News and Announcements | City of Pickering

Durham Region Municipalities Come Together to Support Hunger Action Month

August 27, 2024 - The Region of Durham and area municipalities are once again coming together this National Hunger Action Month to help raise awareness, food donations, and funds to fight hunger in the community.

Hunger is an important issue that affects individuals, seniors, and families throughout the Region. As Durham Region continues to rapidly grow and food prices increase, more people are experiencing homelessness and/or using food banks and related services than ever before. The Region and area municipalities are taking action to address this need in the community.

Pickering celebrates community benefits from OLG gaming revenues

August 26, 2024 - Last weekend, the City of Pickering proudly celebrated the significant community and economic benefits of being a host gaming site through a cheque presentation at the PARA Marine Search and Rescue Waterfront Festival.

Since the opening of the Pickering Casino Resort in July 2021, the City of Pickering has received non-tax gaming revenue payments totaling $47,974,125 from Ontario Lottery Gaming Corporation (as of June 30, 2024). These funds are part of the Municipal Contribution Agreement with OLG and represent a significant investment in the city's future.

Joint statement from the City of Pickering and the Town of Ajax regarding Elexicon holdings

July 3, 2024 - “Together, we have retained Borden Ladner Gervais LLP to undertake a confidential non-binding Request for Proposal (RFP) to explore the potential sale of our municipally-owned holdings in Elexicon Corporation. As the electricity landscape continues to evolve and transform, we believe the time is right to assess our role in the sector and explore the financial value of our investment in a competitive manner. This is a responsible step to ensure we secure optimum value of our investment for our long-term financial objectives and needs. Once the RFP process is complete, the City and Town will provide an update on any next steps.”

City of Pickering’s Proposals to Buy Frenchman’s Bay are Rejected by Seller

November 14, 2023 - The City of Pickering had recently submitted two proposals to purchase Frenchman’s Bay and related land holdings from the Pickering Harbour Company, which were ultimately rejected by the seller.

With the hope of returning Frenchman’s Bay to the public realm, the City attempted to purchase 174.7 acres of Pickering Harbour Company’s water and land holdings at the foot of Liverpool Road. When this was rejected, the City submitted a second unsuccessful proposal to acquire only the Bay itself (the submerged real estate).

Mayor Ashe’s Statement on Universal Changerooms at the CHDRC

November 1, 2023 - I would like to address the recent concerns surrounding universal changerooms at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex. These concerns have given rise to fears and misunderstandings in our community. It is crucial that we focus on the safety and well-being of all our residents.

Universal changerooms play a pivotal role in creating an inclusive and secure environment for all members of our community. These facilities have been successfully implemented worldwide, with a strong emphasis on ensuring that individuals of all ages, gender identities, and abilities can access recreational facilities without facing discrimination or discomfort. Here in our province, these rights are enshrined in the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Pickering Museum Village receives Honourable Mention for Ontario Award of Excellence in Exhibitions

October 23, 2023 - Pickering Museum Village has been recognized Provincially by the Ontario Museum Association (OMA) as one of this year’s Awards of Excellence 2023 recipients. The Greenwood Blacksmith Shop has received an Honourable Mention for the OMA Award of Excellence in Exhibitions.

The OMA Committee members were particularly impressed with the way Pickering Museum Village used the need for structural repair as an opportunity to create an engaging and interactive space.

Mayor Ashe’s Official Statement on Councillor Robinson’s “Modern-Day Slave” Comments

September 29, 2023 - I would like to address the recent comments by Councillor Robinson, made on her social media and during media interviews, where she referred to herself as a "modern-day slave”.

To provide context, Councillor Robinson was investigated by the City of Pickering’s Integrity Commissioner for breaching the Council Code of Conduct. Specifically, her use of cyberbullying and intimidation tactics on residents was found to violate our ethical standards. Pickering Council subsequently adopted the Integrity Commissioner's findings and recommendations, which included suspending Councillor Robinson’s pay for 30 days.

Mayor Ashe’s Official Statement on the Province’s Reversal of Greenbelt Plan

September 21, 2023 - Today, Premier Ford announced the reversal of the Provincial Government's plan to open up the Greenbelt lands for housing development, including the lands in our hamlet of Cherrywood.

First and foremost, I want to emphasize that the City of Pickering will abide by the wishes of the Provincial Government, as we have consistently demonstrated throughout. The Government’s decisions reflect the broader interests of our province and its people, and we respect the direction it has chosen to take in this matter.

Mayor Ashe’s Official Statement on 1 Million March 4 Children

September 20, 2023 - The “1 Million March 4 Children”, taking place today throughout the country, has raised many questions and concerns within our community. Current plans for anti-2SLGBTQIA+ demonstrations at Esplanade Park and City Hall have garnered support from a segment of our residents as well as some far-right hate organizations.

It is important to shed light on the impacts of these nationwide protests. While the campaign claims to advocate for children's rights, its underlying objective is the elimination of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) curriculum and policies, which play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and educating youth about diversity, respect, and acceptance.

Pickering recognizes community benefits from OLG gaming revenues

August 11, 2023 - The City of Pickering was proud to mark the important economic and community benefits of being a host gaming site through a cheque presentation at today’s opener of the Pickering Food Truck Festival.

Since Pickering Casino Resort opened in July 2021, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has issued non-tax gaming revenue payments, totaling $24,484,059 (up to March 31, 2023), to the City of Pickering for hosting the facility, as part of its Municipal Contribution Agreement with Ontario Lottery Gaming Corporation (OLG).