City of Pickering advances landmark City Centre Park design

New downtown destination will bring year-round activity, public space, and community life to the heart of Pickering

Pickering, ON, May 26, 2026 – The City of Pickering has endorsed the final design concept for City Centre Park, a major step in transforming Pickering’s downtown into a vibrant, connected, and people-focused destination.

Approved by Council at its May 25th meeting, the preferred design sets the vision for a landmark public space where nature, culture, recreation, and community life come together in the heart of the City Centre.

Once complete, the park will serve as a year-round gathering place for residents, visitors, businesses, and community partners, supporting Pickering’s long-term vision for a more inclusive, connected, caring, and prosperous city.

“Downtowns play a vital role in the economic and social life of cities. They are places where people gather, celebrate, connect, shop, work, and experience the identity of a community,” said Mayor Kevin Ashe. “City Centre Park is a key investment in that future, creating a stronger sense of place and supporting Pickering’s continued growth as a dynamic urban centre, and we are especially proud that our residents helped shape its innovative and exciting design.”

Public input was a high priority for Mayor and Council, and staff reviewed all feedback to develop a final design that combines the strongest elements from three earlier concepts, ensuring this signature public space will reflect the community’s key priorities.

The design includes a large central gathering and event space, a summer misting feature, a winter skating rink and skating trails, winding pathways, shaded seating areas, perimeter planting, lawn spaces, and a public art plaza visible from the street. Together, these features will create a flexible public space for major events, everyday use, and all-season community life, while reflecting Pickering’s proximity to the Oak Ridges Moraine and larger ecological systems.

MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects Ltd. will now proceed with the design development phase. This next stage will include presentations to the Community Safety & Well-Being Advisory Committee, the Accessibility Advisory Committee, and the Cultural Advisory Committee for further input on the Council-endorsed concept.

Subject to 2027 budget approval, the project is anticipated to be tendered in spring 2027, with construction expected to begin in summer 2027. Construction of the park features is expected to take approximately 12 months.

Once complete, City Centre Park will become a signature downtown destination and a lasting investment in Pickering’s quality of life.

Read Report ENG 08-26 for details. 

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As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 118,000) 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.