GUEST SPEAKER: JOHN HENRY – CHAIR – DURHAM REGION
Dave A introduced John Henry, and thanked John for everything he does for our Rotary Club (buys a ticket to the Revers draw tonight, offered a door prize and a silent auction ite, comes to Kids Against Hunger, Kids Safety Village, Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup at the Second Marsh, and so much more) and for the other 10 Rotary Clubs in Durham Region.
As a Rotarian, John knows what Service means and he thanked dour Rotary Club for all of services that we do for our community and for the world.
He noted that 2024 is a big year: Oshawa is 100 years old as a City, Durham Region is 50 years old, and Rotary has been in oshawa long before Oshawa became a city.
Durham Region is the fastest grow area of Canada. When he took office Durham region had 680,000 residents. Today is it over 745,000 and by 2051 the population will double from what it is today.
Huge growth comes with lots of challenges: increase in demand of services: water, police, health, just to name a few
Durham Rgeion is the energy capital of Canada, particularly with the 2 nuclear palts in the region and the creation of the small modular reactor being constructed in Calrington. (see: https://www.opg.com/projects-services/projects/nuclear/smr/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAh8OtBhCQARIsAIkWb68F6YnuJ_FqyCTJ5UuPrXBizIRH5GkPdZK4mmsEbFGRCY08vNNhRQoaAvkkEALw_wcB). By the end of January, there will be an announcement that will see abount 2,500 jobs per year being created for the next 30 years.
He notes that when you call Durham Region, by calling 311 (opne 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week), you will get directly to the answers you seek.
He reminded everyone to check out the waste app that lets you know what gets picked up every single week at your home.
He notyed that Durham region is one of the most int6ellegent communities in canada with the advent of AI (Artificial intelligence). For example, all Region vehicles have sensors that detect potholes. That info goes back to the works dept and the pothole repair is on the next work order.
Durham Region, manages its tax dolars well . With all of its expanded services that go along with the expanded population, still has a AAA credit rating . They have already held tow hall meetings concerning this year’s budget.
John noted the provincial and federal governments’ two Bills 23 and 134 and the pressures it is putting on the Region, conceivably $800 million in development charges over the next 10 years. (see: https://www.durhamregion.com/news/clarington-pickering-durham-region-prepare-for-multimillion-dollar-losses-from-bill-23/article_0b8926bc-271c-5f63-ad73-523c640b5d7a.html)
One challenge facing Durham region is the influz of assylum seekers and refugees, primarily from Ukraine and Afghanistan (1,000 in 2023). He noted that 700 have been permanently housed and 360 are in hotels. No help from the federal government. All on the municipalities. But we are managing, he said.
John is pleased wth the region’s Shop In Durham campaign (https://www.durham.ca/en/tourism/shop-where-you-live-toolkit.aspx ). Durham rgeion has one of the largest wheat growers and one of the largets apple growrers in Canada.
Robotics in the agriculture industry is in Durma in the milking and egg producing industries.
He noted that Durham Region has 6,000 employees.
World leading companies keep coming to Durham Region (to the Northwood Business Park – see: also https://nationalpost.com/sponsored/business-sponsored/oshawas-many-strengths-are-fueling-interest-in-northwood-business-park) with companies like Martin Brower that distribute eveything to McDonald’s Canada from right here in Durham Region, and Lactalis Canada, the company behind iconic brands such as Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro and Lactantia (see: https://www.insauga.com/global-cheese-giant-chooses-oshawas-northwood-business-park-for-new-distribution-centre/ ).
Over 2,500 jobs coming to OPG as it moves its headquartere sot the old GM Headquarters on Col Sam Drive.
He also noted GM’s rise in vehicle production and innovation. Durham College has the only elevator and escalator service course in Canada and their agriculture garden is first class.
He also commented on the region’s wastewater testing for Covid, the Sunnycrest project, Ritson Road School and the GO Train expansion (which has all government and regional approval) , the Rgeion’s 10 year palns for paramedics. Police, and he commented on the warming station set up for the homeless in the lower level of regional headquarters.
Bob Stewart thanked our speaker, John Henry.
President Linda adjourned the meeting.
REMINDER: from Ted – Announcing our newest fundraiser – Maple Syrup Sales. Start your pre-ordering now. Get your orders ready for delivery in late March 2024. Our Club logo on every bottle (750 ml) . Sell for $20 per bottle. Gift Certificates are now available . Great Christmas Gifts. See Ted. All certificates are $20.
REMINDER: 2024 Reverse Draw, Dinner and Silent Auction at the Courtyard by Marriott – May 9, 2024!!
TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!!! Dave A now has tickets for this year’s REVERSE DRAW on May 9. Tickets are $150. He asked everyone to think about possible sponsors too. Get your tickets from Dave. List of last year’s buyers and sellers distributed last week. Great reminder. Ted M encouraged everyone to be on the lookout for high quality silent auction items. The goal is 60 again this year. The average price of an item should be $100. Try and get experiences rather than things if possible
IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT, MAKE UP: Go online at www.rotary.org go to the club locator and find a club or clubs near your destination. Or you can add the free App Rotary Club Locator to your phone for instant look up of any club in the world. Please mail or fax your make-ups to Secretary Sue MacKinnon, or give your make-up card to the attendance/registration officer at the next club meeting.