City of Pickering extends closures and cancellations to May

Update #6

Pickering, ON, March 27, 2020 – As part of its ongoing efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, the City of Pickering will be extending its closure of all facilities and suspending public meetings and open houses until May 3, 2020.

Closures include Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, Pickering Animal Shelter, Pickering Museum Village, community centres, arenas, and off-leash dog parks. In addition, all playground structures and park amenities including basketball courts, tennis courts, sports fields, gazebos, splash pads, skateboard parks, and park parking lots will also be closed.

While closed to the public, Pickering City Hall and the Operations Centre remain minimally staffed to ensure the continued delivery of essential and critical services. All Pickering Public Library branches remain closed, but virtual services can be accessed at picnet.org/digitallibrary.

Spring leisure programs (including aquatics, fitness, and leisure programs) have been cancelled, and registration for summer 2020 is on hold until further notice. All Pickering Public Library in-house programs have been cancelled until May 31, 2020.

Permits for private events at City facilities, including Library rooms, will be cancelled until May 3, 2020, and refunds will be issued. Permits for sports fields are suspended until May 25, 2020, and no permits for the Summer Ice Program will be issued until further notice.

Additionally, the following City and community-organized events have also been cancelled: Petapolooza, Artfest, Whitevale Spring Festival, Easter Parade, D-Day Ceremony & Parade, Ajax-Pickering Rotary Ribfest, Pickering Dragon Boat Festival, and the Adobo Festival.

Visit pickering.ca/covid19 for a complete and detailed list of impacted areas. For general inquiries, contact the Customer Care Centre at 905.683.7575, pickering.ca/livechat, or customercare@pickering.ca. 

Quote:

“Pickering has been previously recognized as one of the very best places in Canada to raise a family. This is due in large part to our award-winning facilities, events, and programs. However, in this time of crisis, we are enacting unprecedented measures to protect our community and its most vulnerable members. With the support of our residents, businesses, and community groups, we will get through this together.  Please do your part. Stay home. Be safe. And God bless.”

- Deputy Mayor, Kevin Ashe

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As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 94,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet. An award-winning municipality, Pickering is slated for significant economic and residential growth; offering an unparalleled quality of life for those who live, work, and play here. Its dynamic City Centre has been designated by the Province of Ontario as both an Urban Growth Centre and Mobility Hub, and continues to evolve as a preferred destination for creative learning, memorable events, and unique experiences at the heart of a vibrant, connected, and engaged community.

Media Contact: 

Mark Guinto
Manager, Public Affairs & Corporate Communications | Office of the Mayor
905.420.4660 ext. 2013  |  1.866.683.2760
mguinto@pickering.ca