Thu Sep 13, 2007
By Kristen Calis
NewsDurhamregion.com
At the latest planning and development meeting, some changes were made to the POP review final work plan, but it carried and will be brought to Council for final approval. The work plan combines 18 initiatives into seven City-initiated amendments, such as implementing the Central Pickering Development Plan, sustainability initiatives, and housekeeping updates that will be completed over the next three years. It also includes recommendations from residents, agencies, land developers, First Nations and City staff. Forty thousand dollars is set aside for consulting services related to the initiative, but for Ward 1 City Councillor Jennifer O'Connell, that isn't enough.
"Why are we spending the same amount of money participating in Communities in Bloom (CIB) or renovations within City Hall as the most important planning document for the City's future?" she said at the meeting. She added she doesn't feel CIB or City Hall renovations are unimportant, but she wants to make sure the official plan is on the priority list.
The amendments she introduced include a strategy to engage the community, the creation of Pickering's Official Plan Community Advisory Committee, an individual review process for the Seaton neighbourhood and face-to-face consultation with the First Nations communities specifically impacted.
"The biggest issue I'm having is the lack of community outreach," she said. "What type of engagement are we doing?"
Neil Carroll, director of planning and development said the City hasn't commenced consultation yet and "we'll be developing a consultation strategy with each of these (seven) sections."
Ward 3 City Councillor David Pickles agreed with most of Coun. O'Connell's concerns, but thought her amendment needed some fine tuning before they could be approved.
Native activist David Grey Eagle Sanford came to remind Council members of the land rights of aboriginal peoples in the Constitution Act while referring to Seaton. Mr. Sanford has in the past referred to Seaton as First Nations land, and feels Native groups have not been properly consulted in the development plans.
"They just don't get it and that saddens me greatly," he said in an interview. "They're going to bring war upon themselves. Do they want a Caledonia situation coming here? Because that's what's next."
Ward 1 Regional Councillor Bonnie Littley said Coun. O'Connell was "jumping the gun" when she introduced the amendments.
"We need to collaborate between Council, residents and staff to be the most proactive," she said. "We're not going anywhere if we're all being confrontational." City staff have been asked to report on Coun. O'Connell's request.
Proposed work plan
2007: Bill 51 provisions, provincial policy statement, housekeeping and Duffin Heights.
2008: Environment and countryside, sustainability and Seaton.
2009: Downtown intensification and Places to Grow, population, employment, urban land supply and commercial and transportation policies.
2010: General matters.