Discusses improvements, expectations from Province
Sep 18, 2008 - 02:22 PM
By Kristen Calis
PICKERING -- Durham wants the same opportunities as other municipalities in the GTA to become a complete community and provide local jobs, says the Regional Chairman.
Roger Anderson made his annual address to Pickering Council Monday night, and one of his top issues was the Province's Growth Plan.
"Improved transportation will be vital to delivering the Growth Plan," he said, adding the Province has helped with transit capital when it provided money for new accessible buses and funding from the gas tax.
Durham is also doing its part, with ongoing investments for transit and roads, including additional buses, and Durham Region Transit extending the Taunton and Rossland routes from Oshawa to Ajax and Pickering.
The Province has to invest in extending highways 407 and 404, widening highways 407 and 7 and adding more interchanges, he said.
The draft Regional Transportation Plan and Investment Strategy are scheduled to be released after Friday, Sept. 26, and Mr. Anderson encouraged submissions to Metrolinx, which is developing the strategy.
"We know we can count on Pickering as a partner in that effort," he said.
He also updated Council on the progress of the energy-from-waste facility. Studies such as health and ecological risk assessments still have to be completed, and the final decision by Regional Council, on whether to proceed, should occur by mid-2009. If the Region approves it, the ministry of the environment will review the environmental assessment and give its decision.
"Our residual waste solution has to be sufficient for the waste we have in 2010 and for the next 25 to 30 years," he said. "It has to be safe, affordable and realistic and has to accommodate growth."
Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson asked if the Region is willing to apply to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Green Municipal Fund to get a loan to create dedicated bike lanes.
Mr. Anderson said "the Region isn't rushing out to build bicycle lanes" but thinks the best bet is for Seaton developers and the Province to explore such initiatives.
"They have an opportunity to really make Seaton green," he said.
Ward 2 Regional Councillor Bill McLean asked about a couple of business owners who lost power for two days on Bayly Street due to road construction by SR and R Bay Ridges Ltd. for its development of San Francisco By the Bay. Since it wasn't the Region doing the work, Mr. Anderson said that's the responsibility of developers.
"If they were smart they'd probably settle out of court very quickly," Mr. Anderson said.
Recommend :
Latest News
Durham drug cops announce $3M bustDURHAM -- Dozens of people have been arrested and drugs with an estimated street value in excess of $3 million have been seized in a massive strike by Durham police against...
Newcastle area asked to conserve water nowDURHAM -- Anyone connected to municipal water in Newcastle is asked to conserve use immediately. The Newcastle water supply plant, which also serves Newtonville, has had...
Pickering fireworks vendors robbed on Canada DayPICKERING -- Two armed bandits made off with cash after they robbed fireworks vendors in Pickering on Canada Day. Durham police said the two employees had closed their storage...
Hijacked rig unloaded in AjaxAJAX -- A trucker who was hijacked in Mississauga was taken to Ajax where his cargo of electronics was unloaded and stolen, police have confirmed. The incident occurred on the...
Boy, 15, charged in Pickering sex assaultPICKERING -- A 15-year-old boy has been charged with the sexual assault of a woman who was attacked in her Pickering home in February. It's believed the suspect is a former...
Suspect in numerous Durham break-ins bustedDURHAM -- A suspect in more than 40 break-ins in Durham Region has been arrested and police continue to investigate potential links to other incidents. Durham police picked up...
Sentenced to life in Pickering murder, Cyr denies guiltWHITBY -- Even as he was being sentenced to prison with a judge's recommendation he never be released, convicted killer Paul Cyr forcefully denied any role in the murder of a...
Five Durham beaches posted unsafe for swimming
DURHAM --Five beaches in Durham Region are considered unsafe for swimming after the most recent water quality tests. Elgin Pond has been posted with a caution against...
Cops disperse pot party in Oshawa
OSHAWA -- A small crowd which gathered for what was billed as a "Cannabis Day" celebration at Alexandra Park in Oshawa has been met by almost a dozen police...
NewsView map shows Canada Day 2009 events in Durham RegionDURHAM -- From fireworks to music in the park, there is plenty to do on Canada Day in Durham Region. Waterfront events are big in several communities. And...