News in Ward 1

The problem: people drive too fast on our neighbourhood streets.

What's being done: bollards and speed bumps, lane painting on roads, Automated Speed Enforcement cameras, new stop signs and traffic signals

Kristy's thoughts: After watching a student cross Church Street between Lincoln Alexander Public School and Pickering High School and being the first responder on the scene to offer first aid to the student, Kristy became passionate about needing to slow drivers down.  Kristy advocates for all sorts of speed enforcement measures and is glad to have bollards and speed bump outside her home.  Kristy is eager to see how the Town's plan to alter the Automated Speed Enforcement cameras will continue to improve drivers' behaviours in our Community Safety Zones.

The problem: More and more people are trying to park in places that weren't designed for that many parking spaces.  People are often unaware that there is no overnight parking on our streets and that there is a three hour limit for on street parking. Parking in driveways is limited by by-laws which prohibit overhang on sidewalks and roads.

What's being done: "Parking studies" are part of the administrative cycles of all municipalities,  They look at how people are using spaces over time and what the parking requirements are as these uses change. But parking is a dynamic challenge and needs faster adaptations to residents' needs.

Kristy's thoughts: Kristy knows the challenges of working from home with four drivers in the home, and for many years, the need to have PSW and palliative medical teams needing access to the driveway at all hours of the day.  Kristy is open to the style of paid on-street parking permits like Toronto has.  Kristy would also like to see the process for apron widening approvals be streamlined and expanded,

The problem: people are finding it increasingly difficult to afford property taxes.  However, taxes must keep pace with the economy as costs escalate beyond the Town's control.

What's being done: The Town receives 33% of the property taxes collected.  The other portions go to Durham Region and to the province for education expenses.  The Town, the Region and the Province are asked to find spending cuts and are often asked to present budgets with various increase levels and service deliveries associated with those projections, The Town also generates revenues from user fees, developer charges, investment income, and grants and donations.  

Kristy's thoughts: Kristy is glad to see the Town considering naming programs for places like the Ajax Community Centre (similar to the Pickering Recreation Centre, which is now called the Chestnut Hill Community Centre).  Generating new sources of revenue is top-of mind for Kristy.  Kristy knows that you can only get out what you're willing to put in.  There are "Nice to haves" and "Need to haves".  When residents ask for "Nice to haves" Kristy believes they should be told the estimated cost of those "Nice to haves" to see if they're willing to pay for those things.  For example, did you know the new dog park at McLean Community Centre cost over $80,000 to build?  As a "Nice to have" item, are you willing to pay $80,000 for it?  Kristy believes transparency and communication with residents is crucial when discussing taxes, spending, and service deliveries associated with these decisions.