Council Highlights

April 27, 2026 Council Highlights 

Council Receives Cultural Advisory Committee Year-End Report and 2026 Work Plan 

Council received the Cultural Advisory Committee’s 2025 Year-End Report and 2026 Work Plan, highlighting the City’s continued focus on arts, culture, heritage, public art, and community storytelling. 

In 2025, the Committee provided input on several public art projects across Pickering, including commemorative installations, remembrance crosswalks, beachfront boardwalk panels, community banners, digital artwork, and future pieces planned for key civic spaces. The Committee also supported Pickering Museum Village programming, exhibits, and partnerships. 

Looking ahead, the Committee will help inform several major cultural planning initiatives, including the renewal of the Cultural Strategic Plan, Pickering Museum Village Strategic Plan, and Public Art Plan. This work supports a more connected, creative, and culturally vibrant Pickering. 

Read Correspondence 07-26 (page 101) for details. 

Council Supports Business Continuity Ahead of the 2026 Municipal Election 

Council approved a By-law to support business continuity should Council enter a “lame duck” period during the 2026 Municipal Election. 

This is a standard municipal governance measure that ensures the City can continue to respond to time-sensitive operational needs during the election period, if certain Council decision-making authorities become temporarily restricted under the Municipal Act. 

The delegated authority would only take effect if required and includes reporting back to Council, ensuring transparency and accountability while supporting uninterrupted service delivery for residents. 

Read Report CLK 03-26 for details.

Council Advances New Neighbourhood Park in Claremont 

Council approved a Park Construction Agreement with Claremont Developments Inc. to support the construction of Forsyth Park, a new neighbourhood park that will serve the Clarehaven Estates subdivision and the broader Claremont/Pickering community. 

The future park will include a soccer pitch, farm-themed playground, multi-use sport court, gazebo with amphitheatre-style seating, shade structures, and lit walking paths. The park will also reflect the heritage of the former Forsyth farmstead through interpretive features, including reused barn beams, public art, and plaques sharing the history of the site and village. 

This project supports Pickering’s continued investment in complete, connected communities by creating new outdoor spaces where residents can gather, play, stay active, and connect with local history. 

Read Report ENG 03-26 for details.

Council Advances Dave Ryan Community Park in Seaton 

Council approved a Park Construction Agreement with Mattamy (Seaton) Limited to support the design and construction of Dave Ryan Community Park, a major new community park planned for the growing Seaton neighbourhood. 

Located near Alexander Knox Road and Mulberry Lane, the park will include a lit soccer pitch, lit ball diamond, tennis and pickleball courts, playground, splash pad, basketball area, comfort station, and on-site parking. 

The project reflects Pickering’s continued investment in complete, well-serviced communities by delivering new recreation amenities that support active living, outdoor play, and community connection as Seaton continues to grow. 

Read Report ENG 04-26 for details.

Council Awards Contract for Pike Court Storm Sewer Works 

Council approved the contract award for storm sewer improvements on Pike Court, supporting better stormwater management and long-term servicing in the area. 

The work includes installing a rear-yard catch basin and connecting it to the existing storm sewer system on Rosebank Road. Once complete, the project will help address local flooding concerns, support future residential development, and improve access for ongoing maintenance. 

This investment reflects the City’s continued focus on responsible infrastructure planning and delivering practical improvements that support safe, well-serviced neighbourhoods. 

Read Report INF 05-26 for details.

Council Receives Update on Environmental Schools Grant 

Council received an update on the City’s 2025 Environmental Schools Grant, which supported hands-on environmental learning and sustainability projects in Pickering schools. 

Through the grant, eight schools across the Durham District School Board, Durham Catholic District School Board, and Viamonde School Board received funding to deliver student-led initiatives such as pollinator gardens, active transportation campaigns, outdoor learning spaces, and environmental education activities. 

The program gives students meaningful opportunities to take local climate and sustainability action while strengthening partnerships between the City, school boards, educators, and young residents. 

Read Report SUS 01-26 for details.

Council Advances Neighbourhood-Scale Commercial Development in Seaton 

Council approved Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments to support a future retail-commercial plaza in Seaton, located south of Taunton Road between Burkholder Drive and Peter Matthews Drive. 

The proposed development would introduce neighbourhood-serving commercial uses such as a grocery store, pharmacy, daycare, restaurants, and personal services, helping bring more everyday amenities closer to residents in one of Pickering’s growing communities. 

The amendments allow the site design to better respond to access, grading, and development conditions while maintaining pedestrian connections through internal walkways, landscaping, street connections, and links to the multi-use trail. 

This project supports the continued build-out of Seaton as a complete, connected community where residents can access more services, shops, and gathering spaces close to home. 

Read Report PLN 05-26 for details. 

Council Advances Major Mixed-Use Development at Brock Road and Pickering Parkway 

Council approved Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments to support a major mixed-use development at 1755 Pickering Parkway, near Brock Road and Highway 401. 

The revised proposal would transform an underutilized commercial site into a phased, high-density community with new housing, commercial and office space, public parkland, and a more connected internal road network. The plan also includes affordable housing units, family-sized units, and the potential for a future urban-format school, if required by the school boards. 

The updated concept responds to feedback from City staff, agencies, and the public, with reduced building heights, fewer residential units, increased parkland, and improved parking and road design. 

This project supports Pickering’s long-term growth by advancing intensification in a key urban area, creating more housing choice, and helping build a more connected, transit-supportive community. 

Read Report PLN 07-26 for details.

Council Strengthens Project Oversight for Seaton Recreation Complex & Library 

Council approved retaining Colliers Project Leaders Inc. to provide project management support for the Seaton Recreation Complex & Library, one of Pickering’s largest and most significant community infrastructure projects. 

The facility is currently in the design development phase, with tendering anticipated in 2027. External project management support will help supplement internal resources, provide additional cost oversight, support independent review, and identify efficiencies as the project moves through design and construction planning. 

This step reflects the City’s commitment to responsible project delivery, strong financial stewardship, and advancing a major community facility that will serve Seaton and the broader Pickering community for generations. 

Read Report CS 10-26 for details. 

Council Approves 2026 Tax Rates and Final Due Dates 

Council approved the 2026 tax rates and final property tax due dates, allowing the City to issue final tax bills and collect the funds needed to support municipal services, regional services, and education. 

The City’s approved 2026 Budget results in a 1.06 per cent increase on the City’s share of the average residential property tax bill. When combined with the Region of Durham and school board portions, the total average residential property tax bill increase is 3.81 per cent. 

Final property tax instalments will be due on June 25 and September 25, 2026. The City will share due date reminders through its website, social media, and other communication channels to help residents stay informed. 

Read Report FIN 04-26 for details.

Council Invests in Road Resurfacing Across Pickering 

Council awarded the contract for asphalt resurfacing on various City streets, advancing planned road improvements through the City’s 2026 Capital Budget. 

The work includes resurfacing across multiple neighbourhood streets, along with related road upgrades where needed. These improvements will help extend the life of local roads, support safer travel, and maintain reliable infrastructure for residents, businesses, and visitors. 

This investment reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to responsible asset management and keeping Pickering’s road network safe, connected, and well maintained. 

Read Report INF 07-26 for details.

Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan to Return at Special Council Meeting 

The Recommendation Report for the Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan will now be considered at a Special Council Meeting on May 20, 2026. 

While the report was originally expected to return to the April 27 Council Meeting, it has been rescheduled pursuant to Mayoral Decision #11-2026. As a result, no decision on the Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan was made at the April 27 meeting. 

This timing ensures the matter is considered through a dedicated meeting focused on one of Pickering’s most significant long-term planning areas. 

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

View official Meeting Agenda and Minutes at events.pickering.ca/council