Council Meeting Highlights: June 23, 2025

Heritage Pickering Advisory Committee Shares 2024 Year-End Report and 2025 Work Plan 

The Committee’s 2024 year-end report included items like evaluating various proposed designations under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, as well as demolition requests.  

Members also completed a number of heritage components for various initiatives, like a Cultural Heritage Report for the development of the Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan and language for a commemorative plaque.  

In 2025, the Committee will continue to review and provide recommendations on heritage permit applications for individually designated properties and those within the Whitevale Heritage Conservation District.  

Read Corr. 28-25, page 107 for details.  

Staff provide Pickering Heritage & Community Centre Project Update (Milestone Report #3) 

 Construction of the Pickering Heritage & Community Centre is now more than halfway complete. Key structural elements, including foundations, steel framework, floor slabs, and roof decks, are finished. Roofing and exterior wall work is well underway, with curtain wall installation set to begin in June 2025. The old site administration building will be demolished in fall 2025. 

Located at 2365 6th Concession Road, the 44,000 square-foot facility is on track to open in spring 2026. Once complete, it will feature: 

 Read Report CAO 10-25 for details.  

Council Approves Designs for Two “Lest We Forget” Remembrance Crosswalks 

Council has approved the public art designs for two new remembrance-themed crosswalks. Staff worked closely with Royal Canadian Legion Branches #606 and #483, who participated on the Public Art Jury to help select the final artist in March 2025. 

The crosswalks will be installed at: 

An official unveiling is planned for fall 2025 at both locations. 

Read Report CS 11-25 for details.  

City Renews Licence Agreements for Community Centres in Northern Pickering 

The City is renewing key licence agreements to continue supporting community events, arts programming, and private rentals at several northern facilities. 

Council Approves Road Servicing Agreement to Support Nuclear Refurbishment Project 

Council has approved a Road Servicing Agreement with Ontario Power Generation Inc. (OPG) in support of the upcoming refurbishment of Units 5 to 8 at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station - a major infrastructure project scheduled to begin in early 2027 and run through 2034. 

To ensure safe and efficient access for construction vehicles, trades, and staff, OPG requires upgrades to surrounding roads. The agreement includes: 

To meet OPG’s project timeline, base asphalt must be in place by the end of 2026. As a result, the City’s planned full reconstruction of Sandy Beach Road will be postponed by 8 to 10 years. While this delay defers certain long-term improvements, the interim upgrades will support one of Canada’s most significant clean energy infrastructure projects, which is expected to generate substantial economic and environmental benefits for the region. 

Read Report ENG 12-25 for details.  

2024 Sustainable Year-In Review Showcases Environmental Progress 

Staff presented the 2024 Sustainable Year-In Review, highlighting the City’s ongoing efforts to advance environmental sustainability. The report outlines key achievements in areas such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, natural environment enhancements, sustainable development, and community engagement. 

It also celebrates the valuable contributions of local organizations, volunteers, and residents who played a role in driving positive environmental action across Pickering. 

Read Report SUS 04-24 for details.  

Staff provide update on Northeast Pickering Secondary Plan 

Staff shared an update on the Northeast Pickering (NEP) Secondary Plan, including the presentation of a Preferred Land Use Plan prepared by SGL Planning & Design Inc. 

The Preferred Plan is a hybrid of three previously developed land use concepts, shaped by technical analysis and community feedback. Rather than selecting one concept over another, the final plan combines elements from all three to reflect a balanced, long-term vision. 

The NEP Secondary Plan will guide the future development of approximately 1,600 hectares, aiming to create a complete, sustainable live-work community with new residential and employment opportunities. The area is generally bounded by Highway 7/Sixth Concession Road (south), Lake Ridge Road (east), Eighth Concession Road (north), and Westney Road (west), with Highway 407 running through its southern portion. 

Read Report PLN 13-25 for details.  

Staff Report on Regulating Short-Term Rentals 

This matter was deferred to the September 29, 2025 Council Meeting Agenda. 

Staff presented a report on the feasibility of regulating short-term rentals (STRs) in Pickering.   

There are two elements to short term rental regulation: zoning and licensing. The City has addressed the zoning component through its new Consolidated Zoning By-law No. 8149/24, which now includes specific provisions for STRs. These provisions can be enforced alongside existing by-laws related to property standards, noise, nuisances, and parking. 

Staff have also reviewed the potential for a licensing program.  

Read Report BYL 01-25 for details.  

Staff present 2024 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report 

Staff presented the 2024 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Annual Report, highlighting key achievements under the City’s EDI Strategy. The strategy focuses on five core areas: 

1. Education and Awareness 
2. Structure and Resources 
3. Community Consultation and Engagement 
4. Policies, Programs, and Practices 
5. Measurement and Accountability 

These events reflect the City’s ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable community. 

Read Report CAO 09-25 for details.  

Staff present 2024 Community Safety & Well-Being Annual Report 

Staff shared the 2024 Annual Report on the City’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, which is built around seven priority areas and 60 action items aimed at fostering a safer, more inclusive, and connected community. 

Key highlights from the past year include: 

Read Report CAO 10-25 for details.  

Pickering Secures $1 Million Naming Rights Agreement 

Council has approved a $1 million, 15-year naming rights agreement for the Pickering Heritage & Community Centre, which will now be known as the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre. 

The agreement includes prominent exterior signage, a dedicated Dorsay-branded meeting room, and interior recognition within the facility. 

Read Report ECD 05-25 for details.  

Council Approves New Pickleball Courts at Diana, Princess of Wales Park 

Council has approved the construction of six dedicated outdoor pickleball courts at Diana, Princess of Wales Park. The project, funded through the 2024 and 2025 Capital Budgets, has received necessary planning approvals, including conditional clearance from Hydro One Networks Inc. and Infrastructure Ontario. 

The location was selected for its convenient access, nearby gravel parking, and appropriate distance from residential areas. 

Read Report ENG 14-25 for details.  

City to Launch Shared EScooter Pilot Program 

The City of Pickering is launching a shared e-scooter Pilot Program to introduce an additional mobility option by giving residents and visitors a new, convenient way to get around.