The Pickering =`^_k`e^ 40 PAGES ✦ Pressrun 49,900 ✦ Metroland Durham Region Media Group ✦ FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2006 ✦ Optional delivery $6 / Newsstand $1 8@;J `e8]i`ZX HOMEBOUND STRIKE TALK MILLER’S TIME African mission CUPE threatening to walk Coach built nears conclusion off the job next week hockey legacy Page 15 Page 3 Page 30 DISHING THE DIRT, ER, CLAY Pickering takes next step on sustainability Series of town halls hall meetings the three areas they’ve identified for a sustainable commu- planned to get nity -- economic, social and envi- residents’ thoughts ronment -- will be explained and then committee members are hop- ing for some open dialogue on how By Danielle Milley sustainability should look in Picker- Staff Writer ing. PICKERING — Windmills in every “The key goal is that Pickering backyard, solar panels on every belongs to the people and if we’re home, and organic waste waiting for going to identify the key standards... pickup at the end of the driveway. It’s important to have measurable Is this the Pickering of the future? goals and the best way to do that is The City of Pickering recently to find out what’s important to the began an initiative to create bench- community,” Coun. Brenner said. marking standards for sustainability Following the town halls, staff is Mike Pochwat/ News Advertiser photo that can be measured. A committee going to process the information PICKERING — Yuko Imai, works with some clay, which will eventually become a casserole dish, in the pottery fa- created in the fall has set up the and a report is expected back to cility at the Pickering Recreation Complex. Ms. Imai has been making pottery at the studio for the past four years, and occasionally sells her work. The facility offers group lessons at all skill levels. framework for the endeavour and council in June that would include is now taking the idea to residents both sustainability goals and the to hear how they want Pickering’s way they can be measured. future to look. Coun. Brenner said it is going to “Everything is on the table in take the participation of residents to terms of sustainability,” said Ward make the goals a reality. Myers moves to top of Durham College class 1 Regional Councillor Maurice “You can legislate, but for sustain- Brenner, chairman of the commit- ability you have to have real buy-in,” tee. Board appoints ham College’s board of governors Myers. He said at each of the three town ✦ See Pickering, Page 7 announced Thursday morning it “I’m excited; I’m absolutely replacement for retiring had chosen Ms. Myers as Gary thrilled about what lies ahead.” president Polonsky Polonsky’s successor. Ms. Myers A married mother with two teen- Thinking of hopes to start her new position agers, Ms. Myers grew up and still Hardwood? in April and is looking forward to lives in Toronto, where she gradu- By Crystal Crimi continuing the tradition of success ated from political science at the Give your home a new Staff Writer Heritage Day the post-secondary institution has University of Toronto in 1980 and look for Winter DURHAM — Bringing leader- achieved. joined the public service sector Free Family Event We are Durham’s fl ooring experts! ship and knowledge of post-sec- “As the new president, I look shortly thereafter. At age 48, she Saturday, February 18, 2006 ondary education, Leah Myers is forward to working with the com- currently works as the executive 11:00 am to 3:00 pm >>`>Ê>À`Ü`Ê excited to be taking on the title of munity to build on that success lead at the Ministry of Research À}ÊV° Durham College president. and make Durham a recognized Pickering Town Centre 1547 Bayly St., Pickering After an extensive search, Dur- leader across Ontario,” said Ms. ✦ See Board, Page 5 cityofpickering.com/greatevents 905-420-3285 900 Champlain Ave., Oshawa Picky ONE 905-723-4561 custom OCATION Picky L Hours: Mon.• Tues.• Wed. 10-6, Thurs.• Fri. 10-9, Sat. 10-6, Sun.11-5 cover ONLY Picky OSHAWA www.sklargallery.com Get something unique and different by choosing from the fabulous Exceptional Warranty array of fabrics and furniture choices at Sklar Peppler Furnishings Oshawa. Superior Construction OSHAWA SALE ON NOW! You pick and choose. We’ll produce and deliver. 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Items shown available while quantities last. durhamregion.com THE NEWS ADVERTISER, FEBRUARY 10, 2006 PAGE 3 A/P www.premiereautosalon.com AUTO GLASS & CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY CUPE strike could hit Durham next week By Erin Hatfield sion of $1,100 a month, below the $1,800 considered ■ Custom Staff Writer the poverty line. BROKEN WINDSHIELD? DURHAM — Workers in one of the province’s big- “We don’t want to see our members, after work- We Pay Up To Upholstery ■ gest unions are threatening to walk off the job next ing hard all of their lives, be living below the poverty 00 Boat Tops $300. Deductible ■ Mooring Covers week over Bill 206. line,” Mr. King said. based on insurance coverage The McGuinty government tabled Bill 206, an act However he explained any action to come will not ■ Automotive & to revise the Ontario Municipal Employees Retire- be taken against employers. “This has nothing to do Serving Durham Since 1985 1010 Brock Road South (Northwest corner at Bayly) Marine Interiors ment System (OMERS), in June 2005 and the third with our employer,” Mr. King said, adding CUPE 218 ■ Convertible Tops reading is expected to take place in the next few is co-ordinating with its employer in the case of a 905-831-4290 weeks. It proposes a number of changes to pensions job action. “We want to keep harmony between our and better benefits for police and fire personnel. employer and the union.” OMERS is the pension plan According to Mr. King, this morning (Friday) there Eastside Harmony Chorus Presents... for about 355,000 current and is a conference call among the Ontario division of former employees of mu- CUPE to decide further action. nicipal governments, school “CUPE is definitely not against the police and fire “VOICES IN HARMONY” boards, libraries, police and for what they have been able to achieve,” Mr. King fire departments, children’s said. “We are looking for the government to give us aid societies and other local the opportunity to negotiate something like that and Featuring agencies. to not block us out of the picture.” CUPE local 218 is made A strike would affect 120,000 municipal employ- Canadian Icon... up of 2,600 custodial, secre- ees and school board staff, including garbage collec- tarial and clerical, technical tors, road crews, secretaries and school custodians. and educational assistants at Sid Ryan CUPE Ontario president Sid Ryan said in a recent “One of the most heralded Durham school boards. According to its vice-presi- press release the premier should listen to municipal- vocal groups in the world!” dent, Rod King, members voted 96 per cent in favour ities, school boards and the unions are all opposed of joining provincewide strike action to protest the to the bill. “The McGuinty Liberals are getting ready legislation. A specific date has not been set for a to ram through approval of a bill that discriminates Saturday, March 4th, 2006 strike, he added. against women, lower-paid workers and pension- “A pension plan that is good for one should be ers,” said Mr. Ryan. “The requirement in the bill for a 8:00 pm at Carruthers Creek Community Church good for all,” Mr. King said. “But lower income earn- two-thirds majority vote will shackle forever CUPE’s 599 Bayly Street East, Ajax, ON ers will be receiving less.” efforts to improve benefits for these workers while Tickets $25/person plus $1.00 service charge He explained that, if the legislation passes, a per- a minority of higher-paid workers, mostly men, are son who makes $30,000 a year would receive a pen- given gold-plated pensions.” Call 1-866-808-2006 For reserved tickets or visit www.starticketing.com and www.harmonize.com/eastside for more information. Pickering’s newest contemporary dining experience CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of the 11th Annual Choirs Festival We offer urban bistro cuisine and an extensive selection of wines and spirits in a casually elegant and tastefully appointed atmosphere.