Council Meeting Highlights: January 22, 2024

Pickering Rotary Club to bring Pickering Ribfest to Esplanade Park in 2024

Council received a delegation from Pickering Rotary Club, a local community organization that has been around for 82 years. Over the years, the organization has spearheaded numerous community initiatives, such as special events, youth programs, and food banks.

The Pickering Rotary Club will host its Pickering Ribfest once again in Esplanade Park from June 14 to 16, 2024.

Council approves new modernized Tree Protection By-law

In 2020, Council directed City staff to investigate and report back on the implementation of a by-law for the protection of trees on all private properties.

In early 2023, Council reaffirmed its position by passing a motion that directed City staff to prepare a new Draft Tree Protection By-law for all lands in Pickering.

Council approved the new modernized Tree Protection By-law, which includes updated terminology, definitions, and fines. The new by-law protects trees of a size, equal to, or greater than 2.5 centimetres in diameter at breast height, on lands generally referred to as environmentally sensitive areas, including significant woodlands. 

Council directed staff to report back with measurements of success at the end of Q4 this year.

Read Report PLN 02-24 to learn more.

Council awards $60,000 contract for Urban Design Review Services to successful bidder

Council approves staff recommendation for John G. Williams Limited to undertake the City’s Urban Design Review Services for three years, commencing February 1, 2024.

Pickering is experiencing significant growth, which will bring new opportunities, as well as challenges, for the growth and development of the community. As part of the Urban Design Review, the Consultant will:

• Establish a positive visual image for built form and urban design within the City of Pickering
• Promote harmonious and attractive developments through attention to site planning, placemaking, and the exterior architectural quality and appearance of new development
• Encourage built form, which results in safe, active, and pedestrian-friendly communities
• Encourage a variety of innovative and environmentally sustainable building designs
• Ensure new buildings enhance existing communities and neighbourhoods, and further the development of a distinctive, urban identity for the City

Read Report PLN 03-24 to learn more.

Council endorses City’s new Facilities Renewal Study

Council endorsed Report OPS 02-24, regarding the City of Pickering’s Facilities Renewal Study prepared by PSD Citywide Inc., a consultant the City retained in 2023 to recommend a fact-based methodology by which future investment in existing facilities should be prioritized.

The recommendations of Report OPS 02-24 and the Facilities Renewal Study were developed as the City has faced many challenges funding for new growth and maintaining aging infrastructure. Many of the City’s buildings were built prior to the turn of the century, with the oldest reaching back to the 1860s. As such – many of these facilities are nearing the end of their serviceable life, and this will provide guidance for future capital investments in facilities, and identify whether renewal, replacement, or disposal may be appropriate.

Read Report OPS 02-24 to learn more.

Council supports motion to install a Remembrance Day Poppy Sidewalk Marker

Council introduced a motion to install a Remembrance Day Poppy Sidewalk Marker in Esplanade Park, and to request that the Mayor include up to $35,000 in the 2024 Budget for this project, to be funded from the Public Art Reserve (8038).

Council directed staff to consult with the Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 606, on the suitability, design, and material to be used for the marker, and directed staff to report back to Council no later than the end of Q2, 2024, on the most suitable location and design, to facilitate installation in time for Remembrance Day of 2024.