Wow, time flies! It was 20 years ago, December 1st, 1997, that I was first sworn in as Councillor in the City of Pickering. Prior to that, I had served as a volunteer appointed to the Heritage Pickering Advisory Committee. It has been, and continues to be, an honour to serve the good people of Pickering. I have been reflecting on the years, and though I usually talk about City programs and projects, this time I thought I would first talk about the people that I have had the pleasure to work with over these past 20 years.

We have a wealth of great residents - youth to seniors (our youth at heart); many faith and cultural community groups; energetic seniors' organizations; vibrant and exciting arts organizations; Pickering Museum Village volunteers and Foundation; sports groups; and vital community support organizations - who selflessly donate their time and expertise to these community organizations and supports. There are too many individuals, groups, and organizations to name here. I have had the pleasure of meeting many of them and seeing them in action. On behalf of all residents, we appreciate the dedicated work of all the volunteers in the community.

City of Pickering and Region of Durham staff, both outside and inside workers and up to the executive team and CAO, do an amazing job for residents. They fight fires, police our streets, repair and clear snow from roads, clean our parks, plan our communities, run programming in our libraries and recreation centres, provide health and social services, and manage our meetings - to name just a few services. They basically keep the City and Region running, help residents with their day-to-day municipal needs and concerns, and plan for the future. Thank you staff for what you do at the City and Region to make our community a great place.

On Pickering Council, I have had the pleasure of serving with two great Ward 3 Council colleagues: Councillor Rick Johnson who worked tirelessly for Ward 3 residents for over 20 years before his unfortunate passing, and current Councillor Shaheen Butt who is a great people person and brings energy, and new ideas and approaches to the role of Councillor. Both former Mayor Wayne Arthurs (1988 to 2004) and current Mayor Dave Ryan (2004 - present) have provided strong leadership and vision over this time. Rounding out councils over the years have been a number of dedicated men and women, including the other present Councillors Ashe, McLean, Brenner, and Cumming.

On the ground, I believe Pickering is developing into a better-rounded and complete community for residents to live, work, and play. Transit including GO and Durham Region Transit has improved; sidewalks, bridges and roads have, and are, being upgraded; we are seeing a greater selection of restaurants and entertainment options; increased investment in a range of housing options; and growth and attraction of businesses. On the horizon is the new community of Seaton, the innovation and employment corridor along Highway 407, the exciting Durham Live project (on which I hope there will be an announcement to update you on soon), and an arts centre. Sure, there are, and will be, challenges but I think we are heading in a good direction, working together for a better community.  Please send me your views and ideas at [email protected].

As my family celebrates Christmas, I wish you and your family the best of the season according to the faith and traditions of your family. I also hope the New Year brings you special moments, joy, and prosperity.