Mayor Ashe’s Statement on Envision Durham – Draft Regional Official Plan

Today, the Region of Durham released Envision Durham – Draft Regional Official Plan.  This Municipal Comprehensive Review looked at how and where Durham municipalities may grow; how to use and protect land and resources; what housing types and jobs are needed for residents; and how goods and people will move across the region and beyond.

“Congratulations to Chair Henry, Regional Councillors, staff across all Durham municipalities, outside agencies, and all of the stakeholders for their collective and exhaustive efforts in conducting the Municipal Comprehensive Review and finalizing the Envision Durham – Draft Regional Official Plan.

The Region of Durham has a vision of becoming a complete, healthy, sustainable, diverse, and welcoming community of communities and will be known worldwide as the place to live, learn, and thrive.  We are thrilled that Envision Durham recognizes the pre-eminent role that the City of Pickering will play in bringing that vision to life.

Specifically, Envision Durham references:  the emerging Community of Seaton; the development of a transportation-based, multi-modal employment hub in the vicinity of the federal lands in Pickering; Pickering’s City Centre and GO Station corridor as one of only two Urban Growth Centres in the region; and the urban expansion of the Whitebelt lands in northeast Pickering.

Pickering will become Durham Region’s largest and most prosperous city, and will join the ranks of Ontario’s premier municipalities through planned and responsible growth, economic development, job creation, innovation, sustainability, and community building.”

Kevin Ashe
Mayor, City of Pickering

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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.