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Waterfront

Seasonal Reminders for Pickering’s Waterfront

The City of Pickering is reminding residents and visitors to keep the following in mind when enjoying Pickering’s waterfront spaces.

The City’s waterfront paid parking permit program is in effect from May 1 to October 1, annually.

The program includes paid parking at all City waterfront parking lots, and restricted/paid parking on select waterfront-area streets.

Pickering residents can obtain a no-charge seasonal permit that will be valid for two years from the date of issue. This means that residents who obtained a permit in 2023 will need to renew in 2025, and may park at no charge in waterfront parking lots and at waterfront area streets.

Visit pickering.ca/WaterfrontParking for details. 

Please be mindful of local By-laws when enjoying Pickering’s waterfront areas.

  • Summer enforcement officers are scheduled daily, including additional staffing over every weekend until October 1, 2025.
  • Regularly scheduled Parking Enforcement, By-law Enforcement, and Animal Services staff will be available each weekend.
  • 24/7 security cameras are also available at Beachfront Park and Beachpoint Promenade. Footage is recorded and kept for 30 days. This video footage is used to assist DRPS with any investigations arising from waterfront activity.
  • Contact Customer Care with questions or concerns at 905.683.7575 or by email.
  • Access Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) non-emergency line at 1.888.579.1520. 

The current Fireworks By-law allows residents to set off fireworks on their own property throughout the Victoria Day and Canada Day weekends, including Friday through Monday for the Victoria Day weekend, and only on July 1st for Canada Day.

  • Fireworks are not permitted on City property.
  • Reports of non-compliance can be made to the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) non-emergency line at 1.888.579.1520 or the City’s Customer Care Centre at 905.683.7575. 

Pickering Fire reminds community members that open air burning is not permitted in the City of Pickering.

  • The use of chimineas, bonfires, and wood-burning appliances is prohibited.
  • Fire bowls, fire tables, and barbecues that burn propane are permitted.
  • If you witness an active open-air burn, you can report the incident to Pickering Fire’s non-emergency line at 905.433.1234 or by email.

  • All City outdoor washroom buildings are open 8 am to 9 pm, seven days a week.
  • The portable washroom will be placed at Whitevale Park on Friday, April 18th for the opening of trout fishing season. All other portable washrooms will be placed the week of May 5th and will be serviced every Monday and Friday.
  • Linton House (on Montgomery Park Road) and all other park washrooms are open seven days a week as of May 5th from 9 am to 10 pm, as signed.
  • Additional weekend staff are scheduled to assist with litter picking and garbage collection, with extra support for long-weekends.
  • Contact Customer Care for questions or concerns at 905.683.7575 or by email.

Together we are keeping Pickering’s waterfront areas safe and clean for all to enjoy.  

Improperly disposed of fishing lines pose a major safety risk to wildlife, people, and property.

The City has fishing line receptacles installed along Pickering’s waterfront to help ensure that all fishing lines can be properly disposed of, and that the area is kept safe for all.  

Visit pickering.ca/fishing to learn more about the receptacles and proper fishing etiquette.

The City of Pickering and Durham Region Transit have teamed up for a second year to offer a free weekend shuttle on Route 100* to get you to and from all of your favourite waterfront activities.

The seasonal service, starting June 28 and ending September 1, 2025, will operate on weekends and Statutory Holidays, including July 1, August 4, and September 1.

Route 100 will operate on a loop every 20 minutes, from 12 pm to 9 pm, and will provide transit from Pickering City Centre to the waterfront.

*Free-fares apply only to Route 100, when boarding all other routes, standard fares apply.

Let’s call it what it is… dumping your waste where it doesn’t belong is lazy, destructive, and trashy. It harms wildlife, creates unsanitary conditions in our neighbourhoods, and results in significant cleanup costs.

The City’s Municipal Law Enforcement Officers are actively addressing illegal dumping. They conduct regular patrols and thoroughly investigate public reports. Each investigation is taken seriously, involving comprehensive steps such as site inspections, evidence gathering, witness interviews, preparing charges, court proceedings, and more. This rigorous process ensures that when charges are laid, they hold up.

Over the past nine months, the City has laid 20 charges for illegal dumping, demonstrating that enforcement is happening and offenders are being held accountable. 

When reporting illegal dumping, please provide as much information as possible (description of individuals, vehicle plates, locations, and photos if available). Call 905.683.7575 or email Customer Care.

We’re doing our part, do yours. It’s actually really simple – just don’t litter #ThatsSoTrash

Visit LetsTalkPickering.ca/litter to learn more or follow #ThatsSoTrash on social media.

Frenchman's Bay

The City of Pickering is committed to preserving the unique character of its waterfront, and most recently has announced its efforts to pursue opportunities to buy the bay and return the treasured asset back into public ownership. Read more about Protecting Frenchman's Bay.

Frenchman's Bay is one of a series of large coastal wetlands along the north shore of Lake Ontario, home to a diversity of vegetation communities and labelled an Environmentally Significant Area by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Visit the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail website to view waterfront trail maps.

Water Safety

Please note the signage and safety equipment along the waterfront. There is no lifeguard supervision at any of Pickering’s beaches, bays, rivers, or creeks so always be alert and cautious when near the water. The water can be dangerous at times, so be aware of weather conditions, waves, uneven bottom conditions, and objects in the water. Children require direct adult supervision around the water at all times and should not enter the water alone.

View water safety information.

The Durham Region Weekly Beach Report provides information on water safety and beach conditions as monitored by the Region of Durham.

Visit the Pickering Auxiliary Rescue Association for water safety tips and other information.

Every person who operates a motorized boat in Canada must obtain proof of competency.  Visit the Transport Canada website for information about marine safety.

Muskoka Chair Project

To celebrate Durham Region's 50th anniversary, The City of Pickering had artist Jacob Headley paint a set of Muskoka Chairs to accompany the set donated by the region. You can check out this installation at Rotary Frenchman's Bay West Park.

"For the Muskoka chair painting project celebrating Durham’s 50th anniversary, I aimed to create a vibrant, inclusive piece that reflects the rich diversity and iconic landmarks of Durham and Pickering. The design showcases various elements that highlight the community's spirit and natural beauty.

The chair's backrest features a cyclist against the backdrop one of our iconic lighthouses, symbolizing the active lifestyle and picturesque scenery that Durham offers. Other figures include people engaged in leisure activities attempting to capture the community's relaxed, welcoming nature.

The armrests and seat are adorned with local wildlife, including a colourful fish, goose and raccoon, representing the region's rich biodiversity. The inclusion of a diverse range of people throughout the design emphasizes the multicultural fabric of our community. The use of bold, vibrant colours and dynamic lines aims to convey the energy and vitality of Durham.

Central to the seat is the “Durham 50” emblem, paying homage to the milestone anniversary. The integration of landmarks and local fauna aims to foster a sense of pride and belonging among residents and visitors alike.

Painting this chair live at Art Fest was an incredible experience, allowing me to engage with the community and share the creative process. The interactive aspect of the event provided a platform to discuss the significance of each element in the design, making the artwork a collaborative celebration of Durham’s heritage.

I hope this chair serves as a lasting tribute to our vibrant community and inspires continued appreciation for the diverse beauty and cultural richness of Durham and Pickering.”

Waterfront Parks

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One The Esplanade
Pickering, Ontario
Canada L1V 6K7

905.683.7575

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