April 2017
Newsletter
Councillor David Pickles
Connecting with You
As an elected representative, it is often difficult to reach out to and hear back from residents who, like all of us, have busy schedules and busy lives.  I continue with the traditional ways to hand-deliver or mail newsletters and talk with people on the street, at events, and neighbourhood open houses across the Ward.  I and Councillor Butt will continue to knock on doors to speak with residents.

We of course have embraced email and Facebook, by which I interact with many residents.  Last year, I launched this eNewsletter and have many subscribers already, you included! Thanks for subscribing and I would be happy to get your feedback; please call or email me.

The City has also launched 'Connect with Your City' which features a number of electronic ways to connect with the City and obtain or provide information and services:


 

Please use any of these ways - old or new - to reach out to me and the City so we can best serve you. 
Celebrating Canada 150 in Pickering
Canada is 150 and Pickering is ready to celebrate! I invite you to help shape Pickering's 150 celebrations by drawing, painting, or sculpting something that symbolizes Canada to you.  It can be whatever you want!  When complete, take a picture or scan your drawing and send it in to events@pickering.ca. The City will share your image at events, and on their social media account during 2017. You may even see your image at a major event!  Not only that, one lucky entry will be selected for VIC (Very Important Canadian) seating at our Canada Day celebrations at Kinsmen Park. The City of Pickering is going to celebrate all year, full of activity enhancements, new events and programs. Click here for a list of all Canada 150 celebrations happening in Pickering this year!
Invest in Pickering
As you are aware, economic development remains a high priority for the Mayor and Council. We need to attract more high-quality companies to Pickering in order to strengthen our tax base and create more jobs for our residents. To learn more, check out our new Invest in Pickering video. This modern and dynamic production showcases why Pickering is a great place to invest and do business.
Mother's Day Tea - May 7th
Pickering Museum Village banner
Dads, have I got an idea for you!  Book early to bring your mom, and your children's mom, to a luncheon out...just for them! Pickering Museum Village's Redman House will be the tea room for you to honour the women in your family. Tea, sandwiches, and sweets are on the menu for this special day and every mother will receive a small token at her table. Tickets available online at  pickering.ca/eStore or in person at the Pickering Museum Village Gift Shop.
pickering.ca has a New Look!
The City is proud to announce that they have re-launched their website, built on a responsive design framework. The new design improves user experience and access, with ease of navigation and functionality across a range of devices including desktop, tablet, and smartphone.  Responsive web design allows a site's layout to change as the screen size being used to view that site changes, which allows them to provide consistent content, layout, and user experience across all devices. I invite you to explore their latest design, and share your feedback or suggestions!
Out and About
I and Councillor Butt, City staff and a representative from DRPS met with residents on a cold blustery Saturday in the parkette on Tillings Road to discuss additional park playground equipment coming soon and other neighbourhood issues.
Helping out at the Maple Syrup Festival at the Purple Woods Conservation Area in North Oshawa. A spring ritual not to be missed!
Happy Holi! I was pleased to attend Holi celebrations along with Mayor Ryan at the Durham Hindu Heritage and Community Centre.
Fire Chief Urges Residents to Get Out and Stay Out!
In the wake of a recent residential fire that resulted in the hospitalization of three residents with smoke injuries, Pickering Fire Services reminds the public that once someone has escaped a burning building, they should never re-enter for any reason. Fortunately, working smoke alarms in this specific home contributed to the early warning of fire conditions, which is why the law requires alarms to be installed on every storey of a home and outside all sleeping areas.

"Just as important as having working smoke alarms, is making sure everyone in your home knows exactly what to do to escape before a fire occurs," said Fire Chief John Hagg. "This recent event in our community reinforces the importance of staying outside once you have safely escaped a burning building."

Prevent a tragedy at home by following these tips. Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm inspections are available to all Pickering residents. To request an inspection, please call 905.839.9968 or email  fire@pickering.ca.