Contacts
Placemaking encourages the creation of quality spaces in collaboration with the residents of Pickering.
Winter Window Painting |
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Fall Fling Photo Frame |
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Occasion of Significance |
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Our community recognizes many occasions of significance in the Winter months, such as, Chanukah, Diwali, and Kwanzaa, among many others. The City is committed to creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive community, and strives to foster a sense of belonging, empowerment, and respect among all community members through recognition of these occasions. As such, Pickering is providing display space for occasions of significance to be recognized at Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex from November 1 to January 31.
If you or your group is interested in showcasing your Occasion of Significance, please complete this form.
 Diwali is a festival that marks new beginnings and celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It is celebrated in India and other countries by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains.
Chanukah is a holiday celebrated by Jewish people to mark the time when a lamp that should have only burned for one day stayed lit for seven whole days. Every night during Chanukah, a candle is lit in a special candle-holder called a menorah.
In the Scottish tradition of Hogmanay, the first person to enter a household after ringing in the New Year is called the “first-footer”. This person brings gifts with them and is said to bring good fortune to the others in the house.
Kwanzaa, originating in the U.S. in 1966, is meaningful for many Canadians of African descent. Celebrated from December 26 to January 1, this week-long observance emphasizes seven principles, fostering family and community bonds through candle lighting, gift exchanges, and shared meals. In Durham Region, the Durham Family and Cultural Centre (DFCC) is instrumental in demystifying Kwanzaa, promoting inclusivity, and breaking stereotypes in the growing Black population. Hosting Kwanzaa celebrations in Pickering, DFCC aims to enhance cultural awareness and understanding across races, empowering youth to become leaders for social justice. Despite not being an official holiday in Canada, Kwanzaa holds great significance, allowing people to celebrate African heritage, connect with their roots, and promote unity and community building. Let's appreciate the beauty and values of Kwanzaa as it brings people together in a special way.
Red poinsettias, a traditional Christmas flower worldwide, belong to the Euphorbiaceae family. Originally discovered near Taxco, Mexico, they grow into large shrubs. The ancient Aztec Indians called it cuetlaxochitl, symbolizing purity. Aztecs used it for various purposes, including as a symbol for warriors and to make dye and medicine. Spanish Franciscan priests later incorporated poinsettias into holiday celebrations in the 17th century. Introduced to the U.S. by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, in 1825, poinsettias became popular. Today, these vibrant plants are a staple in holiday scenes.
Tamil Heritage Month, officially recognized by the Canadian Government and celebrated in January, showcases the enduring contributions of the Tamil diaspora to Canada's multicultural fabric. Organized by the Canadian Tamil Congress Pickering Chapter, the event highlights Tamil culture, history, language, and traditions. Residents of Pickering, regardless of background, come together to appreciate and learn about the diverse heritage of Tamil Canadians, fostering unity and understanding. The celebration includes cultural performances, traditional food, and promotes multicultural understanding. In Pickering, with a significant Tamil population, the event contributes to cultural integration, provides educational opportunities, and fosters community engagement, aligning with Canada's multicultural ethos. This celebration enriches the entire population by promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.
The winter solstice celebration is one of the oldest celebrations in the world. Many cultures have their own way of celebrating, and it’s not always in December! In the Southern Hemisphere, the shortest day of the year and the winter season is in June. The Incan Empire had a large celebration around June 24 called the Festival of the Sun (in Quechua, it’s ‘Inti Raymi’) where they welcomed the new year. |
The Anne and Maud Murals |
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The City of Pickering is celebrating the iconic Canadian Author Lucy Maud Montgomery and her many connections to the Durham Region. Two original murals have been created by artist Meegan Lim thanks to a Government of Canada investment through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) as part of the Tourism Relief Fund. About the artworkThe Culture and Community Programming Team in collaboration with Pickering Public Library, has developed two original murals celebrating the Anne and Maud Tourism experience which marks the partnership between the City of Pickering with the Township of Uxbridge, home of Lucy Maud. The mural illustrations reflect the Anne and Maud tourism route programs inspired by Anne of Green Gables featured at Pickering Museum Village. The murals highlight Pickering Library activations centered around the novels. They also commemorate the Pickering Museum Village as the filming location for many movies and television shows about the Anne of Green Gables books. These Murals are AnimatedArtist Meegan Lim has produced Augmented Reality (AR) Animations to accompany her Anne and Maud Mural artwork located on the south exterior wall of the Central Library, and on the exterior wall of the Conservator Building located at the Pickering Museum Village. The animations will be available for 12 months (January 2023 – December 2023) and can be viewed by downloading the free Artivive app onto your mobile device (follow the instructions below). The creation of the AR animations also received funding through FedDev Ontario.
Step 2: Open the App and point the camera at the artwork with the icon. Step 3: Animate the artwork to view this AR experience. Mural 1 - Anne and Maud Experience at the Pickering Museum Village
Mural 2 - Anne and Maud Experience at the Pickering Library
Anne and Maud Experience backgroundThe Anne & Maud Experience was launched in June 2021 as part of the Cultural Tourism Initiative. This experience gave fans of Anne and Lucy Maud Montgomery opportunities to explore various events, and discover Anne and Lucy-inspired food options around the region where some of the later Anne Shirley novels were written. The Anne and Maud initiative also gained an agreement with the Heirs of L.M. Montgomery Inc. for 'Anne of Green Gables' and 'L.M. Montgomery' trademark rights. It inspired the creation of the Lucy Maud Montgomery Driving Trail and podcast in Uxbridge and the Anne chronicles podcasts in Pickering. To know more about the initiative, please visit https://yorkdurhamheadwaters.ca/anne-maud/ About the artistMeegan Lim (she/her) is an illustrator and emerging arts facilitator based in Brampton & Toronto. She is known for her detailed illustrations focusing on food and cultural identity, and the vast stories that exist within those intersections. She aims to create art that is inviting in its aesthetic, thoughtful in its research, and illuminating with its subject matter. Artist website: www.meeganlim.com
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Step 1: Scan the QR Code to download the free Artivive App on your mobile device.
