City of Pickering Recognized as an Ontario Age-Friendly Community

Pickering, ON, March 18, 2026 – The City of Pickering is pleased to announce that it has received official recognition as an Ontario Age-Friendly Community, reaffirming its commitment to creating an inclusive, accessible, and supportive city for residents of all ages.

The Ontario Age-Friendly Community Recognition Program acknowledges municipalities that demonstrate leadership through policies, programs, and services that promote healthy, active aging and enhance the quality of life for older adults.

“Being recognized as an Ontario Age-Friendly Community is a meaningful milestone for Pickering,” said Mayor Kevin Ashe. “This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring that older adults feel connected, supported, and valued in our community. I want to thank our staff, partners, and volunteers for their leadership and dedication in advancing programs and services that help residents of all ages live healthy, engaged, and fulfilling lives here in Pickering.”

Pickering’s age-friendly efforts are guided by the Community Services, Recreation Programs team, in collaboration with the 55+ Recreation Committee. Together, they engage older adults, community organizations, and key stakeholders to identify priorities, and shape initiatives that address areas such as transportation, outdoor spaces, housing, social participation, community support, and access to information and services.

The City’s commitment is reflected in a wide range of committee-supported programs, events, and grants that promote active living and social connection. These include the Aging Well Together & Active Living Fair, which welcomes more than 300 residents, the Senior of the Year Award, and signature events such as Big Band Dances and the annual Poinsettia Tea. Pickering has also expanded its Seniors Active Living Centres (SALC) to three locations, increasing access to recreation, wellness, and social programming, and supports community-led initiatives through the Seniors Community Grant – Spotlight Series and Sneak Peeks.

Additional partnerships, including OACAO’s Links2Wellbeing Social Prescribing and the New Horizons for Seniors Grant - Plot to Plate initiative, further support wellness, learning, and community connection among older adults.

These efforts align with the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Communities framework and support the City’s broader goals of inclusion, equity, and community well-being. The City remains committed to advancing age-friendly initiatives to ensure Pickering continues to be a welcoming and livable community for all.

For more information about Pickering’s age-friendly programs, workshops, and events, visit pickering.ca/adults55plus.