Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre now open – Pickering’s newest cultural and community landmark

Pickering, ON, June 16, 2026 – The City of Pickering celebrated a major investment in community, culture, heritage, and learning with the grand opening of the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre.

Located at 2365 Sixth Concession Road, the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre is Pickering’s first new community centre in decades and a key addition to the City’s network of public spaces.

Uniquely designed to bring a community centre, museum, and library together within one dynamic space, the facility serves as the gateway to the Pickering Museum Village and is home to the new Greenwood Heritage Library, creating an impressive civic hub that connects residents to local history while offering modern amenities and programs for all ages.

The public grand opening welcomed residents, community partners, and stakeholders for an evening of guided tours, hands-on program demonstrations, teaching kitchen activities, and opportunities to explore the facility’s inaugural exhibit, Forever (Bird-Botanicals) by David Constantino Salazar, in the John E. Anderson Exhibit Gallery.

Facility Amenities:

• John E. Anderson Exhibit Gallery
• Dorsay Meeting Room (available for public bookings, including community group meetings)
• Program Room
• Banquet Hall (with stage)
• Teaching Kitchen
• Collections Storage
• Gift Shop and Coffee Bar
• Garden & Patio
• Local History Experience Centre

Designed by award-winning Hariri Pontarini Architects, the facility features distinctive architecture and a scenic setting overlooking Duffins Creek. It will serve as an ideal venue for weddings, celebrations, corporate functions, cultural events, and other special occasions.

The Government of Canada contributed $16.5 million to the community centre. This includes $12.5 million through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Fund and $4 million through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund.

Additional federal funding supported improvements to the Redman House Program Centre within Pickering Museum Village, including green retrofits and accessibility enhancements. These upgrades have helped ensure the building can continue providing meaningful visitor and volunteer services for the museum.

Visit pickering.ca/DCHC to learn more about the facility, including hours of operation, space rentals and wedding packages, upcoming events, and program registration.  

Quotes:

“The Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre reflects Pickering’s vision for a connected, caring, world-class city by investing in the social, cultural, and community infrastructure needed to support a growing and diverse population. As new neighbourhoods continue to take shape, facilities like this will play an important role in strengthening community identity, expanding access to cultural experiences, and creating welcoming spaces where residents can come together. We are proud to open the doors of this beautiful landmark facility and invite community members to discover a new shared space that will serve Pickering for generations to come.”

-    Mayor Kevin Ashe, City of Pickering

“Local community projects strengthen both the cultural and economic vitality of our regions. Our $4-million investment in the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre will create a dynamic space where stories are shared, cultures celebrated, and communities brought together, while supporting educational and cultural programming for generations to come.”

-    Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages

“Social infrastructure is more than just the materials it is comprised of. It is the heart of communities and offers the space required for people to connect with others. By supporting projects like the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre, the Government of Canada is investing in building strong communities across the country.” 

-    Juanita Nathan, Member of Parliament for Pickering—Brooklin, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure

"We are honoured to see the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre open its doors to the residents of Pickering. At Dorsay, we believe great communities are built through places that bring people together. We are proud to be part of a facility that will foster connection, learning, and a sense of belonging for generations to come."

-    Geoffrey Grayhurst, CEO, Dorsay Development Corporation

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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