Pickering to host planned emergency preparedness exercise

Routine training exercise will support staff readiness, evacuation centre operations, and coordinated community support

Pickering, ON, May 29, 2026 – The City of Pickering will host a planned emergency preparedness exercise on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in partnership with the Region of Durham’s Emergency Social Services program. The exercise will test activation and operation of a municipal evacuation centre and coordinated support for evacuees during a simulated emergency.

Members of the public may notice mock emergency activities taking place at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, located at 1867 Valley Farm Road, between 8 am and 3 pm. These planned activities are controlled and part of a training scenario. There is no emergency and no action is required from the public.

The joint operational exercise will focus on the activation, operation, and demobilization of an evacuation centre, hosted by the City of Pickering and managed by Regional Emergency Social Services. The scenario will include a simulated evacuation of long-term care residents and staff, and will help test the City’s emergency response procedures, communications pathways, Emergency Operations Centre functionality, and coordination with regional and community partners. Participating organizations may include Durham Region Transit, Durham Public Health, Durham Regional Police Service, the Canadian Red Cross, the Salvation Army, St. John Ambulance, and other support partners involved in evacuation centre operations.

“Emergency management exercises play a critical role in strengthening municipal preparedness and response capabilities,” said Kevin Ashe, Mayor, City of Pickering. “They allow the City of Pickering and our regional partners to simulate real world conditions, test our systems, and strengthen coordination. These efforts help ensure we continue building a safe, resilient, and well prepared community.”

The exercise helps strengthen emergency readiness by allowing staff and partners to practice roles, validate procedures, and improve coordination in a controlled environment. It also supports the City’s obligations under Ontario’s emergency management framework, including annual training requirements for members of the Municipal Emergency Control Group. These requirements help ensure the continued understanding and practice of the City’s Emergency Management Plan and related procedures, notification processes, and Emergency Operations Centre operations.

Residents are encouraged to learn more about emergency preparedness, including how to prepare themselves, their households, and their pets, at pickering.ca/beprepared.