John Mutton ~ Yes! While it is a local initiative, the arts centre for Pickering would do wonderful for our economy as I am an advocate of the Ec Dev. that comes from the rise of the creative class.
As Regional Chairman, I will be pleased to allocate some Regional Revitalization funds and waive the development charges for the project as well as put forward tax free status for the arts centre.

Tom Dingwall ~ Without question, I do support the Pickering Arts Centre.
Artistic and cultural initiatives such as this provide attractive and valuable venues for active community participation and can promote a greater awareness of the artistic, social and cultural diversity that make up Durham Region’s community of communities.
In whatever ways we may differ as individuals, bringing a community together in a positive and enlightening environment strengthens our unity while supporting our differences. In a region as large and diverse as Durham, this can only make us stronger.
If I am fortunate enough to win the election for Durham Regional Chair, I look forward to the opportunity to work with the Arts and Cultural communities across Durham Region to leverage existing success stories and to find ways to strengthen Durham Region even more.

John Henry ~ Yes, I’m supportive of your effort. Should I be elected Regional Chair, I will work with the Mayors and Councils of both Pickering and Ajax, along with my Regional Council colleagues, to provide any appropriate supports which fall within the Region’s wheelhouse – and its means. Such supports at the local and/or Regional level could range from development or tax treatment considerations to other tangible or in-kind supports. While I cannot personally pledge or earmark the Region’s funds (no candidate can do this) – as a current Regional Councillor, candidate, or as a potential future Regional Chair– I am committed to assisting the PRAC, the DWAC Foundation and their stakeholders to every extent possible on this community initiative. Please extend my best wishes and appreciation to your colleagues and dedicated volunteers for their vision and ongoing efforts in our Region’s vital cultural space.
Should you have further questions or wish to speak further, please do not hesitate to contact me again.

Muhammad Ahsin Sahi ~ I support Art but I believe that not a single penny from taxpayer's money should be spent without thorough and open debate.

Dave Ryan ~ my commitment is unwavering and I believe every member of Council feels the same. You will see the Arts Center in my campaign literature.

Wesley Henry ~ Most definitely. I'm 100% committed.

Eileen Higdon ~ Absolutely the difference would be there would be a woman at the table cheering on the Pickering Arts Community.

Bill McLean ~ YES

Gary Strange ~ As Vice Chair of the Durham West Arts Centre Foundation, my passion and commitment to see a Visual and Performing Arts Centre built in downtown Pickering is unparalleled.
The opportunity to bring the arts of the world to Durham Region and the arts of Durham Region to the world in a world class facility is something that is desperately needed in West Durham. This facility would allow for our residents to not only attend performances and exhibits but also to be a community hub through arts programming, rehersal space and much needed banquet and meeting room facilities.
I became attracted to this project during the initial discussions about our Downtown Intensification and feel that this would be a signature facility that would define Pickering. I worked tirelessly with the other members of the Foundation to get a 7-0 vote by Pickering Council to support the project and up until this election was working on next steps to get the shovels in the ground to finally build what many of us have dreamed about for years.
If elected, I will continue to champion this project and thank the membership of PRAC and DWAC for their continued support and dedication to the cause!

Sari Sarieddine ~ Rest assured, I am 100% in support of an arts centre here in Pickering! I'd be more than happy to with with you and those involved to see it happen!

Tanya Foster ~ Arts in the community is one of my many passions. It isn’t just an option it’s a source of expanding on the creative abilities that we naturally possess. I will be in support to ensure the creative talents of our young and older participants are pushed to support the innovation and abilities to support of creative arts centre for Pickering.