May 25, 2026 Council Highlights

Council Receives Heritage Pickering Advisory Committee Year-End Report and 2026 Work Plan

Council received the Heritage Pickering Advisory Committee’s 2025 Year-End Report and 2026 Work Plan, highlighting the City’s continued efforts to conserve, celebrate, and share Pickering’s cultural heritage.

In 2025, the Committee reviewed heritage permit applications, supported heritage designations for significant local properties, advanced municipal heritage reviews, and helped launch the City’s Heritage Tax Relief Program. This included work related to properties in the Whitevale Heritage Conservation District, City-owned community buildings, and designated heritage properties across Pickering.

Looking ahead, the Committee will continue to support heritage permit reviews, potential property designations, updates to the Municipal Heritage Register, and improvements to the City’s heritage policies and processes. The 2026 Work Plan also includes advancing updates to the Whitevale Heritage Conservation District, supporting public-facing heritage mapping, and contributing to commemoration, storytelling, and public awareness initiatives.

This work supports Pickering’s ongoing commitment to protecting local heritage, improving public access to heritage information, and ensuring the City’s historic places remain part of Pickering’s growth and community identity.

Read Correspondence 08-26 for details (page 29 of 369).

Council Receives Waterfront Visionary Advisory Committee Year-End Report and 2026 Work Plan

Council received the Waterfront Visionary Advisory Committee’s 2025 Year-End Report and 2026 Proposed Work Plan, highlighting the Committee’s continued focus on Pickering’s waterfront, Frenchman’s Bay, shoreline improvements, public access, safety, and waterfront enhancement.

In 2025, the Committee received updates on several key waterfront initiatives, including Beachfront Park Revitalization Phase 1, the Shoreline Assessment Study from West Shore Boulevard to Marksbury Road, potential paddle sport rental locations, and the Frenchman’s Bay Watersheds Stormwater Management Master Plan Update. The Committee also heard from the Pickering Rouge Canoe Club and PARA Marine Search & Rescue on opportunities and needs related to recreation, safety, and emergency response along the waterfront.

Looking ahead, the Committee’s 2026 priorities include supporting the health of Frenchman’s Bay, promoting the waterfront as a destination, improving waterfront safety, enhancing public access through trail connections and transportation options, and identifying opportunities to add landscape features and strengthen the tree canopy.

This work supports Pickering’s continued efforts to protect and enhance its waterfront as an important community, environmental, recreational, and tourism asset.

Read Correspondence 09-26 for details (page 34 of 369).

Council Receives Accessibility Advisory Committee Year-End Report and 2026 Work Plan

Council received the Accessibility Advisory Committee’s 2025 Year-End Report and 2026 Proposed Work Plan, highlighting the City’s continued work to remove barriers and embed accessibility across municipal services, facilities, programs, communications, and public spaces.

In 2025, the Committee supported several accessibility initiatives, including the City’s AODA compliance reporting, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, and accessibility input on capital projects, site plans, digital services, winter access, and inclusive recreation.

Looking ahead, the Committee will continue to support the new Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and accessibility reviews for major City and private development projects.

This work supports Pickering’s commitment to creating a more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming city for residents, visitors, staff, and businesses of all abilities.

Read Correspondence 12-26 for details (page 43 of 369).

Council Receives Community Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee Year-End Report and 2026 Work Plan

Council received the Community Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee’s 2025 Year-End Report and 2026 Proposed Work Plan, highlighting ongoing work to support safety, inclusion, mental health, housing stability, and community connection in Pickering.

In 2025, the Committee supported a wide range of community safety and well-being initiatives, including human trafficking awareness, youth mental health education, dementia-friendly training, online safety, intimate partner violence awareness, homelessness initiatives, Indigenous cultural awareness, and inclusion-focused programming.

Looking ahead, the Committee will continue to advise on wellness checks, food and housing insecurity, community safety education, de-escalation training, violence prevention, mental health supports, public education campaigns, and partnerships with Durham Region, Durham Regional Police Service, Fire Services, and community organizations.

This work supports Pickering’s continued focus on building a safer, more connected, and more supportive community for all residents.

Read Correspondence 13-26 for details (page 49 of 369).

Council Receives Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Progress Update

Council received the City’s 2025 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report and 2026 Work Plan, highlighting continued progress on education, awareness, community engagement, partnerships, and accountability.

This work supports Pickering’s commitment to building a more inclusive, welcoming, safe, and connected community.

Read Report CAO 04-26 for details.

Council Receives Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce Year-End Report and 2026 Work Plan

Council received the Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce’s 2025 Year-End Report and Proposed 2026 Work Plan, highlighting continued work to support education, community engagement, partnerships, and action on anti-Black racism in Pickering.

Council also approved two signature Taskforce events for 2026: the 4th Annual Community Event in celebration of the International Day for People of African Descent on August 28, and the 5th Annual Black Joy Holiday Market on November 13 and 14.

This work supports Pickering’s continued commitment to advancing inclusion, strengthening community partnerships, and creating a more welcoming and connected city.

Read Report CAO 05-26 for details.

Council Awards Design Contract for New Animal Shelter and Municipal Law Enforcement Services Offices

Council approved the contract award to Unity Design Studio Inc. for consulting services to design a new Animal Shelter and Municipal Law Enforcement Services offices.

The work will include site investigation, design, construction documents, and construction contract administration for the future facility, planned for City-owned lands beside Fire Station 1 & Headquarters on Zents Drive.

This project supports the City’s planning for modern, purpose-built animal services and enforcement facilities that can better serve residents, staff, and the community.

Read Report CS 11-26 for details.

Council Awards Design Contract for Stormwater Pond Cleanouts

Council approved the contract award to Aquafor Beech Limited for the detailed design of cleanout work at the Cognac and Valley Farm stormwater management ponds.

The work will include sediment testing, engineering design, approvals, permits, tender documents, and related environmental assessments to prepare both ponds for future cleanout construction.

This project supports the City’s ongoing maintenance of stormwater infrastructure and helps ensure local stormwater ponds continue to manage runoff, protect water quality, and support climate resiliency.

Read Report ENG 05-26 for details.

Council Advances Durham Meadoway Design Partnership

Council approved a shared services Memorandum of Understanding to support preliminary design work for the Durham Meadoway.

The Durham Meadoway is a planned 30-kilometre active transportation and recreation corridor through the Gatineau Hydro Corridor, stretching from the Pickering/Toronto boundary to Harmony Road in Oshawa.

The project is being advanced in partnership with the Region of Durham, the City of Pickering, *Town of Ajax, Town of Whitby, and City of Oshawa. Preliminary design will help move the vision closer to implementation and support future planning for trail connections, recreation, and active transportation.

This work supports Pickering’s continued focus on building connected, well-serviced communities with more options for walking, cycling, recreation, and regional trail access.

Read Report ENG 06-26
*The Town of Ajax’s participation was finalized after the publication of this Report to Council.

Council Endorses Final Design Concept for City Centre Park

Council endorsed the final design concept for City Centre Park, a future landmark public space that will bring year-round activity, gathering space, and community life to the heart of Pickering’s downtown.

Shaped by public feedback, the preferred design brings together the strongest elements from three earlier concepts and sets the vision for a flexible, all-season destination. Features include a large central gathering and event space, summer misting feature, winter skating rink and skating trails, winding pathways, shaded seating areas, lawn spaces, and a public art plaza visible from the street.

The project will now move into design development, with further input from the Community Safety & Well-Being Advisory Committee, Accessibility Advisory Committee, and Cultural Advisory Committee.

With construction commencing in Summer 2027 pending Council approval of a Tender award, City Centre Park will become a signature downtown destination and a lasting investment in Pickering’s quality of life, public realm, and continued growth as a vibrant urban centre. The construction of the park features will take approximately 12 months to complete.

Read Report ENG 08-26 for details.

Council Approves Development Application Fee Updates

Council approved updates to the City’s Building, Planning, and Development Services fees following a review of the Development Application Approvals Process.

The review found that the City’s current development application fees do not fully recover the cost of processing applications, creating a funding gap that is otherwise supported through the tax base or Building Permit Reserve Fund.

The updated fees are intended to better reflect the actual staff time, services, and resources required to review development applications. Some fees will increase, while others will decrease or remain unchanged, depending on the type of application and level of effort involved.

The new fees will take effect on July 1, 2026, with annual indexing continuing to help keep fees aligned with service costs and avoid larger future adjustments.

This work supports responsible growth, stronger cost recovery, and a more sustainable development review process for Pickering.

Read Report PLN 10-26 for details.

Council Receives 2025 Sustainable Pickering Year-in-Review

Council received the 2025 Sustainable Pickering Year-in-Review, a reader-friendly summary of the City’s sustainability achievements, programs, partnerships, and community action from the past year.

In 2025, the City advanced work in tree planting, pollinator protection, invasive species management, litter cleanups, youth environmental education, energy efficiency, sustainable development, and community workshops and events.

Key milestones included Council’s endorsement of Pickering’s first Community Climate Adaptation Plan, Zero Carbon Building Design certification for the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre, updates to the Urban Forest Study, energy retrofit projects, and continued implementation of the City’s Integrated Sustainable Design Standards.

Read Report SUS 03-26 for details.

Council Endorses Position on the Future of the Pickering Federal Lands

Council endorsed the City of Pickering Federal Lands - Land Use Review and Economic Analysis Recommendation Report, establishing the City’s formal position on the future use of the Pickering Federal Lands.

The federally owned lands include approximately 3,700 hectares (9,300 acres) in northwest Pickering and were originally expropriated in 1972 for a proposed airport. In January 2025, the Government of Canada announced the lands are no longer needed for airport development and launched a consultation process to help guide future land use decisions.

The City’s Recommendation Report reviews land use options and identifies a preferred framework focused on environmental protection, agricultural preservation, Rouge National Urban Park expansion, and strategic employment opportunities along Highway 7.

The City’s position will be submitted to the Federal Government as part of its consultation process.

Read Report ECD 03-26 for details.

Council Approves Financial Housekeeping Updates

Council approved updates to the City’s Purchasing Policy and Municipal Alcohol Policy to support more efficient procurement and strengthen risk management for large events.

The Purchasing Policy updates increase approval thresholds before Council approval is required, helping the City award eligible contracts faster when projects are already within approved budgets. The changes are intended to improve turnaround times, support more competitive pricing, and reduce delays in project delivery.

Council also approved an update to the Municipal Alcohol Policy requiring higher insurance coverage for alcohol-related events with more than 5,000 participants. The change provides greater financial protection for the City and reflects the increased risk associated with large-capacity events.

The updates also include added flexibility to support election-related technology purchases, helping ensure the City can respond quickly if additional equipment is needed during the municipal election cycle.

Read Report FIN 06-26 for details.

Visit pickering.ca to view the agenda and meeting minutes.