City of Pickering creates Office of Sustainability The City of Pickering is one of the first municipalities in the Province of Ontario to establish an "Office of Sustainability." In announcing the Office, Thomas J. Quinn, Pickering's Chief Administrative Officer stated: "By creating an Office of Sustainability, we are sending a strong and clear message that the City is making a long-term commitment to sustainability. Pickering is about to enter a very significant growth period and the creation of this Office is very timely. It represents an important next step in our Sustainable Pickering journey." Pickering's Office of Sustainability was created through a municipal restructuring of the City's Corporate Projects & Policy Division. The Director of the Office, Tom Melymuk holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Studies and is a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners. In commenting on the creation of new Office Mr. Melymuk explained: "One of the responsibilities of the Office of Sustainability is to ensure Pickering grows in an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable manner. The Office will actively seek out and promote new development that supports the City's sustainability objectives. Our role is to provide leadership and support, and work in partnership with our residents, businesses, institutions, and the development industry on practical programs and initiatives that make us a more sustainable City." Working collaboratively with others, the Office of Sustainability is engaged in a broad range of sustainability initiatives, including the implementation of a municipal greenhouse gas reduction plan, the preparation of Sustainable Neighbourhood Planning Guidelines, the development of Sustainable Pickering indicators and targets, a Downtown Pickering Intensification Study, and the detailed planning and development of Seaton - a sustainable urban community in Central Pickering planned for 70,000 people and 35,000 jobs. The Office of Sustainability is also responsible for the operation of the City's economic development program, City marketing and promotions, film liaison, tourism and the corporate websites. The Office works closely with the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade, the Region of Durham, the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance, the Durham Strategic Energy Alliance and others to promote Pickering as one of the most sustainable and desirable places in the country to live, work, play and invest. Pickering's Office of Sustainability reports directly to the City's Chief Administrative Officer. The Office includes the following staff: · Tom Melymuk, Director, Office of
Sustainability Information related to the City's Sustainable Pickering program can also be found at sustainablepickering.com - 30 -
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