Council Meeting Highlights: November 24, 2025

Staff Present the 2025 Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act Compliance Report

Council authorized staff to submit Pickering’s 2025 Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Compliance Report to the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, confirming that the City is fully compliant with all requirements under the AODA and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. The Accessibility Advisory Committee endorsed the report on October 15, 2025.

Municipalities are required to file these reports every two years to demonstrate compliance across customer service, information and communications, transportation, employment, and the design of public spaces, along with general AODA requirements.

The City of Pickering will file its 2025 Compliance Report, jointly with the Pickering Public Library, by December 31, 2025.

Read Report CAO 20-25 for details.

Council Approves Consulting Services for George Ashe Library & Community Centre Renovation

Council has approved consulting services to advance the planned renovation of the George Ashe Library & Community Centre. After nearly 25 years of continuous community use since its opening in 2001, several building systems and finishes have reached the end of their service life and require renewal to maintain safety, functionality, and overall user experience.

The proposed upgrades will modernize the facility by improving accessibility, comfort, and technology, while creating more welcoming and flexible spaces. Interior renovations will focus on the library, east corridor, public washrooms, staff offices, and mechanical and accessibility upgrades. Exterior work will include resurfacing the parking lot, replacing lighting with energy-efficient LED fixtures, and reconfiguring the driveway and pedestrian access to align with Durham Region’s planned widening of Kingston Road.

The total net project cost is $371,424.00 (net HST). Subject to Council approval, design work will begin immediately, with anticipated completion by Q4 2026.

Read Report CS 32-25 for details.

Post Manor as Art Studio

Further to Council Resolution #280/23, staff explored the feasibility of establishing an art gallery or studio within Post Manor, located at 1970 Brock Road, including consultation with cultural organizations and discussions with Brock and Kingston Holdings Inc.

The Report was referred back to staff so that the Community Services Department and City Development  Department staff could collaborate and provide updated recommendations once the applicant proceeds with a site plan approval for the subject lands.

Staff noted that they are advancing the first purpose-built municipal gallery at the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre, opening spring 2026. This new venue will include dedicated exhibition space, supporting infrastructure such as a basement level, and a rotating schedule of exhibitions featuring local and regional artists, along with workshops, talks, and community programming.

Read Report CS 33-25 for details.

Council Approves 2026 Municipal Fees and Charges to Support High-Quality Services

Council has approved the 2026 General Municipal Fees and Charges By-law, which will be incorporated into the 2026 Current Budget. User fees play a key role in funding customer-specific services such as recreational programs, licenses, and development application processing. These revenues help reduce pressure on the tax base and ensure the City can continue delivering high-quality, community-focused programs and services.

For 2026, a general fee increase of 2.75 to 3.00 percent is recommended. This adjustment reflects rising operating costs, including wage increases, inflation, utilities, and equipment maintenance, while remaining mindful of affordability for residents. The Municipal Price Index – which accounts for construction costs and Council-approved labour contracts – continues to trend higher than the Consumer Price Index, highlighting the cost realities faced by municipalities.

The recommended increase allows the City to maintain service levels, manage inflationary pressures, and continue investing in responsive and sustainable municipal service delivery.

Read Report FIN 17-25 for details.

Council Expands Access to Accessible Taxicab Services in Pickering

Council has approved amendments to the Vehicle for Hire By-law to improve access to accessible taxicab services for residents. Under the current by-law, taxicabs not licensed in Pickering are prohibited from picking up fares within the City. The approved amendments remove this restriction specifically for accessible taxicab services.

This change will increase the availability of accessible transportation options, reduce wait times, and support greater mobility for residents who rely on specialized services.

Read Report BYL 02-25 for details.

Council Approves Name for New Library Branch at the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre

Council has approved naming the Pickering Public Library’s fourth branch, located at the new Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre, to be the Greenwood Heritage Library Branch. Opening in spring 2026, this 44,000-square-foot multi-use facility will provide year-round access to culture, heritage, and recreation programming offered by the City of Pickering, Pickering Museum Village, and the Pickering Public Library.

The new branch name reflects the rich history of the surrounding Greenwood community, whose origins date back to 1852 when the former village of Norwood was renamed after local mill owner Frederick Green. A library branch previously operated in the Greenwood Schoolhouse from 1980 to 2015, creating a strong legacy of community learning.

The Greenwood Heritage Library Branch honours this heritage while offering a refreshed identity that celebrates local history and supports the cultural focus of both the facility and the Pickering Museum Village.

Read Report CAO 18-25 for details.

City Advances Key Milestones for the Municipal Accommodation Tax and Destination Pickering

Staff have provided Council with a status update on the implementation of the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) and related tourism development initiatives. Since Council’s approval of Report ECD 02-25 (Resolution #666/25), significant progress has been made to establish the MAT program and operationalize Destination Pickering Inc., the City’s new Municipal Services Corporation dedicated to tourism, marketing, and economic development.

Key achievements include:

• implementing a 4% MAT effective June 1, 2025;
• executing a collection agreement with the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association;
• receiving Regional consent to incorporate Destination Pickering Inc.;
• negotiating a service level agreement between the City and Destination Pickering;
• creating Destination Pickering’s Organizational By-law; and
• identifying three industry stakeholders to support and strengthen Board expertise.

Council has also approved the Organizational By-law, Policy ADM 300 – Asset Transfers to Municipal Services Corporations, and the execution of the Service Level Agreement, as outlined in Report ECD 02-25.

Together, these steps position the City to enhance its tourism presence, attract visitors, and support local economic growth.

Read Report ECD 09-25 for details.

Treasurer Presents Annual Development Charges Statement for 2024

Staff have presented the Annual Treasurer’s Statement Report, summarizing all Development Charges (DC) and related reserve fund activity for the year ending December 31, 2024. This annual reporting is required under the Development Charges Act, 1997 and the Planning Act.

As mandated by Section 43 of the DCA, the report provides Council with a detailed overview of DC revenues, expenditures, reserve fund balances, and any DC or Lot Levy credits issued throughout the year. This ensures transparency and supports accountable financial management for growth-related infrastructure.

Read Report FIN 18-25 for details.

City to Assess Current CRM Systems as Part of Ongoing Digital Transformation

Staff will undertake a comprehensive review of the City’s current customer relationship management platforms, AMANDA and PRISM, as part of the broader Digital Transformation initiative. These systems support core municipal functions such as planning, permitting, licensing, property management, and customer service, and it is important to ensure they continue to meet the City’s operational needs as services evolve.

The selected vendor will evaluate system performance, scalability, integration capabilities, and alignment with modern technology standards. The assessment will also identify functional gaps, explore potential replacement options, and highlight opportunities to enhance efficiency, improve service delivery, and strengthen accessibility for both staff and residents.

This work supports the City’s long-term goal of delivering seamless, modern, and user-focused digital services.

Read Report IT 03-25 for details.

View official Meeting Agenda and Minutes at events.pickering.ca/council