Mayoral Race

Pickering

By Shannon Boodram and John Veitch, Centennial College

Profile

Made up of three wards, Pickering is a diverse city, having the largest immigrant population per capita in Durham Region. More than 25 per cent of residents living in the city are visible minorities.

Its location at the east end of the Greater Toronto Area has quickly made Pickering a key destination for businesses and residents. The city is proud to provide a wide range of housing types and options.

The Durham District School Board operates 17 elementary schools and two secondary schools throughout the city, and specialty campuses for The University of Ontario Institute of Technology and Durham College.

More than 46 per cent of the population between the ages of 25-64 years has obtained a degree or diploma from a post-secondary institution.

Campaign Snapshot

Ryan says that during his tenure, business has improved in the city, and so there are 2,000 new jobs.

Ryan, a retired IBM general business manager who lives in Pickering with his wife and two daughters, added that he wants to build on the progress he's made on behalf of Pickering.

For starters, the Mayoral Gala held each year is aiming to raise $150,000 for both the Ajax-Pickering Hospital, where he serves on the recruitment team, and for the Durham West Arts Centre that has yet to come to fruition. He is also actively seeking a resolution to Pickering's long-time airport debate.

"I am still waiting to see all of the information before I pass judgment," Ryan said. "I've seen reports that indicate better business for Pickering but I've yet to see social or environmental assessments."

The other name on the mayoral ballot will be that of John Newell, who is running for mayor for the first time.

Newell said he's committed to making Pickering a greener and more attractive city to live in. So Newell, an entrepreneurial designer who lives in Pickering with his wife, has put the Seaton Land Exchange at the forefront of his campaign.

"I want the Seaton land to be a part of the green belt in perpetuity," he said. "I don't think any development should be made here and I am absolutely against the development of the Pickering airport."

Newell said he's also extremely concerned about the air pollution that's wafting over the city each year. He said it's conceivable that Pickering could eventually become a dead city if action is not taken to improve air quality and beautify the community.

"Pickering has evolved as an elaborate railway siding," he said. "When you come to Pickering all you see is steel boxes and identical houses, and that's nobody's fault but the city council."

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