIC

ESP Team: Councillor Bonnie Littley; Michelle Pongracz, City of Pickering;
Margo Sloan, OPG; Mary Williams, TRCA; Dave Johnson, Ajax Pickering
Board of Trade; Renee Michaud, City of Pickering; Vicki Puterbough, TRCA;
Tricia Harvey, Resident Volunteer; Arnold Mostert, City of Pickering;
Bob Hester, Durham SustainAbility; John Earley, PESCA;


FEATURE TOPIC
2nd Annual
Environmental Leadership Forum, 2010

Make Everyday Earth Day
Community driven projects and the fulfilling
spirit of volunteerism are the heart of our community

Environmental Stewardship Pickering (ESP) hosted its second annual Environmental Leadership Forum in March. Over 70 particpants enjoyed a keynote address from John Hall, The Natural Step (thenaturalstep.org) and a set of workshops on topics to help residents and local groups take on community projects, or reduce their own ecological footprint.
Councillor Littley’s message at the Forum:
“When I initiated Environmental Stewardship Pickering, my goal was to get residents to think globally, and act locally. One of the objectives with the forum was to demystify environmental stewardship and remove the intimidation factor. We’re there as a network and a resource. 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 905.420.0667, blittley@rogers.com