Regional Councillor Report

Submitted by: Colleen Jordan, Regional Councillor Wards 3 & 4

Date: Dec. 13, 2010

Inaugural Regional Council Meeting – Dec. 8, 2010

At the inaugural Regional Council meeting for the 2010 to 2014 term, Councillor’s recited the oath of office and assumed their positions. The first order of business was the selection of the Regional Chairperson. Roger Anderson was appointed on a vote of 22 to 6. The other candidates were John Mutton, who received four votes and Louis Bertrand who received two. Mayor Parish and Regional Councillor Jordan supported Chair Anderson. Councillor Collier supported John Mutton.

Chair Anderson’s address provided commitments to proceed with introducing bylaws so that in 2014 the Regional Chair will be selected by the voters of Durham Region. A commitment was also made to review the regional representation of the 28 member Council. Chair Anderson expressed his optimism that a resolution could be arrived that would also be satisfactory to all municipalities in reference to Regional Official Plan 128 amendment and the Region’s appeal regarding areas of growth such as lands in North East Pickering. Transit was also highlighted as a continued key area of focus for this new council.

Board and Committee Appointments also took place during the inaugural meeting. Durham Regional Police Services Board appointments include Regional Chair Roger Anderson and John Henry, Mayor of Oshawa and Bill McLean, Regional Councillor, City of Pickering. Regional Councillors were then selected as Chairs of the four Standing Committees; Gerry Lynn O’Connor, Mayor of Uxbridge, Chair of Planning; Larry O’Connor, Mayor of Brock, Chair Health and Social Services; Nestor Pidwerbicki, Regional Councillor, Regional Councillor, City of Oshawa, Chair of Works; and Don Mitchell, Regional Councillor, Town of Whitby, Chair of Finance.

Ajax Councillors were placed on the following Committees; Mayor Parish - Health and Social Services; Regional Councillor Collier – Finance & Administration; and Regional Councillor Jordan - Works.