I said I would keep in touch with you, I have, and will continue to, by coming to your door and community, and through regular newsletters, e-Newletters and social media. Those who have contacted me on any matter have heard back from me quickly.

I committed to improving our community infrastructure. I have initiated unprecedented roads, sidewalks, parks, and transit improvements to make getting around easier and safer. I will get more improvements done with your input.

You asked me to address taxes, and I have. We have lowered tax increases below the rate of inflation by managing budgets. We have also attracted new and growing businesses such as Kubota, Red Crest, and Durham Live that bring not only jobs but non-residential revenue to offset taxes. I will continue to prioritize fair and affordable taxes.

I promised you great representation and leadership. I am your full-time Councillor with a near-perfect attendance, who has served you with honesty, integrity and professionalism for seven terms. Local media Council Report Cards have given me the highest grade, A-minus, nine years consecutively.

Brenda and I are homeowners, taxpayers and have raised a family in Pickering. Like you, our priorities are keeping taxes affordable while bringing positive change and making Pickering a safe place to live, work and play. We have a great future! Lakeridge Health will build a new Health and Wellness Centre in Pickering. We are proceeding with a new youth and seniors centre in Pickering, a new performing/arts centre is coming and a revisited downtown. Stay tuned for more exciting news.

Besides serving residents on a day-to-day basis with their needs and concerns, Councillor Pickles has personally initiated and led significant motions/initiatives at Pickering Council. Some of Councillor Pickles’ key initiatives are listed below.


  • Drafted and led Council’s adoption of the City of Pickering’s first Code of Conduct and the establishment of an Integrity Commissioner
  • Unprecedented roads, sidewalks, and parks improvements and approved direction to prepare a 5 year plan and budget to address the paving of priority roads in North Pickering with residents’ input
  • Pickering’s designation as a willing host for a casino and approval of Durham Live, a $1.5 billion multi-use facility including a casino, hotel and convention centre, located away from residential areas. With 15,000 new jobs and $20 million in revenue per year to the City of Pickering, this will help lessen taxpayers’ tax burden and will improve city facilities and services
  • Council’s request to the federal government that a business case be prepared, that a transparent and public process including a community advisory committee be established, and an environmental assessment be prepared prior to any decision on an airport in North Pickering
  • Election, rather than appointment, of Chair of Durham Region
  • Reduction of the size of the Veridian Corporation Board by 25% with cost savings of $100,000 per year to taxpayers, and merger with Whitby Hydro to form Elexicon for further savings for residents and revenue to the city