Council Meeting Highlights: September 25, 2023

Council approves staff to explore interim Pickleball solution

Staff will be exploring opportunities to lease warehouse space that can be retrofitted to accommodate indoor pickleball courts. Staff will consult with the 1st Pickering Pickleball in this review and report back to Council for budget consideration, no later than Q1 2024.
While the City has plans to create additional outdoor Pickleball Courts in Pickering, it remains a challenge to meet the needs of this growing sport in a suitable indoor space.
The construction of a multipurpose double gymnasium, which will include lines painted for indoor Pickleball, is planned as part of the future construction of the Seaton Community Centre, anticipated to begin in 2026.

Council directs staff to consult on a public art piece for Council Chamber

Pickering City Hall Council Chamber is anticipated to undergo a renovation in 2026, and Council has directed staff to consult with Pickering resident and internationally renowned sculptor, Dorsey James, to commission or purchase one of his pieces to be included as part of the renovation. The work will not exceed $30,000.
The Council Chamber is located within the Civic Complex, is a place of decision-making based on the foundation of democracy, and should represent Pickering as a culturally-diverse City with a history dating back over 200 years.

Celebration of Gordon Lightfoot – Steeple Hill

Council has directed staff to undertake a commission of public artwork to be installed in Ernie L. Stroud Park to celebrate the life of Gordon Lightfoot.
The late Gordon Lightfoot was an icon for Canadian music, and the Steeple Hill Community (built in the late 1980s) includes streets named after Gordon Lightfoot songs in recognition of his talent.
The community will be consulted for the three top-ranked Public Art Jury selections prior to finalizing the artist selection.

Council approves changes to the policies and regulations for Additional Dwelling Units

Council approved Official Plan Amendment Application OPA 23-002/P, initiated by the City of Pickering, to amend existing policies, and introduce new policies, related to additional dwelling units.
As part of Bill 23, the City of Pickering is mandated to enable additional dwelling units.
These policies and regulations will support City staff as they work their way through the approvals process.
Staff provided the approved recommendations to Council on September 5, 2023. Read Report PLN 29-23

Council approves the 2024 Committee and Council Meeting Schedule

In accordance with Section 238(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O 2001, c.25, every municipality shall pass a procedure by-law for governing the calling, place and proceedings of meetings and the procedure by-law shall provide for public notice of meetings.
To comply with the provisions of the Municipal Act and Procedure By-law 8019/23, the 2024 Committee and Council Meeting Schedule was presented to Council for review and approval.
Read Report CLK 08-23

Council receives 2022 Year End Audit and Financial Statements

Lilian Cheung, Partner, Deloitte, joined the electronic meeting to speak to Report FIN 15-23, which included the auditor’s report on the results of the 2022 Audit and the draft Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Ms. Cheung stated that the 2022 Year End Audit and Financial Statements were complete and added that the City had a clean audit report for 2022.
Based on the report, staff noted that the City’s financial position is healthy and strong and the City is able to meet its current and future financial commitments.

Read Report FIN 15-23
View the September 25, 2023 Meeting Video
View the September 25, 2023 Meeting Minutes