Council Highlights

September 21, 2026 Council Highlights

Toys for Tickets and Food for Fines Holiday Program returns

The Toys for Tickets and Food for Fines program accepts toys or groceries in lieu of payment for parking tickets issued between November 23, 2026 and December 15, 2026.

The City has operated this program since 2009, and in 2025, the program brought in approximately $2,615.00 in donations, compared to the $2,190.00 in lost fine revenue.

The 2026 program will continue to benefit families in need by sharing donations with the Durham Regional Police Service Food and Toy Drive, and the Pickering Fire Services Food and Toy Drive.

Read Report BYL 03-26 for details.

Council approves Draft City Centre Transportation Master Plan in principle

The City Centre Transportation Master Plan (City Centre TMP) identifies future transportation needs and challenges within Pickering’s emerging downtown core for the 2033 and 2041 horizon years. The Plan reviews existing planned road, transit, cycling, and pedestrian networks and outlines new facilities and policies needed to serve anticipated growth in the City Centre.

The City Centre TMP was initiated in April 2022, in anticipation of significant long-term redevelopment, including new residential, commercial, office, and recreational uses. The study area generally comprises the lands bounded by Whites Road to the west, Kingston Road to the north, Bayly Street to the south, and Notion Road to the east.

All new development or redevelopment applications in the study area must demonstrate alignment with the recommendations of the City Centre TMP.

Approval in principle reflects Council’s endorsement of the City Centre TMP and the overall transportation system requirements. It does not, however, represent formal approval of any individual element of the transportation system. Further Council and government agency approvals, studies, and public consultation will be required prior to implementation of specific projects and programs.

Read Report ENG 18-26 for details.

Council receives update on the Seaton Recreation Complex & Library project

Council received a semi-annual status update on the Seaton Recreation Complex & Library (SRCL) project, in accordance with Resolution #523/24.

Since the previous update provided in March 2026, the design development phase has been completed and the project has transitioned into the contract documents phase. Two independent Class B cost estimates have been completed and reconciled to confirm alignment with the target budget, while adhering to the approved scope.

Project management support services have been retained and continue to support project delivery, cost control, and procurement planning. Staff continue to advance the required planning approvals and land acquisition activities, while preparing for contractor pre-qualification and grant funding opportunities ahead of construction procurement.

The project remains on schedule and within budget. The total project cost is currently estimated at $257 million, below the target budget of $266 million (2026 dollars).

Staff continue to monitor available provincial and federal grant funding opportunities to assist with project delivery, and will continue to focus on cost control, detailed design coordination, procurement planning, and regulatory controls while preparing the project for construction tendering in early 2027.

Read Report CAO 10-26 for details.

Council endorses Cultural Strategic Plan, Museum Strategic Plan, and Art in Public Spaces Plan

Council received and endorsed the final Cultural Strategic Plan, Museum Strategic Plan, and Art in Public Spaces Plan.

Together, these Plans are rooted in a common, unified vision to reflect Pickering’s creative identity and diverse community. They establish a coordinated cultural framework and provide a clear set of actions to guide the City’s cultural development over the next 10 years.

The development of these Plans involved a comprehensive public engagement process with residents, key stakeholders, and agency and opinion leaders from September 2025 to December 2025. Engagement included a survey, community pop-ups, public focus groups, open houses, active displays at City facilities, and a youth engagement initiative.

Read Report CS 26-26 for details.

Council endorses the commission of new public art at Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre

Council endorsed the commission of public art in the west garden of the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre, to be awarded to Polymetis Projects Inc., who received the highest juried score following the public Call to Artists.

As the key central hub for the City of Pickering, the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre serves as the cornerstone of civic identity and artistic expression.

In the design phase of the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre, the west garden was identified as an ideal location for public art, with conceptual drawings marking it has an ‘art garden.’

The proposed artwork creates a gathering space and seating for the public, and acts as an ideal backdrop for wedding photos and other celebrations.

The net project cost of $112,566.43 will be funded from the Public Art Reserve.

Read Report CS 22-26 for details.

Council received 2025 Year End Audit and Financial Statements

Council received the 2025 Year End Audit and Financial Statements from the City of Pickering’s Director, Finance & Treasurer. This is the fourth audit report in this current term of Council.

As a result of the audit, completed by Deloitte, the City achieved a clean audit report. The City’s financial position is reported to be healthy and strong, and the City is able to meet its current and future financial commitments.

Read Report FIN 13-26 for details. 

Council approves Memorandum of Understanding between City and Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

Council received a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Pickering and the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN) for the development of a Consultation Protocol that will guide engagement on future planning and development matters within the Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan area. 

• The MOU establishes the following principles for a mutually agreed upon work plan:
  MSIFN participation in the review of Terms of Reference for environmental fieldwork in the Secondary Plan area that is conducted by, or on behalf, of the City;
  
  
• MSIFN observation and participation in environmental staking for agreed upon environmental work, MESP, and archaeological fieldwork that is conducted by, or on behalf, of the City;
  
  
• Carry out an agreed scope of further study on cumulative effects for proposed development in the Secondary Plan area, which will be undertaken through the MESP; and,
  
  
• Collaboratively consider MSIFN’s input on land use and siting of infrastructure within the Secondary Plan area. 

The MOU reflects a shared commitment to strengthen the relationship between the MSIFN and the City. The City remains committed to relationship building with all First Nations people in recognition and respect of our shared responsibilities to the lands and communities we serve.

The draft Consultation Protocol is to be finalized and forwarded to Council for approval within 120 days of the execution of the MOU.

Read Report CAO 12-26 for details.

Visit pickering.ca to view the agenda and meeting minutes.