Council Meeting Highlights: March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

City of Pickering to launch new anti-littering campaign

The City of Pickering is set to launch a new public awareness campaign to address the ongoing issues of careless littering and illegal dumping, particularly along its waterfront, parks, and trail systems.

 

Developed by City staff, the campaign features a bold slogan and engaging hashtag aimed at raising awareness and encouraging positive behavioural change among residents and visitors.

 

Campaign efforts will roll out in 2025 and 2026, with a strong focus on digital communications, on-site signage, and other outreach tools to maximize visibility and community engagement.

 

Read Report CAO 02-25 for details.

 

 

Staff provide project updates on Beachfront Park Master Plan (Phase 1 Implementation) and Alex Robertson Park Gravel Parking Lot

 

Work has been progressing well since construction began in mid-September with the establishment of the staging area at Alex Robertson Park.

 

To date, all site demolition and shoreline revetment work has been completed, including the installation of steel sheet piles and armourstone. The installation of helical piles - which serve as the foundational support for the steel and concrete walkway structure - began in January 2025. Delivery of precast concrete decking and steel beams commenced in February 2025.

 

These structural components represent a significant portion of the overall project budget. The project remains on budget and on track for completion by late June 2025.

 

Read Report CAO 03-25 for details.

 

 

City to Name Exhibit Gallery in honour of Former Pickering Mayor, John E. Anderson

 

Pickering City Council has approved the naming of the exhibit gallery at the future Pickering Heritage & Community Centre (PHCC) in honour of former Mayor John E. Anderson. The space will be officially named the John E. Anderson Gallery.

 

John E. Anderson was appointed Mayor of the Town of Pickering in 1977 and was re-elected each term, serving for 11 years until his retirement in 1988.

 

Construction is underway for the PHCC that is scheduled to open in spring 2026. The 44,000 square foot facility will offer year-round access to culture and recreation programming and library services in a multi-use space. Among the many amenities is a dedicated space of approximately 1,500 square feet for an exhibit gallery that will feature changing artwork, installations, and displays. Naming the gallery space includes the installation of signage within the facility. The name John E. Anderson Gallery will also be used in promotions, facility bookings, and in wayfinding signage.

 

Read Report CS 01-25 for details.

 

 

Council approves Pine Creek Restoration Site #22 – Culvert Replacement at Lynn Heights Drive Consulting and professional services for the detailed design

 

On September 25, 2024, Council endorsed the Pine Creek Erosion Assessment Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Resolution #574/24) and authorized City staff to implement the recommendations subject to budget and further Council approval for individual projects.

 

The overall goal of the Pine Creek Erosion Assessment Municipal Class Environmental Assessment is to assess the erosion hazards at identified risk sites and to develop erosion protection strategies, which will result in the long-term stability of the Pine Creek channel corridors, the reduction of suspended sediments in the channel, and ultimately the improvement of water quality in Frenchman’s Bay.

 

Read Report ENG 04-25 for details.

 

 

Council endorses 2024 - 2029 Corporate Energy Management Plan (CEMP)

 

The City is required to update its CEMP (Ontario Regulation 25/23) every five years.   

 

The 2024 - 2029 CEMP provides a roadmap for planning and decision-marking for the next phase of the City of Pickering’s Corporate Energy Management Program.

 

The CEMP builds on the previous plan, provides a framework for tangible strategies and actions, and aligns with relevant endorsed plans and studies. City staff across departments collaborated to provide insights and help shape the goals and objectives for energy management through to the year 2029.

 

Read Report OPS 04-25 for details.

 

 

Staff provide overview of City’s 2024 Environmental Schools Grant program

 

On October 21, 2019, Council approved the creation of a Pickering Environmental Schools Grant (Resolution #154/19). The purpose of the grant was to provide Pickering students with the opportunity to implement activities that contribute to a healthy environment.

 

Seven local schools applied and a total of $21,000.00 in funding was allocated in 2024. 

 

Activities included creating butterfly garden boxes with native plants to attract pollinators, building outdoor learning environments, purchasing trees to create a calming and cooling area for students, and more.

 

Read Report SUS 01-25 for details.

 

 

Council approves amendments to Procedure By-law 8019/23

 

The amendments to the Procedure By-law were directed by the Mayor through Mayoral Decision #03-2025

 

Under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act (the “Act”), special powers and duties are provided to the head of council. Through Mayoral Decision #03-2025, Mayor Ashe has exercised those Powers as it pertains to Committees and given direction to staff.

 

The powers afforded to the Head of Council regarding Committees under Part VI.1 of the Act are:

 

1. The power to establish or dissolve committees.

2. The power to appoint chairs and vice-chairs of committees.

3. The power to assign functions to committees.

 

Pursuant to O. Reg 530/22, Committees under Part VI.1 of the Act consist solely of Members of Council. For the City of Pickering, this pertains only to the two Standing Committees being the Executive Committee and the Planning & Development Committee.

 

In accordance with Mayoral Decision #03-2025, the Procedure By-law was amended to appoint Chairs and Vice-Chairs for both of the City’s Standing Committees and provides changes to the functions of the Planning & Development Committee as it relates to Statutory Public Meetings under the Planning Act.

 

Further to the Mayoral Decision, the City Clerk brought forward other housekeeping revisions deemed necessary and appropriate by the City Clerk.

 

Read Report CLK 01-25 for details.

 

 

Treasurer provides statement of 2024 Remuneration and Expenses of Members of Council and Council Appointees to Boards, Agencies and Committees

 

As per Section 284(1) of the Municipal Act 2001 (the “Act”), the statement includes the remuneration and expenses paid to each Member of Council as well as remuneration and expenses paid to any other person who has been appointed by Council to serve as a member of any body.

 

Read Report FIN 03-25 for details.

 

 

Council advances plan to address concerns at Shadybrook Pickleball Courts

 

Council passed a motion regarding the future use of the pickleball courts at Shadybrook Park. 

 

In response to resident concerns about noise levels, Council has directed staff to issue a six-month termination notice to the Pickering Pickleball Club, in accordance with the terms of the existing licence agreement (Resolution #435/24).

 

During this transition period, steps will be taken to minimize disruption and maintain a positive park experience for all users. Following the notice period, pickleball lines will be removed and the courts will revert to tennis use only.

 

For more information, please refer to Resolution #694/25 (view page 14 of 19).

 

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