City of Pickering Approves ‘Build Back Better’ Project to Enhance Pickering Soccer Centre

Pickering Council has green lit a ‘Build Back Better’ enhancement project for the Pickering Soccer Centre, following the roof collapse and subsequent flooding damage that occurred earlier this year.  This exciting and innovative undertaking will see the installation of a new and modernized roofing system, as well as a fundamental change to the soccer pitch configuration to facilitate the installation of a permanent, multi-purpose hard court surface that will accommodate four integrated pickleball courts within an official sized futsal court.

The ‘Build Back Better’ project was developed in partnership with the Pickering Football Club, which has leased the Pickering Soccer Centre from the City since 2014.  The City and Pickering Football Club executive have been meeting regularly over the past half year with respect to the roof replacement as well as brainstorming how to provide more functionality and sports and recreational opportunities for the community.

Once the new facility enhancements are completed by approximately March 2023, the dramatic transformation will strengthen the Pickering Football Club’s standing as Durham Region’s premier soccer club.  Equally as important, the City will be able to provide much needed court time for its legion of enthusiastic pickleball players as the courts will be made available for public use Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm for a minimum of 42 weeks per year.  Pickleball and futsal will join an already impressive array of sports and recreational activities available at the Pickering Soccer Centre, including volleyball, cricket, Zumba, lacrosse, athletics, and softball to name a few.

Quotes:

“We were so distraught when the roof of Pickering Soccer Centre collapsed due to the significant blizzard we experienced earlier this year.  As such, I commend Council and staff for working in collaboration with the Pickering Football Club to turn an adverse situation into a new and exciting opportunity for both residents and visitors.

United in vision and purpose, we have developed a brilliant plan that will add 6,720 hours of annual court time to accommodate the explosive popularity and growth of the sport of pickleball.  Combined with the futsal court, sprint track, and other available sports, the Pickering Soccer Centre will be an even more diverse and dynamic sports and recreation destination in Durham Region.”

Dave Ryan
Mayor, City of Pickering 

"As a not for profit, the Pickering Football Club (PFC) has been an integral part of the community for over 38 years.  Our strong and supportive relationship with the City of Pickering has allowed us to flourish and be recognized as one of the top 39 community youth clubs in the country. Our mission to ‘reach beyond the borders of our community to enrich the lives of those within it’ has been instrumental towards PFC's ongoing success, and is underpinned by the City and support of its staff.

In the aftermath of the unfortunate events, which brought down the Pickering Soccer Centre’s dome, we are heartened by the City of Pickering’s continued support of the PFC. The City's commitment to ‘Build Back Better’ will play a key role in ensuring that PFC is back bigger and better than ever as we continue to be the ‘destination club’ in the Durham Region."

Corrado Roccasalva
Immediate Past President, Pickering Football Club 

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As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 94,000) 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.