Your City - Pickering's Magazine Issue 1

Leading Pickering into the Future Mayor Dave Ryan discusses being at the forefront of exciting transformations taking place in Pickering

An Airport in Pickering A resident’s perspective on the benefits of an airport in Pickering

Sustainability The City invites everyone on the journey towards sustainability ISSUE #1 2019

PICKERING.CA/YOURCITYMAG

S O E XC I T E D TO CALL PICKERING HOME

Chestnut Hill Developments is proud to be a part of Pickering’s growth and transformation in developing master-planned communities and innovative building design that will change the city’s skyline for years to come.

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editor

LETTER FROM THE

C

ommunity engagement is one of our key corporate priorities. By providing you and your neighbours with a say in how the City is governed, as well as a better understanding of the issues and events shaping Pickering, we are building a stronger and more civic-minded community.

As such, we utilize an array of tools to communicate and engage with residents. These include social media, e-newsletters, pop-up town halls, special events, website, mailouts, digital LED signs and virtual town hall meetings.

We are proud to present Your City Magazine. This polished, professional, and thoughtfully laid out magazine describes some of the key transformational projects taking place. In future issues, it will help tell the story of Pickering as that story continues to unfold.

Magazines offer a unique and elegant sensory experience – in that they’re vibrant, glossy, tactile, and shareable. I personally find that leisurely flipping through a magazine over a cup of coffee is one of the simple pleasures in life. We hope you enjoy this inaugural issue.

Thank you to all of our valued advertisers who entirely funded the production and distribution of this magazine. Through innovative approaches such as this, we are able to provide maximum value with minimal financial impact to our residents.

MARK GUINTO

Manager, Public Affairs & Corporate Communications, Office of the Mayor

publisher

LETTER FROM THE

W

elcome to the premier issue of Your City Magazine. I am very excited to present this new publication and hope that it provides you with compelling content to engage and inform you on all things Pickering. Your City is the result of a collaboration between Graymatter Marketing and the City of Pickering offering a customized approach to providing residents with information about what is happening close to home.

As the owner of a local marketing and communications company, it has been my pleasure to speak with residents and businesses during the creation of this magazine. Your City Magazine is meant to update you on the dynamic changes and development in Pickering. It has been a fun and exciting journey discovering many of the amazing local businesses in our community and I am pleased to bring them to your home. From my interview with Pickering’s Mayor, Dave Ryan, I am confident that readers will be as inspired as I was to see his vision for growth for our already wonderful city.

In this inaugural issue, I wanted to convey to all readers a growing sense of community and to encourage everyone to visit local businesses in their Pickering neighbourhood. We have so much happening on our doorsteps. I hope that you will enjoy reading this issue as much as I and my team enjoyed creating it!

AUDRA LESLIE

Owner, Graymatter Marketing Solutions

4 | Your City Magazine - Issue 1

table of

contents

23

28

32

20

16 Cover Story: A Conversation with Mayor Dave Ryan

Mayor Ryan discusses being at the forefront of the exciting transformations taking place in Pickering.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 20

Greetings from Your City Council

An Aerotropolis in Pickering Q+A

Pickering's Journey to Sustainability

Seaton

PTC's "Practice Safe Sips" Campaign

The Historic Hamlets of Pickering

An Airport in Pickering

Maker Space at Pickering Public Library

Read news, announcements, and updates from Pickering's City Council..........................................................................8 Inviting all residents and businesses to join the City on the journey towards sustainability...........................................................16 The Pickering Town Centre's initiative to reduce waste created by plastic straws......................................................................17 A resident’s perspective on the benefits of an airport in Pickering................................................................................23

What you need to know about the Pickering Airport..............................................................................................25 The story behind one of Canada's newest and most vibrant communities......................................................................28 Learn about the distinct history of Pickering's eight historic hamlets......................................................................................32 Find out how this innovative space will kick start the imaginations of Pickering residents........................................................36 Your City Magazine - Issue 1 | 5

Your City Magazine Team G R AY M AT T E R M A R K E T I N G S O L U T I O N S

Editorial & Design AUDRA LESLIE, Publisher Audra is the owner of Graymatter Marketing Solutions and is a business leader with expertise in managing multiple sales and service programs while exceeding financial objectives. Audra has over 20 years’ experience in the marketing and media research fields, working with global, national, provincial, local, community and not-for-profit programs and organizations. Audra excels at understanding customer needs, relationship building and collaborating both internally and externally, as well as coaching and developing team members. Audra is passionate about bringing new ideas to life and making current ones work to their full potential. Audra and her busy family like to spend time up north hiking, swimming, boating and just hanging out enjoying time together.

HELENA BARNETT, Publication Director

BAILEY SARGENT, Writer

BRYAN LESLIE, Writer

Helena works closely with our team to make sure that each client receives the resources and attention they need to be successful. Her attention to detail and organizational skills ensure that projects get done on time and on budget! Helena’s strong communication skills make her uniquely qualified for handling correspondence with clients and communication with other departments within the company to keep marketing campaigns on the right track. Helena is also passionate about writing and editing. She is a Graduate of the University of Guelph and Seneca College.

Bailey is a promising young writer with a focus in social media and marketing content.

Her literary skills, discovered as a child thanks to a voracious interest in reading and a prolific creative writing output, were honed in her York University education in English and Political Science.

She has experience marketing small businesses through web content, social media management, and search engine optimization tactics.

When she isn’t working, Bailey enjoys playing instruments, makeup art, and visiting her hometown of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Bryan Leslie is the Director of Building Operations for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. He is responsible for the operations at Scotiabank Arena which hosts over 260 events per year and is home to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors.

Bryan manages Team Up Green, one of MLSE’s environmental initiatives.

Bryan also worked on the Government’s deconstruction initiative at Canadian Forces Base Toronto which focused on 95% diversion from landfill. Bryan also held the role of Property Manager at Molson Rocks with the Rolling Stones (Sars stock) 2003, and the Pope’s visit (World Youth Day) in 2002.

PUBLISHER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PUBLICATION DIRECTOR ART DIRECTOR GRAPHIC DESIGN WRITERS

KAT O'DONNELL, Art Director Kat is an ambitious designer with a life-long love of art. Her interest in graphic design began when she was on her high school yearbook committee, and she went on to enroll in Durham College's graphic design program, where she received an advanced diploma. Her artistic talent and proficiency in design software help her create the best solutions for every client she works with. When not in the office, Kat enjoys hiking, reading and creating art.

PROOFREADING

Your City is published by:

For advertising inquiries, contact: Graymatter Marketing 1550 Bayly Street, Unit 16A, Pickering, Ontario, L1W 3W1 905-420-1810 www.graymatterms.com

Made in collaboration with:

KYLE PATRICK, Graphic Designer Kyle has been interested in art and design ever since watching his first Disney cartoon, which eventually led him to the Advertising and Design program at Humber, where he helped organize the graduation show. Kyle is a lover of all things automotive, video games, men's fashion and burgers.

DAVID LEYES, Photographer For the last 27 years David has been recognized in the North American acting, music and advertising communities for his unique style of portrait, music and editorial photography.

Eighteen of those years, from 1995 to 2012, were at the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre (now the Budweiser Stage). David's clients include Corus Entertainment, Sony Music, Universal Music, Cosmo TV, Unilever, Rolling Stone, CBC, the Toronto Star, the Globe & Mail, Live Nation and Universal Concerts. Everyday life and the many people who come into his life are inspirations of his work. David lives in Canada with his wife and two beautiful boys.

6 | Your City Magazine - Issue 1

COVER PHOTO OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY

Audra Leslie Mark Guinto Helena Barnett Kat O’Donnell Kyle Patrick Audra Leslie Bailey Sargent Bryan Leslie Chantal Whitaker Helena Barnett David Leyes City of Pickering David Leyes Pickering Public Library Pickering Town Centre Shutterstock Tim Prior

www.pickering.ca

Advertising Policy Your City Magazine accepts advertising based upon space availability and consistency with its mission to promote local business and community activity within Pickering. Your City Magazine is not responsible for the content of advertisements, the products offered or the viewpoints expressed therein.

Editorial Note The information provided in this magazine is for educational and informational purposes only. The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of Graymatter Marketing or its affiliates. Different views may appear in future articles or publications. Articles in Your City Magazine are copyrighted and must not be reprinted, duplicated or transmitted in any way without permission.

DID YOU KNOW...

Each year Lakeridge Health has...

300

and we currently have...

300

MEDICAL TRAINEES

RESEARCH PARTNERS

1,500

AND OUR...

VOLUNTEERS

1,600

NURSING STUDENTS

783

One System.

Best Health.

1st

CHAIR FOR PALLIATIVE CARE

204,551

BUDGETED BEDS

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS

38,050

440,772

52,335

22,123

12 ,786

4,261

IN-PATIENT DISCHARGES

CLINIC VISITS

Lakeridge Health System Lakeridge Health is Durham Region’s acute health care provider. With five hospitals, four emergency departments, a residential treatment centre, more than a dozen community health locations, and leading regional services including the R.S. McLaughlin Regional Cancer Centre and the Shoulder Centre, Lakeridge Health provides high-quality care to people across Durham Region and beyond.

SURGERIES

MRIs

Ajax Pickering Hospital Serving the Community

Ajax Pickering Hospital is a full-service community hospital that provides safe, quality care to people who live and work in Ajax and Pickering.

The hospital serves more than 75,000 people a year in its Emergency Department.

Other services include Inpatient and Outpatient Surgery, the Shoulder Centre, Women's and Children's Health, Critical Care, Diagnostic Imaging, Outpatient Mental Health Services, Cardiac Care, Diabetes Education and Laboratory Services.

As part of a regional health system, Ajax Pickering Hospital offers patients and families access to Lakeridge Health's best-in-class regional services including cancer, dialysis, stroke, mental health and eye surgery.

Coming Soon

MENTAL HEALTH VISITS

BIRTHS

Lakeridge Health

1,956

STUDENTS TRAINED

158

ACTIVE RESEARCH STUDIES

*image is a concept rendering

The North Pickering Health and Wellness Centre The North Pickering Health and Wellness Centre (NPHWC) will be a new community-based health centre offering a range of services closer to home for people living in the area. Located at 2580 Brock Road, the NPHWC will bring together hospital outpatient services, primary care physician offices, a proposed urgent care centre, laboratory and diagnostic tests and other community health care, under one roof.

Construction is expected to begin over the coming months.

Learn more about Lakeridge Health: www.lakeridgehealth.on.ca

Your City Magazine - Issue 1 | 7

Greetings from

Your City Council

Contact City Council: 905.420.4605 • council@pickering.ca

Kevin Ashe

It’s Pickering’s Time! With Durham Live coming to Pickering in 2020 and the development of the 407 Innovation corridor that will provide local job opportunities, it is exciting to see positive growth and momentum in our community. As a resident and Councillor of Pickering I am delighted to see these projects come to life. I want to keep moving Pickering forward to make this City a community where people will choose to not only live, but work.

My priorities remain the same: create more jobs, reduce gridlock, complete the waterfront renewal and keep taxes affordable by continuing to increase the commercial tax base.

I encourage Pickering residents to reach out to me with questions or concerns. It is a pleasure and a privilege to serve our community.

Regional Councillor Ward 1

Pickering is experiencing unprecedented growth; this growth needs careful management as we head into these very exciting times.

One of Pickering’s most significant features is our Waterfront and The Nautical Village, located at the bottom of Liverpool Road. I will strive to ensure that the character of this neighbourhood is protected and any growth in this area is responsible and in line with the desires of the residents of Bay Ridges and Pickering.

I encourage the residents of Pickering to reach out to me with any questions.

Bill McLean

I have been a resident of the City of Pickering since 1980 where I have raised my family. I was first elected to Pickering Council in 2000 and I have been honoured to represent the residents of Ward 2.

Regional Councillor Ward 2

David Pickles Regional Councillor Ward 3

8 | Your City Magazine - Issue 1

Pickering is a great community, with an exciting future. We live, work, play and raise our families in a beautiful setting of rural, urban and natural qualities on the Lake Ontario shoreline. We celebrate our residents, from the young - to the young at heart, and businesses big and small. Leading businesses, such as Kubota vehicle manufacturing, are coming to our 407 employment corridor. Our city centre is evolving as an exciting residential, retail and cultural hub. Durham Live, now under construction, will boast lively dining, entertainment and a casino and convention complex.

I am honoured to represent residents on Pickering and Durham Councils. Attracting jobs, revenue and appropriate development are priorities, as is keeping our community safe, active and affordable. Together we will continue to build on the positives, overcome the challenges, and realize the full potential of our home. Stay tuned.

Our city is on the verge of becoming the economic driver and transportation hub of Ontario. With this will come new employment opportunities, a shift to reduce our residential tax base and opportunities for investment. For Pickering to be all that we can become will take involvement from everyone. We can’t do it alone. This is the time for our vision and mission to evolve into, “Pickering, a place to live, work, play and grow”.

Maurice Brenner

In the late 1990’s Pickering embarked on a strategic plan with a vision and mission to be a place to live, work and play. Today, much of our vision has not changed, however the road to achieve it has. After weathering a recession and a shortage of available lands, the GTA is now experiencing the fastest growth in Ontario. By 2026 the GTA will make up 50% of Ontario’s population, driven by growth in Durham Region, with the City of Pickering having the highest growth in the region.

City Councillor Ward 1

Ian Cumming

I am passionate about community heath and safety, the environment and renewable energies. I believe in government transparency, accountability and engaging the public in decisions made by a cohesive and empathetic Council.

From my forty year experience in the business sector, I am driven to enhance business retention and promote economic development in Pickering. It is imperative to encourage and support start-up businesses and young entrepreneurs to help business grow in Pickering as our City matures.

By fostering responsible development, it helps to create a team atmosphere where Pickering residents can feel informed and engaged in the decision-making process. I will continue to build on Pickering’s business base to ease the property tax burden on residents and I hope that my fresh perspective will help build greater transparency and accountability on Council.

City Councillor Ward 2

Along with Council and City staff, I have been working to attract businesses into the city, to create more jobs and better opportunities for our youth. I look forward to the renovation of the Pickering Recreation Complex and the addition of an arts and culture centre. We are making accommodations to keep seniors active and engaged in our community. These developments will allow our residents to stay connected within the city for all their needs.

My top priority is to keep property taxes low. I look for ways to improve traffic flow and keep the city clean and safe. I strive to connect with our residents at every opportunity and want them to be proud to say that they live in the City of Pickering.

Shaheen Butt

There is a lot to be proud of in the City of Pickering. With Durham Live and the downtown revitalization, our city will be one of a kind and I look forward to seeing this vision come to life.

City Councillor Ward 3

Your City Magazine - Issue 1 | 9

Five Locations in Durham Region PICKERING SITE 1450 Kingston Road, #17 Pickering, ON L1V 1C1 (905) 428-1212

AJAX SITE 360 Bayly Street West, # 5 Ajax, ON L1S 1P1 (905) 428-1212

WHITBY SITES Geriatric Assessment Intervention Network (GAIN) Team 3790 Brock Street North (Taunton Mills) Whitby, ON L1R 0H2 (905) 723-0036 ext 1409

Great News!

Carea Pickering is now open.

Carea Community Health Centre is one of ďŹ ve Carea locations in Durham Region. We are a full service site that offers multiple programs and services including: Medical Services Health Promotion & Wellness Indigenous Programs Children & Youth Services Counselling & Mental Health Supports Hepatitis C Education & Support Harm Reduction Outreach Diabetes Education Dietitian/Nutrition Services LGBTQ+ Programs & Supports

All programs are free!

For more information or to register as a client, please contact us at: 905-428-1212 | careachc.ca 1450 Kingston Road, #17 Pickering, ON

Children and Youth Mental Health Team 1615 Dundas Street East, #211, Lang Tower West Whitby, ON L1N 2L1 (905) 723-0036 ext 3200

OSHAWA SITE 115 Grassmere Avenue Oshawa, ON L1H 3X7 (905) 723-0036

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

905.683.8401 pickeringmuseumvillage.ca

Plugged into the Community

Pickering isn’t just the address of our Pickering Nuclear Generating Station – it’s our home. Our community. And our family.

That’s why we’ve partnered with the community to help make a difference and improve the well-being of the city. And with the approval to operate until 2024, we look forward to connecting with you through our programming for years to come.

Thank you for being our great neighbours.

12 | Your City Magazine - Issue 1

Proud Community Partner Committed to Keeping You Safe Ontario Power Generation’s Pickering Nuclear Generating Station has been a proud and engaged member of the Pickering community for many years.

Safety is our number one priority.

We regularly test our responses to any number of emergency scenarios and each government emergency management office has pre-established and well-rehearsed plans to protect the public.

No member of the public has ever been harmed by our nuclear operations.

To learn more about nuclear safety and emergency planning, visit www.opg.com/nuclearsafety.

The Pickering station will operate and remain an important part of Ontario’s energy mix until 2024.

Doing so will save $600 million for Ontarians and avoid 17 million tonnes of carbon emissions. Continued operations through 2024 is key to maintaining Ontario’s energy supply during a large portion of the Darlington and Bruce nuclear plant refurbishments.

Powering Community Spirit At OPG, we do more than generate the power Ontarians rely on. We strive to make a difference and help improve the well-being of the communities that host our operations through a variety of local programming and activities.

• Each summer, our annual Tuesdays on the Trail program provides free, family-friendly, educational activities in Alex Robertson Park.

• Since 2000, our Take Pride in Pickering fall tree planting event with the Toronto Region Conservation Authority has planted almost 16,000 trees and shrubs in Pickering.

• Through volunteer-led initiatives like Operation Clean Sweep, our committed employees have helped seniors in Pickering and Ajax with their spring and fall yard work for over 10 years.

To learn more about our people, projects and initiatives, visit www.opg.com/Pickering.

If you have questions, please contact or visit us at: Pickering Nuclear Information Centre 1675 Montgomery Park Road, Pickering Open Monday to Friday - 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

905-837-7272 | PickeringNuc@opg.com

discoverthe

Trafalgar

D I F F E R E N C E

T

rafalgar Castle is a place like no other - one that cultivates skills, ignites curiosity and brings your daughter into her own, whether she is an artist, an athlete, an intellectual, or a little of each. Capable and confident, our graduates are exceptional young women who know without question - their possibilities are endless.

An all-girls day and boarding school inspiring students in Grades 4 through 12, Trafalgar has been educating girls since 1874 within a warm and progressive community that offers exceptional academics and a full life outside of the classroom.

Its small-school advantage means we are agile enough to provide the most up-to-date learning environment, and intimate enough

to cultivate a strong sense of belonging.

Research on student-teacher relationships is clear. Relationships matter. The strength of the relationship between teachers and students influences student learning and overall well-being. When students feel known, when they believe their teacher cares about them, and when the teacher has time to cultivate and strengthen the relationship, students learn better. They feel more connected, more engaged, and are more open to feedback. At Trafalgar, teachers work closely in partnership to develop rigorous, high quality and engaging curriculum that challenges every student to develop a strong foundation of core knowledge, essential skills and a solid understanding of herself as a learner.

Every day Trafalgar students engage in meaningful and authentic activities that fill its classrooms and halls with curiosity, excitement and insight.

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Outstanding academics, small class sizes, and a warm community await.

Discover the Trafalgar difference today.

14 | Your City Magazine - Issue 1

Connect with Your City 905.683.7575 customercare@pickering.ca pickering.ca/customercare

pickering.ca/rightnow @CityofPickering

pickering.ca/pingstreet Report problems and more.

pickering.ca/eNews

Dropbox

pickering.ca Your City Magazine - Issue 1 | 15

Journey

Pickering's

T O

S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y

S T O R Y B Y Chantal Whitaker, BESc (Hons), CSR-P, CSR-P Supervisor, Sustainability | P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F The City of Pickering & Pickering Town Centre

W

e invite all residents and businesses to join us on our journey towards sustainability. What is sustainability?

It’s making sure your decisions and actions balance social, economic and environmental values. Sustainability is one of Pickering’s five corporate priorities. The City's award-winning sustainability program has grown and evolved, but remains grounded in five objectives: Healthy Environment, Healthy Economy, Healthy Society, Responsible Development, and Responsible Consumption.

The City of Pickering is involved in a variety of initiatives, at both a corporate and community level, to positively impact the areas of local food, energy, sustainable development, pollinator support, habitat enhancement, climate change, engagement and education. The City established indicators to measure and report its progress across this spectrum.

The City has achieved financial savings and greenhouse gas reductions by investing in corporate energy conservation projects, like converting 7,000 streetlights to LED and replacing fleet vehicles with electric.

16 | Your City Magazine - Issue 1

The City regularly engages and educates the building community to ensure that new developments incorporate innovative elements of a sustainable city.

This is done through initiatives such as its Sustainable Neighbourhood Development Guidelines and Sustainable Seaton: Community-Building Series.

The City continues to incorporate more green public spaces and take important actions to support our pollinator populations. Pickering was one of the first Canadian cities to receive Leadership Circle designation for the Mayors’ Monarch pledge.

But what can you do? There are lots of fun and inspiring ways to make our lives and community more sustainable.

Take part in one of Pickering’s many free educational workshops, events, litter cleanups, tree plantings, Adopt a Park, Celebrating Sustainable

Neighbourhoods program, collaborative school initiatives, film nights, weekly Farmers’ Market and more.

What are you passionate about? There are hundreds of community-building projects taking place in the city each year because of dedicated people like you.

Being sustainable doesn’t have to be complicated, small day-to-day changes really add up!

To achieve a truly sustainable city requires new and innovative ways of doing business and simple everyday acts.

We hope to inspire you to get involved - great things happen when we work together.

Visit the City’s website to learn more about how Pickering is working towards becoming one of the most sustainable cities in Canada! www.pickering.ca/ sustainable

Being sustainable doesn’t have to be complicated, small day-to-day changes really add up!

PICKERING TOWN CENTRE’S

Practice

safesips

C A M P A I G N

Plastic straws are insidious polluters that are causing serious damage to beaches, waterways and marine life. It is estimated that Canadians throw out 57 million straws every day. Pickering Town Centre (PTC) decided it was time to take a “sip” in the right direction by launching the “Practice Safe Sips. Tomorrow Doesn’t Have to Suck.” campaign.

The shopping centre launched the campaign with a “Cocktails in the Court” reception featuring a pop-up bar that served strawfree cocktails catered by PTC restaurants. The mall publicly pledged to eliminate the use of plastic straws and invited the public to join them. Attendees were encouraged to complete a pledge form to refuse plastic straws, and the first 500 pledgers were gifted a reusable stainless-steel straw kit.

PTC’s Centre Court was transformed into a dramatic beach scene, complete with discarded straws, other single-use plastic items and floor decals of swimming sea turtles. An oversized aquarium was decorated to look like the ocean floor and filled with plastic straws. Representatives from PickWaste, a nonprofit organization that educates the public on environmental issues, were in attendance to speak to guests, along with Pickering Mayor, Dave Ryan.

WHAT ARE

YOU THE MOOD

FOR?

PTC’s food court vendors and restaurants supported the campaign by removing plastic straws from their counters and beverages and making biodegradable straws available to customers who requested a straw. Residents brought in plastic straws from their homes to be safely recycled.

The event gathered over 7,100 signed pledges in just ten days, and 100 per cent of mall retailers removed plastic straws completely. The event was an overwhelming success and has recently won the ICSC Global Award.

Your City Magazine - Issue 1 | 17

DOWNTOWN RESULTS, RIGHT DOWN THE STREET. Walker Head is Durham Region’s largest full service law firm and is located right here in Pickering. Our specialized team of lawyers, law clerks and legal assistants provide a wide range of services to a diverse client base; and we are here to help you with all your legal needs.

Our firm has been servicing residents and businesses for over 40 years. Based on our strong community commitment to the Durham Region, our lawyers and staff have worked closely on a number of volunteer and charitable projects and continue to donate hours of time to local charitable organizations. Walker Head sees this as its responsibility as a leading professional law firm and a long-term member of our local community.

Call us toll free at 1-877-839-4484 Pickering: (905) 839-4484 Whitby: (905) 683-3444

AREAS OF SPECIALTY: • FAMILY LAW • BUSINESS LAW • RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE • CIVIL LITIGATION • EMPLOYMENT LAW • WILLS AND ESTATES

Find out more at

www.walkerhead.com

Walker Head Lawyers 1315 Pickering Parkway Suite 800 Pickering, Ontario L1V 7G5

a

mayor

conversation with D

A

V

E

R

Y

A

N

STORY BY Audra Leslie | PHOTO BY David Leyes

I

t was a beautiful Saturday morning when I met with Pickering’s Mayor Dave Ryan and his lovely wife Anne at their home for a chat about all things Pickering.

The moment the door opened there was a sense of welcome, just like there is at every event with Mayor Ryan.

Conversation flowed easily as we talked about their children and grandkids; their pride evident. Anne and Dave have lived and raised their family here in Pickering since 1985. Now their grandkids are growing up in Pickering too, close to their home. It is vital to both Anne and Dave to ensure we build a better future for the next generation and it shows in how passionate the mayor is about the changes coming to our city.

A career in politics was never on Dave’s radar until he joined a community association to advocate on important neighbourhood matters. From there, he became increasingly involved with various projects in Pickering helping to improve the community. Over time, this enhanced sense of civic pride and duty motivated Dave to run for public office. As such, he was first elected to Pickering Council in 1994, and was re-elected for three consecutive terms. In 2003, when he and Anne mutually decided that he should run for mayor, Dave retired from his 33-year career at IBM on a Friday, and on the very next day he was out knocking on doors!

Currently in his fifth term, Dave is Pickering’s longest serving mayor, and under his leadership, the positive changes we have witnessed over the past fifteen years have been incredible. Pickering has gone from a tiny town into a burgeoning hub of opportunity and possibility. With so many exciting projects on the go, Mayor Ryan is proud to see them coming to fruition. Durham Live is currently under construction, Seaton is being developed, the revitalization of our downtown core is underway, and of

20 | Your City Magazine - Issue 1

course, the airport remains a hot topic of discussion. Our municipality is going through an exciting transformation and Mayor Ryan wants to continue to be at the forefront – managing and leading that change.

Our conversation turns to some fun topics: the Mayor’s favourite sports team is the Blue Jays, and his favourite cuisine is Italian. He is all about family, instantly smiling when he talks about them and loving the fact that his grandchildren are so close by. For a Mayor who goes to so many public events all week, the time he gets to spend with his family on Sunday evenings allows him to relax, refresh, and recharge for the week ahead. He gives Anne all the credit for making this busy life work. You can see the appreciation and devotion when Mayor Ryan talks about his family and his wife.

When asked about his proudest achievements, Mayor Ryan says without hesitation, “the evolution of Pickering; we have gone from a small town to a dynamic city but have managed to keep our sense of community along the way.” From here, our conversation turns to the revitalization of the downtown core. Pickering’s City Centre is undergoing a dramatic makeover, rapidly evolving into a gathering place and destination for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. This landmark project includes an arts centre, a brand new central library, a combined seniors & youth centre, and condominium towers, all of which will be seamlessly connected via activated and pedestrian-friendly walkways. Mayor Ryan believes that projects like the new arts centre are a reflection of the City coming of age and embracing its full potential. The goal is to create a downtown core where residents come together in support and celebration for large community events and cultural festivals such as a Christmas Market or an Asian Night Market.

We have gone from a small town to a dynamic city, but managed to keep our sense of community.

A recurring theme with Mayor Ryan is that progress cannot come at the expense of community. As these exciting projects unfold, it is very important to him that Pickering remains a caring, committed, inclusive and welcoming place. Celebrating our diversity is one of his personal priorities by working with many community and cultural groups in holding activities and events such as national flag raising ceremonies, India Independence Day, and Philippine Fiesta and Santacruzan. The City’s long-time partners at Pickering Town Centre have also embraced this idea by hosting events such as China National Day and the Tamil Heritage Festival.

With respect to accessibility, Pickering will be the first municipality in the world to boast of a purpose-built fully accessible condominium development with features such as wider corridors, wheelchair accessible doorways and levered door handles. In addition, the City has been very thoughtful and strategic in its planning, advocating for intergenerational housing options so that residents can remain in Pickering for all stages of their lives.

When I ask Dave about the legacy he would like to leave behind, I expect him to say something about himself. However, without hesitation he says, “To leave behind a City that is proud of itself and has a clear sense of identity”. I personally think that Mayor Ryan’s legacy will be that he helped transform Pickering into one of Ontario’s elite municipalities. We are on the cusp of a new and exciting era. It truly is an amazing time to be in Pickering!

Your City Magazine - Issue 1 | 21

2018 2018

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an

airport in A

Pickering

R E S I D E N T ' S

P E R S P E C T I V E

STORY BY Bryan Leslie

I

’m proud to have been a Pickering resident for most of my life. This is my home, and the only home my children have known. Like many of you, I’ve heard conflicting opinions about an airport in Pickering over the years, and thought I’d get to know some of the facts instead of basing judgement solely on a roadside sign or talks over coffee. I encourage you to do your research too. Let’s not make important decisions based on ideologies, but rather on the existing data, research, studies and information. Most of us want jobs, economic development and opportunity for growth here in Pickering and perhaps an airport can help us meet these goals.

When the concept of an international airport for Pickering was introduced in 1972, Pickering was a small bedroom community with the majority of its residents commuting to Toronto for work. Originally 18,000 acres of land were expropriated for the airport; in comparison, Pearson airport is approximately 4,600 acres. Why such a big area and what about the farmland?

Supporting farming and farmers is important. They feed our families, support agriculture, the greenbelt, and are an important part of our economy. With this in mind, a large amount of green space is planned for the new site. Of the original acreage, 10,000 is officially designated parkland and will be protected in perpetuity, providing a green destination for all future generations, leaving approximately 8,000 acres for the airport and the remaining balance designated for economic development opportunities.

Your City Magazine - Issue 1 | 23

If the airport goes ahead, I think we should dedicate some of the economic development lands for greenhouse agriculture. Typical open-air field farming in Canada has a growing season of about five months; whereas greenhouses can produce all year-round.

By extending the growing season, we can produce more local food for our residents.

In addition, we would be able to grow nonindigenous and warm weather crops that would appeal to our diverse population.

Siting greenhouse agriculture adjacent to an airport is done in Europe and Asia. Why not here in Pickering?

Opponents of the airport say that planes emit C02, which they do – just like cars, trains and ships. However, by not building an airport in Pickering, we won’t be eliminating or reducing flights. Rather, air traffic will all be concentrated at Pearson. This means congestion will continue both in the sky and on the 400-series highways in the west GTA. Approximately 3,000 Durham residents work at Pearson. That’s an awful lot of vehicle pollution generated on an everyday basis.

Wouldn’t it be great for the environment if a large number of those commuters could find work closer to home?

Let’s look at job creation as an important benefit of an airport in Pickering. According to the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Pearson employs 49,000 people directly at the site, and facilitates an additional 330,000 jobs across the GTA. If an airport in Pickering could achieve even a fraction of these numbers, it would have a great economic impact on our region. In comparison, a recent study that focused on exclusive agricultural use for the federal lands concluded that farm production alone would only create approximately 600 new jobs across Ontario.

Some don’t see the need for an airport in Pickering, because of the Hamilton and Waterloo airports. The reality is that those airports are outside of the GTA and, ultimately, will not attract a significant number of GTA passengers or major commercial business. Further, the Oshawa airport does not have the room to expand. The 24 | Your City Magazine - Issue 1

Government of Canada identified a future need and chose Pickering as the site to accommodate an airport almost fortyseven years ago. Making the decision to act on this opportunity now will allow us to start the planning and building process so we can be better positioned as the GTA continues to grow and develop.

Did you know that every major metropolitan city in the world has multiple airports? If the Greater Toronto Area is going to remain competitive in the new economy, then we need a secondary airport to strengthen our global and economic connectivity. A Pickering airport can help Pearson reach its full potential of becoming a mega hub airport like London and Singapore. This is a very

unique and unparalleled opportunity not just for Pickering, but for our province and country. It would be a shame if we wasted it.

Change can make some people feel excited and others anxious. Me? Probably, a little bit of both. The key is to address the significant issues upfront and manage that change as best as possible. I think we have an obligation to create opportunity and prosperity for both our children and future generations to come. The time for an airport in Pickering is now.

Bryan Leslie is the director of operations for a major sports and entertainment company.

QA +

An Aerotropolis in Pickering What You Need to Know

A symposium for the Toronto East Aerotropolis was held in April 2019, co-hosted by the City of Pickering and the Toronto Region Board of Trade. The discussion, led by two of North America’s leading experts in economics and urbanism, Dr. Richard Florida and Dr. John Kasarda, highlighted how Pickering could become Toronto’s second major airport within an integrated aerotropolis. An aerotropolis is defined as a metropolitan sub-region with industry tourism clusters sustained by an airport, highway, rail and port infrastructure.

Q: What is the economic and job potential of an airport and outlying aerotropolis?

Q: Is there a broad base of support for an airport in Pickering?

A: This development has the potential to create tens of thousands of jobs and bring billions of dollars in economic development to the region. In comparison, the Pearson Economic Zone is the second largest in Canada, directly employing 49,000 people and facilitating another 322,000 jobs across Ontario, resulting in $42 billion in GDP (gross domestic product).

A: Many elected officials ran on the platform of attracting jobs and economic development and have acted based on feedback from their constituents. Durham and York Regional Councils and the Towns of Ajax, Whitby and Brock have publicly supported this development. Also in support are The Toronto Region Board of Trade, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade, Markham Board of Trade and all local Chambers of Commerce.

Q: How many jobs would be created if the lands were used exclusively for farm production?

A: A report commissioned by Land Over Landings, titled, “A Future for the Lands: Economic Impact of Remaining Pickering Federal Lands if Returned to Permanent Agriculture”, anticipates approximately 600 farm production jobs.

Q: Is there an opportunity for both land uses to co-exist?

Below: Dr. Richard Florida and Dr. John Kasarda during the fireside dicussion at the Toronto East Aerotropolis Symposium.

Photo courtesy of Toronto Region Board of Trade.

A: Yes. Sustainability isn’t just about the environment but is a balance of environmental, economic and social priorities, for a healthy and strong community. There are many examples of large-scale agricultural greenhouse operations sited beside airports in Europe and Asia. This same model can be adopted here in Pickering.

Q: Why can’t we continue to use Pearson for our needs?

A: Pearson has reached its economic capacity. Pearson’s numbers have increased from 30 million passengers in 2009 to 47 million passengers in 2017. The businesses in the Pearson Economic Zone can’t expand to suit their growing needs, including getting airside access and industrial space on airport lands.

Q. How is this opportunity unique?

A: The Federal Government chose Pickering as the location for a future airport. No other area the size of the GTA has this much land set aside for a secondary airport near existing infrastructure, including 400-series highways, railways, ports and designated employment lands.

Q: Why do we need to act now?

A: It takes time to build a major airport. If a decision is not made soon, we will be passing up on the significant economic benefits of servicing the demands of a growing GTA. This is the time to invest in critical infrastructure and careful planning to meet the collective needs of our residents, businesses and other stakeholders to provide the greatest benefit for future generations. The consultations, environmental assessments and approvals could be a decade-long process.

Visit economicengine.ca to learn more about the proposed Toronto East Aerotropolis.

Your City Magazine - Issue 1 | 25

Call today to learn about our Regular & Summer Programs

WELCOME Horace McPherson

Executive Director, Mathnasium Pickering

HO MEWORK HE L P

TUTORING

TE S T P R E P

905-903-6638 • mathnasium.ca/pickering • 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit 15 Pickering, L1V 1C1

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Ages 3 - Adult Competitive, Pre-Competitive and Recreational programs are available.

Summer classes and full season classes available.

Contact us to audition for our award winning competitive team!

dance@deniselesterdance.com • 905-839-3041 • deniselesterdance.com • 1550 Bayly St. Pickering, Unit 24

Your City Magazine - Issue 1 | 27

Seaton:

Vibrant

one of Canada's newest and most

C O M M U N I T I E S

S T O R Y B Y Bailey Sargent | M A P C O U R T E S Y O F The City of Pickering | M A L L P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F Pickering Town Centre

I

n the 1970s, the provincial government expropriated about twenty-five thousand acres of land for a new urban community called North Pickering. Little did they know, it would take over forty years before the first residents would eventually move into these lands, which we now call Seaton.

When the plan for Seaton was finalized, it was determined that this new community would be home to 70,000 new residents. The first residents moved in last summer, and another 1,000 housing units are expected to close this year between Mattamy Homes and the DG Group. The other large landowners in Seaton are White Sun Developments and Lebovic Homes. Their first residents are expected to start moving in next year.

The powerful pull of Seaton as a new home for families is undeniable. The initial draw of the land was its proximity to central Pickering, Toronto, and Markham combined with its relatively untouched natural beauty.

Many of the new homeowners will be able to enjoy

28 | Your City Magazine - Issue 1

views from their homes of the sunset over the stunning Seaton Trail - a protected hiking area running twelve kilometres along the West Duffins Creek.

The natural beauty of the trail is just one of many elements of Seaton designed to lure nature lovers.

Seaton will encompass an agricultural community, an open space system of valley lands, wetlands and woodlots, and upwards of two dozen city parks, meaning over 50 per cent of the land will remain green.

The City regularly engages and educates the building community to ensure that new developments meet some of the innovative elements of a sustainable city.

This is done through its Sustainable Neighbourhood Development Guidelines and Sustainable Seaton: Community-Building Series. While the new homes in Seaton are built in accordance with the most advanced energy-efficient guidelines set out in the Ontario Building Code, the City encourages its local builders to implement new and innovative technologies to enhance their sustainability efforts.

Above: A map showing Seaton in the future The new developments in Seaton are situated close to nature/biking trails, modern conveniences, such as Pickering Town Centre and both highway 407 and 401 on ramps.

As more residents move in over time, Seaton will eventually boast a full suite of community facilities and services. Perhaps the crown jewel of this new planned infrastructure will be the new state-of-the-art recreational complex, which is anticipated to include a 25-metre pool, warm water leisure pool, fitness centre and studio, double gymnasium, change rooms, walking track, youth space, multipurpose rooms, food services and multiple arena pads.

One major victory for the City was the negotiation of a 2:1 residents-to-jobs ratio with the previous provincial government. As Seaton has the potential to be the single largest residential project in Canadian history, it’s important to bring in new jobs so that many of its residents can work close to home. Based on a projected population of 70,000 residents, the goal is to attract 35,000 new jobs to Seaton. While this may seem like a daunting number, Pickering has had some early success.

The City has been in negotiations with several companies planning to expand into Seaton, particularly in the area along Highway 407 (dubbed the “Innovation Corridor”). Notably, this includes Kubota Canada Ltd, a subsidiary of Kubota Corporation, a tractor and heavy equipment manufacturer based in Osaka, Japan. A deal was signed earlier in the spring, which will allow construction to start on Kubota’s new $67 million,

565,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility and head office. The deal took nearly a year of careful negotiations to see the light of day, and according to Mayor Dave Ryan, its completion will allow the City to focus on other businesses looking to relocate to the Innovation Corridor.

Other businesses that residents can expect to see in the near future include Red Crest Developments, which is planning to build two adjacent office buildings totaling a combined 300,000 square feet. In addition, the Behar Group also intends to open a four star hotel with an adjoining convention centre.

These corporate developments are ultimately intended to match the pace of the residential growth in the area so that Seaton’s new residents can live, work, and play in the community they call home.

When all is said and done, Pickering will gain a thriving new community, 70,000 residents, 35,000 new jobs and one of the largest combined residential and commercial developments in Canada.

Visit pickering.ca/seaton for more information on Pickering’s newest community.

Your City Magazine - Issue 1 | 29

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s ams gr ro

We are one of Durham’s largest indoor playgrounds with 10,000 square feet of fun !

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905.706.7529 info@treehouseclubhouse.com • 1095 Kingston Rd, Unit 1 Pickering

Paul Shannon Catering is a local Pickering caterer with a waterfront location ideal for any event. With 32 years’ experience they have developed the perfect recipe for any corporate or personal occasion. Using creativity, talented chefs and exceptional planning skills, they work collaboratively with clients to conjure events that fit individual visions and needs: dinners for two, backyard marquis weddings for 500, business meetings, black-tie receptions, celebrations of life, showers – if you can see it, so can they.

Graymatter sat down with the GTA famous caterer to find out how it all started.

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1

11/22/16

What year did you start your business and was it always in Pickering?

I started out in 1988 in Richmond Hill. I came from a catering background and immediately started doing house parties and weddings as well as local corporate events.

Through the years we took on all sorts of challenges including running all the community centers’ and arenas’ food service for the Town of Markham, supplying Canadian Airlines with aircraft meals out of Buttonville Airport for flights to Ottawa and Montreal and running several private and public ski clubs. When the opportunity opened up to build a venue on the waterfront in Pickering, I jumped at the chance.

What do you like about running your business in Pickering?

Having this beautiful waterfront location is ideal for events; it elevates in-house engagements to the next level. Pickering is a great community with lots of diversity, giving us the opportunity to create new dishes to add to our growing repertoire. Being close to major highways makes deliveries a breeze and easy to provide our services all across the GTA.

2:56 PM

TheLakeHouse AWARD WINNING CATERING with Paul Shannon Caterers Durham Regions newest venue is now available for the most important celebration of your life.

elegant setting situated on the shores of Lake Ontario. A private ceremony by the beach, the bride’s entrance by yacht, a sunset cruise for the bride and groom and their bridal party,

Choose from all inclusive packages or customized culinary cuisine using only the freshest of ingredients.

Our high standards of excellence and professionalism are our trademark.

Tell us about one of your most memorable events?

An event that stands out was a 500-guest marquis wedding on top of Georgian Peaks Ski Hill in Collingwood. The logistics were incredible but went off without a hitch.

Every event is memorable. It’s hard to pick just one. Our Lake House weddings always stand out to me. We’ve had grooms forget their wedding bands and I’ve loaned them my own and I’ve walked brides down the aisle as a stand-in Dad. I hope these personal touches make people’s memories of their special day complete.

When you cater events at homes, what makes the best event?

The best parties happen when the client gives us their vision on how the party will go and then lets us look after all the details including a custom menu and proper staffing.

Can people hire you for any kind of catered event?

AUL SHANNON CATERERS

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Yes! We are in-house caterers at The Lake House, or we come to you, anywhere in the GTA and Central Ontario. We cater from 2 people to 500 people. Let us create and execute your next party or event; you won’t be disappointed.

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The Lake House Event Centre 905-422-0300 • 600 Liverpool Rd Pickering, ON • paulshannoncaterers.com

the

historic of Pi

Bentley House - Brougham

H A M L E T S

General Store - Green River

S T O R Y A N D P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y O F Pickering Public Library

You may be surprised to learn that the ancestors of today's First Nations people would have moved into the area now known as Pickering approximately 11,000 years ago. At the time of contact with Europeans, large villages had been established by Iroquoian-speaking peoples. In the late 1600s, French explorers established trade and missionary settlements. The British prepared the land for pioneer settlement by signing treaties with the Mississauga First Nations in 1791. It became known as Pickering Township.

Our historic hamlets were the original community hubs for these early pioneers and their descendants.

General Store - Balsam

BROUGHAM

This was the geographic and political centre of Pickering Township. Brougham was originally called Bentley’s Corners.

Bentley House (see photo) was designated as a Recognized Federal Heritage building in 1992.

GREEN RIVER

Settled in the 1840s as “Smithville”, this hamlet was named after the mill owner.

It was a busy community by the late 1880s. The original General store in Green River, run by the Burton family, is now a used book store (see photo). The hamlet is located at the beginning of the Seaton Hiking Trail.

BALSAM

A post office opened here in the late 1850s. By the early 1900s, Balsam had other businesses including a general store, a flour mill and a harness shop.

32 | Your City Magazine - Issue 1

Blacksmith's Shop - Cherrywood

ckering CHERRYWOOD

John McCreight settled here in 1834.

Designated heritage properties include the John Petty house and the blacksmith's shop.

Evidence of the blacksmith’s shop remains at the southwest corner of the Third Concession Road and Rosebank Road.

The former place of worship on the north side of the Third Concession Road west of Rosebank Road is made of bricks from the original brick yard. The original general store remains in Cherrywood.

WHITEVALE

This hamlet is a Heritage Conservation District settled by John Major in the 1820s. When he built the first mill here the community was called Majorville. Donald McPhee opened a hotel in 1855, and T.P. White later built a grist mill and further developed the community. The first post office was called Whitevale. The old mill pond, north of the Hamlet, is now a regionally significant wetland.

KINSALE

The earliest settler in Kinsale was Wing Rogers who was related to Timothy Rogers, the first settler in Pickering Township with a large group of Quakers.

The original Kinsale School still stands but has been transformed into a large daycare centre.

Church - Whitevale

GREENWOOD

First called Norwood, the village became Greenwood when Fredrick Green bought and operated the local mill. Green added an additional mill, a creamery and he was also Justice of the Peace. John Diefenbaker, the thirteenth prime minister of Canada, attended Greenwood School where his father was the school master.

The Pickering Village Museum is located in Greenwood and is the largest history museum in Durham Region with eighteen heritage buildings.

Brock Street - Claremont

Despite growth and the development of fully planned communities in Pickering, these hamlets remain a vibrant part of Pickering’s unique community feel with a depth of historical significance.

School House - Kinsale

CLAREMONT

In the 1820s, Claremont was originally called Noble’s Corners, named after an early settled merchant Thomas Noble.

With the establishment of the post office, the name was changed to Claremont.

Iconic artist Tom Thomson, an early inspiration for the Group of Seven, was born here in 1877.

General Store - Greenwood

Your City Magazine - Issue 1 | 33

Renovations Made Simple “Making your home a better place to live!”

üDependable üTrustworthy üQuality üAffordable

Let’s talk: 905-409-0680 1315 Pickering Parkway, Suite 300 Pickering, ON L1V7G5 (by appointment only)

pickeringhome.ca

ü Kitchens The heart of the home ü Bathrooms Where you relax and renew üBasements A home within your home Many home owners have trusted Pickering Home Improvement to renovate their kitchens, bathrooms and more. We have a trusted team of professionals that know how to get the job done, on time and on budget.

Ask about our exclusive House Dr. Program.

This FREE home assessment comes complete with estimates, recommendations and a list of priorities. Trust our service to show you how we do business differently.

We’re like your family doctor, but for your home!

The Pickering Community That Gives You More.

More Neighbourhood.

Backing onto natural protected woodland and less than 5 minutes to the year-round splendour of Rouge Park and Altona Forest.

More Amenities.

Only a 10 minute drive to the Pickering Town Centre, Highway 401 and two GO Stations.

More Convenience.

Multiple schools and recreational facilities nearby.

More Home.

Three full levels of family living space with garage parking for 3-cars, complemented by exceptional Geranium design and construction quality.

edgewoodpickering.com 647-984-5677 geranium.com Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Rendering is artist’s concept. Brokers protected. E.&O.E. April 2019.

4-Bedroom Homes 3,200 - 4,000 sq. ft. on 40’ Lots Construction Underway

SPACE

maker

AT P I C K E R I N G P U B L I C L I B R A R Y

STORY BY Helena Barnett | PHOTOS COURTESY OF The City of Pickering

I

f you haven’t visited your public library lately, you may be surprised to find much more than books. Are you an aspiring musician, inventor or photographer? Are you curious about new technology and need a creative outlet? If so, then the Maker Space at Pickering’s Central Library is just for you! This innovative and welcoming space kick-starts imaginations, inspires creativity and empowers Pickering residents to meet the demands of our ever-changing world of technology.

Great things are happening here! Most recently, UOIT student, Hamayal Choudhry was inspired to create a robotic arm with 3D printer technology, after visiting the Maker Space. He and his

teammate, Samin Khan, went on to win the annual Microsoft Imagine Cup World Finals. Their design for “smartARM”–a 3D-printed robotic, prosthetic hand for amputees –was the very first Canadian entry to win this prestigious competition.

Visit the Recording Studio to create an audio recording or your own digital music with our DJ mixing station and sound booth. The audio equipment connects to an iMac computer with the latest audio editing software. Who knows, you could be the next Shawn Mendes, Drake, or Alessia Cara!

In the Design Centre, iMac computers are loaded with Adobe Creative Suite to edit and create image and video files. You can

borrow a digital tablet to create freehand drawings that can then be digitally edited.

Planning an event, rally, or have a new invention concept? The Maker Lab features an array of tools to create physical items such as buttons, vinyl signage, 3D printed models, carved objects, fabric crafts and more. Have some old family photos or videos that you can’t access anymore?

With the conversion cart, you can convert vinyl records, audio and VHS cassettes to a digital format. Please be aware that there is a small fee if using materials for physical project creation.

For any budding photographers or videographers, be sure to check out all the loanable items from DSLR cameras, GoPros, green screen kits to Wi-Fi hotspots - which are all available to use outside of the library. Chromebooks are also on hand for use within the library space.

Borrowing is made easy by using the online booking system to reserve at specific times for individual equipment.

Library staff members are always on hand to help, and the Maker Space is open during regular library hours. This inclusive community space provides all Pickering Library members access to state-of-the-art tools where you can test your concepts and design, create and build to bring your ideas to life. Visit the Pickering Library today and make something amazing!

Hamayal Choudhry, creator of the SmartARM, poses with Shahin Dashtkian (Client Services Associate) and Christy Harper (Manager of Technology) from the Pickering Public Library.

36 | Your City Magazine - Issue 1

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Your City Magazine - Issue 1 | 37

Making Childhood Dreams & Wishes Come True!

OUR MISSION Dreams & Wishes Children's Charity aims to preserve and create positive childhood memories by fulfilling ‘dreams & wishes’ made by children and families deemed underprivileged and in need. We aim to foster, provide and create positive childhood memories to children who have been exposed to domestic violence, physical/sexual/emotional abuse, homelessness, poverty, abandonment and neglect as well as those children seeking refuge from wartorn countries.

Dreams & Wishes is dependent on community donations, both monetary and in kind. We are also seeking indiviuals who can adpot a child’s wishlist this coming holiday season. All donations are utilized to assist in operation of our programs and benefit the children that we serve.

We are a charity that assists local Durham Region Shelters.

DONATE TO DREAMS & WISHES TODAY! 905-239-WISH • dreams-wishes.com • dreams-wishes@rogers.com Charitable Registration #: 81403 2280 RR0001

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Assisted Living floor featuring personalized care plans

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Big Screen V!VAplex Theatre

Dog Wash Station

Vibrant Independent Living

And so much more…

See what V!VA Pickering is all about!

Call (905) 831-2088 or visit vivalife.ca 1880 Glengrove Rd, Pickering, ON L1V 0C6 Making Today Great!

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