News and Announcements

July 3, 2024 - “Together, we have retained Borden Ladner Gervais LLP to undertake a confidential non-binding Request for Proposal (RFP) to explore the potential sale of our municipally-owned holdings in Elexicon Corporation. As the electricity landscape continues to evolve and transform, we believe the time is right to assess our role in the sector and explore the financial value of our investment in a competitive manner. This is a responsible step to ensure we secure optimum value of our investment for our long-term financial objectives and needs. Once the RFP process is complete, the City and Town will provide an update on any next steps.”

November 14, 2023 - The City of Pickering had recently submitted two proposals to purchase Frenchman’s Bay and related land holdings from the Pickering Harbour Company, which were ultimately rejected by the seller.

With the hope of returning Frenchman’s Bay to the public realm, the City attempted to purchase 174.7 acres of Pickering Harbour Company’s water and land holdings at the foot of Liverpool Road.  When this was rejected, the City submitted a second unsuccessful proposal to acquire only the Bay itself (the submerged real estate).

October 23, 2023 - Pickering Museum Village has been recognized Provincially by the Ontario Museum Association (OMA) as one of this year’s Awards of Excellence 2023 recipients. The Greenwood Blacksmith Shop has received an Honourable Mention for the OMA Award of Excellence in Exhibitions.

The OMA Committee members were particularly impressed with the way Pickering Museum Village used the need for structural repair as an opportunity to create an engaging and interactive space.

September 29, 2023 - I would like to address the recent comments by Councillor Robinson, made on her social media and during media interviews, where she referred to herself as a "modern-day slave”.

To provide context, Councillor Robinson was investigated by the City of Pickering’s Integrity Commissioner for breaching the Council Code of Conduct. Specifically, her use of cyberbullying and intimidation tactics on residents was found to violate our ethical standards. Pickering Council subsequently adopted the Integrity Commissioner's findings and recommendations, which included suspending Councillor Robinson’s pay for 30 days.

September 21, 2023 - Today, Premier Ford announced the reversal of the Provincial Government's plan to open up the Greenbelt lands for housing development, including the lands in our hamlet of Cherrywood.

First and foremost, I want to emphasize that the City of Pickering will abide by the wishes of the Provincial Government, as we have consistently demonstrated throughout. The Government’s decisions reflect the broader interests of our province and its people, and we respect the direction it has chosen to take in this matter.

September 20, 2023 - The “1 Million March 4 Children”, taking place today throughout the country, has raised many questions and concerns within our community.  Current plans for anti-2SLGBTQIA+ demonstrations at Esplanade Park and City Hall have garnered support from a segment of our residents as well as some far-right hate organizations.

It is important to shed light on the impacts of these nationwide protests. While the campaign claims to advocate for children's rights, its underlying objective is the elimination of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) curriculum and policies, which play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and educating youth about diversity, respect, and acceptance.

August 11, 2023 - The City of Pickering was proud to mark the important economic and community benefits of being a host gaming site through a cheque presentation at today’s opener of the Pickering Food Truck Festival.

Since Pickering Casino Resort opened in July 2021, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has issued non-tax gaming revenue payments, totaling $24,484,059 (up to March 31, 2023), to the City of Pickering for hosting the facility, as part of its Municipal Contribution Agreement with Ontario Lottery Gaming Corporation (OLG).

August 11, 2023 - “The Auditor General’s Report on the Government of Ontario’s site selection process has raised a number of concerns that I share with my Colleagues on Council as well as many residents who have contacted our offices.

While it is encouraging that the Province will accept and implement almost all of the recommendations made in the Auditor General’s Report, it has made it clear that development on Pickering lands will proceed. With this decision being imposed on us, we will vigorously fight for our city’s best interests."

June 16, 2023 - “Today, the Government of Ontario expanded strong mayor powers to 26 of the province’s large and fast-growing municipalities, including the City of Pickering and all of Durham’s lakeshore municipalities, in order to meet its target of building 1.5 million new homes by 2031.

The diverse housing needs of individual municipalities call for tailored tools and approaches, and the granting of strong mayor powers will empower us to achieve our new housing targets. I understand the responsibility that comes with this authority.  I am committed to transparent and inclusive decision-making, and actively seeking input from all stakeholders prior to exercising these new powers."